4th of July in NYC

By Ashley Goldsmith

If you’ve decided not to hop on the Hampton Bay bus with the rest of Manhattan, don’t fret. The city that never sleeps is awake even when most of its residents have headed for the beach. BN shares with you the best way to spend your well-deserved 3-day weekend.

Fireworks!
Childhood memories of lounging on great big lawns with the family while which fireworks shows seems to always hit a note of nostalgia in me. So in keeping the tradition alive, head to Piers 54 or 84 for the best view of the Macy’s Fireworks Show. Along West St. & 13th or West St. & 44th, you’ll be able to enjoy the show as if you were a little kid again, except this time you can sneak in a few beers.

Live Music!
If you’re over the fireworks seen and just prefer to be outside enjoying the long weekend, head to Battery Park for the free Broadway2Battery Concert and Family Festival. Bring a blanket and relax on the lawn while watching jugglers, stilt walkers and a marching band of 76 trombones.

Battery Park at State Street and Battery Place, doors open at 1pm on Saturday July 4th

Chow Down!
If you’re just looking to spend the day chillin’ and grillin’, make your way downtown to the Iron Horse in the Financial District, where you can hang out at their free block party. They’ll be closing off the street in front of the restaurant to roast a while pig and grill burgers and hot dogs. They’ll also have an outdoor bar, picnic tables and music. Be sure to bring some extra cash, as they’ll be taking donations for the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that helps fund injured service men and women.

32 Cliff St between Fulton and John Sts; 646.546.5426, Noon-9pm