1

Maryland: Crab Cakes

Maryland designated the blue crab as its official state crustacean . The Chesapeake Bay is by now synonymous with blue crabs, and these legendary cakes are a point of pride for the state. A proper Maryland crab cake should contain lump meat held together with just enough filler to keep it from falling apart, seasoned with Old Bay.

Head to Faidley's Seafood in Baltimore's Lexington Market, where they've been serving them since 1886.

2

Louisiana: Gumbo

Gumbo is widely recognized as one of Louisiana’s emblematic dishes, and for good reason. This rich, soul-warming stew was born in the melting pot of 18th-century Louisiana, where enslaved Africans, French colonists, and Native American communities lived in close proximity and blended their culinary traditions into one. Whether you prefer it with chicken and sausage or loaded with seafood, the dark roux is non-negotiable.

For the authentic experience, locals head to Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans, where Leah Chase served her legendary gumbo for decades.

3

South Carolina: Shrimp and Grits

What started as a humble breakfast for Lowcountry fishermen has become South Carolina's staple dish. Creamy stone-ground grits topped with plump shrimp in a savory sauce: it's simple Southern comfort elevated to an art form.

Charleston's Hominy Grill perfected the combination throughout 24 years before closing in 2019, but the torch has been passed to spots like Slightly North of Broad, where locals still gather for their take on this classic.

4

New Mexico: Chile

New Mexico is so serious about chile that it's both the official state vegetable and the official state question: "Red or green?" refers to which chile sauce you want on everything from enchiladas to burgers.

The Shed in Santa Fe has been serving traditional New Mexican cuisine since 1953, and their red and green chile sauces are legendary.

5

Texas: Chili con carne

Texas doesn't mess around when it comes to chili; there are no beans allowed in the official state dish. Dating back to the 19th century, Texas chili is believed to have originated among cattle drivers and frontier cooks along the famous chili trail , who relied on dried chilies and tough cuts of meat to fuel long drives. Real Texas chili is all about the meat, the chilies, and the spices, slow-cooked until everything melds into something magical.

Austin's Texas Chili Parlor has been dishing it out since 1976, with regulars debating the merits of X-fire versus their milder options. The walls covered in license plates and the no-nonsense attitude make it quintessentially Texan.

6

Massachusetts: Boston Clam Chowder

At Boston's Union Oyster House, America's oldest continuously operating restaurant, the clam chowder recipe hasn't changed much since 1826 , and one spoonful tells you why. While every New England state has its own take on this creamy, thick, clam-and-potato stew—Maine keeps it simple, Rhode Island goes clear-broth, and Connecticut prefers a milky base—Boston's version has become the gold standard, beloved for its richness and depth.

The debate over who makes it best has fueled friendly regional rivalries for generations — though Legal Sea Foods makes a strong case, having served its chowder at multiple presidential inaugurations.

7

Illinois: Popcorn

Illinois is one of the top popcorn producers in the US—and in 2003, it became the official state snack, thanks to an unlikely group of advocates: a class of elementary school students from Joliet, a Chicago suburb, who made it their class project to lobby lawmakers for the designation . Governor Rod Blagojevich signed the bill into law, and popcorn joined the cardinal and the bluegill as official state symbols.

Garrett Popcorn Shops in Chicago have been making people wait in line since 1949. Their "Chicago Mix" combines buttery caramel corn with sharp cheddar cheese popcorn, and locals know to grab a bag whenever they're downtown.

8

Vermont: Apple Pie

Vermont made apple pie its official state pie in 1999, celebrating the state's apple orchards and New England baking traditions. A proper Vermont apple pie should feature tart local apples, a flaky crust, and maybe a slice of cheddar on the side .

The Blue Benn Diner in Bennington serves classic homemade apple pie that locals have been driving out of their way for since 1948.

9

Oklahoma: Fried Okra

Few vegetables are as deeply tied to Oklahoma's identity as okra. It was brought to the American South by enslaved Africans, who carried the seeds with them and wove the crop into the region's culinary fabric. Over generations, it became a cornerstone of Southern cooking.

Coated in cornmeal and fried to golden, crispy perfection, it's a staple at family gatherings and church potlucks across the state . Eischen's Bar in Okarche, Oklahoma's oldest bar, serves fried okra alongside their famous fried chicken.

10

Rhode Island: Clam Cakes and Chowder

One of Rhode Island's favorite appetizers is actually a dynamic duo: clam cakes (fried dough balls studded with chopped clams) paired with their distinctive clear clam chowder . Unlike Massachusetts' creamy version, Rhode Island keeps it brothy, more like a seafood soup without dairy (like the Boston-style one) or tomato (like the Manhattan-style one).

Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House in Narragansett has been a beachside institution since 1924. Order at the window, grab a picnic table, and watch the ocean while you eat.

1

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

Image: Nik Shuliahin 💛💙

Imagine camping beneath the biggest trees in North America and in the whole world . That incredible experience is possible in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, where some of these trees are thousands of years old.

You can choose from 14 scenic campgrounds—including Grant Grove Village, the foothills of Sequoia National Park, the Lodgepole and Giant Forest areas, Cedar Grove, and Mineral King—and make a reservation.

2

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Image: velichor

Open only during the summer months, Crater Lake National Park is home to the country's deepest lake and a dormant volcano , making it an incredibly photogenic location. Campers can pitch their tents or park their RVs in the forest at Mazama Campground.

As locals say, the best views are from the areas looking out over Annie Creek, but the whole place is a no-miss.

3

Olympic National Park, Washington

Image: Scott Goodwill

Camping along the coastline with the sound of the waves in the background is a beautiful experience that can be accomplished in the Olympic National Park, where you can camp right along the beautiful coastline , which is marked by several sea stacks.

There are many different campgrounds, some next to the ocean and others in the rainforest. While most are first-come, first-served, some allow reservations for stays in the summer.

4

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Image: Levi Jones

Few camping experiences beat waking up on the rim of the Grand Canyon . While the South Rim is easier to get to, the North Rim is usually less crowded. There's one North Rim campground inside the park and another just north of the park boundary, both open from mid-May to mid-October.

Several sites along the South Rim are open year-round, including the Mather Campground and Trailer Village in Grand Canyon Village. Only two other South Rim spots, Desert View and Tusayan Montane, are open seasonally.

5

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Colorado

Image: Mike Erskine

The Rocky Mountains offer magnificent scenery for a beautiful day and a night out. The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests have 56 campsites set in a variety of landscapes, including open meadows and evergreen forests, amid mountains, and on lakeshores .

While most are open seasonally, a select few stay open all year long, so make sure to check the website for road conditions beforehand if you plan to camp during the winter months.

6

Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Image: Andreas Rønningen

The Smoky Mountains are a picturesque part of Idaho, with dozens of places to camp. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area is a fantastic place to go hiking, canoeing, or cycling, and you'll be treated to awe-inspiring mountain views in every direction.

About half the campgrounds welcome campers on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can also make reservations ahead of time to secure a site. The camping season is open in the summer months.

7

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Image: Rahul Bhosale

Don’t mind the name, there is nothing bad about the Badlands. Between the many rock formations you'll see throughout Badlands National Park, you'll also find prairies and places to peek at ancient fossils . The Cedar Pass campground is larger and offers more amenities, but the smaller Sage Creek campground puts you in a better position to see bison wandering around .

8

Ozark–St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas

Image: Alex Holt

The Natural State has 1.2 million acres of recreational space including beaches, lakes, and streams, and more than 400 miles of hiking trails , in the Ozark–St. Francis National Forests. Campers can choose between several developed campgrounds for both RV and tent camping, some of which are open year-round.

Other campgrounds are open from May through October. Primitive camping is also permitted within designated areas—just remember to bring your water (or a water filtration device), and leave the place untouched.

9

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Image: Blake Wisz

At Dry Tortugas National Park, in Key West, Florida, you can camp right outside of one of the world’s largest barrier reefs . Visitors can rent snorkel gear, spend their days relaxing on the beach, or check out Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century fortress used by the Union army to blockade Confederate shipping channels during the Civil War.

This pristine area, perfect for stargazing and bird-watching, requires campers to bring everything they will need, including water, fuel, ice, and food. Ferry transportation from Key West must also be secured as early as possible.

10

Minnewaska State Park Preserve, New York

Image: Esther Tuttle

More than 2,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by rocky terrain, Minnewaska State Park Preserve offers a lot of space to hike, bike, and enjoy the view . Reservations for the Sam F. Pryor III Shawangunk Campground can be made online starting each March, as it is closed during the winter.

The campground features 50 parcels, as well as five car-camping sites, and amenities such as Wi-Fi, coin-operated showers, communal fire pits, and picnic pavilions.

1

Super Bowl - The biggest party in America

Where were you when you first watched the Super Bowl? Do you have an all-time favorite game you’ll never forget? The Super Bowl is the biggest, most-watched single event in the United States . It has become an unofficial national holiday that unites millions of Americans through a shared love of football.

The Super Bowl halftime show brings people together for a massive cultural performance featuring iconic artists. The commercials are also highly anticipated, with some of the biggest-budget campaigns talked about as much as the game itself. The shared experience, alongside incredible moments like miracle comebacks, is often paired with classic game-day foods such as chicken wings, nachos, and pizza.

2

Independence Day - Red, white, and boom

Independence Day marks the birth of the United States as a free nation. On July 4, 1776, the Founding Fathers adopted the Declaration of Independence, cutting ties with Great Britain. This holiday unites the country through traditions, patriotic reflection, and celebration.

It brings friends and family together from coast to coast to enjoy parades with marching bands, classic cars, and community floats; spectacular fireworks lighting up the skies across the country ; and cookouts with barbecues, picnics, and backyard games. Red, white, and blue fill the scene, alongside the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," reinforcing a shared sense of pride.

3

Thanksgiving - The ultimate family feast

Do you love inviting everyone for Thanksgiving and preparing the ultimate feast? Or do you prefer visiting loved ones you haven’t seen in a while? Thanksgiving unites Americans through gratitude, food, and tradition.

It began in 1621, when early English settlers and Native Americans celebrated the autumn harvest. In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln made it a national holiday to heal and unite a divided country. With traditions ranging from turkey and stuffing to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NFL games, and volunteering at shelters, the holiday centers on gratitude and togetherness .

4

Christmas - A season of giving

Is Christmas your ultimate holiday? Do you look forward to it all year long? Even for those who don’t celebrate it religiously, it’s an occasion that blends diverse cultural backgrounds into a shared spirit of peace and goodwill . Traditions include the lighting of the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., and large public celebrations in cities like New York.

President Ulysses S. Grant made Christmas a federal holiday in 1870 to help heal a divided nation after the Civil War. Today, that spirit lives on through neighborhoods turned into winter wonderlands with dazzling light displays, and comforting foods from turkey to apple pie, along with carols, gift-giving, and acts of charity.

5

New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop - The countdown everyone shares

How important are your New Year's resolutions? Or are you just there for the midnight kiss? Either way, the New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop is an iconic moment of unity.

Every December 31 at 11:59 p.m., the nation pauses to watch the countdown welcoming a fresh start. This tradition draws nearly one million people to New York City each year and reaches over one billion people worldwide through television and live broadcasts.

6

March Madness - Brackets, buzzer-beaters & cinderella stories

How much do you enjoy competition and surprises? That’s exactly what March Madness is all about: the annual NCAA college basketball tournament known for its chaotic and thrilling unpredictability.

From casual viewers picking teams based on the mascot that catches their eye to die-hard fans with a long family history supporting the teams, this three-week-long sporting event captivates Americans. Filling out "brackets" before the championship begins and watching underdog "Cinderella" teams rise through the one-and-done format are all part of the excitement, culminating in the iconic "One Shining Moment" montage.

7

Election Day - Democracy in action

Do you remember being little, knowing it was Election Day, and watching your parents head out to vote? Or the first time your children voted? Despite intense political differences, there are nationwide traditions that millions of American families share.

Standing in line side by side represents equal access to democracy . The "I Voted " stickers are badges of civic pride that often spark conversation. Similarly, the "I Voted selfie" has become a modern way to share the moment and encourage others to do the same. As the day comes to a close, "watch parties" bring people together, while concession and victory speeches symbolize the peaceful transition of power after the race is called.

8

Presidential Inauguration - A peaceful transfer of power

Presidential inaugurations are a symbol of American democracy, emphasizing the peaceful transition of power, respect for the Constitution, and hope for the future.

The first inauguration took place on April 30, 1789, when George Washington took the oath of office, reportedly adding the now-famous words "So help me God" . The first outdoor speech was given by Thomas Jefferson in 1801, reinforcing the idea of a government for the people. A more recent tradition is that the outgoing president leaves a letter for the incoming president, a gesture that shows the country is bigger than any political divide.

9

Memorial Day - Honoring the fallen

Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed in the United States on the last Monday of May. It’s a solemn day that honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

One of the most meaningful moments is at 3:00 p.m. local time, when people across the country pause for a moment of silence to remember the fallen . The day blends national remembrance with the unofficial start of the summer season through community events.

10

Veterans Day - A nation’s gratitude

Whether you are closely tied to the military or not, Veterans Day is deeply meaningful across the country. Observed annually on November 11, it honors all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces . This holiday bridges political and cultural divides by prioritizing shared gratitude and respect for service.

The origin of the day goes back to Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, as major hostilities ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Today, communities pause at exactly 11:00 a.m. for a moment of silence. Parades, from the New York City Veterans Day Parade to small neighborhood celebrations, as well as the wreath-laying ceremony at the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" at Arlington National Cemetery, remain powerful traditions.