1

New York City, NY

Image: Laurenz Heymann

As anyone who has ever visited the "City of Dreams" knows, the skyline of New York City is unparalleled worldwide. Dominated by the Empire State Building and the One World Trade Center, it also features the bluish-green notes of its central monument and foundational symbol, the Statue of Liberty.

A constantly evolving city, New York transforms into a sea of lights after the sun sets, embodying the relentless spirit of the American dream.

2

Chicago, IL

Image: Pedro Lastra

Chicago's skyline, with its mix of historic and contemporary skyscrapers, is truly a visual feast. The Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Center are its most prominent features, but the contrast that Lake Michigan’s deep blue imposes on its numerous skyscrapers is hypnotic, blending natural beauty and architectural marvels.

One of its most famous monuments is the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture, popularly known as "The Bean," which adds a charming touch to the urban landscape.

3

San Francisco, CA

Image: Landry Gapangwa

When one thinks of San Francisco's skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge is what often comes to mind first, its majestic span frequently shrouded in fog. However, there's more to the city than Strauss’ magnum opus. San Francisco’s architectural style blends the past and future, with its skyline defined by the iconic Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower.

Fortunately, the city's hilly terrain offers unique vantage points to enjoy its skyline, providing breathtaking perspectives of the Golden City.

4

Seattle, WA

Image: Zhifei Zhou

Seattle's skyline, crowned by the Space Needle, exudes a futuristic vibe. The city's setting between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains enhances its visual appeal, with the natural beauty of Mount Rainier perfectly complementing the urban landscape.

Interestingly, the most modern-looking feature of its elegant skyline, the Space Needle, is one of its oldest parts, built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Many of Seattle’s actual modern skyscrapers are more recent additions, stemming from the city’s tech boom in the 1980s.

5

Las Vegas, NV

Image: Andraes Arteaga

A neon oasis in the desert, Las Vegas is renowned for its dazzling skyline, dominated by replicas of global landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, all glittering under impossibly bright lights.

While some may find its architectural exuberance tacky and the scenery bordering on surreal, the city's inherent extravagance is part of its charm. Las Vegas is one of the liveliest hubs in the country, and its vibrant, over-the-top style attracts millions of visitors seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.

6

Pittsburgh, PA

Image: Katherine Hanlon

Pittsburgh's skyline, marked by PPG Place and the U.S. Steel Tower, reflects its industrial heritage and modern transformation. Once an industrial powerhouse, Pittsburgh has evolved into a hub of education and healthcare, telling a compelling story of growth and reinvention.

Its main landmarks showcase its architectural evolution, while the picturesque confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers connects the city to its natural landscape and humble origins.

7

Washington, D.C.

Image: Vadim Sherbakov

With the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building as its most recognizable structures, what’s not to love about Washington, D.C.'s skyline? The city's height restrictions on urban development have preserved the prominence of its historical monuments and maintained its vital connection to the nation’s political heart.

Landmarks like the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial remain focal points, inspiring visitors from all over the country to honor and respect its rich heritage.

8

Atlanta, GA

Image: Joey Kyber

A major business and transportation hub, Atlanta reflects its history and ambitions in its skyline. The Bank of America Plaza, the tallest building in the city, stands as a beacon of its economic vitality and a testament to the rapid development of the "Hollywood of the South."

Another focal point is the Peachtree Center, a district almost entirely designed by local architectural legend John C. Portman Jr.

9

Miami, FL

Image: Denys Kostyuchenko

Framed by its iconic palm-laden beaches along Biscayne Bay and a pink-hued sky, Miami's skyline is a blend of sleek high-rises and Art Deco buildings, with the iconic Panorama Tower, the Aston Martin Residences, and Four Seasons Hotel Miami rising above all.

Evoking luxury and leisure, the city's skyline captures the vibrancy and dynamism of Miami, making it a top destination for tourists and investors alike.

10

Philadelphia, PA

Image: Nick Fewings

Even without considering Philadelphia's pivotal role in America's industrial and cultural history, its skyline speaks volumes. Known as "The Birthplace of America," Philadelphia seamlessly blends historical and modern architecture. The Liberty Place complex and the Comcast Technology Center stand out prominently in a truly delicate skyline.

And unlike many other cities, these massive structures are recognized not just for their size but for their elegant beauty and striking presence in the cityscape.

1

Bob Dylan

Image: Laura Ockel

The Nobel Prize-winning singer-songwriter who gave us anthems like "Blowin' in the Wind" is also a passionate metalworker. Dylan spends his downtime in his Black Buffalo Ironworks studio, crafting intricate gates and sculptures from found objects such as farm equipment, tools, and antique firearms.

2

Angelina Jolie

Image: Joshua Sukoff

Angelina Jolie is world-renowned for her celebrated Hollywood career and humanitarian work. But this actress-director also has a license to thrill in the air. Jolie is a certified pilot who owns a Cirrus SR-22 single-engine aircraft, often taking to the skies for both personal adventures and humanitarian missions.

3

Patrick Dempsey

Image: Carl Gelin

There’s more to Patrick Dempsey than being the charming neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd (aka "McDreamy") on Grey's Anatomy . The actor has developed a passion for race car driving , competing in prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. He even owns his own racing team, Dempsey Racing!

4

Bob Barker

Image: Thao LEE

The iconic game show host who entertained millions on The Price Is Right for 35 years had a surprising secret weapon up his sleeve: karate. Trained by none other than Chuck Norris , he practiced for decades and even earned his black belt.

5

Steve Martin

Image: Chen Mizrach

He's a comedian, actor, writer... and a banjo virtuoso? That's right! The "wild and crazy guy" who brought us hilarious classics like The Jerk and Planes, Trains and Automobiles is also an accomplished banjo player and composer . Steve Martin has released several bluegrass albums, collaborated with legends like Earl Scruggs, and even won a Grammy for his exceptional work.

6

Steve Carell

Image: Matthew Fournier

Known for his hilarious roles and versatile acting career, Steve Carell is also a whiz on the ice. A passionate hockey player since childhood, he has been lacing up his skates whenever possible. He even got the chance to display his skill on an early episode of The Office .

7

Michael Phelps

Image: Will Porada

He’s the most decorated Olympian of all time, boasting 28 swimming medals. But Michael Phelps didn’t stop at the pool—he also picked up a golf club. He is the holder of a Guinness World Record for the longest televised putt . That was an impressive 159 feet.

8

Kobe Bryant

Image: Mirko Fabian

The late NBA legend was not only a basketball icon but also a gifted storyteller. He proved it after retiring from basketball when he founded Granity Studios, a multimedia company focused on creating inspiring content for young athletes .

One of its standout works was the animated short film Dear Basketball —a heartfelt tribute to Bryant’s lifelong passion for the game.

9

Venus Williams

Image: Jean-Philippe Delberghe

Venus Williams, the tennis superstar with seven Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, also has a passion for interior design. She founded V Starr Interiors, a company specializing in creating stylish and functional spaces for both residential and commercial clients. She even has a degree in fashion design !

10

Viggo Mortensen

Image: Karolina Grabowska

Viggo Mortensen is celebrated for his captivating performances in films like The Lord of the Rings and Eastern Promises , but he’s also a man of many talents. In addition to acting, he is a poet, musician, photographer, and publisher .

He founded Perceval Press, an independent publishing house dedicated to promoting the work of artists and writers.

11

Terry Crews

Image: KOBU Agency

Before delivering laughs on Brooklyn Nine-Nine or throwing action-packed punches in The Expendables , Terry Crews was an NFL linebacker. But even before that, this multi-talented actor was a skilled artist. He still creates detailed paintings and illustrations in his spare time.

12

Shaquille O’Neal

Image: Yomex Owo

Shaquille O'Neal earned a place in the Hall of Fame for his legendary basketball career, but his talents extend far beyond sports. He's also an entertainment icon with numerous endorsements and a DJ performing under the name " DJ Diesel ."

1

Florida: The American Dream car

Image: Richard R

Florida holds the record for the longest car in the world. Measuring a jaw-dropping 100 feet and 1.5 inches, this beast of a limousine stretches longer than a basketball court. Michael Dezer made it official at Dezerland Action Park in Orlando on March 1, 2022. It was rebuilt using parts from the original record-holding car. Wanna take a ride in it?

2

California: A dog on wheels—and on fire

Image: Ben Hanson

California isn’t just home to movie stars; it’s also where a dog named Tillman made record-breaking history. In 2009, Tillman flew across 330 feet on a skateboard in just 19.67 seconds. No, that’s not a typo; it took him less than 20 seconds. No motor, just pure doggy determination.

3

California: Pedaling across America at 67

Image: Tom Dillon

Lynnea C. Salvo, a retired teacher, didn’t let age slow her down. At the age of 66, she hopped on a bicycle and rode all the way, completing the first transcontinental bike ride. That’s 3,163 miles of grit, sunburn, and serious calf muscles. She wrapped up her journey on October 18, 2021, landing her a spot in the record books and in our article.

4

West Virginia: Flamingos, flamingos everywhere

Image: Vicko Mozara

If you’ve ever thought you liked flamingos, prepare to be humbled. Deborah Buscher Leck of Kearneysville, West Virginia, owns 2,595 flamingo-related items, making her the proud record-holder for the largest flamingo collection on Earth. It's pink, it's proud, and totally amazing!

5

Georgia: So many tiny chairs, so little time

Image: Haneen Alqatanani

Barbara Hartsfield of Ellenwood, Georgia, has a thing for chairs, but only the miniature kind. She’s collected 3,000 of them, each unique and meticulously displayed. It took her more than a decade to round them up. Her collection might be tiny in size, but it’s huge in charm. Who knew a chair that fits in your hand could still have so much to give you?

6

Idaho: Hula-hooping like a champ—in the pool

Image: Thomas Park

David Rush of Boise doesn’t just swim—he balances a hula hoop on his head while swimming. And not just for a few seconds. He kept that hoop steady for 16 minutes and 13 seconds, setting a Guinness World Record in 2017. If multitasking were an Olympic sport, David would be bringing home the gold, you know?

7

Iowa: The beard that wouldn't quit

Image: Multi Awesome Studio

Hans N. Langseth's beard was so legendary that it got its own posthumous world record. When he passed away in Kensett, Iowa, in 1927, his beard measured a whopping 17 feet and 6 inches long. That’s longer than most cars. His epic facial hair now lives on at the Smithsonian, preserved for curious beard fans and history buffs alike.

8

Kansas: Earsplitting basketball fans

Image: Marius Christensen

On February 13, 2017, the University of Kansas basketball fans did something no other crowd had managed before: They screamed their heads off to hit 130.4 decibels. That’s louder than a jackhammer. That way, the Jayhawks turned Allen Fieldhouse into the loudest indoor sports arena ever recorded.

9

Kentucky: The tape ball to end all tape balls

Image: Markus Spiske

Over in Louisville, the Portland Promise Center didn’t just toss out their tape; they rolled with it. They created a monstrous tape ball weighing 2,000 pounds and stretching 12 feet 9 inches around. It’s made of duct tape, packing tape, masking tape… You name it. Just don’t get too close, who knows what could happen?

10

Maryland: Crab cake heaven

Image: Andrey Stakhovskiy

Maryland takes its crab cakes seriously. How serious? Well, on September 1, 2012, Handy International in Timonium whipped up a 300-pound crab cake. That’s the size of a vending machine, but way tastier. It’s safe to say no one left that event hungry.

11

Minnesota: The fluffiest tail in town

Image: Daniel Zopf

Mr. Pugsley Addams, a silver Maine Coon from Mound, has a tail that stole the show—and the record. Measuring 18.5 inches, his tail was officially the longest on a domestic cat. That’s one unforgettable feline, don’t you think?

12

Mississippi: Cowbells ringing in unison

Image: Jamie Street

On September 10, 2015, the Mississippi State University Student Association gathered 5,748 people to ring cowbells at the same time. The result? A thunderous clanging that set a world record and probably made a few ears ring for days.

13

Alaska: Cabbage the size of a small car

Image: Arnaldo Aldana

Up in Alaska, where summer days seem to last forever, the vegetables grow big. Like, really big. Scott A. Robb set a jaw-dropping record at the Alaska State Fair with a cabbage that tipped the scales at 138.25 pounds. Scott’s no stranger to giant greens; he’s also grown record-holding turnips. There must be something in that Alaskan soil (or perhaps just a lot of fertilizer).