Thanksgiving in New York City

Hi....
Here it is, my very first foray into the world of blogging. It seems kind of presumptuous to assume that someone else out there would be interested in reading my thoughts, but people tell me this is the wave of the future, so here goes.
For you reading this who don't know, I am a children's musician (singer, songwriter, performer, recording artist) by profession. Here's my website if you want to know more about me www.judypancoast.com.
I thought I would start by sharing a tip with you that I thought of about 7 years ago and which has become a tradition in my family:
If you live within 5 hours of New York City, drop all your Thanksgiving plans and take your kids to see the Macy's Parade. Don't just think about it, do it!
The year after my father passed away I was dreading the thought of Thanksgiving and all the usual stress that accompanies what is supposed to be a lovely holiday and time of thanks. Then the thought popped into my head that we could avoid the mess, the stress and the distress by simply breaking the rules and taking our family to New York for the holiday. We live in NH, about 4.5 hours away from the city. I got a $50 hotel room near the CT/NY border on Priceline for Thanksgiving Eve. We went down and spent the night there and drove into the CITY very early the next morning. We took a turn off the West Side Highway, parked in a garage and staked out a spot along the parade route. There is nothing like the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade up close. Those balloons are bigger than you can possibly tell by just watching it on TV! It was amazing and our kids were delighted, as were we. After the parade we went to lunch at the Hard Rock, where I had the traditional Thanksgiving dinner and the rest of the family had whatever they wanted.
The first year we also went to Radio City Music Hall to see the Christmas Spectacular, but in subsequent years we have done less expensive things, such as hit a movie in Times Square, visit Madame Tussaud's, and skating in Central Park. In the early evening we get a slice of NY City Pizza, and then we head home.
Thanksgiving Day in New York has become the Pancoast family tradition. Last year we skipped it and had our turkey at home and my kids were just miserable, so we have vowed never to miss it again. I know that someday I will be standing there with a grandchild in my arms, watching those amazing balloons float by.
Even if you don't do it every year, you have got to plan to do it at least once before your kids grow up. You'll make memories that you and your family will always cherish.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Judy