Mix it up next year and check out these places close to home -- college home, that is.

Fourth of July. 'Merica. Independence. All that good stuff. 

Break out the fireworks and fire up the grill; it’s that time of year again. Independence Day, one of my favorite holidays, has passed once again! 

As I’m sure you know, there are a thousand ways to celebrate the Fourth of July. Whether it's swimming with your friends, grilling some burgers or setting fire to explosives (my personal favorite), there always seems to be huge plans for this day. But, what if you’re tired of doing the same old thing and want to try something new? 

If you don’t want to travel far for your Independence Day celebrations, the Norman Day Celebration held at Reaves Park on Jenkins is perfect. There are food booths, live music, fireworks and even moon bounces. It’s like a giant block party for the city of Norman. If you’ve got your own celebrations going on and just wish to view the fireworks, they begin at 9:45 p.m. It’ll be a celebration you won’t want to miss next year.

Another option is The Bricktown Fireworks and Fourth Fest in Oklahoma City, which starts at 4 p.m. with live music and ends with the familiar boom of patriotic fireworks. This fest is only a short drive from Norman and is worth bringing lawn chairs and blankets. If you’re not into sitting on the ground, the rooftop restaurants, bars and clubs in Bricktown are a perfect location for viewing the fireworks.

Lastly, LibertyFest in Edmond is one of the larges and most renowned Fourth of July celebrations in the nation. It’s even recognized by CNN and USA Today as one of the top 10 Independence Day festivals. This weeklong celebration is host to a bunch of family-oriented events like the parade, kite fest and rodeo. Don’t miss the parade, which runs through the town and the fireworks display starting at 10 p.m.

Here’s hoping you had a fun, safe and patriotic Fourth of July. Can’t wait to blow stuff up again next year.