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Events Featured

The Best Places for Independence Day in Downtown NYC

The Fourth of July only comes once a year, so it’s only fitting that you spend your Independence Day in Lower Manhattan where the views are spectacular, and truly the best fireworks in the city. Here’s a look at our top 6 spots to spend the Fourth:

Number 6: Roof at Park South

Photo by Roof at Park South

We’re starting off our list with the Roof at Park South, which is located at 125 E. 27th St. This venue is hosting a family-friendly rooftop cookout party from 3pm-8pm for the 4th of July this year. At this ticketless event, guests will take-in city views while indulging in Pina Colada, rose-white-and-blue frozen cocktails, mini bottle service, burgers, ribs, fried mac ‘n’ cheese bites and more. This event is the perfect pre-game for other events in the area, but after 8 pm, the venue is strictly 21 and up.

For more information, visit roofatparksouth.com/july4.

Number 5: Clinton Hall Rooftop or Courtyard Beer Gardens

Photo by Clinton Hall

Next on our list is Clinton Hall in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (247 Metropolitan Ave). This is another rooftop cookout, which runs from 2pm-8pm and includes a two-hour open bar with rose and draft beers as well as one hour of burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chopped chicken Sandwich, house-made BBQ potato chips and watermelon slices. Rain or shine, this event will be an amazing way to spend the 4th.

Tickets are $59 and can be purchased for 2pm-4pm or 6pm-8pm here.

If you’d rather spend the 4th surrounded by greenery, Clinton Hall 51 (230 E 51st Street) will be hosting another outdoor cookout in their Gigawatt Garden from 2pm-8pm.

Tickets are also $59 from either 2pm-4pm or 6pm-8pm and can be purchased here.

Number 4: R17

Photo by R17

R17, which is short for the Rooftop at Pier 17, is one of the hottest rooftops in all of Downtown. What better way to spend the 4th than indulging yourself at New York City’s best rooftop drinks destination. R17’s terraces have incredible views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building, so you won’t be missing any of the spectacular fireworks in the area.

If you love delicious food and drinks, be sure to make a reservation here.

Number 3: The Sentry at the American Copper Buildings

Photo by The Sentry

If you’re a fan of Naughty by Nature or Kayex, come to The Sentry at the American Copper Buildings (626 1st Avenue) on July 4th for their pool party from 5-10 pm. Not only will you be around and get to see incredible musicians, but you will also see the most incredible firework displays that New York has to offer.

This is an exclusive event. Tickets begin at $350 and can be purchased here.

Number 2: Clipper City

Photo from Manhattan by Sail Instagram

Manhattan by Sail’s 158-foot-long Clipper City (at the Battery Slip 2) is one of the most glorious tall ships in all of New York. With masts reaching 120 feet, you’ll recognize that this ship was initially intended for hauling lumber but is now a beautiful, spacious passenger-ship that lifts you high above the surface of the water.

Their family-friendly sail times are at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm on the 4th of July. Each time offers a different experience from beer-tasting to views of Lady Liberty aboard a luxury vessel that traverses the Hudson.

For more information or to reserve your spot for the 4th, visit their website.

Number 1: Classic Harbor Line Cruise

Photo by Classic Harbor Line

Our CEO’s number one choice for any holiday is aboard one of Classic Harbor Line’s beautiful cruises. Classic Harbor Line is located at 62 Chelsea Piers and offers a variety of different voyages. Whether you take the afternoon or the sunset cruise, you’ll be overcome with relaxation and bliss as you sail the Hudson River and watch the coastline’s fireworks stream across the sky. Depending on your cruise, you will have different food/drink options and experiences to view Downtown’s beautiful fireworks.

For example, aboard our favorite ship the American2.0, your food options will include real Harlem fried chicken, Little-Italy-style sandwiches piled high with cured meats and cheeses, roasted eggplant, fire-roasted tomatoes, marinated artichokes and olives served with crusty bread, deviled eggs with cajun shrimp or black truffle and more!

For more information on booking a Classic Harbor Line Cruise, visit this link!

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No matter where you spend your Independence Day, we hope that you get to see some beautiful fireworks, spend time with your loved ones, and take pride in being an American! DT

Categories
Events

Our Top Four Bars to Celebrate Fourth of July

Didn’t make it to the Hamptons to celebrate Fourth of July this year? Don’t worry, the city has plenty to offer! It’s going to be a fabulous party, and these four bars are our top choices for celebrating Independence Day.

Jimmy at the James

Don’t get caught up in the crowds by the Harbor. Head on up high in the sky — 18 stories to be exact — and watch the Macy’s fireworks from the Jimmy bar at the James Hotel in Soho. 

Photo courtesy of Jimmy at the James

Dark and intimate with a 70s twist, this is the perfect place to come with close friends or snuggle up with your partner as you watch the glittering show. To cool down from the summer heat, we recommend the Frosé Slushie or a dip in the pool. Jimmy’s is a popular place; unless you’re a regular, you’ll need to reserve an area.

The Heights at Arlo NoMad Hotel

Does the thought of Heights make you dizzy? Here at Downtown, we have a penchant for rooftop bars. You can’t really blame us, there’s a much-needed breeze and the views are unparalleled. It should therefore come as no surprise that our second choice for 4th July is the Heights at the Arlo NoMad hotel.
More spacious than most rooftop bars and with a sublime collection of cocktails. Tickets for 4th July cost $59 and include a three-hour session of unlimited wine, beer and frosé.

Photos courtesy of the Heights at Arlo Nomad Hotel

The DL

This afternoon, the multi-level nightclub floor of the DL on the Lower East Side is preparing for a party that will continue on until the early hours. Hit the Red room or exotic, plant-covered roof deck. There’s a ticketed BBQ event until 5pm but after that, the doors are open to everyone.

Photo courtesy of DL

The Hudson Terrace

Tonight, the universe will be re-discovered at the Hudson Terrace Big Bang party in Midtown. Ordinarily, we’d say the universe revolves around festivities Downtown, but we’ve made a special exception for this Independence Day commemoration.

Photo courtesy of  Hudson Terrace

Categories
Events Fashion

Trend Report Tuesday: Last Minute Dresses for the Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July!

It’s time to bring out that red, white, and blue spirit and celebrate freedom – but where can you find a last minute outfit? Dresses are always a go-to during the hot summer days and there are many ways to casually dress in spirit of Independence Day.

Here are 5 dresses for those scrambling for a last minute Fourth of July outfit and also appropriate to beat the heat.

Free People


Photo courtesy of Free People 

FP One Sadie Dress
Price: $148.00

Nasty Gal


Photo courtesy of Nasty Gal

Lace Be Honest Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Price: $90.00

Topshop


Photo courtesy of Topshop USA

Tie Dye Low Back Maxi Dress
Price: 45.00

Lauren James

Photo courtesy of Lauren James

The Augusta Solid Seersucker Dress
Price: $62.50

Francesca’s 

Photo courtesy of Francesca’s 

Anne Smocked Off Shoulder Dress
Price: $44.00

And the best thing; these dresses will make a great Fourth of July outfit, but are also perfect for the rest of the summer in the City.

Categories
Culture Events Living

Classic Harbor Line Celebrates Independence Day

Fourth of July is finally here and New York City is known for their Macy’s Fireworks. The 41st annual celebration of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks is launching their light show from five barges stationed along the East River between East 24th and 41st streets.  It is the largest Independence Day fireworks display in the nation.

Photo courtesy of Macy’s Fireworks 

There are many places to watch the fireworks and they even include official viewing locations here. Along with those, the Classic Harbor Line offers a Fourth of July celebration including upfront views of the beautiful firework display. Who wouldn’t want to get aboard a classic style yacht and celebrate freedom?

They offer five different yachts on Fourth of July. Below are the offerings, all of them depart from Chelsea Piers.

Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise aboard Luxury Yacht Manhattan II

Photo courtesy of Classic Harbor Line – 4th of July 

A 1920’s style luxury yacht offering great views of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, Statue of Liberty, and NYC Skyline either on its open air deck, or its glassed-in skylight observatory.

Boat: Manhattan II

Price: $598

Fourth of July sail aboard Schooner America 2.0

Photo courtesy of Classic Harbor Line – Schooner America 2.0

The 105 foot America 2.0 is the most opulent sailboat in all of New York City. It is a modernized replica of the first winner of the America’s Cup race of 1851 and is the most stunning as well as patriotic yacht in the NYC Fleet. On the yacht, guests have a complimentary open bar, hors d’oeuvres prepared by their on board chef and a 3-hour excursion on the Hudson River (amongst the entire New York July 4th flotilla).

Boat: America 2.0
Price: $498

Fourth of July Cruise aboard Yacht Manhattan

Photo courtesy of Classic Harbor Line – Manhattan

Like the Manhattan II, it is also a 1920’s style luxury yacht offering great views of the 4th of July fireworks, Statue of Library, and NYC Skyline. This cruise includes complimentary beer, wine, champagne, soda, water, four courses of passed hors d’oeuvres, and lastly, dessert.

Boat: Manhattan
Price: $498

Fourth of July Sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack

Photo courtesy of Classic Harbor Line – Schooner Adirondack

The Adirondack ensures an experience of great views of the fireworks and the New York City skyline during this joyful, picturesque sail. Your sail includes open beer, soda, wine, and champagne bar. Guests can bring their own picnic or snacks; however, hors d’oeuvres will be provided.

Boat: Adirondack
Price: $468

Fourth of July Cruise aboard Yacht Kingston

Photo courtesy of Classic Harbor Line – Yacht Kingston

Known as the most intimate classic yacht in town, step aboard and take in the spectacular fireworks on the East River. Along with 29 other guests, you will zip out on to the Hudson & East Rivers in style! It is a 1920’s style water taxi and features wrap-around seating, a covered area midship and an uncovered forward and back deck to observe fantastic skyward views. Along with a well-appointed restroom, there will be a fully stocked bar available.

Boat: Kingston
Cost: $428

The spirit of July 4th will fill the harbor! Buy tickets here for a Fourth of July you will never forget and keep the Classic Harbor Line in mind for other yacht ventures in your future.

Categories
Dining Events

3 Patriotic Desserts for Fourth of July

The biggest and most American party of the year is approaching, and whatever your plans may be; the party isn’t complete without some dessert. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue (or have the luxury of being a guest) or going for a picnic in the park, patriotic sweets are a must. And with so many bakeries in New York getting into the Fourth of July spirit, there’s no need to get your hands dirty in the kitchen. We’ve rounded up our favorite places in the city to pick up your red, white and blue desserts.

Georgetown cupcakes 

Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcakes

Are you really American if you don’t love cupcakes? Georgetown cupcakes has decorated their famous cupcakes with stars, stripes and fireworks, offering as many as 12 different flavors in their Fourth of July dozen assortment.

The hardest challenge you will face here is choosing between peanut butter fudge, salted caramel or blueberry cheesecake. They also offer the more classic flavors in their Stars & Stripes Dozen, including red velvet, chocolate, vanilla & buttercream and chocolate & vanilla. There’s no shortage of choices here!

Address: 111 Mercer Street or order online 

City Cakes

Photo courtesy of City Cakes

Our favorite cookie in New York has been given a little makeover for the occasion. City Cakes have decorated their famous red velvet cookie with red, white and blue stars, making it even more fun to eat. And because it’s what’s on the inside that counts, the cookie is filled with a generous amount of cream cheese, making each bite as delicious as the first.

City Cakes also offers the option to create a patriotic red velvet sandwich with the other classic cookies such as Sugardoodle and Macamochip. Warning: these cookies are big, heavy, and very addictive.

Address: 251 West 18th Street or order online

Jars by Dani

Photo courtesy of Jars by Dani

If you’re worried about cupcakes getting squashed or cookies crumbling, Jars by Dani is the perfect alternative. Mason Jars filled with desserts – now that’s something fun to bring to your Fourth of July party.

Dani Beckerman, the creative mind and baking queen behind the desserts, has made a July 4th pack containing an assortment of her favorite Red, White, and Blue Jars: cake batter, white chocolate, and fudge brownie. Three words: God Bless America (or should we say, Dani?).

Order online

Categories
Fashion

Trend Report Tuesday: Fourth of July Looks

It’s time to start preparing yourself for a weekend full of festive activities celebrating the Fourth of July, which is officially a week away. So bring out your red, white, and blue spirit and celebrate freedom!

Whether you’re watching the fireworks, making a trip to the beach, or just hanging out with friends, this time of the year is the time to go out for your country – with no regrets or judgement.

Here are a few different companies and Fourth of July wear to make you look the most spirited and most fashionable while remaining classy, without being extremely tacky.

Target

Photos courtesy of Target

Mossimo One Piece Swimsuit, $39.99
Xhilaration™ Top and Bottom, $32.98 total
Mossimo™ Lace Up One Piece Swim Suit, $39.99

H&M

Photos courtesy of H&M

Off-the-Shoulder Blouse, now $19.99
Strapless Jumpsuit, $12.99
Short T-Shirt with Motif, $12.99

Boohoo

Photos courtesy of Boohoo

Hannah Tie Dye Jersey Kimono, $24.00
Tasmin Off the Shoulder Pearl Embellished Playsuit, $50.00
Maya Stars and Stripes Denim Skirt, $30.00

Nordstrom

Photos courtesy of Nordstrom

O’Neill Folk Flag Print Tank, $22.00
BP. Denim Aviator 58mm Sunglasses, $12.00
SP Black Stars & Stripes Denim Shorts, $44.00

ASOS

Photos courtesy of ASOS

ASOS Denim Super Rip Jacket, $79.00
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Festival Sneakers, $60.00
Reclaimed Vintage Inspired Canvas Stripe Watch, $40.00

Forever 21

Photos courtesy by Forever 21

American Flag Fanny Pack, $12.90
Patch Graphic Denim Shorts, $19.90
Frayed Denim Overall Shorts, $35.00