1

Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

You can’t talk about traditional American desserts without mentioning apple pie, so let’s kick off this article with it! While its roots trace back to Europe, apple pie has become a symbol of American pride.

It’s the perfect combination of buttery crust, sweet apples, and warm spices like cinnamon. Of course, like any traditional dish, there are several variations. But isn’t it great to go back to the basics? If there’s one pie everyone loves, this is it!

2

Brown Derby cake

Image: amirali mirhashemian

The Brown Derby Cake isn’t your typical pie, but its story is worth savoring. It was created in 1927 by caterer Harry Baker in Los Angeles.

You might be wondering about the name’s origin—it comes from its domed shape, which resembles a derby hat. Made famous by the iconic Brown Derby restaurant, this cake combines rich chocolate layers with airy whipped cream and fruit for a delicious finish. If you’re feeling fancy, this is the treat to try!

3

Cranberry pie

Image: Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian

Do you know how some feelings can be tasted? Well, if you want to taste autumn, have a slice of cranberry pie.

This tangy treat is a favorite during the holiday season, thanks to its beautiful red hue and bold flavor. Made with fresh or dried cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange zest, it perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. Serve it at Thanksgiving and watch it quickly become the star of the show.

4

Sour Cream Rhubarb Pie

Image: Maximilian Zahn

If you’ve never tried sour cream rhubarb pie, you’re in for a treat. The tartness of the rhubarb is mellowed by a creamy custard filling made with sour cream, creating a dessert that is both tangy and luxurious.

Often topped with a crumbly streusel, this pie is a Midwest favorite that feels both rustic and indulgent. Give rhubarb a chance—in a pie, it’s a superstar!

5

Pecan pie

Image: nikohoshi

Speaking of classics, pecan pie is the king of Southern desserts—and for good reason, we might say! With a gooey filling made of sugar, butter, and eggs, topped with toasted pecans, it’s as rich as it gets.

Traditionally served during Thanksgiving, this pie has a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with whipped cream. And the crunch of the pecans? It’s dessert perfection in every bite!

6

Lemon tart

Image: Ira Ushak

Okay, this isn’t technically a pie, but a lemon tart deserves a spot in this article, don’t you think? This tangy dessert features a velvety lemon custard nestled in a buttery crust.

It’s like sunshine on a plate—bright, bold, and just the right amount of sweetness! Lemon tarts are refreshing compared to heavier desserts, there’s not a specific season for them, making them perfect year-round. It’s a must-try for citrus lovers!

7

Squash Custard Pie

Image: Natalia Y.

This one might come as a surprise to you, but it’s a delicious nod to fall flavors, and if you like pumpkin pie, you’ll like this one too. Made with sweetened pureed squash, eggs, cream, and warm spices, it offers a fun and unique twist, right?

Squash pies have been part of American cuisine since colonial times, showcasing the resourcefulness of early cooks. It’s a cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for sweater weather.

8

Oregon’s Marionberry Pie

Image: micheile henderson

Oregon takes pride in many things, and one of them is marionberry pie—as it should! Marionberries, a cross between two types of blackberries, are sweet, juicy, and perfect for a pie. Native to Oregon, these berries create a filling that’s rich and slightly tart. The pie is a regional treasure, it's as Oregonian as rainy days and coffee shops.

9

Coca-Cola cake

Image: Toa Heftiba

No, we’re not kidding. Coca-Cola cake was born in the South, and it is as uniquely American as its namesake soda.

In case you were wondering, yes, Cola is a key ingredient, and it gives the rich, moist chocolate cake a subtle caramel flavor. It’s often topped with a fudgy glaze, and if you’re a Coca-Cola fan, you simply must try a slice of this one!

10

Carrot cake

Image: Sharon Chen

As you can see, using vegetables as key ingredients in pies is quite common—and successful! Carrot cake is a moist, spiced cake studded with grated carrots and often walnuts or raisins. As if that weren’t enough, we can’t forget about the cream cheese frosting, which made it quite popular among Americans. Do you like this one?

1

"Louisiana Rain" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Image: Liv Bruce

Iconic musician Tom Petty included this bittersweet track in his third album with the Heartbreakers, titled "Damn the Torpedoes". This 1979 track tells the story of a heartbroken narrator walking down the streets of an undisclosed Louisiana city.

Petty’s slightly scruffy voice goes perfectly with the song’s melancholic and slow tempo. The song’s sliding guitars and harmonica solos provide an amazing background for the song’s thoughtful lyrics, where Petty sings "may never be the same" when he reaches Baton Rouge.

2

"Montana Song" by Hank Williams Jr

Image: Michael Bourgault

While he was born in Louisiana, musician and songwriter Hank Williams Jr. seems to have a place in his heart for the unparalleled beauty of "the Treasure State" . After all, the lyrics to his 1975 track "Montana Song" speak about a lonesome man "going to Montana to rest my soul".

While Williams’ song definitively centers on the heartbreak the narrator feels after losing "that special someone", it is nearly impossible not to picture Montana’s snowy peaks and cold beauty when listening to this song.

3

"Jersey Girl" by Tom Waits

Image: Manisha Raghunath

We have included a fair share of songs about failing relationships in this article, so why don’t we provide some balance with this song about two lovers separated by the Hudson River? When Tom Waits wrote this song for his 1980s album "Heartattack and Vine", he was thinking of his future wife Kathleen Brennan, who, at the time, was living in New Jersey.

While the song is definitively slow-paced and melancholic, it is refreshing to hear Tom Waits’ ragged voice play the part of a man in love. In an interview, Waits admitted, "I never thought I would catch myself saying 'sha la la' in a song".

4

"New Hampshire" by Sonic Youth

Image: Suraj Gattani

Perhaps the most experimental song in this list, this 2004 track by rock band Sonic Youth features a myriad of electric guitars intertwined with singer Thurston Moore’s voice. "New Hampshire" goes from distorted rock riffs to more expansive and melodic interludes, all the while guided by a slow-paced beat.

The song’s lyrics describe the adventures of Steve and Joe, "the New Hampshire boys", and how they went "beyond/ Doing it for life". While the true meaning of the lyrics is enigmatic, many believe they refer to musicians Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, who met in New Hampshire and formed the band Aerosmith.

5

"New Mexico" by Johnny Cash

Image: Maddy Baker

If there’s one person in this list that needs no introduction, that’s the "Man in Black" . Johnny Cash’s song about "The Land of Enchantment", aptly named "New Mexico", tells the story of a young man from the town of Griffin traveling to this state for a summer job. Johnny’s characteristic deep voice narrates the prospect of a "pleasant summer out in New Mexico".

However, this is the point at which the narrator stops singing the praises of this state and instead narrates the perils and hardships he experienced in "the God-forsaken country they call New Mexico". Nevertheless, we all know that the parts of this song that describe the beauty of this state are a much more accurate representation of the real New Mexico.

6

"New York, New York" By Frank Sinatra

Image: Florian Wehde

This is perhaps the most famous song in this list. Everyone who has ever stepped into New York City, from the grumpy locals to the tourists dazzled by the lights of Times Square, has hummed this Frank Sinatra song at least once in their lifetime.

While it's true that the legendary Liza Minelli was the first one to perform "New York, New York" (as part of the soundtrack for the 1977 Scorsese film of the same name), Sinatra’s rendition is definitively the quintessential version of this song. His dulcet yet powerful voice perfectly describes the sense of wonder most people feel when they see New York City for the first time.

7

"Oklahoma Morning" by Charley Pride

Image: Raychel Sanner

There’s a lot to be said about this love letter to "The Sooner State", but Charley Pride can definitively say it better when he sings "That Oklahoma mornin' / Puts Oklahoma sunshine in my soul". This country song is truly a beloved homage to Oklahoma and is one of the many reasons why this iconic singer was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.

While the music and Pride’s voice are definitively remarkable, perhaps the true beauty of this song can be found in the lyrics: They perfectly describe the yellow sun and placid warmth of an Oklahoma morning before stating, "There ain't nothin' like an Oklahoma mornin'".

8

"Ohio" by The Black Keys

Image: Ben Shbeeb

Both members of the American rock duo The Black Keys were born and raised in Akron, Ohio, so it seems only natural that they felt the need to record their love for this state. Simply titled "Ohio", this song’s lyrics describe the homesickness the narrator feels about finding himself so far away from Ohio while begging for someone to "Get me home/ Before, before I lose my mind".

Singer Dan Auerbach's robust voice manages to turn the name of his home state into a powerful chorus. The guitar riffs seamlessly combine blues and rock chords, resulting in a melancholic but potent track.

9

"Eugene Oregon" by Dolly Parton

Image: everett mcintire

You might think that a Dolly Parton song in this list would probably center on her beloved Tennessee: Certainly, her 1972 track "My Tennessee Mountain Home" could have been a fitting choice. However, we have instead chosen a less-known song that focuses on another location dear to "The Queen of Country".

The very first line that Dolly sings in this song is "Eugene, Oregon, I'll remember you for the rest of my life". This perfectly encapsulates the tone of the lyrics: Parton expresses her gratitude to this city for its kindness whenever she felt homesick of her Tennessee hometown.

10

"Beautiful Texas" by Willie Nelson

Image: Roberta Guillen

We’ll end this list with a Texas institution. We could have easily chosen any of the songs included in the 1968 Willie Nelson album "Texas in My Soul" for this list: After all, the entire record is Nelson’s tribute to his home state, and is composed of standards and traditional songs that sing the praises of "The Lone Star State".

We ultimately chose "Beautiful Texas" because it truly shows the love Nelson has for this state. The entire lyrics describe Texas’ history and gorgeous scenery , from the "white cotton, green pastures, blue rivers" to the vast fields "where the beautiful bluebonnets grow".

1

Big Shanty to Kennesaw

Image: Joe Yates

Changing the name was probably a good idea, as "shanty" is not the most flattering description for this suburban city northwest of Atlanta in Cobb County, Georgia. The original name was given in the 1830s when the Western and Atlantic Railroad was built, and shanty towns were established to house the workers . In 1887, the city’s name was changed to Kennesaw.

2

Rough and Ready to Mountain View

Image: Waldemar

A community with an interesting name, for sure, Rough and Ready was originally named after the Rough and Ready Tavern (also known as the Bagley House ), a stagecoach stop on the route from Macon to northern Georgia.

The name changed in 1956 when the community was incorporated as a city. It was renamed Mountain View —a reference to the fact that, on a clear day, Stone Mountain can be seen 20 miles to the east.

3

Terminus to Atlanta

Image: Gary Doughty

Atlanta, Georgia, was once known as Terminus because it served as the final station of a major state-sponsored railroad . However, as time passed, several other railroads converged in the city, the largest being the Western and Atlantic Railroad— from which the name "Atlanta" comes.

4

Idlewild Airport to John F. Kennedy Airport

Image: Afif Ramdhasuma

Although originally named New York International Airport , the 1948 facility was commonly known as Idlewild Airport . However, following the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, it was officially renamed as it is today, in his honor.

5

New Amsterdam to New York

Image: Luca Bravo

There was a time when New York was called New Amsterdam. In the 17th century, the Dutch established a settlement at the southern tip of Manhattan Island , serving as the seat of the colonial government in New Netherland . It officially became a city in 1653.

However, when the English took control of New Amsterdam in 1664, they renamed it New York after the Duke of York.

6

Minnehanonck to Blackwell to Welfare to Roosevelt Island

Image: Mason C

The third New York-area entry on our list is an island in the middle of the East River , adjacent to Manhattan. It was originally called Minnehanonck by the Native Americans and later became known as Blackwell’s Island.

In 1921, it was renamed Welfare Island, and in 1973, it was renamed once more in honor of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

7

Hot Springs to Truth or Consequences Hot Springs

Image: Ethan Wright-Magoon

Believe it or not, this town accepted a challenge from the 1950s game show Truth or Consequences to change its name in exchange for hosting the program.

Since then, Hot Springs, New Mexico, has been known as Truth or Consequences Hot Springs.

8

Halfway to Half.com to Halfway

Image: everett mcintire

Another example of a town that changed its name in exchange for a reward is Halfway, Oregon. In the 1990s, as part of a marketing campaign , the town agreed to rename itself "Half.com" for an entire year in return for $110,000 and 20 computers for a local school —all to promote an internet start-up.

9

East and West Mauch Chunk to Jim Thorpe

Image: Donnie Rosie

The picturesque borough of Jim Thorpe in Pennsylvania was once known as East and West Mauch Chunk . However, after Native American sports legend Jim Thorpe passed away, the municipality negotiated a deal with his heirs to become the site of his tomb and rename the town in his honor , hoping to boost tourism.

10

North Tarrytown to Sleepy Hollow

Image: Richard Hedrick

North Tarrytown was the home of American writer Washington Irving , who drew inspiration from the town for his short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow .

In 1996, the town officially changed its name to Sleepy Hollow , honoring both the writer and the story that brought it worldwide fame.

11

Barrow to Utqiagvik

Image: Alexis Mette

This Arctic Circle city was once known as Barrow , named for its proximity to Point Barrow , America's northernmost point. However, following a referendum approved by residents in 2016, the city's name was officially changed from Barrow to Utqiagvik to better reflect its native roots .

12

Bella Vista to West Pittsburg to Bay Point

Image: Robert Bye

The original name of this community, Bella Vista (meaning "Beautiful View" in Spanish), was changed to West Pittsburg. However, because it was often confused with the western unincorporated section of Pittsburgh, California , the name was revised again in 1993 to Bay Point, reviving a historical name used in the area.