1

Wisconsin - Cheese

Image: Lauren Forando

Wisconsin is crazy about cheese , and there’s a reason it’s known as "America’s Dairyland"! The state takes great pride in this regional product, and with good reason. Its cheesemaking tradition is almost as old as the state itself, with European colonists introducing the trade in the 19th century in the fertile lands that would eventually become Wisconsin. Approximately 100 years later, over 1,500 cheesemonger shops and factories had been established in the area.

2

Chicago - Deep-dish pizza

Image: Jon Tyson

Deep-dish pizza has its fair share of detractors, but we honestly can’t think of a single, concrete reason why. In our eyes, Chicago’s most famous regional delicacy is wonderful, with its copious amounts of cheese and chunky tomato sauce. In any case, residents of the "Windy City" take great pride in this pizza style, so be sure to try some whenever you're in town.

3

Detroit - Automotive industry

Image: Egor Vikhrev

Detroit has been synonymous with cars since the 1920s , when the city’s population surged following the expansion of the automotive industry across the country. Nowadays, Detroit is considered the epicenter of this industry in the United States, with the headquarters of the "Big Three" auto manufacturers—Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler—located in "The Motor City."

4

Kentucky - Bourbon

Image: Maxim Hopman

Bourbon is one of the few products that can only be found in America . This type of whiskey, typically made from maize, was created in the United States during the 18th century. While it is undeniably an American treasure, bourbon is most closely associated with the American South and, particularly , with Kentucky . The "Bluegrass State" produces 95% of the world’s supply of bourbon, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it is a source of great pride to all Kentuckians.

5

New Mexico - Chiles

Image: Javier Balseiro

The New Mexican chile , a moderately spicy variety , is unsurprisingly a staple of the state’s cuisine and one of its official vegetables. Not only that, New Mexico’s official question is a direct reference to this tasty vegetable. Whenever you hear a New Mexican ask, "Green or Red?", be sure they are asking which type of chile you want with your food.

6

New Orleans - Lucky Dogs

Image: Peter Secan

We could have included any number of delicious New Orleans products in this entry, from its mouth-watering gumbo to its delectable beignets. However, we’ve decided to focus instead on a New Orleans institution—a business that has been standing strong since 1948. Located throughout the streets of "The Big Easy," Lucky Dogs and its iconic hot dog stands bring smiles and tasty treats to both locals and tourists. These stands are featured in one of New Orleans’s most beloved novels, A Confederacy of Dunces , in which its extravagant protagonist briefly works at one of these stands.

7

Texas - Cowboy hats

Image: Donald Giannatti

In 2015, the Texas State Legislature declared the cowboy hat the official "State Hat of Texas." This probably doesn’t come as a surprise. If you’ve ever visited "The Lone Star State," you’ve likely seen cowboy hats everywhere. These accessories have been synonymous with Texas for as long as anyone can remember. In fact, Texas Rangers were the very first law enforcement agency to officially adopt cowboy hats as part of their uniform.

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New York - I Heart NY T-Shirts

Image: Abhilash G

What might seem like an inexpensive memento to take home after a wonderful trip to New York City is actually one of the most instantly recognizable images in pop culture. "I Heart NY" t-shirts are everywhere in the "Big Apple," and while locals might seem disgruntled at the sight of a happy tourist sporting one of these shirts, rest assured that they feel a small amount of pride in the love and praise their city receives every day.

9

Las Vegas - Casinos

Image: David Lusvardi

Las Vegas calls itself "The Entertainment Capital of the World" for the same reason many refer to it as "Sin City." The largest city in Nevada is known worldwide for its amazing selection of Casino Hotels. Las Vegas’s most famous regional product offers many hours of fun and excitement, though we advise that caution be observed at all times.

10

Sweet Tea - South Carolina

Image: Crystal Tubens

Sweet tea has been a staple of American Southern cuisine for centuries, but many believe the birthplace of this delicious, cold drink is Summerville, a town in South Carolina . According to some historians, during the 19th century, a resident of Summerville named Dr. Charles Shepard started growing tea in the region and innovating with ice-cold drinks that he offered to visitors and neighbors. In due time, sweet tea made Summerville a tourist attraction, eventually cementing the town as the birthplace of this iconic drink.

1

Origin of the name

Image: Brady Bellini

Contrary to what you might think, the name "Hollywood" has nothing to do with the film industry. The origin of the name of the city that would later become the Mecca of cinema is surrounded by many myths. One comes from the personal diary of a real estate developer named H. J. Whitley. Whitley recounts encountering an Asian man carrying logs on a dolly. When asked about it, the man reportedly replied, "hauling wood," which, to Whitley, sounded something like "holly-wood."

As colorful as this story may be, it is unlikely to be true. The legend that likely comes closest to reality involves Harvey Henderson Wilcox and his wife, Daeida, who purchased 120 acres of land west of Los Angeles. According to different theories, Daeida may have overheard the word on a train or picked it up from the estate name of an acquaintance from Illinois. Whatever the case, since the name was first written on Wilcox's 1887 land deed, it seems plausible that Daeida was the one responsible for naming the area.

2

Movie theaters were prohibited

Image: Arthur Rothstein, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

H. J. Whitley may not have christened the area, but he did a lot to promote its development. He invested heavily in installing electricity, built the Hollywood Hotel to attract land buyers, and developed the residential neighborhood of Whitley Heights. The area began to flourish, and by the early 20th century, the new municipality boasted a post office, a local newspaper, and two markets.

The inhabitants of Hollywood, by majority vote, decided to forbid the sale of liquor within the city, including in restaurants and hotels. Movie theaters were also banned . However, when Hollywood was incorporated into Los Angeles in 1910, which had no such restriction, history changed forever.

3

The motion picture industry conquers Hollywood

Image: Bain News Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

​​In the early 1900s, most film production companies were based in New York and New Jersey. However, the so-called "patent wars" encouraged them to move to the West Coast. At the time, the industry was virtually monopolized by Thomas Alva Edison, who owned the majority of the camera equipment patents.

Many companies rebelled against the abusive rates and decided to relocate to Los Angeles, where they could more easily evade these restrictions. In addition, the weather there was better and the days were longer, which allowed them to work more hours and spend less on electricity. If we add the low land prices to the mix, it’s no surprise that Hollywood became the ideal location to establish the capital of the motion picture industry.

4

The first film

Image: See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The prolific film director D. W. Griffith, who had already made around 50 short films in New York, was one of the many who migrated to Hollywood to get rid of patent restrictions. In fact, he directed the first film shot entirely in Hollywood. In Old California is a 17-minute western set during California’s Mexican era.

Later, in 1915, Griffith would release The Birth of a Nation , one of the most important and controversial films in the history of the seventh art. This film, also shot in Hollywood, solidified Griffith’s reputation as one of the pioneers of narrative filmmaking .

5

The first studio

Image: masbet christianto

The first permanent motion picture studio established in Hollywood was the Nestor Motion Picture Company, a subsidiary of the Centaur Film Company from New Jersey. In 1911, brothers David and William Horsley built a rudimentary stage behind the Blondeau Tavern, at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street. Production started immediately, with films such as Her Indian Hero and The Law of the Range .

Despite their pioneering efforts, the Nestor Company faced the same fate as many other small studios of the era: its lifespan was short . In 1912 it was absorbed by the emerging Universal Studios, although it kept its name until 1917. In the 1930s, the original building was demolished to build the Columbia Square facility.

6

The truth about the Hollywood sign

Image: waterandpower.org, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Hollywood Sign is a cultural icon not only of Los Angeles but of the entire United States. Do you know how it ended up on top of Mount Lee? In 1923, a publicist erected the famous 50-foot-tall white uppercase letters to promote a local real estate development called "Hollywoodland." The sign was originally intended to last only a year and a half, but the booming movie industry ensured its longevity.

With the great economic crisis of the 1930s, the company went bankrupt and the famous sign was neglected—even losing the "H," leaving it to read "Ollywoodland" for several years. In the late 1940s, the city decided to restore it, but the Chamber of Commerce ordered the last 4 letters to be removed so that it would no longer be associated with the company but with the town.

7

First Oscars ceremony

Image: Engin_Akyurt

Everyone knows that the Oscars are the world's most prestigious film awards. But did you know that the ceremony has been held annually for almost 100 years? On May 16, 1929, as talkies were just beginning to rise in popularity, 270 film industry personalities gathered at the Roosevelt Hotel. That evening, 15 statuettes were awarded to give the booming film industry an air of prestige and glamour.

The inaugural night was filled with interesting curiosities. For instance, the recipients of the awards were announced publicly three months before the ceremony . Additionally, the event was not broadcast in any form of media. Another fun fact: In the early years, the Academy Awards included a banquet. However, in 1942, due to increased attendance and the impact of World War II, the banquets were replaced with more modest theater ceremonies.

8

Walk of fame

Image: Neelix at en.wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Every high-profile artist has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—even the Muppets have one! Along 15 blocks in Hollywood Boulevard, approximately 2,800 five-pointed terrazzo-and-brass stars honor some of the world’s most beloved celebrities, including actors, directors, musicians, athletes, and even fictional characters.

In 1953, the head of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce came up with the idea of creating a publicity stunt to promote those whose names stand for glamour and prestige. Finally, in 1960, the first star prototypes were installed, honoring icons such as Joanne Woodward and Burt Lancaster. Today, this popular landmark is visited by millions of tourists every year.

9

Time capsule

Image: StockSnap

Few people know that beneath the mythical stars lies a very special treasure. To commemorate the Hollywood Walk of Fame's half-century of existence, the Chamber of Commerce buried a time capsule beneath the spot where it originated, at the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Highland.

The 16 x 16 x 18-inch capsule holds an array of artifacts that celebrate Hollywood’s enduring mystique. Among its contents are the screenplay of Casablanca , recordings of Oscar ceremonies from 1960 to 2010, programs from the musicals Wicked and The Lion King , and messages from various Academy members. These priceless mementos are set to resurface during the Walk of Fame's 100th anniversary celebration in 2060.

10

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Image: Judyfan1922 at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

With its legendary sign, iconic Walk of Fame, and countless beloved films and celebrities, Hollywood truly has it all. For this reason, it is only fitting that the city also boasts a peaceful and beautiful resting place for stars after their deaths. Founded in 1899, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the final resting place of many stars, including Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Don Adams, and Peter Lorre.

Located in the heart of Hollywood and adjacent to Paramount Studios, today this cemetery is a tourist attraction visited by many. In fact, on weekends during the summer the cemetery screens outdoor films for everyone to enjoy!

1

Musical roots

Image: Ahmed Rizkhaan

The American South is the birthplace of some of the most influential music genres in history, including blues and jazz. The blues, which originated in the Mississippi Delta in the late 19th century, captured the deep emotional and social experiences of African Americans in the post-Reconstruction South.

As the blues spread throughout the country, its rhythms and melodies laid the groundwork for jazz, which emerged in the vibrant streets of New Orleans in the early 20th century. These new sounds created a new musical language that favored improvisation and complex rhythms. By the 1920s, jazz had become a defining feature of American culture, solidifying the South's role as a cradle of American music.

2

The Lone Star state

Image: Perry Merrity II

Before joining the United States, Texas was an independent nation known as the Republic of Texas. After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas existed as a sovereign state for nearly a decade, with its own president, currency, and military.

The Lone Star flag, first adopted during this period, symbolized Texas's independent spirit and remains a proud emblem of the state today. Although the Republic of Texas was short-lived, with Texas officially becoming the 28th state of the Union in 1845, its legacy endures in the fierce yet friendly spirit of its inhabitants.

3

First successful powered flight

Image: History in HD

Although the Wright brothers were native Ohioans, the first successful powered flight took place in North Carolina on December 17, 1903. The historic flight occurred in the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers chose to test their aircraft due to the area's steady winds and soft landing surfaces.

The achievement marked a pivotal moment in aviation history, proving that controlled, powered flight was possible. The site of this groundbreaking event is now commemorated by the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

4

Southern hospitality

Image: Aleks Marinkovic

Southern hospitality is more than just a stereotype—it's a deeply rooted tradition that has shaped the culture of the American South for centuries. This ethos of politeness, generosity, and warmth towards guests can be traced back to the region’s agrarian past, where communities were often isolated and people relied on one another for support.

This tradition was further reinforced over time by particular social customs, such as the importance of entertaining visitors with elaborate meals and ensuring that guests feel like part of the family. Southern hospitality is so integral to the region's identity that it’s become a hallmark of the South.

5

Mississippi River

Image: Mathew Benoit

Spanning over 2,300 miles, the Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and plays a critical role in the nation’s geography and economy. Flowing from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, it traverses ten states, including several Southern states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

A vital artery for transportation and commerce since the early days of American history, the Mississippi also played a crucial role during the Civil War, with control of the river being a strategic priority for both Union and Confederate forces. To this day, the river continues to be a key waterway, supporting local industries and remaining a central part of the cultural and ecological identity of the region.

6

Oldest city in America

Image: Michael J. Vega

St. Augustine, Florida, holds the title of the oldest continuously occupied city of European origin in the United States. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, St. Augustine predates the founding of Jamestown and Plymouth by several decades.

As a strategic outpost for the Spanish Empire, the city played a crucial role in defending Spain’s claims to the New World, particularly against British and French incursions. The Castillo de San Marcos, a massive stone fortress completed in 1695, still stands as a testament to the region's rich history.

7

Southern delights

Image: Alex Haney

Southern cuisine, known for dishes like fried chicken, barbecue, and biscuits, is considered a cornerstone of American food culture. In fact, the popularity of Southern food has spread nationwide, with restaurants and festivals celebrating these flavors from coast to coast.

A true melting pot of cultures, the region’s beloved cuisine has a rich history with roots that can be traced back to Native American, African, and European influences. The ingredients reflect the region’s agricultural history, with many recipes using corn or corn-derived products. Southern cuisine also includes iconic dishes like jambalaya and gumbo from Louisiana, which highlight the region’s French and Creole influences.

8

Space pioneers

Image: Brian McGowan

NASA’s southern centers have been pivotal in shaping the U.S. space program. The Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, was crucial in developing the Saturn V rocket that made the moon landing possible. The Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, is the hub for astronaut training and mission control, and the Kennedy Space Center in Florida has been the launch site for every manned mission since 1968.

To this day, the South’s importance in space and scientific endeavors remains uncontested: NASA centers in the region lead astronaut training and are essential for rocket launches, maintaining their status as pioneers of space exploration.

9

Bourbon & Moonshine

Image: Jeff Frank

Bourbon, often considered America's native spirit, has deep roots in the South, particularly in Kentucky, where it is produced under stringent guidelines. To be classified as bourbon, the whiskey must be made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. This specific process, along with Kentucky’s unique limestone water, gives bourbon its distinctive flavor and character.

But the tradition extends way beyond just bourbon. The craft of homebrewing various types of alcoholic beverages has long been a vital part of the region’s cultural heritage. For example, during Prohibition, the South became notorious for its moonshine —illegally brewed, high-proof spirits (essentially clear, unaged whiskey)—which were smuggled across the country.

10

Southern Drawl

Image: Joe Lavigne

The Southern accent, often referred to as the "Southern drawl," is one of the most recognizable in the United States. This unique dialect evolved from a mix of British, Irish, and African influences during the early settlement of the region.

The drawl's elongated vowels and slow cadence might even reflect the South's agricultural origins, where life moved at a more leisurely pace. The accent has evolved over centuries and is now recognized as a defining feature of Southern identity, often evoking a sense of charm and regional pride.