1

Most Olympic Gold Medals

Image: Gentrit Sylejmani

While many of us struggle with basic swimming techniques, the incredible swimmer Michael Phelps , rightly nicknamed "The Baltimore Bullet" after his birthplace and amazing speed, is the winner of 23 Olympic gold medals. This achievement gave him the world record for the most decorated Olympic male athlete!

But this feat is not easy. In addition to his natural talent, the athlete must follow a rigorous training program and eat approximately 12,000 calories every day. One thing is for sure: that's a lot of food!

2

World's tallest dog ever

Image: leonides ruvalcabar

American animals are also record-breakers! There's nothing like the joy of returning home to your dog anxiously awaiting you, playfully jumping up to greet you, right? However, it can be a bit scary if your dog happens to be the tallest in the world.

This record was set by a Great Dane from Bedford, Texas, who reached an incredible height of 3 feet and 5.18 inches! His owners attest that despite his huge size, Zeus— a fitting name—was actually a gentle giant.

Sadly, Zeus passed away in 2023 at the age of 5, but he is fondly remembered for his impressive record, his animated personality, and his extraordinary beauty.

3

Most cumulative days in space by a female astronaut

Image: NASA

Ever dreamed of traveling to space? As exciting as it sounds, the reality of space travel can be a real challenge and might intimidate many. But this was not the case for Peggy Whitson , the woman who spent the most cumulative days in space.

In 2017, she set the world record , spending 665 days out there. But that's not all; in 2023 , she extended her title by adding 9 more days as an astronaut with Axiom Space during Axiom Mission-2. That's almost two years without gravity!

4

The longest spacewalk

Image: Kobby Mendez

If the idea of traveling through outer space is scary, imagine the experience of "walking" outside the spacecraft, completely alone in an astronaut suit. It's both exciting and intimidating, right?

NASA refers to this activity as EVA (Extravehicular Activity), more commonly known as a spacewalk . Happily, two Americans hold the record for the longest spacewalk . On March 10, 2001 , Expedition 2 astronauts James S. Voss from Cordova, Alabama, and Susan J. Helms from Charlotte, North Carolina, ventured on an impressive spacewalk that lasted 8 hours and 56 minutes!

5

The largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia

Image: Tommy van Kessel

Let's continue with the space theme, though this time, fictional space.

Born on June 14, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Steve Sansweet has been an avid collector since childhood. His passion for collecting Star Wars memorabilia started the first time he saw a Star Wars movie, and he hasn't stopped since.

How many items do you think he has? 30,000? Maybe 100,000? Nope. Steve has a collection of over 500,000 items from the franchise! So many that he founded a museum, the Rancho Obi-Wan , in Petaluma, California. Would you give it a visit?

6

The largest living tree

Image: Taisia Karaseva

Nature also claims its place in the list of world records. General Sherman is the largest living tree by volume on Earth. This giant sequoia stands tall in Sequoia National Park, among the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California .

Want to know its height? This huge sequoia reaches 274 feet and 3.3 inches! And its width is no less special, with a diameter of approximately 27 feet.

But wait, there's more! The tallest tree in the world is also in California . Hyperion , as it was named, stands 380 feet and 9.7 inches tall in Redwood National Park.

7

Most Big Macs eaten in a lifetime

Image: Brett Jordan

While it's crucial to maintain a healthy diet, no one can deny the joy a good burger can bring to both the stomach and the soul. Don Gorske is a 70-year-old man who took this concept to a new level.

Don, a native of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin , proudly holds the record for the most McDonald's Big Macs eaten in a lifetime: more than 34,000! In 1999 , he first broke the record. However, not satisfied with that feat alone, he extended his title, securing his place in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2023 .

If you're worried about his health—and we are too—Don himself calms us down: he explains that he doesn't eat the fries and maintains a daily exercise routine.

8

The longest international land border

Image: Redd F

This is a record shared with our Canadian neighbors. While we knew the border between Canada and the United States was extensive, who would have guessed it's actually the longest in the world?

The world's longest international border between two countries spans an impressive 5,525 miles . That is divided into two parts: the border shared between the continental United States and Canada, and the one shared by the state of Alaska with the neighboring country.

And here are more numbers: there are a total of 13 US states on this long border!

9

The longest TV career for a female entertainer

Image: CBS Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Betty White is a familiar face to everyone who has ever turned on the TV. Born in 1922 in Oak Park, Illinois, the talented actress and comedian has worked passionately from a very young age.

She made her TV debut in 1939 , and since then, she has enjoyed a long and successful career. So long that it earned her a world record for the longest TV career for a female entertainer.

So, how long was it? Not 40, not 50, not even 60 years. Betty delighted our screens for over 74 years! That's what we would call dedication, don't you think?

10

Most consecutive wins on Jeopardy!

Image: 金 运

Jeopardy! has kept viewers glued to their screens for many seasons and for many reasons. Its blend of playful competition and engaging topics makes it simply irresistible.

As you already know, some contestants on Jeopardy! have both the skills and luck to win more than once. But one competitor truly stood out from the rest.

Ken Jennings is a software engineer from Utah who won an incredible 74 times! Can you believe it? His streak began in 2004, and from the moment he started until his 74th win, Ken won $2,520,700, earning the world record for the most consecutive wins.

1

Super Bowl Sunday

Image: Caleb Woods

More than just a football game, the Super Bowl is a cultural phenomenon combining sports, entertainment, and food. Since its debut in 1967, the event has grown into a day-long spectacle featuring extravagant halftime shows, iconic commercials, and gatherings filled with buffalo wings and nachos, offering something for both diehard football fans and casual viewers alike.

2

Black Friday shopping

Image: freestocks

The day after Thanksgiving, shoppers race for deals in a retail frenzy, marking the traditional start of the Christmas shopping season. The busiest shopping day of the year in the United States, Black Friday originated in the 1950s when stores began slashing prices to kick off the holiday season, but it has since evolved into a major economic and cultural phenomenon.

3

Presidential Turkey Pardon

Image: Tyler Donaghy

Each Thanksgiving, the President pardons a turkey, sparing it from becoming dinner. This whimsical tradition began informally with Abraham Lincoln in 1863 and was made official by George H.W. Bush in 1989. It’s a lighthearted custom that adds a touch of humor to the holiday—and is certainly life-changing for the lucky turkey!

4

Groundhog Day

Image: Camerauthor Photos

Celebrated each February 2, Groundhog Day began in Pennsylvania in 1887 and is rooted in German folklore. Punxsutawney Phil, arguably the world's most famous groundhog, "predicts" an early spring or six more weeks of winter based on whether he sees his shadow upon emerging from his burrow.

5

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

Image: James Genchi

Every December 31, Times Square in New York City transforms into the epicenter of New Year’s celebrations. A specially designed time ball descends a flagpole at the stroke of midnight, marking the start of the new year. This tradition, celebrated since 1907, draws thousands of revelers who come together to ring in the year with a shared sense of hope and renewal.

6

State Fairs

Image: Matthew Miner

State fairs originated in the 1800s to showcase various advancements in farming and agriculture. Today, they have evolved into family-friendly celebrations featuring fried foods, roller coasters, and livestock competitions. The Iowa State Fair, for example, is renowned for its intricate butter sculptures.

7

Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Image: Thomas Park

A blend of French, Spanish, and Creole traditions has created this vibrant celebration that attracts millions of visitors to New Orleans. Mardi Gras, meaning "Fat Tuesday," marks the final day of indulgence before Lent. Parades, masks, and beads are central to this centuries-old tradition, which has been embraced in Louisiana since the 18th century.

8

Alaska’s Iditarod

Image: Ugur Arpaci

A 1,000-mile sled dog race through the frosty landscapes of Alaska, the Iditarod is a grueling journey through one of America’s harshest regions. According to some sources, the race honors the 1925 serum run to Nome, when dog sled teams transported diphtheria medication that helped save lives. However, sled dog races have been held in the area since at least 1908.

9

Hometown parades

Image: Gene Gallin

Small towns across the U.S. host parades for nearly every holiday, from St. Patrick’s Day to Christmas. These events bring communities together with floats, marching bands, and festive pageantry. However, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade stands out as one of the largest and most iconic parades in the country.

10

The Kentucky Derby "Run for the Roses"

Image: Pietro Mattia

Held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, the Kentucky Derby is a long-standing tradition known for its pageantry. The "Run for the Roses" began in 1875, and it's not just about the race but the elaborate hats, luxury, and the signature mint julep cocktails. The event unites horse racing enthusiasts and Southern culture in an exciting spectacle.

11

Maine’s Lobster Festival

Image: April Walker

The Maine Lobster Festival, held annually in Rockland, is a seaside celebration of all things lobster. Honoring the state’s lobster industry, the festival features an all-you-can-eat feast, cooking contests, and live music. It serves as both a tribute to Maine’s maritime heritage and a recognition of the vital role lobster fishing plays in the local economy.

12

The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race

Image: Oleksii S

Every October in Natchez, Mississippi, a colorful spectacle unfolds as hot air balloons take to the skies above the Mississippi River. Known as the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, this event has been a beloved state tradition since 1972. In addition to the breathtaking balloon displays, the festivities include live music, delicious local food, and a variety of family-friendly activities, making it a fun celebration for both locals and visitors.

1

The Last Blockbuster in Bend, Oregon

Image: Delaney Van

The last Blockbuster video-rental store in the world stands in Bend, Oregon—did you know? And for a limited time, at the end of 2020, it allowed guests to spend the night there, explore their vast collection, and host a movie marathon.

Sadly, the venue doesn’t operate as a bed-and-breakfast currently. But it gladly welcomes guests, and who knows? The family-owned store might be open to hosting more unforgettable stays in the future.

2

Hobbit House in Orondo, Washington

Image: Joshua Harris

Whether you are a Tolkien fan or not, surely you’ve wondered what it would be like to curl up on a comfy couch inside a Hobbit House! These underground cottages with round doors and grass roofs feel straight out of Middle-earth.

One of the fans' favorites is The Hobbit House in Orondo, Washington. You might easily miss it, carved into a hill overlooking the Columbia River Gorge—a cozy, off-the-grid spot that transports guests to another world.

3

Treehouse Point in Issaquah, Washington

Image: Ashley Endemano

Childhood dreams come alive in these handcrafted treehouses nestled among Pacific Northwest evergreens. Some feature rope bridges between platforms, while others boast skylights for stargazing from bed.

The creator, inspired by childhood forts, designed these as peaceful escapes where you can sleep high up, surrounded by green canopies. Not far away are the thunderous Snoqualmie Falls and the endless Cascade Mountain trails.

4

Fire lookout towers in National Forests

Image: Jamie Pilgrim

In today’s world, you can’t blame solitude seekers. Some people crave a digital detox, so they head to lookout fire cabins like Oak Flat Lookout, over the Kern River in California.

Once vital for spotting wildfires, many of these cabins were nearly demolished before preservationists intervened. Sure, the lack of amenities is part of the charm, but epic sunrises are the reward.

5

Newport's Jailhouse Inn

Image: Syarafina Yusof

Why not turn a historic jail into a hotel? Newport’s Jailhouse, built in 1772, is a beautiful federal-style building located near the city center of Newport, Rhode Island.

Now, it’s been reconditioned to become an inn: You can spend the night behind bars—with luxury linens—in its creatively converted cells, where original cell doors now frame plush beds.

6

Covered Wagon Glamping in Westgate River Ranch, Florida

Image: James Lee

Imagine spending a few nights inside an Oregon Trail wagon—except you’d be in Florida, armed with the comforts of a king bed and air conditioning. These tricked-out wagons are the main attraction at Florida's Westgate River Ranch, pioneers in blending Old West nostalgia with today’s glamping movement.

7

Converted Grain Silos in Green Ridge, Missouri

Image: Meredith Petrick

If you were to open a door to the inside of the silos at Prairie Vale in Green Ridge, Missouri, you would walk into perfectly functional (though unusually cylindrical) guest rooms.

These grain silos, situated on a former dairy farm, have been repurposed and transformed into comfortable living spaces. The property spans 14 acres and is home to various animals that guests can visit and feed.

8

Michigan's Big Bay Point

Image: Vladyslav Dukhin

A lighthouse bed-and-breakfast near the cliffs of Lake Superior? You can sleep where keepers once stood watch in coastal lighthouses like Michigan's Big Bay Point, where spiral stairs lead to lantern rooms with sweeping views.

They want you to fully enjoy your stay surrounded by nature, so there are no phones or TVs inside the guest rooms.

9

"Up" house in Abiquiu, New Mexico

Image: Ankush Minda

All those who watched Disney-Pixar's 2009 animated film Up will no doubt remember the image of the house being lifted into the air by hundreds of colorful balloons. That’s not exactly what’s happening at the Abiquiu house, but it’s similar.

This venue, which was available as a unique Airbnb experience temporarily, mirrored the film's architecture and interior decor in stunning detail, and yes, it was adorned with over 8,000 balloons. But it was a crane that lifted the house off the ground to create the effect.

10

Retro-Americana: the sleep-in Red Caboose in Ronks

Image: Rachel Claire

Retro road trip vibes shine at spots like the Red Caboose Motel, located in the community of Ronks, Pennsylvania. It offers a line of colorful train cars as suites. Comfortable bedrooms, dining, and storage areas were built inside recycled train cars, becoming a main attraction in the area.