1

Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles

Image: Nathan Dumlao

Sunset Boulevard is a famous Los Angeles street that spans approximately 24 miles. It runs through districts such as Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Bel Air. This iconic street's best-known section is the Sunset Strip , where you can find restaurants, hotels, boutiques, colorful billboards, comedy clubs, and nightclubs.

Today, Sunset Boulevard is synonymous with luxury and glamour, but it wasn't always the case. In the first decades of the 20th century, Sunset Strip was home to illegal casinos and was the go-to place to find alcohol during Prohibition. Then, in the 1930s and 1940s, the new restaurants and clubs were packed with the rich and famous . In the 1960s Sunset Strip became a meeting point for rock musicians and the hippie counterculture, who were later forced to leave when prices rocketed in the ‘80s.

2

Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Image: Kristina Volgenau

Bourbon Street is a historic street in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter. Stretching 13 blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, it is one of the wildest and rowdiest streets in the world . Famous for its numerous bars, restaurants, and art galleries, Bourbon Street is best known for hosting the annual Mardi Gras carnival.

But it has not always been a place for partying and madness. During colonial times, it was mostly a residential area and one of the most populous streets in the city. Contrary to popular belief, this street is not named after the famous liquor. It was actually named after the French royal family that reigned in 1721 when French engineer Adrien de Pauger designed the layout of New Orleans. Now, was the liquor named after the street? That, my friends, is a story for another article.

3

Lombard Street, San Francisco

Image: NISCHAL MALLA

Although it's known as "the crookedest street in the world," Lombard Street isn't even the steepest street in San Francisco . That title technically belongs to Vermont Street, between 20th and 22nd Streets in Potrero Hill.

Those curves on that 40-degree incline may seem dangerous to you now, but they were actually built to increase the safety of the street. The natural incline was considered too unsafe, so in the 1920s, a resident suggested creating a series of zigzag curves that would not only add scenic appeal to the street but also make it safer for pedestrians . Today, it is a major tourist attraction for the two million people who visit San Francisco every year.

4

Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C.

Image: Library of Congress

Pennsylvania Avenue is known throughout the world as the heart of the nation's capital , as America's Main Street . American history has paraded, marched, strolled, and protested along this avenue since its creation. It is not just another street. This is where the country’s history and all the political power are concentrated: it is where the White House and the Capitol are located.

Pennsylvania Avenue, like the entire city of Washington, was specially designed in the late 18th century by French-American artist and engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant at the request of George Washington. For many years, this diagonal street inspired by the Champs Elysees in Paris, was a graceless dirt road. That changed when Thomas Jefferson ordered rows of Black Poplar trees to be planted along it. Finally, in 1832, it was paved to best fight the dust and dirt.

5

Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Image: Jonathan J. Castellon

The most famous portion of Michigan Avenue is known as the Magnificent Mile . Crowned by tall skyscrapers, it has hundreds of luxury stores and restaurants . It is also filled with famous landmarks such as Millennium Park, Chicago Water Tower, and the Art Institute of Chicago, among other buildings.

The Magnificent Mile began construction during the 1920s as part of the Burnham Plan of Chicago, which recommended adding wider streets, parks, and new buildings. In 2007 it was chosen as one of the 10 Great Streets by the American Planning Association. Nowadays, the Magnificent Mile has become a favorite destination for more than 22 million tourists who visit Chicago annually.

6

Wall Street, New York City

Image: Uwe Conrad

Wall Street is undoubtedly one of the most famous and well-known streets in the United States and the world. Located in Lower Manhattan, it is considered the "Financial District" because it houses multiple financial institutions and large banks , such as the Central Bank of the United States, the Federal Reserve, and the New York Stock Exchange.

But did you know why it's called like this? The Wall Street name refers to a wooden wall built by Dutch settlers to defend against possible attacks by British pirates during the Anglo-Dutch wars in the 17th century. Originally known in Dutch as Het Cingel —"the Belt" in English—, the wall was more than 2,340 feet long and approximately 9 feet high. It also had two gates, known today as the corner of Wall Street and Pearl Street.

7

Beale Street, Memphis

Image: Heidi Kaden

Beale Street in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee, is a street developed in the 1840s. Today it is best known for its pivotal role in the history of blues music, but was originally named after Edward Fitzgerald Beale, a military hero from the Mexican–American War. Part commercial, part suburbs, in the 1860s Beale Street was the go-to place for African American traveling musicians to perform.

Since then, blues and jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, and Albert King have played on Beale Street, contributing to the development of the style known as Memphis Blues . In fact, B.B. King was once known as "the Beale Street Blues Boy." In 1977 this historic street was officially declared "Home of the Blues."

8

Newbury Street, Boston

Image: Aline Sales

Considered the "Rodeo Drive of the East," Newbury Street in Boston is one of the most expensive streets in the world . But did you know that once upon a time most of it was underwater? Until the mid-1800s, Newbury Street was part of Boston Harbor until it was filled in with dirt from neighboring communities. Back then, it was mostly a residential area with very little charm.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that Newbury Street started to become the trendy shopping mecca we know and love today. Surrounded by 19th-century brownstones turned into high-end boutiques and restaurants, nowadays you can find modern art galleries and concept stores that still retain the sophisticated style of its glory days.

9

Ocean Drive, Miami

Image: Dennis Rochel

The Ocean Drive boardwalk, located in the South Beach area, is probably the most popular street in Miami and one of the most famous in the world. Known for its white sand beaches, turquoise sea, and colorful Art Deco architecture , here you will find some of the best restaurants, bars, and hotels in the entire city.

Ocean Drive's history is full of reinventions. Originally, in the early 20th century, it was a dusty street. In the 1920s, Miami Beach became a tourist destination and the area began to develop. From the 1930s on, Ocean Drive was nicknamed the "Great White Way" and played host to big stars such as Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Durante . Today, after a remodeling that cost millions of dollars, the mythical street has been modernized and reborn.

10

Las Vegas Boulevard, Clark County

Image: David Vives

Did you know that the famous Las Vegas Strip is not within Las Vegas city limits? The Strip is a stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, one of the most filmed and photographed streets in the United States. However, contrary to what many people think, it is located in the unincorporated town of Paradise , in Clark County.

Originally, the Strip was nothing more than a highway with a few nightclubs and motels. With the construction of the Flamingo Hotel in 1946, the Strip began to change and develop into what it is today. Regardless of its exact location, today the Strip is home to the most iconic hotels and casinos , including Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, and the Venetian, and is a must-stop for anyone visiting Sin City.

1

Self-Educated

Image: Wojciech Pacześ

George Washington’s father, died when he was just 11 years of age. There isn’t much information about his childhood and most of his virtues and qualities were invented by an admirer after he passed.

However, we do know one thing: George Washington was mostly self-educated since there was little money to support formal education.

Most of his knowledge and education came from his curiosity and eagerness to learn and become a better soldier, then farmer, and, in turn, president.

2

First Official Job

Image: Matt Briney

Since he lost his father at such an early age, Washington started working very young. His first official job was as a surveyor, which was a pretty respectable job for the 18th century. His aim in this job was to measure the land.

At the age of 16, he took on an expedition across Virginia’s western frontier in order to map the land. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of the land, the resources, and the insight he would later need in his political and military career.

3

His Only Trip Off the Mainland

Image: Tom Jur

At the age of 19, George Washington accepted going on a trip to the tropics with his half-brother Lawrence who was suffering from tuberculosis.

Now, during this trip, Washington kept a diary in which he narrated his days on the ship and the island of Barbados, confessing being struck by the beauty of the place. The trip went South shortly after his arrival: On the island, he contracted smallpox, a dreaded disease during the 18th century.

Curious enough and dreadful as it was, this gave him immunity which ultimately saved him from death during the Revolutionary War, since smallpox rapidly spread across his army.

4

Agriculture Innovator

Image: Raphael Rychetsky

It is no surprise that Washington was an innovator, a forward-thinking kind of person. Besides politics and, as we learned, whiskey, he was also interested in technology.

In the 1760s, he went from growing tobacco to cultivating wheat, which revolutionized the farming practices in his estate. He experimented with crops, fertilizers, and tools to improve productivity.

He didn’t keep innovations for himself: As a president, he patented Oliver Evans’s automated mill technology, and he designed a 16-sided, two-story threshing barn that enhanced the efficiency of wheat processing.

5

Never Lived in Washington, D.C.

Image: Edoardo Cuoghi

Washington is the only president to have never lived in the White House! He, together with his family, lived in different houses along New York and Philadephia where he used to receive members of Congress, officials, and people of the sort.

The Residence Act, which moved the capital from Philadelphia to a new city along the Potomac River (later named Washington, D.C.), actually set the White House as the official presidential residence.

6

Only President To Have a State

Image: Vlad Tchompalov

Have you ever noticed that there is no Lincoln State or Jefferson State? George Washington is the only U.S. President to have a state named after him .

As a Founding Father, the first President of the United States, Hamilton, Madison, and Jefferson thought it was necessary to pay homage to his great contributions by naming a state after him.

Together with the president’s name, the state of Washington is named Columbia, after the female personification of the country.

7

First To Sign The Consitution

Image: Anthony Garand

George Washington is a Founding Father, and we all know that. As such, he was deeply involved in the writing of the Articles of Confederation, the first frame of government.

He suggested changes and his voice was regarded in the highest esteem by his fellow countrymen. In this sense, he was chosen president of the Constitutional Convention which took four months and gave, as a result, the Constitution of the United States. In his role as president, Washington was given the privilege of signing the governing document first .

8

He Was a Natural Entertainer

Image: Adam Nemeroff

When you look at pictures of Washington, you may think he was unapproachable, stiff, and serious, but history tells us otherwise.

According to many accounts, he actually loved entertaining and welcoming guests, and having company. Parties, cotillions, balls, these kinds of events were a perfect opportunity to combine entertainment and dancing, which he also enjoyed. Did you know this?

9

Post-retirement Hobby

Image: Thomas Park

Of course, they are considered national heroes, but the Founding Fathers were people with diverse interests and pursuits. George Washington was not the exception and, after he retired he took up a most interesting hobby: whiskey.

Once he ended his life in politics, he built up a whiskey distillery where he created whiskey from rye, corn, and barley. Even if it began as a hobby, the distiller became one of the most productive in the nation and, by the time he died, it remained as one of the largest.

10

One-Dolar Bill Face

Image: Marek Studzinski

Washington’s portrait on the one-dollar bill was inspired by a painting created by Gilbert Stuart. Back in 1795, Stuart painted Washington, but this piece of work comes with a few curious facts.

The first one is that the work is known only from copies. The second is that the painting was so successful that Washington’s wife commissioned a second portrait for herself. However, the painter never finished the first commission and kept it as a reference for future work.

That incomplete painting, known as the "Athenaeum," served as the reference for creating the portrait on the dollar bill.

1

Star Wars Action Figures

Those little plastic heroes from a galaxy far, far away weren't just toys: they were pure magic in your hands. Whether you had Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, or the hard-to-find Boba Fett, these 3.75-inch figures from Kenner turned your bedroom floor into epic space battles.

Fast forward to today, and collectors are paying top dollar for these nostalgic treasures. A mint-condition figure still in its original packaging can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars . Even loose figures in decent shape can bring in $20 to $100 each, depending on the character. The rarest pieces, like the vinyl-caped Jawa or the rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype, have sold for tens of thousands at auction.

2

Cabbage Patch Kids

The madness of 1983 is hard to forget—parents literally fighting in toy store aisles to grab one of these wrinkly-faced dolls for Christmas. With their yarn hair, chubby cheeks, and unique names, these dolls weren't just toys; they were family members who went everywhere with you.

Original Cabbage Patch Kids from the early '80s, especially the ones made by Coleco, are now highly sought after by collectors. Dolls in excellent condition with their original boxes and paperwork can sell for $100 to $500 , while rare editions or special characters can go for much more.

3

Atari 2600 Game Cartridges

This chunky, black console with the wood paneling was the coolest thing you could own in the late '70s and early '80s. Games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Pitfall! kept you glued to the TV for hours, even though the graphics were basically colored blocks moving around the screen.

Today, common titles might only fetch $5 to $20, but rare games can sell for hundreds or even thousands . The holy grail is "Air Raid," one of the rarest games ever made, which has sold for over $30,000.

4

Strawberry Shortcake Dolls

Strawberry Shortcake burst onto the scene in 1980 with her red hair, freckles, and signature striped stockings. Soon she had a whole crew of fruity friends like Blueberry Muffin, Raspberry Tart, and Huckleberry Pie.

These scented dolls from the original Kenner line are now collectible gems. Mint-condition dolls in their original packaging can sell for $50 to $200, depending on the character . Even loose dolls in good shape with their original outfits can bring in $20 to $50 each, especially if they still have a hint of that fruity smell.

5

Hot Wheels and Matchbox Cars

Your collection probably sprawled across your bedroom floor in an elaborate city of orange tracks, loop-de-loops, and imaginary highways. Hot Wheels from Mattel and Matchbox cars from Lesney were the must-have toys for any kid who loved vehicles.

A single rare Hot Wheels car, like a 1968 "Cheetah" base Python or certain Redline editions, can sell for $100 to $1,000 or more . Even common models in excellent condition with their original packaging can fetch $10 to $50.

6

Transformers

"More than meets the eye!" That wasn't just a catchy tagline—it was the truth. Transformers were toys that did double duty: a cool robot that could morph into a vehicle, cassette player, or dinosaur with just a few twists and clicks.

Original Generation 1 Transformers from the mid-'80s are now hot collectibles. Figures in good condition with all their parts intact can sell for $50 to $200, while rare characters or complete sets in original packaging can go for much more . Optimus Prime in his original box can fetch $500 to $1,000 or higher.

7

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero

The 1980s reboot of G.I. Joe brought the action figure down from 12 inches to a more manageable 3.75 inches, and kids went wild for them. Snake Eyes, Duke, Cobra Commander, and Storm Shadow became instant icons. These figures came with tons of accessories—guns, backpacks, helmets—that were ridiculously easy to lose.

Today's collectors are willing to pay good money for these patriotic warriors. Complete figures with all their original accessories can sell for $15 to $100 each, depending on rarity. Mint-on-card figures (still sealed in packaging) are where the real value lies, often fetching $50 to $300 or more for rare characters . The U.S.S. Flagg, if complete in its box, can sell for over $1,000.

8

My Little Pony

These colorful little horses with brushable manes and tails captured hearts when they debuted in 1983. Each pony had its own name, personality, and unique symbol on its flank.

Original Generation 1 ponies from the '80s are now beloved collectibles among a dedicated fanbase. Common ponies in good condition can sell for $10 to $30 each, while rare ponies, especially those from early releases or special editions, can go for $100 to $500 .

9

Rubik's Cube

The Rubik's Cube became a sensation in 1980, and suddenly everyone was twisting and turning those colorful squares, trying to get each side to match. Some kids could solve it in minutes; most of us just peeled off the stickers and stuck them back on in the right places (come on, you know you did it).

Original Rubik's Cubes from the early '80s, especially early editions made in Hungary, have become collectible. While standard cubes aren't worth a fortune, vintage ones in pristine condition with original packaging can sell for $50 to $150 . Special editions, like the original wooden prototype or cubes signed by inventor Ernő Rubik, are worth much more.

10

Care Bears

These huggable bears with symbols on their bellies taught us about feelings and friendship. Each Care Bear represented a different emotion or value: Tenderheart Bear had a heart, Grumpy Bear had a rain cloud, and Cheer Bear had a rainbow. The stuffed animals, along with the TV shows and movies, made Care Bears a phenomenon.

Vintage Care Bears from the original 1983 Kenner line are now sought-after collectibles. Plush bears in excellent condition with their original tags can sell for $30 to $100, while rare bears or special editions can go higher. Complete sets, limited editions like the birthday bears, or bears with rare belly badges are particularly prized.