Let’s be honest—city life is like an all-day, everyday concert you didn’t ask to attend. Whether it’s the relentless honking, the neighbor’s questionable music choices, or the never-ending sirens, there’s always something vying for your attention. Trust us, we know. We’ve done our time in Washington, D.C., and Denver, where quiet is about as rare as a parking spot.

Ah, leaf peeping. The time-honored tradition of driving out to the middle of nowhere, parking on the side of a road, and staring at trees like they’re about to reveal the meaning of life. If you’re wondering why you should join the millions of people who participate in this annual ritual, let me walk you through the compelling reasons.