It’s hard to drive through Hatch, NM, and not see the large statue of Uncle Sam sitting next to Sparky’s Burgers, Barbeque and Espresso. Especially considering there are probably no more than two roads that pass through the small town in southwest New Mexico. You’d have to be blindfolded or asleep not to see it.
But if you look closely, you’ll see in the outstretched hand of good ole Uncle Sam, there sits a green chile. Which is fitting, because Hatch, NM, is the “Chile Capital of the World.”
Each year on Labor Day the small town holds its annual Hatch Chile Festival, attracting upwards of 30,000 visitors. Not bad for a town of less than 2000.
But you don’t have to wait for Labor Day to enjoy Chile Capital of the World. Just stop at one of the roadside shops with strings of chiles hanging from the eaves. Or better yet, stop by Sparky’s for a green chile cheeseburger as you make your way along the Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail.
But if you get lost while you’re in Hatch, just look up and Uncle Sam will lead you there.
