"It's whatever you want it to be. It’s a place that isn’t defined by its elements, but by it's people. Every New Yorker possess that IT factor. I’ve borne witness to that countless times." - JASON MOMOA

"The only city in the world that if you don’t have ADD you are not paying attention."- LINA ESCO

"New York City is many things to many people. It is a living, breathing, evolving, adaptable eco system. It is a place of wonder. For those of us not from there, but who’ve swam her streets, it is the 8th ocean." - WALTON GOGGINS

In this city which is so planned in how it is gridded and built up it is such a luxury to move about with no plans. Free to explore. We are all crammed together sometimes shoulder to shoulder (I guess that is not socially distanced) forced to accept all types at all times…this huge bouillabaisse of smells, accents, colors, languages, accents, walks, attitudes, and fashions. This is what always, drives and inspires as new ideas pop into my head. Without New York I simply would not be who I am. - MIKE D of THE BEASTIE BOYS

Over time, I became comfortable with the pace of the city, and I made enough friends there to keep my New York days full of joy and wonder. One night about a decade ago, I told my friend Will Welch about a place I pictured in my mind- like a bar, but also a lodge, but also a library- and I figured if it existed, it would be in New York City and Will would know where it was. He had a spot in mind and we walked from his Chinatown apartment to the newly-opened Bowery Hotel. I haven’t stayed anywhere else in the city since. - JASON ISBELL