The July 4 fireworks, which Macy's oversees in conjunction with other organizers, are launched at several locations along the East River, including Liberty State Park; between 23rd and 42nd streets; and south of the Brooklyn Bridge and South Street Seaport. There is no seating available to the general public (the seats you see on TV are for Macy's folks only), but if you plan well, you can have a front-row view of the sky spectacular. Some of the best spots are on FDR Drive from 14th to 42nd streets; the river bank between Brooklyn and Queens; and Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Go at least two hours before the 9 p.m. show time to set up your chairs and coolers.
Dozens of boats also ply the river and park for the fireworks. Circle Line Sightseeing (212-563-3200, www.circleline42.com) has one of the biggest flotillas; its eight 500-passenger boats board at 4:30 p.m. at Pier 83 on West 42nd Street and sail until 11. Cost of $65 includes a deejay, but food and drink are extra. Tickets are on sale now, but they often sell out. Another option is the 270-passenger Paddlewheel Queen (212-288-1975, www.paddlewheelqueen.com), whose $100 cruise includes appetizers and cocktails. Tickets go on sale after Memorial Day and could sell out within two weeks.
Info: Macy's Annual Events Hotline, 212-494-4495, or NYC & Co., 212-484-1200, www.nycvisit.com.
I would like to visit St. Kitts to research my genealogy. I am looking for reasonably priced lodging or an all-inclusive..
Shelley Powell-Larkin
Fort Washington, Md.
The eastern Caribbean island of St. Kitts has 1,147 hotel rooms, some of which cost less than $100 a night in the low season and not much more in the winter high season. Bird Rock (869-465-8914, www.birdrockbeach.com), for example, has rates from $85 in summer and $110 in winter; doubles at Timothy Beach Resort (800-288-7991 or 869-465-8597, www.timothybeachresort.com) are $10 more. The Palms hotel (869-465-0800, www.palmshotel.com) has junior suites from $85.
The island does not have any all-inclusive resorts à la Beaches, but Sugar Bay Club (800-858-4618, www.eliteislandresorts.com) has an all-inclusive option from $260 per night double and the St. Kitts Marriott Royal Beach Resort (869-466-1200, marriott.com/property/propertypage/skbrb) will start offering an all-inclusive plan in April for $316. In addition, Apple Vacations (www.applevacations.com) offers St. Kitts packages with air, hotel and often a food and beverage credit. Info: St. Kitts Tourism Authority, 877-533-1555, www.stkitts-tourism.com.
Send queries by e-mail (travelqa@ washpost.com), fax (202-912-3609) or U.S. mail (Travel Q&A, Washington Post Travel Section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071).
