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ExploreNew York, the Empire State with the City That Never Sleeps, is often referred to as the Center of the Universe. The home to nearly two hundred colleges, seven Presidents of the United States (including the beloved Donald J. Trump), the single largest state park in the country, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, and so much more, it is not hard to see where the nickname comes from.
Focusing down south for a minute, New York City’s five distinct boroughs give the Capital of the World its unique and undying personality. From Staten Island to Queens, every New Yorker shares the same vigor and spirit (and intricate knowledge of the subway).
But that’s not to say the rest of the state is a waste of space. Upstate New York has Buffalo, West Point Military Academy, and Niagara Falls! NYC is nothing without the ‘NY.’
New York’s history is a part of United States history. For centuries, massive Native American populations lived across New York, including the powerful Iroquois Confederacy. After its rechristening from New Amsterdam in 1664, the state grew into a stronghold for the independence movement. Seeing its fair share of battles and campaigns (not to mention the turning point of the entire Revolutionary War), New York City was adopted as the nation’s capital for some time. Serving as the major entry point of the United States, New York is a true melting pot, seamlessly integrating immigrant culture into American life and giving us salsa music, Chinatown, and Jerry Seinfeld.
From the Ramones to Vampire Weekend, New York has a strong history with music. Often acknowledged as the birthplace of hip hop, punk rock, disco, and more, the City of New York boasts Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and countless street performers enriching day-to-day life with vibrant sounds (and one too many accordion players). Its position as a music mecca brought the Big Apple to prominence as the cultural hub of the United States in the early twentieth century, ensuring music has its roots in New York and New York has its roots in music.
With anyone from the Beastie Boys to Skyzoo, artists from the Empire State share one distinct feature: They are true to themselves. Each performer brings a unique voice to the party, creating a mad flurry of music that can only be that of New York.
In addition to music, New York loves its sports! No matter what it is (football, hockey, underwater basketweaving) New York is sure to have a team for everyone. Do you like basketball (and Charles Oakley)? Say no more.
What about baseball? New York has a couple of those teams.
And we all know where the true home of the Dodgers really is.
How about ice hockey? Well, let me answer your question with another question. Islanders or Rangers?
Does New York like its football? Could switching to GEICO really save you 15% or more on car insurance? (The correct answer is yes.)
Heck, New York even has sports teams for all of its fantastic beasts!
New Yorkers did not make their city the largest in the world through days off and coffee breaks. With dedication and drive, New York embodies the American spirit of never giving up what you want and always standing up for what you believe in. It may not be the happiest place on earth, but it is definitely the hardest working.
