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Top Spots Around the Nation to Ring in the New Year

Shandana A. Durrani
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Millions of Americans face a crisis of epic proportions every year: what shall I do on New Years Eve? You don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of your work colleagues come January, especially that annoying frat boy who tries to top everyone in the office with his stories. Most of us have a game plan already but for those that don’t, here are four unique celebrations around the nation sure to make you the envy of your co-workers.

Bayside Marketplace

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Miami

Miami is known for its posh nightclubs and celebrity-drenched scene, which can get annoying very fast. For a fun time without the hassle, head to Bayside Marketplace. The food and shopping emporium hosts Latin entertainers such as Henry Santos and Oro Solida on New Years Eve. Many of the restaurants—Hard Rock Cafe, Tradewinds Bar and Grill, Los Ranchos, Largo Bar and Grill, Mambo Café, The Knife, etc.—will offer dinner specials. The open-air mall is a prime spot at which to see the fireworks on Biscayne Bay and the iconic Big Orange, as it slowly ascends 400 feet to the top of the InterContinental Hotel.

Sea Island Resort

Sea Island, Georgia

Historic Sea Island Resort in Georgia gets a makeover every New Years Eve and this year is no exception. Start the night in The Cloister Clubroom with a Great Gatsby-themed dinner, complete with live music and a variety show. Follow that up with Bobby and the Artisocrats! in The Cloister Ballroom until the midnight fireworks show at The Cloister Black Banks Terrace. A Champagne toast is included and there is no cover charge for entrance to The Cloister Ballroom. Intrepid guests can dip their tootsies—and everything else—in the frigid Atlantic Ocean during the resort’s annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 1.

The Fillmore Theatre

Detroit

The historic Fillmore Theatre in Downtown Detroit plays host to the Resolution Ball, one of the Midwest’s largest and most exclusive New Years Eve parties. The iconic space gets a Vegas-styled makeover, complete with circus performers and illusionists. Guests will be treated to a Champagne toast as well as a confetti storm and midnight buffet. DJ Tommy Holiday and DJ Cue host the main stage. If Jazz and blues are more to your liking, head next door to the State Bar for the stylings of Carey Heller. While black-tie is optional, looking slovenly is not. VIP booths and group discounts are available.

RMS Queen Mary

Long Beach, California

The RMS Queen Mary celebrates its 80th anniversary next year and what better way to toast the grand dame than to spend New Years Eve on the historic ship. The Queen Mary’s Ultimate New Year’s Eve Voyage celebrates the different destinations the ocean liner journeyed to over its storied 30 years of service. Head to Bombay, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Cherbourg, France, and Clydebank, Scotland, while you sip signature cocktails, get henna tattoos or Bossa Nova. Guests have the option of three classes of packages: VIP gets you onto all decks and salons, as well as four cocktails and a premium spot on deck to catch the fireworks on the water. First and Tourist Class enjoy some of the same perks. Upgrades include seated dinner at several lounges on the ship, as well as bottle service and overnight stays.

The Top of The Standard

New York City

A story about New Years Eve celebrations wouldn’t be complete without mention of New York City. But you don’t want to be anywhere near Times Square that night. Enjoy the festivities in a cozy lounge at The Top of The Standard hotel in the Meatpacking District. Swedish group Icona Pop will perform in the main room for a standing-room-only crowd. If bottle service is more to your liking, the hotel has four options. The Hudson offers bottle service for tables of four to eight guests with southern views of the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty.  The Empire State, North Fire and South Fire offer better northerly views of the celebrations uptown as well as cozier environs for smaller parties. Only deep-pocketed, well dressed persons need apply. Options run from $1,500 to $6,000.

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