1

Unexpected gifts

Among the many objects and people who enter the White House every day, there are many gifts. And it's not just letters, children's drawings, or flower bouquets. Some of the gifts that have arrived at the Executive Mansion are really crazy. Among them, we can mention the giant 1,400-pound wheel of cheese that Andrew Jackson welcomed, the two grains of rice with tiny portraits of himself that Nixon received, the Komodo dragon given to George H.W. Bush, and the three-foot-long jewel-encrusted sword that Obama was given as a gift from Saudi Arabia.

2

Big party

In the past, the White House was more "accessible." So much so that when Jackson became president in 1829, the thousands of people who followed him to his residence threw a huge party right there in the gardens of the Executive Mansion, with some even entering the house. The party lasted for hours and marked a turning point in the relationship between US presidents and the citizens.

3

Judo at the White House

Visits to the White House are usually steeped in strict protocol, but there's always some room for surprises. One of these unexpected moments happened in 1904 when Teddy Roosevelt welcomed a Swiss diplomat. President Roosevelt was renowned for his physical prowess, and one of his favorite activities was judo. To show off his new skills, he invited the Swiss diplomat to join one of his practice sessions. But the poor man never imagined the president of the US would flip him with a judo throw, leaving the shocked diplomat on the mat!

4

Ghosts?

It's not just the living who create memorable moments at the White House. It's said that the spirits of figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Dolley Madison, and Andrew Jackson have been seen in the presidential residence. But one story stands out above the rest. During WWII, Churchill was staying at the White House when, one night after a shower, he reportedly encountered the ghost of President Lincoln! Churchill allegedly said, "Good evening, Mr. President. You seem to have me at a disadvantage."

5

Intruder helicopter

The first issue of "People" magazine, the debut episode of   Happy Days, and the premiere of   The Godfather II all arrived in 1974, a year equally tumultuous for politics. On February 17, a strange event occurred: A US Army private first class stole a helicopter and landed it on the White House lawn without permission. According to various accounts, the soldier had not graduated from the pilot course and, frustrated, stole the helicopter to show off his skills. Bold!

6

Santa

Sometimes, Santa shows up with more surprises than a sack full of presents. On December 12, 1983, none other than Mr. T arrived at the White House dressed as Santa! As part of First Lady Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" campaign, Mr. T played Santa for the children visiting the White House that day. But it wasn't just for the kids: the First Lady herself perched on Mr. T's lap, making a holiday wish.

7

Homemade gin

Every president has their own particular hobbies and preferences, and Dwight D. Eisenhower was no exception. It's said he was a fan of gin-based drinks, particularly martinis, and took a special interest in them. He even made his own gin right inside the White House! While it wasn't exactly classic "bathtub gin," as some like to claim, it was definitely a homemade recipe.

8

Prom

The White House has seen all kinds of events over the years. But there was someone who made history on that front, and it wasn't a president but his daughter! We're talking about President Gerald Ford's daughter, Susan Ford, who in 1975 became the first —and so far, only— presidential child to host a prom at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue!

9

Bowling lane

As we've mentioned, each inhabitant of the Executive Mansion found their way to make the house feel like home. It turns out that President Nixon had a full, modern bowling alley installed inside the White House. And unlike that stationary bike we bought months ago (and it's still in its packaging), he actually used it regularly!

10

Unusual pets

The White House has a long list of animal inhabitants! For example, John Quincy Adams’ famous alligator, Theodore Roosevelt's bear cub, Calvin Coolidge's raccoons, Andrew Jackson's foul-mouthed parrot, and one of the most surprising: the tiger cubs gifted to President Martin van Buren.

1

Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the U.S. combined

Alaska’s size is already impressive: it’s the largest state in the country by far, over twice the size of Texas (the second largest state by area). But what surprises many people is just how much coastline it has.

With over 33,900 miles of shoreline, including islands, Alaska has more coastline than all the other U.S. states combined. Its rugged shores stretch along the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Bering Sea.

2

Arizona is home to one of the best-preserved meteor craters

Arizona’s desert landscape holds one of the most famous impact sites on Earth: Meteor Crater. This massive depression, measuring about 3,900 feet across and more than 500 feet deep, was formed around 50,000 years ago when a large iron meteorite struck the ground with unimaginable force. It’s so well preserved that scientists have used it to study planetary impacts for decades.

3

California has the tallest, largest, and oldest trees

California is home to some incredible tree-based records. On the northern coast, redwoods grow routinely over 300 feet, and represent the tallest tree species on Earth. In addition, giant sequoias hold the record for the largest trees by volume, and bristlecone pines in eastern California are among the oldest living trees on the planet, some reaching more than 4,800 years of age.

4

Colorado contains the highest paved road in North America

Colorado’s mountainous terrain makes it a paradise for scenic drives, but one road stands above all the rest. Literally.

The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway climbs to over 14,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest paved road in North America. It visits Echo Lake Park, the Mount Goliath Natural Area, the Dos Chappell Nature Center, and Summit Lake Park, and culminates in the highest peak of the region, Mount Blue Sky (formerly known as Mount Evans). A fee is charged to travel State Highway 5 to the summit, and vehicles over 30 feet long are not allowed for safety reasons.

5

Florida is the only state that borders both the Atlantic and the Gulf

Florida’s location gives it a special geographic distinction. It is the only U.S. state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of America, known globally as the Gulf of Mexico.

This unique positioning helps explain why Florida has so many beaches, marine ecosystems, and one of the longest coastlines in the country, second only to the aforementioned Alaska.

6

Hawaii grows coffee commercially

Coffee production in the United States is rare, but Hawaii, sitting in the Pacific Ocean about 2,000 miles southwest of the U.S. mainland, is one of the few places where it happens on a large scale. The state’s volcanic soil and tropical climate make perfect conditions for growing coffee, especially the famous Kona coffee grown on the slopes of volcanoes on the Big Island.

7

Kansas is flatter than a pancake

Kansas has long been joked about as being extremely flat. But, in 2003, researchers from the geography departments of Texas State University and Arizona State University took the matter to the lab. They worked to mathematically determine if Kansas is actually flatter than a standard pancake purchased from IHOP.

The researchers concluded that, mathematically speaking, Kansas is actually flatter than a pancake when measured over large distances. The study became famous for both its humor and its unusual approach.

8

Louisiana has parishes instead of counties

48 of the states divide their local governments into counties. Alaska uses the term boroughs. Louisiana, however, is divided into parishes . The reason lies with the state's early history with the Roman Catholic Church.

A parish , in many Christian denominations, is a territory under the care and jurisdiction of a priest. Before the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the region had been under both French and Spanish influence, both Catholic countries. When the state of Louisiana joined the Union in 1812, it had already inherited an organized system of administrative units derived from those used by the Catholic church. Eventually, when a new state constitution was ratified in 1845, local tradition won, and the name parish stuck.

9

Nevada is the most mountainous state

When people think of Nevada, they often picture either endless deserts or the chaotic energy of Las Vegas, with its world-famous hotels and casinos. But Nevada is a very large state (the 7th largest overall), and its 110,572 square miles are filled with mountains.

Nevada contains more mountain ranges than any other state in the country, over 300 of them, thanks to the geological stretching of the Basin and Range region. These mountain ranges create isolated valleys that serve as refuges for endemic species.

10

Oregon has a lake inside a volcano

Oregon is home to Crater Lake, one of the many stunning natural sights in the US. It formed inside the collapsed caldera of an ancient volcano called Mount Mazama. No river flows in or out of the lake; the system stays stable because evaporation is compensated by rain and snowfall.

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America, reaching depths of nearly 2,000 feet, and its intense blue and water clarity solidify it as one of the country's most sought-after tourist destinations.

1

Baseball

Image: Chris Chow

Baseball isn’t called America’s favorite pastime for nothing. The heartbeat of American sports, it was already recognized as the national sport in the 19th century, when it originated as a blend of older bat-and-ball games.

Curiously, the first official baseball game on record didn’t take place in the United States but in our northern neighbor, Canada, which is often credited with creating the basis for most modern baseball rules. However, New York City clubs were responsible for further shaping the game into what it is today.

2

Fishing

Image: Greysen Johnson

Fishing has long been a beloved pastime for millions of Americans, luring people in with a peaceful and nature-immersed experience. No longer a necessity for survival in everyday life, most people today enjoy fishing recreationally, with many anglers choosing to release their catch unharmed.

Celebrated American writers like Ernest Hemingway have portrayed fishing as a reflective and rewarding pursuit, capturing the romantic longing for a simpler life and the joy of the great outdoors that remains at the heart of this pastime. Moreover, the hobby encompasses more than just fishing, with many enthusiasts taking pride in creating their own custom lures, often crafted to resemble various types of live bait.

3

Camping

Image: Chris Holder

Camping became popular in the early 20th century as Americans sought respite from growing urbanization. Today, it remains a beloved way to explore the country's vast landscapes, from national parks to remote forests. Extensive networks of protected foot trails crisscross the nation, offering opportunities for both short and long excursions.

In fact, it could be argued that camping is part of the wild heritage of the American frontier spirit, encouraging Americans to reconnect with nature. Much like fishing—and these two pastimes often go hand in hand—camping is about adventure, self-sufficiency, and the pursuit of simplicity away from the hustle of daily life.

4

Football

Image: Carol Highsmith's America

American football—also known as gridiron football or simply football—originated in the 19th century, evolving from various older ball games related to rugby. In recent decades, it has grown into a national obsession, rivaling baseball and even surpassing it in viewership, with millions tuning in every weekend.

The Super Bowl and similar events have become iconic elements of American culture, transforming into major community celebrations that draw more than just football fans. Major events like the Super Bowl bring families and friends together across the country, often featuring entertainment segments and halftime shows that transform these sporting events into full-blown celebrations.

5

Barbecuing

Image: Vincent Keiman

Barbecuing is an art form in America, with roots tracing back to indigenous peoples and early settlers. Whether it’s a Fourth of July cookout or a casual weekend gathering, the grill is central to American social life. The tradition initially spread through pit barbecues, where meats were smoked and cooked over a dug trench filled with burning embers.

Over time, this technique evolved into the conventional backyard grilling we use today. Despite the widespread popularity of standard barbecues, styles vary significantly by region, each with its own distinct flavors and techniques, often featuring elaborate sauces or unique smoking methods.

6

Auto Racing

Image: Tim Trad

Auto racing—and particularly stock car versions of the sport like NASCAR—has captivated the imaginations of Americans almost since the invention of motor cars in the early 20th century. Drawing inspiration from popular European races like the Paris-Rouen contest, the enthusiasm for motor racing quickly took hold in the U.S.

The first American automobile race is generally considered to be the Thanksgiving Day Chicago Times-Herald race on November 28, 1895. As cars became more accessible and the automotive industry developed, racing grew in popularity, eventually evolving into the high-octane spectacle that is now a distinctly American tradition.

7

Gardening

Image: Benjamin Combs

Gardening has always been a cherished American hobby, providing a peaceful retreat within one’s home while also beautifying one’s surroundings. From victory gardens during wartime to modern suburban flower beds, gardening remains a thriving pastime for Americans everywhere.

It’s a way to create something beautiful and sustainable, connecting with nature in a personal and meaningful way. Recently, interest in homegrown vegetables and organic food has surged, with an estimated 40 percent of American households—33 million—growing their own produce.

8

Movies

Image: Kilyan Sockalingum

Since the early 20th century, movies have been integral to American culture. Whether going to a local theater or, more recently, enjoying a cozy movie marathon at home, millions of Americans have shared this experience for almost a century. As Hollywood and the film industry evolved, American movies reached audiences worldwide, earning acclaim for their excellence.

Today, the magic of cinema continues to captivate Americans just as it did decades ago. This is no surprise, as the love for good storytelling and innovation—two true American passions—lies at the heart of this cherished tradition. Although the 2020 pandemic dealt a blow to movie attendance, it has been steadily recovering, showing no signs of slowing down.

9

Home-Cooking

Image: Or Hakim

More than just a necessity, home-cooked meals are a true American passion. Food is a key part of a nation's identity, so it’s no surprise that cooking at home holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans. Our country’s incredibly diverse culinary heritage offers a vast array of edible experiences to choose from, and gathering with friends and family to enjoy delicious homemade dishes is one of our favorite pastimes.

Whether preserving family recipes passed down through generations or trying new culinary experiments, home cooking is always a way to connect with loved ones, celebrate traditions, and enjoy the satisfaction of a meal crafted with love and skill.

10

Road Trips

Image: averie woodard

With a country as vast and beautiful as ours, it’s no wonder Americans often choose to spend their vacations exploring its diverse landscapes. From bustling cities to scenic countryside, domestic travel is not always just about relaxation—it can also be an adventure of self-discovery and a journey through our shared history.

And there’s certainly no shortage of sights to see! From the breathtaking vistas of our national parks to meticulously preserved historic sites, few experiences foster a deeper connection to our heritage. Whether it’s the towering peaks of the Rockies, the rolling hills of the Appalachians, or the sun-kissed shores of the coasts, every corner of the country offers something new to discover.