Macy's parade
 

My lady friend wants to go see the Thanksgiving Parade this year. I have only been in NYC briefly and, frankly, have always thought it overrated. No, I have nothing to base that on, other than the traffic when I was passing through, the incredible panhandling employees at Shea Stadium and various news reports.<BR><BR>Is it worth it to see the parade in person? With a limited amount of research it looks like the Lucerne might be a nice and convenient hotel. Within walking distance to the parade route? <BR><BR>My favorite cities are Hong Kong and San Francisco, if that gives anyone an idea of my preferences. I would certainly appreciate any input outside of "stay away"...

I always think of Hong Kong as a version of New York, so don't knock it yet! As for the parade....I thought the parade was kind of over rated, better to watch in person--but in a way, it might be cool to do it ONCE, to say you did.

The Lucerne is at 79th and Amsterdam. The parade starts at 77th and Central Park West. That is a distance of four blocks - two long ones, two short ones. Parade route is a less than a 10 minute walk away if you watch the parade from a vantage point near where the parade begins.<BR><BR>I would say the parade is a one time thing for adults. The parade lasts less than two hours so you should have other plans should you decide to visit this overrated city because of the traffic, panhandling employees at Shea Stadium and unspecified various news reports.<BR>

The parade is not for the faint of heart. The crowd starts gathering at about 7am and is usually about 6 people deep by the 9am starting time. The parade can be exciting but the crowd can be annoying. Also bear in mind that you are at the mercy of the weather (possibly cold, possibly rainy). It is a lot of fun to see the parade but if you are not a "crowds" person it can be miserable.<BR><BR>You may enjoy going to Central Park the night before and watching them blow up the balloons, that is quite a sight to see!

If you do decide to go to the parade consider the Excelsior. It is on 81st St. between Central Park WEst and Columbus AVe. IT is a short walk to the beginning of the parade route. The balloons are inflated the night before on 81st ST. as well as on 77th ST.