The Big Apple, the concrete jungle, the city that never sleeps. Whatever you call it, we can all agree everybody loves New York City. I travel quite a bit, but there’s no place I love traveling to as much as that amazing city.

There’s something for everybody in New York, and I’m not talking about the typical tourist attractions.  Recently I visited my cousin who lives in the city, and he showed me a wicked side the tourists don’t see. From amazing coffee shops in West Village to the terrific restaurants in Brooklyn, I felt like a true part of the NYC culture.

But out of all of those experiences, one specific one stood out for me. I got to be backstage at Madison Square Garden during a concert, which is not something many people can say. It was surreal, watching Widespread Panic play from backstage, unlimited access to anywhere in the building and even hanging out with the band before the show.

My most recent trip to New York will always be an experience to remember, and New York itself will always have a place in my heart.