Fourth of July Weekend has finally arrived! The official weekend to really kick of summer (consider Memorial Day like a pre-party). We’ve researched and taste-tested the best drinks and desserts to kick off your party the right way. Whether you’re hosting or attending, make sure you have one of these killer recipes under your belt!

Pop Rocks Rimmed Cocktails (http://pizzazzerie.com/diy/pop-rocks-rimmed-cocktails/)

Not only do these taste delicious, they have that certain pizzazz that really screams Forth of July. With three variations, you can’t go wrong! What drink could be more perfect to enjoy as you watch fireworks?

POP ROCKS ON THE BEACH

1/2 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Midori melon liqueur
1/2 oz Chambord raspberry liqueur
3 splashs Pineapple juice
Drop Watermelon Pop Rocks on top

STRAWBERRY POPPER ROCKER

1 shot Strawberry Schnapps
Fill with 7-Up
Drop Strawberry Pop Rocks on top

MALIBU POP ROCKS

1 oz Malibu rum
1 oz Blue Curacao
1 splash Pineapple juice
1 splash Cranberry juice
Drop Fruit Punch Pop Rocks on top

PATRIOTIC STRAWBERRIES (http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Stars-Stripes-Food.jpg)

All you need for these mouth-watering strawberry treats is the same pop rocks candy you used for the cocktails, as well as Vanilla frosting. Dip 3/4s of the berry in frosting and cover the tip with blue pop-rocks! Best if kept refrigerated. Enjoy!

….own the night, like the Fourth of July – Katy Perry

–Summer 2011 Intern, Lisa Glover

For all you Broadway lovers out there, whether you go to shows every weekend or you wish you could go to shows every weekend (like me), here’s something you’ll LOVE. Starting next Thursday, July 7, some of the biggest shows on Broadway will make their way to Bryant Park to perform some of their biggest hits. Every Thursday in July and the first two Thursdays in August, Bryant Park will feature four shows at a time. That’s right, I said four! It’s a theater lover’s dream. Oh and did I mention that it’s free, because it is! You just show up to Bryant Park for whichever show you want to see and let them blow your mind with their huge dance numbers and amazing cast members. Shows that will be featured include STOMP, Sister Act, Catch Me If You Can, Rock of Ages, and much more that you won’t want to miss!

Bryant Park is located behind the New York Public Library from 40th to 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. The closest subway to Broadway in Bryant Park is the 7 or B/D/F/V to 42nd Street/Bryant Park. The concerts are mostly on Thursday afternoons beginning at 12:30 p.m. and last approximately 1 hour. Admission is free. For the schedule this summer feel free to click here.

-Summer 2011 Intern, Sari

There are plenty of ways that a party can continue to go on and still be enjoyable even though it has started to rain.

If you were planning on having a pool party, a little rain wont hurt anyone. As long as there is no thunder or lightening, you would still be getting wet no matter what. Just make sure any food or music is kept somewhere where it can not get wet.  If it has began to rain, but your party has not started, you can be prepared with a tent and set it up.  To brighten it up a little bit, use outdoor lights or Christmas lights to hang up throughout the tent. 

If you are able to, move the party inside if needed.  Turn your event into a wine party or make fun beverages like margaritas, martinis, or smoothies.  Bring people back to the good ol’ days of board games and card games or invite a crowd to participate in a Rock Band Competition.  Another idea is to turn to food.  As long as the food and drinks are flowing, people will stay.  Turn your party into a baking or cooking party where everyone is involved in the process.

You could even turn your event into your own karaoke night.  Move the furniture around, create a dance floor and rock out to some of your favorite tunes, old and new.  Mix in a little alcohol and it is a good chance that people will be inspired to sing and dance in the rain.  

Some people would simply cancel because of a little rain, but as long as you are prepared and think quickly, there are so many ways to still have a great time with your friends whether it is inside or outside. 

-Summer 2001 Intern, Jackie

1.  Kayaking on the Hudson
What better way to spend a hot, June day with your dad then to go boating on the Hudson. The New York City Downtown Boathouse offers kayaking at three Hudson River docks, and it’s free! There’s no need to make a reservation, all you have to do is walk up to the dock, and maybe wait in line, but it’s worth it. Don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked before, the nautical experts provide the equipment and can instruct you how to do it. All they ask is that you wear a bathing suit, or shorts and a t-shirt. Kids under 16 must be accompanied in the boat by an adult. For more information look here.

2.  Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic
Don’t like water sports? Well then, this is the perfect thing for you! Take your dad to Marcus Garvey Park for the Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic. The day features pro, amateur, and kid races, as well as BMX stunt performances throughout the day. Additionally, the New York City Bike Bonanza teaches people new to biking the tricks of the trade and offers up free helmets. You can also get the chance to swap your bike for a better ride. You can find the race registration at the link above!  

3.  Staten Island Yankees @ Brooklyn Cyclones
So playing sports isn’t your thing, but watching them is. Go to the Staten Island Yankees vs. Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game! It might not be the major leagues, but it will be tons of fun. Head to the ballpark early for a game of catch on the field and then sit back, relax, and root for your favorite team! After the game, young kids are even allowed to run the bases! For more information and to buy tickets click here.

4.  Righteous Urban Barbecue and Golf at Chelsea Piers
Barbecue and golf make a great combination that Dad is sure to love! It is said that RUB has the best BBQ in the city and the golf range at Chelsea Piers gives you the fantasy of almost hitting balls into the Hudson. Let Dad choose the time and which activity comes first and you’re guaranteed a great day!

5.  Behind the Screens
Take Dad to the Museum of Moving Image for a day “behind the screens.” Play classic arcade games like Ms. Pac-Man and Donkey Kong at this interactive exhibit. Don’t forget to let Dad win and make him feel like a kid again! For more information make sure you visit http://www.movingimage.us/

–Sari Cohen, Summer 2011 Intern

10) Grilling Tools
Most Dads love the summer time and the best part of summer for Dads is finally getting to use their grill in the backyard.  Why not kick off the summer right by getting him some new tools so he can make the perfect burgers, steaks, or whatever he may cook.  Go the extra mile and offer to be his taste tester!

9) Alcohol
Get your father a nice aged top-shelf whiskey, bourbon or scotch.  It’s a great gift to share with him on his day and helps relieve some stress he may be feeling from those long workdays.  Also, its something he may not have gone out to go get himself.

8) Personalized Gift
Parents always like to know we love them, and that we’re not “too cool” to say it.  Get him a personalized dad gift showing how much he means to you.  You can even make something yourself to make it extremely personal.  Add a very heartfelt card and he’ll know that you will be his little girl or boy.

7) A set of Golf Clubs
No matter how good he may or may not be at the game, having new equipment or equipment for the first time will make him happy.  A nice addition would be to get him a gift certificate to the local country club for a free round.  If you have brothers and sisters this can be an easy gift to split multiple ways and you can even get another certificate for one of his friends to go with him!

6) Books
 No matter what your dad may be in to, whether it be sports, music, entertainment or just reading in general, a new book will always give him something to do for a while.  He’ll enjoy reading it and will love that the thoughtfulness came from you!

5) Gadgets
Get him his first ipod, a new phone, a new TV, or a new laptop/desktop.  Parents don’t usually go out and spend a lot on new gadgets for themselves so it will be a nice surprise.  Set it up with him, and teach him new things.  He’ll appreciate the time you take out of your day to spend with him. 

4) Sneakers/Clothes
Like we said, parents usually don’t go completely out of their way to have the hippest clothes, or a brand new pair of sneakers every month.  He’s probably wearing the same sneakers for the last couple of years that he does everything from mowing the lawn in to going to the store to pick up milk.  Surprise him with a new pair of really nice jeans or a new pair of running sneakers you know he would never get himself. 

3) Concert tickets
See if your dad’s favorite band is doing a reunion tour or coming back into your city.  Get two tickets for your parents to go.  It will make a great, thoughtful gift and allow your parents to spend time together they may not always get.  Also, you’ll please both parents! It’s a win, win!

2) Sports Tickets
It’s a great way to spend time together enjoying something you both like.  Take him to his favorite team’s game.  Depending on your financial situation, take him to an away game letting him see a new arena.  Turn it into a weekend trip if you can!

1) Landscaping Services
Most dads mow their own lawn, trim their own bushes, and get rid of all those nasty weeds.  Sign him up for a landscaping service so he can finally relax and let someone else do it for a change.  If he is the type that doesn’t like someone else taking care of his lawn then get him a new lawn mower, lawn edger, or weed whacker.  They can always use something better than what they’ve had for so long. 

–Jackie, Summer 2011 Intern