1

George Washington

Image: Alonzo Chappel, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Founding Father and first president of the United States, George Washington, enjoyed many recreational activities during his free time. He was a true outdoorsman—he loved hunting and fishing and was a devoted gardener and farmer .

It’s common knowledge that after deciding not to run for a third term, he retired to his Virginia farm and dedicated the rest of his life to farming. But one fact you may not know is that, in his youth, Washington was a frequent dancer —and rumor has it, he was even extremely good at it! He considered dancing an important social interaction, describing it as "so agreeable and innocent an amusement."

2

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Image: National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the only president to be elected to four consecutive terms, led the country through the critical years of the Great Depression and World War II. To maintain a clear mind while navigating such tumultuous times, Roosevelt embraced a number of pastimes. He collected books , stamps , and ship models , for example.

In addition, he was an avid swimmer . After losing the ability to walk due to polio, Roosevelt began swimming three times a week to strengthen his muscles. Following his election, the New York Daily News donated a swimming pool to the White House so he could continue his practice.

3

James A. Garfield

Image: Unknown; part of Brady-Handy Photograph Collection., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Before becoming the 20th president, James A. Garfield enjoyed fishing , hunting , and playing billiards . But he was also exceptionally intelligent and studious.

Though many people may know Garfield for serving just four months in office, he was also the first ambidextrous president of the United States . Not only could he write with both hands, but when asked a question, he could simultaneously write the answer in ancient Greek with one hand and Latin with the other. Pretty impressive, don’t you think?

4

Calvin Coolidge

Image: National Photo Company Collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The 30th president of the United States liked riding horses so much that he had an electronic horse installed in the White House. The device had two speeds—trot and canter—and he rode it every day.

That said, Calvin Coolidge was a taciturn man of few words, who enjoyed taking afternoon naps, earning him the nickname "Silent Cal." He also had a very particular sense of humor . He reportedly enjoyed pressing the alarm buttons in the Oval Office or hiding in the garden shrubbery to startle his Secret Service agents.

5

Jimmy Carter

Image: Tuntematon, Valkoisen talon valokuvaajat (01/20/1977 - 01/20/1981), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter was a curious man who never stopped doing things. He studied nuclear physics in college, could read two thousand words a minute, wrote numerous books, and even won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

But what did this brilliant man like to do in his spare time? Carter had a variety of hobbies, including painting , poetry , tennis , cycling , fly fishing , and skiing . However, the one activity in which he perhaps excelled most was woodworking . After retiring, the 39th president of the United States set up a garage workshop on his Georgia ranch, where he built furniture that was later auctioned to benefit the Carter Center.

6

John Quincy Adams

Image: Pieter Van Huffel, 1769 - 1844, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

John Quincy Adams was notoriously meticulous and kept a diary detailing his daily routine. Thanks to this, we now know that the sixth president of the United States liked to relieve the stress of the presidency with an early morning swim .

After waking up around 4 or 5 a.m., Adams would walk two miles to the Potomac River and leave his clothes on the shore before taking a swim. According to lore, one morning, a reporter named Anne Royall snatched his clothes and demanded that the president give her an interview. Adams had no choice but to answer her questions while standing deep in the river, completely naked.

7

Harry S. Truman

Image: Abbie Rowe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Harry S. Truman governed the United States from 1945 to 1953, right after World War II—a difficult and stressful time, to be sure. To blow off some steam, the 33rd president liked to immerse himself in one of his two long-time passions: reading and music .

Truman had eye problems, which prevented him from participating in sports. As a result, he became an avid reader from an early age—in fact, he once boasted of having read every book in the library by the age of 14. He was also a very skilled piano player , having started lessons at the age of seven.

8

Lyndon B. Johnson

Image: Yoichi Okamoto, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Living up to the legacy of one of the most popular presidents in American history can't be easy. But it appears that the 36th president of the United States knew just how to maintain a good balance between responsibility and leisure. During his five-year administration, Lyndon B. Johnson spent 490 days —about a quarter of his presidency— at the LBJ Ranch in Stonewall , Texas, combining work and vacation so seamlessly that the place became known as "The Texas White House."

At this ranch, Johnson had an extensive collection of vehicles . Among them was the Amphicar, an amphibious passenger car built in the 1960s, which he used to play pranks on his visitors.

9

Richard Nixon

Image: White House Photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Not many people know this, but Richard Nixon was an artistic man. He enjoyed theater—he even met his future wife during a community theater audition—and he could play five musical instruments : piano, saxophone, violin, clarinet, and accordion.

But he was also into sports. In addition to being a huge football fan, he and First Lady Pat Nixon enjoyed bowling . In fact, the Nixons were responsible for moving the White House bowling alley back to the Executive Mansion after it had been relocated to a nearby building years earlier.

10

George W. Bush

Image: Series: Photographs Related to the George W. Bush Administration, 1/20/2001 - 1/20/2009Collection: Records of the White House Photo Office (George W. Bush Administration), 1/20/2001 - 1/20/2009, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

During his free time, George W. Bush enjoyed golfing, biking, attending baseball games, and reading American history. He was also a very competitive runner .

However, when the 43rd president of the United States left office, he was only 62 years old—plenty of time to acquire a new pastime. In the years following his time in the White House, Bush surprised many by turning to painting . "I’m a painter," he told Jay Leno on The Tonight Show .

11

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Image: ddd

To relieve the stress of leadership, Dwight D. Eisenhower maintained a number of hobbies that he cultivated throughout his life. One of his main passions was golf , which he played during and after his presidency. He even kept a small putting green in the White House garden and had a four-hole practice course installed at Camp David.

But that’s not all. Ike enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting, watching Western movies, and playing bridge. He was also an avid painter who often captured natural landscapes and gave them as gifts to friends. After leaving the White House, Ike settled on a farm near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he raised Black Angus show cows that won blue ribbons at state and county fairs.

12

John F. Kennedy

Image: Robert LeRoy Knudsen, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

John F. Kennedy was an exercise enthusiast and something of a jock. He played many sports : golf, tennis, swimming, baseball, and football. Despite being an athletic man, he enjoyed smoking between four and five cigars a day—his favorite brands were Upmanns and Monticellos!

But perhaps the hobby that most helped him relax from the tensions of the presidency was boating. Like many members of his family, John F. Kennedy loved to sail and was often photographed at sea with his wife and young children.

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

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – Timeless elegance

Image: Florida Memory

Few women have left as lasting a mark on fashion as Jackie Kennedy. She was known for her bouffant hairstyle, pillbox hats, tailored coats, and sleek shift dresses, all of which became defining styles of the 1960s.

After leaving the White House, her style evolved into something more relaxed yet equally chic. Her fashion sense was never flashy; it always exuded class.

2

Grace Kelly - The Princess of sophistication

Image: Pixabay

Grace Kelly’s name alone evokes timeless glamour. Before she became a real-life princess, she was already Hollywood royalty , known for her elegant, understated fashion choices.

She was known for her simple yet sophisticated silhouettes, often wearing A-line dresses, pearls, and classic handbags.

When she married Prince Rainier of Monaco, her bridal gown—one of the most famous of all time—sealed her status as a style icon. The Hermès "Kelly" bag was even named after her, cementing her influence in the fashion world. Talk about an influencer!

3

Elizabeth Taylor - The Queen of diamonds and drama

Image: WikiImages

Known for her lavish gowns, dramatic accessories, and love of bold colors, Elizabeth Taylor always commanded attention. She had a lifelong love affair with jewelry, particularly diamonds, and owned one of the most famous collections in the world. Whether on-screen or off, her style was glamorous, extravagant, and unapologetically feminine .

She embraced figure-hugging dresses, plunging necklines, and luxurious fabrics, making her a standout in any crowd. Taylor didn’t follow trends—she created them.

4

Marilyn Monroe - The Ultimate Bombshell

Image: pure julia

When you think of iconic American fashion, Marilyn Monroe’s name is bound to come up, right? She made hourglass silhouettes, red lipstick, and platinum blonde hair synonymous with Old Hollywood glamour.

Whether it was the iconic white halter dress from The Seven Year Itch or a curve-hugging gown dripping in sequins, no one can deny that she knew how to make a statement. Her fashion choices exuded confidence, sensuality, and star power. She was all about the how , not just what to wear!

5

David Bowie - The chameleon of style

Image: David Preston

Fashion is for men too, you know? Take David Bowie, for example. He wasn’t just a music legend—he was a walking fashion revolution. He reinvented himself countless times, from the glittering, androgynous Ziggy Stardust to the sleek and sophisticated Thin White Duke.

He pushed boundaries with bold makeup, avant-garde suits, and dramatic costumes , never afraid to embrace the unusual. Bowie understood that fashion is a performance, a statement, and an extension of identity.

6

Diana Ross - Disco diva and glam goddess

Image: Gideon Hezekiah

Diana Ross took fashion to dazzling new heights. As the lead singer of The Supremes and later as a solo star, she embraced glitzy gowns, feather boas, and over-the-top glamour.

She was the definition of confidence and star power, making every sequin shine just a little brighter. In the 1970s, her big hair (isn’t that the first thing you think of?), bold colors, and dramatic silhouettes became legendary. But she also knew how to rock chic, tailored suits and exude effortless elegance when the occasion called for it. To put it simply, she was the blueprint for diva style.

7

Prince - Fashion without limits

Image: Doyoun Seo

Another man on the list, and he has truly earned this spot. Prince didn’t just wear clothes; he made them an extension of his art. Known for his purple suits, ruffled shirts, and sky-high heels, he redefined masculinity in fashion.

He blurred the lines between romantic, edgy, and flamboyant , making everything he wore feel iconic. Lace, sequins, metallic fabrics—whatever it was, he embraced it all with confidence. His signature color, purple, became an essential part of his brand. But more than anything, he made it clear that personal style should have no rules.

8

Cher - The Queen of reinvention

Image: Andrey Zvyagintsev

Did you think we would forget about her? Of course not! Cher is the original risk-taker in fashion. From iconic dresses to extravagant feathered headpieces , she’s never been afraid to push boundaries. She turned glamorous, bohemian, and rockstar styles into her signature looks.

In the ’60s, she rocked hippie-chic bell bottoms. By the ’70s and ’80s, she had become a daring fashion powerhouse on the red carpet. Even today, she continues to surprise with her bold choices. If anyone has proven that fashion is about having fun and embracing drama, it’s definitely Cher.

9

Lauren Bacall - Effortlessly cool and always classy

Image: Gabrielle Henderson

Lauren Bacall’s fashion was the epitome of effortless sophistication. She mastered the art of sharp tailoring, wide-leg trousers, and classic silhouettes . With her deep voice and signature smirk, she radiated cool confidence in everything she wore.

She made menswear-inspired fashion incredibly chic long before it became trendy. Her style was all about clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and understated glamour. If you want to channel timeless elegance, look no further—she’s the one to look up to!

10

Katharine Hepburn - The queen of trousers

Image: Khaled Ali

Speaking of power suits, before that was even a thing, Katharine Hepburn was redefining women’s fashion. She was known for her love of menswear-inspired looks , often sporting tailored trousers, crisp button-down shirts, and structured blazers.

At a time when women were expected to dress in delicate, feminine styles, Hepburn’s bold, no-nonsense aesthetic was revolutionary. She proved that style isn’t about following trends—it’s about confidence, and that a ball gown has nothing on tailored trousers!