July 9, 2008
The fireworks
Never mind those small-town memories. The big town has the big show. As far as we're concerned, Macy's fireworks rank right up there with New Year's Eve and Christmas morning. Here's where to catch them.
MACY'S FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR
The fireworks extravaganza along the East River starts at 9 pm. To get the best view:
--in Manhattan: Head to the East River Park, the South Street Seaport, the FDR Drive (enter at 23rd, 38th and 42nd Sts.); NOTE: the FDR between Houston and 63rd streets is closed to traffic from 7-10 p.m.
--in Brooklyn: You can see the show from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and from Empire Fulton Ferry State Park.
--in Queens: the fireworks are visible from Rainey Park, Queensbridge Park, and Hunter's Point
--in Jersey City, watch the fireworks from Liberty State Park
For more info: Call 212-494-4495 or visit www.macys.com
FIREWORKS FESTIVALS
The Roosevelt Island 4th Of July Fireworks Festival at Southpoint Park has great views of the fireworks. Besides the fireworks, there will be jugglers, face-painters, and live music. Tickets ($18) are available for purchase online, http://fireworks.rioc.com.
Empire State Building.For the second year, the observatory is open to just 150 people from 8:30-10:30 p.m. for fireworks viewing. Tickets are $175 and include refreshments.Call 212-736-3100 or 877-NYC-VIEW, or visit www.esbnyc.com.
Water Taxi VIP Beach Party. $150 buys hot dogs and beer from noon to 6 pm, plus an all-you-can-eat American food extravaganza starting at 7, with an opne bar that lasts till 10. Free parking and a DJ for the fireworks. For more info, go to: www.nywatertaxi.com
FIREWORKS CRUISES
World Yacht Dining Cruises Six-hour dining cruise offers panoramic views and close-up view of the Statue of Liberty plus a five-course dinner, open bar, and a DJ after the fireworks. Board at $:40 p.m. and return at 11. ($278.75 per guest includes tax & gratuity; Pier 81 West 41st Street and the Hudson River; 212-630-8100)
Circle Line. has boats leaving from piers in both midtown and lower Manhattan, www.circleline.com, 212-563-3200 or 866-925-4631.
July 4th Fireworks Sail Board the Shearwater -- an 82-foot sailing yacht -- at 5 p.m. There's an elaborate dinner -- with a buffet of miniature lobster rolls, brioche filled with corned beef, grilled swordfish skewers, crepes filled with smoked turkey and caramelized apple as well as shrimp with papaya salsa or BBQ chicken breast, among other choices. Cookies and all American cheesecake for dessert. To drink? There's an open bar, and a champagne toast. ($450 per person (kids, $350); Shearwater Sailing; North Cove Marina; 212-619-0885; www.shearwatersailing.com)
New York Water Taxi has two cruises -- one for the high rollers and the other for the rest of us. The Macy's Fireworks Cruise leaves Pier 17 at 5:30 pm and returns at 10:30. Tickets are $125 per person, and that buys you two drinks plus dinner. There will also be a cash bar on board serving a selection of beers, white wine and soda. The
Statue of Liberty Fireworks Cruise leaves from Pier 45 (Christopher Street in the West Village) at 7 and returns at 10.
Tickets, $75, include one drink plus dinner and a cash bar. For more info: 212-742-1969, ext. 201, or visit www.nywatertaxi.com.
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