Fodor's Expert Review Hatch Chile Fest

The famed Hatch Chile Fest celebrates 40 years in 2012. Show that you're not a chile rube and mingle with aficionados who know their Nu Mex 6-4s (an heirloom variety regenerated from 1960s seeds) from their Big Jims (a medium-hot chile, cultivated locally). Between tastes (don't worry, some varieties are no hotter than a standard bell pepper), check out the Chile Festival Parade, play some horseshoes, or sign up for the Chile Toss contest.