Cathy

We'll be staying at the Renaissance at 48th & 7th. Are we crazy to lug an extra suitcase with our pop up camp chairs to use to
watch the parade or is a blanket on the curb sufficient? From what I've read, we'll need to grab a spot by 7 AM at the latest to
assure us of a place at the curb behind the barricade. Any suggestions on where on Broadway will be our best bet? East side of
sidewalk in 1600 block? We thought we'd take turns every half hour between the four of us from 7 AM to stake our claim, so none
of us is too frozen until the parade actually reaches this block. Any tips from past viewers will be appreciated, as this is our first
time to see the parade live. Thanks!

Philip

You are definitely crazy to lug a suitcase and camp chairs with you. The crowds are extremely thick probably about 4-5 people deep. It would be quite hard to manage them in the crowd.

Unfortunately the weather can never be predicted. Bring some layers (scarf, sweater, etc) and if it warms up, you can always talk them off.

rqf

Renaissance entrance is on 7th Avenue so you will have to go around the block to Broadway = it is a very short block from 7th to Broadway. Stay on the east side of Broadway - you won't have to cross Broadway to get to your viewing spot. It is going to be crowded and once you stake out your spot it might not be a good idea to leave. Leave your spot and you might not be able to get back to the curb when the crowd builds.

xxx

We did the exact same last year. We took camping chairs and a taxi to 63rd and Central Park West (across from the Tavern on the Green). We got there about 6:30-7:00. There were others there with chairs too! It was great! We were right up against the police barracade and had the most wonderful time. Everyone was in a festive mood and we met folks who stake out the same spot year after year! We were DEFINITELY glad we had taken the chairs, cocoa and bagels! HAVE A SUPER TIME! ps...the location was great because it's relatively close to the beginning of the parade so you see everyone smiling and having fun before they are exhausted! We strolled through Central Park after the parade passed.....dreamy!

Lois

We did the same thing several years ago, and it was a great experience. Keep in mind though that the crowds are dense and moving back and forth through them may prove very difficult. I think the chairs are a good idea. That way, when someone gets up for a break to get warm or make a bathroom stop, the space is still saved. It would be much more difficult without the chairs. The area around the corner from the Renaissance is an excellent area to view from, and keep in mind, it is not even a block away because the Renaissance is the only building on the block and has rooms facing both streets. The two streets cross at that point.