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Thomas Jefferson: Patriot, president… And foodie?

Image: Pixzolo Photography

Let’s start with what is arguably Thomas Jefferson’s most criminally overlooked contribution to history. Next time you are dipping a delicious and crispy French fry in some ketchup, take a moment to thank our 3rd President, who is often considered solely responsible for bringing this recipe to America.

During his time serving as ambassador to France, Jefferson fell madly in love with more than a few mouth-watering French dishes, which included a recipe for "potatoes deep-fried while raw, in small cuttings." He brought these recipes back home with him, and, while French fries didn’t become particularly popular until the beginning of the 20th century, Jefferson is still credited for introducing this quintessential side dish to the United States.

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Benjamin Franklin’s "fowl" enemy

Image: Tyler Donaghy

There’s no denying that America loves turkeys —they are the undisputed star of every Thanksgiving Day feast. Having said that, can you imagine a world in which the turkey is emblazoned on official documents or currency? Forget that: Can you picture the POTUS delivering an important speech behind a podium with a turkey on it?

America would have definitively been an entirely different country if Benjamin Franklin had been successful in choosing the turkey as our national symbol. In a letter, Franklin stated that he believed that the bald eagle was "a bird of bad moral character," while the turkey, in his view, was a "Bird of Courage" more aligned with American values.

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John Hancock’s signature

Image: Signature Pro

The Declaration of Independence was surely a pivotal moment in our country’s history. This document provided the basis of freedom, liberty, and justice on which America was founded. As you probably know, Founding Father John Hancock had the honor of being the first to sign this ever-so-important piece of paper.

In turn, history has thanked Hancock in a rather unusual way, with the simple yet versatile slang term "to give your John Hancock," which means to sign your name onto something.

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John Adams dog from hell

Image: Jamie Street

Ask anyone to tell you possible dog names for your new puppy and they might suggest timeless classics like "Spot," "Buddy," or "Rex." However, had you asked our 2nd President, his suggestions might have been a bit more daring. During his time in the White House, John Adams and his wife Abigail were the proud owners of an adorable dog that sported a terrifying name: Satan.

What’s interesting is that the Adams truly had a unique talent when it came to naming their pets. Alongside Satan, the couple also had a female dog named Juno and a horse called Cleopatra. In any case, don’t be too fast to judge Good Old Satan. As the saying goes, a dog by any other name is still a good boy.

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Are any Fans of the Bard Out There?

Image: Taha

For many book critics, the world will never know another writer as incredible as William Shakespeare. His works still inspire admiration around the world, with millions of fans reading, commenting, and recreating many of his timeless plays. In that sense, would you be surprised to learn that two of our Founding Fathers were die-hard fans of the Bard?

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were self-proclaimed admirers of Shakespeare’s literature, frequently writing letters that praised his impeccable style. Adams once called the Bard "the great master of nature" and the "great teacher of morality and politics." Not only that, a popular legend states that, when both Founding Fathers visited Shakespeare’s home in England, they chipped a piece of his chair to take home as a souvenir.

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Whiskey that tastes like freedom

Image: Thomas Park

George Washington’s resume was certainly impressive: 1st President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and tactical mastermind. However, there’s another noteworthy activity that is often overlooked by history books— George Washington owned and ran a commercial whiskey distillery from his home in Mount Vernon.

Think about it: Is there any liqueur more likely to lift your "spirits" (see what we did there?) than a fine malt whiskey personally distilled by the "Father of Our Country"? The thousands of tourists that visit Mount Vernon every year seldom forget to visit the distillery.

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Have you seen this dog?

Image: Joe Caione

Picture this: You are putting out signs in your block trying to locate your beloved and recently lost dog. All of a sudden you receive an unexpected call, informing you that they have found your dog and that it is currently in the care of none other than the President of the United States!

In all honesty, that’s not exactly how the story went, but it’s a true testament to George Washington’s honor and etiquette. According to historians, a little fox terrier named Lila was found by Continental Army troops behind American lines after the Battle of Germantown in 1777. After learning from the dog’s collar that she belonged to an enemy soldier, Washington ordered for the dog to be returned to her rightful owner, with a note assuring him that she was unharmed and safe.

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Fancy a cold one?

Image: Drew Beamer

George Washington was not the only Founding Father adept at brewing alcoholic beverages. The great city of Boston proudly boasts an iconic beer brand named after Samuel Adams , paying homage to the beer-brewing past of this Founding Father.

There’s another bit of fun trivia regarding "Samuel Adams Beer": If you’ve ever enjoyed a pint of this delicious beer, you probably saw Adams raising a beer glass on its label. However, some theorize that the man depicted in the logo might actually be fellow patriot Paul Revere. Having said that, there’s no solid evidence to back this up, other than the fact that both revolutionaries looked a little similar.

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Thomas Jefferson’s magical cookbook

Image: Hayden Walker

As mentioned earlier, Thomas Jefferson was a bit of a foodie. Granted, he would look at us in complete bewilderment if he heard us call him a "foodie," but it’s safe to say he loved good cuisine. Besides bringing French fries to our country, every American should salute and pay tribute to the 3rd President for yet another culinary jewel: Mac and cheese.

Again, we should clarify that the recipe Jefferson brought wasn’t exactly the one you would find in a box of Kraft. However, he would often serve his dinner guests macaroni pasta, paired with a cheese sauce that closely resembles the dish we know and love today. It’s believed that Jefferson’s delighted guests helped popularize this creation, which would eventually become one of America’s favorite meals.

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Benjamin Franklin purposely misspelled "Pennsylvania"

Image: Adam Nir

We’ll end with a remarkably smart mistake that came from a remarkably smart man. Benjamin Franklin was behind some of the earlier forms of currency in the United States. After moving to Philadelphia in 1723, he became involved in printing money, which had only recently started circulating around Pennsylvania. As the great inventor that he was, Franklin added some remarkably clever ways to bypass counterfeiters and help differentiate his bills from possible fakes.

One of the smartest—and possibly simplest—features Franklin introduced was purposely misspelling the word "Pennsylvania" on his bills. After all, such a blatant and evident mistake would immediately inform anyone that this bill came from Franklin’s own hand.

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Paris, France

Image: U.S. Department of State from United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Embassy in Paris is the oldest American diplomatic mission in the world. Benjamin Franklin himself served as the first ambassador, back when the United States was fighting for independence. Today, the chancery building stands on the Place de la Concorde, a spot once used for public executions during the French Revolution. Few embassies can match this mix of American heritage and European history.

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New Delhi, India

Image: Ash Carter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Set on 28 acres in a district where nearly every corner is marked by a foreign flag, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi feels more like a grand estate than a government office. The entrance alone impresses visitors with its broad fountain and big golden Great Seal of the United States.

When it first opened in the 1950s, the complex introduced many locals to the clean lines and bold simplicity of American modernist design. Decades later, the compound still carries that sense of mid-century optimism, standing as both a piece of architectural history and a stage for diplomacy.

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London, United Kingdom

Image: Phil Lev

If James Bond had to hand-deliver a top-secret note to Uncle Sam, this is exactly where he’d go. Opened in 2018, the current building of the U.S. Embassy in London came with a price tag of about $1 billion—yes, billion with a "B." It spans nearly 12 acres along the River Thames, enough to be one of the most enviable addresses in town.

The sleek glass cube design doesn’t just reflect light, it sparkles as if auditioning for a starring role in a spy flick. Its gardens and public walkways also make it one of the few embassies in the world that feels just as welcoming as it does secure.

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Brasília, Brazil

Image: mbastosbr

When Brazil built a new capital in 1960, the United States became the first nation to establish its embassy in the brand-new city of Brasília. The 12-acre compound took another decade to finish, but the wait was totally worth it.

Today, the building unfolds like a tropical retreat with lush courtyards, a marble facade, clusters of palms, and broad office space that seem to invite a slower pace. Inside, the Stars and Stripes waving overhead reminds you that this is less about vacation and more about international business, carried out in unmistakably American style.

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Yerevan, Armenia

Image: Arina Dmitrieva

If embassies were given awards, the U.S. outpost in Yerevan would easily take home the trophy for "biggest backyard." Sprawled across 22 acres, it’s more park than office, with open lawns rolling out under the backdrop of Armenia’s rugged mountains.

Yet, the real deal is inside. The embassy serves as a gathering spot for locals, hosting cultural festivals, English-language programs, art exhibits, and workshops that make diplomacy accessible and engaging. With its airy design and community-centered vibe, it feels less like a fortress and more like an open invitation to join.

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Ottawa, Canada

Image: Jane T D.

Right across the northern border, Canada hosts a striking U.S. Embassy right on Ottawa’s Sussex Drive. Spanning 138,000 square feet and completed in 1999, the building simply stands out. With its stainless-steel dome that gleams in the sunlight, it feels like a freshly minted coin.

Step inside and you’ll find an airy glass interior with open spaces, echoing the values of dialogue and solidarity. In a city lined with Gothic revival architecture, the U.S. Embassy rises as both a modern landmark and the stage where American diplomacy meets Canadian friendliness.

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Tokyo, Japan

Image: Evgeny Tchebotarev

Set amid Tokyo’s frantic setting, the U.S. Embassy in Japan has stood its ground since the 1970s, quietly observing one of the world’s most dynamic capitals. Step outside its secure walls, and in just minutes you’re in the tranquil embrace of the Imperial Palace gardens, where koi ponds and ancient stone bridges feel worlds apart from the neon lights. Contrast is the essence of this post, rooted in a nation where skyscrapers rise beside shrines, and where diplomacy intertwines with both centuries-old heritage and cutting-edge modernity.

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Canberra, Australia

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

Opened in 1963, the U.S. Embassy in Canberra feels like a time capsule from the golden age of mid-century design. With its grand dome and red-brick elegance modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the building brings a piece of Virginia heritage halfway around the world.

Framed by tall eucalyptus trees and the crisp skies of Australia’s capital, it strikes a balance between old-world stateliness and natural charm. For many visitors, this government office is a symbol of American history and Australian hospitality.

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Buenos Aires, Argentina

Image: here, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Known as Palacio Bosch, this embassy doesn’t look like an office building at all. Originally built in 1910 for one of Argentina’s wealthiest families, the mansion still carries a Belle Époque aura. With sweeping marble staircases, glittering chandeliers, and fancy salons full of gilded details, it feels like the set for The Great Gatsby .

Outside, the gardens stretch wide and elegant, providing the backdrop for countless receptions where formal diplomacy blends with the warmth of Argentine culture. Guests might hear live music drifting through the air, join in animated conversation, or even share a round of _mate_—a reminder that this embassy is as much a cultural meeting point as it is a place for politics.

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Oslo, Norway

Image: Christoffer Engström

Though smaller in scale than others on this list, the U.S. Embassy in Oslo stands out with a design that mirrors the Norwegian landscape. Its facade pairs sleek glass walls with rugged stone, a blend that feels both contemporary and timeless.

In the summer, the building glimmers in the glow of endless daylight. Come winter, snow transforms its sharp lines into something out of a Nordic fairytale, with frosted rooftops and a quiet stillness in the air. More than just an office, this embassy feels woven into its setting—an architectural nod to Norway’s mix of modern design and deep connection to nature.

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Mexico City, Mexico

Image: Oscar Reygo

In one of the world’s liveliest capitals, this embassy makes its mark with sheer scale: over 1.8 million square feet of workspace. That makes it one of the largest American embassies , almost a city within a city.

Beyond its size, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico plays a central role in cultural exchanges and international cooperation, making it as vital to daily life as the bustling neighborhoods that surround it.

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Singapore

Image: Mark Stoop

Nestled among orchids, palms, and flowering shrubs, the U.S. Embassy in Singapore feels more like a tropical retreat than an office. Its wide, low-slung profile is designed to stay cool in the humid climate, blending seamlessly into the greenery. Just like in the rest of the city, architecture and nature work in harmony, offering a daily reminder that diplomacy can grow strong roots in even the warmest of places.

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Multnomah Falls (Bridal Veil, Oregon)

Image: Karsten Winegeart

Multnomah Falls is, without a doubt, the mother of all the 77 waterfalls that can be found in the gorge of the Columbia River in the state of Oregon. Located 30 miles east of Portland, it is one of the three largest waterfalls in the United States . Multnomah Falls has a staggering drop of 620 feet divided into two sections and is a natural wonderland of breathtaking beauty.

A stone bridge suspended between two cliffs offers the best views. The Benson Bridge, built in 1914, allows you to cross the lower falls and continue along a paved trail to the viewing platform at the top. From this privileged observation point, you’ll be able to appreciate the geology exposed by centuries of flooding. Multnomah Falls is the perfect place for hikers , especially during the autumn months. Its rich natural, cultural, and geological history is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

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Bridalveil Fall (Yosemite, California)

Image: PeterBowers

Bridalveil Falls is a 617-foot cascade and is one of the most iconic sights in the Yosemite National Park . This famous waterfall drops to the base in spring and early summer with enough water to spray its visitors with a gentle mist. In winter, Bridalveil Falls offers a soft yellow glow.

The Ahwahneechee tribe believed that Bridalveil Falls was home to a vengeful spirit named Pohono who protected the entrance to the valley and that those leaving should not look directly at the waterfall lest they suffer the curse. They also thought inhaling the mist from the waterfall would help them find someone to marry , hence the name it is known today.

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Nugget Falls (Juneau, Alaska)

Image: Timon Cornelissen

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes, Nugget Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the United States. Although it’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts , the scenery alone provides ample reasons for anyone to visit and explore.

Located at the tail end of Alaska's Mendenhall Glacier, these 377-foot falls are formed from a glacial stream making their way to Mendenhall Lake in the course of a two-tiered plunge. They can be accessed by a gravel road, but they are often visited as part of an excursion to Juneau Shore or Mendenhall Lake. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for some tranquil moment in nature, Nugget Falls is sure to provide a memorable experience .

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Wailua Falls (Līhuʻe, Hawái)

Image: Zane Persaud

You may recognize these waterfalls from their appearance in the opening credits of the hit TV show "Fantasy Island". Or you may have seen them in promotional materials for Kauai, as Wailua Falls are considered the most amazing waterfalls on this scenic Hawaiian island . It is located 5 miles north of downtown Līhuʻe and although there is no walking trail, it can be easily seen from the road.

The double-flow cascade spans an 80-foot drop, thundering and crashing into a small plunge pool below. A lush jungle wall surrounds Wailua Falls, a magnificent site, especially after heavy rains. If you visit in the morning, you may be greeted by a rainbow as the sunlight hits the mist rising from the waterfall . It's an excellent photo opportunity you don’t want to miss!

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Tahquamenon Falls (Paradise, Michigan)

Image: Dillon Austin

The astonishing Tahquamenon Falls are divided into two equally impressive sections. You can visit the Upper Falls to witness the 200-foot-wide and 48-foot-high cascades before heading to the Lower Falls, a group of five waterfalls that drop around a freshwater island. This area was first popularized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s "The Song of Hiawatha", but long before that, it was used as a hunting and fishing site by the Ojibwa natives .

Nowadays, these rust-colored cascades —the result of tannins released from cedar trees upstream— are known to some as "Root Beer Falls." They are located in Tahquamenon Fall State Park, an ideal location for fishing and swimming during the summer. In winter, it becomes a snow-covered paradise for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing . No matter the time of the year, the natural scenery of Tahquamenon is truly a sight to behold!

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McWay Falls (Big Sur, California)

Image: Jairo Gonzalez

Located on the stunning California coast, McWay Falls is a true hidden gem. With its crystal clear waters cascading directly onto the white sandy beach, this 80-foot waterfall delights all visitors with its unique beauty . If you are planning to visit Big Sur and you're looking for spectacular views, McWay Falls is a must-see!

The history of McWay Falls dates back to the beginning of the 20th century when the area was acquired by the McWay family. Julia Pfeiffer McWay, a woman with an adventurous spirit and a passion for nature, fought all her life to preserve its native ecosystem. In 1983, the site was donated to the State of California and incorporated into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, named in honor of Julia's generosity.

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Crabtree Falls (Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina)

Image: Leslie Cross

North Carolina has many natural wonders that can be enjoyed all year round, and Crabtree Falls is no exception. Although it’s not as popular as other waterfalls in the state, it's a site worth visiting, especially during the warmer months . Located just 45 miles north of Asheville, this 70-foot-high cascade is surrounded by an oak and hickory tree forest.

Originally known as Murphy’s Falls, this area was renamed Crabtree Falls by the National Park Service when the Blue Ridge Parkway was constructed in the 1930s. If you are a flower and plant lover, Crabtree Falls is the place to be . In the spring, visitors can find a magnificent array of wildflowers along the trail, and during the summer, ferns fill the forest with rosebay rhododendrons in bloom.

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Havasu Falls (Supai, Arizona)

Image: Daniel Hernandez

The Grand Canyon attracts more than 5 million tourists every year and is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. But hidden deep in the canyon, on the Havasupai reservation, there is a breathtaking site little known to most tourists: the Havasu Falls . Being in a protected reserve, a special permit is required to visit. If you're lucky enough to get one, the falls can be accessed by helicopter, horse, or mule. Another option is to hike 10 miles there and back, along a beautiful path of red rocks and ancient pictographs.

Havasu Falls is known for having a fantastic turquoise color due to the high levels of calcium carbonate present in the spring-fed waters of Havasu Creek, the main source of the waterfalls. These high levels also create the 70-degree travertine pools at the top, making them the perfect swimming spot!

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Palouse Falls (LaCrosse, Washington)

Image: Dave Hoefler

The unexpected beauty of Palouse Falls dominates eastern Washington, attracting thousands of visitors each year to experience the 200-foot drop from a stunning rocky outcrop into a swirling blue pool. The falls are surrounded by striking cliffs and can be seen from several vantage points throughout the State Park, including the trail that hugs the canyon's rim.

Palouse Falls is the result of the last Ice Age , the product of several glacial floods known as the Missoula Floods that swept across the region, creating the unique landscape that amazes us today. If you are feeling adventurous, just pack a tent and prepare to catch one of the best sunset views the country has to offer!

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Niagara Falls (New York)

Image: Ivan Torres

Last, but certainly not least, Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in the United States and a unique destination that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. With a width of more than 3,000 feet and a drop of 160 ft, these three magnificent falls —two American and one Canadian— are located 400 miles from New York City. Approximately 600,000 gallons of water flow over the falls every second and the average depth underneath is 170 ft.

Named by the Iroquois tribe, the word Niagara means "thunder of water" . Since its discovery by European settlers in the 17th century, Niagara Falls has become very popular, not only for their beauty but also as a source of energy. Niagara Falls is a marvelous spectacle that will remain in the memory of all those who have the chance to explore it . There’s no doubt about it, everyone should visit Niagara Falls at least once in their lifetime!