1

New York-style Pizza

Image: Alex Haney

Let’s start with a city synonymous with excellent pizza . New York-style pizza is an iconic variety, universally recognizable for its thin crust, delicious sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Nothing says New York City as folding a mouth-watering slice and enjoying this delicacy while the sounds of "The City that Never Sleeps" seem to fade in the background.

New York style is remarkably similar to the Neapolitan style, an Italian recipe considered by many to be close to perfection . Many historians believe that Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so it seems almost poetic that what many consider to be the first truly American style was inspired by this iconic city.

2

Chicago-style pizza

Image: Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar

Unlike its New York City counterpart, the Windy City’s pizza has no Italian ancestor. While its exact origins are still debated, we do know that Chicago-style pizza was developed at some point between the 1920s and 1940s. However our Italian friends might feel about this style, the good people of Chicago proudly stand by this beloved deep-dish, high-edge cheesy treat.

One of the most interesting things about Chicago-style pizza is how it turns around the traditional way in which pizza ingredients are placed: Its chunky tomato sauce covers the copious amounts of cheese used. The result is a hearty and delicious meal , sought after by both locals and tourists alike.

3

Pepperoni

Image: Alan Hardman

While no one can deny that Italy is the birthplace of pizza, this delicious ingredient comes straight from America . Granted, it is a variation of the Italian salami invented by immigrants in New York City at the start of the 20th century, but it has grown to become one of the most iconic toppings associated with American pizza.

Pepperoni comes from " peperoni ," which is the Italian word for "bell peppers". This spicy sausage is fairly similar to the salamis from Southern Italy, like " salsiccia" or " soppressata ."

4

California style pizza

Image: Prayitno

This is one of the youngest entities on this list. In the 1980s, several California chefs simultaneously came up with a new idea for pizza: a pie that combines New York’s thin crust with traditional toppings from California cuisine. The result is known as the California-style pizza, an amalgamation of traditional characteristics and innovative new flavors .

Among the many toppings that might be included in this type of pizza, a few that particularly stand out are zucchini flowers, smoked salmon, eggs, and bacon. However, perhaps the most well-known contribution from this style is the now-iconic barbecue chicken pizza , created by chef Ed LaDou in 1985.

5

Detroit Style

Image: Parker Hilton

If Detroit-style pizza teaches us anything, is that pizza is delicious no matter which shape it’s in . Known for its characteristic rectangular shape, this variety’s crust resembles a typical focaccia , a type of Italian bread. It was created in the 1940s, allegedly invented in a former speakeasy at the corner of Six Mile Road and Conant Street.

Interestingly, the unusual shape of this delicious pizza is associated with Detroit’s impressive automotive industry. Many believe that the first pies of this style were baked in steel trays used in car factories, either as dripping pans or to hold small parts.

6

Famous Pizza Places

Image: Dylan Mullins

In 1905, Italian immigrant Gennaro Lombardi opened the very first pizza restaurant in America, located in the heart of Manhattan. And while the still-operational Lombardi’s was the first American parlor, it certainly wasn’t the last. Let’s take a memento to recognize a few of the very best pizza places America has to offer.

If you are looking for an unusual yet unforgettable pie, you might want to visit Frank Pepe's in New Haven, Connecticut, and try their unique clam pizza, topped with olive oil, garlic, and freshly shucked clams. Should you want a nice deep-dish pizza, try the original Uno Pizzeria & Grill, which claims to be the birthplace of Chicago-style pizza . Or, if you want to stick with a classic, you can always visit Lombardi’s and try their 119-year-old recipe.

7

Hawaiian pizza

Image: bckfwd

The origins of this pizza are controversial , and almost as divisive as this peculiar flavor is. For starters, let’s start with the elephant in the room: This pizza was not invented in America. It was created by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek-born Canadian cook who wished to experiment with sweet and savory flavors and decided to try adding bits of pineapple to a ham pizza.

However, this pizza is named after America’s 50th state for a reason, since pineapples are probably Hawaii’s most iconic product . In fact, Panopoulos named his creation after the brand of canned pineapple he was using at the time. In any case, the matter of whether Hawaiian pizza was a hit or a miss is still debatable. Some praise its unique taste, while others openly loathe it.

8

Pizza Chains

Image: Alexandra Gorn

After the American public was introduced to it in the 20th century, pizza unsurprisingly became an extremely profitable consumer good. In the 1960s, many now-massive pizza chains came into existence, providing the market with a massively popular and easily produced fast food.

Just to name a few, brands like Pizza Hut, Domino’s or Little Caesar’s became household names in no time. Besides their massive success and worldwide locations, these pizza chains share a common characteristic: they all started as small businesses, that eventually became beloved behemoths through hard work and resilience.

9

Tomato pie

Image: NASA

Just like with Hawaiian pizza, prepare for a controversial subject , which can be summed up into a single, self-contained question: Are tomato pies pizzas? Let’s see the arguments for both sides. On one hand, tomato pies are usually not served straight from the oven, and in some areas, they are even completely cheeseless. On the other, we can take an "if it looks like a duck" mentality regarding tomato pies: If they look like pizza and taste like pizza, then how can we consider them anything else but pizza?

In any case, whatever classification this tasty treat might fall into, it should be said that tomato pies are a must-try delicacy while visiting the Northeastern United States. They are also known as bakery pizza and church pie in Rhode Island and Philadelphia.

10

Pizza Delivery

Image: Rowan Freeman

The history of pizza wouldn’t be complete without the advent of this game-changing innovation. Deliveries allowed us to enjoy all the cheesy goodness of pizza in the comfort and convenience of our homes. A lot could be said about the unsung heroes who made pizza and movie nights possible, so we’ll pay tribute to them by retelling two turning points in pizza delivery history.

In 1994, Pizza Hut made history by launching the very first viable online ordering system. While primitive, this service registered thousands of orders: To this date, Pizza Hut claims that the very first online purchase ever was a Pizza Hut pizza. Not content with this record, in 2001 Pizza Hut decided to go against "the Final Frontier" and delivered a salami pizza to the International Space Station, the very first pizza successfully delivered to outer space.

1

Fala Roosevelt

Image: Nathália Arantes

A star in his time, the charming dog we knew as Fala was a great companion to Franklin D. Roosevelt during his time in the White House .

The dark-coated Scottish Terrier arrived in 1940 as a gift for Roosevelt and reached his peak of fame thanks to the President's remembered "Fala Speech" from 1944 , in which he jokingly mentioned the dog.

While we all knew him by his nickname, it is said that the pet's full name was actually "Murray the Outlaw of Falahill," in homage to a Scottish ancestor of Roosevelt.

2

Bo and Sunny Obama

Image: Zé Maria

Bo and Sunny , the Obamas' two Portuguese Water Dogs, became famous across the country and even internationally.

Bo came to the White House as a gift from JFK's younger brother , Senator Ted Kennedy, in 2009 . His peculiar name was a decision by Barak's daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama, in honor of Michelle Obama's father. His presence in the media was frequent, and he even had his own web page for fans to dedicate gifts or words of affection to him. Sunny, meanwhile, came into the family 4 years later, in 2013, and became Bo's faithful companion.

And here's a fun fact : The Portuguese Water Dog breed was chosen by the Obama family because its coat is hypoallergenic , which helped prevent the allergies of their eldest daughter, Malia, from being triggered.

3

Socks Clinton

Image: jbc

Choosing a name for your pet is no easy task. But this was not the case for Bill Clinton and his family.

Socks , adopted from a shelter in Little Rock, Arkansas, was easily recognizable by his peculiar appearance. With black fur and white paws , it was almost as if this cat's name was printed on him.

When Clinton came to the White House in 1993 , Socks quickly became a star and even appeared in merchandise and toys with his face on them.

4

Buddy Clinton

Image: Siep van Groningen

But it wasn't all rosy for Socks Clinton.

When Buddy , a beautiful chocolate Labrador Retriever, arrived in the family in December 1997 , Socks didn't receive him in the best way. Let's just say they got along like "cats and dogs." Fortunately, it is said that after a while, they got to know each other and got along much better.

Like his cat brother, Buddy also garnered media attention and became quite famous. As a celebrity, people would often ask for photos with him!

5

Checkers Nixon

Image: Matteo Vistocco

If we discuss true dog celebrities, we can't overlook Checkers , Richard Nixon's iconic Cocker Spaniel.

Joining the family in 1952 , Checkers didn't become a "presidential pet" or reside in the White House. However, his name didn't go unnoticed during Nixon's campaign as the Republican candidate for vice president.

You probably remember the iconic "Checkers Speech" of 1952 , in which Nixon mentioned Checkers in a move that mimicked Roosevelt's "Fala Speech" and ultimately contributed to Nixon's election as Vice President.

6

Liberty Ford

Image: David Moynihan

Liberty , with her playful and friendly personality, was the first Golden Retriever to inhabit the White House.

Liberty came to the Ford family in 1974 when Gerald was already President of the United States. Some stories suggest that Ford had a deep connection with Liberty. It is said that Ford had a special sign that he would use with the dog, particularly when he wanted to end an awkward or heavy conversation. When Liberty received the signal, she would approach and warmly greet the guest.

Some of Liberty's most typical appearances during the Ford administration were her walks along with Susan , the youngest daughter of the Ford family.

7

Pushinka Kennedy

Image: Berkay Gumustekin

Now it's the turn of Pushinka , a dog that wasn't born in America but went on to become a loved presidential pet!

But she was not just any puppy. She was the offspring of Strelka , one of the first dogs to travel into space and return safely aboard Korabl-Sputnik 2 in 1960.

After her space journey, Strelka gave birth to a litter of puppies, including one named Pushinka . In 1961 , Pushinka was gifted to John F. Kennedy by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. Pushinka lived happily in the White House during JFK's presidency, and she even had offspring in the halls of the Executive Mansion! What an extraordinary life for a pup, right?

8

Macaroni Kennedy

Image: Zosia Szopka

But Pushinka was not the only pet in the Kennedy White House. Among the animals in the presidential family was Macaroni , a pony gifted to Caroline , daughter of President John F. Kennedy.

Isn't it true that almost every girl dreams of having a pony? Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, made Caroline's dream come true by giving her this cute gift in 1962 .

Of course, it quickly became the little girl's favorite and was often photographed with her. Macaroni was quite a celebrity at the time, and even made the cover of Life magazine in 1963!

9

Millie Bush

Image: Rafaëlla Waasdorp

Even though the 90s might feel like they were just yesterday, it's been quite a while since then, and some unforgettable events took place during that decade.

For example, a presidential pet "wrote" a book . That's right! Millie's Book , published in 1990 , was ghostwritten by Barbara Bush's chief of staff and tells the life in the White House from the dog’s perspective. But Millie was not only a bestselling author , she was also an honorary member of the American Kennel Club!

Millie, an English Springer Spaniel , joined the family of Barbara and George H. W. Bush in 1985 as a gift from friends. She remained with Bush until 1997, and even after her passing, some of her puppies continued to be part of the family.

10

Barney Bush

Image: paje victoria

Shortly after George W. Bush was elected President of the United States in 2000 , a cute Scottish Terrier named Barney came into his life.

With his playful personality, Barney stole everyone's attention during his time in the White House. He was also the star of the "Barney Cam" videos during the holiday season, in which the little dog was seen roaming around the White House and playing with family and staff members, always wearing his distinctive blue, red, and white patriotic collar . Do you remember him?

1

The Strip is not really in Las Vegas

Image: Stephen Leonardi

The Strip is probably the most iconic attraction in Las Vegas. It stretches approximately 4.2 miles along Las Vegas Boulevard and is the vibrant heart of the city , attracting millions of tourists to experience a unique combination of entertainment and luxury. However, did you know that The Strip is not in Vegas?

Well, it's a technicality. The Strip is located south of the city of Las Vegas, more specifically in Clark County, Nevada, in the unincorporated towns of Paradise and Winchester. In any case, this area is one of the most filmed and photographed in the United States. It is also home to many of the world's largest hotels, casinos, and resorts, such as The Mirage, the Caesars Palace, and The Bellagio.

2

There’s more than one Vegas

Image: Jim Witkowski

Although Las Vegas, Nevada is the most famous of them all, it is not the only one. In New Mexico, just a few miles from Santa Fe and Albuquerque, there is another city called Las Vegas. Founded in 1835, it was one of the main stops on the Santa Fe Trail.

Being part of this trail and preserving the Spanish Colonial style of its buildings has earned this town the right to have up to 900 of its buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. And it is the only place in the United States to reach that number!

Like its big sister in Nevada, Las Vegas, New Mexico is now a major film and television set. Series like House of Cards and movies like No Country for Old Men and Wyatt Earp have been filmed here. Who would have guessed?

3

The Great Sphinx is bigger than the original

Image: lindsayascott

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most beautiful and emblematic monuments ever erected in the history of mankind. So, of course, Sin City had to have one of its own. This replica is located in Luxor Las Vegas, a casino following the theme of Ancient Egypt on The Strip.

Interestingly, however, the Luxor Las Vegas Sphinx is much larger than the Egyptian Sphinx at Giza. The original statue is only 66 feet tall, while the Las Vegas version is over 110 feet tall. What’s more accurate is the massive Luxor Pyramid making up the main building of the casino, it is as large as the Red and Bent Pyramids of Egypt.

4

One bright city

Image: Isaac Davis

Las Vegas is famous for its spectacular nighttime lights. In fact, it is considered one of the brightest cities in the world. But can you see it from space? The answer is yes! Las Vegas can be seen from space, as confirmed by NASA and images taken aboard the International Space Station.

In 2021, astronaut Shane Kimbrough tweeted an aerial photograph of the city taken 250 miles above Earth. In it, you can spot clearly a brighter band where The Strip is located. This is due to the high concentration of lights from casinos, hotels, and other attractions in this famous area. It is estimated that approximately 12,000,000 lights are turned on every night on the Las Vegas Strip!

5

Some hotels are missing a floor

Image: jaygeorge

Americans are used to hotels with no 13th floor, but why do some Las Vegas casinos lack 4th floors? Las Vegas hotels avoid numbering floors with a four to ward off any superstition associated with death.

Fear of the number four, called tetraphobia, is common in many Asian countries, especially China. The word death sounds eerily similar to the number four in Chinese and Japanese. Given that Las Vegas receives a large number of Asian tourists each year, it makes sense that so many casino owners want to avoid making them uncomfortable. In fact, many hotels such as the Aria, the Wynn, and the Elara don't even have floors 40 through 49.

6

More than 200 weddings a day

Image: Pexels

Las Vegas is where reality becomes fantasy, where the Eiffel Tower, Egyptian pyramids, and medieval castles shine away on a glamorous desert strip. It's no wonder, then, that Sin City remains a popular wedding destination.

In September 2023, Las Vegas celebrated its 70th anniversary as the "Wedding Capital of the World." There are about 100 chapels in the city issuing more than 200 licenses a day for couples looking for a simple, quick, and —why not?— themed wedding. Throughout history, lots of couples have tied the knot in the city, including celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow, and Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu.

7

A ghost town below Lake Mead

Image: Nikola Majksner

Located 24 miles from the city of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is one of the most important tourist attractions in the state of Nevada. It is the largest lake and reservoir in the United States and is a great destination for water activities and fishing.

However, this place holds a big secret. A few years ago, the lake's low water level revealed the ruins of the abandoned city of St. Thomas, approximately 18 meters below the surface. St. Thomas, founded in 1865 by Mormons, was one of the communities directly affected by the construction of the Hoover Dam.

Today, its gloomy structures have become an attraction for those who want to see the remains of a town that once housed 500 people. The foundations of what was originally a school, a post office, a supermarket, and a church make it a true ghost town.

8

A mecca for antique collectors

Image: Kenny Eliason

There's so much more to do in Sin City besides gambling! Did you know that there is an impressive number of antique stores in Las Vegas? These second-hand shops are a favorite among locals and tourists alike and have been in the area for decades.

For example, Downtown Las Vegas, the city’s historic center, is the best place to find bargains, one-of-a-kind items, collectibles, vintage fashion, and unique pieces of jewelry. If you are visiting the city and, at some point, you get tired of the slots, you can go thrifting and take home a piece of the city's history.

9

FedEx wouldn’t exist without Sin City

Image: Michał Parzuchowski

Today FedEx is one of the best-known companies in the United States. With a large fleet of planes and trucks, the company delivers 16.5 million packages daily to 220 countries and territories. However, the delivery giant had a rocky start and there was a moment, five decades ago when it was close to disappearing.

In the mid-1970s, the oil crisis increased the company's operating costs. Overwhelmed by debt, founder Frederick W. Smith withdrew the last US$5,000 and spent a weekend gambling in the famous Las Vegas casinos. Fortunately, luck was on his side and today we can enjoy this service that changed the postal system forever.

10

The largest bronze sculpture in the U.S.

Image: Wadems, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

As we’ve seen, everything in Las Vegas is grandiose and monumental. So it's no wonder that this city is home to the largest bronze sculpture in the United States. The iconic MGM Grand lion weighs a staggering 90,000 pounds and stands 45 feet tall.

This sculpture was placed at the entrance of the hotel in 1998 to replace a cartoon-like giant lion head made of fiberglass. The thing is, record-breaking has been at the heart of the MGM Grand since its beginnings: It was the largest hotel in the world at the time of its opening. Now, it is the largest single hotel in the country, with 5,124 rooms in one building.