1

Bussy day

Image: Imani

Many of us spend the day after Thanksgiving relaxing or shopping. But this is not the case for plumbers. In fact, Black Friday is the busiest day of the year for these professionals. The reasons are all too common: clogged kitchen drains, overworked garbage disposals, and toilet troubles.

2

Leftovers vs. dinner

Image: Jed Owen

Stuffing, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie are just a few of the classic food staples we enjoy on Thanksgiving. And as delicious as that feast is, studies show most Americans actually prefer the leftovers the next day! It seems there's something special about waking up and finding that delicious meal waiting for you in the fridge.

3

A caloric day

Image: Jessica Christian

There's no denying that on Thanksgiving, we often surrender to an extra slice of pie or one more piece of turkey than usual. According to the Calorie Control Council, Americans consume between 3,000 and 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving (not counting the leftovers waiting to be eaten the next day!). For comparison, medical guidelines often recommend between 1,600 and 3,000 calories for most healthy adults.

4

Thankful crowd

Image: Carson Masterson

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is definitely a spectacular event you don't want to miss. We all know it's massive, but can you guess how many people actually attend in person? About 3.5 million! Not the best place if you're not a fan of crowds. When the parade started in 1924, the number of spectators was far smaller; around 10,000 people gathered to watch.

5

Green Bean Casserole

Image: Meghan Schiereck

Although it's now a Thanksgiving staple we can't imagine the holiday without, green bean casserole was actually invented in 1955! That's right; it was the brainchild of Dorcas Reilly, who worked for the Campbell Soup Company. Its success probably comes from the delicious flavor, quick prep, and simple ingredients: green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.

6

Turkey or not?

Image: Megan Watson

While turkey is the main dish on most tables, surprisingly, 12% of Americans choose to skip it during the holiday. The reasons? Endless. Some prefer other dishes, others follow vegetarian diets, some want to save room for dessert, and others avoid turkey for reasons we'll reveal in the next section!

7

Drowsy dinner

Image: Sander Sammy

Feeling like taking a nap after Thanksgiving dinner? Don't worry, you're not alone. While it's true that turkey contains tryptophan, a natural sleep aid, the present amount isn't any higher than in other birds, and a few bites shouldn't make you drowsy. What actually happens is that we eat a lot of calories in a short period, which slows down our metabolism and makes us sleepy.

8

Americans' favorite

Image: Philippe Murray-Pietsch

If you thought turkey was everyone's favorite, you might want to think again! It turns out that a majority of Americans actually prefer stuffing. Specifically, 56% of Americans say they like side dishes more than turkey. For many, sides have become the real star of the meal.

9

Thanks to a miscalculation

Image: Ana Maltez

The story goes that in the 1950s, the Swanson Company overestimated how much turkey Americans would eat during the holiday and ended up with about 260 tons of frozen leftovers. But a clever salesman came to the rescue: inspired by airline meals, he suggested packaging the turkey in trays with classic sides like stuffing and peas. The result: in late 1953, Swanson launched the first TV-Dinner, and the rest is history!

10

100,000 turkey-related questions

Image: Miryam León

Even though the tradition has been around for many years, people still have many questions about their Thanksgiving turkey. In fact, the Butterball Turkey Talk Line —a legendary Thanksgiving hotline— answers more than 100,000 turkey-related questions every year! Some of the most common include: "How much turkey should I buy?" and "When and how do I thaw a turkey?"

1

Thor's Well, Oregon

Image: Eric Muhr

Imagine there is a huge, circular hole in the sea where water seems to fall endlessly into an abyss. Spooky, right? Well, this is what you'll see if you look at the incredible Thor's Well, located on the Oregon coast.

Despite its name, it's not a well but a large, bowl-shaped sinkhole situated on the rocky shore. When you see it, it gives the impression that the ocean is being drained away! The ocean waves flow in and out of the hole, creating a dancing water spectacle. But that's not all; the site is surrounded by rugged volcanic rock that becomes slippery and hazardous when wet. It feels almost like stepping into a scene from a fantasy movie.

2

Devil's Den, Florida

Image: Michael Behrens

When it comes to spooky names, Devil's Den stands out. While its name might not sound very inviting—unless you’re a horror fan—this is actually an incredibly beautiful place with a charm that is hard to match.

Devil's Den is a prehistoric underground spring and cave system. Picture yourself walking through the state of Florida when suddenly you find a big, mysterious hole in the ground. When you look down, you discover a cave with a bright blue body of water inside. Scientists believe that the roof of an underground river collapsed here, exposing the water surface and creating what we now know as Devil's Den Spring.

If you haven't visited this spot yet, this is your invitation; you won't regret it!

3

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico

Image: John Fowler

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is an incredible landscape filled with reddish-purple rock formations on eroded terrain . The site has amazing geological structures sculpted from sedimentary rock.

While this scene looks like something out of a science fiction movie set on some distant planet, this extraordinary place is not only on Earth but also right here in northwestern New Mexico.

Want to know what its name means? Bisti and De-Na-Zin are Navajo words that can be translated to "a large area of shale hills" and "standing rock," respectively.

4

Bumpass Hell, California

Image: Quentin Burgess

Lassen Volcanic National Park in northeastern California has something to surprise visitors: a geothermal basin.

We're talking about Bumpass Hell, a place with a name that has an interesting history. This spot owes its name to Kern Bumpass, a miner who, in the 19th century, was one of the first to explore this little-known wonder. Bumpass suffered injuries and burns due to the geothermal activity, which gave rise to the ingenious name that the area has today.

What you see upon arrival is a series of steam vents reaching temperatures of up to 200°F , rising from bubbling hot springs. And as if all this weren't enough, Bumpass Hell is framed by the beautiful Cascade Mountains.

5

Havasu Falls, Arizona

Image: Cara Fuller

While the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona is one of our country's best-known natural landmarks, it also holds a special spot that many overlook. Although a permit is required and access is a bit tricky, the effort is well worth it to find the beautiful Havasu Falls. The most common way to reach Havasu Falls is by hiking , but you can also get there by helicopter.

The waterfall is an impressive 100 feet high and splashes against the unique rocky backdrop. This spot is mesmerizing, and this fact is reflected in its name: Havasu translates to "blue-green water" in the Havasupai language.

6

Turnip Rock, Michigan

Image: Cody Doherty

The Great Lakes are well-known for their beauty and size, but there's a hidden gem among them that has been overlooked for a long time.

Picture yourself standing on the shore of a lake and suddenly spotting a large rock formation that appears to be balancing on the water. If you experience this, you're probably in the state of Michigan, precisely standing by Lake Huron, witnessing the incredible formation called Turnip Rock.

Its name comes from its strange shape: over the years, the action of the waves has eroded the base of the rock, making it narrow while leaving the top wide. As a result, the rock now resembles a giant turnip. The best way to reach this site is by kayak, so if you like that activity, Michigan is the perfect place for you!

7

Apostle Islands Sea Caves, Wisconsin

Image: Spencer Fitzgerald

Wisconsin boasts some of the most beautiful natural areas and holds unexpected scenery.

If you enjoy museums and art, don't miss Apostle Islands Sea Caves in Wisconsin. Here, nature is the main work of art, with water as the star sculptor!

In this spot, the water has drastically affected the cliffs, carving out wonderful rock formations with incredible shapes. However, all of this becomes even more amazing in winter when the site is covered with ice water and adorned with icicles hanging like spikes!

8

Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho

Image: Chris Bair

If you are someone who has always dreamed of traveling to space and stepping foot on the moon , this place might become your new favorite spot.

While it's not actually in outer space, Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho makes you feel as if you were there. As the name suggests, the landscape here resembles lunar craters. These pits and fissures in the dark, hardened ground are the result of volcanic activity that has occurred in the area over the past 15,000 years.

If you enjoy hiking, exploring caves, and taking in spectacular views, don’t miss the chance to visit this remarkable place!

9

Lost River Cave, Kentucky

Image: Bruno van der Kraan

As if descending into the dark depths of a cave weren’t enough, imagine the sensation of navigating an underground river! If you're not afraid of that scenario, then you can visit Lost River Cave in Kentucky.

After passing through a dramatic entrance, you'll enter the cave system, a mysterious world adorned with stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the entire space. But the highlight is the river flowing through it. Visitors can experience this adventure by taking a boat ride along the underground river with other guests. It’s an experience you definitely won't want to miss!

10

Providence Canyon, Georgia

Image: Shelby Cohron

Yes, the Grand Canyon is absolutely impressive and beautiful, but it's not the only canyon in our country. Right here in the US, we also have the Providence Canyon, located in southwestern Georgia.

Sometimes called "Georgia's Grand Canyon," this stunning place is approximately 120 miles southwest of Atlanta and covers about 1,000 acres. The rock formations here delight visitors with a varied color palette, ranging from pink to red, orange, and even purple.

In addition, the canyon's depth ranges from 15 to 50 feet, offering magnificent views to enjoy during the hike. If you love to explore, make sure to visit Georgia!

1

Venomous Snakes

Image: Dan LeFebvre

You have heard of the rattlesnake , right? There are 16 members of this family of venomous snakes alone in the United States. That is one dangerous family if you ask me. Aside from those, you can also bump into a coral , a cottonmouth , and a copperhead snake, all in the same country, all venomous too.

Unfortunately, snakebite victims often don’t know a snake has bitten them until it is too late. The best strategy is to not get bitten in the first place but, if you are bitten, you should get to an emergency room as soon as possible. Try not to move the bitten limb as this increases blood flow and spreads the venom faster throughout your body.

2

Black Widow and Recluse Spiders

Image: Lena Taranenko

Lucky for us, out of the 3,000 plus species of spiders that can be found in the United States, only 2 are known to be venomous. Those are the Recluse Spider and the infamous Black Widow .

If not treated in due time, Black Widows and recluse spiders are especially dangerous and even deadly to children, the elderly, and the sick. Luckily, these spiders are mostly rare to encounter. Nonetheless, you should always remain vigilant, particularly when it comes to Black Widows. These dangerous creatures tend to live in closer proximity to humans and their bites are extremely painful and can have long-lasting consequences.

3

Hornets, Bees, and Wasps

Image: Mohsen Bagherzadeh

What is worse than a venomous creature? A venomous creature that flies! Hornets, wasps, and bees kill far more Americans each year than any other animal. Understandably, most of these deaths are due to allergies, but this shouldn’t diminish the risk, as the majority of victims likely did not know they were allergic in the first place.

One of the most dangerous species, killer bees , also known as Africanized Bees, attack in swarms, often with devastating results. Upon any detection of a threat to their hive, an individual can be chased for up to a quarter of a mile. Although the venom from an individual sting is not considered to be particularly potent, simultaneous stings can lead to excess swelling, pain, and potential death if the recipient is allergic to bee stings.

4

Scorpions

Image: Leon Pauleikhoff

One of the most menacing-looking creatures around, the scorpion is an arachnid with a venomous sting. Its weapon of choice is its stinger on the end of its tail, used to inject venom into un-expecting enemies or predators.

Moreover, scorpions are also equipped with pincers, though these cannot cause substantial damage to a human; it is considered to be the case that the smaller the pincers, the stronger the venom, so watch out for miniature claws in the summer. When it comes to particular members of the species, the Arizona Bark Scorpion is the most potent one in the USA and carries a potentially lethal sting.

5

Gila Monster

Image: David Clode

A creature with an epic name if we ever saw one, the Gila Monster is the only venomous lizard in the United States. And, even though they are venomous, Gila Monsters rely more on their powerful crushing jaws to subdue their prey.

If you happen to find a Gila Monster, observe this dangerous animal from a safe distance.

Though it isn’t fatal, the Gila Monster’s bite is excruciatingly painful. These lizards have small, razor-sharp teeth that dig into the skin and inject their venom. The effects can last for hours or days, depending on how much venom someone is exposed to.

6

Colorado River Toad

Image: Jaunathan Gagnon

A toad with a psychedelic reputation, the Colorado River Toad releases a venom that is illegally harvested and used as a hallucinogenic drug, and it is even classified as a controlled substance.

It is also dangerous to most animals and large dogs who accidentally eat them have been known to be paralyzed or even die from the poison. Never handle this toad with your bare hands, and keep your pets away from them as well.

7

Ticks

Image: Adrian Siaril

A nasty little creature, the tick is one of the most dangerous animals in the United States. While ticks sometimes live indoors, they’re most commonly found in grassy or wooded areas with water nearby. They wait on tall grasses for a host to pass, then jump onto the living creature and attach to start feeding.

These insects are considered dangerous because they can spread disease when they pierce the skin. Although there isn’t a hard and fast rule, it’s accepted that the longer a tick is attached, the higher the risk of infection. If you notice a tick on your skin, you should remove it with a tick key, wash the area with soap and water, and contact your doctor.

8

Kissing Bugs

Image: James Wainscoat

Don’t be fooled by their colorful appearance, there is nothing nice about these insects. Kissing Bugs gets its name from the habit of biting near their victims’ mouths. These insects carry a parasite that causes Chagas disease. Although it’s treatable in its early stages, if an infection is left untreated, it can cause a chronic, lifelong illness.

Initial symptoms of this disease include fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. One of the easiest ways to prevent Kissing Bug bites is to use mosquito netting and insect repellent while you’re in areas where these insects live. Also, make sure to follow up with a doctor if you notice bites or sores around your mouth and nose.

9

Common Desert Centipede

Image: Viktor Talashuk

Centipedes are one of the strangest-looking insects and many people fear them because of their aspect. The Common Desert Centipede is a pale orangey-brown color with lateral black stripes. It’s best to avoid this centipede in the United States.

The bite of the Common Desert Centipede is one of the most painful bites possible from an arthropod. Much worse than a wasp sting, it has been compared to the Bullet Ant Sting and will almost certainly send you to the emergency room. The venom spreads after the initial bite, and the pain worsens until you seek treatment.

10

Fire Ants

Image: oktavianus mulyadi

The name itself is not the most reassuring one. Fire ants are a group of stinging ants made up of over 200 individual species, all of which sting, with varying levels of pain. Additionally, they’re more aggressive than other ant species.

These insects form large colonies and usually eat insects, plants, and flowers. However, if their nests are disturbed, they won’t hesitate to swarm and sting large animals, including humans. Unfortunately, their stings are quite painful and are often compared to the feeling of being burned by an open flame.