For most, a new year means new ambitions, whether it's taking up a new hobby, or going back to an old one they used to do before "life got in the way."

(Hey, no judgment... it happens.)

Since most of our lives are conducted online, that means everything we're typing into our machines is quantifiable, including what hobbies we're searching for. You might think they'd include old standbys like "running" and "reading more," but a recent survey by the website ModestFish.com revealed that New Yorkers are searching for something a little more exotic than that:

A five-year Google search analysis reveals a burgeoning curiosity for unconventional pastimes. Americans are turning towards eclectic hobbies, with searches for activities such as aquarium keeping, home brewing, beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, and letterboxing climbing the charts.

So what hobby are New Yorkers searching for more than any other?

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#1 - Beekeeping

Yes, that's right. Bee-lieve it or not, more New Yorkers are interested in getting wrist-deep in their own homegrown honey than they are gardening, hiking or stamp collecting. Seems a little unusual, considering this is not something you can just pick up willy nilly... there's a fairly substantial learning curve and entry cost to consider.

Of course, New Yorkers could just be enamored with the suit. Which can run anywhere from $45 to $250, depending on the brand and quality.

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Why are people drawn to beekeeping?

At its core -- or shall we say, at its comb? -- beekeeping involves the care and management of honeybee colonies. What makes it particularly appealing is the deep connection it fosters with the natural world. For humans to play a role in supporting the health of nature's tiny confectioners, we get a deeper appreciation for the duties of creatures lower on the food chain than ourselves. Many who have taken up the hobby have reported on its therapeutic effects.

Of course, if you're not interested in getting repeatedly stung as part of the learning curve, you could always play the Bee Simulator video game:

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Hudson Valley Honey Bees at Work

Local honey is one of the many delicious local products we enjoy in the Hudson Valley. We are lucky to have a healthy honey bee population and people like the folks at HiveLand NY in Highland, New York keeping them that way. Checkout some of the tools used to make and harvest honey. Plus see a few other items made with some help from the bee.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn

The Unusual Hobbies of Rock Stars

When they're not creating songs, you won't believe how some of these musicians spend their time. See what unusual hobbies your favorite rock stars have below.

Gallery Credit: Todd Fooks