A few of New York's favorite things:

State Flag: To the right. It depicts the figures of liberty and justice standing on either side of a shield. More information on the flag's symbolism and origin can be found here.

State motto: Excelsior, which is Latin for ever upwards.

State fruit: the apple

State fish: the Brook Trout

State muffin (yes, there is a state muffin): the apple muffin

State bird: the Eastern Bluebird

State flower: the rose

State song: I Love New York. You can read the words and listen to the lyrics here.

State insect: the nine-spotted ladybug.

You can find more information on New York's symbols at the Enchanted Learning Web site.

For quick reference facts about state geography or demographics, a good source is the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Census Bureau also has this page, geared towards students.