Happy 4th July

First and foremost, Happy 4th July…if you care! This is a big deal in the states and today many people wished me a happy 4th July to which I always responded with, ‘err, thanks!’ I had read about the shopping factory outlets in NY to be the best in the states, which would make sense given New York City is the fashion capital. So I figured today would be a good day to check the shops out because there would be extra sales on over the long weekend and that it might be quieter because of people leaving the city for the long weekend. One tour company takes you out to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets that are located in New Jersey, which is where I am to head to. It is quite far away like all these factory outlet places so the best way to get to them is via a tour. I was super keen to check these factory outlets out as there was a Betsey Johnson outlet and she’s one of my favourite designers.

So I chose to take the 10am tour from Port Authority Bus terminal to head out to Woodbury. Well didn’t I make a mistake thinking it would be a breeze heading out to the shops today. I got to the tour only to find a line about 100 metres long of people waiting to get onto the bus. My thoughts at first were ‘oh crap’, but as I had this already planned in my head and a lot of other places were closed for the holiday I decided to plow on and wait in the line. Well 40 minutes later and I had got onto a bus as they had provided extra buses. It was at this point that I thought the crowds at the actual shops might be horrendous. It had been raining lightly in the morning but had finally stopped, but that didn’t mean the leak in the bus roof didn’t drip on me the entire time I was riding. About an hour later, longer due to holiday traffic, I had arrived at Woodbury Common. It was very spread out and I soon see it isn’t as busy as I had feared. I head straight to the Visitor’s Centre to get my coupon booklet that can be used in the stores. I didn’t have long as I was warned by the bus driver that the traffic back into the city might be really bad and if I am to make the 4th July fireworks, I would have to leave enough time. It was time for some hard core shopping! My first destination was Betsey Johnson. They had a buy one get one free sales on dresses so I totally scored and saved about $400. You can’t believe the savings at these stores. After spending a lot of time deciding what to get in Betsey Johnson I head out and see what else is about. I walk past the Gucci store and find HUGE lines to get in, and there was also huge lines for True Religion Jeans store. This is the first factory outlet mall that has chain stores and all the high designer clothing like Dolce and Gabbana and Chanel as well. People are walking around with huge bags and some people bring luggage to carry their stash in. Time was quickly running out if I wanted to catch an early bus back so I checked out another couple of stores and got super lucky. I got a dress I saw in a magazine on the plane over to the US from $130 to $25 which is hard to beat. At 3.30pm I was ready to head back on the bus. I was happy with my purchases and what I saved. After an hour, with no real bad traffic I was back in New York City.

I was aiming to check out the Macy’s 4th July fireworks, a famous tradition on this holiday, so I had to quickly change and make my way over to the East River to watch. Many people were also doing the same as the streets were filled with people heading in the same direction. I had a quick look in a few stores on the way (I love how shops stay open till 9pm every night) :) and got to 41st to enter the fireworks zone. Well no such luck on this occasion as the police had closed off that entrance as it was only an hour and a half away from show time. It was raining again, only lightly, but that made it a bit more miserable than I would have liked it. Well, the police instructed everyone to try the 46th St entrance, so off I went. The police were right and I managed to get in there. It’s not a great spot, but it’ll do as ultimately fireworks don’t really do it for me in a big way.

After feeling the burn in my legs from standing in a crowded spot for an hour the fireworks got started. It was odd to see fireworks that had no music or commentary like I was used to and the crowd didn’t react as much as the crowds in Australia do. The fireworks lasted for about half an hour and they were impressive. I think the Aussie’s do it better, and are more fortunate to be able to use the Harbour Bridge, but the USA still did put on a good show. Luckily I was positioned under the highway so I didn’t get wet from the rain. As soon as the fireworks ended, the thousands of people who attended quickly got up and left. I thought I’d do the smart thing and wait a few minutes until the crowd thinned out but I was quickly moved on by the Police. Speaking of Police, I have to comment on how good looking so many of them are. I don’t know if it’s the uniform or not, but they are attractive! So I did as I was told and headed back to Times Square in the hope to grab something to eat as I hadn’t had dinner and it was 11pm.

I got to Times Square about 20 minutes later, a lot slower due to the crowds and ended up in Ruby Tuesdays restaurant. I quickly ate something and headed back to my hotel for some zzz’s.

What I learnt in New York City today:

• It has the best discount shopping I have ever seen. As a shopaholic, that says A LOT!
• There are so many Police roaming the streets. Everywhere and anywhere. It makes you feel pretty secure and they are all friendly towards you.
• Expect to pay more when eating and drinking in Times Square. A 20% tip was automatically included in my dinner bill.

The line to get into the Gucci factory outlet at Woodbury Common. I didn't try and get in. Too expensive, even if it is on sale!

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in New Jersey. Furla on the left, Chanel in the centre, Saks on the right.

The famous Times Square. Note the crowds. Well it doesn't let up from 9am to 12am at night.

Times Square. This shot was taken about 20 metres from my hotel. Nice, huh.

The New York Library (in face lift mode). It's the venue where Carries almost Marries Big. Yes, thats right, i am that sad.

My shitty shot of the fireworks. They were much more impressive than this picture suggests.