1

Oreo

Image: ABHISHEK HAJARE

Who better to start this article than Milk’s absolute best friend? Oreo has been the king of American cookies since its very beginning. Dunk it, twist it, or just eat it: There’s no bad way to eat an Oreo.

Did you know that Oreos were originally sold as part of a trio of cookies? Not only that, they were sold under a much less marketable name: Hydrox, which doesn’t really fit such a delicious treat.

2

Snickers

Image: Joshua Fernandez

Have you ever wondered where the name "Snickers" comes from? You might be inclined to think that it comes from the hearty laughter that might arise after eating one of these delicious bars, but the answer is actually rather strange: It comes from a horse! Specifically, it was the name of the Mars family horse, who decided to immortalize their beloved stallion in 1930.

Regardless of its unusual name, Snickers is one of the most beloved candy bars in America, if not the world. Over their 90 years of history, they have produced a number of delicious variants of their traditional caramel and peanut filling, including dark and white chocolate, as well as peanut butter and almond.

3

Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

We’ll continue with an American icon. If you ask anyone from outside the United States to choose 3 things to define our country, they’ll probably include apple pie . This beloved sweet treat is heavily associated with the 4th of July celebrations, but let’s be honest: There’s no bad time to have a slice or two of apple pie.

For such a culinary staple, apple pie definitely has a lot of variants. For instance, you can enjoy a delicious apple pie à la mode by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Other toppings include custard, whipped cream, or (surprisingly) a slice of cheddar cheese.

4

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

Image: Terrance Barksdale

We debated which Reese’s product to include in this list: their delicious Peanut Butter Cups or their outstanding Pieces. We decided to go for the Peanut Butter Cup, if only for one reason. This amazing product was one of the first to showcase what a dynamic duo of chocolate and peanut butter make.

The story of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup s goes back to 1928, when H. B. Reese, a dairy farmer employed by the Hershey Company, decided to start his own candy company after he was let go of his job. The rest is history! Almost 100 years after, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are still one of America’s most cherished sweet treats.

5

Beignets

Image: Jessica Tan

If you ever find yourself in the beautiful city of New Orleans, you’ll be amazed by everything "The Big Easy" has to offer, from its amazing jazz, gorgeous architecture, and mouth-watering food. In that regard, take this piece of advice to heart: Don’t leave New Orleans without having some delicious beignets with a hot cup of coffee.

Like many of the things that make New Orleans so special, beignets come directly from French culture. They were most likely brought over by French colonists in the 18th century. However, Louisiana-style beignets stand out because they are topped with powdered sugar and are mostly eaten for breakfast.

6

Boston Cream pie

Image: Marko Klaric

Boston is known as "Beantown" for its affinity for beans, but don’t you dare think beans are the only culinary treat this city has to offer. With that in mind, we would like to present a slice of delicious Boston cream pie as evidence.

Many believe that the Boston cream pie was created in 1856 by Chef Mossburg Sanzian at the Parker House Hotel. Regardless of its origins, this cream-filled delicacy has grown to become a staple of Boston cuisine, being declared the city’s state pie in 1996.

7

Donuts

Image: Courtney Cook

If TV has taught us anything, it is that police officers and donuts go hand in hand. But let’s be honest: You don’t really need to be an officer to enjoy a delicious donut . This tasty treat has become an instantly recognizable pop icon, with its iconic shape and many colorful frostings.

It is believed that donuts were first brought to America by Dutch settlers, who brought a similar pastry called an olykoek to New York. In time, donuts would be happily adopted by the entire country. Nowadays, millions of these treats are consumed around America every day.

8

Hershey’s chocolate bars

Image: Janne Simoes

Let’s continue with " The Great American Chocolate Bar." Over 120 years ago, the very first Hershey bar was sold by American chocolatier and businessman Milton Hershey. This first bar unknowingly started one of the most lucrative and iconic chocolate companies in the world.

After that first bar sold at the start of the 20th century, Hershey has produced a myriad of iconic products, including their "Cookies ‘n’ Creme Bar" or their "Air Delight Bar." Regardless, you know that whenever you unwrap a delicious Hershey’s chocolate bar , you’ll find some of the world’s finest chocolate inside.

9

Cobbler

Image: Beyza Ç.

Let’s face it; the word " cobbler " is an awful-sounding word for such a delicious treat. Not only that, historians can’t seem to agree on where this name comes from. Many believe that it is a variant of the verb "to cobble", while others state that it comes from its resemblance to a ‘cobbled’ stone pathway. But we digress: Let’s instead just focus on how delicious they are.

Although originally created in the United Kingdom, cobblers are particularly popular in America, with many states and regions having their very own special variants. American cobblers are literally too many to mention, so we’ll just highlight a few of our favorites, like the "Brown Betty" (made with fruits and sweetened crumbles) or the "apple pan dowdy".

10

M&Ms

Image: Oksana Zub

We’ll end this article with one of America’s most iconic pieces of candy. At first glance, M&Ms are deceptively simple: They are just small and colorful pieces of chocolate. However, as anyone who has eaten a handful of M&Ms will tell you, there’s something magical to these small yet wonderful sweet treats.

M&Ms were created in 1941, inspired by a similar British product called "Smarties". The two Ms featured in the name come from Forrest Mars Sr., who created the product, and Bruce Murrie, stakeholder and son of Hershey Chocolate’s president.

1

Chain Lakes Loop Trailhead

Image: Pavł Polø

If you’re looking for stunning views and vibrant fall colors, Chain Lakes is the place to go. Located in Washington’s Mount Baker National Forest, this 6.5-mile trail takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete.

The Chain Lakes Loop is one of the most scenic hikes in the country, offering a glimpse of Northern Washington’s breathtaking landscapes . A paradise for outdoor explorers and landscape photographers, it features turquoise glacial lakes, rugged mountain chains, alpine meadows, snow-capped volcanic peaks, and towering conifers—it truly has it all!

2

Tom Dick and Harry Mountain

Image: Aleksey Kuprikov

Mirror Lake, located in Oregon’s Mount Hood National Forest, is a scenic trail popular for picnicking and swimming. But for even better views, hike another mile—you’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking sights of Mount Hood, a stunning perspective of the lake below, Mount Jefferson to the south, and, on a clear day, even Mount Rainier .

Tom Dick and Harry Mountain features three distinct peaks, which inspired its name—referencing the old phrase "any Tom, Dick, or Harry," used to describe three generic people. This 7.8-mile trail takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete.

3

Miners Ridge and James Irvine Trail Loop

Image: wallace Henry

This 13-mile trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California, is long but has relatively little elevation gain. Though it takes 6 to 9 hours to complete, the breathtaking views are totally worth it.

The Miners Ridge and James Irvine Trail Loop is one of the best places to experience the majesty of the redwoods . Staring up at these massive, ancient old-growth trees is truly awe-inspiring. But while the trees are the main attraction, they’re not the only highlight. This loop also takes you across a scenic stretch of beach—offering the perfect opportunity to cool off in the ocean midway through your hike.

4

Clouds Rest From Tenaya Lake

Image: Jess Polley

When people think of Yosemite, Half Dome usually steals the spotlight. But what if we told you there’s a less crowded hike with unique landscapes and unforgettable views?

At nearly 13 miles, the Clouds Rest Trail from Tenaya Lake is a challenging yet rewarding day hike. The trail itself is beautiful, featuring rolling terrain with several ups and downs. Reaching the summit of Clouds Rest will reward you with breathtaking 360-degree views of the national park . From the top, you can spot Tenaya Lake, the Cathedral Spires, Mount Dana, and, of course, Half Dome.

5

Angels Landing

Image: Carl Nenzen Loven

Contemplating the world from atop a jaw-dropping mountain view is a humbling experience everyone should go through at least once. At Angels Landing in Zion National Park, Utah, that sense of majesty is within reach.

Though stunning, this 4.8-mile hike is not to be taken lightly. It has some dangerous cliffs that make it a bit challenging. If you have vertigo, perhaps this trail is not for you. However, if you are in good shape and have an adventurous soul, the stunning scenery at the summit is something not to be missed.

6

Alkali Flat Trail

Image: PublicDomainPictures

For a truly unique experience, travel to White Sands National Monument in New Mexico. The breathtaking blue skies and otherworldly white dunes of the Alkali Flat Trail will transport you to a desert worthy of the best adventure films.

On regular terrain, this 5-mile hike would be considered easy. However, the desert environment and lack of shade make it far more demanding than you might expect. To stay safe, avoid hiking in the summer and be mindful of the heat.

7

Mount Bierstadt

Image: caleb weiner

Did you know Colorado is home to more than 50 fourteeners? Mountains above 14,000 feet in height are the ultimate challenge for any self-respecting hiker. Mount Bierstadt, one of the more accessible 14ers, offers a rewarding climb just a short drive from Denver.

This 7.4-mile trail provides stunning views of Mount Evans, Torreys Peak, and Grays Peak. However, no mountain should be tackled without proper preparation and planning. That said, summiting Bierstadt is an excellent test of your abilities—especially if you're gearing up for a more challenging climb.

8

Cascade Canyon Trail

Image: ELTON MENEFEE

The Cascade Canyon Trail in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, is a must-explore for any hiker. Just a mile from Jenny Lake, the trail features two stunning landmarks: Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.

Many visitors turn back at this point, missing out on eight more miles of breathtaking canyon scenery. If you're up for a longer trek, continue onward to experience the true grandeur of the Tetons up close. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife—you might even spot moose or bears!

9

Grinnell Glacier Trail

Image: Mick Kirchman

Glacier National Park is one of the most breathtaking places in America. With its turquoise lakes and jagged, arrowhead-like peaks , it stands apart from any other park in the U.S. Among its many trails, the Grinnell Glacier hike is one of the most popular in the Montana park.

This 10.5-mile trek offers stunning views, with the massive Mount Gould dominating the horizon. A word of advice: add this hike to your bucket list ASAP. Grinnell Glacier is rapidly shrinking and may disappear within the next few decades.

10

Ricketts Glen Falls Loop

Image: Venti Views

Hiking isn’t just about summiting mountains—waterfalls can offer spectacular views too! This 6.8-mile loop in Pennsylvania features more than 20 waterfalls, making it one of the best waterfall hikes in the eastern United States . While some trails lead to taller, more dramatic falls, few offer the sheer number and variety found here.

Each waterfall is unique and beautiful in its own way, ranging from 15 to 50 feet in height, with the tallest reaching nearly 100 feet. But that’s not all—along this trail, you’ll also encounter fascinating rock formations and ancient old-growth forests.

11

Giant Mountain

Image: Ty Finck

Although New England peaks are only a third the height of the Rockies, East Coast hikes can be even more challenging due to their rugged trails, steep descents, and tricky terrain. Tackling Giant Mountain in the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness is no small feat.

This New York trail takes 4 to 6 hours to complete, but the effort is well worth it. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a picturesque forest , making it a must-visit for those confident in their ability to take on a strenuous climb.

12

Precipice Trail

Image: Raphael Assouline

With its rocky cliffs and oceanside forests , Maine’s Acadia National Park offers a hiking experience unlike any other in the eastern United States. While all of its rugged peaks provide stunning views, no trail in Acadia is as memorable—or as challenging—as the Precipice Trail.

Despite the trail’s short length (just 2.6 miles), this is a challenging hike not recommended if you have a fear of heights. Once you reach the summit of Champlain Mountain, after nearly a thousand feet of climbing, you will be rewarded with sprawling views looking out over the park, Frenchman Bay, and the Mount Desert Narrows stretching out to the Atlantic.

1

July 2nd

Image: Joe deSousa

In a letter to his wife Abigail, John Adams predicted that July 2nd would go down in history. Why? Well, because that's the day in 1776 when the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain. But while the vote happened on the 2nd, the Declaration of Independence wasn't officially signed until the 4th, so that's the date we celebrate!

2

Secret signers

Image: Pierre Bamin

The signing of the Declaration of Independence wasn't as simple as it might seem. In fact, signatures were added over time, from July to August. In addition, the names of the signers were kept secret from the public for six months! Why? Because if the fight for independence had failed, those who signed the document would have been labeled traitors, and under British law, that meant a punishment of death.

3

Washington invites

Image: phil cruz

In the middle of the Revolutionary War, 1778 marked the second anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, George Washington wasn't about to let the anniversary go unnoticed, so he ordered a double ration of rum for his soldiers to celebrate the holiday. Cheers!

4

Something written on the back

Image: Anne Nygård

There's actually something written on the back of the Declaration of Independence. This handwritten note appears upside down at the bottom of the back of the parchment, and it reads: "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776." Just like we label the files we save on our computers today, it's believed they added the note to help identify the original document from other copies.

5

We are many more now

Image: Rob Curran

Many courageous people did everything they could to make the Independence dream a reality and help the nation grow. And it did grow! While there's no exact official data from that time, the US Census Bureau estimates that about 2.5 million people lived in America in 1776. By the most recent census in 2020, that number had grown to about 332 million!

6

John Adams' idea

Image: Jingda Chen

It's hard to imagine the 4th of July without the classic barbecues, parades, and -of course- fireworks lighting up the sky. But even though these traditions are now a staple, there was a first time for all of them. It's said that John Adams himself, in that letter to his wife Abigail, suggested using fireworks and illuminations to celebrate this important day.

7

Busy hospitals

Image: camilo jimenez

While fireworks are beautiful and help raise patriotic spirit during Independence Day celebrations, it's also true that they can sometimes be dangerous. In fact, it's been reported that hospitals see more patients than usual on July 4th due to fireworks-related injuries.

8

Thomas Jefferson's laptop

Image: Alicia Razuri

Of course, laptops didn't exist at the time of the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence, but that's a fun way to describe the lap desk Thomas Jefferson used to write it. That's right: The father of the Declaration of Independence didn't need a grand marble desk or anything fancy to put his ideas into words.

9

Surprising coincidences

Image: Thomas Park

The 4th of July isn't just the day America officially declared its independence; it also holds some incredible historical coincidences. On Independence Day in 1826, both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died, exactly 50 years after the birth of the nation they helped create. Five years later, in 1831, James Monroe became the third president to die on the 4th of July.

But it's not all about endings: President Calvin Coolidge was born on the 4th of July, 1872, making him the only US president born on Independence Day.

10

Millions of hot dogs

Image: Ball Park Brand

It's clear we Americans love hot dogs, and for good reason! This iconic food is closely tied to one of the most important days in our nation's history. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (yes, that's a real thing), Americans typically eat around 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day alone. 150 million!