My Elevated July 4th Essentials
July 4th in a coastal town is never as simple as you think it’s going to be.
One minute we’re heading out for lunch. The next thing I know, we’ve been riding around on the golf cart for hours, walked the waterfront, stopped for drinks somewhere, and are trying to figure out where we’re going to watch fireworks.
At this point, I’ve accepted that July 4th is an all-day event.
Over the years, I’ve settled into a handful of things that make the day easier, more comfortable, and a lot more enjoyable. These are the items I reach for every year.
If I’m going to be outside all day, I want something cold to drink.
This is one of those items that comes with me so often that I don’t even think about packing it anymore. It gets tossed into the golf cart, carried to waterfront restaurants (and sometimes refilled with an adult beverage) and sits beside me while we’re waiting for fireworks. The red color also happens to fit perfectly with the holiday.
EltaMD Tinted Sunscreen and a Hat
I’ve reached the stage of life where sunscreen is no longer optional.
The EltaMD tinted sunscreen has become one of my everyday staples because it gives me a little coverage while still feeling lightweight. Add a comfortable hat and I’m good to go for several hours outside without constantly worrying about the sun.
A Turkish Towel
This may be the most-used item on this list.
A Turkish towel folds up small enough that I barely notice it’s in my tote bag, but somehow it always ends up being useful. Sitting by the water. Watching fireworks. An extra layer when the breeze picks up after sunset.
I bring one constantly during the summer.
Blue Clarks Sandals
If a shoe isn’t comfortable, it doesn’t survive long in my closet.
I’ve learned this lesson enough times to stop arguing with it. These Clarks sandals are comfortable enough to walk around town, hop on and off the golf cart, and stand for long periods of time without thinking about my feet.
That’s really all I’m asking from a summer sandal.
A Portable Charger
Nothing makes a long holiday feel shorter than watching your phone battery slowly disappear.
Between photos, weather checks, maps, restaurant recommendations, and texting friends, my phone works pretty hard on holiday weekends. A portable charger takes up almost no room and has saved me more times than I can count.
This is the bag that ends up carrying everything.
Made from recycled sails, it’s lightweight, durable, and somehow holds more than I think it should. Sunscreen, charger, towel, sunglasses, and whatever else I decide I need all fit without turning it into an oversized beach bag.
It’s become one of my favorite summer carryalls.
The Bottom Line
None of these things are particularly complicated.
They’re just the items I’ve reached for enough times that they’ve become part of my July 4th routine.
At this point, I know the day is going to be longer than expected. I’d rather have cold water, comfortable shoes, a charged phone, and somewhere comfortable to sit when the fireworks start.
Those little details make the whole day feel a lot more enjoyable—and that’s exactly the kind of elevated I’m looking for. -LME
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