A Mid-Week Fourth of July: Staycation Time?

Alas, July 4 falls on a Wednesday in 2012.

For some, this means planning a whole week off and a trip to the beach, the far-flung family reunion or some other vacation destination.

For others, it's a federal holiday, then back to work (albeit in a somewhat deserted office) on Thursday and Friday.

However, there are ways to make the most of a limited holiday. Reston is but 18 miles from Washington, DC, home of The National Independence Day Parade, and, of course, the celebration on the Mall.

One could stay much closer to home and enjoy one of pools and fireworks at Lake Fairfax Park.

So help out your neighbors who have to work part of the week - give us your best July 4 staycation ideas in the comments below. Who knows? You might start a new Independence Day tradition.