1

Captain Tony's Saloon

Image: Nicolas Hoizey

Key West, Florida, is home to one of America's best-known bars: Captain Tony's Saloon. This mythical bar is not only famous for its drinks; it has a quirk that sets it apart from others. It's said to be haunted.

The building housing the bar today was built in the 19th century as a morgue. In 1865, a hurricane hit the area, taking everything in its path, including what was inside the morgue, if you know what we mean. Legend has it that the spirits, fueled by anger, remained to haunt the place for eternity. Decades later, a chilling discovery was made. During renovations, workers unearthed something macabre beneath the structure: bones.

For centuries and continuing to this day, different types of paranormal activity have been reported on the site, including cold spots, whispers, and even sightings of apparitions.

2

The Mothman

Image: David Clode

No one can deny that the 1960s was a tumultuous decade. But, in addition to the social and political issues that dominated the country and the world, West Virginia also witnessed a paranormal story.

In the mid-60s, a group of people claimed to have spotted a humanoid creature with large wings and red eyes silently watching them from a distance in remote areas of Point Pleasant. This story gave rise to the Mothman myth.

After the initial reports, more sightings followed, each more disturbing than the last. But what really makes your skin crawl is the detail most of these accounts share: the Mothman's creepy stare.

3

The Bell Witch

Image: Freestocks

If we discuss celebrity ghosts, we can't forget the Bell Witch, one of America's most famous specters.

The myth, which dates back to the early 19th century, tells the story of the Bell family, who lived on a farm in Tennessee. Legend has it that they began hearing strange noises in their home, and the spooky phenomena quickly increased. Objects moved on their own, and voices seemed to speak directly to the family. The spirit, later known as the Bell Witch, is said to have haunted the Bells for years, and even after the family members' passing, similar episodes continued to be reported at the site.

4

Dudleytown

Image: Adisa F

There is a valley in northwestern Connecticut that hides several spooky stories. Known as the Dark Entrance Forest, this area of "The Constitution State" is much more than just a scary name.

Located there lies an abandoned settlement: the mythical Dudleytown. The area was already inhabited by some people back in the early 1700s. Sadly, as the land wasn't fertile, the population declined. But it seems that was not the only reason.

It's said that the settlement was cursed: crop failures, diseases, and different types of paranormal events took place here. According to legend, the first inhabitants were descendants of an English nobleman accused of treason who fled to America and brought the curse with them.

5

Huggin' Molly

Image: Steinar Engeland

According to the people of Abbeville, Alabama, a famous specter haunts the streets, terrifying both children and adults —though she seems to have a particular preference.

We're talking about Huggin' Molly, a ghostly figure of a woman around 7 feet tall, dressed in a long black gown. She is known for letting out bloodcurdling screams in the night while she haunts children. The myth goes that if the ghost catches a child, she hugs them so tightly that it feels like suffocation.

The legend has persisted for centuries, and many claim to have seen or heard the figure of Huggin' Molly up close.

6

The Headless Horseman

Image: Dawid Tkocz

Washington Irving's 1820 short story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," gave popularity to this ghostly figure. The Headless Horseman is depicted as a specter who rides through the night in search of his lost head. According to Irving's story, he was a soldier who died tragically, and his spirit wanders at night unable to find peace.

Over the years, many people have claimed to have seen the Headless Horseman or heard the sound of his horse's hooves in the Sleepy Hollow area.

7

Qalupalik

Image: Nsey Benajah

Huggin' Molly is not the only scary figure that terrifies children. In Arctic shorelines, more precisely off the coasts of Alaska and northern Canada, a creature that doesn't seem to be from this world is said to be roaming shallow waters.

We're talking about the Qalupalik, marine cryptids that resemble mermaids, those half-fish, half-human creatures from ancient mythologies.

According to lore, Qalupalik have long hair, fishtails, fins on their head, back, and arms, and webbed hands and feet. Legend has it that they emit a humming sound to warn those who stray too close to the water, as they search for human prey with a favorite target: children.

8

Sasquatch

Image: Francois Brill

The Pacific Northwest is the main stage for the legendary Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot. This iconic ape-like figure, said to inhabit forests and mountainous areas, is characterized by its enormous size, giving rise to its name.

The myth has its roots in Native American folklore. Different native cultures tell similar stories about a large, monstrous, hairy, big-footed creature that appears in the wild at night and emits terrifying sounds. As if all this weren't enough, a detail makes it even scarier: it stands and walks on two legs.

In the 20th century, the myth gained strength after reports of huge, unexplained footprints in the Pacific Northwest.

9

The Jersey Devil

Image: Igam Ogam

If you've been to New Jersey (and even if you haven't), you've probably heard of the creepy Jersey Devil.

This infamous tale originated during the 18th century in the mysterious Pine Barrens. According to myth, a woman cursed her 13th child, who then transformed into a devilish creature with bat wings, hooves, and a goat's head.

Over the centuries, there have been multiple reports of strange winged creatures and chilling shrieks through the Pine Barrens. But it all escalated dramatically in the early 20th century when a wave of consecutive sightings triggered what was dubbed "The Jersey Devil Panic."

10

The Flatwoods Monster

Image: James Kovin

According to the story, in the 1950s, a strange rumbling sound was followed by a bright light in the sky, which reportedly came from an object that eventually landed near Flatwoods, West Virginia. When a group of people approached the scene, they were shocked by what they found. It was a tall, monstrous figure with an elongated head, glowing eyes, and a body that seemed to be encased in metal.

Investigators suggest that the light in the sky could have been a meteor, and the glowing eyes described by witnesses were likely those of a common owl. However, many people claimed to have seen this strange creature of totally unknown origin.

1

Rust remover

Image: Bekky Bekks

Did you know that if your metal objects are rusting, you can bring them back to life by soaking them in Coca-Cola overnight? The next morning, you'll find that you can easily clean them and even recover their shine!

Rust removal on old tools, screws, cutlery, coins, bicycles, and even car engines is believed to be due to the sodium benzoate present in Coke. This ingredient is a food preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. Additionally, studies suggest that it acts as a corrosion inhibitor .

2

Window cleaning

Image: Pixabay

Cleaning glass with a dark, sticky liquid? Sounds silly, doesn't it? Well, believe it or not, the citric acid in Coca-Cola makes for an excellent window cleaner. This is especially true for car windows, which tend to accumulate a lot of dirt and debris.

Pour a can of Coke into a spray bottle and apply it to the window surface you want to clean. Rub it with a rag, and if necessary, scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Then, wipe it all off with a damp cloth to ensure no sticky residue is left. Voilà—enjoy your crystal-clear windows!

3

Cooking

Image: Leighann Blackwood

Since its invention nearly a century and a half ago, Coca-Cola has been the perfect match for a cheeseburger or a slice of pizza. But did you know it can also be used in cooking? Its peculiar and characteristic flavor, along with the sugars and acidity of its secret formula, combine especially well with meats .

It’s ideal for mixing with BBQ sauce to create an excellent marinade or even for baking a whole chicken. Like wine or coffee, Coke can also be used to prepare delicious desserts, such as brownies and ice cream shakes.

4

De-blacken pots

Image: Dan Meyers

Over time and with multiple uses, pots and pans develop a blackened color on the bottom and sides that is difficult to remove.

To restore your favorite kitchen tools to like-new condition, just apply a glass of effervescent Coca-Cola and put it on the stove on low heat. Let it work for at least an hour to loosen the dirt. Then, scrub as usual—you’ll never believe the results!

5

Clean greasy clothes

Image: Annie Spratt

Everyone knows that grease stains are difficult to remove from clothing. Commercial stain removers can be expensive, contain many chemicals, and don’t always work. But there is a much simpler solution: one of Coca-Cola's alternative uses is removing grease stains from clothing .

Just add a can of Coke to your washing machine cycle or apply it directly to the affected area. Coca-Cola can even help deodorize smelly clothes !

6

Remove paint from furniture

Image: Ivars Krutainis

If you have a piece of furniture that has fallen victim to a paint stain —or an innocent marker drawing made by one of your children or grandchildren—and you want to make it look as good as new, dip a rag in Coca-Cola and rub it hard on the affected area.

To finish, simply wipe the area to prevent it from becoming sticky. Yes, it’s as easy as it sounds!

7

Drain cleaning

Image: Semevent

There are mixed feelings about the effectiveness of this trick, but there’s nothing better than trying it yourself to see if it works. Many suggest that applying Coca-Cola to drains can help clear clogs . Simply pour a bottle of the drink down the drain and let it work. Then, finish by pouring a cup of hot water down the drain.

You may be wondering: Is there any scientific evidence to support this claim? One of the ingredients in the most famous soda in the world is phosphoric acid , an anticorrosive that, in the case of Coca-Cola, is used for flavor. But don’t worry—the amount of phosphoric acid in Coca-Cola is safe for human consumption!

8

Insect repellent

Image: alleksana

No, it’s not about applying it to the skin, but using it as bait . If you’re going to be outdoors in an area with lots of insects, pour a glass of Coke into a shallow dish and let the bugs be attracted by its high sugar content (according to studies, one can contains the equivalent of ten teaspoons). You’ll see how they stay there and don’t bother you.

This alternative use of Coca-Cola is great for reducing the need for chemical pesticides in your garden. You can even pour the leftover liquid onto plants that thrive in acidic soil, like camellias and rhododendrons.

9

Relief from bites

Image: Ximena Mora

What happens if you forget to set the Coke bug trap beforehand? If you’re too late and get bitten by a mosquito or a bee, the solution can still be Coca-Cola.

Pour the soda over the bite area (or, better yet, soak a cotton pad and apply it to the specific spot) to help reduce the swelling and provide some relief.

10

Remove gum from hair

Image: Natalia Olivera

Gum stuck in hair can be a great frustration for parents or grandparents of naughty children. Believe us, a trick like this will save you from a big headache! But how does it work? The phosphoric acid in Coca-Cola reacts with the hair's natural oils, affecting the gum's properties. As a result, the gum won’t be able to adhere to the hair and, with the help of a comb, will come off easily.

While the gum may be easy to remove, the hard part is getting the kid to stay still for the duration of the process!

11

Cleaning the bathroom

Image: PeterKraayvanger

Have you run out of cleaning products and have guests coming over? Don’t panic—that abandoned Coke can at the bottom of your fridge is about to save you from the embarrassment of having a dirty toilet. Coca-Cola can be used to clean bathroom wall tiles, the toilet, and the bathtub.

A simple and practical way to do this is to use the spray nozzle from an old cleaning product, screw it onto a bottle of Coke, and spray the soda on the walls. Wait a few seconds, then wipe with a cloth or sponge... and it will be as good as new.

12

Make a science experiment

Image: Lucas Santos

Creating a geyser by mixing Coke and Mentos is practically a rite of passage for most kids—it's explosive, messy, and lots of fun! But how does it work?

Strange as it may sound, it's not a chemical reaction but a physical phenomenon . Mentos have thousands of tiny pores that disrupt the polar attractions between water molecules, creating thousands of nucleation sites ideal for gas molecules to congregate. The bubbles increase in size, causing the liquid to shoot out and rise to the surface, creating a spectacular effect that appeals to both children and adults alike!

1

Brookgreen Gardens, South Carolina

Image: Alano Oliveira

The largest collection of figurative American sculpture in the world –over 2,000 works– can be seen at Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina.

Everything is displayed outdoors, in gardens laid out in 1931 in the shape of a butterfly by the sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband, rail magnate Archer Milton Huntington. The gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2

Laumeier Sculpture Park, St. Louis

Image: Nathaniel Shuman

With 105 acres and over 70 works, Laumeier is one of the largest urban sculpture parks in the nation . It has some really big pieces, including works by Alexander Liberman, Tony Tasset, Jonathan Borofsky, Odili Donald Odita, and more.

3

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis

Image: Meizhi Lang

The massive sculpture of a cherry atop a huge spoon prompts visitors to photograph it using perspective tricks to make it look like they’re eating the cherry. As spectacular as this artwork is, the garden has many more world-class sculptures, including important pieces by Alexander Calder, George Segal, Judith Shea, and Roy Lichtenstein.

4

Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas

Image: Zalfa Imani

Taking a walk through the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas feels like being inside a prestigious world-class museum, but outdoors . Works by Rodin, Picasso, Brancusi, Koons, Calder, de Kooning, Giacometti, Matisse, Serra, and other masters can be found on the premises.

These grounds offer an uncrowded, intimate experience in which the sculptures feel like they're in conversation with one another.

5

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C.

Image: Andriy Oliynyk

If you happen to visit the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. in the winter months, you will find a skating rink along with Louise Bourgeois' Spider with a light dusting of snow, a Chagall mosaic, a variation by Robert Indiana on his famous LOVE statue , and 17 other important works of modern art. The garden is one of the most serene places in the city.

6

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City

Image: Omar KH

Being at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, in Kansas City, feels a bit like walking through a land of giants, amidst their huge everyday objects . Visitors will find mammoth shuttlecocks, amongst other monumental works of art.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum's outdoor sculpture park was originally named after Henry Moore because it contains a large number of bulbous works by that artist. His pieces eventually were joined by a fanciful glass labyrinth by Robert Morris, as were sculptures by Magdalena Abakanowicz, Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, and others.

7

Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle

Image: Elham Abdi

The Olympic Sculpture Park treats its visitors with sweeping views over Elliott Bay . The monumental sculptures complement the view in both directions. And, if you stand in just the right spot, Alexander Calder’s Eagle frames the Space Needle perfectly.

The park also features notable works by Louise Nevelson, Roxy Paine, Richard Serra, Louise Bourgeois, Mark di Suvero, and Beverly Pepper.

8

Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, New York

Image: Mike Hindle

With 500 acres, Storm King is the largest sculpture park in the United States , offering its visitors several distinct ecosystems —woodlands, meadows, and lakes among them.

The park boasts works by numerous 20th-century art stars, including Maya Lin, Isamu Noguchi, Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Richard Serra, Andy Goldsworthy, Anthony Caro, Louise Bourgeois, Sol LeWitt, and David Smith.

9

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Michigan

Image: Albert Dehon

The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan, boasts Victorian gardens with pieces by famed artists Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin , a collection of carnivorous plants, sweeping outdoor gardens (which include a 1930s-era farm garden), a Japanese garden, and a large outdoor amphitheater that hosts famed musicians every summer.

10

The Stuart Collection, California

Image: Is@ Chessyca

The Stuart Collection is an amazing grouping of artworks by world-famed artists like Michael Asher, John Baldessari, Mark Bradford, Jackie Ferrara, Do Ho Suh, and more. One of the collection’s goals is to reexamine conventional views of public art in playful and thought-provoking ways as it showcases experimental art to the public and the community.