Ready to kick back over the July 4th holiday? There are a number of Independence Day events planned throughout the entire region, all flavored with the scenic and relaxing “down home” style that has made the Shenandoah Valley such a popular place to visit.  If you travel here and are planning an overnighter, there are a number of accommodation options open to you - everything from overnight and backcountry camping, to Shenandoah Valley cabin rentals, to quaint, romantic B&Bs, to upscale resorts and hotels.

The Shenandoah Valley is less than a day's drive and a single tankful of gas from places like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Md., and Tidewater Virginia.  It's also reachable from North Carolina and Pennsylvania.  If you are in “holiday mode” this week and want to spend a part of it by joining in a patriotic celebration farther away from the big crowds, the Shenandoah Valley is the place to be.

Nearly every Valley city, town and village will be celebrating on July 4th, each in its own way. Here's just a sampling of events that we've been tracking on our ShenandoahValley.com calendar:

· Lexington, Va. - The weekend begins with the regularly-scheduled monthly downtown Lexington event, Friday Night Lights, on July 3rd.  The theme is “Red, White and Blues” with music by a local blues trio, Honest Labor, appearing on Hopkins Green from 5-7 p.m. On July 4th the annual Children’s Bike Parade will roll down Main Street Lexington at 11 a.m., led by Uncle Sam on a unicycle. Also in Lexington the 13th Annual BB&T Balloon Festival on the Parade Ground at Virginia Military Institute. Activities for children include games and pony rides. The event will run from July 3 through July 5. Balloon rides will be offered all three days. A balloon glow begins at dusk on July 3 and a 20-minute fireworks display on the Fourth at about 9:30 p.m. Admission to the event is free. www.sunriserotarylexva.org/balloon.htm

· Harrisonburg, Va. - The downtown area will be the location for a free all-day festival that includes the reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Rockingham County Courthouse, walking tours, pie eating contest, live music and fireworks at dusk over Court Square. www.downtownharrisonburg.org

· Basye, Va. - Brycefest At Bryce Resort celebrates its 10th annual Independence Day featuring over 65 craft and artisan vendors, children's games, pony rides, helicopter rides, fire truck rides, and local bands performing throughout the day.  Fireworks display at dusk.  Free admission, free parking, and free entertainment. www.bryceresort.com   Also in nearby Orkney Springs its the Bishops 20th Annual Bluegrass Festival at 3 p.m. on July 4th, featuring Seldom Scene to be joined by The Farewell Drifters. Overnight accommodations available. www.shrinemont.com