All-American, all day

You can show your patriotism this Fourth of July weekend by wearing a flag pin, but we'd suggest treating your co-patriot to a date that celebrates the best of our Land of Liberty instead.

You can't get more American than apple pie, so start off with a piece at Petsi Pies. Petsi's classic apple pie, made with Granny Smith and Cortland apples, is always on hand; you can get a six-inch pie for $7, split an eight-inch for $12, or get a 10-inch for $20. In addition to pies, Petsi has scones - try blackberry-ginger, chocolate-orange, or fig-vanilla - for $2. "There's always something coming out of the oven here," says owner Renee McLeod. Open Tue-Sat 7 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sun 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at 285 Beacon St., Somerville. 617-661-7437; Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-9 p.m. at 31 Putnam Ave., Cambridge. 617-499-0801. petsipies.com (closed July 4)

Then make like Paul Revere and head to the National Heritage Museum in Lexington for the enthralling exhibit "Keepers of Tradition: Art and Folk Heritage in Massachusetts." This is not your mom's folk art show: check out the stone fence, the sheet-metal "tin men," and the boat making, as well as the scrimshaw, quilts, and redware pottery. Free. Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun noon-5 p.m. 33 Marrett Road (Route 2A and Massachusetts Ave.) 781-861-6559. monh.org (open July 4)

By now you're probably craving that other American classic: the hamburger. Head downtown to Joe's American Bar and Grill in the Back Bay or on the waterfront, where you can have a hamburger or cheeseburger (with a choice of eight cheeses) for $10.99. Wash it down with a Sam Adams.

Kitchen open until midnight Fri, Sat, and Sun (including July 4) at 279 Dartmouth St., 617-536-4200. Kitchen open until midnight Fri-Sat (including July 4) at 100 Atlantic Ave., 617-367-8700. joesamerican.com

Then go make some fireworks of your own.