1

Alaska SeaLife Center - Seward, Alaska

Image: David Clode

Alaska truly is the last frontier. Its wildlife is as vast as its land, and its sealife is equally incredible. To get a closer look at many of these creatures, the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward offers an excellent opportunity.

The only public aquarium in the state, the center combines regional exhibits with marine research, education, and wildlife rehabilitation. At this unique facility, visitors can observe regional birds in the aviary, view an undersea kelp forest, or watch seals and Steller sea lions at play in the Rocky Coast exhibit.

2

National Aquarium - Baltimore

Image: naomi tamar

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is home to a wide range of exhibits, from an Amazon River forest to an Atlantic coral reef and more. Visitors can encounter an incredible array of creatures , enjoy interactive experiences , watch 4D films , and even participate in aquarium sleepovers .

Aside from its exhibitions, the National Aquarium's conservation work is geared toward combating climate change, protecting wildlife and their habitats, and reducing plastic pollution. Recent visitors have also raved about the dolphin show.

3

Shedd Aquarium - Chicago

Image: Caroline Hernandez

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago gives visitors an up-close view of a variety of aquatic animals, including jellyfish, seahorses, and giant Pacific octopuses. The aquarium offers animal encounter experiences with beluga whales, sharks, penguins, stingrays, and sea otters.

There are also plenty of exhibits to explore. Pacific white-sided dolphins, belugas, California sea lions, and sea otters can be observed from both underwater and above-water viewing areas. The Polar Play Zone allows children to learn about life at the North and South poles in a kid-sized submarine, feeling the texture of a starfish in the touch pool, and admiring the underwater viewing area.

4

Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Image: Shane Rounce

The Tennessee Aquarium is divided into two separate buildings for freshwater and ocean exhibits , showcasing thousands of animals, including the macaroni penguin, sand tiger shark, alligator snapping turtle, hellbender, and giant Japanese spider crab.

The River Journey building features the Turtles of the World gallery, an Appalachian cove forest habitat, the River Giants exhibit, and more. In Ocean Journey , visitors will find a butterfly garden, a tropical cove habitat, and the Boneless Beauties exhibit, among other highlights.

5

Seattle Aquarium - Seattle

Image: Craig Lovelidge

Aquatic life in Puget Sound can be witnessed through the Seattle Aquarium's one-of-a-kind, 360-degree Underwater Dome , which displays local fish in a 400,000-gallon habitat . Set on two historic piers, the aquarium educates visitors about Puget Sound and the ocean at large through exhibits, events, conservation and education programs, research activities, and more.

At the Family Activity Center, guests of all ages can participate in hands-on activities to learn about the majestic orcas of the Pacific Northwest. The aquarium's species recovery program works to save animals from extinction through research, field conservation, and more.

6

Aquarium of the Pacific - Long Beach, California

Image: Julien Maculan

The Aquarium of the Pacific, in Long Beach, California, features habitats from the tropical Pacific Ocean, northern Pacific waters, and the Southern California/Baja region. As Southern California's largest aquarium, it houses more than 12,000 animals across 100-plus exhibits highlighting aquatic life in the Pacific Ocean.

The state-of-the-art Pacific Visions wing offers guests an interactive experience through film, art, and technology. Visitors can see what it's like to be an aquatic vet at the Molina Animal Care Center, and then learn about water sources and conservation at the Our Water Future exhibit.

7

New England Aquarium - Boston

Image: David Clode

The New England Aquarium features an open-air exhibit space for seal and sea lion training, the four-story Giant Ocean Tank, an Indo-Pacific coral reef habitat, an exhibit spotlighting Atlantic harbor seals , and the Simons Theatre with its nearly five-story-tall movie screen.

Aside from the indoor and outdoor exhibits, the aquarium's research division conducts ocean exploration and conservation through a plethora of initiatives like saving sea turtles and protecting North Atlantic right whales.

8

Shark Reef Aquarium - Las Vegas

Image: SGR

An aquarium is probably not the first thing that comes to one’s mind when thinking about Las Vegas, but the Shark Reef Aquarium is well worth a visit. With more than 2,000 animals, it features jellyfish, sharks, sea turtles, and even crocodiles.

Guests can feed stingrays, sea turtles, or even a zebra shark, or try out the Undersea Explorer VR Theater for an immersive digital experience.

9

Aquarium of Niagara - Niagara Falls, New York

Image: Shaun Low

Visitors can find more than 120 animal species at the Aquarium of Niagara, including many rescues that are unable to survive in the wild. The Penguin Coast exhibit is home to a colony of 14 Humboldt penguins , and the aquarium showcases over 100 species of fish and invertebrates from both freshwater and saltwater ecosystems , as well as several species of seals and sea lions .

In the summer of 2024, the aquarium unveiled the Great Lakes 360 experience with an interactive sturgeon touch pool and 16 new exhibits highlighting animals from the Great Lakes and Niagara River ecosystems.

10

Georgia Aquarium - Atlanta

Image: David Clode

At the enormous Georgia Aquarium, visitors can get close to rays, dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and sea otters, or even go behind the scenes at a dolphin training session. The aquarium focuses on conservation education and fostering positive connections between humans and animals.

The Ocean Voyager exhibit features a 100-foot-long underwater walk-through tunnel that displays more than 50 species.

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

Groceries

Sure, the kitchen is massive, and the chef is part of the deal. But when a new First Family moves into the White House, the fridge is not stocked. The President and their family pay for their own food, just like the rest of us. Former First Lady Michelle Obama confirmed it herself. No rent, sure, but groceries are their responsibility. Fair is fair, right?

2

Interior decorations

The White House has its official historic look, but every family wants to make it feel like home. Artwork, new drapes, or a different couch are all allowed, but none of it goes on the government’s tab. If the First Family wants it, they buy it.

3

Personal homes

Even though 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is home base for four or eight years, the president still owns their personal home . All the upkeep, bills, and maintenance back home stay their responsibility.

4

Designer clothing

You might assume designers line up to dress presidents and first ladies for free. Not so. Any clothing they wear, whether off the rack or high fashion, comes out of their own funds . Sometimes designers lend outfits, but any fashion bills are never part of the White House budget.

5

Dry cleaning

And speaking of clothing, special garments don’t clean themselves. While the White House has its own laundry, t he president and family pay for dry cleaning of personal items . Those designer suits and gowns come with a personal laundry tab.

6

Hairstylists

Just like designer clothes, everything related to the First Family’s personal grooming is billed to them . When you’re photographed daily, hair matters. But those stylists? They’re not government employees. Every trim, blowout, and touch-up is paid for privately by the First Family.

7

Vacations and accommodations

Yes, even presidents need a break. When the First Family travels on personal vacations, they foot the bill for their own lodging, food, and fun. Transport and security are covered, but hotels, dinners, and souvenirs? That’s on them.

8

Private events outside the White House

Presidents don’t exactly get to do whatever they please, but if they plan a private dinner or event away from official grounds , they’re responsible for the costs. No taxpayer-funded parties here.

9

Private staff

On a similar note, whenever extra waiters, musicians, or planners for a private gathering in the White House are needed, those staff members are hired and paid by the First Family directly. Throwing a soiree at the Executive Mansion might sound glamorous, but the bill lands squarely in their own inbox.

10

Gifts for other dignitaries

Diplomatic gifts are a tradition, and there’s even a special office that helps choose the perfect item for each foreign leader. Depending on the gift and especially if it’s a personal one, the President may have to pay for it themselves. As long as it is diplomatic, the Government pays for it, but if the gift is based on a personal relationship, that comes out of the Chief’s pocket.