1

Cardboard sled race

Image: Jeremy McKnight

Want to have fun? Get cardboard, tape, and go to Grand Haven’s Winterfest in Michigan where, every January, kids and adults build their own sleds and race down a snowy hill, hoping to make it to the bottom before their creation falls apart.

Prizes are handed out for speed, creativity, and team spirit. It’s all in good fun, at least for the crowds who watch as contestants slide hoping their creation comes to nothing before reaching the finish line!

2

Frozen dead guy days

Image: Henrik L.

If you think your family has odd traditions, wait until you hear about Frozen Dead Guy Days in Estes Park, Colorado.

This festival is inspired by the real-life story of Bredo Morstoel, a Norwegian man who was cryogenically frozen in a shed in Colorado (yes, really.) After local officials discovered the situation, instead of shutting it down, they embraced it and turned it into a full-blown festival.

Now, every March, thousands of visitors gather to watch coffin races, polar plunges, and even a Frostbite Fashion Show. A festival to die for, huh?

3

North American wife carrying championship

Image: Kyle Sudu

Ever thought of carrying your spouse through an obstacle course? In Newry, Maine, that’s exactly what happens every October at the North American Wife Carrying Championship.

Let us explain: Teams race across a 278-yard course with two dry obstacles and one water challenge, all while carrying their partner upside down, legs over the shoulders.

You don’t have to be married to enter, any duo can participate. The winners get a hilarious prize: the carried person’s weight in beer and five times their weight in cash. We’re in!

4

Corgi beach day

Image: fatty corgi

Twice a year, Huntington Beach, California, becomes a fluffy paradise thanks to Corgi Beach Day. What’s not to love about these short, stubby-legged dogs? This festival is to celebrate them!

Thousands of corgis, and their humans, of course, gather on the sand to play, dress up, and compete in fun contests. There are food trucks, vendors selling corgi-themed goodies, and even giveaways. Best part? All breeds are welcome, just be sure to dress up your pup in something fun, so they stand out among the sea of short legs and wagging tails.

5

Underwater music festival

Image: Sarah Lee

Music festivals are fun, but how about one underwater? Every July, divers and snorkelers in the Lower Keys, Florida, gather for the Underwater Music Festival, where music is played through special underwater speakers.

People dress as mermaids and sea creatures, pretending to play fish-shaped instruments as they float through the ocean. The festival promotes coral reef conservation, making it both entertaining and educational. The kind of fun we love!

6

Art Car Parade

Image: Ichsan Pratama

Every April, the streets of Houston, Texas, transform into a moving art gallery. The Art Car Parade features vehicles that have been painted, sculpted, and decorated into rolling masterpieces.

Some cars look like bananas, shoes, or space-themed creations, while others resemble Mad Max-style hot rods. What started as a small event in the 1980s has grown into the biggest free event in Houston, with up to 300,000 spectators lining the streets.

7

Twins days festival

Image: Jørgen Håland

Have you got a twin? Pack your bags and head to Twinsburg, Ohio. A place that lives up to its name by hosting Twins Days every August, the largest annual gathering of twins in the world.

Twins from all over attend, participating in a "Double Take! parade, contests, and research studies. Scientists and universities even conduct twin-related research, with some offering cash or gift incentives for participation. Every year, the festival has a theme, and many twins show up in matching costumes.

8

UFO Festival

Image: ruddy.media

If you’ve ever wondered about aliens and UFOs, Roswell, New Mexico, is the place to be in July.

The UFO Festival celebrates the famous Roswell Incident of 1947 when a flying saucer crash-landed near the town. We know that the government later said it was just a high-altitude research balloon, but many people still believe aliens were involved. The festival includes parades, alien costume contests, laser shows, and an "Alien Crawl" bar event for adults. An out-of-this-world experience, if we may say so!

9

WNC Bigfoot Festival

Image: Jon Sailer

Bigfoot may be a Pacific Northwest legend, but in Marion, North Carolina, he’s a local celebrity. The WNC Bigfoot Festival started in 2018 after reported Bigfoot sightings in the area, and it’s been a hit ever since.

Every May, visitors travel to the town to hear Bigfoot experts give lectures, watch a Bigfoot-calling contest, and browse Sasquatch-themed art and souvenirs. Would you like to go to this one?

10

Mothman Festival

Image: Carol Petri

In Point Pleasant, West Virginia, people embrace the mystery of the Mothman, a red-eyed winged creature first spotted in 1966.

Now, every September, the Mothman Festival celebrates the legend with vendors, cryptid-themed art, Mothman-shaped food, and hayrides. Visitors can also tour the Mothman Museum or take a bus tour of the infamous TNT area, where the creature was first seen.

1

"Do your best, history will do the rest."

Image: Sincerely Media

This line is attributed to a leader who preferred plain talk over fancy speeches. Yes, this quote is simple, but the message behind it is quite powerful! He grew up in the Midwest, worked on a farm, and often said that good work speaks for itself. His steady outlook carried the country through the final stretch of a world conflict and the anxious years just after. Who is it?

2

"A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor."

Image: Maël BALLAND

We love this quote! Why? Well, because it is as simple as it is true. That was this President’s goal: to use simple images to make big ideas feel close to home. He guided the nation through economic trouble and global war, often mentioning topics like patience, courage, and hope. Even from his wheelchair, he painted pictures of strength. A true American leader, right, but who is he?

3

"Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages."

Image: Brett Jordan

This next quote came from a leader whose early years were marked by hard travel, long campaigns, and delicate diplomacy. He had a calm way of encouraging people without raising his voice. His belief in steady character helped shape the country in its very first chapter. Please stand up for this one!

4

"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

Image: Hadija

These words are those of a tall, thoughtful president from Illinois who knew the sting of loss more than once. Books were his teachers, and ambition kept him moving. He often reminded people that life answers to those who keep trying, even when the odds look unfriendly. Do you know the answer already?

5

"A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on."

Image: Mika Baumeister

This line came from a young president who brought a burst of energy to the White House. His speeches felt crisp and hopeful, reflecting the spirit of the early space age. He believed in bold thinking and often told Americans that imagination could outlast fear, conflict, and even time.

6

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

Image: Marija Zaric

Here we have a quote from a president known for his childhood struggles and his later love of adventure. He boxed, hiked, studied wildlife, and charged into politics with the same energy. He liked practical advice, especially the kind that encouraged people to begin where they stood. If you haven’t figured it out yet, keep reading, and you’ll find all the answers below!

7

Harry S. Truman

Image: Volodymyr Hryshchenko

Truman is often quoted as saying, "Do your best, history will do the rest," as a reminder that results are not always immediate. He took office during the final months of World War II and faced monumental decisions regarding postwar rebuilding, peacekeeping, and the early Cold War. His plainspoken manner matched his no-nonsense style.

8

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Image: Jason Leung

FDR often used sea imagery, including the quote above. He leaned on this message during the Great Depression and again in wartime. It helped people feel braver in moments when the country needed every bit of steady leadership.

9

George Washington

Image: Hrayr Movsisyan

Washington’s line, "Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages," came in the context of the Revolutionary War. Supplies were thin, the weather was brutal, and morale often wavered. He used words like these to keep soldiers and citizens believing in the long fight ahead. Big thanks are in order!

10

Abraham Lincoln

Image: Fine Photographics

Lincoln is often credited with the thought, "The best way to predict your future is to create it." His whole life story reflected that idea. He rose from frontier poverty to the presidency by reading constantly, working hard, and following his own path one determined step at a time. Perhaps we should just do what he said, right?

11

John F. Kennedy

Image: Lucrezia Carnelos

Kennedy’s quote, "A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on," represents his love of big thinking. He shared it during speeches that encouraged Americans to look beyond fear and aim for progress, whether that meant civil rights, science, or world cooperation. Do you agree with him?

12

Theodore Roosevelt

Image: Nils Huenerfuerst

Roosevelt often told people, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." He practiced this philosophy in public service, conservation efforts, and his personal life. He believed action beats hesitation and that results grow from simple beginnings. It really makes you think!

1

Block Island, Rhode Island

Image: John Angel

One of the "Last Great Places" in the Western Hemisphere, as declared by the Nature Conservancy, Block Island has done a great job at preserving its natural beauty, with 40% of its territory being devoted to wildlife refuges.

32 miles of coastline and inland trails, along with beaches, biking, and trekking provide ample opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors. And, when the sun goes down, a healthy scene of bars and restaurants with an easy-going atmosphere and great food welcomes visitors.

2

Alamosa, Colorado

Image: Shelby Cohron

Colorado is not just about ski resorts and mountains, as Alamosa proudly demonstrates. If you head down south in the Centennial State you will find this high-altitude agricultural community mainly known to UFO sightings chasers and birdwatchers.

The town, packed with antique shops and craft breweries, is near the Great Sand Dunes National Park, a surreal place that makes visitors feel as if they were in the Sahara desert. The San Luis Valley and the Sangre de Cristo mountains, also near, provide ideal spots for hiking and exploring during the summer months.

3

Ice Age Trail, Wisconsin

Image: Dave Hoefler

Hiking trails might not look like the most crowded places but they can be—the popular ones, at least. Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail offers 1,200 miles of scenic hiking paths without the heavy foot traffic of places of most known trails.

The trail can be thoroughly enjoyed without the need to traverse it in full, as it has many segments that can be discovered individually. Wooded hills, gorgeous glacial lakes, and plenty of trailside camps and small communities to rest make this trail a great spot for a holiday in nature.

4

Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts

Image: Larry Ferreira

There is much more to Massachusetts than Boston, Cape Cod, and the Berkshires—for example, the Pioneer Valley . Carved by the Connecticut River, this peaceful area is home to several vintage mill cities turned into modern towns full of restaurants and one-off shops.

Hikers can walk the north woods on the New England Trail and Springfield visitors can discover the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, where the sport was born in 1891, as well as the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum & Sculpture Garden.

5

John Day Region, Oregon

Image: Anna Vineyard

While it has managed to avoid massive crowds for all of its existence, it's hard to believe that a natural wonder as picturesque as John Day Region will remain a calm place for much longer in this day and age. Take a moment to Google-search John Day Region’ s Painted Hills and you will get the idea.

And if that is not enough reason to make you plan a visit, the region is packed with old-growth rainforests, canyons, high desert plains, and undammed rivers complete with sandy beaches and gorgeous meadows, all in an easy-to-move-around area.

6

Pennsylvania Wilds

Image: Lera Kogan

When considering the abundance of wildlife and untamed mountain creeks, ancient trees of the Forest Cathedral, and Pine Creek’s own version of the Grand Canyon, it becomes clear that the Pennsylvania Wilds is a region that lives up to its name.

Sprawling across a vast expanse of the rugged Allegheny Plateau, the region boasts 29 state parks, two national wild and scenic rivers, a world-class stargazing center at Cherry Springs, and human relics like the Kinzua Bridge.

7

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Image: Drew Harbour

A city that has a ton of amazing things to offer but never appears on those glamorous Top-Cities-To-Visit lists, Tulsa is a hidden jewel of the Midwest. Its beautiful Art Deco architecture, impressive museums and cultural institutions with collections rivaling those of major cities, lively music scene, and craft breweries make it a great long weekend destination.

The best time window to visit would be from September to November when the temperate weather is ideal for walking tours and bike rides in the historic neighborhoods. The Tulsa International Airport has nonstop flights from all over the country, all year long.

8

Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia

Image: Parker Hilton

Combining beach fun and outdoor adventure with copious wildlife, Cumberland Island National Seashore receives visits that usually stay for the day. But staying overnight at beachside campgrounds or the Greyfield Inn is a fun adventure as well.

Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island is full of wild horses, sea turtles, wild turkeys, and infinite birds everywhere to be seen along the island’s 18-mile-long beach.

9

Western Tennessee

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

An enticing blend of nature, history, music, and food tells us that there is so much more to Tennessee than the tourist magnet that is Nashville. From the cradle of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll that is Memphis to the historical sites of Shiloh National Military Park and Fort Donelson National Battlefield to the Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park that conserves nearly 13,000 acres of rare hardwood bottomland along the Mississippi River, including eerie bald cypress swamp. Western Tennessee is a place to explore.

10

Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas

Image: Oliver Graham

The few visitors who venture past Hot Springs National Park, and into the highlands of west-central Arkansas are rewarded with a haven of solitude and natural wonder in the form of the Ouachita range.

These mountains are ideal for those who like their hiking, camping, and fishing in a peaceful environment. And, if that proves to be too calm, Magazine Mountain is a regional hang-gliding mecca that also boasts amazing mountain biking routes.