General General 4 min read

Which is the craziest street name you remember?

Which are the strangest street names in America?

Image: Albert Stoynov

"Maple" is a good name for a street, yes. But we already have many of those. Streets with names that stand out are easier to remember, and the ten examples provided in this list are memorable, to say the least. From a street named Pig’s Eye Lake to a road named Psycho Path, America displays its creativity and humor at every corner. Did you know any of these?

1
Frying Pan Road

Image: Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty)

As we discuss our first entry on the list, we must prepare you for the incoming spoonful of roads and streets named after various things, starting with the namesake one. There is a suburb in Hendon, Virginia with a community named Fryin Pan that dates back to at least the 1700s. However, in the 1890s, they changed the name to Floris. The original name has remained as a road.

2
Chicken Dinner Road

Image: Karyna Panchenko

Believe it or not, there is a road in Idaho called Chicken Dinner. According to the main story, the origin of the name lies with a resident who lobbied the governor to improve the road outside her house. Laura Lamb was known for her chicken, and when a couple of vandals painted the words "Lamb's Chicken Dinner Avenue" on the freshly oiled road, they inadvertently christened the street with the name that is known today.

3
Bad Route Road

Image: Markus Spiske

While the name doesn’t sound very enticing, a trip down this residential Montana street may not be as bad an idea as it sounds. This street possibly received its unfortunate name from Bad Route Creek, an offshoot of the Yellowstone River. The creek's name itself may have originated from the difficult conditions and the challenges faced by early explorers and settlers in the region.

4
Psycho Path

Image: Jorge Salvador

It was voted as the nation’s wackiest street name, and for good reason. Psycho Path is a small private road in Traverse City, Michigan . Owners of private roads can register whatever name they choose with the local authorities. We prefer to think that the owner of this road is not a particularly dangerous person but rather someone with a sense of humor.

5
Alcohol Mary Road

Image: Timothé Durand

A memorable street named, indeed—Alcohol Mary Road in Greenwood, Maine, is named after a local woman who was known for producing alcohol during the Prohibition years. To the residents, it symbolizes the town's spirit of independence.

The Hertell family, who lives on the road and has a family matriarch named Mary, has grown tired of fielding questions about whether their beloved grandmother was an outlaw.

6
Zzyzx Road

Image: Diego Jimenez

Sounds like "Six Six," but it’s not spelled in the same way. Not only is there a town in Southern California named Zzyzx, but there is also a street that leads to the town.

According to the story, Curtis Howe Springer created the name Zzyzx and gave it to the area in 1944, claiming it to be the last word in the English language.

7
Five Forks Trickum Road

Image: Prayag Tejwani

There is a road in Gwinnett County, Georgia , named Five Forks Trickum Road, which has only four forks. The reason for this is simple: in decades past, it once had a five-fork intersection.

As for the "Trickum" part, local lore suggests that this comes from a shop owner who once lived there, and often swindled customers out of their money.

8
Liquid Laughter Lane

Image: Surface

A poetic image if we ever heard one, Liquid Laughter Lane is a real street in Columbia, Maryland . When the local community was planned, names for the streets were needed and the team in charge of coming up with these names resorted to statistics, demographics, and geographical locations, among common elements. But they also took inspiration from things like literature and poetry, which helped them come up with beautiful names like Liquid Laughter Lane.

9
Pig’s Eye Lake Road

Image: Fabian Blank

Pig’s Eye Lake Road is a nod to an actual person named Pierre "Pig’s Eye" Parrent (nicknamed as such because he had only one eye), who played an important role in the history of St. Paul and Minnesota . He established a tavern that served as a meeting place for traders and settlers, making it a focal point in the community.

Today, Pig's Eye Lake Road continues to serve as a reminder of the area's history and the colorful characters who contributed to its development.

10
Ninth and a Half Street

Image: Nick Hillier

Since the second part of an address is typically a number, it is advisable to name the first part with a word rather than another number; however, there are exceptions. Ninth and a Half Street runs along the north-south boundary between what used to be Old Nebraska City and South Nebraska City (which now make up Nebraska City).

If you are wondering where this name came from, it has to do with the fact that the city was formed from three preexisting cities, and when they went to rename the streets of the newly formed city, the numbers didn’t quite line up.

Geography Geography 5 min read

Do you know who was the "Father of the National Parks"?

Image: Rakshith Hatwar

Known for its cliffs, waterfalls, and forests, Yosemite National Park holds far more than meets the eye: ancient trees older than empires, rare creatures that survived the Ice Age, and natural phenomena so strange it feels like magic. Whether you climb its tall granite walls or trace misty trails through hidden valleys, Yosemite invites you into a world where history, wonder, and wilderness meet. Here are ten facts that prove why this iconic park remains one of Earth’s true treasures.

1
Father of the National Parks

Image: Amaury Gutierrez

John Muir was a Scottish-born naturalist who devoted his life to protecting the wilderness, especially the Yosemite Valley area. He wasn’t content to simply admire the towering cliffs and ancient trees; he wrote tirelessly, crafting essays, letters, and articles that stirred both the hearts of ordinary readers and Congress representatives.

Muir’s words painted Yosemite not just as a landscape, but as a sacred treasure worth safeguarding. His relentless advocacy culminated in 1890 with the creation of Yosemite National Park, a triumph that earned him the nickname "Father of the National Parks". Even today, his legacy whispers through the valleys, reminding visitors that one person’s dedication can change the course of history.

2
A hike for every adventurer

Image: Nick Herasimenka

Some trails are built to challenge your limits, while others seem designed to comfort your soul. For those hungry for adrenaline, the Half Dome hike is the crown jewel: a 14-mile round trip of punishing switchbacks, dizzying cliffs, and cables that pull you toward a summit where sky and earth blur into one endless horizon.

Yet, Yosemite is just as generous to the quiet wanderer. The Mirror Lake Trail offers a soft stroll through shaded forest, ending in still waters that hold Half Dome’s reflection like a painting on glass. Here, courage and calm walk side by side—proof that in Yosemite, the trail you choose always leads to wonder.

3
Sunshine and rain: the perfect mix

Image: Joshua Earle

Think of California as a desert with endless sunshine? Yosemite tells a different story! Yosemite Park’s climate shifts dramatically with the seasons, offering a rhythm as dynamic as its landscapes. Winter storms roll in with steady rains feeding rivers, swelling waterfalls, and covering the higher elevations in snow.

Summer, on the contrary, arrives almost bone-dry. This contrast creates the park’s natural pulse: meadows explode with wildflowers, waterfalls thunder with fresh snowmelt, and clear blue skies stretch endlessly above hikers and climbers. The result is a cycle that ensures Yosemite is alive and ever-changing, no matter the season.

4
Carved by ice

Image: Colin + Meg

Nearly a million years ago, colossal glaciers crept through the Sierra Nevada like rivers made of ice, reshaping everything in their path. Some towers of ice reached heights four times taller than the Empire State Building, grinding, carving, and polishing the granite beneath them.

Their patient work sculpted the valley into the sweeping U-shape we see today, framed by jagged peaks, polished domes, and sheer cliffs that rise like walls in a cathedral. What appears like it was always there is, in truth, the breathtaking result of nature’s artistry in motion.

5
Sequoias that look like giants

Image: Adrián Valverde

Yosemite is home to some of the most awe-inspiring trees on Earth. The giant sequoias tower over the landscape, sometimes growing taller than 250 ft and stretching over 30 ft across at the base.

Among these living giants, the Grizzly Giant in Mariposa Grove stands out as a true ancient marvel, estimated to be nearly 3,000 years old—making it older than many human civilizations and a silent witness to millennia of history. Walking among these colossal trees feels like stepping into a natural cathedral, where every trunk tells a story of time, endurance, and the sheer power of nature.

6
Waterfalls that reach for the sky

Image: Jeremy Lwanga

Picture yourself at the base of a waterfall so immense it could swallow nine Statues of Liberty stacked on top of each other. That’s Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest cascades in North America, plunging a mind-blowing 2,425 feet.

But that’s not all. In springtime, Yosemite transforms into a symphony of rushing water: Ribbon Fall hurls its silvery stream, Horsetail Fall shimmers like molten glass, and Nevada Fall thunders with unstoppable force. Each waterfall plays its own note, and together they turn the valley into a grand amphitheater, where water takes center stage and every visitor is swept up in the drama, power, and beauty of nature’s performance.

7
A camping trip that changed the park forever

Image: Underwood & Underwood, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Sometimes, a single night spent in the outdoors can reshape the course of history. In 1903, naturalist John Muir invited President Theodore Roosevelt to a campout in Yosemite—no ceremony, no politics, only the crackle of fire, the chill of mountain air, and the vast sky overhead.

Immersed in the park’s untamed beauty, Roosevelt saw for himself what words alone could never capture. When he returned to Washington, with the beautiful scenery forever carved in his heart, he decided to place Yosemite Valley and the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove under federal protection, securing a legacy of wild wonder that millions still experience today.

8
Rocks that catch fire at sunset

Image: Leo_Visions

It might seem like something conjured from a legend, yet Yosemite’s cliffs truly blaze with light. As the day draws to a close, the sun paints El Capitan and Half Dome in fiery shades of orange and crimson, giving their granite walls the illusion of burning from within.

But the park saves its most dazzling event for mid-February, when Horsetail Fall transforms into the legendary "firefall." For a few fleeting evenings, the angle of the setting sun ignites the waterfall into a glowing torrent of liquid flame. Photographers, travelers, and dreamers gather from all corners of the country to witness this ephemeral wonder. It lasts only moments, but its brilliance lingers in memory long after the light fades out.

9
A home for the rare red fox

Image: Ray Hennessy

Tucked away in the remote heights of Yosemite lives one of the park’s most extraordinary residents— the Sierra Nevada red fox. Rarely seen and shrouded in mystery, this small but resilient predator has roamed California’s high mountain ranges since the Ice Age. With a lineage stretching back thousands of years, it is both a living relic of the past and a symbol of survival in harsh alpine conditions. Its elusive behavior and ancient roots make every confirmed sighting feel like a glimpse into a secret chapter of natural history.

10
A nighttime rainbow

Image: Karl Anderson

If a daytime rainbow feels too normal, Yosemite unveils a secret reserved for the night: the moonbow. On crisp spring evenings, when the sky is clear and the moon is bright, its silvery light bends through the fine spray of the waterfalls. The result is a faint, shimmering arc —delicate, ghostly, and glowing against the darkness. This phenomenon is so rare that catching it almost feels like stumbling into a hidden doorway, where the ordinary world slips away and nature reveals one of its most magical illusions.

General General 5 min read

TALES FROM AMERICAN TABLES

Celebrate Our Culinary History With These 10 Iconic American Dishes!

Image: Zulu Fernando

They say "The way to a person’s heart is through their mouth." If this old saying is to be believed, American dishes definitively have all it takes to make the world fall in love with them.

All 50 states have their signature dish that makes them unique, and we have chosen ten of the most delicious for your enjoyment. Ready to go on a tasty adventure ? Let’s go!

1
Beignets

Image: Jessica Tan

We’ll start with this Louisiana delicacy. This won’t be the last time you see an exquisite Louisiana dish in this article, since "the Pelican State" has a lot of meals to share with the world. Beignets are particularly popular in New Orleans, as this gorgeous city has been producing these iconic pastries since the 1700s.

While there are several European varieties of beignets, the ones served in Louisiana are usually rectangular in shape and deep-fried. They are usually consumed with coffee during breakfast, fresh from the frier, and with a healthy dose of powdered sugar on top. As you might have already figured out, beignets are the official state donut of Louisiana.

2
Chicago Pizza

Image: Matt Antonioli

Chicago-style pizza is sometimes considered a divisive subject, but we truly don’t understand why. Sure, this deep-dish delicacy inverts the established order of pizza, putting a hearty amount of tomato sauce on top of copious amounts of cheese.

However, as any 5th-grade math teacher can tell you, changing the order of the ingredients will not change the end result: In the end, Chicago-style pizza is just as delicious as traditional pizza. If you ever find yourself in "The Windy City" , treat yourself to a slice!

3
Texas Chili

Image: Artur Kornakov

While Texas is world-known for its delicious barbecue (on which the brisket reigns supreme), the official dish of "the Lone Star State" is its famous "Chili con carne". Texas-style chili's main distinction from its Mexican counterpart is its lack of beans: A traditional Texan "bowl of red" may contain a generous amount of beef and peppers, but never beans.

If you ever want to try some amazing chili from the birthplace of Texas style, you might want to visit the wonderful city of San Antonio : It was in this place that the "Queens of Chili" started selling their delicious recipes at affordable prices.

4
Boston Cream Pie

Image: Alonso Reyes

Beignets are not the only sweet treat you’ll find on this list. From the very heart of New England comes the delicious Boston cream pie . As its name suggests, this spongy pie is filled with cream and usually topped with a layer of chocolate.

The Boston cream pie is a long-standing symbol of everything "Bean City" has to offer: After all, it has been proudly produced in this city since at least the 19th century. According to legend, this pie was created in 1856 in the historic Parker House Hotel, by Armenian-French chef Mossburg Sanzian.

5
Philly Cheesesteak

Image: Niramay Kachhadiya

Just like their trademarked slang noun "jawn", Philly’s most iconic dish is an extremely versatile sandwich. The cheesesteak and Philadelphia are as synonymous as… Well, Rocky and Philadelphia. This sandwich is made from pieces of roasted beef, grilled onions and melted cheese served on a hoagie roll, so its popularity doesn’t really need to be explained.

If you are looking for someone to thank for this delicious fast food, you can pay homage to brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri. In the 1930s, these two Philadelphians created what most believe to be the very first iteration of the Philly cheesesteak in their hot dog stand.

6
Gumbo

Image: David Trinks

We told you that beignets weren’t the only Louisiana delicacy making it to this list. Gumbo is an exquisite Louisiana Creole stew characterized for always including three ingredients known as the Creole "holy trinity": celery, bell peppers, and onions.

While this dish has been synonymous with "The Pelican State" since at least the 19th century, gumbo gained national popularity in the 1970s, after the U.S. Senate added it to the dining room’s menu in honor of Louisiana Senator Allen Ellender.

7
New England Clam Chowder

Image: Kevin Lanceplaine

Looking for "warm food for the soul"? Then maybe New England can help: Just try a hearty bowl of clam chowder in any of the states that comprise this beautiful region. This iconic soup has been produced in New England since the 18th century, although it is now widespread throughout the entire nation.

While several variations exist, all clam chowder recipes include clams, potatoes, and onions. The three most popular variants are the New England or "white" recipe (which includes cream or milk), the Manhattan or "red" recipe (which includes tomato sauce), and the Rhode Island or "clear" version which includes neither dairy nor tomatoes.

8
New Mexico Green Chile Stew

Image: Acton Crawford

If you ever visit New Mexico, don’t be surprised if someone asks you the state’s official question "Green or Red?" No, it's not a confusing haiku nor a piece of experimental poetry: they are just asking which type of pepper you would like with your meal. That being said, you should keep this entry in mind before you give out your answer, since you might want to try a bowl of mouth-watering "Chile Verde" or green chile stew.

While there are many variations to this recipe, green chile stew usually includes green peppers (of course), pork, garlic, and green tomatillos . Its spiciness might vary depending on the type of pepper used, but it might go from mildly to extremely spicy.

9
Florida Key Lime Pie

Image: American Heritage Chocolate

You would think the orange, Florida’s most famous fruit, would be featured in The Sunshine State’s iconic dessert, but that honor goes to the delicious Key lime pie. Should you ever find yourself in Key West, don’t leave without trying a piece of this exquisite and citric treat.

As the name indicates, Key limes are essential for making this pie, since they tend to be more acidic and aromatic than other limes. These limes are so revered by the good people of Key West that every year, the Key Lime Festival is held on the Independence Day weekend.

10
Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

We’ll end this article with a sweet treat synonymous with being American . How many times have you heard that something is "as American as apple pie"? This iconic dessert has been tied with our nation’s history and identity since its inception, so it is no wonder that we always choose to have a piece of apple pie on the 4th of July.

While apple pies were brought over to America by European immigrants during the 17th century, it was quickly adopted as one of our nation’s most beloved symbols. Two different recipes for apple pie appear in America’s very first cookbook, Amelia Simmons’ "American Cookery", which was published in 1796.

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