Because state's need an official "everything" New Mexico is about to pass a bill that would make "roasting chili peppers" the official aroma of the state. As of now they're the only state to have an official smell, but what would happen if Illinois decided to join in on the fun and select its own official aroma? The possibilities are endless and a little bit nose-wrinkling, to be honest.

The Smells of Corn and Soybeans

Of course, the first things that come to mind when thinking about Illinois are its vast fields of corn and soybeans. The sweet, earthy scent of a ripe cornfield in summer is undeniable, and the smell of freshly harvested soybeans is... well, let's just say it's an acquired taste. But as official aromas go, these might be a bit too utilitarian for our purposes. After all, not everyone wants to smell like a grain silo all the time.

Rows of corn on a beautiful Spring afternoon in rural Illinois.
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A Gourmet's Delight

Maybe we should consider the gastronomic delights that Illinois has to offer. After all, Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs loaded with toppings, and Italian beef sandwiches dripping with gravy. The aroma of a sizzling pizza fresh from the oven or a juicy hot dog on the grill is enough to make your mouth water. But let's be real, those smells might not be quite as appealing to everyone. Plus, no one wants to walk around smelling like they just ate a giant Italian beef sandwich.

Vienna Beef Hot Dogs Get National Distribution Deal
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The Windy City Aroma

What about the smell of the Windy City itself? From the lakefront to the skyscrapers, Chicago has a unique aroma that is all its own. The mix of Lake Michigan air, car exhaust, and the yeasty scent of the city's many breweries could be considered the Windy City aroma. But let's be honest, that's not exactly something you want to wear as a perfume.

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The Aroma of Agriculture

Illinois is, after all, an agricultural state, so why not celebrate that fact with a fragrance that captures the essence of our farms? Imagine the aroma of freshly cut hay, mixed with the scent of ripe strawberries and the tang of a freshly picked apple. It's a delightful mix of sweet and earthy scents that would truly represent our state's heritage. Plus, it would be a great conversation starter at cocktail parties: "Excuse me, is that the official aroma of Illinois I smell on you?"

Jersey Cow.
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The Smell of State Fair Fun

At the end of the day, perhaps the best way to encapsulate the spirit of Illinois is with the aroma of state fair fun. The smell of cotton candy, the tang of caramel apples, and the sweet scent of fried food. Who wouldn't want to smell like they're at a carnival? Of course, this aroma might be a bit hard to replicate, but that's the beauty of the imagination.

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