America’s birthday is mere days away and New York is firing on all fronts. Whether you’re watching one of the world’s most legendary fireworks displays or getting lost in Manhattanhenge, the city is on its finest form. Peruse our list of must dos and plan your July in New York accordingly.
Il Pellicano
Nightlife luminary Kyky Conille and award winning Italian-American chef Rocco DiSpirito have teamed up to bring the wondrous Il Pellicano from NoLiTa to Southampton. The menu revolves around coastal Italian dishes with an emphasis on the raw bar and locally sourced seafood. In true Hamptons form, the restaurant effortlessly transitions from fine dining establishment into one of the most exclusive nightclubs on Long Island. “We’re trying to change the ethos of restaurants in the Hamptons,” General Manager Harper Peck told Gentleman’s Journal. “We want to make people enjoy going out to eat in the Hamptons again!”
When? Ongoing
Where? Southampton
How much? Prices vary
Le Bain Fireworks
As moving as it can be to see fireworks from ground level, there is a surreal quality to watching them from the sky. With that in mind, we will be watching The Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks spectacular at Le Bain. After a decade-long absence, the show will be returning to the Hudson River. More than 60,000 shells in over 30 colours will burst from several vessels located between 14th Street and 34th Street. The lounge itself boasts 270-degree views of New York, disco balls galore, a jacuzzi, and a crowd favourite crêpe stand. While the fireworks begin at 9:25p.m, we’d recommend getting there early to soak up the golden hour.
When? July 4
Where? Meatpacking District
How much? Prices Vary
The Lobster Roll
The only thing more American than indulging in a lobster roll on the east coast would be a slice of apple pie itself, which is fitting because The Lobster Roll is widely respected for both. They’ve also just brought back their summer hours to coincide with lobster season. Although there’s a new location in Southampton, our loyalty tends to lie with the original spot, locally known as LUNCH due to the memorable sign gracing the top of the restaurant. As the entire population of New York City tends to relocate to the Hamptons every weekend during the summer, our advice would be to try to get there on a weekday.
When? Until September 15
Where? Amagansett
How much? Prices vary
The Mark Sailboat
Experience New York from a different perspective this summer, on The Mark Sailboat. Renowned NYC hotel The Mark's 70-foot Herreshoff sailboat will be setting sail from Tribeca's North Cove Marina, offering guests a two-hour journey southward through the New York Harbor with views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. To sweeten the deal even further, The Mark offers the option to choose from an array of gourmet bites, paired with wines selected by The Mark’s Head Sommelier.
When? Throughout summer
Where? North Cove Marina, Tribeca
How much? $525 to $575 per person for a ticketed experience, from $7,000 for private charter
Foo Fighters
On July 19th, two of contemporary rock’s greatest front men will be gracing the stage of Citi Field. First up, we have The Hives, led by notorious front man Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist, who was crowned one of the top 50 frontmen of all time by Spin Magazine. They will undoubtedly do an excellent job of revving up the crowd for none other than The Foo Fighters. Led by music prodigy Dave Grohl, The Foo Fighters are known to pour their heart and soul into their music. In fact, they pride themselves on how unique each of their shows are to one another. Whether you’ve seen them before or not, you’ll be blown away.
When? July 19
Where? Citi Field
How much? From $102
Bk Backyard Bar
Out of all of the sports bars in New York, and there are plenty, we’re planning on parking ourselves at Bk Backyard to celebrate England finally bringing it home. On the off chance that England doesn’t make it, we can take our frustrations out at the conveniently located axe throwing station. Ideally though, we’ll be sipping cocktails in one of the many cabanas with brief breaks to play volleyball. There are activities aplenty. After all, it is Brooklyn…
When? July 14
Where? Williamsburg
How much? Prices Vary
Manhattanhenge
Twice a year, the setting sun perfectly aligns with the grid system of New York’s streets resulting in one of the city’s most satisfying sights. Any of the east-west streets will do, from 14th all the way up to Washington Heights, but if you’re in it for the photographs, we’d recommend getting a shot on 34th or 42nd near the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building, respectively. While this astrological phenomenon has been going on as long as New York has had a grid system, it blew up in popularity in 2002 after Neil DeGrasse Tyson gave it the limelight it deserved.
When? July 12
Where? East-West Cross Streets in Manhattan
How much? Free
The Beach at Dream Downtown
There are a million ways to enter a pool besides the stairs. Words to live by, figuratively and literally. If you’re in search of the aforementioned pool to test your entrances, we’d suggest the glass bottomed pool at Dream Downtown. Depending on the day you find yourself there, you’ll either be relaxing in an oasis with imported sand or dancing on someone's shoulders sipping a glass or three of rosé. Our advice, from experience, would be to drop in early on a Saturday and do both.
When? Wednesdays - Sundays through summer
Where? Dream Downtown
How much? From $55
Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swiss Beatz and Alicia Keys
Swiss Beatz and Alicia Keys' phenomenal contributions to music are legendary. Lesser known is the depth of their appreciation of fine art. That is sure to change now that they have debuted their extensive collection at the Brooklyn Museum. Grand in scale and virtuosity, the aptly named Giants exhibit features 98 works of art by African diasporic artists. The Dean has set out to support and showcase these artists and in the process they’ve started a public conversation on subjects as large as the collection itself.
When? Until 7 July
Where? Brooklyn Museum
How much? $26
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