If you've lived in New York long, then you already know just how special of a state this is. But sometimes after you've been here for a while it becomes easy to forget about all of the things that we take advantage of while we get to call this place our home. Here to remind you of some of our most unique attractions and incredible destinations, take a look at some of the unique things that make living in New York so great!

1. America's oldest natural attraction.

If you've yet to visit Ausable Chasm, this natural New York attraction should certainly be at the top of your bucket list. Known for being the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, the park opened up to the public back in 1870 and has been providing visitors with adventure ever since.

2. Garbage Plates that will quench your hunger.

Say the name of this dish to those who are from out of state and you'll most likely get a head-turning reaction. But here in New York? The term simply refers to one of our most famous dishes that we couldn't be more proud of. Straight out of Rochester, Nick Tahou's is where this hearty dish comes from and we'll never stop eating it.

3. A waterfall that has an actual flame inside of it. Yes, a flame!

There are quite a few waterfalls around New York that have unusual names, but Eternal Flame Falls actually describes exactly what it is. The waterfall in Orchard Park naturally emits gas, so when you spark a flame to it it stays naturally lit. Sometimes throughout the year, you'll find that the flame goes out but it can always be re-lit and forever living up to its name. This is one natural wonder that will drop your jaw.

4. A town where only Mediums are allowed to live.

That's right! If you visit the town of Lily Dale you'll get to experience what it's like to be surrounded by things that are a bit out of the ordinary. In order to live in the gated community of Lily Dale, one must be a Medium and pass a series of tests to prove that they actually are what they say they are. Open to visitors every year from June through September, there's nothing quite like this place.

5. And a town that will make you feel like you've stepped right into The Wizard of Oz.

A destination that's hiding right under our noses, the small town of Chittenango is actually the hometown of author L. Frank Baum! Embracing The Wizard of Oz lifestyle, in town you'll find a Yellow Brick Road Casino, a small poppy field, the All Things Oz Museum, and even a yellow brick road look-a-like sidewalk. You'll be blown away by all of the town's charm. It's one of the most unique places in New York!

6. A strange little Shark Girl sitting by the water.

Visit Buffalo's Canalside and you'll find a quirky Shark Girl waiting for you to take a selfie with her by the water. The odd piece of art has been in the park since 2012, becoming one of those things that our residents either love or hate. Either way, we'll always have Shark Girl!

7. The world's largest pancake griddle.

Aside from the fact that New York is home to the world's largest pancake griddle, things get even more strange when you learn that this unique cooking appliance is hanging for all to see on the side of a building in a small town. Out in the Finger Lakes in Penn Yan, the enormous griddle was used to make the world's largest pancake in 1987.

8. An entire museum dedicated to salt.

Have you ever had so much love for salt that you created a museum that's dedicated to it? No? Well, then you probably aren't from New York. Right in Central New York where you can find our true salt-loving residents, Liverpool is home to the Empire State's very own Salt Museum.

9. The world's largest formation of Quartz conglomerate.

The sentence above may not sound like the most exciting attraction in the world, but once you see Olean's Rock City Park for yourself you'll quickly understand what all the hype is about. The park covers over 20 acres and features enchanting trails that will take you through some of the largest rock formations you'll find in New York.

10. A singing forest that's more magical than you could imagine.

If you haven't heard of The Wild Center up in Tupper Lake then there's a good chance that you've been living underneath one of the enormous formations at Rock City Park. This year the small town gem introduced their very own singing forest, where 24 speakers are hidden throughout the woods that play out Pete Weyer's magical composition "I Walk Towards Myself".

11. A city that smells like Cheerios.

If you've ever found yourself traveling around the city of Buffalo and thought you were going crazy because you couldn't stop smelling Cheerios, don't be so hard on yourself. What some people may not know is that the General Mills plant can be found right along the Buffalo River, giving the city the aroma of one of your favorite cereals.

12. A house that's so spooky it was declared legally haunted.

If you haven't previously read our post about New York's legally haunted house, then you should. The story goes that this house that sits along the Hudson River is so creepy that a judge declared it to be legally haunted, a case that became famously known as the Ghost Busters Ruling. Eek!

13. A 2-mile-long trail that brings you around and underneath a total of nineteen waterfalls.

Each state throughout our country has its own state park that they're famously known for, New York's being Watkins Glen. The enchanting state park is made up of gorgeous stone staircases and endless waterfalls that will leave you speechless. There's truly no place like home. Life in New York sure is special.

Take a look at this video on Watkins Glen State Park by @OnlyInYourState:

What's something that makes you love living in New York? To have your breath further stolen away from you, plan a day trip to These 11 Scenic Overlooks In New York That Will Leave You Speechless!

Do you love New York as much as I do? Well, then show off your state pride with New York accessories and apparel from our friends at Wear Your Roots!