Is there any holiday more pride-inducing than the 4th of July? Every year, without fail, Ray Charles’ rendition of “America the Beautiful” provides the soundtrack to the thousands of fireworks that illuminate the summer night sky. Celebrating Independence Day in NYC is a great experience, here’s a few of our favorite ways to enjoy this classic holiday.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
PC: The Fire Wire
The story of American Independence is one of the world’s greatest tales of sticking it to the man. The greatest imperial force the world had ever known tried to keep us down and tax us without representation, and our forefathers, tradesmen, farmers, and family men, took up arms.
What better way to celebrate that than with an iconic 4th of July tradition, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. If you can stomach it (pun intended), everyone should go at least once. It really is quite the spectacle.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
PC: am New York
The term is thrown around pretty loosely, but Macy’s fireworks show is one of the few visual displays that’s truly majestic. Without fail, they somehow outdo themselves every single year.
If you can find a piece of grass to lay a blanket on, or are lucky enough to know of an accessible rooftop facing the East River, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the best fireworks shows in the country.
The show officially starts at 9:20 PM, but you’ll want to get set up at least a few hours early with some refreshments and snacks.
Barbecues with Friends
PC: NY Daily News
A 4th of July barbecue with your dearest friends is about as American as apple pie. There’s nothing better than throwing a ball around, cracking a few cold ones, and enjoying conversation and the smell of burgers wafting through the air.
Whether you opt for watching grown men and women eat themselves into a coma, decide to be a traditionalist and enjoy some fireworks, or are more of a low key barbecue-and-hang-out kind of person, the important thing is that we’re all taking a second to put the hustle and bustle of city life on pause for a bit to enjoy the holiday.
