1

Pizza

Image: Nik Owens

This Italian classic truly needs no introduction. From its humble beginnings in Naples, pizza conquered the world, and America is no exception. Whether it's a classic New York slice or a deep-dish Chicago pie , pizza is a staple in American diets, with endless customizable topping options.

2

Sushi

Image: Jakub Dziubak

Once considered exotic, this Japanese delicacy has become a mainstream favorite in America. From California rolls to spicy tuna, these bite-sized pieces of artfully prepared fish and rice have won over many of our palates with their fresh flavors. Not to mention the fun appeal of sushi bars!

3

Fondue

Image: angela pham

Cheese fondue or chocolate fondue? All are welcome! This Swiss tradition of dipping diced food into a communal pot has become a fun and interactive dining experience for Americans. It’s a meal as much as an event: The point is to share and enjoy!

4

Dulce de Leche

Image: Leigh Skomal

This caramel treat hails from South America, where it's slathered on everything : pancakes, fruit, ice cream —you name it! Lately, Americans have embraced this sweet indulgence, swirling it into ice cream and frappucinos, drizzling it over desserts, and even stuffing it into cookies.

5

Ramen

Image: Bon Vivant

Another convenient, exotic, and fulfilling meal that many Americans can vouch for. Whether in the form of a quick instant noodle fix or as a gourmet bowl in a Japanese bar, this is a meal that has become a favorite comfort food for many.

6

Macaron

Image: Holly Stratton

Charming to the eyes as well as delicious! Macarons are delicate French cookies that are almost too pretty to eat . They are almond-based and usually served in bright colors, already a favorite for those of us with a sweet tooth.

7

Pad Thai

Image: Hidden

Once street food in Thailand, today a go-to for American takeout lovers. It combines fried rice noodles, protein, vegetables, and a tangy sauce . Interesting! The dish offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures that has garnered many fans across the country.

8

Paella

Image: Olivier Collet

Paellas are inviting to all of the senses. This saffron rice is a staple of Spanish cuisine and often includes seafood, chicken, or chorizo. It’s accompanied with vegetables and served in a large pan. Its colorful presentation makes it a showstopper at any dinner party or food festival.

9

Pavlova

Image: Léo Roza

This meringue-based feast from New Zealand and Australia has charmed its way onto many American dessert menus. If you like a crisp crust of meringue with a fluffy interior, topped with fresh fruit like strawberries or cherries, you must try this dessert —if you haven’t already!

10

Feijoada

Image: Beatriz Braga

Feijoada (pronounced fey-zhoo-ah-dah) is a hearty black bean stew from Brazil. It’s packed with pork, spices, and often served with rice and orange slices. Sure, a bold flavor . But Americans are starting to embrace this traditional Brazilian pride!

11

Arepas

Image: Alexandra Tran

Arepas can go with anything, really. Some refer to them as culinary blank canvases . They are versatile cornmeal cakes from Colombia and Venezuela, which can be stuffed or accompanied by spreads like cheese, shredded beef, vegetables —you name it!

12

Gyro

Image: Bruna Santos

The gyro (pronounced yee-roh) is a Greek pita-wrapped delight, and a favorite of handheld dining . Packed with spiced meat, crisp veggies, and garlicky tzatziki, gyros are a satisfying and flavorful meal that Americans have embraced for their fresh taste and convenience.

13

Curry

Image: Photo By: Kaboompics.com

The fragrant aromas and complex flavors of Indian curries have captivated us for decades. From the creamy tikka masala to the fiery vindaloo , curry dishes have opened the door for Americans to incorporate rich spices from foreign cuisines.

1

Frankford Avenue Bridge, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Image: See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Long before America declared independence, a bridge was already standing strong in Philadelphia. Built in 1697, the Frankford Avenue Bridge holds the title of the oldest bridge still in use in the United States. Picture stagecoaches rattling across its stone arches, carrying passengers between Philadelphia and New York. Today, cars hum across the same path, hardly noticing they’re rolling over a structure that has endured for more than three centuries —a quiet survivor of colonial times still woven into modern city life.

2

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

What if we told you that a bridge once called "impossible" now defines an entire city? When it opened in 1937, the Golden Gate spanned an incredible 4,200 feet, a record that stunned engineers across the globe. Its sweeping cables and graceful towers are much more than just steel —it’s poetry over water. Painted in its famous "international orange," this bridge doesn’t just stand tall against the fog, it glows through it, serving as both a practical crossing and a proud emblem of San Francisco’s scenic location.

3

Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa Bay, Florida

Image: Joseph Corl

Reaching gracefully across 4.1 miles of Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge rises like a fleet of white sails frozen in motion. Finished in 1987, it was designed to do more than just connect two shores—it was built to inspire. Its towering piers and broad cables give it the look of a ship setting out to sea, a fitting image for Florida’s sunlit coast. On bright days, motorists often describe the drive as more than a commute; it feels like gliding above the Gulf itself, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the water sparkles below like glass.

4

Brooklyn Bridge, New York, New York

Image: Alexander Rotker

Here’s a tale worth telling: when the Brooklyn Bridge first opened in 1883, many New Yorkers doubted its strength. To calm their fears, showman P. T. Barnum led 21 elephants across the span, proving once and for all that the monumental structure could hold far more than horse-drawn carriages. With its stone Gothic towers rising like cathedrals and its web of cables fanning out in graceful arcs, the Brooklyn Bridge is both an engineering triumph and a work of art. More than a century later, it still stands as a symbol of American ingenuity.

5

Memorial Bridge, Washington, D.C.

Image: Devansh Bajaj

Picture this: a bridge that doesn’t just link two shores, but two chapters of American history. The Arlington Memorial Bridge, completed in 1932, was designed to align the Lincoln Memorial with Arlington House, symbolizing a nation healing after the Civil War. Its central span works like an enormous see-saw—an elegant bascule that tips upward, heavy as a freight train, to open the way for ships on the Potomac. More than steel and stone, it’s a gesture of reconciliation and remembrance.

6

Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct, Nicholson, Pennsylvania

Image: WallyFromColumbia at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Imagine standing at the foot of a concrete wall as high as a 20-story tower, stretching farther than the eye expects a bridge could go. That’s what people experienced in 1915 when the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct—better known as the Nicholson Bridge—first appeared on the Pennsylvania landscape. Spanning 2,375 feet with arches rising 240 feet above the valley, it was the largest concrete bridge in the world at its completion. More than a century later, trains still roll across its 12 arches, looking like miniature toys against the bridge’s sheer immensity.

7

Roebling Suspension Bridge, Cincinnati, Ohio

Image: Thomas Rupp

If the Brooklyn Bridge impressed you, the Roebling Suspension Bridge in Ohio will blow your mind, as it was built years earlier by the same man. When it opened in 1867, it set a world record as the longest suspension bridge, stretching an impressive 1,057 feet across the Ohio River. It was John A. Roebling’s first marvel, only overtaken by his own later New York landmark. For the people of Cincinnati, the bridge was proof that American engineering could rival anything in the world, a daring leap that linked two cities and paved the way for future icons.

8

North Bridge, Concord, Massachusetts

Image: Christopher Ryan

Set foot on the North Bridge in Concord and you’re not just crossing the Concord River—you’re walking into the pages of history. It was in this exact place that, in April 1775, a musket fire rang out, sparking the first battle of the American Revolution and changing the course of a nation forever. The bridge visitors see today is a careful 1956 reconstruction, built to honor the original. Yet, the setting remains almost the same: the quiet river below, the fields beyond, and the sense that this unassuming wooden span still carries the echoes of liberty’s first call.

9

Middle Covered Bridge, Woodstock, Vermont

Image: Michelle_Pitzel

There’s a certain mystique about covered bridges, and Woodstock’s Middle Bridge feels like it was lifted straight from a storybook. Though built in 1969, it was crafted with traditional techniques, giving it the spirit of a much older landmark. Stretching 135 feet across the Ottauquechee River, its peaked wooden roof frames a perfect New England scene —red barns, rolling hills, and the steady flow of water beneath. Beyond its whimsical charm, the roof serves a purpose: protecting the bridge’s sturdy timbers from Vermont’s long, snowy winters so it can stand strong for generations.

10

New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville, West Virginia

Image: Ian Pearthree

From a distance, the New River Gorge Bridge might seem like any other stretch of highway. But step onto it, and it’s a different story. Opened in 1977, this steel arch rises 876 feet above the rushing waters below—higher than stacking two Statues of Liberty end to end. It is a symbol of West Virginia’s rugged beauty, celebrated each October during "Bridge Day," when traffic halts, and the bridge transforms into a stage for daring jumps, local crafts, and awe-struck visitors soaking in one of the most breathtaking views in America.

11

Bow Bridge, Central Park, New York, New York

Image: Pierre Blaché

As light as lace yet forged from iron, Bow Bridge sweeps in a gentle curve across Central Park’s shimmering lake. Completed in 1862, it quickly became more than a passage—it turned into a stage for the city’s daily rhythms. Artists set up easels to capture its elegance, photographers frame it against the water, and couples linger at its railings, savoring the view. Street musicians often fill the air with music, while beyond the trees, New York’s skyline stretches high. Amid the steel and stone of the metropolis, Bow Bridge endures as a quiet piece of poetry shaped in metal.

12

Harbor Bridge, Corpus Christi, Texas

Image: Vladislav Osterman

You now know what the oldest bridge in America is, but what about the newest? Unveiled in 2025, the new Harbor Bridge in Texas was designed to last up to 170 years. Its sleek towers and graceful cables rise 205 feet above the water, high enough for massive cargo ships to glide underneath without pause. By day, it’s a marvel of modern engineering, but when night falls, it completely transforms. A sophisticated computer system of LED lights ripples across its frame, painting Corpus Christi’s shoreline in vivid colors. More than a crossing, it’s a staple of economic growth.

1

Clothing (cheaper)

Image: Nick de Partee

Back in the mid-20th century, average American families spent about 10% to 12% of their household income on clothing. That figure has dropped to around 3%. That is not because people buy fewer clothes but because the prices have dropped significantly over the last decades.

Starting about fifty years ago, most U.S. clothing production moved overseas, where labor costs are lower and production output is higher . Those savings were passed onto consumers, and as fast-fashion brands proliferated, Americans had more options at lower prices than ever before.

2

Magazines (more expensive)

Image: Rhamely

While younger generations will not remember this, 25 years ago, magazines were an Internet of sorts : it was the quickest way to access information and color pictures of any subject you were interested in. Magazines were a ubiquitous item, sold everywhere at modest prices. Since the World Wide Web came along, magazines became less important and less demanded products.

If you have bought magazines lately or have inquired about their price, you might be surprised to discover how pricey these items have become.

3

Bananas (cheaper)

Image: John Vid

Believe it or not, back in the day, bananas used to be quite an expensive fruit. These days, this product is one of the cheapest and most popular fruits in the supermarket but when it first became available in the U.S., following the Civil War, it was sold for about 10 cents a piece — that’s about $3 per banana today.

The price of tropical fruit has hovered between 50 and 60 cents per pound for the last 20 years — a significant drop from its early cost. Despite being imported from faraway places and requiring cooling containers, banana sellers produce only one variety, the Cavendish, meaning the fruit can be harvested in abundant volumes and ripened at the same time .

4

Concert tickets (more expensive)

Image: Nainoa Shizuru

There was a time when going to a concert was a pretty accessible event. The ticket prices were low, even for well-known artists. But then, a couple of big players came along into the business and the prices skyrocketed like never before . Besides the ticket price itself, the service charge and taxes make for a hefty sum, not affordable by everyone anymore.

5

Television sets (cheaper)

Image: Peter Geo

It’s a well-known fact that as technology improves and becomes more efficient, prices come down. However, one consumer electronics category stands out from the rest for its drastic price cuts: televisions. The first color TV set debuted in 1954 with a $1000 price tag , and a 15" screen. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ inflation calculator, that would be more than $11,600 today.

Compare that number to a 65-inch, high-definition smart TV that might cost around $500 in today’s dollars and the price drop is nothing short of amazing.

6

Car insurance (more expensive)

Image: Herson Rodriguez

Car insurance was never the cheapest service in the world, but it used to be a much more accessible price, with options for every pocket. In recent decades, auto insurance premiums have been steadily climbing , making car ownership a more exclusive deal altogether than it used to be.

7

Air flight tickets (cheaper)

Image: Suhyeon Choi

Yes, it may feel like airline ticket prices have surged in recent years due to airport taxes and fuel prices, but if we look at the price evolution over the last decades, we can see that tickets have become much more affordable than before .

Commercial air travel used to be a luxurious experience available only to the wealthy. In 1941, an average flight from Los Angeles to Boston would have cost more than $5,000 in today’s money. These days, a one-way flight from Los Angeles to Boston commonly costs around $300.

8

Fast Food (more expensive)

Image: Kenny Eliason

Getting a burger with fries and a soda for a couple of dollars was a standard deal back in the day, but not anymore. Fast food prices have steadily increased in the last few decades , making the tag for a standard menu almost the same and sometimes even more expensive than a meal at a regular restaurant.

9

Washing machines (cheaper)

Image: engin akyurt

In the same way that TVs have dropped the price, most other appliances have gone down the same path, and washing machines are no exception . These devices, an invaluable addition to modern life, have changed significantly from the 1950s to today.

In 1959, a Kenmore washer was advertised for $209.95. Today, that amount inflates to more than $2,200, which is a $1,600 difference from a basic $500 to $600 top-loading Kenmore machine today.

10

Prescription medicine (more expensive)

Image: Haley Lawrence

Healthcare costs in America have been a complicated problem for years. Not just health insurance but also essential medicines have been raising their prices steadily for a very long time.

It can’t be said that medicines used to be cheap but definitely were far more accessible than these days.