The Quest For The Perfect Parking Space

This past weekend was the 4th of July. Which of course means millions, upon millions, of fireworks festivities, each with what can seem, and sometimes literally be, millions of people in attendance. Here, the fireworks are held downtown, over the river. Due to the building heights this makes the quest for the perfect parking spot practically an olympic sport among residents. There's the prime real estate downtown, within walking distance to the street fair and waterfront. However, for that you have to get there around 5pm. Everywhere else has a little more lee-way. It's just finding that perfect spot with a view of the fireworks where you won't get asked to leave. For instance, this year I saw people literally parking on the side of a bridge, even more astounding, the road is a high way. Sure, it was a GREAT spot, but it didn't last long and the cops were STILL clearing people off when the fireworks started. There's also the more legal, but less exciting, sides of the highway. Much like Woodstock the highway is surrounded by cars. It's like one huge block party, which in itself can be fun until someone gets drunk and decides to drive and hits someone. Then there's the nearby business parking lots. Some of which are far enough away that the fireworks clear downtown's building's roofs, and provide a wonderful spot to park. Or, if you want to spend the money and truly avoid the dangerous and stressful traffic phenomena that IS traffic after the fireworks (It's all very Godzilla in my opinion) Well, then you rent a room at the Hilton, right on the riverfront it provides a good view from some rooms, or easy access to festivites and the riverwalk, as well as a place to crash for the night so that you aren't on the road with all the crazy drunk drivers.

I'm kind of leaning towards the Hilton next year, seems like less of a pain then this whole drive around and guess where to park thing everyone else is doing.