While every article feels like a list of reasons we should be proud to live in Maine, we thought we'd give you even more reasons to love Vacationland. From perfect seaside sunsets to unique eats that can only be found here, Maine is a place I am proud to call home.

1. We live in a place that represents all the beauty that life should be.

...And we make sure that everyone coming in knows what to expect. We're helpful that way.

2. We're wicked smaht! With schools like Colby...

...Bowdoin

...Bates

...and the University of Maine system.

We churn out some wicked smahties.

3. Maine is home to Acadia National Park.

This is a beautiful sunset at the Bass Harbor Lighthouse in Acadia.

It looks even more beautiful in the snow!

4. Tough things happen in Maine!

The famous Sonny Liston / Muhammed Ali "Get up and Fight" event took place in Lewiston after being moved from Boston.

5. Other states talk about Bigfoot, but we actually (probably, maybe) have him!

Go to Turner for a firsthand look. If, however, you don't catch a glimpse of the fabled beast, you can always pay a visit to the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland instead.

6. People in Maine are the most optimistic in the country!

Vox.com recently reported on the most Googled items in each state leading up to Black Friday. According to Google Trends, Maine's most Googled item was a bathing suit. We know summer will come. Eventually.

7. The new Hulu original, an adaptation of Stephen King's "11.22.63," is directed by J.J. Abrams of the latest "Star Wars" fame.

While the long-awaited mini-series was filmed in Canada, Maine should be proud that the series based in their state also stars James Franco. Mostly, I think we can all agree that we're happy for Stephen King to have another moment in the sun. We're famous, guys!

8. We have award-winning resorts.

This fall, the readers of Conde Nast Traveler voted Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport as the #6 best place to vacation in the United States. The resort was also voted #1 in New England and #16 in the entire world. But, of course, we always knew Maine was the best place to relax.

9. Maine's favorite comic has made a national name for itself.

O'Chang Comics was recently nominated for an award in the video category in the National Science Foundation’s Visualization Challenge. The contest awards the best work in illustrating scientific principles and and new advancements. O'Chang Comics recently created a short video describing the threat to our lobsters as the waters in the Gulf of Maine become warmer.

10. Maine brews are the best!

This year, Fortune Magazine praised Maine beers after the state took home awards in 21% the categories local brewers entered at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver. That's the most of any state! Maine beers have found themselves on national lists of the best brews - from Men's Journal to Complex Magazine. It's no surprise given that the number of breweries in Maine has increased more than 50% in the last two years. We now have at least 64. Cheers!

11. Mount Katahdin is one of the best.

I know that we talk about Katahdin a lot, but this time is a bit different. Maine can be proud that Katahdin is ours, but what we've known for ages is finally known to the rest of the world. National Geographic recently named the mountain as the #2 summit hike in the entire world.

12. We've got award-winning food.

From Primo in Rockland to Duckfat in Portland, to all the other incredible restaurants North, South, East and West, Maine food is something to be proud of. Primo: 2 N Main St, Rockland, Maine / (207) 596-0770

Duckfast, Portland / 43 Middle Street, Portland Maine / (207) 774-8080

Why are you proud to live in Maine?