There are a lot of misconceptions about what life is like in the state of Alabama, and there are a lot of things we’d really like folks who, as they say “aren’t from around here,” to know.

This is Alabama recently asked its Facebook followers “What’s something you want non-Alabamians to know about our state?” and got hundreds of comments. They ranged from telling people of just how beautiful it is here, reminding people that we’re home to the original Mardi Gras and warning people that our weather is everything but predictable.

You can read 21 of the submissions below, and you can read all of them on the This is Alabama Facebook page.

It’s beautiful here.

“Yes, it looks like a lot of trees and farmland in many parts, but you’ll never see a more beautiful version of God’s art than an Alabama sunset.” — Brandy Elizabeth Nichols

“It has beautiful white sand beaches and beautiful mountains. They are about six hours apart.” — Lou Padget

Related: 12 places to spend a beautiful day in Alabama

“It’s absolutely beautiful and the friendliest people I have ever met.” — Regina Allin Wild

“We have abundant forested areas, streams, rivers, waterfalls.” — Ginni Baggett Radford

But the weather is unpredictable.

“Don’t expect us to know how to drive in snow. We rarely get it. Also, we shut down in a dusting. Snow is as rare in the South as national championships are in the North.” — Kathy Kitchens Alexander

“Be ready for our crazy weather! Better pack flip-flops, a rain jacket, and a parka!” — Amy Posey

Related: Sugar in cornbread and snow in the forecast: 29 ways to scare an Alabamian

“If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.” — Bill Whitt

“If you lived up north and think it got hot and humid up there, this is not the place for you.” — Jake Averette

“It’s hot, it’s not, it’s hot, it’s not and then it’s cold and rainy.” — Linda Griffin Stephenson

You’re welcome.

“It’s home of the original Mardi Gras.” — Patti Langan

“Because of lots of hard working people, Alabama is one of the largest producer of automobiles in the USA.” — Rick Parker

“The Apollo rockets that carried man to the moon were designed and built in Huntsville.” — Douglas Mann

“We grow some of the best tomatoes!” — Sharon Helms

Related: 11 Alabama foods everyone should try once

“The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is one of the ten largest Shakespeare companies in the world. At one time it was the only one outside of Great Britain authorized to fly the flag of the Royal Shakespeare Company.” — Lawrence Goare

And more.

“At birth you MUST decide either Alabama or Auburn.” — Samuel Bozeman

“If a lady says ‘bless your heart,’ it isn’t a compliment.” — Christie Smith Farish

“That our accent doesn’t equal stupidity.” — Lauren Clement

“Most of us are huggers.” — Pamela Moorer Mingus

Related: 19 reasons people love living in Alabama

“When someone offers help, they are sincere. From a military background, I have lived in several states and overseas. Nowhere will you find kinder, more hospitable folks, than in Alabama.” — Mary O’Mary Stewart

“Watch out for snakes!” — Betty Sue Freeland

“To quote the late, great Lewis Grizzard, ‘We don’t care how you did it in Ohio!’” — Mark Patton