Yesterday I spent my Fourth of July hanging out in New Jersey with friends.  Although I’ve lived out east for almost 10 years, I’ve only seen the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks once.  And I saw it from the NYC side.  When my friend, Frantzie, suggested we go to New Jersey to watch the fireworks, I did give her the side eye.  I didn’t want to schlep it from Harlem to Weehawken.  But in the end, I’m so glad I did.  The view was amazing and it was less crowded.  A win win in my book.  We had a great time.

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This was our view of the NYC skyline from the New Jersey side.

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A little girl was selling cupcakes in support of Tomorrows Children’s Fund.  I love it when a child has an entrepreneurial spirit.

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Frantzie and I had to buy one.  And they were delish!

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Kelly Lynn, Frantzie and Gina.

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Frantzie and I patiently waiting for the fireworks to start.

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It was all good because we brought food and drinks.  I even made my famous Oatmeal Scotchie Cookies.  Yummy! I don’t drink alcohol, so Frantzie brought sparkling apple cider for me.  Isn’t she great?? She is always thinking of others.

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Still waiting!

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We had a great view of one of the Macy’s firework barges.

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Here is a close-up.

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The FDNY came around and sprayed red, white and blue water from their boat.

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Finally it started to get dark.  The sunset turned the New York City buildings gold.  It reminded me of the Emerald City from Wizard of Oz, but it was gold.

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The NYC skyline is beautiful at night!! Most of the buildings were lit up in patriotic colors.

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Fireworks!!

Macy’s Fireworks 2011

Here is some video footage I shot of the fireworks.  There was this cute little girl that was serenading us the whole night with Justin Bieber tunes.  If you listen closely, you can hear her singing Firework, by Katy Perry.

 

Myself with the NYC skyline as my back drop.

I really enjoyed myself in New Jersey.  Seeing the fireworks there is the way to go.  The only caveat was getting back into the city.  The traffic was crazy.  Aside from that, I would recommend seeing the Macy’s Fireworks from New Jersey.