New Years Eve is a great time to spend with close friends or your significant other, but sometimes between Christmas shopping and that much-needed rest, we don’t really have the time to scout out the best events. And lets face it… all of us can’t make it to Times Square. So here are some of the top events around the country that will hopefully help you find the perfect place to ring in 2007.

Atlanta
This year Atlanta is ringing in the New Year in country style… literally. Lonestar will take center stage in Underground Atlanta shortly before the annual Peach Drop, and the entire event is free. The day begins at noon with activities for the entire family; be sure to include ice-skating at Centennial Park and a visit to the Georgia Aquarium while exploring downtown. Visit www.peachdrop.com for a schedule of events.

Las Vegas
As cities around the nation strive to entertain, Vegas never falls short. This year the Fremont Street Experience will be host to such names as Five for Fighting, All-American Rejects, Smash Mouth, RockStar:SuperNova, OK Go, and Chicago. But know in advance, unless you have purchased tickets to this gated event, the only thing you will be able to enjoy is the fireworks.
The Las Vegas Strip however will put on a $450,000 fireworks show that is sure to please. This annual display is one of the most technologically advanced in the nation, making use of various effects and colors as well as seven hotel rooftops including The Flamingo, The Venetian, The Stratosphere, Circus Circus, TI, Monte Carlo, and MGM Grand. And if fireworks and crowds are not your style, artists including Celion Dion, The Beach Boys, and David Copperfield will be appearing at various locations around the city.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg’s annual New Years Eve celebration is a great way to ring in the New Year with the entire family, and you won’t find a more beautiful place to do it! Around 11:00 pm a crowd begins to gather downtown to witness the great fireworks and music show at midnight. The entire event is free to the public and downtown trolleys run until 2:00am. Many of the downtown restaurants and attractions feature special celebrations, while Hard Rock and local radio stations keep the music going well into the night. Visit www.gatlinburg-tennessee.com for details.

Madrid, Spain
Thousands gather around the clock tower at Puerta del sol in Madrid, Spain. But don’t forget your grapes. Yep, that’s right everyone must bring 12 grapes to partake in the long held tradition. Once the clock hits 12, you must eat a grape for every chime of the clock. Of course everyone is a mess, as you are laugh your way into the new year with a full mouth of grapes. This tradition started in Spain because one year when there was a big grape harvest, the king of Spain decided to give grapes to everybody to eat on New Year's Eve.

Seattle
Once again Seattle will be host to the world’s tallest structure-launched fireworks display. Viewers gather all over the city to watch the show from the famous Space Needle, so be sure to grab your spot early! The countdown begins with the elevator making its way to the top of the tower, with fireworks shooting off the sides as it proceeds to reach the top at the stroke of midnight, and ring in the New Year with the 2000-shot fireworks display.

New Orleans
Imagine ushering in the New Year in Jackson Square with thousands of your “closest friends.� A magnificent fireworks display as well as the city’s own version of the Times Square ball drop complete the evening events. And if you want something slightly more relaxing, try a New Years Eve riverboat ride on the Natchez, Creole Queen, or Cajun Queen paddlewheel boats. Visit www.neworleanscvb.com for more information.

Boston
Boston’s First Night celebration is one of the most popular on the East coast. Annually drawing more than 1.5 million people, it is a very unique New Years celebration. This year’s event begins at 1:00pm on Sunday, and admission gets you access to the city’s best in theatre, visual arts, film, dance, art, and more. Popular attractions include a grand procession through the downtown streets, gigantic ice sculpture displays, interactive activities at the Family Festival, and of course the midnight fireworks display. Renowned for being one of the most family-friendly New Years Eve parties in the country, this alcohol-free event may be just what you are looking for! Visit www.firstnight.org for details.

Alternate option :: Ski Resorts Nationwide
Don’t have a particular city to visit on New Years Eve? If you live near a ski resort, you have the perfect location at hand. Most Ski Resorts across the nation have great New Years Eve celebrations complete with music, fireworks, and the traditional torchlights down the slopes.

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