Saint Patricks Day Survival Tips

Soon the streets in NYC will be flooded with party goers dressed in green. After the parade, they will tumble into the nearest bar (preferably an Irish bar) as long  any kind of shamrock is displayed in a window. Even bars that you would never even think twice about going to will get crowded today as long as it displays something green in the window. The streets will be inundated with firemen and policemen (not on duty of course) roaming the streets – likely seeking libations. By the time I get out of work at 8 pm, the crowd on the streets will appear a bit tipsy. St. Patricks Day is a day for everyone to enjoy, whether it be watching the parade, dressing in your favorite green outfit or having a few brews!

Here are some St. Paddy’s Day thoughts to get you in the mood:
1.Go green. Get in the spirit, wear some green and try a green beer. I read this statistic: Pubs and bars use more green food dye on St. Patricks day than on any other day … hmmm… why would they ever use green food dye on any other day?

2. Check out the St. Patricks Day Parade (this link gives great info) This  annual parade down Fifth Avenue honors the patron saint of Ireland and is a New York tradition that dates as far back as 1766.  The festivities kick off at 44th Street and Fifth Avenue at 11:00 am on  March 17th, with bagpipers, high school bands, and the ever-present politicians making their way up Fifth Avenue to 86th Street, where the parade will probably finish around 4:30 or 5:00 pm. The New York Convention & Visitors Bureau says that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest and most famous of the many parades held in the city each year.

The best viewing spots are toward the north end of the parade route, away from the shopping and work-a-day crowds that throng the sidewalks below 59th Street. Try sitting on the upper steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a great view or catching a close-up view of the marchers where the parade turns east on 86th Street.

 For those people interested in the traffic situation: The Central Park transverse roads will stay open to traffic. Pedestrian crossing along the parade route will be allowed on 49th Street to 55th Street, 57th Street and 58th Street, 59th Street eastbound only and 60th Street westbound only.

3. Indulge in Irish food. Get into the spirit and have an Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage.  

 4. Loosen your belt notch as you prepare to build your beer belly. Check out the calories in these libations.

*Keep in mind if you add whipped cream to your Irish Coffee, you will tack on ~ 75 – 100 calories.

5. Check out Behind the Burner’s St. Paddy’s Day tips: What Ales You? Our Top 5 Picks for Celebrating St. Patty’s (Without the Green Beer)

6. If you get a chance, visit Chicago on St. Patrick’s day. They dye the entire Chicago river green. (see pic). Can you imagine the Hudson River being dyed green. I guess it doesn’t have too as it already has a somewhat greenish appearance.

Happy St. Patricks Day!