It's a Fourth of July tradition to drive to Montreal for a quick visit. Here's the drill: tear up the asphalt for a fast seven hours via upstate New York; spend then two nights at the Travelodge in Montreal; then return home through Vermont.

The timing is important. Montreal's Jazz Festival is in full swing then, and even if you don't want to buy tickets to any indoor performances there is still plenty of street activity. Second, there is usually a street art fair in Montreal's "Village" along rue Sainte-Catherine.

As a bonus, the Fireworks festival is often at the same time. So, if luck prevails, one can catch all these attractions and still enjoy a day at the Botanical Garden and another afternoon in the Old Town.