As sparkling blankets of snow hit Idaho’s far corners and winter tourist season vaults us day-to-day Idahoans into a gaggle of visiting strangers, one thing becomes clear: out-of-towners have some pretty strange misconceptions about Idaho. The Gem State has so much to offer year-round, and while we’re pretty proud of our beautiful state and love showing it off, you can bet that we have to explain a few things to the newbies flocking to our panhandled haven this time of year…

1. We grow more than just potatoes here.
fox-and-fern/Flickr
I mean, we really love our famous tuber and all, but there is some epic produce coming out of our fields and orchards every harvest season.
2. We're not all rednecks, hillbillies, or Napoleon Dynamites.
Bruce Szalwinski/Flickr
But, sometimes we like to pretend we are to scare you off. *wink*
3. The lack of humidity isn't always a blessing.
bark/Flickr
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Think sweltering heat that feels like it's suffocating you. Think hot, cloudy nights that don't cool down. Think desert areas that soar into the triple digits just as easily as temps in Arizona.
4. But every season is shorts season, regardless.
Sahtu Wildlife/Flickr
We like to defy the elements.
5. We don't all live in Boise.
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce/Flickr
Boise has its perks, but every time Boise is the only thing people recognize about our ginormous state, the rest of the state cringes a little. Outside of Boise is where the real Idaho is.
6. Magpies. That is all.
hedera.baltica/Flickr
Hide your kids, hide your vegetable garden...they're like the seagulls of rural Idaho.
7. No, we don't want your Californian driving habits here.
frank guido/Flickr
Seriously, stop kissing my bumper and driving like a maniac. Also, that stick-thing by the steering wheel? You should use it.

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8. That empty field right there? We like it just the way it is.
Indigo Skies Photography/Flickr
No, it doesn't need a shopping mall. Or an apartment complex.
9. We prefer our attractions to be a little more... natural.
Ross M. Perkins/Flickr
You won't find a lot of big-name destinations in Idaho that aren't nature or history-related. If you want something fancy, you're in the wrong place.
10. Don't even try to predict the weather.
Chris S./Flickr
Just... don't.
11. Snowplow? That's what the bumper of your car is for.
MJI Photos (Mary J. I.)/Flickr
No, but seriously... they don't plow the roads here. Be prepared to push.
12. There is SO much more to Idaho than just desert.
Idaho Only/Facebook/Bonocore Visual Studios
We love how diverse our state is, and there truly is a region for every mood, whim, and weather preference.
13. Yes, we do have mountain lions here. And bears. And moose...
Eliya Selhub/Flickr
So when we say you have to lock up your camping food at night, we mean it.
14. Our state parks are absolutely breathtaking.
D. Taykir in Idaho/Flickr
All too often overlooked, these expansive treasures are lush, beautiful, and perfect for family getaways.
15. Our skies are bigger, clearer, and bolder than anywhere else.
Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
It's okay to be jealous. We know how good we have it.

From cultural norms and oddities to detailing the things we love about our state, sometimes outsiders just need a little help understanding the way things work around here. What else would you add to the list?

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