1

Alabama’s love for college football

In Alabama, college football is practically a shared language . That’s because every Saturday revolves around kickoff times, tailgates, and lifelong loyalties. The University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide team leads the way, holding more national championships than any other college team. Impressive, huh?

2

Maryland’s talent for creating millionaires

Wanna become a millionaire? Living in Maryland might help you. With a strong mix of government jobs, technology, and healthcare careers, the state boasts the highest concentration of millionaire households in the country. In some communities, having a seven-figure net worth is less rare than you might expect, making Maryland a surprising hotspot for financial success.

3

Nevada’s rocky playground for climbers

Nevada is often associated with deserts and bright lights, but it’s the mountains that steal the show for outdoor lovers. With more than 300 named mountain ranges , the state offers endless climbing opportunities. From the red sandstone cliffs near Las Vegas to Boundary Peak near the California line, climbers come from all over to test their skills on Nevada’s rugged terrain.

4

Rhode Island’s devotion to donuts

Rhode Island may be small, but it takes donuts very seriously. The state has more donut shops per person than anywhere else in the country. Local bakeries are a point of pride, often family-run and fiercely loved.

5

Louisiana’s lively dating scene

This state stands out for having a large population of unmarried adults , which gives the social scene a lively energy. Between music festivals, neighborhood gatherings, and spontaneous conversations with strangers, meeting new people feels natural here. It is a state where social connections come easily, and nobody seems to stay a stranger for long.

6

Delaware’s small-town comfort

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Delaware is the kind of place where life moves at a neighborly pace. With only three counties and no large cities , the state offers a true small-town feel. People recognize each other at the grocery store, and local events still draw a crowd. Simple, but highly familiar!

7

Hawaii’s picture-perfect beaches

This one is rather obvious, but Hawaii sets the gold standard for beaches. With miles of swimmable shoreline and crystal-clear water, the islands offer something for everyone. Kapalua Bay on Maui is often ranked the best beach in America, thanks to its calm waters and postcard views. Add warm breezes and soft sand, and it is easy to see why Hawaii leads the pack, right?

8

California’s unmatched diversity

America in general is quite diverse, but California is a living mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. No single group makes up the majority, which gives the state a unique richness. This blend of backgrounds has helped California become one of the most dynamic and influential places in the country.

9

West Virginia’s pizza obsession

Yet another state obsessed with food! West Virginia quietly leads the nation in pizza shops per capita. Local pizzerias are part of the community life, often serving as gathering spots for families and friends. Are you after the best pizza? You’ll surely find it here!

10

Arizona’s endless sunshine

This is not the Sunshine State, but it might as well be. The sun is almost always up here, and Yuma, in the state’s southwest corner, enjoys sunny skies about 90 percent of the year . That kind of consistency makes outdoor living a way of life. Morning walks, afternoon patios, and golden sunsets are part of the daily routine rather than special occasions.

11

Tennessee’s lightning-fast internet

If Wi-Fi is what you’re after, visit Tennessee. The state surprises many people with its blazing-fast internet speeds. Thanks to early investments in fiber networks , some cities enjoy connections far faster than the national average. It is a modern advantage that supports businesses, students, and everyone, really!

1

Margarita

Image: Julie Sd

Margarita is a name we all recognize. So much so that it stands out as one of the most popular drinks in America. With roots in Mexican culture, the Margarita is a well-designed drink, blending the strong flavor of tequila with fresh lime juice and triple sec.

With simple ingredients and preparation, this drink is one of the most popular among those looking for a perfect balance of flavors.

2

Martini

Image: Johann Trasch

A classic of classics, the Martini has its rightful place on this list. Not only is it one of the most famous cocktails in the world, but it's also one of Americans' favorites. We understand why: its combination of gin, dry vermouth, and an olive or lemon twist makes it hard to beat.

Born in the 19th century and rising to fame during the Prohibition Era, the Martini proves that simplicity can perfectly go hand in hand with elegance and sophistication.

3

Moscow Mule

Image: Gary Meulemans

The Moscow Mule, created in America in 1940, has since become one of the most beloved cocktails. With a perfect blend of vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice, this drink offers a refreshing taste, perfect for any summer evening.

But that's not all: Its iconic copper mug not only keeps the Moscow Mule always cold but also gives it a unique look!

4

Espresso Martini

Image: Krists Luhaers

Now, let's talk about one of the surprises on the list: the Espresso Martini. Although it has gained popularity in recent years (especially among coffee and cocktail fans), the recipe for this drink has actually been around since the 1980s.

Let's be honest: its formula is genius. It blends extremely popular flavors -vodka and coffee- into one perfect drink. Often meticulously crafted and served in a chic glass, this drink definitely gets all the attention.

5

Old Fashioned

Image: Bon Vivant

The Old Fashioned teaches us that something doesn't have to be new to be on trend. In fact, this is one of the classic American drinks and is already part of the cocktail tradition in our country.

Bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus peel: that's all it took for this cocktail to win the hearts of many Americans and become an icon of our culture.

6

Mojito

Image: Marc Schulte

When summer arrives, there is a drink that becomes one of the stars. We're talking about the famous Mojito, which successfully mixes mint, lime, rum, sugar, and soda water. Delicious, right?

If rum isn't to your liking, you can easily substitute it with other spirits, such as vodka or gin, which makes it a versatile and adaptable option to different contexts and events. In addition, its preparation is very simple, so you don't need to leave your home and go to a bar to enjoy its refreshing taste.

7

Long Island Iced Tea

Image: sangsang pic

Some may be disappointed to learn that the popular Long Island Iced Tea has no tea in it at all. That's right, this cocktail is made with vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and a splash of cola. Potent, don't you think?

Perhaps it's its boldness that makes it so popular, as it ranks among the top choices for Americans. But let's be honest: this might not be the best drink if you have to be up early the next morning.

8

Spritz

Image: Miikka Luotio

If the cocktail in the previous entry seemed too much for you, the Spritz might be the perfect choice. As one of the drinks with the lowest alcohol content on the list, the Spritz stands out for its light and refreshing taste.

Plus, its preparation is incredibly simple. All you need is Prosecco, Aperol (sometimes replaced for Campari), and a splash of soda water. And as if all that weren't enough, its characteristic orange tones make it an Instagram-worthy cocktail.

9

Mimosa

Image: Briona Baker

When it comes to brunches, the Mimosa takes the spotlight. It seems to be one of the most popular drinks for celebrating special occasions during the day, thanks to its refreshing, light taste and relatively low alcohol content.

Since it is made with just two ingredients -orange juice and sparkling wine in equal parts- we can all make it at home. Simply mix the ingredients, pour into a tall champagne flute, and you're ready to enjoy!

10

Bloody Mary

Image: Nicole Honchariw

Hand in hand with the Mimosa, the Bloody Mary also stands out as a classic brunch cocktail. Its ingredients -vodka and tomato juice- pair perfectly with the dishes typically served at such gatherings. In addition, different spices, seasonings, and garnishes are often added to its two basic ingredients, making it a versatile drink that can be adapted to different tastes and preferences.

Fun fact: Although it has remained relevant over the years, this cocktail is reported to be most popular among Generation X!

1

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Image: Tim Hart

A natural monument of unparalleled beauty, painstakingly carved over millions of years by the Colorado River , The Grand Canyon’s layered bands of red rock reveal more than just a part of the history of the land, but also offer a humbling window into deep time and Earth’s origins.

President Theodore Roosevelt himself was one of the foremost advocates for the preservation of the Grand Canyon area , frequently visiting to hunt and revel in its natural beauty. Before the arrival of Europeans, the area was continuously inhabited by various Native American groups, who often dug and carved their settlements directly into the ancient rock.

2

Yosemite Valley, California

Image: Robby McCullough

Located in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California, Yosemite Valley’s granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and ancient sequoias draw millions of visitors each year. Shaped by the action of glaciers during most of the last 30 million years , today its lush forests and incredibly diverse fauna are a living monument to our country’s biodiversity.

The towering granite peaks that encircle the valley, including Half Dome and El Capitan , are famed for their impressive rock walls and the breathtaking vistas they offer to hikers from above.

3

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Image: Nicolasintravel

A geothermal wonderland, home to geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots , Yellowstone is a wildlife haven where bison, grizzly bears, and wolves roam freely amidst its stunning natural features. Moreover, Yellowstone not only holds the distinction of being the first national park in the U.S. but also in the whole world, setting a precedent for conservation laws and standards that would be emulated worldwide.

Interestingly, the Yellowstone Caldera—the volcanic system responsible for the park’s intense geothermal activity—is the largest in North America and is considered a dormant "supervolcano." In the past, large eruptions from this region likely contributed to the extinction of many species, blanketing much of central North America in ash.

4

Denali National Park, Alaska

Image: Bryan Goff

At the heart of Alaska lies Denali, North America's tallest peak. Officially named Mount McKinley until 2015, the peak was renamed after the native word for the mountain, which fittingly means "the high one."

The region surrounding the legendary mountain became a National Park in 1917 , and since that time the rugged landscape of the park has been a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering unique opportunities for wildlife viewing. The pristine landscape features a diverse mix of forests, deciduous taiga, tundra, and glaciers , preserving a slice of untouched wilderness that highlights the raw, untamed beauty of Alaska.

5

Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee

Image: Div Pithadia

With its mist-shrouded peaks and verdant forests, the Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most scenic and alluring landscapes of the United States.

A subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, the soothing vistas of lush forests growing above the ancient peaks are often veiled by a hazy blue-ish mist , which gives the name to the region. The mysterious fog is caused by various organic compounds emitted by the lush vegetation, which end up forming dense vapor columns.

6

Zion National Park, Utah

Image: Jamie Hagan

Zion's breathtaking sandstone formations are truly a sight to behold. The region is renowned for its towering cliffs, narrow slot canyons, expansive mesas, and captivating natural arches , each sculpted by the forces of time and nature into awe-inspiring works of art.

With a geological history that spans over 150 million years , Zion National Park is a testament to the immense geological forces that have shaped our land over millennia.

7

Niagara Falls, New York

Image: Kalen Emsley

One of the world's most famous waterfalls, Niagara Falls is an emblem of America’s diverse natural beauty. Straddling the international border between Canada and the United States, millions of gallons of water cascade over its cliffs every minute , drawing visitors from both nations to marvel at this awe-inspiring natural spectacle.

Formed by the Niagara River, which channels the waters from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario before ending up in the Atlantic, the falls experience a rate of erosion of almost a foot per year. If the erosion continues at this pace, in about 50,000 years the falls will completely erode the remaining 20 miles to Lake Erie and cease to exist.

8

Glacier National Park, Montana

Image: Justin Kauffman

One of the most pristine landscapes in the United States, Glacier National Park harbors ancient peaks and valleys that provide sanctuary to a diverse array of wildlife, home to thousands of unique species.

With more than one million acres, several glaciers, and over a hundred named lakes, this landscape offers a glimpse into the untouched beauty that greeted the first inhabitants of this land upon their arrival.

9

Acadia National Park, Maine

Image: Benjamin R.

Maine’s Atlantic coastline offers a stunning landscape of timeless beauty and rich history. From the towering Cadillac Mountain - the highest peak on the Atlantic coast - to the U-shaped valleys, and cobble beaches, Acadia's natural wonders are captivating.

Inhabited over 10,000 years ago by the Wabanaki people, Acadia's story is full of tales of exploration and resourcefulness. Amidst the harsh terrain, John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s historic carriage road system still meanders , a testament to human resilience amidst nature's raw beauty.

10

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiʻi

Image: Cedric Letsch

If you are eager to witness the true raw power of nature in action, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the place to go. Home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa , the park is teeming with primeval scenes and dramatic contrasts. From lava tubes to lush rainforests and stunning beaches, the islands abound with natural wonders.

Acknowledging its unique natural attributes, the park earned the prestigious designation of International Biosphere Reserve in 1980, followed by World Heritage Site status in 1987.