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Spend this Saint Patrick's Day at one of these Irish Hot Spots

Whether your blood runs green or you simply enjoy kicking back with a pint of dyed Irish ale once every year, Saint Patrick's Day is clearly a time of celebration for all. This year, lend your heart to the lucky with an excursion to one of these renowned U.S. festivals in honor of Saint Patrick.

New York, New York
2006 will mark the 245th New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade - the oldest and largest Irish celebration in the United States which sweeps up Fifth Avenue early in the afternoon. Dating back to 1762, the first parade took place 14 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, orchestrated by a small group of Irish New Yorkers. Always held on March 17, the parade features worldwide talent and draws millions of viewers every year. For more information, visit saintpatricksdayparade.com.

Boston, Massachusetts
Often regarded as the capital of Irish America, Boston gears up for St. Patty's Day with grand celebrations, culinary delights and concerts, as well as cultural and social activities available for visitors and true patrons alike. Taking place the Sunday following the holiday, this year will mark the 105th annual parade in South Boston, a distinct Irish neighborhood that juts into popular Boston Harbor. For more information visit irishmassachusetts.com.

District of Columbia
Dubbed "The Nation's Saint Patrick's Day Parade," this event was originally hosted by the Irish American Club over 30 years ago and falls on the Sunday before the holiday. The two-and-a-half hour march takes place on Constitution Avenue and typically includes many notable elected officials. Military, marching bands, elaborate floats and traditional Irish dancers make D.C. the place to be for this year's celebration. For more information visit dcpatsparade.com.

Savannah, Georgia
Everyone becomes Irish on St. Patrick's Day in Savannah. In fact, near 400,000 people crowd the warm streets of downtown to join the festivities the morning of the holiday, making it the second largest St. Patty's parade in the United States. Begin the day by watching the "Greening of the Fountain" in Forsyth Park and end it at one of the huge parties along River Street. For more information visit savannahsaintpatricksday.com.

Chicago, Illinois
Looking for a bit of excitement this St. Patrick's Day? You'll find that and more in Chicago where the infamous Chicago River is turned a bright shade of shamrock green in celebration of this Irish holiday. Complete with a rowdy parade that starts at Balbo and Columbus, bagpipes and the crowning of an Irish Queen, this hot spot is not to be missed. For the best view of the river dyeing, save a spot on the upper level bridges at Michigan Ave. For more information visit chicagostpatsparade.com.

San Antonio, Texas
One day is not enough for Texans, who like to do everything BIG. And St. Patrick's Day is no exception. An entire weekend is reserved for the Alamo Irish Festival that includes magicians, line dancers, concerts and more. Dedicated to bringing a bit o' Irish heritage to the southern state, the Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas proudly honors the heroes of Irish ancestory. For more information visit harpandshamrock.org.