I’m sure you are reading and wondering, “how could this writer have possibly jumped to such a conclusion–a leap in logic about as large as The Big Apple itself?” However, a couple weeks ago, I ventured out to New York City and I couldn’t help but pick up on the parallels between the city that never sleeps, New York City, and the bustling college town where ain’t nothin’ finer, Athens.
It wasn’t long before I began to ask myself, “Is Athens, Georgia the new New York City?”
As someone with a Spotify subscription, I feel that I have the requisite listening experience to say that the Athens music scene basically rivals that of New York City. Who needs Radio City Music Hall or Carnegie Hall when Georgia Theatre and 40 Watt Club are a short walk from the center of downtown Athens?
Like New York City, Athens is chock full of musicians, live music and a rich history of music woven into the city’s culture. Famous bands such as R.E.M., Widespread Panic and the B-52s that came out of our city are honored by the Music Walk of Fame’s metal plaques sprinkled along the sidewalk of downtown Athens – an iconic celebration of history that bares similarity to 7th Avenue’s Fashion Walk of Fame in Manhattan.
Strolling Manhattan, I couldn’t help but think about how Athen’s culinary scene also mirrors that of New York City. Much like the concrete jungle, in Athens, you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a restaurant or coffee shop. Athens’ restaurants are celebrated for a reason. They offer a variety of cuisines, price points and environments. The Classic City hosts many favorites whose praises are sung far beyond city limits, maybe even up to New York City.
Although Athenian pizza is not all New York style, the variety of pizza places in Athens makes deciding where to dine almost as difficult as finding a bathroom in New York City. One thing you’ll never have trouble finding in the heart of, what should be called, Athens’ northern counterpart are the iconic hot-dog stands and street food establishments. Walking through Manhattan and spotting multiple per block reminded me of the Athens hot dog cart, a popular favorite among Athenians and visitors engaging with the Athens nightlife scene.
When I went to Times Square, I was unmistakably reminded of College Square, though it is ten times larger. While College Square lacks Times Squares billboards and the thousands of daily visitors, the bustling atmosphere, flush of people and heart-of-the-city vibe made the two places feel similar. Ignoring the lower human density and slightly better scent, if you have a vivid imagination, the fluorescent glow emitted by The Grill’s light up signs may even invoke the same energy as the flashing lights of Times Squares’ building-sized displays.
Although our Statue of Liberty is a series of decorated bulldog statues, and the Oconee River is slighter smaller than the Hudson, if you squint – almost to the point of blinking – Athens may really be the new New York City.
Often called the Classic City for a reason, I think that Athens is the true city that dreams are made of. If you’re an Athens resident with New York City pipe dreams, consider that the beautiful city you live in may be less far off than you think.
So, consider cancelling any future New York City travel plans, go out and explore the vivacious culture of Athens and make a brand new start of it in, what I call, the new New York City.