Fireworks are as American as apple pie and high gas prices—especially on the day that marks the country's independence, July 4.
For the uninspired, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular airs on NBC starting at 9:00 p.m., with over 20,000 shells launched from four barges between 23rd and 42nd Streets in the East River. But watching fireworks on TV is like watching a baseball game on the Jumbotron at the ballpark (read: lame); instead, try to catch the magic in person (when else can you say "ooooh! Ahhhh!" every thirty seconds, anyway?). Here are just some prime viewing options:
BY LAND
East River Midtown
Since the fireworks will be launched just off 34th Street on the East River, this may be the best place to watch the action. The FDR will be closed from 14th to 42nd Streets beginning at 7:00 p.m,. so get down there early and find a spot (you can access the FDR from 23rd, 38th and 42nd). You can also see the fireworks on the East River sides of Western Queens and Brooklyn.
South Street Seaport
A great location for seeing the downtown fireworks...as long as you can get an unobstructed view of the sky south of the Brooklyn Bridge. The Seaport also offers some nice chain restaurants (Uno's!) to chow down at before hand. The FDR will be closed here as well from the ferry terminal to the Pearl Street ramp, starting at 7:00 p.m.
Roosevelt Island
If you don’t feel like fighting the city crowds, head out to Roosevelt Island. For $20, fireworks fans get a chair to watch the show, plus food provided by Dinosaur BBQ, music, face painting, jugglers, stilt walkers, and face-painters. What you don’t get is alcohol, which is prohibited, as are large coolers. The gates open at 5:00 p.m. and tickets are available at www.rioc.com; they are NOT available July 4, so get them now.
Empire State Building
Looking for a classier way to check out the Fireworks? Head over to the top of the Empire State Building and watch them from the highest point in the city. Tickets are $175, but that includes an open bar and snacks from 8-10 p.m. Limited to 150 people. (Call 212-736-3100 for tickets.)
Liberty State Park
The other side of the river also has a great view of the action, as Liberty State Park in Jersey City is only 2,000 feet from the Statue of Liberty. It is the choice location for those in New Jersey who don’t want to travel into the city, but for those who wish to do the reverse commute; to get there, simply take the PATH to either Pavonia/Newport or Hoboken, then hop on the Light Rail to Liberty State Park.
Brooklyn Promenade
The best view of Manhattan could also be your worst nightmare...the Promenade offers up spectacular views but relatively little space, meaning July 4 might not be the time to try it out. However, if you're willing to brave the crowds, nearly every major subway line (A, C, F, 2, 3, 4, R) lands near the park.
BY SEA
The only thing better then finding a good view of the water is to be on the water (as long as you don’t get seasick). Here's a few cruises:
Circle Line
Leaving South Street Seaport at 5:30 p.m. the boat anchors near the Statue of Liberty. The trip includes a buffet dinner, cash bar and a DJ and dance floor. Tickets cost $165 and are available at the company's website.
New York Water Taxi
Leaving at 7:00 p.m. from Greenwich Village at Pier 45, this cruise sails up the Hudson River, offering up views of several of the city's famous landmarks before anchoring near the Statue of Liberty. Your $80 ticket includes a boxed dinner and a cash bar with wine and beer. Tickets are available here.
Spirit Cruises
A more expensive proposition then most (the oddly summed $132.19 per person, not including taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges), but Spirit does offer up dinner, an open bar and live music. The cruise runs from 6:00-11:00 p.m. and leaves from Chelsea Piers. Go here for tickets.
Photo by Peter Drier
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