1

Rick Moranis

Image: Erik Mclean

Rick Moranis, one of the biggest comedy stars of the ’80s and ’90s, left Hollywood to focus on raising his children after his wife passed away.

His decision to leave the spotlight has been widely discussed—a rare choice in an industry where few walk away at the peak of their careers. He has since done a few voice roles, and fans are thrilled about reports of his long-awaited return in Spaceballs II.

2

Macaulay Culkin

Image: Kira Cherkavskaya

Macaulay Culkin rose to global fame as a child star, but the pressure and family troubles made that success a heavy burden. Since the ’90s, he has acted occasionally but has largely stayed out of the spotlight.

In recent years, he’s also performed with a pizza-themed Velvet Underground parody band called The Pizza Underground .

3

Emilio Estevez

Image: Taylor Brandon

While his brother, Charlie Sheen, has often been in the limelight—for better or worse—Emilio Estevez has largely stepped away from it. A core member of the Brat Pack in the ’80s, he’s best known for playing Billy the Kid in Young Guns .

In the last few years, Emilio has focused more on directing and independent projects.

4

Lou Ferrigno

Image: Limor Zellermayer

Lou Ferrigno rose to fame in the late ’70s and ’80s as the Hulk, bringing the comic book character to life with his massive frame.

Despite his TV success, he never achieved the same big-screen fame as his bodybuilding rival, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Born with significant hearing loss —**about 80%**—Ferrigno faced challenges in both acting and studio opportunities, though he remained active in bodybuilding, guest appearances, and voice work.

5

Mara Wilson

Image: Lia Den

Mara Wilson, known for ’90s classics like Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire , was a familiar face throughout her childhood. In 2012, she explained her decision to leave acting , calling it "no longer fun," the fame "ridiculous," and auditions "brutal and dehumanizing.

And you can read about her experiences in her book Where Am I Now?

6

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Image: Igam Ogam

Sarah Michelle Gellar rose to fame in ’90s teen hits and earned a devoted fan base with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. After starring in Scooby-Doo and marrying her co-star Freddie Prinze Jr., she gradually stepped back from acting , taking on fewer roles over the years.

But those loyal fans will be happy to know she’s set to slay a few more vampires soon with the return of Buffy .

7

Neve Campbell

Image: Jakob Owens

Neve Campbell was a major star in the ’90s and early 2000s, thanks to Party of Five and the Scream films. Her face quickly became instantly recognizable.

Despite her success, she chose a different path. After four Scream movies, she stepped away from the franchise in 2022, citing a salary dispute. But fear not, Scream VII will have her back.

8

Mike Myers

Image: Илья Мельниченко

Mike Myers hasn’t officially retired, but he has slowed his Hollywood career considerably. He rose to fame with Wayne’s World and became iconic for playing multiple roles in the Austin Powers films. Since The Love Guru , he’s kept a lower profile , making only occasional appearances in movies like Inglourious Basterds and Bohemian Rhapsody.

9

Meg Ryan

Image: The Paris Photographer

Meg Ryan ruled ’90s romantic comedies with hits like When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail before gradually stepping back from the spotlight . Media scrutiny of her personal life played a major role in her retreat.

She hasn’t left the industry entirely—Ryan has shifted to directing and now takes on only select roles, focusing on indie projects that genuinely interest her.

10

Matt LeBlanc

Image: Mahrous Houses

Matt LeBlanc will always be remembered as Joey Tribbiani —a role that’s been hard to shake despite his later efforts. He earned critical praise for his performance in Episodes, but hasn’t reached the same level of post- Friends success as his co-star Jennifer Aniston.

These days, he stays far away from the limelight and has decided to take it easy for as long as he wants to.

11

Liv Tyler

Image: D A V I D S O N L U N A

Liv Tyler shone as Arwen in The Lord of the Rings , proving she was much more than just Steven Tyler’s daughter. While she didn’t achieve the same level of critical acclaim as some of her co-stars, she has maintained a steady career, including a standout role in the Emmy-nominated series The Leftovers .

12

Bridget Fonda

Image: René Ranisch

Bridget Fonda, part of the legendary Fonda family, began acting at a young age, appearing in Easy Rider at just five years old.

After graduating from NYU, she quickly built a successful film career and seemed destined for Hollywood longevity. But in 2002, she retired unexpectedly and has remained off-screen ever since.

1

Double-Double Animal-Style, In-N-Out

Image: Nathan Dumlao

In-N-Out is a well-known fast-food chain with many celebrated products and fans all over the country. But this particular menu item holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many of its visitors.

The Double-Double Animal Style burger with caramelized onions has the flavor and texture any burger with high hopes would dream of attaining. The crunchy pickles and lettuce, the soft buns, fresh tomatoes, and delicious cheese complete this culinary wonder.

2

Smoked Bacon Burger, SilverLake Bistro

Image: Arabi Ishaque

Miami, a town with many great eateries, is home to SilverLake Bistro, a mom-and-pop-style restaurant that walks the line between casual and refined. This burger sanctuary creates gourmet-grade burgers from scratch, complete with all the classic toppings.

The classic SilverLake Burger features premium-quality double patties , cheddar cheese , porcini mayo , homemade steak sauce , and smoked bacon , creating a sublime culinary experience.

3

Nasty Burger, Laha’s Red Castle

Image: amirali mirhashemian

It may sound like strong words, but for many who have tried them, Kentucky’s Laha’s Red Castle makes the "best cheeseburgers in the world."

One of its most cherished menu items, the Nasty Burger , is topped with caramelized onions and cheese scrapings from the griddle , creating a flavor experience that evokes the taste of onion soup mixed with a very, very good burger.

4

Dry-aged Burger, Bludorn

Image: Dennis Lorente

Bludorn’s Dry-Age Burger is a perfect example of simple ingredients done right and tasting incredible. The aged cheddar , short rib patty , Dijonnaise mustard , and caramelized onions come together to create a hamburger that isn’t overstuffed, allowing each ingredient to express its flavor.

5

Wagyu Burger, Ada’s Place

Image: Chris Tweten

The name itself gives a hint of what to expect when tasting Ada’s Place’s Wagyu Burger. The ultra-premium quality of the meat provides a tender and flavorful taste and texture.

The hamburger is served with American cheese and caramelized onions, which complement the meat and add a layer of crispness and creaminess to the experience.

6

Cheeseburger in Paradise, Brasil

Image: Fidel Fernando

Good, simple burgers can be hard to find in an age where beastly, gourmet patties seem to be the crowd's prevalent choice. But when browsing through the menus, these options do exist and sometimes make for the best experience possible.

Brasil’s aptly named Cheeseburger in Paradise is one of those cases. The double burger comes with caramelized onions , a delicate touch of jalapeño sauce , and crispy bacon , all lovingly wrapped between toasted potato rolls. All the best. Nothing more, nothing less.

7

Nancy’s Burger, Nancy’s Hustle

Image: Yoad Shejtman

Everybody knows that the menu item carrying the name of the location is bound to be something special, and the namesake burger at Nancy’s Hustle is no different.

The double-meat cheeseburger comes with house-made pickles skewered on top and is embraced by a soft inside, crispy outside English muffin . A simple treat that explodes with flavor in your mouth.

8

Mother Rucker, River Twice

Image: Howard Bouchevereau

Sometimes, the most experimental places also offer simple items that are just perfect. Such is the case with River Twice, a sophisticated restaurant with multi-course menus featuring exotic ingredients.

River Twice’s burger option, the Mother Rucker, might seem like an odd item on such a refined menu, but those who have tried it swear by it. This hamburger features perfectly cooked patties with crispy edges and a pink interior, topped with high-quality American cheese , pickled red onions, and mayo .

9

Lancaster Burger, Hill East Burger

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Hill Burger East is a well-known establishment among burger lovers, offering decadent takes on the classic patty. Its many options have something for everyone, but one stands out as the king: the Lancaster Burger.

This premium beef burger is topped with bacon , smoked cheddar , fresh arugula leaves , pickled onions , and a homemade hot sauce (optional, of course), combining its flavors into a mouth-watering treat for carnivores.

10

Juicy Lucy, Matt’s Bar

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Just as the name implies, the Juicy Lucy is not the kind of burger for someone who prefers their food neat. This creation features grilled beef and onions , topped and enveloped by hot, molten cheese . The flavorful combination is nothing short of delicious, but diners are advised to let the cheese cool off a bit before diving in.

1

Alaska – Into the Wild

Image: Joris Beugels

Surely a top choice! Into the Wild recounts the real and tragic story of Christopher McCandless, who ventured to the north Alaskan wilderness seeking freedom and self-discovery.

As thought-provoking as heart-breaking, this non-fiction by Jon Krakauer takes readers on a journey with vivid descriptions of Denali and the Stampede Trail.

2

Colorado – The Shining

Image: Luke Scarpino

Maybe not the most flattering, but consensus says that the most famous novel set in Colorado is Stephen King’s iconic The Shining .

After all, the story about troubled Jack Torrance and his family unravels inside the fictional Overlook Hotel, imagined as a high-altitude, secluded retreat in Colorado. King was inspired to write it after his stay at Stanley Hotel, in the same state.

3

Kansas – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Image: V

Is it fair? Most of the action in Frank L. Baum’s novel occurs in Oz, not Kansas. But the one famous line, made unforgettable by the movie, was enough to link The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to the state forever.

"Toto, I have a feeling we are not in Kansas anymore " and later on "There’s no place like home" have made people resolve that Kansas is underlying in the plot of the famous fantasy.

4

Louisiana – Interview with the Vampire

Image: Katelyn Greer

The luxurious vampires created by Anne Rice for Interview with the Vampire would not be the same if not draped in Louisiana’s gothic mystique. That’s why people defend this as the Pelican State’s most famous book.

From shadowy bayous to grand Creole mansions, the stories of Louis and Lestat redefined vampire lore and turned them into rock stars of literature.

5

Missouri - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Image: Lawrence Chismorie

Mischievous Tom Sawyer might be the quintessential American boy, and he certainly was from the Show-Me State.

Mark Twain's classic tale, set in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, follows Tom and his pals, Huckleberry Finn and Becky Thatcher. Who could forget the iconic fence-painting scene or the thrilling cave exploration?

6

Georgia - Gone with the Wind

Image: Ника Алексеева

Frankly, we do give a damn about this sweeping epic set in Georgia during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. Margaret Mitchell's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gone with the Wind , tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara, a headstrong Southern belle.

From the grand plantation of Tara to the bustling streets of Atlanta, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a bygone and controversial era.

7

Vermont - Pollyanna

Image: Tuyen Vo

Sweet Pollyanna was voted the most famous novel set in Vermont, known for its picturesque landscapes and charming towns.

Eleanor H. Porter's children’s classic tells the story of an optimistic girl who invents a "glad game", which teaches herself and her neighbors to find joy in every situation.

8

Washington - Twilight

Image: Alex Moliski

The craze set on by Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga was hard to miss. But few people remember that this vampire romance was distinctly set in Forks, Washington.

Unraveling in a misty, rainy city lined by looming forests, the series of novels lodged itself in the memory of millions of fans as an emblem of this northern state.

9

Texas - No Country for Old Men

Image: Damien Snyers

Another Pulitzer Prize-winner: No Country for Old Men is set in the desolate landscape of West Texas. This work by Cormac McCarthy was the first that many mentioned when asked about the state.

It follows a Vietnam veteran turned hunter, who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong. The film adaptation, directed by the Coen brothers, was also critically acclaimed, earning four Academy Awards and more fame to the title.

10

Oregon - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Image: Aleksandar Pasaric

Author Ken Kesey used to work the graveyard shift at a mental facility in California. But this did not stop him from setting One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in Oregon, where he grew up.

This powerful novel, a satire of the mental healthcare system, also became a multi-awarded film starring Jack Nicholson.

11

Alabama – To Kill a Mockingbird

Image: Brian Forsyth

Who could forget the story of Atticus Finch, the moral compass of Maycomb, Alabama? Harper Lee’s classic told from the perspective of young Scout Finch is a moving tale of justice and humanity.

Although Maycomb is fictional, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has enough renown to turn it into the most famous set in Alabama, even internationally.

12

New York - The Great Gatsby

Image: Billy Huynh

Surely New York state had many strong contenders —from Breakfast at Tiffany’s to The Catcher in the Rye . But the winner was F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby .

This iconic novel captures the glamour and excess of the Roaring Twenties, as well as a version of the American Dream gone awry. It’s not only New York’s most famous fiction , some have gone so far as to call it the quintessential American novel!