By Seth Fera-Schanes

A few options present themselves for the annual fourth of July celebrations in NYC.

1.  Get out of town.  The equation is simple: one part long weekend, mixed with two parts hot and sticky NYC.  The outcome is boarding a plane, train or bus to basically anywhere but here.  Some popular destinations include New Hampshire, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco.

2.  Get a lifetime supply of gluttony at the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest in Coney Island.  Contenders scarf down as many hot dogs as they can in 10 minutes.  Visitors beware “the reversal of fortune” for participants who can’t quite make it through the entire competition….

3.  Fireworks, obviously.  The annual Macy’s fireworks display will be in the East River this year (it had moved over to the Hudson the past few years.)  The iconic department store puts on quite the show but if you do decide to go, plan your entry and exit strategy in advance because it will get crowded.

If you need a drink to go along with your Independence Day celebrations, check out this Watermelon Cherry Mojito courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board.