Although we make fun of our state a lot, Ohioans secretly (and not so secretly) love Ohio. No matter where we end up in life---our heart will always be in the Buckeye State. From the scenic back road drives we take when we're feeling inspired to the lakeside "beach" days we take when we need a break from it all, here 15 things we love about Ohio:

1. Driving the back roads

In between Ohio's cities, amusement parks and other attractions is some of the best country road scenery you'll ever take in.

2. The smell and fall foliage of autumn

Sure, our seasons occur out of sequence and at any given time, but the three days out of the year we DO have fall are pure bliss.

3. Ohio Bicentennial Barns

All throughout the state, these beautiful barns give our state a unique stamp on America the Beautiful. (The pictured barn is located in Stark County.)

4. Our covered bridges

Ohio is full of some of the most beautiful covered bridges. In fact, it almost has the most covered bridges in the U.S. (Pennsylvania actually has the most, followed by Ohio.) Pictured is the Bridge of Dreams, which stretches over the Mohican River along the Mohican Valley Trail in Union Township.

5. The rolling hills of Ohio Amish Country

Ohio has the largest Amish population of any state in the nation. (As of 2000, the Amish population in Ohio was 49,750. Pennsylvania comes in at number 2 with an Amish population of 40,100.)

6. Our state parks

They're full of adventure just waiting to be had. (Pictured is Old Man's Cave at Hocking Hills State Park.)

7. The buckeyes

No other state has a candy this delicious. Period.

8. The small town charm...

(Pictured is Yellow Springs, Ohio.)

9. ...and the nighttime cityscapes

(Pictured is the Cincinnati skyline and the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge.)

10. The captivating shores of Lake Erie...

(Pictured is the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse.)

11. ...and the calming waters of the Ohio River

(Pictured is the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers in Marietta, Ohio.)

12. The people...

Ohioans are some of the most innovative, laid-back and heartfelt individuals who thoroughly appreciate the good things in life.

13. ...and their sense of humor

We’re secure in who we are. We can take all your Ohio jokes —and will likely even make some of our own.

14. Our hidden gems

(Pictured is Brandywine Falls at Cuyahoga National Park.)

(Pictured is The Chateau Laroche in Loveland, Ohio.)

(Pictured is Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton, Ohio.)

15. Living in the "heart of it all."

There's no place like Ohio.

Why will your heart always be in Ohio?