Our Budget Fourth of July in Manhattan

The Fourth of July this year is on a Monday and everyone is gearing up for a spectacular Fourth of July weekend. While indulgent spending and partying like a rock star may have been the regular for years in the past, the current economic doldrums combined with the anemic work prospects and skyrocketing costs of everything from fuel to fish sticks is making this year's Fourth of July more of an exercise in cost cutting than anything. Here's one New Yorkers plan for keeping costs under wraps for the 2011 Fourth of July holiday within everyone's reach.

Jamba Afternoon: One of the treats my wife and I like to enjoy from time to time is a Jamba Juice. We will likely be out and about all day in the city and one thing we can enjoy for a small cost; $4 or $5 depending on the size of the drink we get; is a Jamba Juice. We'll probably be out enjoying the smoke-free Central Park during the afternoon so we can dip down to the Jamba Juice on 57^th Street and Avenue of the Americas (1381 Avenue of the Americas) to get our Jamba fixation settled.

Francesco's Dinner: One of the best value dinners anywhere is still located at Francesco's Pizza. For just five bucks you can get two slices of cheese pizza at Francesco's; combine that with the Jamba Juice just prior and you are full! Francesco's also has a silver pitcher of ice water just next to their cash register so that parched customers can get their zero calorie fix of aqueous refreshment without spending any money. If it's been a long day or if you're really hungry, try two slices each for a cool ten spot and you're good to go!

Fireworks: Of course Fourth of July in New York City means the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks. One of the great things about living in New York City for so long is that you make friends in high places. For the Fourth of July this year my wife and I will be going up to our friends apartment on the 17^th floor at West End Avenue and 67^th Street. If you don't have any friends at such an elevated status you can still venture out to the Hudson River and see the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks from virtually anywhere.

You don't need to break the bank on the Fourth of July in New York City. For less than $30 my wife and I are going to have a fun and loved Fourth of July in Manhattan and you can too. Be safe, have fun, and keep your expenses in check and you'll be flying high on the Fourth of July.

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