1

The Last Blockbuster in Bend, Oregon

Image: Delaney Van

The last Blockbuster video-rental store in the world stands in Bend, Oregon—did you know? And for a limited time, at the end of 2020, it allowed guests to spend the night there, explore their vast collection, and host a movie marathon.

Sadly, the venue doesn’t operate as a bed-and-breakfast currently. But it gladly welcomes guests, and who knows? The family-owned store might be open to hosting more unforgettable stays in the future.

2

Hobbit House in Orondo, Washington

Image: Joshua Harris

Whether you are a Tolkien fan or not, surely you’ve wondered what it would be like to curl up on a comfy couch inside a Hobbit House! These underground cottages with round doors and grass roofs feel straight out of Middle-earth.

One of the fans' favorites is The Hobbit House in Orondo, Washington. You might easily miss it, carved into a hill overlooking the Columbia River Gorge—a cozy, off-the-grid spot that transports guests to another world.

3

Treehouse Point in Issaquah, Washington

Image: Ashley Endemano

Childhood dreams come alive in these handcrafted treehouses nestled among Pacific Northwest evergreens. Some feature rope bridges between platforms, while others boast skylights for stargazing from bed.

The creator, inspired by childhood forts, designed these as peaceful escapes where you can sleep high up, surrounded by green canopies. Not far away are the thunderous Snoqualmie Falls and the endless Cascade Mountain trails.

4

Fire lookout towers in National Forests

Image: Jamie Pilgrim

In today’s world, you can’t blame solitude seekers. Some people crave a digital detox, so they head to lookout fire cabins like Oak Flat Lookout, over the Kern River in California.

Once vital for spotting wildfires, many of these cabins were nearly demolished before preservationists intervened. Sure, the lack of amenities is part of the charm, but epic sunrises are the reward.

5

Newport's Jailhouse Inn

Image: Syarafina Yusof

Why not turn a historic jail into a hotel? Newport’s Jailhouse, built in 1772, is a beautiful federal-style building located near the city center of Newport, Rhode Island.

Now, it’s been reconditioned to become an inn: You can spend the night behind bars—with luxury linens—in its creatively converted cells, where original cell doors now frame plush beds.

6

Covered Wagon Glamping in Westgate River Ranch, Florida

Image: James Lee

Imagine spending a few nights inside an Oregon Trail wagon—except you’d be in Florida, armed with the comforts of a king bed and air conditioning. These tricked-out wagons are the main attraction at Florida's Westgate River Ranch, pioneers in blending Old West nostalgia with today’s glamping movement.

7

Converted Grain Silos in Green Ridge, Missouri

Image: Meredith Petrick

If you were to open a door to the inside of the silos at Prairie Vale in Green Ridge, Missouri, you would walk into perfectly functional (though unusually cylindrical) guest rooms.

These grain silos, situated on a former dairy farm, have been repurposed and transformed into comfortable living spaces. The property spans 14 acres and is home to various animals that guests can visit and feed.

8

Michigan's Big Bay Point

Image: Vladyslav Dukhin

A lighthouse bed-and-breakfast near the cliffs of Lake Superior? You can sleep where keepers once stood watch in coastal lighthouses like Michigan's Big Bay Point, where spiral stairs lead to lantern rooms with sweeping views.

They want you to fully enjoy your stay surrounded by nature, so there are no phones or TVs inside the guest rooms.

9

"Up" house in Abiquiu, New Mexico

Image: Ankush Minda

All those who watched Disney-Pixar's 2009 animated film Up will no doubt remember the image of the house being lifted into the air by hundreds of colorful balloons. That’s not exactly what’s happening at the Abiquiu house, but it’s similar.

This venue, which was available as a unique Airbnb experience temporarily, mirrored the film's architecture and interior decor in stunning detail, and yes, it was adorned with over 8,000 balloons. But it was a crane that lifted the house off the ground to create the effect.

10

Retro-Americana: the sleep-in Red Caboose in Ronks

Image: Rachel Claire

Retro road trip vibes shine at spots like the Red Caboose Motel, located in the community of Ronks, Pennsylvania. It offers a line of colorful train cars as suites. Comfortable bedrooms, dining, and storage areas were built inside recycled train cars, becoming a main attraction in the area.

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.

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"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

Tennessee - Cotton candy

Cotton candy feels like pure fun, which makes its origin even better. A Nashville dentist helped invent the machine that turns sugar into fluffy clouds. It debuted at the St. Louis World’s Fair and became a carnival favorite. Genius way to get more patients on his chair, huh?

2

Georgia - Coca-Cola

In an Atlanta pharmacy in 1886, John Pemberton mixed up a syrup meant to be medicinal. It included coca leaf extract and kola nuts and was sold as a tonic. The drink evolved quickly, lost its medical claims, and became Coca-Cola. The rest is simply history!

3

New Jersey - Light bulb

This one is a classic! In Menlo Park, Thomas Edison built a laboratory that became an invention factory. There, a commercially viable incandescent light bulb was developed. While this gets most of the applause, that same New Jersey workspace also helped shape recorded sound and motion pictures.

4

Indiana - Rearview mirror

At the very first Indianapolis 500, one driver decided he did not need someone sitting behind him to watch traffic. Can you imagine how uncomfortable a job that was? Ray Harroun instead attached a mirror to his dashboard. That simple choice helped him win the race and changed driving for everyone.

5

California - Jeans

Rugged work pants were falling apart under hard labor until rivets entered the picture. A tailor named Jacob Davis teamed up with Levi Strauss in San Francisco to reinforce trousers for miners . Denim soon followed, and jeans became a global staple. From gold fields to casual Fridays, the look never left.

6

Ohio - Traffic light

Cleveland inventor Garrett Morgan noticed a deadly problem at busy intersections . His improved traffic signal added a pause that stopped all directions before letting cars move again. That brief moment of calm saved lives and brought order to chaos.

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Missouri - Ready mix

Pancakes once meant measuring flour, salt, and patience. In 1889, Missouri innovators created one of the first commercially successful ready mixes under the Aunt Jemima name . Pour, add liquid, and cook. It reshaped home kitchens and paved the way for countless boxed mixes.

8

North Carolina - Vicks VapoRub

A Greensboro pharmacist created dozens of remedies, but one stood out. His menthol ointment eased breathing and comforted countless families. Rebranded as Vicks VapoRub, it became a staple in every medicine cabinet.

9

Wisconsin - Blender

The first motor-powered blenders came from Wisconsin, even if they needed a little help to work properly. Once refined, they became the Waring Blendor and found their way into diners, homes, and smoothie shops. Nowadays, they are a household essential; even kids know how to work one!

10

Oklahoma - Parking meter

Crowded streets needed turnover, so Oklahoma City tried something new. The parking meter encouraged drivers to move along and freed up spaces for shoppers. Love them or hate them, parking meters changed how cities function.

11

New York - Toilet paper

Toilet paper feels like it has always been around, but it hasn’t. In 1857, a New Yorker named Joseph Gayetty introduced paper designed specifically for bathroom use . His marketing was not so effective, but the idea stuck. Before that, people relied on catalogs and newspapers. Thank you, New York!