From one Midwestern-born woman to countless others, let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of our nation’s heartland, and everything about it that makes it what it is.

1) It is totally possible to experience all four seasons in one week.

https://www.instagram.com/p/UYzJeHK3Ju/

2) You know what schools are in the Big Ten, and you have a strong opinion on which team is your favorite.

3) You know what a covered bridge is, and you know either a really beautiful or really scary story about one.

#indiana #coveredbridge

A post shared by Joe Runkle (@skatephoto) on May 16, 2014 at 6:21pm PDT

4) “Puppy chow” is not a snack that’s meant for dogs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBfWOMTATy9/

5) And “taco in a bag” is not Mexican takeout.

Thanks for the : @therealjval #Tacoinabag mmmmmmm thanks for the taco bag @worstdudehiphop

A post shared by JayJoeBagel (@jayjoebagel) on Oct 18, 2015 at 7:30pm PDT

6) Corn isn’t just a food; it’s a lifestyle.

7) Speaking of corn, you can drive for hours and see virtually nothing but gorgeous cornfields.

Dreaming of blue skies on this rainy day #latergram #indianacornfields #indiana

A post shared by Katee Pierce (@kateep) on Sep 11, 2015 at 9:43am PDT

8) You don’t blink when you see an entire tractor sharing the road with you.

Yup just takin the tractor for a walk :p hah #myamazingman #tractor #ford #blue #diesel #rollingcoal #tractoronthehighway #tofunny #gottalovesmalltowns

A post shared by Cassie White (@cassietodd.white12) on Sep 14, 2015 at 1:54pm PDT

9) You know county fairs are really just an excuse to deep fry everything in sight.

#NoFilterNeeded the best funnel cake I have had, and the first I have had in ten years!!! My favorite fair treat. #FunnelCake #FairFunnels #IllinoisStateFair2015 #ISF #DeliciousTreats #FairFood

A post shared by ᥇ ⅈ ꪀꫀꪗ (@zomxbae) on Aug 18, 2015 at 7:26pm PDT

10) And that a frozen piece of cheesecake coated in chocolate on a stick is a totally acceptable snack at said fairs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/9kXuZRvN5P/

11) When you hear “beach” you think of the Great Lakes, not the ocean.

https://www.instagram.com/p/5C4kNZB1NL/

12) When you say “the city” or “downtown,” chances are high you’re talking about Chicago.

Photo by @maxleitner_ #chicago #chitown #illinois #windycity #chicagoland #chicagogram #insta_chicago #chicagoshots #chicagostylist #downtownchicago

A post shared by I Love Chicago (@ilove_chicago) on Feb 10, 2016 at 1:48pm PST

13) They’re tennis shoes, not sneakers. Even when you’re not playing tennis.