It is New York State or the state of New York.
It's New York State. You will see the word "state" in "New York State" uncapitalized all the time, even in newspapers and magazines, which presumably should know better. But that is wrong. People...
New Years Eve and St. Patricks Day share equal billing.
No, but it has a state muffin (apple)
No, New york isn't an island. There are islands in new york though (Manhattan).