Long Island is just 118 miles wide, the smallest part of New York State, and arguably home to the most conceited people. Between Suffolk and Nassau counties, there are endless possibilities of things to do. Home to over seven million people, this small island contains everything you could ever want to live a happy life, and that contributes to the conceitedness. How could you not be? It is home to incredible beaches, the best bagels and pizza, Jones Beach, Splish Splash, and so much more. Long Islanders are very proud of where they come from, and often feel that everybody else should feel the same way too. At a college in the middle of Central New York, Long Islanders often butt heads with Upstaters about which place of upbringing is best. Here are 10 reasons Long Island will always triumph Upstate New York.
The Beaches.
Between the North Fork and the South Fork, there is a beach accessible by at least 10 minutes to everyone. Being able to walk or bike to your local beach is a blessing in the summertime. If you've never been to Cupsogue or Ponquogue on a hot day in July, you haven't lived.
Ralph's Italian Ices.
Everybody's favorite place to hit in the summer. Trying to explain what an Italian Ice or a Creme Ice is to someone from upstate is impossible until they get a taste of it for themselves. Twister Tuesday's? See you there.
Carvel.
A famous ice cream chain that nobody above Westchester has ever heard of. Fudgie the Whale means nothing to them, and they certainly don't know the feeling when you walk into Carvel on Wednesday's Buy-1-Get-1-Free night and finding no line. It's equivalent to hitting the lottery, honestly.
The Malls.
Anyone from Long Island would scoff at the idea of having to drive almost an hour just to go to American Eagle or Nike. Between Riverhead Tanger Mall, Deer Park Tanger Mall, Smithhaven, or Roosevelt Field, there is a mall within a 20 mile radius no matter where you are on the island.
Pizza.
Yes, the pizza is better. Yes, there are at least three pizza places in every town. I will remind you at every opportunity that my pizza is better than yours. No, I'm not sorry about it.
Bagels.
Yes, the bagels are infinitely better than anywhere else. People upstate don't even know the beauty of an Egg Everything, which is just appalling.
Concerts at Jones Beach.
What could possibly compare to tailgating in the parking lot all day long before watching your favorite artists perform surrounded by water? Nothing. Feeling the cool air from the water while everybody belts out their favorite song lyrics is an indescribable feeling. You simply cannot compare that to Bethel Woods or anywhere else.
Lacrosse.
Lacrosse is a sport foreign to people from upstate. They don't understand the game, nor do they want to try and understand it. Lacrosse is exciting to watch, far more interesting than baseball. Watching guys hit one another with sticks just sounds interesting to watch. But you'll soon find yourself hooked on the sport and the energy that comes with it.
Splish Splash.
Everybody's favorite Top-10-Water-Park-in-America, and it's in everyone's backyard. Everyone goes to Splish Splash during the summer for a trip down the Lazy River and a view of the LIE from Cliff Diver. Their catchy slogans will bring you back each and every summer. Get Set to Get Wet and enjoy your daycation at everyone's favorite water park.
Billy Joel.
When you're drunkenly singing along to Piano Man at the bar at 2 in the morning, just remember he came from the place you love to hate. Everybody knows either a cool girl from the South Shore or a rich girl from the North Shore. Everybody loves Billy Joel and his music, and he just happens to be the cherry on top of the cake.
