How to Have the Best Macy's Day Parade Experience

The Macy's Day Parade is a tradition for many families throughout the United States. Whether you are watching from your couch with the smell of turkey cooking in the kitchen or live on the streets of New York, the Macy's Day Parade is a spectacular not to be missed. I have personally been able to attend the Macy's Day Parade and in fact was even in it.

Being in the Macy's Day Parade was a once in a life time opportunity and a memorable on at that. It also gave me in site to the best places to view the parade. If you are in the New York area on Thanksgiving Day than here are a few tips to making your Macy's Day Parade as memorable as mine. First of all the parade is only the icing on the cake.

Start your day off early, get up at the crack of dawn and head down to 77^th street and Central Park. This is were the parade starts but it is also the location where the balloons are blown up. You know those building size helium balloons that has made Macy's Day Parade so different than any other parade. Around 5:00-6:00am the balloon handlers begin to blow these massive balloons up with tanker trucks filled with helium. To see this take place is incredible. This is also a great opportunity to get a few autographs as the stars of the parade gather here to board their floats.

After seeing the balloon extravaganza head to your favorite little bakery or bistro and pick up breakfast on your way to the parade route. The key to finding the perfect location to watch the parade is to get their early. As far as I know there are no lawn chairs allowed along the parade route so you will want to take a blanket or stadium chairs to sit on while you wait for the parade to begin.

Here are my picks for great places to watch the parade from. From 70^th to 65^th Street on the east side is a nice place to watch the parade from especially if crowds are not your cup of tea. Behind you is Central Park and you can easily escape the crowd on the parade route if it becomes too over whelming for you or a loved one. My husband is not big on crowds, so this is a perfect spot for him as he can take a step back in to the park for a breathe of uncrowded air. My very favorite place though to watch the parade is Time Square. Here in Time Square all of the floats and groups pause for just a moment and give a great performance. This is an extremely crowded area, though and there is standing room only. The view surrounding you is also all inspiring.

The Macy's Day Parade is an awesome event, so make the day of it and really enjoy all the parade has to offer. Make sure that you dress warm and in layers as it can be quite cold and with layers you can always shed a few if it does warm up. Be sure to travel light as the streets and subways are crowded and you will be grateful not to be caring a lot of baggage. Also don't forget to bring your patiences as it is a large New York event which means travel time will take much longer than normal. A lot of people head in at the same time as well as leaving when the parade is through. It will help to head down to the balloon area early as you will beat the morning rush. Enjoy the parade and be sure to always keep safety in mind.