1

Wisconsin - Cheese

Image: Lauren Forando

Wisconsin is crazy about cheese , and there’s a reason it’s known as "America’s Dairyland"! The state takes great pride in this regional product, and with good reason. Its cheesemaking tradition is almost as old as the state itself, with European colonists introducing the trade in the 19th century in the fertile lands that would eventually become Wisconsin. Approximately 100 years later, over 1,500 cheesemonger shops and factories had been established in the area.

2

Chicago - Deep-dish pizza

Image: Jon Tyson

Deep-dish pizza has its fair share of detractors, but we honestly can’t think of a single, concrete reason why. In our eyes, Chicago’s most famous regional delicacy is wonderful, with its copious amounts of cheese and chunky tomato sauce. In any case, residents of the "Windy City" take great pride in this pizza style, so be sure to try some whenever you're in town.

3

Detroit - Automotive industry

Image: Egor Vikhrev

Detroit has been synonymous with cars since the 1920s , when the city’s population surged following the expansion of the automotive industry across the country. Nowadays, Detroit is considered the epicenter of this industry in the United States, with the headquarters of the "Big Three" auto manufacturers—Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler—located in "The Motor City."

4

Kentucky - Bourbon

Image: Maxim Hopman

Bourbon is one of the few products that can only be found in America . This type of whiskey, typically made from maize, was created in the United States during the 18th century. While it is undeniably an American treasure, bourbon is most closely associated with the American South and, particularly , with Kentucky . The "Bluegrass State" produces 95% of the world’s supply of bourbon, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it is a source of great pride to all Kentuckians.

5

New Mexico - Chiles

Image: Javier Balseiro

The New Mexican chile , a moderately spicy variety , is unsurprisingly a staple of the state’s cuisine and one of its official vegetables. Not only that, New Mexico’s official question is a direct reference to this tasty vegetable. Whenever you hear a New Mexican ask, "Green or Red?", be sure they are asking which type of chile you want with your food.

6

New Orleans - Lucky Dogs

Image: Peter Secan

We could have included any number of delicious New Orleans products in this entry, from its mouth-watering gumbo to its delectable beignets. However, we’ve decided to focus instead on a New Orleans institution—a business that has been standing strong since 1948. Located throughout the streets of "The Big Easy," Lucky Dogs and its iconic hot dog stands bring smiles and tasty treats to both locals and tourists. These stands are featured in one of New Orleans’s most beloved novels, A Confederacy of Dunces , in which its extravagant protagonist briefly works at one of these stands.

7

Texas - Cowboy hats

Image: Donald Giannatti

In 2015, the Texas State Legislature declared the cowboy hat the official "State Hat of Texas." This probably doesn’t come as a surprise. If you’ve ever visited "The Lone Star State," you’ve likely seen cowboy hats everywhere. These accessories have been synonymous with Texas for as long as anyone can remember. In fact, Texas Rangers were the very first law enforcement agency to officially adopt cowboy hats as part of their uniform.

8

New York - I Heart NY T-Shirts

Image: Abhilash G

What might seem like an inexpensive memento to take home after a wonderful trip to New York City is actually one of the most instantly recognizable images in pop culture. "I Heart NY" t-shirts are everywhere in the "Big Apple," and while locals might seem disgruntled at the sight of a happy tourist sporting one of these shirts, rest assured that they feel a small amount of pride in the love and praise their city receives every day.

9

Las Vegas - Casinos

Image: David Lusvardi

Las Vegas calls itself "The Entertainment Capital of the World" for the same reason many refer to it as "Sin City." The largest city in Nevada is known worldwide for its amazing selection of Casino Hotels. Las Vegas’s most famous regional product offers many hours of fun and excitement, though we advise that caution be observed at all times.

10

Sweet Tea - South Carolina

Image: Crystal Tubens

Sweet tea has been a staple of American Southern cuisine for centuries, but many believe the birthplace of this delicious, cold drink is Summerville, a town in South Carolina . According to some historians, during the 19th century, a resident of Summerville named Dr. Charles Shepard started growing tea in the region and innovating with ice-cold drinks that he offered to visitors and neighbors. In due time, sweet tea made Summerville a tourist attraction, eventually cementing the town as the birthplace of this iconic drink.

1

Disney: A signature of magic

Image: Gui Avelar

Some logos inspire happiness at first glance, don’t you think? Walt Disney’s logo is a perfect example for us. It’s playful and inviting, and that’s because it’s modeled after Walt Disney’s very own signature, or at least an artistic version of it.

The truth is that Walt’s actual handwriting looked pretty different from the logo we know today because he changed his signature frequently, making it nearly impossible to determine if this version was ever truly his. In any case, it was very successful, and if you ask us, this logo screams "happily ever after."

2

McDonald’s: Golden arches or hidden symbol?

Image: Janet Ganbold

The moment you see a golden "M," your mouth starts watering, doesn’t it? However, the famous Golden Arches weren’t always part of McDonald’s logo history.

Back in the 1950s, they were part of the restaurant’s architecture, we mean actual arches on either side of the building!

When designing a logo, the company leaned into that imagery to create something unforgettable. Well, they definitely did it! And we’re lovin’ it!

3

Coca-Cola: Scripted for success

Image: Efekan Akyüz

That classic Coca-Cola logo has remained surprisingly consistent since 1887. The secret? A font called Spencerian Script, which was highly fashionable back in the late 19th century.

The smooth, flowing letters give it a friendly, approachable feel, it’s like an invitation to "have a Coke and a smile."

Over the years, the brand played with design elements (remember the old glass bottles?), but the logo’s handwritten charm never wavered. The old-school way truly is the best way in some cases.

4

Dove: A symbol of softness

Image: Akshay Bandre

Some logos are so powerful, that you can almost taste them. In this case, you can smell and feel it at the same time. Have you ever noticed the graceful bird on Dove products? That dove isn’t just for show, it represents peace, gentleness, and care , which is exactly what the brand aims to evoke.

When Dove first launched in 1955, its messaging was all about moisturizing and being kind to your skin. The logo, paired with the brand’s soothing colors, reinforces that sense of softness. It’s one of those designs that just feels good, even before you try the products.

5

Amazon: The smile that points the way

Image: Christian Wiediger

The story behind the name is quite fascinating, but let’s focus on the logo. Amazon’s logo isn’t just a smile—it’s a smile with a purpose. Look closely, and you’ll notice the arrow stretches from "A" to "Z," symbolizing the company’s goal to offer everything you could ever need.

And that curved arrow? It’s designed to look like a grin, giving the brand a friendly, customer-first vibe. With a logo this clever, it’s no surprise they’ve grown into an online shopping powerhouse. This is the kind of logo we like—what about you?

6

Google: The colors of curiosity

Image: sarah b

At first glance, one might think Google just put together the letters, chose random colors, and launched the site. But that’s definitely not the case—this logo is packed with meaning.

To begin with, they are not random colors, they are primary colors, chosen to represent creativity and approachability .

As for the unexpected green "L," it’s a nod to the idea that Google likes to break the rules (in a good way, of course). Over the years, the company has refreshed the logo’s font and shading, but the vibe remains the same. And let’s not forget about the festive Doodles—they’re genius!

7

Starbucks: From the sea to your cup

Image: Athar Khan

That green mermaid on your Starbucks cup? She’s actually a two-tailed siren, inspired by an old Norse woodcut. Why a siren, you may ask? Well, the brand wanted to evoke the allure of coffee as something irresistible —like a siren’s call.

Over time, the logo has evolved, losing the "Starbucks Coffee" text to let the siren shine on her own. Curious enough, the first design included the name of the company on the outer part of the circle, but they decided to eliminate that and let the siren do all the luring work on her own!

8

FedEx: The arrow you didn’t see

Image: Jan Rosolino

FedEx has one of the sneakiest logos in the business world. Between the "E" and the "X," there’s a hidden arrow that represents speed and precision . And once you see it, you can’t unsee it!

This wasn’t the original version, though. Designed in 1994, the logo is a masterclass in subtlety and clever branding, much like Amazon’s. It’s a perfect fit for a company that prides itself on delivering packages quickly and efficiently.

9

Domino’s: Three dots, infinite pizza

Image: Miroslav Denkov

Speaking of logos you can taste, right? Domino’s logo features three dots, which represent the first three locations of the pizza chain .

Originally, the company planned to add a new dot for every store they opened. Can you imagine if they had kept that idea? They quickly realized that wouldn’t work with their explosive growth.

Paired with the iconic red and blue colors, the logo is as comforting as a fresh box of pizza. And let’s be real—who doesn’t love their pizza?

10

Tesla: An electric secret

Image: Tesla Fans Schweiz

Tesla’s sleek, futuristic logo isn’t just a fancy "T"; it’s actually a nod to the company’s cutting-edge tech. The "T" is designed to resemble a cross-section of an electric motor, tying into Tesla’s mission of revolutionizing transportation .

Pair that with its clean lines and modern vibe, and you’ll see that the logo feels as innovative as the cars themselves. It’s a perfect example of branding that matches the product: bold, forward-thinking, and undeniably cool. What do you think?

11

Levi’s: A stitch in time

Image: Mnz

Few pieces of clothing are as iconic as a pair of Levi’s, right? That’s because both the item and the logo are equally simple, bold, and instantly recognizable .

The classic red tab is the result of eight redesigns. The first version of the logo included two horses pulling in opposite directions of a pair of jeans, trying to rip them—and failing, of course! But that was just the beginning.

The logo we know today was introduced by the same designer who worked on Coca-Cola’s script and the inspiration was the stitching on the back pocket of the jeans. The rest, as they say, is comfortable and durable history!

12

Pepsi: A logo full of energy

Image: Ja San Miguel

This article comes to an end with a classic brand. Pepsi’s logo has gone through dozens of iterations, but the current design—a red, white, and blue globe—is packed with meaning.

The wavy lines represent energy and dynamism, while the patriotic colors nod to its American roots, naturally. And if you were doubtful that it represents our country, you can read the 27-page redesign manifesto from 2008, which reportedly cost millions and came with a full explanation of its symbolism!

1

Norma Jeane Mortenson

Image: Juliane Liebermann

She’s the iconic blonde from 1950s cinema, famously portrayed by artists like Andy Warhol! Films like Some Like It Hot (1959) and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) catapulted her to stardom.

Here’s another hint: This was the real name of the woman who famously sang, " Happy birthday, Mr. President! " You got it?

2

Frances Ethel Gumm

Image: Chau Le

If we say " red ruby slippers, " who comes to mind? Remembered, among other things, for her melodious voice, this actress starred in classics like A Star Is Born (1954) and Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). But the role that made her truly unforgettable was Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (1939). Have you guessed it yet?

3

Marion Robert Morrison

Image: Ashim D’Silva

A true gem of Hollywood’s Golden Age, this actor became a legend in Westerns and war films. His commanding presence and deep voice made him the perfect fit for roles like Ringo Kid in Stagecoach (1939) and Ethan Edwards in The Searchers (1956). His birth name was Marion Robert Morrison, but in our hearts, he'll forever be "The Duke."

4

Bernard Herschel Schwartz

Image: Jordan Whitfield

With his bright smile and clean-cut style, he was considered one of the most handsome actors of the 20th century. Bernard Herschel Schwartz starred alongside the blonde from our first entry in the legendary Some Like It Hot (1959) . One of the highlights of this blue-eyed star’s career was his versatility, as he showcased his talent in both dramatic and comedic roles.

5

Margarita Carmen Cansino

Image: Brady Bellini

If anyone ever blended talent and beauty to perfection, it was her! One of the most celebrated stars of the 1940s, she rose to fame with the 1942 film You Were Never Lovelier , but her most iconic role was in Gilda (1946) . Her elegant presence and striking red hair made her an unforgettable symbol of the silver screen. In addition, she also had a short marriage to the very famous Orson Welles. Who is she?

6

Issur Danielovitch

Image: Austrian National Library

Maybe his real name might not ring a bell, but his stage name is legendary! His career took off in the 1940s and 1950s, with tough-guy roles that made him stand out, like his performance in Champion (1949), where he portrayed a talented boxer. As a final clue, we can't forget his unmistakable cleft chin!

7

Norma Jeane Mortenson: Marilyn Monroe

Image: Susi Kleiman

Norma Jeane Mortenson was the birth name of the iconic and incomparable Marilyn Monroe! That’s right—the famous actress was born with that name on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. As her Hollywood career took off, she changed her name to Marilyn Monroe, inspired by Broadway star Marilyn Miller , a celebrated actress and dancer of the 1920s and early 1930s.

8

Frances Ethel Gumm: Judy Garland

Image: Aman

The legendary star we know as Judy Garland was actually born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Coming from a show-business family, she received a stage name at the tender age of 13. That's right—by that age, she had already signed her contract with MGM.

9

Marion Robert Morrison: John Wayne

Image: Eniko Polgar

Marion Robert Morrison was the birth name of one of Hollywood's most beloved and famous actors—the incredible John Wayne . He changed his name when he was still young in the early 1930s , at the start of his career, something that was very common at the time. And who chose his legendary stage name? That would be Fox Studios !

10

Bernard Herschel Schwartz: Tony Curtis

Image: Levi Meir Clancy

Bernard Herschel Schwartz may be a difficult name to remember, which is why this iconic actor changed it to Tony Curtis. Born in New York in 1925, he had a passion for acting from a young age. However, Hollywood wasn't his first career path—before pursuing acting, Curtis joined the Navy during World War II!

11

Margarita Carmen Cansino: Rita Hayworth

Image: Unseen Histories

We all remember the iconic Rita Hayworth , but many don’t know her real name—Margarita Carmen Cansino! Quite different, right? Why did she change her name? Well, when Margarita signed a contract with Columbia Pictures in the late 1930s, the studio believed she needed a shorter, more artistic, and memorable stage name. And so, Rita Hayworth was born—a star who would become an indelible part of American film history.

12

Issur Danielovitch: Kirk Douglas

Image: Natalie Parham

"Issur Danielovitch" may sound exotic, but it was the birth name of the legendary star we know as Kirk Douglas . Before rising to fame as an actor and film producer, Issur worked various jobs to help support his family. In 1940 , he made the bold decision to move to Hollywood and pursue his dream career: acting. It was then that his great stage name was born.