Macy's Parade

By Dom Bewley

Thanksgiving is on the horizon. You can tell because every turkey is on edge. Crossing their claws that they'll be the ones pardoned by the President this year. Thanksgiving is a time to, well, give thanks. Thanks for what we have. It's a time to celebrate too. Unless you're a turkey. And if you're in new york and you're wondering how to spend your well-earned day off, why not go see Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? And when it's over, why not check out Macy's department store. You can have 11% off your purchases, just from us.

Here's everything you could ever possibly need to know about it. You are very welcome. We'll start with a little history.

History of Macy's Parade

The parade started way back in 1924, when the world was black and white, if you believe your TV.
Over the last 95 years, the parade has gone from strength to strength.
In that time, the parade has only been called off three times. In 1942, 1943, and 1944 due to America's involvement in World War 2.
The event was first televised in 1939, and as of today attracts around 50 million TV viewers a year. That's a lot of ad revenue, folks!
Over 3.5 million people attend the event in person every year, to see over 8000 people, including celebrities and even some Macy's employees, take part.
Viewers will see over 4000 costumes, and the whole shebang takes up over 50,000 hours of labor to put together at Macy's Parade Studio.

Where is Macy's Parade?

The parade is held every year in New York City. Manhattan, to be exact. It starts at 77th Street and Central Park West, before making its way down to 34th Street and ending at Macy's Herald Square. Why not also check out some attractions you can get in nearby, completely free of charge? And don't forget, you can have 11% off your Macy's purchases with us.

When is Macy's Parade?

Why youngun, it's on Thanksgiving! That'd be November 28th for all you out-of-towners. Celebrations kick off at 9am sharp, and the parade usually ends at around 12:30pm. It's recommended that you get to the route at around 6am if you want a great spot to watch the proceedings. It might seem early, but you could always stop and get some coffee to perk you up beforehand!

What can I expect?

Lots of massive balloons along with 26 floats, broadway performances, marching bands, and a whole lotta good times.

Planning on going to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year, or even taking part? Let us know what you're looking forward to most in the comments below.

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New York City Bilingual Tours

Visiting New York City is an exciting experience for many tourists from all around the world. Within New York, you have access to tons of tours that can help you get familiar with your surroundings and find the best attractions. However, since the city is such a popular destination, it's only natural that many of the visitors to New York City speak English as a second language. Therefore, we've put together this list of NYC Bilingual Tours that you have access to with the New York Pass. These tours offer guides who speak more than one language and will help you understand the beauty of New York City so that you get the most of of your trip. We advise that you contact these bilingual tours prior to your reserved date to ensure that they are able to provide a guide in your preferred language on that date. NYC Bilingual Tours [caption id="attachment_1446" align="aligncenter" width="690"] Carnegie Hall | NYCAGO[/caption] Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour Perhaps the most essential bus tour that you can take of New York City, the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off tour offers 3 different routes, packed with exciting attractions. In addition to the Live tour guides riding the bus, there are also audio recordings provided for passengers in 10 different languages. Passengers on the Big Bus have the freedom to get off the bus at any of the stops and use their ticket to board the next bus. This is a convenient way to visit attractions along the route and get to know some of New York's most interesting neighborhoods. New York Pass holders receive a 1-day ticket for the Big Bus which is valid within the bus' operating hours and not on a 24 hour basis. Carnegie Hall Tour World renown performance theater Carnegie Hall has hosted shows for the biggest stars since opening in 1891. The likes of Led Zeppelin and The Beatles have taken the stage at the historical hall where so many memories have been created. Experienced tour guides lead groups through Carnegie Hall to receive a backstage view of the performance hall when shows are not being conducted. If you're interested in taking a Spanish tour of Carnegie Hall, you can request one with a group by calling (212) 903-9765. Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tours When you visit New York City, stopping at Central Park is a must. This historic landmark was the first major landscaped park in the United States and has been host to countless blockbuster hits. Taking a bicycle tour through the park is not only an amazing source of exercise, but it's also a great way to explore the many treasures of the park. Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tours offers Spanish Tours at 10 am however, you must call them prior to request a bilingual tour. Their phone number is (212) 975-0785. [caption id="attachment_1442" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Grand Central Terminal | @papakila[/caption] Grand Central Terminal Audio Tour Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal is one of the world's most intriguing train stations known for having many secrets. The terminal is also known around the world for the amazing artistic display across its ceiling. Audio tours of Grand Central Terminal are given daily and provide you with the option of which language you would like to hear while discovering the many secrets of GCT. NYC Gospel Walking Tour Gospel music has deep roots in New York and the Gospel Walking Tour in Brooklyn gets you up to speed on the history of the genre in the city. The tour not only makes stops at iconic religious locations in Brooklyn, but also makes a pit stop at an actual church service where you can experience authentic Gospel music for yourself. The Gospel Walking Tour provides Spanish Tours between the months of March and December at 8 am [caption id="attachment_1440" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Yankee Stadium | @yankees[/caption] Yankee Stadium Tours The New York Yankees Classic Stadium Tour is the best way to get better acquainted with baseball's most iconic team. The tour takes you behind the scenes at Yankee Stadium and fills you in on the best historical gems from the franchise. You will also have access to bilingual tours given out daily at 1 pm. Please note that the classic tours are not given during games so please check the New York Yankees' schedule prior to booking your tour. If you interested in purchasing the New York Pass or finding more tours that are available, with the pass, visit NewYorkPass.com

Attraction of The Week: Brooklyn Museum

Brooklyn Museum | The New Yorker Brooklyn Museum While most of New York City's major museums exist in Manhattan, there is one museum that has shown over the years that the trip to Brooklyn is well worth it. Located on Eastern Parkway, the Brooklyn Museum is a lively hub where art, culture and entertainment are celebrated. Throughout the year, the museum displays changing exhibitions as well as live performances for all respective age ranges. All five floors in the Brooklyn Museum offer something different with themes and styles that connect flawlessly along the spacious walls. Collection Founded in 1895, the Brooklyn Museum has pulled together quite an impressive collection of artistic works over their 122 years of existence. Today the museum's collection totals around 1.5 million pieces and boasts the likes of legends like Georgia O'Keefe, Max Weber and Mark Rothko. In 2002, the Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation also gifted the beautiful Judy Chicago exhibit known as 'The Dinner Party' to the museum. Many view 'The Dinner Party' as the first major feminist artwork and now it is a permanent exhibition on display. Brooklyn Museum | @nytimes With all of the works residing in their collection, it certainly helps to have some space. The museum occupies around 560,000 square feet along Eastern Parkway and measures as the 3rd largest museum in all of New York City. Prior to the museum's construction, the plan was to make it the world's largest art museum. Although it didn't become such, third place is nothing to scoff at in this regard. First Saturdays In addition to the many exhibitions, you can also expect events to be happening at the Brooklyn Museum all year 'round. One rather fascinating event that the museum holds is called First Saturdays. On the first Saturday of each month, a huge, free party is held for all of New York to visit. Some of New York's most exciting young DJ's like Kitty Cash and Jasmine Solano have played at First Saturdays. Great music fills the rooms as everyone gets to dance and view the museum for free on a Saturday night. Brooklyn Museum | Timeout If you're interested in stopping by the Brooklyn Museum, visit the attraction page and plan your trip today!

Clipper City Tall Ship Returns

[caption id="attachment_1286" align="aligncenter" width="568"] Clipper City Tall Ship | Photo by @manhattanbysail[/caption] The weather has finally lightened up in New York City and it appears to be at just the right time. Now that we can finally hang up our coats and enjoy the sunshine, many people will be looking for a nice cruise to relax and view what NYC has to offer. Luckily, today marks the return of Manhattan By Sail's famous Clipper City Tall Ship and Shearwater Classic Schooner. Clipper City Tall Ship Although the original ship was decommissioned in 1890, the Clipper City Tall Ship was rebuilt just 4 years later by architects DeJong and LeBet. Some of the best views of lower Manhattan can be captured on the ship's 90 minute ride from the south end of Battery Park. The ship departs twice daily at 2:15 pm and 4:30 pm from now until October 9th and there's plenty of room as each cruise holds approximately 130 people on its 158-foot frame. Some of the great sights captured on the cruise include the Brooklyn Bridge, Governor's Island and also Ellis Island so make sure to keep a camera handy. [caption id="attachment_1288" align="aligncenter" width="542"] Shearwater Classic Schooner | Photo via @manhattanbysail[/caption] Shearwater Classic Schooner Another historic ship making it's return today is the Shearwater Classic Schooner. First launched in May of 1929, the Schooner has quite a long rap sheet. Aside from ushering a leisurely cruise, The ship has also served as a member of the United States Coast Guard's Coastal Picket Patrol during World War II and has been honored as a National Landmark in 2009. The Schooner sails everyday of the week, offering 90 minute cruises, similar to the Clipper City Tall Ship. Below is the schedule for the Shearwater Classic: Monday - Friday: 12:30 pm and 2:45 pm Saturday: 12 pm and 2 pm Sunday: 2 pm Be one of the first people to ride the Clipper City Tall Ship and Shearwater Classic Schooner this season using your New York Pass. Also, visit our website for more cruises being offered during this time of year.

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