A Guide to a NYC New York Vacation in July

When you come to NYC for your July vacation, you will already have plans to visit the major landmarks, The Empire State Building, Ground Zero, Times Square and the other famous spots and you should not miss any of them. But, in order to make your July NYC, New York vacation something special and unique, you need to go places that are not on the top of the tourist list, places where you can go and get the real feel of NYC, New York, places to be with the residents and see NYC, New York the way they do. There are some July events here that fill the bill.

One of the biggest events of the summer is the Celebrate Brooklyn Festival held at the band shell in Prospect Park. No vacation to NYC is complete without at least one visit to Brooklyn and this festival is one not to miss. It is going on the whole month of July, so whenever you are in NYC for your vacation, it will be there waiting for you. There will be all kinds of music from Jazz to rock to the Brooklyn Pops Orchestra. Contact them at BRIC Arts 647 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York 11217 718 855-7882.

One of the best places to visit any time of the year is the Queens County Farm Museum. In July they have a very special event going on for your vacation, one you might not be expecting to find in NYC. July 27, 28 and 29 they will be hosting the 29th Annual Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Powwow . There will be representatives from over 40 Indian Nations. Plenty of food and Native American crafts and product to purchase. And while you are at the farm, see what else is going on. This is a real working farm, so there are animals and exhibits to visit. They are located at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway Floral Park, New York 11004-1129 (718) 347-3276

Governors Island is one National Park that is only open for the summer. It was once a military base, for over 200 years actually, and there is so much history here. You get here one way and one way only and that is by The Governors Island Ferry, which is located in the Battery Maritime Building, Slip # 7. You can take a free tour of the old military buildings led by the Park Rangers. There are events going on all summer long and they are free. You can check on the site for what is available the day you are coming, but also check the Ranger at the gate. They are the ones you get the free tickets from. Tickets are limited and are given out on a first come first served basis, so if you want to get one, get to the island as early as possible. And bring food. Food is not available on the island as yet. Contact them at Governors Island National Monument 10 South Street - Slip 7
NYC, New York 10004-1900 212-825-3045