Fantastic fireworks and good food shared with family and friends are two key ingredients for a successful Fourth of July, and the Retreat at Mountain Brook team in Birmingham, Alabama, is here with the recipe!
Thunder On The Mountain & Independence Day At American Village
For many people, it’s a family tradition to watch the spectacular fireworks display originating atop Red Mountain every Fourth of July—Thunder on the Mountain at Vulcan Park & Museum. This year, you can take things to the next level, because the park is holding a special viewing party, complete with catered dinner and open bar. The skies will light up at 9 p.m. Friday, July 4, 2025, and the pyrotechnics will be synced to music that will air on various radio stations throughout the Birmingham area.
But did you know that American Village in Montevallo also has its own annual Independence Day celebration?
The Birmingham Mom Collective gives a great rundown of all the family-friendly events that will be taking place at this unique living history educational complex, including cornhole toss, hula hoops, Jenga, sidewalk chalk art, and a farm animal petting area. Kids can enjoy a balloon artist and get their faces painted, and food trucks will be on site. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. New this year: A VIP day pass that includes exclusive parking and air-conditioned hospitality building with restrooms.
The Perfect Picnic
The Retreat at Mountain Brook team asked * the Idea Specialists™ * what they would pack for the perfect picnic to take to a July outing. They said they’re big fans of the Real Simple Picnic Checklist, which includes everything from reminders to take bug spray and a portable speaker to suggestions for food and beverages. The best advice from Real Simple? “Picnic fare is all about food that will taste great whether you eat it now or two hours from now. It should be easy to eat and clean up. And the less utensils needed, the better.” Amen to that!
And, the Idea Specialists™ are in agreement that every picnic basket should contain something sweet and something savory. Small portions are better than large—easier to manage on a plate, or, even better on a skewer, like these fun—and patriotic!—peanut butter and jelly skewers from Weelicious. You could do this with just about any kind of sandwich. Heck, you could even do a skewer alternating bites of your favorite brownies and chocolate chip cookies with fruit. (Which of course you should pick up at The Market at Pepper Place.)
Now, everybody thinks they’ve got the best recipe for chocolate chip cookies in the world. We’re not going to argue, because so do we! But we are going to suggest that everyone give Ovenly’s Secretly Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies a try. Oh my heavens at the melty goodness!
Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Goodness
And speaking of recipes and goodness, everybody also has their favorite macaroni and cheese, right? Just like grandma used to make—unless your grandma preferred that box of instant with the powdered orange stuff in it. Not that we’re judging. We listen, and we don’t judge.
We’re talking about macaroni and cheese now not because it’s a great picnic food (cold macaroni salad works better for that), but because Monday, July 14, 2025, is…..drum roll, please…..National Mac and Cheese Day!
Yep, America’s classic comfort food has its own day. Nobody’s sure quite how or why, but you can read about the history of the dish and its connection to U.S. President Thomas Jefferson. And then you can take advantage of your upscale Retreat at Mountain Brook kitchen to make Southern Living’s Best-Ever Homemade Macaroni and Cheese.
Cheers!
You can’t have a picnic, whether at the Fourth of July celebration or on the sun deck by one of our luxury apartment home community’s gorgeous three salt water pools, without something to quench your thirst. If you want more than just a plain Coke and a smile, try the popular Kalimotxo cocktail—a mix of Coca-Cola and red wine. Men’s Journal says the drink got its start in the Basque region of Spain, and now there are multiple variations on the theme.
Remember, whatever you drink, don’t bring glass to the pool!
And while there’s nothing wrong with a classic red SOLO 18-ounce party cup, why not treat yourself to some fun tumblers like these 24-ounce reusable thick plastic sunflower cups from Amazon? They come complete with straw and lid, perfect for sipping without spilling!
Be safe, have fun!
* The Idea Specialists™ *
The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
