From huge stone chapels to old-school Latin music downtown, Santa Fe, New Mexico is a cultural melting pot. There are dozens of reasons why Santa Fe is famous in the land of tourism, but from 18 years of experience in the town, I have delved deep into seven reasons why Santa Fe is one of the best cities in the country.

1. Hatch green chile roasting season.

Merely seeing the roasters in the Walmart parking lot at the end of July is cathartic. Unless you have excellent taste for the art of chile, only the locals know how intoxicating the scent really is. Even my grandfather, who lives several hundred miles away, requests some roasted Hatch green chile on occasion. It is genuinely one of the finer points of New Mexico.

2. The fiery orange sunsets.

When the mountains are glowing dark orange and the wispy clouds are a stunning shade of violet, it’s difficult to focus on anything aside from the sunset. There are few things more beautiful than a New Mexico sunset. My best friend, who vacationed to Hawaii a few years ago, even said that our sunsets are top those in the great Pacific.

3. Downtown cultural immersion.

Downtown Santa Fe is home to old adobe buildings, great stone cathedrals, massive elm trees adorned with fairy lights and long cobblestone walkways filled with Native Americans peddling their wares. The whole vibe of the place feels like a different planet and tourists fill the sidewalks all year round, especially during the Balloon Fiesta and our various markets, such as Indian Market and Spanish Market. Overall, downtown Santa Fe is home to people from many walks of life and a place to immerse yourself in the incredible culture.

4. Authentic Mexican food.

Mexican restaurants litter the United States, but if you want incredible authentic Mexican or New Mexican food without crossing the border, then come visit Santa Fe. Experience the spice of locally grown red chile, the richness of soft posole and fall in the love with our green chile breakfast burritos. Dozens of family-owned restaurants are scattered throughout the city and every single one has something special to offer those who walk through their doors.

5. Acceptance of diversity.

Santa Fe is home to many odd people. It’s not weird to walk around town and see someone shirtless with a green feather boa around his neck or a man with a mandolin case and a really old cowboy hat. Santa Fe holds many oddballs and accepts them all. You can be whomever you so desire to be and no one will bat an eye.

6. Breathtaking scenery.

Not everyone is into high desert climates, with more dirt than grass and far too many chamisa bushes. However, we have some of the bluest skies in the country and the aspen trees on the mountain turn bright yellow as October blossoms. The bright flowers, sprawling landscapes and sky-high mesas make this state one of the most beautiful in the Mid-West.

7. Deep historical roots.

New Mexico has a history that reaches far beyond its time as a state in the United States of America. This rich history is held in countless museums of beautiful art, relics from the past four hundred years and stories of bravery and selflessness that led to the foundation of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Santa Fe itself was founded in 1610 by Spanish colonists and everything that occurred over the next four hundred years is recorded in the ancient buildings all around the area. Our rich history will live on forever in the soil and marks it has left behind.

I may have my problems with this beautiful city, but at the end of the day, it will always be my home.