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New York City<\/h2>\n
As the largest city in the U.S., it\u2019s only natural that NYC has one of the biggest Saint Patrick\u2019s Day stateside parades. With over 150,000 marchers strong pouring down Fifth Avenue (yes, that includes bagpipers), the city comes alive with Irish Spirit. Post up anywhere between 44th and 79th street to catch the action, and while you\u2019re out and about, be sure to check out the many famous NYC landmarks and attractions along the parade route\u2014the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and FAO Schwarz (in case the kids get antsy). And of course, no NYC shamrock bash would be complete without laying your eyes on St. Patrick Cathedral where the parade concludes.<\/p>\n
Travall Tip:<\/strong> Hungry? Thirsty? Just head to one of the many authentic Irish pubs in the city\u2014Peter McManus Cafe or McSorely\u2019s Old Ale House are both great places to start!<\/p>\n New Orleans is a parade-centric town, which is why a single parade for Saint Patrick\u2019s Day simply wouldn\u2019t do. So to meet the party needs of its citizens and thousands upon thousands of visitors, the Crescent City throws a huge week-long blowout every year with multiple parades happening throughout the city.<\/p>\n First, there\u2019s the Saint Joseph\u2019s Day Italian-American Parade, which ends up in the French Quarter. The next day hosts the main event\u2014the Saint Patrick\u2019s Day Parade in Metairie where you\u2019ll get the chance to catch any number of \u201cthrows\u201d from beads to huge heads of cabbage. To pass time in between parades, you can check out one of the many block parties happening throughout the city like the Irish Channel Saint Patrick\u2019s Day Club Block Party, Tracey\u2019s Saint Paddy\u2019s Day Party, or Parasol\u2019s Block Party Celebration. Then there are smaller parades worth checking out like the Downtown Irish Club Parade or the Irish Channel Parade.<\/p>\n Travall Tip:<\/strong> It might sound overwhelming with so many festivities happening, but you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find a more vibrant and lively place to celebrate Saint Patrick\u2019s Day than New Orleans. Just take it easy, drink lots of water, and don\u2019t stop dancin\u2019 to the sounds and rhythms that permeate the city.<\/p>\n Citizens of the Windy City must think Saint Patrick\u2019s Day is a competition because more green is unleashed in Chicago than practically anywhere else in the world. Not only are all the St. Patrick’s Day parade marchers and bystanders covered head to toe in green, the city takes the holiday to a whole new level by dyeing the Chicago River green, a tradition in place for half a century.<\/p>\n That\u2019s right. An entire river transformed into a large-scale homage to the Patron Saint. But don\u2019t worry\u2014they say the dye used is vegetable-based so it doesn\u2019t have a significant environmental impact. The dying of the river kicks off the Chicago Saint Patrick\u2019s Day Parade that runs up Columbus Drive in Grant Park, and if you\u2019re still wanting more parade action, head down to Chicago\u2019s South Side Irish Parade.<\/p>\n Travall Tip:<\/strong> Parking in the city can be quite hectic on normal days, but it\u2019s nearly impossible to find a spot on a big holiday like Saint Patrick\u2019s Day. Save yourself a headache by parking outside of town and taking public transport to get to the city center for the festivities.<\/p>\n There\u2019s only one place capable of hosting what\u2019s known as \u201cThe Nation\u2019s Saint Patrick\u2019s Day Parade,\u201d and that\u2019s Washington, D.C. There\u2019s plenty of parading and partying to be had in Washington on Saint Paddy\u2019s Day, but there are also lots of things to do to celebrate Irish culture that won\u2019t leave you with a headache in the morning.<\/p>\n Experience one of the city\u2019s oldest slices of Irish history with a stroll through St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral, built in 1794. Or why not check out one of the most well-known pieces of architecture in the world that also happens to be designed by an Irishman\u2014the White House! Be sure to take a look at the fountain on the north side of the White House as it\u2019s often dyed green for the holiday.<\/p>\n When you are ready to have a green beer and dance to some jammin\u2019 Irish tunes, the ShamrockFest at RFK stadium is the place to be. With over 30 performers on the bill, live music pours from the stage, blasting the spirited crowd with music that\u2019s perfect for the occasion. Plus, with carnival rides and other activities, ShamrockFest is a great option if you\u2019re celebrating with young ones.<\/p>\n Travall Tip: <\/strong>One of the best ways to experience the remarkable St. Patrick\u2019s Parade of Washington is from the grandstands. Due to the popularity of the event, however, it\u2019s important to get your tickets as soon as possible so you don\u2019t miss them in case they sell out!<\/p>\n If your main goal for Saint Patrick\u2019s Day is to steep yourself in all things Irish, then Boston might be the best destination for you. The big parade happens in South Boston (\u201cSouthie\u201d as the locals call it) and the train of floats and bagpipes extends for over a mile. After the parade, the St. Patrick\u2019s Day 5K road race kicks off\u2014walk over to West 6th Street to cheer on over 600 runners!<\/p>\n Then, Boston\u2019s St. Patrick\u2019s Day festivities get slammed into overdrive when the city\u2019s own Celtic rock band, the Dropkick Murphys, takes to the stage at the Hardrock Cafe with their driving, high-energy, Irish-inspired tunes. To get a feel for Boston\u2019s deep Irish-influenced history, the Irish Heritage Trail tells the city\u2019s story with 20 statues and memorials. During the month of March each year, the Irish Tourism Association offers free guided tours\u2014perfect for any history buffs out there.<\/p>\n Travall Tip: <\/strong>Don\u2019t let Saint Patrick\u2019s Day pass you by without at least one helping of corned beef and cabbage . . . any of Boston\u2019s exceptional Irish pubs should have what you need and plenty of beer to wash it down!<\/p>\n Will you march through the streets of the French Quarter in New Orleans? Will you witness a river turn green? Or are you looking for an Irish good time only Boston can offer?<\/p>\n No matter how you choose to spend your Saint Patrick’s Day, we hope you feel inspired to make this year’s celebration one to remember. Just don’t forget to wear lots of green!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you\u2019re looking for an excuse to load up the car and take off for a few days, guess what? Saint Patrick\u2019s Day is almost here and there are some incredible celebrations around the country that would make killer road trip destinations! So, if you don\u2019t have any plans yet and want to go big …<\/p>\nNew Orleans<\/h2>\n
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Chicago<\/h2>\n
Washington, DC<\/h2>\n
Boston<\/h2>\n
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How Will You Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day This Year?<\/h2>\n