Looking back on 2017, Ohio truly lived up to its slogan, "The Heart of It All."

The Buckeye State received plenty of national attention this year not just for breaking news, but for everything from its colleges and hospitals to its drinking and party scene.

So, how did Ohio stack up against other states this year? Take a look at a roundup of its accomplishments — and its downfalls — below.

How is it, overall?

Sure, it's not New York or Los Angeles — but, sometimes, that's a good thing. Check out the accolades Ohio and its biggest cities made away with this year.

► U.S. News and World Report: These are the best cities to live in Ohio

► Cincinnati ranks among WalletHub's most pet-friendly cities

► This Ohio metro area is No. 1 in environmental sustainability

► Cincinnati, Columbus hospitals rank among best in country

► Cincinnati suburb ranks among Top 25 best places to live

► Cincinnati, Cleveland rank among best cities for a staycation

How's the dining scene?

Contrary to what The New York Times believes, Ohio isn't just rolling hills of Steak 'n' Shakes and Olive Gardens. Here's how the state's restaurants fared this year.

► Three Ohio restaurants among OpenTable's Top 100

► These Ohio restaurants have the best brunch, OpenTable says

► Ohio's best mac 'n' cheese is at this Cincinnati, Columbus restaurant

► Two Ohio-made ice creams make People Magazine's best ice cream list

► These are the best steaks in Ohio, according to Viva Lifestyle and Travel

► These Ohio restaurants made it to Eater's Best in the Midwest list

What else?

In addition to its affordable housing and tasty eats, Ohio also boasts some of the best schools, cities and celebrations. Here's what stood out this year.

► This Ohio high school was ranked 48th in the nation

► Ohio is the best state for a startup, according to Forbes

► Cincinnati body-cam system ranked second in country

► This Ohio airport's tickets are cheaper than national average

► These Ohio cities have the best Oktoberfest celebrations inU.S.

► This Ohio city is among the Top 20 most fun cities, WalletHub says

► These Ohio college towns are among the best in the nation

► Cincinnati is so cool, The New York Times profiled it

We can't forget Fiona

The aquatic diva porpoised into our hearts in January and has been there ever since. Here are a few of the countless ways she caught national media's eye this year.

► The New York Times profiled triumphant baby queen Fiona

► See Fiona's (fake) TIME Person of the Year cover

► Fiona adorably photobombed a couple's engagement

► Fiona the hippo gets the late-night treatment on Jimmy Fallon

Where did we go wrong?

Not everything in Ohio is dandy. The Buckeye State also topped some lists for all the wrong reasons.

► Ohio drivers are among the worst in the country, report says

► Ohio cities rank in USPS' top cities for mail carrier attacks

► National report shows Cincinnati ranks low in racial inequality

► Columbus is the drunkest city in Ohio, according to 24/7 Wall St.

► Cincinnati ranks 11th in the nation for mosquitoes, Terminix says

► Cincinnati ranks in the top 10 cities for bed bugs