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Long Island

Fireworks!

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

The Fourth of July brings out the kid in all of us — the ice cream, the hot dogs, not to mention the fireworks. Catch some the biggest shows in the country right here in the area. Below are some top picks for Saturday:

NYC
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
This year, the nation’s largest celebration is moving across town to the Hudson River. Get there early to snag a spot to view the 26-minute festivities and hear patriotic tunes from the New York Pops.
When: Fireworks start around 9pm; Free.
Where: Hudson River bet. 24th & 50th St., 212-494-4495, macys.com/fireworks.

Long Island
Fireworks Spectacular at Jones Beach
Long Island’s biggest and best display includes vibrant colors and awesome sounds simulcast to a musical array of patriotic songs.
When: Fireworks start around 9:30pm; Free.
Where: Jones Beach State Park, Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, 631-321-3510, nysparks.com.

New Jersey
Oceanfest
The biggest seasonal event on the Jersey Shore happens every year in Long Branch. The annual family-friendly festival starts with crafts, carnival acts, sand sculpture, live music and food vendors, and ends with a thrilling fireworks display.
When: Fireworks start around 8pm.
Where: The Promenade, Long Branch, New Jersey, 732-222-0400, longbranchchamber.org.

Outside the Box

Monday, June 15th, 2009

Punch-FitnessYou’ve developed a calm and cool demeanor when dealing with toddlers, in-laws, pushy co-workers and class parents. But sometimes, you just want to punch something.

Get out your aggression — and get a great workout at the same time — at Punch Fitness, a family-friendly boxing gym on the Upper East Side (also in Bridgehampton for the summer). Instead of an intimidating, bare bones, Million Dollar Baby-inspired studio, Punch is warm and welcoming with a strong female client base. Owner Adelino Da Costa will whip you into shape with his special system of jabs, kicks and crunches (prices range from about $109 to $145 for a sweat-inducing one-on-one session). Da Costa even trains women throughout their pregnancies, as evidenced by black-and-white photos of a rather ripped mom-to-be (though you should begin his workouts prior to getting preggo).

Your triceps may scream for mercy, but your stress level will stabilize.

1015 Madison Ave., lower level (bet. 78th & 79th St.), 212-288-2375, punchfitnesscenter.com.

Super Shopping

Friday, July 25th, 2008

supersaturday1.jpgHeading to the Hamptons in a few? In case you’re always the last to know, tomorrow is not just any Saturday.

The 11th annual Super Saturday benefits The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, with a designer garage sale, kids’ carnival and gourmet goodies on the agenda. Yes, the entrance price is steep, but it goes toward a good cause. Get there early to snag designer deals from the likes of Catherine Malandrino, DVF, Ferragamo and Tory Burch. Little shoppers will get a kick out of pony rides, face painting, customized T-shirts and cupcake decorating. And keep an eye out for lots of celebs.

Tickets are available online. Don’t say nobody told you.

When: Sat. 7/26, 12-6pm; $450-$650 Adults, $150 Kids.
Where: Nova’s Ark Project, Water Mill, ocrf.org.

Fireworks!

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008

oceanfestposter2008opt.jpgThe Fourth of July brings out the kid in all of us — the ice cream, the hot dogs, not to mention the fireworks. Catch some the biggest shows in the country right here in the area. Below are some top picks for Friday:

NYC
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
The nation’s largest celebration kicks off with a big bang — and big crowds. Get there early to snag a spot, and tune to 1010 WINS for musical accompaniment.
When: Fireworks start around 9pm; Free.
Where: East River bet. 23rd & 42nd St. Enter the FDR Drive at 23rd, 38th and 42nd St. only. Or explore the view from South Street Seaport, Long Island City, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park or Greenpoint, macys.com.

Roosevelt Island Fireworks Festival
Skip the chaos and head to Roosevelt Island’s Southpoint Park to watch the fireworks on the East River. Kids will enjoy entertainment like face painting, balloon twisting, juggling and music.
When: Gates open at 5pm; $20 (advance purchase required).
Where: Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island, rioc.com.

Long Island
Fireworks Spectacular at Jones Beach
Long Island’s biggest and best display includes vibrant colors and awesome sounds simulcast to a musical array of patriotic songs.
When: Fireworks start around 9:30pm; Free.
Where: Jones Beach State Park, Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, nysparks.com.

New Jersey
Oceanfest
The biggest seasonal event on the Jersey Shore happens every year in Long Branch. The annual family-friendly festival starts with crafts, carnival acts, sand sculpture, live music and food vendors, and ends with a thrilling fireworks display.
When: 10am-10pm, fireworks at 9:30pm.
Where: The Promenade, Long Branch, New Jersey, longbranchchamber.org.

In the House

Friday, June 27th, 2008

You finally scored an invite to your chic city neighbor’s fab Hamptons house (or hey, maybe you have one of your own, no judgment). You’re ditching town ASAP to head East, but what to bring the hostess who has everything?

Try the new haute couture haven Bellhaus, which brings fabulousity and exclusivity to a whole new level. OK, you won’t have time to order a bespoke creation before sunset cocktails, but pick up giftable candles, fragrance, skincare or books for your happy weekend home (and tell Junior not to touch — anything).

Actually, get one of each — just in case the kid spills or (gasp) breaks something. You want to be invited back next month.

Open Mon.-Sat. 11am-8pm, Sun. 12-6pm. 328 Montauk Highway, Wainscott, 631-537-5050, bellhaus.net.