Tales from the Big Apple New York City has long had a reputation as a place of excitement, wonder and opportunity. This bustling metropolis has been home to some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry and seen some of the most incredible stories ever told. For generations, New Yorkers have regaled one another with tales of the Big Apple, thrilling adventures, close calls and lucky breaks that have been part and parcel of living in the city that never sleeps.
From the roaring 1920s through to the modern day, these tales of ‘the town so nice they named it twice’ have been a source of fascination, inspiration and entertainment. As we explore these wild and wonderful stories, let’s take a journey through the ups and downs, the highs and lows of life in the Big Apple – and see how even a single glimpse through the city’s window can take us on an unforgettable ride.
Incredible Feats and Famous Landmarks
New York City is littered with landmarks that evoke feelings of awe and amazement. From the iconic Empire State Building to the sprawling Central Park, it can be easy to forget just how many incredible achievements have been made here over the centuries.
Take, for example, the Verrazzano Bridge. This engineering marvel is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and crosses the water between Brooklyn and Staten Island. Construction began in 1959 and, incredibly, it was finished in just five years! Since then, it has provided commuters and tourists with easy access to and from the boroughs, allowing the stories of New York to continue to be told.
Then there’s the Staten Island Ferry. Thousands of people use this essential service every day, and its checkered history is filled with strange and wonderful anecdotes. In the early 20th century, the ferry endured numerous changes of ownership and several familiar routes come and go over the years. Today, it’s known for being one of the most picturesque rides in the city.
The Intricate Tapestry of Cultures
One of the things that makes New York City such a unique place is its vibrant cultural diversity. Moreover, the city has a long history of welcoming those from all walks of life, who come in search of a better life.
One such migration was that of the Irish. In the 1840s, a large number of Irish immigrants poured in through Ellis Island, looking to escape poverty and political unrest in their homeland. They settled in the area known as Hell’s Kitchen, creating a community of tight-knit Irish-American families that still thrive in the district today.
Then there’s the Little Italy of Lower Manhattan. Italians began arriving in New York in the late 19th century and were met with hostility from some quarters. Nevertheless, they went on to establish themselves as a major influence in the city’s food, entertainment and tailor businesses. Little Italy thrived for decades, only being over-shadowed by a new wave of Chinese and Latin American immigrants in the 1970s.
The Rise of the Entertainment Scene
Throughout the 20th century, New York has been recognized as an epicenter of the entertainment industry. Over time, the city has weathered ups and downs in its fortunes but has always come back fighting.
In the swinging 1920s, tent shows and vaudeville theatres dotted the city, drawing on a trend of increased leisure time and more relaxed social norms. Theatres in Times Square, and on Broadway, showcased some of the earliest examples of true musical theatre; these productions drew large, dedicated crowds and formed the bedrock for the modern shows we know today.
It was also during this period that Tin Pan Alley rose to fame. This epicenter of songwriting and the American music industry was home to some of the most prolific songwriters and composers of the 20th century, including Irving Berlin and George Gershwin. It’s a name still synonymous with the New York cultural experience and is remembered fondly for its vital role in helping to promote the unique sound of New York City.
The Influence of Art and Literature
New York has also been a blossoming ground for the arts, from the imagination of painters, authors and musicians to the rise of film. Its history is littered with great artists and authors, each leaving their own stamp on the city.
One of the most well-known names is Jackson Pollock, the pioneering abstract painter who is known for his drip-style artworks. He was a part of the avant-garde art scene of the 1950s and ’60s, and today his works can be seen in some of New York’s most famous museums, such as the The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Museum of Modern Art.
Then there’s the iconic writer, Truman Capote. His most famous work, In Cold Blood, is considered to be one of the most important books of the 20th century. It was based on a real-life murder scandal, which had captivated the nation in 1959. The novel drew on his own experiences of New York, creating a unique and powerful piece of literature that has since been adapted into a successful film.
The Cuisine of New York
Travel around New York and you’ll find a diverse range of cuisines on offer, each reflecting the city’s intricate cultural tapestry. From hot dogs and hamburgers to fine Italian and Latin-American dishes, the sheer variety of food on offer is something to be savored.
One of the most iconic dishes beloved by New Yorkers is pizza. Today’s most popular recipes generally involve tomato sauce, dough and mozzarella cheese. However, the New York pizza has its own unique characteristics which are distinct from the various other types of pizza served around the world.
It is believed that the Neapolitan-style pizza brought by Italian immigrants in the early 20th century has evolved over the years, being adapted to make use of fresh ingredients that are easily available in New York. Nowadays, you’ll find pizza restaurants all over the city, offering a diverse range of recipes, from thick-crust slices to the classic thin-crust pies.
The Iconic Skyscrapers of New York
The vast skyscrapers that dominate Manhattan’s skyline are a testament to the city’s ambition and ambition. From the Empire State Building to the new One World Trade Center, they offer travelers far more than just an impressive view. Below, we take a look at three of New York’s tallest buildings and the stories behind them.
The Empire State Building is probably the most iconic structure in the city. Completed in 1931, this iconic building was the tallest in the world for nearly 40 years, standing a staggering 1250 feet tall. It stands as a symbol of the American dream, offering a glimpse into the future from it’s observation decks.
The Chrysler Building was another architectural apex of the 20th century. Built in 1929, this iconic art deco skyscraper stood over 1,046 feet tall and was known for its gleaming façade and ornamental crown. The structure was the first to surpass even the Empire State Building in height, though it has since been dwarfed by the One World Trade Center.
The One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, stands at an awe-inspiring 1,776 feet; it is the tallest building in the Western hemisphere and the sixth tallest in the world. Completed in 2014, it stands as a memorial to those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attack, and a symbol of New York’s unwavering resilience.
Though much has changed in and around New York over the decades, the city remains a place of unique culture, ambition and inspiration. As you wander the streets of the Big Apple, take the time to appreciate the incredible stories that have been woven together over centuries, creating the colourful fabric of these distinctive New York tales. No matter where your journey takes you in New York, you’re sure to find something new, something exciting and something to remember, and which will draw you back time and again.