1

No blindfolded driving in Alabama

Image: Kirill Balobanov

As we said in the introduction, these situations are likely born out of real incidents. At some point, someone must have driven blindfolded in Alabama , and the consequences were serious enough for state legislators to enact a law preventing it from happening again—a reasonable measure if you ask us.

2

No driving with dogs on the roof

Image: Tadeusz Lakota

As terrible and infuriating as it may sound, there is a very real possibility that someone drove with a poor dog tied to the roof of a car in chilly Alaska . Thankfully, local legislators passed a law prohibiting this dangerous and cruel situation.

3

No reverse driving

Image: Hunter Wiseley

This law makes no sense, and we bet—or at the very least hope—that it’s no longer enforced. Otherwise, how would Arizonans back out of their driveways without breaking the law?

Believe it or not, traveling in reverse on an Arizona road is illegal .

4

No horn honking at the sandwich joint

Image: Simon Daoudi

While it can certainly be an annoyance to hear cars honking when you’re trying to enjoy a Croque Monsieur and a diet soda at your favorite spot, most of us wouldn’t expect a state law banning it.

But in Arkansas, it’s illegal to honk a horn after 9 p.m. outside an establishment that serves sandwiches and cold drinks .

5

No jumping out of the car at 65 mph or faster

Image: Mathias Arlund

This one seems more like common sense than anything else, but apparently, enough people attempted this stunt in California for state legislators to pass a law making it illegal to leap out of a moving vehicle traveling at 65 mph or faster .

6

No black vehicles on a Sunday

Image: Steven Erixon

But what if your car is black and you need to drive somewhere? Hopefully, this law is no longer enforced in Colorado. Yet, for some reason lost to time, it’s illegal in this state to drive a black vehicle on a Sunday .

7

No speeding tickets for politicians

Image: Sumeet Kapadia

This one is downright infuriating. In Georgia, it’s illegal to ticket a member of the assembly for speeding while the assembly is in session. It should come as no surprise—after all, those same assembly members are the ones responsible for this law.

8

No driving with a gorilla in the backseat

Image: MARIOLA GROBELSKA

People in Massachusetts don’t need a law to tell them that driving around with a living gorilla in the backseat is a bad idea—that’s just common sense. But just in case, there’s a state law explicitly prohibiting it.

9

No camel-ridding on the highway

Image: Oskars Sylwan

Camels are great for desert travel but not so much for highway traffic. And no US state is more certain of this than Nevada, where it’s illegal to ride a camel on a highway .

10

No driving around the town square

Image: Felix Mittermeier

Driving around the town square can be a popular Saturday night activity in some towns, but someone in Ohio must have taken it to the extreme. In this state, it’s illegal to circle the town square more than 100 times in a row .

11

No reading comic books while driving

Image: Erik Mclean

For public safety alone, reading while driving should be illegal everywhere. But in Oklahoma, it’s specifically illegal to read comic books while driving —not newspapers, not hardcover novels—just comic books.

12

No driving with intoxicated passengers

Image: Jamie Street

Driving under the influence of alcohol is highly dangerous and, fortunately, banned almost everywhere. But in Texas, legislators have taken it a step further, making it illegal to drive if any alcohol is within arm’s reach of the driver —including if that alcohol is in another person’s bloodstream.

1

Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

You can’t talk about traditional American desserts without mentioning apple pie, so let’s kick off this article with it! While its roots trace back to Europe, apple pie has become a symbol of American pride.

It’s the perfect combination of buttery crust, sweet apples, and warm spices like cinnamon. Of course, like any traditional dish, there are several variations. But isn’t it great to go back to the basics? If there’s one pie everyone loves, this is it!

2

Brown Derby cake

Image: amirali mirhashemian

The Brown Derby Cake isn’t your typical pie, but its story is worth savoring. It was created in 1927 by caterer Harry Baker in Los Angeles.

You might be wondering about the name’s origin—it comes from its domed shape, which resembles a derby hat. Made famous by the iconic Brown Derby restaurant, this cake combines rich chocolate layers with airy whipped cream and fruit for a delicious finish. If you’re feeling fancy, this is the treat to try!

3

Cranberry pie

Image: Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian

Do you know how some feelings can be tasted? Well, if you want to taste autumn, have a slice of cranberry pie.

This tangy treat is a favorite during the holiday season, thanks to its beautiful red hue and bold flavor. Made with fresh or dried cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange zest, it perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. Serve it at Thanksgiving and watch it quickly become the star of the show.

4

Sour Cream Rhubarb Pie

Image: Maximilian Zahn

If you’ve never tried sour cream rhubarb pie, you’re in for a treat. The tartness of the rhubarb is mellowed by a creamy custard filling made with sour cream, creating a dessert that is both tangy and luxurious.

Often topped with a crumbly streusel, this pie is a Midwest favorite that feels both rustic and indulgent. Give rhubarb a chance—in a pie, it’s a superstar!

5

Pecan pie

Image: nikohoshi

Speaking of classics, pecan pie is the king of Southern desserts—and for good reason, we might say! With a gooey filling made of sugar, butter, and eggs, topped with toasted pecans, it’s as rich as it gets.

Traditionally served during Thanksgiving, this pie has a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with whipped cream. And the crunch of the pecans? It’s dessert perfection in every bite!

6

Lemon tart

Image: Ira Ushak

Okay, this isn’t technically a pie, but a lemon tart deserves a spot in this article, don’t you think? This tangy dessert features a velvety lemon custard nestled in a buttery crust.

It’s like sunshine on a plate—bright, bold, and just the right amount of sweetness! Lemon tarts are refreshing compared to heavier desserts, there’s not a specific season for them, making them perfect year-round. It’s a must-try for citrus lovers!

7

Squash Custard Pie

Image: Natalia Y.

This one might come as a surprise to you, but it’s a delicious nod to fall flavors, and if you like pumpkin pie, you’ll like this one too. Made with sweetened pureed squash, eggs, cream, and warm spices, it offers a fun and unique twist, right?

Squash pies have been part of American cuisine since colonial times, showcasing the resourcefulness of early cooks. It’s a cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for sweater weather.

8

Oregon’s Marionberry Pie

Image: micheile henderson

Oregon takes pride in many things, and one of them is marionberry pie—as it should! Marionberries, a cross between two types of blackberries, are sweet, juicy, and perfect for a pie. Native to Oregon, these berries create a filling that’s rich and slightly tart. The pie is a regional treasure, it's as Oregonian as rainy days and coffee shops.

9

Coca-Cola cake

Image: Toa Heftiba

No, we’re not kidding. Coca-Cola cake was born in the South, and it is as uniquely American as its namesake soda.

In case you were wondering, yes, Cola is a key ingredient, and it gives the rich, moist chocolate cake a subtle caramel flavor. It’s often topped with a fudgy glaze, and if you’re a Coca-Cola fan, you simply must try a slice of this one!

10

Carrot cake

Image: Sharon Chen

As you can see, using vegetables as key ingredients in pies is quite common—and successful! Carrot cake is a moist, spiced cake studded with grated carrots and often walnuts or raisins. As if that weren’t enough, we can’t forget about the cream cheese frosting, which made it quite popular among Americans. Do you like this one?

1

Thor's Well, Oregon

Image: Eric Muhr

Imagine there is a huge, circular hole in the sea where water seems to fall endlessly into an abyss. Spooky, right? Well, this is what you'll see if you look at the incredible Thor's Well, located on the Oregon coast.

Despite its name, it's not a well but a large, bowl-shaped sinkhole situated on the rocky shore. When you see it, it gives the impression that the ocean is being drained away! The ocean waves flow in and out of the hole, creating a dancing water spectacle. But that's not all; the site is surrounded by rugged volcanic rock that becomes slippery and hazardous when wet. It feels almost like stepping into a scene from a fantasy movie.

2

Devil's Den, Florida

Image: Michael Behrens

When it comes to spooky names, Devil's Den stands out. While its name might not sound very inviting—unless you’re a horror fan—this is actually an incredibly beautiful place with a charm that is hard to match.

Devil's Den is a prehistoric underground spring and cave system. Picture yourself walking through the state of Florida when suddenly you find a big, mysterious hole in the ground. When you look down, you discover a cave with a bright blue body of water inside. Scientists believe that the roof of an underground river collapsed here, exposing the water surface and creating what we now know as Devil's Den Spring.

If you haven't visited this spot yet, this is your invitation; you won't regret it!

3

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico

Image: John Fowler

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is an incredible landscape filled with reddish-purple rock formations on eroded terrain . The site has amazing geological structures sculpted from sedimentary rock.

While this scene looks like something out of a science fiction movie set on some distant planet, this extraordinary place is not only on Earth but also right here in northwestern New Mexico.

Want to know what its name means? Bisti and De-Na-Zin are Navajo words that can be translated to "a large area of shale hills" and "standing rock," respectively.

4

Bumpass Hell, California

Image: Quentin Burgess

Lassen Volcanic National Park in northeastern California has something to surprise visitors: a geothermal basin.

We're talking about Bumpass Hell, a place with a name that has an interesting history. This spot owes its name to Kern Bumpass, a miner who, in the 19th century, was one of the first to explore this little-known wonder. Bumpass suffered injuries and burns due to the geothermal activity, which gave rise to the ingenious name that the area has today.

What you see upon arrival is a series of steam vents reaching temperatures of up to 200°F , rising from bubbling hot springs. And as if all this weren't enough, Bumpass Hell is framed by the beautiful Cascade Mountains.

5

Havasu Falls, Arizona

Image: Cara Fuller

While the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona is one of our country's best-known natural landmarks, it also holds a special spot that many overlook. Although a permit is required and access is a bit tricky, the effort is well worth it to find the beautiful Havasu Falls. The most common way to reach Havasu Falls is by hiking , but you can also get there by helicopter.

The waterfall is an impressive 100 feet high and splashes against the unique rocky backdrop. This spot is mesmerizing, and this fact is reflected in its name: Havasu translates to "blue-green water" in the Havasupai language.

6

Turnip Rock, Michigan

Image: Cody Doherty

The Great Lakes are well-known for their beauty and size, but there's a hidden gem among them that has been overlooked for a long time.

Picture yourself standing on the shore of a lake and suddenly spotting a large rock formation that appears to be balancing on the water. If you experience this, you're probably in the state of Michigan, precisely standing by Lake Huron, witnessing the incredible formation called Turnip Rock.

Its name comes from its strange shape: over the years, the action of the waves has eroded the base of the rock, making it narrow while leaving the top wide. As a result, the rock now resembles a giant turnip. The best way to reach this site is by kayak, so if you like that activity, Michigan is the perfect place for you!

7

Apostle Islands Sea Caves, Wisconsin

Image: Spencer Fitzgerald

Wisconsin boasts some of the most beautiful natural areas and holds unexpected scenery.

If you enjoy museums and art, don't miss Apostle Islands Sea Caves in Wisconsin. Here, nature is the main work of art, with water as the star sculptor!

In this spot, the water has drastically affected the cliffs, carving out wonderful rock formations with incredible shapes. However, all of this becomes even more amazing in winter when the site is covered with ice water and adorned with icicles hanging like spikes!

8

Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho

Image: Chris Bair

If you are someone who has always dreamed of traveling to space and stepping foot on the moon , this place might become your new favorite spot.

While it's not actually in outer space, Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho makes you feel as if you were there. As the name suggests, the landscape here resembles lunar craters. These pits and fissures in the dark, hardened ground are the result of volcanic activity that has occurred in the area over the past 15,000 years.

If you enjoy hiking, exploring caves, and taking in spectacular views, don’t miss the chance to visit this remarkable place!

9

Lost River Cave, Kentucky

Image: Bruno van der Kraan

As if descending into the dark depths of a cave weren’t enough, imagine the sensation of navigating an underground river! If you're not afraid of that scenario, then you can visit Lost River Cave in Kentucky.

After passing through a dramatic entrance, you'll enter the cave system, a mysterious world adorned with stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the entire space. But the highlight is the river flowing through it. Visitors can experience this adventure by taking a boat ride along the underground river with other guests. It’s an experience you definitely won't want to miss!

10

Providence Canyon, Georgia

Image: Shelby Cohron

Yes, the Grand Canyon is absolutely impressive and beautiful, but it's not the only canyon in our country. Right here in the US, we also have the Providence Canyon, located in southwestern Georgia.

Sometimes called "Georgia's Grand Canyon," this stunning place is approximately 120 miles southwest of Atlanta and covers about 1,000 acres. The rock formations here delight visitors with a varied color palette, ranging from pink to red, orange, and even purple.

In addition, the canyon's depth ranges from 15 to 50 feet, offering magnificent views to enjoy during the hike. If you love to explore, make sure to visit Georgia!