In New York City, in the summer, cross-island ferries shuttle tourists and leftover stud ents from Manhattan to the beaches of Governor's Island for free concerts and festivals as locals hop on the next train out of town for the calmer and cooler sands of The Hamptons and Fire Island. Even a trip down to the Jersey Shore isn't out of the question, especially on a holiday weekend. And, then there are those of us who sweat it out in the heat of the Manhattan solstice and keep the party alive on the steamy city streets.

This 4th of July weekend started with an early round of fireworks for all of us. Our PR Director, Paige Skolnick and I kicked off the weekend at ReUnion on Park Avenue with supreme bottle service and a table with a perfect view of the center of the dance floor.  Not surprised by the attentive service, but exceptionally impressed, I would suggest making ReUnion a weekly stop on your Friday night lineup.

I was pleased to see that CV was packed when we got out of the cab after heading downtown from Union Square.  After 2am, though, the small, intimate setting becomes a little too intimate, so be sure to get there early, and hey, be on a guest list, because the door is tight so don't think you're just going to walk in.

Across town on The Bowery we stopped in for late-night at Katra.  Chris Collins, co-owner of the exclusive LES nightclub treated our party to a center aisle VIP table and a personal fireworks display shooting off the side of our champagne coolers. The early-30s crowd didn't seem to care that the 4am hour was drawing near as the music was cranked up for the final sets.  

It was great to spend the early hours of Saturday morning with a hyped up crowd alongside the lovely ladies of Joonbug and my friend Joe.  

So, making the unreal real?  I think Joe would agree that as a New York nightlife virgin, the style and service of each club makes or breaks the experience.  Where else in the world will your bottle come out with a complete set of personal fireworks? Only in New York.

-Chet-