“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” Jawaharial NehruDid you get your invite?To what?Well to the 125th Anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. Oh, yeah and the 235th year of the United States of America.No? OK, well don’t worry it must be in the mail so ... well here’s your very own invite from the lady from France who symbolises the freedom and liberty that the United States of America was founded on.She is entering her 125th year, a milestone by anyone’s imagination. But why imagine it at all? Which leads me to this week’s Rock Fever column and this month’s featured destination: New York City.Like I said in May, I am going to feature a place to go every month (with a month to plan, hence July). This time? Well it just had to be that Big Apple.Which brings me to reason one for visiting New York for the July 4 weekend and that’s the price! Yep, on American Airlines the flights were a little more than $300 and on Jet Blue they were a little more than $350 for flights leaving here on July 1 and returning on July 5. Not a bad long weekend, no?But I’ve been to New York before .....why go back?My reason two is that July 4 weekend in New York City is going to be a special place this year as the Statue of Liberty turns 125 years old!Not only does she have a major birthday, but so does the United States, which will be celebrating 235 years. These birthdays mean July 4 this year even has a theme: The Gift of Freedom! Reason three to visit New York City: it will also be a wonderful place to navigate. Most of the residents leave for the weekend and head to the beaches leaving streets quieter than normal.Which brings me to reason four: the fireworks! This year the six massive barges that line the river between 20th Street and 55th Street will launch Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks display at 9pm and in time with music which will all be in tune with this year’s theme.It’s a stunning display and anywhere in New York with a view of the river will see the performance! You need a fifth reason to visit New York for July 4 weekend? OK, well are you a fan of hot dogs? How about watching people trying to jam as many as they can in their mouths on Coney Island?Every year Nathan’s Restaurant/hot dog stand holds its famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest which starts at 12pm on an Island renowned for tacky.It’s the 96th year and, of course, Nathan’s has already held a qualifying tour to ensure only the best are there.My reason six to visit New York is the food!They have everything from a restaurant dedicated to celiacs (the Risotteria has gluten-free pizzas, breadsticks, desserts, everything) to amazing Indian food-filled streets in Jackson Heights, in Queens.Yes, Queens. New York City is not just Manhattan, folks.I know Manhattanites can struggle with leaving their borough except for a plane, but my reason seven for visiting New York City over the holiday weekend is to give yourself the chance to explore the other boroughs.Brooklyn is beautiful with tree-lined streets in Park Slope or the artist-lined streets in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Don’t forget the Greek food in Astoria, Queens or the zoo in the Bronx.The best part and my reason eight for visiting New York City is that it caters to all budgets.So while celebrating freedom, why don’t you do it with something free?! Stop-by Bryant Park, which is right next to Times Square, for your outdoor and free HBO Bryant Park Summer film festival. On July 4 they will be showing Easy Rider.In Central Park there is also a series of free concerts all summer! Want to spend your money?Well then reason nine to visit New York this July is to head to Wall Street (where there used to be money, anyway).It has been almost ten years since the fateful day that changed the world and construction is beginning on the grounds of the Twin Towers.Stop and pay your respects and marvel at how central the towers were. And that brings us to our final reason for visiting New York for July 4th and that is: New York City is always changing.There is no end to what you will be able to find and what you will be able to do in this dynamic city. Go for July 4th and return the next week and enjoy their Restaurant week which features some of the best in the city for only $24 for lunch!I mean really is there a better way to spend a weekend?Until next week, adios.