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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Before bargains, there were stock market crashes

Image: Kelly Sikkema

Long before Black Friday meant shopping sprees, it had a gloomier vibe. Back in the late 1800s, the term was used to describe major stock market crashes . Imagine a Wall Street meltdown, and you’ll get the picture.

One infamous event occurred in 1869 when a financial fiasco involving gold prices rocked the country. While the term’s meaning has flipped over the years, its history isn’t always as rosy as a holiday ad. Thankfully, these days, "Black Friday" is more about spending than stressing—well, unless you’re in line at 5 a.m.!

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From Santa Claus to shopping sprees

Image: rawkkim

Before malls opened at dawn and websites crashed under traffic, Black Friday was all about parades —specifically, Santa Claus parades! The tradition began in the early 1900s, with department stores like Macy’s sponsoring grand events to usher in the holiday season. These parades were a spectacle of floats, marching bands, and, of course, jolly old St. Nick.

Over time, the day became synonymous with shopping as stores started offering sales to parade-goers. So, if you’ve ever wondered why Santa and Black Friday seem so intertwined, it all started with a parade and a clever marketing move.

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The plumber’s busiest day

Image: Unseen Histories

Here’s a fun (and slightly gross) fact: Black Friday is a goldmine for plumbers. Why, you may ask? Well, Thanksgiving feasts often lead to… let’s call them plumbing emergencies . From overloaded garbage disposals to bathroom backups, plumbers are busier than ever on this day. In fact, many in the industry refer to it as "Brown Friday" (we don’t need to explain that one to you!). It’s not the most glamorous Black Friday gig, but someone has to do it!

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Why Thanksgiving got a time-out

Image: Iga Palacz

Did you know that Thanksgiving wasn’t always on the fourth Thursday of November? Back in 1939, retailers panicked over a shorter holiday shopping season, so President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided to push Thanksgiving back by a week to give everyone more time to shop .

The change caused quite an uproar, with people dubbing it "Franksgiving." Eventually, Congress stepped in and settled on the date we know today. So, next time you’re enjoying leftovers and plotting your Black Friday buys, thank FDR for the extra shopping days.

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"Big Friday" was a big flop

Image: 愚木混株 cdd20

In 1961, officials in Philadelphia tried to give Black Friday a friendlier spin by renaming it "Big Friday." The reason? Local police were fed up with the day’s chaotic traffic and crowds . Unfortunately, the new name didn’t catch on; after all, "Black Friday" had a certain dramatic twist. Over time, the term stuck, and its connotations shifted to something more positive. But can you imagine telling friends, "I’m gearing up for Big Friday sales"? It doesn’t have the same charm, does it?

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When Saturday stole the spotlight

Image: Kelly Sikkema

Believe it or not, Black Friday wasn’t always the reigning king of shopping days. For decades, the Saturday after Thanksgiving held that title . Can you guess why? Many people preferred to relax on Friday before diving into the holiday hustle. That would be our choice if you asked us!

It wasn’t until the early 2000s, when retailers began offering jaw-dropping deals, that Black Friday took the crown. Long live the king!

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The global spread of Black Friday

Image: Kelsey Knight

Black Friday isn’t just an American obsession anymore—it’s gone global! Over 15 countries, including Canada, the UK, and even Brazil, have embraced the tradition of post-Thanksgiving sales.

Even if some places don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, they’ve adopted the shopping frenzy with open arms. After all, a good bargain is a universal language. So, if you find yourself traveling during the holidays, don’t be surprised to see Black Friday signs in unexpected places.

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Thanksgiving evening: The new Black Friday

Image: Libby Penner

In 2011, Walmart threw tradition out the window by opening on Thanksgiving night. This controversial move kickstarted the trend of retailers starting sales earlier and earlier . While some loved getting a head start, others missed the old-school thrill of early-morning Black Friday madness.

In any case, it marked a significant shift in how we approach holiday shopping. These days, "Black Friday" often feels more like "Black Thursday Night," but hey, nobody’s complaining about the extra deals.

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Contactless is the new black

Image: SumUp

Black Friday shoppers are going cashless in droves; 53% of people prefer using contactless payments when hitting the stores . Are you one of them? With just a tap, you’re out the door, deal in hand—no fumbling for change or wrestling with a wallet while juggling bags! Meanwhile, 30% of shoppers admit they’re not too comfortable using cash anymore. And can you blame them? Between convenience and hygiene, contactless is clearly the king of modern shopping. Which method do you prefer?

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Shopping under the influence

Image: Douglas Lopez

Here’s a fact that might make you chuckle: about 12% of Black Friday shoppers admit to hitting the stores—or their keyboards— after a drink or two . Maybe it’s leftover wine from Thanksgiving, or perhaps it’s liquid courage for battling the crowds.

Either way, some of those impulse buys might be less about bargains and more about buzzed decision-making. So, if you’ve ever woken up to a mysterious order confirmation, you’re not alone! Black Friday shopping is wild enough; add wine, and it’s a whole new adventure!

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The Big Apple, New York City

Image: Jermaine Ee

New York may be famous for bagels, pizza, and hot dogs , but its nickname has nothing to do with fruit. The term "Big Apple" started popping up in horse racing circles in the 1920s, when jockeys and trainers used it as shorthand for the city’s top racetracks. A sportswriter named John Fitz Gerald picked it up and popularized it in his columns. Decades later, the city even used it in tourism ads, and the rest is history!

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The Windy City, Chicago

Image: Dulcey Lima

Chicago’s nickname might sound like a weather forecast, but the truth is more colorful. Newspapers in the late 1800s used "Windy City" to poke fun at local politicians , suggesting they were full of hot air. Sure, Lake Michigan’s winds played a part, but it was really the dig at the city’s bragging that made the phrase hit home!

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The City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia

Image: Catherine Kerr

This one is actually quite simple, actually. Philadelphia’s name comes from the Greek words for love, phileo, and brother, adelphos . The city’s founder, William Penn, wanted it to be a place of religious freedom and fair treatment, even making agreements with Native Americans over land. In short, the nickname reflects the city’s values. Beautiful, isn't it?

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Sin City, Las Vegas

Image: David Vives

We don’t really need to explain why Las Vegas is called Sin City: casinos, nightlife, and more than a little temptation . You know how the saying goes, what happens in Vegas… But the roots go deeper. In the early 1900s, Block 16 downtown had a reputation linked to illegal businesses, and the label stuck. Nevada later legalized gambling in 1931, and that sealed Las Vegas’ image as the country’s playground of vice.

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The Big Easy, New Orleans

Image: Harold Wainwright

New Orleans picked up the nickname "The Big Easy" in the 1970s as a playful contrast to New York’s "Big Apple." The first to use it was a columnist, and later a novel and film with the same title helped spread it. The name suits the city well because its music, food, and culture have an effortless, laid-back feel that still defines New Orleans today.

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Beantown, Boston

Image: Lance Anderson

Boston baked beans are behind this nickname , but you probably already figured that out. Now, let’s look at the deeper layer here: during the colonial era, molasses poured into the city as part of the triangular trade, and it flavored both rum and beans. Traders nicknamed Boston "Beantown" back then, though today it is mostly tourists who still use the term.

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The Emerald City, Seattle

Image: Luca Micheli

Seattle’s leafy scenery gave it the name Emerald City. Surrounded by water, rain, and forests, the city is filled with parks like Discovery Park and the Arboretum, which keep it vibrant throughout the year. The nickname highlights Seattle’s natural beauty, providing a refreshing contrast to its reputation for gray skies.

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The Mile High City, Denver

Image: Owen Lystrup

Denver sits at an exact elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level, which is why it’s called the Mile High City. Fun fact about this: at Coors Field, the local baseball stadium, a row of purple seats marks the one-mile line . Visitors often notice the altitude the first time they climb a hill or sip a beer, so the nickname is more than just clever branding. Do you like this city?

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The Magic City, Miami

Image: Pontus Wellgraf

Miami earned the nickname Magic City not for magicians (that would’ve been a fun story, right?), but for how quickly it grew . In the late 1800s, Julia Tuttle, a local landowner, helped bring the railroad and development to the area. In no time, Miami transformed from farmland into a bustling hub. We could say it was magic, don’t you think?

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The City of Angels, Los Angeles

Image: Henning Witzel

Some nicknames have more intriguing stories, but that’s not the case for LA. Los Angeles’ nickname is about as straightforward as they come. "Los Angeles" translates directly from Spanish as "The Angels." In short, this elegant nickname mirrors the city’s name itself, one that’s full of angels, apparently!