HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

From  N Y L C, 

Have a Very Happy Thanksgiving!

Be sure to check out Macy's annual Thanksgiving day Parade tomorrow! Here are some tips of where to stand from Time Out NY. Scroll down to read more.

 

Balloon inflation, 3–10pm
Watch Snoopy and his inflatable chums come to life on Thanksgiving Eve near the American Museum of Natural History.

Float assembly, midnight–8am (Thursday morning)
Laugh in the face of the wee hours and wait for the floats to emerge from the Lincoln Tunnel in disassembled form. The convoy will advance up Amsterdam Avenue to Central Park West around 11:45pm. At midnight, the Macy’s team assembles the fragments on the streets. For the best views head to Central Park West at 81st Street.

Tip: Residents in this area tend to have their friends over to watch the balloons and floats take shape the night before. If you have any posh friends living on Central Park West, now’s the time to cash in on those connections for a great view of the action.

The route, and where to stand

The parade changed its route last year and is sticking to it again this year. The beginning is the same as ever: It will start at 77th Street and Central Park West and head south. But instead of continuing across Columbus Circle to Broadway, it will now take turn east on Central Park South before turning onto Seventh Avenue. At 42nd Street it will slide over to Sixth Avenue before meandering down to Macy’s at Herald Square. Though the first massive balloon doesn’t cross the starting line until 9am, parade officials recommend that you pick your viewing spot by 7am to avoid disappointment. A map of the route and suggested viewing locations are available at the Macy’s official parade site.

Tip: Book a trip to the Top of the Rock (30 Rockefeller Plaza at 49th St, 212-632-5100) for elevated views of the parade.

What you'll see

Broadway stars: Expect numbers from American Idiot, Elf, Memphis and, of course, the Radio City Rockettes.

Musical guests: As always there will be plenty of musical guests entertaining the crowds along the parade route and in front of Macy's. This year's lineup includes Kanye West, Kylie Minogue, Juanes, Jessica Simpson and Gladys Knight.

Balloons: Bigger is always better at the Thanksgiving parade—this year, giant balloons (four times the size of an actual cruise-ship anchor) of Kung Fu Panda and Diary of a Wimpy Kid will make their debut. Also appearing for the first time are Kaikai and Kiki, two characters created by artist Takashi Murakami.

Floats: Sesame Street characters and Dora the Explorer are among those showcasing their educational tunes and dance numbers. Also, Christmas comes early, with Santa making his grand entrance on a new sleigh.

Where to eat after

Near the parade route (reservations recommended)
1. Isabella’s—Columbus Ave at 77th St.
2. Ocean Grill—78th St at Columbus Ave.
3. Cesca—75th St at Amsterdam Ave.
4. Aureole—42nd St between Sixth Ave and Broadway.

Kid-friendly (parade proximity varies)
1. Alice’s Tea Cup—W 73rd St at Columbus Ave.
2. Good—Greenwich Ave at Bank St.
3. Kitchenette—156 Chambers St at Greenwich St.
4. Penelope (no reservation needed)—Lexington Ave at 30th St

Read more: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade guide - Things to Do - Time Out New York http://newyork.timeout.com/things-to-do/55373/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-guide#ixzz16EUYzS61