1

Alaska – Into the Wild

Image: Joris Beugels

Surely a top choice! Into the Wild recounts the real and tragic story of Christopher McCandless, who ventured to the north Alaskan wilderness seeking freedom and self-discovery.

As thought-provoking as heart-breaking, this non-fiction by Jon Krakauer takes readers on a journey with vivid descriptions of Denali and the Stampede Trail.

2

Colorado – The Shining

Image: Luke Scarpino

Maybe not the most flattering, but consensus says that the most famous novel set in Colorado is Stephen King’s iconic The Shining .

After all, the story about troubled Jack Torrance and his family unravels inside the fictional Overlook Hotel, imagined as a high-altitude, secluded retreat in Colorado. King was inspired to write it after his stay at Stanley Hotel, in the same state.

3

Kansas – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Image: V

Is it fair? Most of the action in Frank L. Baum’s novel occurs in Oz, not Kansas. But the one famous line, made unforgettable by the movie, was enough to link The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to the state forever.

"Toto, I have a feeling we are not in Kansas anymore " and later on "There’s no place like home" have made people resolve that Kansas is underlying in the plot of the famous fantasy.

4

Louisiana – Interview with the Vampire

Image: Katelyn Greer

The luxurious vampires created by Anne Rice for Interview with the Vampire would not be the same if not draped in Louisiana’s gothic mystique. That’s why people defend this as the Pelican State’s most famous book.

From shadowy bayous to grand Creole mansions, the stories of Louis and Lestat redefined vampire lore and turned them into rock stars of literature.

5

Missouri - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Image: Lawrence Chismorie

Mischievous Tom Sawyer might be the quintessential American boy, and he certainly was from the Show-Me State.

Mark Twain's classic tale, set in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, follows Tom and his pals, Huckleberry Finn and Becky Thatcher. Who could forget the iconic fence-painting scene or the thrilling cave exploration?

6

Georgia - Gone with the Wind

Image: Ника Алексеева

Frankly, we do give a damn about this sweeping epic set in Georgia during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. Margaret Mitchell's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gone with the Wind , tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara, a headstrong Southern belle.

From the grand plantation of Tara to the bustling streets of Atlanta, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a bygone and controversial era.

7

Vermont - Pollyanna

Image: Tuyen Vo

Sweet Pollyanna was voted the most famous novel set in Vermont, known for its picturesque landscapes and charming towns.

Eleanor H. Porter's children’s classic tells the story of an optimistic girl who invents a "glad game", which teaches herself and her neighbors to find joy in every situation.

8

Washington - Twilight

Image: Alex Moliski

The craze set on by Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga was hard to miss. But few people remember that this vampire romance was distinctly set in Forks, Washington.

Unraveling in a misty, rainy city lined by looming forests, the series of novels lodged itself in the memory of millions of fans as an emblem of this northern state.

9

Texas - No Country for Old Men

Image: Damien Snyers

Another Pulitzer Prize-winner: No Country for Old Men is set in the desolate landscape of West Texas. This work by Cormac McCarthy was the first that many mentioned when asked about the state.

It follows a Vietnam veteran turned hunter, who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong. The film adaptation, directed by the Coen brothers, was also critically acclaimed, earning four Academy Awards and more fame to the title.

10

Oregon - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Image: Aleksandar Pasaric

Author Ken Kesey used to work the graveyard shift at a mental facility in California. But this did not stop him from setting One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in Oregon, where he grew up.

This powerful novel, a satire of the mental healthcare system, also became a multi-awarded film starring Jack Nicholson.

11

Alabama – To Kill a Mockingbird

Image: Brian Forsyth

Who could forget the story of Atticus Finch, the moral compass of Maycomb, Alabama? Harper Lee’s classic told from the perspective of young Scout Finch is a moving tale of justice and humanity.

Although Maycomb is fictional, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has enough renown to turn it into the most famous set in Alabama, even internationally.

12

New York - The Great Gatsby

Image: Billy Huynh

Surely New York state had many strong contenders —from Breakfast at Tiffany’s to The Catcher in the Rye . But the winner was F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby .

This iconic novel captures the glamour and excess of the Roaring Twenties, as well as a version of the American Dream gone awry. It’s not only New York’s most famous fiction , some have gone so far as to call it the quintessential American novel!

1

A bar hidden in plain sight

Most visitors know the famous Oyster Bar, but few stumble upon The Campbell, an elegant lounge tucked inside Grand Central. Originally the office of 1920s finance tycoon John W. Campbell , this spot sat forgotten for decades until 1999, before being restored to its former Jazz Age glory. Step inside today, and you’ll find velvet couches, grand rugs, and cocktails that make you feel like you’ve time-traveled back to the roaring 1920s.

2

Two clocks worth a fortune?

Grand Central has one of the most valuable clocks in the world , although there’s a myth that says there are two. The Tiffany clock outside towers 14 feet across, framed by Roman gods carved in stone. This clock is worth around $20 million. Inside the terminal, the four-faced opal clock crowns the information booth. Contrary to popular belief, this clock was not made of an actual opal, but out of opal glass, so there’s nothing priceless about it.

3

Hidden oaks and acorns

Take a closer look around, and you’ll start spotting oak leaves and acorns carved into chandeliers, railings, and stonework. These aren’t random designs. They’re a nod to the Vanderbilt family’s symbol: The acorn. The family funded the terminal’s construction in 1871 and wanted everyone to know it. Now, their family symbol quietly decorates every corner of their legacy.

4

The mysterious whispering gallery

If you whisper into one corner of the tiled archway near the Oyster Bar, someone standing diagonally across can hear you perfectly. The "Whispering Gallery" is one of Grand Central’s quirkiest secrets . The Guastavino tiles that make up the arched ceiling carry sound in an odd way, creating an intimate little magic trick, though no one really knows whether it was designed that way or just a happy accident.

5

A sky painted backward

Look up, and you’ll see the breathtaking celestial mural that covers the concourse ceiling. But here’s the kicker: the constellations are painted backwards . Whether it was a mistake or an artistic choice remains debated, but the Vanderbilts claimed it was intentional—to give us the "divine perspective" of looking down at the heavens. Either way, it’s still one of the most photographed ceilings in the world.

6

Game, set, match (inside a train station)

If you think tennis in a train terminal sounds impossible, think again. The Vanderbilt Tennis Club, perched on Grand Central’s fourth floor, is open to the public . You can book a court, take a lesson, or just peek inside to see this unexpected slice of luxury tucked away above the bustling commuters below.

7

Secret walkways above the windows

Those grand arched windows in the main concourse aren’t just decorative; they hide narrow walkways used by staff to move unseen between offices . These catwalks give a bird’s-eye view of the terminal, though they’re strictly off-limits to the public. Only a select few with key passes get to experience the view from up there.

8

A hidden entrance to the Waldorf

Deep beneath Grand Central lies Track 61, a secret passage that once connected directly to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. It was used by VIPs who preferred to travel without public attention —most famously, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who used it to conceal his polio and wheelchair from the public eye. Today, it’s sealed off, but the legend remains.

9

Almost lost to the wrecking ball

In the 1960s, plans were made to tear down Grand Central and replace it with skyscrapers. After the destruction of Penn Station in 1963, New Yorkers were not having it. Thanks to the efforts of preservationists , Grand Central was saved and officially declared a landmark in 1967. Their fight ensured we could still enjoy one of the city’s true architectural gems.

10

A 21st-century makeover

While much of Grand Central dates back to 1913, its evolution continues. The massive East Side Access Project, completed in 2023, added a new terminal for Long Island Rail Road passengers, complete with 40 miles of new track buried beneath Park Avenue. It’s a modern expansion of a century-old masterpiece.

1

Avocado Toast

Image: Brenda Godinez

Let’s get this right out of the way first with a recipe that is as close to perfection as possible. Avocado toast has been a staple of breakfast menus for the last ten years or more, usually paired with scrambled eggs and seeds.

For this version, add a poached egg and top it with tuna salad or alfalfa sprouts for a healthy and satisfying meal.

2

Peanut Butter & Pomegranate

Image: Khysrow Akbari

Peanut butter? Sure. Pomegranate? Not so much, right? You might be surprised by this one, but this odd pairing works quite well. The classic PB flavor is complemented by the fresh fruit , with its natural sweetness and juiciness helping to combat peanut butter's stickiness, plus some extra fiber.

The recipe is simple: just spread a layer of peanut butter on your toast and sprinkle a healthy dose of pomegranate arils on top.

3

Fig, burrata & prosciutto

Image: Kaufmann Mercantile

As with a couple of the following recipes, this very Italian version of breakfast toast might seem a bit sophisticated, but it’s really not. Indeed, a combination of fig, burrata, and prosciutto does look and sound impressive, but it is very easy to make.

If you want to go the whole nine yards, start with sourdough bread as the base. Top it with a slice of prosciutto, a spread of burrata, and the pulp of a fig. The sweet and salty combination is delicious.

4

Spinach & blue cheese rarebit

Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya

For those who don’t know, rarebit is a hot cheese sauce served on toasted bread . This upgraded version adds spinach leaves and tangy blue cheese, balanced by delicate crème fraîche and wholegrain mustard.

The flavor and texture mix of the creamy cheese, the crunchy toast, and the spicy mustard create a combination that will provide a nice kick to your breakfast.

5

Ricotta, blackberry & pine nut

Image: Nick Sarro

The first completely sweet (or almost completely) toast on our list is packed full of health benefits, thanks to the vitamins C and K, manganese , and more found in blackberries.

For this recipe, simply spread some ricotta cheese on your toast, pack it with blackberries, and sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top. The creamy, tart, and crunchy combination will give your mornings a delicious health boost.

6

Boiled egg, avocado & quick pickled radish

Image: Jo Lanta

Yes, we said that the first item on this list was the only avocado toast recipe you will need, but in this one, avocado isn’t the star —just another ingredient alongside the mighty radish.

Place thin slices of quick-pickled, crunchy radishes on your toast , then add some avocado slices on top. Lastly, top with a soft-boiled egg. Done. The spicy-creamy combination of radish, avocado, and egg is a heavenly experience for brunch lovers.

7

Pesto eggs with crushed peas

Image: David Todd McCarty

What are pesto eggs, you might wonder? This recipe is a great way to use up the last bit of pesto in the jar by placing it in a frying pan, along with two eggs and two tomato slices .

Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, place the pesto, tomato slices, and eggs in a blender and give it a quick spin to mix everything together. Spread the resulting mixture on two pieces of toast and enjoy!

8

Air fryer yogurt custard toast

Image: Olga Petnyunene

If you have an air fryer, it will come in handy for this delicious breakfast recipe. Start by beating together 1 egg, 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup in a bowl.

Once you’ve done this, spread the resulting mixture over two pieces of toast, add some raspberries on top , and air-fry for 7 to 8 minutes until the custard has set and the bread is crisp.

9

Breakfast Toasts With Cheese

Image: Jez Timms

Cheese is an almost always welcome ingredient in any dish, and breakfast toasts are no exception. From salty to neutral , from soft and creamy to hard , cheese comes in many varieties that can be part of your morning menu.

Ricotta is a versatile option that can be spread on toast with lemon juice, basil leaves, and honey, or with sliced pears, walnuts, and honey. Soft goat cheese pairs well with figs and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast. Blue cheese can also be combined with sliced pears, walnuts, and honey. The possibilities are endless.

10

Breakfast Classics

Image: Chris Lawton

The last item on our list is devoted to the timeless classics that have always been there for us and have stood the test of time. From the delicious bacon and eggs toast with spinach leaves to the more upscale smoked salmon with lemon juice and sliced scallions , or a bagel with cream cheese, smoked trout, and cucumber , or even a simple toast topped with butter and your choice of marmalade or caramel, the classics are always there for you.