As the year comes to an end and the holiday season takes its stressful toll as it always does, there's no better time than now to take a moment and reflect on why it is we're so proud to call New York our home. Full of natural wonders, destinations and attractions that are unlike anything else, we may be bias but this list is full of reasons why we're so head over heels for the Empire State!

1. Watkins Glen State Park

Considered by many to be the most beautiful place in New York, Watkins Glen State Park is adorned by many for its spectacular Gorge Trail. The 2-mile long trail allows you to see a total of 19 waterfalls, even allowing you to walk behind several of them.

2. Green Lake

Out in Central New York less than a half-hour away from Syracuse, there's an incredible lake that's only like one of twelve in the entire world. Green Lake of Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville is not only made up of beautifully vibrant color, it's also so clear that you can see all the way down to the bottom of the lake. Experiencing no turnover unlike most lakes, this lake will always steal your breath away.

3. Mohonk Mountain House

Possibly the most spectacular mountain resort in our state, the Mohonk Mountain House is like stepping into a fairytale. The perfect place for adventurers to stay, the resort features a Victorian castle in the mountains that has a lakefront view, over 80 miles of hiking trails and the famed Lemon Squeeze hike that will literally take you through a crevice in the mountain. You won't find any other place like it in New York.

4. Lake Placid

One of the most unique towns in the world, it's hard to deny how special Lake Placid is when this amazing little village has managed to host the Winter Olympics not once, but twice! Made up of an amazing Main Street that's lined with charming shops and delicious eateries, this small town is full of history and jaw-dropping scenery that will make you never want to leave.

5. Heart Island

Not just Heart Island, but the Thousand Islands region in general is one that's near and dear to our hearts. The remarkable scenery that you can find along the St. Lawrence River in New York is nothing short of picture-perfect. Heart Island is home to Boldt Castle, one of our state's most impressive castles that keeps a fairytale-like landscape all throughout the year.

6. Eternal Flame Falls

With the amount of notable waterfalls in New York, it's often hard for us residents to pick out just one to point people in the direction of. But there's no denying just how epic Eternal Flame Falls is! The waterfall is visited by explorers from all over who come to see this natural wonder that features an actual flame inside of it all year round.

7. Roxbury Motel

Almost every state in our country has that one hotel that is known for being one of the most unique or quirky destinations that you can visit. And while every town and city in the Empire State can provide you with a great place to stay, the Roxbury Motel is a place where you're guaranteed to never forget your stay. The hotel is made up of themed rooms paying homage to things like Star Trek, The Wizard of Oz and other favorites that you'd never expect to find on your average getaway.

8. High Falls Gorge

Another waterfall experience that's a bit unlike any other you'll find in New York, High Falls Gorge in Wilmington will test your bravery a bit! The privately owned nature park features four major Adirondack waterfalls along the Ausable River that you'll get a chance to view from stomach-dropping boardwalks and bridges that are tucked up against the surrounding scenery.

9. Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway

Whiteface Mountain as a whole always deserves recognition, New York's 5th tallest mountain sure isn't like our other High Peaks! But it's Whiteface's scenic highway that winds up the mountain that we'd like to give praise to today. Sure you can find other roads that take you to the tops of mountains in our country and even within our state, but this one offers plenty of pull of points and and unforgettable adventure waiting for you at the end of the road.

Tell us what natural wonders or attractions you would add onto this list! To discover another destination in the Empire State that will remind you of why we love calling this place home, read about how This Might Just Be The Most Peaceful Town In New York!