Four Things to do this Fourth of July

Nathan's 2011 Hot Dog Eating Contest

A surf-side hot dog eating contest is arguably the most American activity a person can engage in, short of smearing oneself in red, white and blue body paint and hunting for bald eagles while leaning out of a Jeep Wrangler. Because the latter is illegal (for most of us), we recommend you head out to Nathan's on Coney Island at 12 p.m. for a chance to glimpse some of the great eaters of our time. Nathan's is located at 1310 Surf Ave.

Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks (from Brooklyn)

After the meanies at Macy's snatched the fireworks away from the East River and installed them over the Hudson in 2009, Independence Day has been a bit less climactic for residents of the outer-boroughs. For those of too surfeit with barbecued pork to consider schlepping into the city, McBrooklyn tells us that the East River State Park in Williamsburg offers decent views with minimal inconvenience.

Watch a Cheap Ball Game

Remember a minute ago when we said eating 1,000 hot dogs near the beach was the most patriotic of American pastimes? We might have to walk that back a bit. Because it turns out that watching a baseball game—while eating (slightly less than 1,000) hot dogs near the beach is even better. Check out the Brooklyn Cyclones as they face off against the Williamsport Crosscutters on Wednesday evening at Coney Island's MCU Park.

Eat, Drink and be Merry

Grub Street has some ideas for Independence Day-drinking and eating around the city. Though only two of the suggested spots are in Brooklyn, there's no reason to limit your day off to just one borough—especially when there's watermelon cocktails to be had.

How are you spending your Fourth of July? Tell us in the comments.