4th of July in New York City

Where is a better place to celebrate the 4th of July than in New York City? The War of Independence was fought right on the shores of Manhattan! George Washington himself returned to the city on "Evacuation Day" in 1783 to watch the last British forces leave amidst the sound of jeers and cheers from crowds gathered on Staten Island. And now, New Yorkers and visitors can celebrate America's independence (without the jeers) in the unparalleled New York City.

Fireworks!

Grand 'Ol Macy's will again be setting off the world's largest fireworks display at 9pm from three different locations. The US Air Force will do a fly over an hour before the fireworks begin. Fireworks will be set off of four barges stationed between 23rd and 42nd Streets on the East River. The southbound lanes of FDR Drive (between 14th and 42nd Streets), will be cleared of traffic. Dig out your lawn chairs, put your puppy on a leash and stake out your space starting at 7:30pm. The fireworks won't start for a while, but it is worth getting there and getting comfortable with you friends and family because it gets crowded. You can enter the drive at 23rd, 38th, and 42nd Streets. If you live in Queens or Brooklyn, Macy's suggests looking out from Hunter's Point or Greenpoint. (If you find yourself stuck inside, or you just aren't feeling like heading out, then you can watch the fireworks live in NBC at 9pm, EST.)

The South Street Seaport is a great place to go, especially because you can go shopping while you wait! Starting at 7pm, FDR will be open only to pedestrians from the ferry terminal to the Pearl St ramp. You'll have to enter at the Pearl St ramp.

Liberty State Park, in Jersey City, is a great spot to catch the fireworks that are set off between Liberty and Ellis Islands.

The Roosevelt Island 4th of July Fireworks Festival offers one of the best views of the fireworks on the East River, however, you have to buy $18 tickets to get in and you can not bring any coolers or food that can't fit on your lap or under your chair.

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest!

This year, one event that is really worth taking part in is Nathan's Famous July Fourth International Hot Dog Eating Contest. Coney Island is going through some changes these days as this is last summer Astroland as we know it will be open. So use the 4th of July as an excuse to go out and take advantage of Coney Island's vintage americana before its gone, support Nathan's, and have a great day out. Last year, 30,000 fans showed up and over a million people tuned in to watch the live broadcast on ESPN. This year is the much anticipated rematch between last year's winner, Takeru Tobayashi (52.75 hot dogs in 12 minutes) and Joey Chestnut (52 hot dogs in 12 minutes). It'll be a lot of fun; don't miss it.

Cruises!

The Circle Line offers a special 4th of July 5 1/2 hour cruise. You'll get to see an unobstructed view of the fireworks near the Statue of Liberty as you sail right next to Lady Liberty. A DJ, dancing, food and drinks are all on board. Reservations are required and the ticket is $70. It boards at 4:30pm and sails from 5:30-11:00pm.

The NY Waterway Tours depart from several locations and return right after the Macy's fireworks are over. The tickets tend to be slightly cheaper than the Circle Line ($69 for adults, $59 under 12, $64 seniors) unless you take the cruise from the Belford location. Other departure points are Hoboken/NJ Transit, Pier 78 (W 38th St and 12th Ave), Port Imperial and World Financial Center. All of the cruises depart at 7pm and food, drinks and DJs are also on board.

For a more romantic affair, look into the upscale dining cruise, World Yacht. It has a 4th of July cruise. $278.75 will buy a 5 1/2 hour cruise that gives a great view and a close up of the Statue of Liberty, as well as a five-course dinner, open premium bar, and music and dancing.

The New York/New Jersey Spirit Cruises also has a fancy fireworks cruise that has a buffet dinner, premium open bar and live entertainment. There are two points of departure: Chelsea Piers, NY ($240/person) and Lincoln Harbor, NJ ($200/person).

Americans throughout the country will celebrate the 4th of July in many ways, but there is something quite special about celebrating in New York City. With its history, the view of the Statue of Liberty, the skyline, the grand number of fireworks, the numerous places (including parks, highways and cruises) where you can go out and catch live fireworks...there's just nothing else like it.