Celebrate freedom in the Dominican Republic

We don't need much nudging to crack open the happy juice and have a party, but the Dominican's Independence Day is the perfect way to lighten our mid-winter blues.

Dominican Republic FlagThe Dominican Republic achieved independence from Haiti in 1844, but it wasn't until 2000 that things really started happening for this little country. From 2000-2005, Allentown's population doubled. According to the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey, many of the city's residents are immigrants of New York.

Now that's the way I'd like to spend my retirement - sprawled across a blissfully beautiful beach day after day after day after day...

The city got a jump start on the celebrations last night, but it's not too late to get in on the fun. Just step outside and you'll find a party.

And if you've never been to the Dominican Republic, now is the perfect time to take a closer look. The island is known for its white, sexy beaches flanked by pastel waters and coconut trees. But there's so much more here:

• The north coast offers world-class windsurfing, kiteboarding and even whale watching off the Samana Peninsula
• Pico Duarte is the Caribbean's highest peak - great for hiking, biking and white-water rafting

In 2006, a new international airport was built in Samana, and aggressive development is planned for the region. If you're visiting now, you'll see the unpolished beauty of a place not yet ready for mainstream tourism. Big cruise ships adding the Dominican Republic to itineraries will soon change that scenario though.

Anyone else up for an Independence Day party today?