Americans are quite patriotic and very proud of their country, and the Fourth of July is truly the day to observe how proud an American can be. The 4th is also a great excuse to celebrate with massive fireworks, enormous barbecues, cold brews, and red, white and blue themed everything. With so much going on, the decision-making for July 4th activities can be daunting. Where is the best place to watch fireworks? Stay in the city for Macy’s famous fireworks show, or head to the beach to watch them on the sand? Whether you decide to stay in the city, or venture outside, there is plenty of exciting activities in the New York area to fill your long weekend.
Staying In NYC
Picnics in the ParkHaving a barbecue is the most American thing you could do on the 4th of July. Parks fill up throughout the city with picnic baskets, frisbees, friends and family. Though not every park in the city allows it, there are over 35 parks throughout the New York boroughs that allow barbecue grilling so as long as you grill in the areas provided and dispose of the ashes appropriately, your 4th of July festivities can begin! Grab some supplies, find a grill and rub shoulders with other grillers celebrating life in America.The Statue of Liberty ReopeningHurricane Sandy took quite a toll on New York, but the city’s people are still standing. Now, NYC’s iconic lady will be rejoining us by reopening on the 4th of July. She has been closed since October when the storm battered the island, so we are sure this event will be popular. Tickets to access the crown must be purchased in advance, so be sure to buy yours online!International African Arts FestivalIf you’re hoping to try something other than the traditional 4th events, the International African Arts Festival will be held in Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn. This year, the festival’s theme is Ndunga, Justice for the Congo. A plethora of concerts, dance performances, a runway fashion show and family entertainment will be offered throughout the weekend starting on Thursday the 4th at 2:00 p.m. to Sunday the 7th.Commodore Barry Park – Navy Street between Park and Flushing Avenues, Brooklyn
Food Truck Rally, July 7Every first and third Sunday of the month, Prospect Park in Brooklyn hosts the Food Truck Rally which includes delicious offerings from many international cuisines. Some of New York’s best food trucks gather to give samples of their menus in the north end of the park in Grand Army Plaza. The event is free to attend and a great way to top off the 4th of July NYC weekend. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the park.Grand Army Plaza – intersection of Flatbush Avenue, Eastern Parkway, and Prospect Park West, Brooklyn
Leaving NYC
If you prefer to turn the holiday into a long weekend and want to get away from the hustle, bustle and tourists in NYC, consider a few days away in these nearby areas.The PoconosTo get completely away from the city and into nature, rent a car and head to the Pocono Mountain range in Pennsylvania. The mountains are scattered with tiny towns, each celebrating the 4th of July in its own way. Everyone is welcome to the Red, White and Blues Barbeque at the Skytop Lodge in Skytop Pennsylvania. The event lasts the weekend and is free for guests of the resort or $25 if you choose to stay elsewhere. Benjamin Franklin kite making, a pig roast, harmonica lessons, and more will be offered. Visit This Week in the Poconos’ website for a listing of fireworks throughout the area.The Jersey Shore
There are plenty of beaches along the coast of New Jersey, so there are plenty of options for deciding where to spend a four-day weekend. Staying at a bed and breakfast in Cape May is a lovely escape for couples. Less than a three hour drive from midtown, the distance is worth it for the beautiful beaches and the Victorian architecture – great for a relaxing stroll. Kayaking on the marsh, craft beer tasting and art gallery shows make the perfect prelude to an evening of fireworks on the beach. If you have kids or want a more active getaway, just around the corner from Cape May is Wildwood beach, offering a weekend of fun with a patriotic pet parade, boardwalk craft shows, an amusement park on the boardwalk, yoga on the beach and free concerts before the fireworks. Visit NJ’s official website for a full list of the weekend activities. Take advantage of the long weekend at the beach!PhiladelphiaThough it’s not getting away from city life, experiencing the 4th of July in America’s first capital city is a great way to feel patriotic. Every year the city puts on the largest free concert in the country at the famous Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This year the musical guests will include John Mayer, Demi Lovado, Grace Potter and the Roots. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, lined with flags from every nation, will also be lined with various street vendors. Later, the famous fireworks display will take off above the Art Museum steps. Arrive early for a good spot, with a free concert offered, this event is always popular. Philadelphia is only a 2-3 hour bus ride or drive from NYC. Spend the weekend and take in some of the most historic museums and buildings in the US. Popular buses such as megabus or bolt bus offer frequent rides.