travelgirls

Is it possible to see the 4th of July fireworks from one's room at the Millenium UN Plaza Hotel in New York? We have reservations there; and Macy's fireworks are the top priority for our trip. However, we are intimidated by the descriptions and tips for viewing them from along the West Side Highway. We are two women, one of whom is a senior citizen and the other, a baby boomer. Has anyone enjoyed the fireworks from an upper level guestroom or the pool area on the 28th floor? Does anyone know how many floors the hotel has? Advice will be appreciated.

mclaurie

No. They used to be on the East River but last year moved to the Hudson and they're there (on the Hudson) again this year so you'd be on the wrong side of the city.

nytraveler

It doesn't matter what floor youare on - there are taller many taller buildings between you and the hudson river (the UN is on the East river - the other side of Manhattan). If you don;t want to stand on the piers you can book a boat trip that will let you see the fireworks. I don;t know the prices but you would still have to walk in and out of the pier area - since all street traffic to the neighborhood is blocked and the subway only goes as far as 8th Ave (piers are west of 12th).

mclaurie

http://gonyc.about.com/od/holidays/a/fourthofjuly_2.htm

travelbuff

From your hotel walk to Grand Central Station and take the Shuttle to the West side, and follow the signs for the A train which will bring up to 8th Ave. Find an exit sign and follow the crowds.

Honestly it isn't all that bad, especially if you go a little early, or a little closer to the time the fireworks start which is usually 9pm shortly after sundown.

Also if you have a hand radio bring that along, since there is a simulcat of the festivities and music that goes along with the display.

Will get the radio station numbers for you and post back or I'll bet someone will have it and post for me, lol

ENJOY the fireworks they are always spectacular.

Oh and if you have time there is a STREET FAIR happening on Saturday, July 3rd from 11am to 6pm at 145th & Broadway.

THis is a fund raiser for the Hamilton Heights Business Association and I think one of only a couple of street fairs that day in Manhattan. It should be lots of fun and LOTS of good food. (I'm the person responsible for planning the fair, btw). So come on uptown and I'll even give you a tour.

bigbomoho

its expensive,but the best way to see them is from the Spirit Cruise ship.Its a 5 hour deal, dinner,open bar,floor show.From what i know, theyre wont finalize the river the show will be in till the week before for security reasons

Aduchamp1

Travelbuff

We have a young friend who just opened a tiny art gallery on 144 between Amsterdam and B'way. We also met a number of young musicians, mostly jazz, who live in the neighborhood at her premiere event a few weeks ago.

Are you going to have music?

What it take to include the art gallery in the fair?

travelbuff

Is that Nova? If so I've been IN the Gallery and had a chance to meet her.

We'd love to have the gallery represented at the street fair and I can do it for her at no charge.

Yes there will be music, and would love to have a Jazz ensamble. I've also been talking to the Bahamas Consulate to have a Junkanoo but have not heard back yet.

Let me know if you need any more info.

Aduchamp1

There are two groups of musicians. One is young Jpanese jazz nusicians who moved to NYC so they could play and learn more here. The other is a solo act who likes Jobim.

The small art gallery is called Galleri.

We will contact them this week and see what happends.

Thanks.

travelbuff

The gallery is on 145 in the basement level of a brownstone? If so I met the owner, her name is Nova and the gallery is VERY nice. Nice space and some really interesting installations. I've seen 3 shows I think, one local artists that was wonderful and then a group of High School budding artists.

Same place, south side of the street?

This area of the city has LOTS of musicians and artists now, we've been discovered as a really nice area to live in and we're only 15 minutes to midtown on the A train.

Aduchamp1

The Gallery is on 144th Street and is called Galleri. It too is in the basement of brownstone. It is on the north side of the street. They just opened and we were there for her first exhibit. It was a young womnan who makes her own "crayons" and uses them as her medium to produce her art.

She is interested in particapting in the Street Fair and will ask the musicians if they would like to participate as well.

Is there a public e-mail address or phone number they can use, so they can avoid using personal contact numbers?