Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade - 11/23/2017
Our big day began early. By the time we ate breakfast at the hotel, dressed in our many layers of cold weather gear, Fun Bus dropped us off in the heart of Manhattan around 7:00 am. We made our way through the crowds that had already begun to line the parade route to chose our viewing spot at Sixth Avenue and 46th street. The crowd was already two to three people deep along the street cub, but we thought this was the best we can do. As we settled in for the long wait for the parade, we could see the city crews moving the traffic lights to the side to allow the giant balloons to pass by. The crowd continued to grow as time passed. An NBC news crew was set up right near us and we watched as they did a couple live shots and interviewed a couple of families who had come to observe the parade.
By the time the parade started the mass of people was 12 to 15 people deep. The parade began at 9 o’clock and it took just over a half hour for it to reach our location. The floats, bands and giant balloons bright and colorful. The crowd was in a festive spirit. There were many celebrities who appeared on floats, including Jimmy Fallon, The Roots, Harry Connick Jr., Whoopi Goldberg, 98 Degrees and Miss America 2018 Cara Mund.
It was just past 10:30 when the 110 marched past us on Sixth Avenue. I was so excited to see Sarah with the Ohio University Marching Band.
Click here to see all my pictures of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Soon after the Sarah and the 110 past, we left our viewing spot and avoided the crowds to make our way to the New York City Main Post Office. This grand building was on Eighth Avenue directly across from Madison Square Garden. It was here that the band had a professional photographer take a group picture. We decided to join in and take some photos of our own. We were able to say hello to Sarah and chat for just a minute before the group photo.
Click here to see my photos of the Marching 110 at the New York City Main Post Office.
We said farewell to Sarah and headed for a bite to eat. Just a block away on the corner of West 34th Street and Eighth Avenue we stumbled upon Tick Tock Diner. I ordered the Club and fries.
We took our time at the diner to rest and warm up before the long walk back to the be picked up by the bus and return to the hotel in the afternoon.
At the hotel we were able to rest and clean up before dinner.
We arrived at the Waterside Restaurant in North Bergen, New Jersey at 6:00 pm. The restaurant was a beautiful facility location on the Hudson River with a fantastic view of Manhattan. The view we even more impressive from the second floor where our Fun Bus group ate together and were given exclusive access to the entire floor. I had a glass of Merlot, Pan roasted salmon, Cannellini beans, Escarole smoked country ham and dessert.
Click here to check out my pictures of the Waterside Restaurant.
On the return trip from the restaurant to the hotel, we make one quick stop at Hamilton Park in Weehawken. The hilltop park offered us a great view across the river and the New York City skyline.
Click here to see my photos of the New York skyline from Hamilton Park.
Click here to see a few more pictures from our visit to New York City.
Tomorrow, a day in New York with Sarah.
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