1

Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe

Image: William P. Gottlieb, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Strange as it may sound, Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe developed a beautiful friendship in the 1950s. Hollywood's favorite blonde was a big fan of Fitzgerald's music and went to see her perform in Los Angeles in 1954. When they met in person they became inseparable.

Monroe helped her land a gig at the famous Mocambo nightclub in Los Angeles, which had previously turned Fitzgerald down. These performances were a turning point in the career of the Queen of Jazz. Marilyn used to say that Ella was her favorite person and that she loved her as a person and as a singer. They remained friends until Monroe's death at the age of 36.

2

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams

Image: Tholey, A. (Augustus), artist, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are perhaps America's most famous pair of "frenemies". Their historic relationship began in 1775. Despite their very different political views, the two Founding Fathers maintained an on-and-off relationship for five decades, tinged by a mixture of mutual respect and contempt.

Their relationship began to crack when George Washington decided not to run for a third term, and Adams and Jefferson had to compete for the presidency. They stopped speaking to each other for 12 years, but finally, in 1812, they resumed contact. Perhaps as proof of their troubled but strong friendship, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died just a few hours apart on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

3

Groucho Marx and T.S. Eliot

Image: Flybynight

One was a comedian of the absurd, the other a melancholic poet and Nobel laureate. Believe it or not, Groucho Marx and T.S. Eliot were friends and admired each other. In 1961, Eliot wrote to Marx, telling him he was a fan and asking for an autographed photo. Marx agreed to the request and asked the same of Eliot. For the next three years, the two became pen pals, exchanging many letters.

According to Groucho Marx, they shared three things: an affection for good cigars, a love of cats, and a weakness for puns. However, when they finally met in person in 1964 they realized that they didn’t have that much in common after all and their relationship started to fade.

4

Ulysses S. Grant and James Longstreet

Image: Mathew Benjamin Brady, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ulysses S. Grant was the commander of the Union Army during the Civil War. James Longstreet, on the other hand, fought for the Confederate Army and became one of General Robert E. Lee's most trusted officers. That should make them enemies, right? Well, not exactly.

Grant and Longstreet became friends as young officers in the US Army and served together in the Mexican-American War. Years later they went their separate ways but were reunited after the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House. In fact, it was Longstreet who convinced General Lee to surrender, knowing that Grant would offer him generous terms. As soon as Grant saw Longstreet, he shook his hand warmly and asked him to play a game of cards for old time's sake.

5

Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Image: DawesDigital, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Susan B. Anthony is known for having been a tireless activist who dedicated most of her 86 years to achieving women's suffrage. In 1851, Anthony met suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, with whom she developed a lifelong friendship. Together they launched a national women's suffrage movement, published a newspaper called The Revolution , and gave many lectures.

Stanton died in 1902 and Anthony in 1906. It was not until 1920 that women were allowed to vote legally for the first time in U.S. federal elections, yet the legacy of these two friends was certainly invaluable.

6

Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla

Image: Marija Zaric

Can a literary genius and a giant of science become good friends? In the case of Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla, the answer is definitely yes. Although the professions of writer and inventor seem very different, they actually have something very strong in common: creativity.

Tesla, who had been bedridden for nine months because of cholera, found in Twain's work a refuge that made him completely forget his state of despair. Meanwhile, Twain was fascinated by technological innovations and, in particular, by electricity. When the two men finally met in the 1890s, they became close friends. Over the years they maintained an assiduous correspondence and supported each other both professionally and personally.

7

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett

Image: ENERGY.GOV, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, two of the richest men in the United States, have been friends for more than 30 years. They met in 1991 at a Fourth of July celebration, and although they thought they had nothing in common, they spent 11 hours discussing business and philanthropy.

Bill and Warren played ping-pong together, traveled the world for business and pleasure, and shared several initiatives to encourage billionaires to invest their money in social and charitable endeavors. The creator of Microsoft also claims that Warren Buffett's advice and business vision were indispensable for the growth of his company.

8

Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley

Image: National Archives at College Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In the 1860s, Elizabeth Keckley, a former slave who had managed to buy her freedom and start a sewing business, landed an important position in the White House as Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln's personal dressmaker. Despite their different upbringings, the two women developed a close relationship. In fact, the first lady came to describe her as her best friend.

Over the years Keckley became a confidant of Mrs. Lincoln; the two women traveled and worked together to raise money for the war effort. Unfortunately, their friendship ended when Keckley published her memoirs in 1868. Keckley had wanted the book to celebrate Mrs. Lincoln's legacy, but the First Lady felt betrayed as it revealed some private conversations.

9

Dwight D. Eisenhower and Bob Hope

Image: NBC Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Throughout his long career, comedian Bob Hope was a frequent White House visitor who had the honor of entertaining 11 different commanders-in-chief. In fact, he considered them the best possible audience. But of all the presidents who laughed at his jokes, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the one with whom he formed the most enduring relationship.

They met in Algeria in 1943 when Eisenhower was a General for the U.S. Army and Hope was performing at a United Service Organization show. They immediately hit it off. Even when Ike became president 10 years later their friendship continued. They often exchanged letters and played golf together.

10

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

Image: Bill Ingalls, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck met in the 1980s in Cambridge, Massachusetts when they were still young children. They bonded over their passion for basketball and acting, and have been friends ever since. In fact, while in high school, they often traveled together to audition.

Damon and Affleck's partnership is arguably one of the most successful in Hollywood. They not only acted in movies together several times, but they also co-wrote the screenplay for Good Will Hunting , which earned them an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1997.

11

Truman Capote and Barbara "Babe" Paley

Image: Eric Koch for Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another controversial friendship was that of author Truman Capote and New York socialite Barbara "Babe" Paley. This odd couple met in the late 1960s after Capote published In Cold Blood and became something of a celebrity. They quickly became close friends and confidants.

However, when in 1975 Capote published a preview of his forthcoming book Answered Prayers in Esquire magazine airing some of his friend’s secrets, their relationship was forever ruined. Although the writer admired Babe and considered her perfect, he could not resist the temptation to betray her.

12

John F. Kennedy and Frank Sinatra

Image: FotoshopTofs

No one knows exactly when and how they met, but it is not surprising that US President John F. Kennedy and music legend Frank Sinatra were friends. In addition to their mutual admiration, their relationship was beneficial to both. Sinatra gained access to the halls of power, while Kennedy relied on The Voice's charm and popularity to win votes in the 1960 presidential election.

When Kennedy won, the president-elect publicly thanked Sinatra for his campaign efforts. Unfortunately, the friendship fell apart after JFK entered the White House. According to lore, First Lady Jackie Kennedy didn't like the singer. And, let's be honest, Sinatra's alleged connections to organized crime weren't a good look for a head of state anyway.

1

Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

We’ll start with an undisputed American icon: After all, doesn’t the saying go, "as American as apple pie" ? This iconic treat has been at the heart of countless American traditions, perhaps most notably during Independence Day celebrations. Fireworks and a slice of apple pie are all we need for a 4th of July to remember.

While apple pies originated in 14th-century England, it wasn’t until they arrived in America that they became a global icon. Over the centuries, several recipes and toppings have emerged, such as whipped cream, ice cream, custard, or even cheddar cheese.

2

Key lime pie

Image: American Heritage Chocolate

Who says pies can’t be sour? The Key Lime Pie is the perfect example of a " When life gives you lemons " mentality: it takes the lime, a fruit that no one would want to eat raw, and transforms it into a luscious and delicious treat.

The Key Lime Pie is Florida’s official state pie, as it was invented in the "Sunshine State" during the 1940s. Not only that, but the traditional way to make this pie uses Key limes, which get their name from the Florida Keys where they are grown.

3

Blueberry pie

Image: Diliara Garifullina

Just like pumpkin pies, blueberry pies were first created by American settlers , who used the abundant varieties of blueberries found in the country to make these delicious treats. Over time, their popularity spread to Europe, where people used their own types of blueberries to try to replicate the American versions.

This sweet treat has become synonymous with the state of Maine, where blueberry pie made with wild Maine blueberries was designated as the official state dessert. However, blueberry pie is still happily enjoyed across the entire nation.

4

Pumpkin pie

Image: Alexander Grey

Just like apple pie is the go-to dessert for the 4th of July, pumpkin pie is instantly associated with Thanksgiving . After all, the origins of this delicious treat can be traced back to the very first American colonists, though it was served in a very different manner. Historians believe that these early versions of pumpkin pie were more akin to a type of pumpkin soup, served inside a hollowed-out pumpkin.

Nowadays, the pumpkin pie we know and love is made with eggs, milk, evaporated sugar, and several spices like nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, often topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

5

Boston Cream pie

Image: Marko Klaric

According to some historians, Armenian-French chef Mossburg Sanzian created a particularly delicious cream-filled cake one afternoon in 1856 at the Parker House Hotel in Boston. Unbeknownst to Sanzian, his creation would eventually become the iconic Boston cream pie , declared Massachusetts’ official state dessert in 1996.

Since that day in 1856, this iconic dessert has gone by many names, such as "chocolate cream pie" and "Parker House chocolate cream pie." You might be confused by our use of the word "cake," but that was no mistake: The Boston cream pie is technically a cake. Its confusing name comes from the fact that, in the 19th century, both cakes and pies were baked in the same pan, which led these two words to become synonyms.

6

Peanut Pie

Image: ROMAN ODINTSOV

American President James "Jimmy" Carter is still well-known for his love of peanuts, so it stands to reason that his beloved wife, Rosalynn, was known for her delicious peanut pie . After all, this pie is a staple of Southern cuisine and is especially beloved in Carter’s home state of Georgia.

Peanut pie is similar to pecan pie in that they are prepared with similar ingredients, such as corn syrup, eggs, and sugar. However, peanut pie is highly versatile and may include other ingredients, such as molasses, cayenne pepper, bourbon, or cream cheese.

7

Marionberry Pie

Image: Larissa Farber

The marionberry pie is a delicious treat, particularly popular in the Pacific Northwest. After all, this type of blackberry is named after Marion County in Oregon , where it was bred and tested during the 20th century.

As you would expect, the marionberry pie is Oregon’s official state pie, and it truly shows. If you ever happen to visit "The Beaver State" during berry season, you’ll probably be welcomed with a warm smile and a slice of delicious marionberry pie.

8

Peach cobbler

Image: khezez | خزاز

Cobbler is definitely the entry with the most baffling name on this list. After all, what does a shoemaker have to do with this delicious dessert? In any case, don’t let this unusual name discourage you; cobblers are a simple yet amazing sweet treat.

While we would love to include as many types of cobblers as we could find, for brevity's sake, we’ll instead focus on one of the most popular cobblers in America: Peach cobbler combines the sweetness and texture of peaches with a crumbly, sweet topping. In 2013, Texas declared the peach cobbler its official state cobbler.

9

Pecan pie

Image: nikohoshi

Standing on the other side of peanut pie, we have pecan pie, another Southern delicacy . Just like peanut pie, pecan pie might seem simple at first glance, but there are several variants and styles associated with this sweet treat. Different recipes include molasses, honey, or cane syrup.

In the American South, pecan pie is closely associated with the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Due to its status as a cultural icon, Texas declared pecan pie its official state pie.

10

Cherry pie

Image: Nik

While most of us associate the 4th of July with apple pie, it should also be noted that many Americans picture a delicious slice of cherry pie when reminiscing about our Independence Day. Like many other pies on this list, cherry pie can be enjoyed with whipped cream or ice cream.

Cherry pie is also deeply ingrained in American folk songs , such as "Billy Boy," where the titular character is asked whether his bride-to-be can cook a cherry pie. Additionally, cherry pie is linked to George Washington’s birthday, thanks to the popular legend of a young Washington chopping down his father’s cherry tree.

1

Garage

Image: Danielle-Claude Bélanger

If you’re like most of us, when you hear the word garage , you think of a place to store cars—on land. But if you belong to the super-rich, you might think otherwise. Octopus is a superyacht owned by an extremely wealthy individual (as with every other massive boat on this list, we’ll avoid naming names) that features a two-story wet dock functioning as the explorer yacht's very own mini-marina.

Two primary tenders are stored and launched through a giant transom door, while the floodable dock is complemented by rows of smaller toy garages.

2

Spa

Image: Jared Rice

Many cruise ships offer spas as part of their onboard amenities, but sharing those accommodations with other passengers is usually to be expected. Unless, of course, you happen to own Kismet , a superyacht that boasts a " 7-star wellness suite ." This luxurious space includes a hammam, sauna, cryotherapy chamber, private treatment room with a massage table, and a chromotherapy bathtub. Not bad, right?"

3

Air-conditioned helicopter hangar

Image: Andrew Palmer

If you own a superyacht, chances are you probably own a helicopter too. So, it only makes sense to have a proper deck on your yacht to land your helicopter. However, the owner of Moonrise took things a step further by adding an air-conditioned helicopter hangar to the mix.

4

Bespoke chandelier

Image: William Krause

Probably due to the fact that these things always seem to hang rather precariously from the ceiling, chandeliers tend to be installed on dry land and not on moving vehicles. However, if your yacht is large enough, anything is possible.

Such is the case with the Aquila superyacht, which boasts a bespoke chandelier crafted by the Czech company Preciosa. This masterpiece made up of more than 850 pieces of hand-blown glass , stretches an astonishing 36.7 feet , cascading elegantly through four of Aquila’s five decks.

5

Nature-inspired spa

Image: Roberto Nickson

The Ahpo superyacht features a massive spa designed with curves, leaves, waves, and bamboo for a serene, nature-inspired aesthetic. Located on the lower deck, this luxurious facility includes a plunge pool , a Himalayan salt sauna , a hammam , and a massage room . Each space is decorated with intricate nature-themed mosaics and ceilings embedded with twinkling fiber optic lights, creating a tranquil and immersive experience.

6

A snow room

Image: Nathan Wolfe

If an onboard spa isn’t luxurious enough, how about a walk-in snow room ? The Faith superyacht takes indulgence to another level with its spa, which includes this unique feature. Aside from the fun of building a snowman while navigating across the Caribbean, spending time in the snow room offers several health benefits , such as stimulating metabolism , improving sleep , and relieving pain .

7

Underwater lounge

Image: Jeremy Bishop

Imagine relaxing in your superyacht’s private lounge, gazing through a huge window in front of you, half of it over the water line and half of it, underwater . This is the kind of extraordinary experience awaiting owners and guests aboard the Savannah . Spot marine life with a drink in your hand, anytime.

8

Private library

Image: Iñaki del Olmo

Arguably the most understated feature on this extravagant list, the massive L-shaped library aboard the M5 superyacht exudes a cozy, residential charm. With hundreds of volumes neatly arranged in rows and a plush L-shaped sofa to match, this library offers the perfect space to unwind in style.

9

Outdoor cinema

Image: Andre Ouellet

Imagine a drive-in theater—but at sea, and without the cars. That’s the kind of experience you can enjoy aboard Grey , another big boat with a glass-sided swimming pool complete with a high-luminosity cinema setup . Flanked by plush sofa seating, the area boasts integrated speakers and a state-of-the-art surround sound system.

And yes, in case you were wondering, the screen can completely retract and fold away when not in use.

10

Basketball court

Image: JC Dela Cuesta

Imagine playing basketball while the entire court is rocked by the waves —quite an experience! The lucky owner of Joy , another luxurious ship, can do just that. The court can also be converted into a badminton court. And after the workout, the dedicated onboard spa is ready to soothe those sore muscles.

11

A jaguar

Image: Jeff Heaton

Figureheads on the bow of ships are an ancient tradition, but placing a car-style hood ornament on a ship is something else altogether. And doing it on a massive scale creates quite the spectacle. The Whisper superyacht boasts a 12-foot silver jaguar statue on its bow , a tribute to its previous owner, who also happened to own the Jacksonville Jaguars football team.

12

Greek pool

Image: Alex Harmuth

Picture a massive pool, set underneath dramatic lighting to give the appearance of a night-lit sky, and surrounded by grand Greek statues , all aboard a luxury private yacht . That’s Leona , a 240-foot superyacht. The lavish atmosphere is completed by water outlets and fresco walls that make its visitors feel like they are in a Greek villa .