1

Pancakes

Image: Ala

Imagine you are a tourist in Michigan and decide to go for pancakes. You enter a suitable establishment, sit at the counter, and ask… what, exactly? Yes, most people call them pancakes, and there is a fair chance that you will receive just that without further questions, but if you want to speak like a local, you will ask for flapjacks .

The "flap" part of flapjack is derived from the word the British used to mean "flip." As for the "jack" part, historians say it may refer to the small size of the pancake because "jack" referred to something that was small. You’ll hear pancakes more in the North and flapjacks in the South, but there are exceptions, such as the Flapjack Shack in Traverse City, Michigan.

2

Dessert Toppings

Image: Kate Trysh

For many Americans, dessert toppings for ice creams and milkshakes are like cheese on a pizza: a must. If you happen to be one of them and are visiting New England, you should know that the local word for toppings is " with jimmies. "

Jimmies are a subgroup of the larger category of dessert toppings known as sprinkles, although people across the U.S. might use the terms interchangeably. Jimmies are cylindrical sprinkles, but some people use the word to refer specifically to chocolate or colored varieties. As for round sprinkles, they are technically marketed as nonpareils.

3

Cold Sandwiches

Image: Allen Rad

The word "sandwich" has come to represent practically any food that is stuffed between two pieces of bread and can be eaten—usually—with your hands. But in certain regions of America, this ubiquitous food item goes by different names.

Pennsylvania has its own term: hoagie . Back in the day, the Italian-American community lived in an area called Hog Island, and local cooks were known for their big "Hog Island Sandwiches," which eventually became known as "hoagies." In New England, many people call a sandwich a grinder . That’s because it’s traditionally made from Italian bread, which has a thicker crust than the typical sandwich bread.

4

Stuffing or Dressing?

Image: Louis Hansel

In the northern parts of the U.S., stuffing refers to the thick mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs or croutons often used to fill poultry dishes.

But, in the southern parts of the country, the word used to describe that is dressing . Yes, the same word that is used in the North to describe any kind of liquid topping for salads. It can be confusing, right?

5

Pop or Soda?

Image: Taylor Swayze

Soft drinks are referred to by different names in different parts of the country. If you are on the East Coast, along the Illinois-Missouri border, in southeastern Wisconsin, California, or nearby areas, you probably call it soda .

However, if you are from the Great Plains region or the Midwest, you likely refer to it as pop . And, if you refer to it as Coke or cola —whether it’s Coca-Cola or something else—you’re most likely from the South.

6

Jelly donuts as Bismarck

Image: Leon Ephraïm

Jelly donuts are quintessentially American. These delicious pastries filled with sweet jelly are everywhere—and for good reason. However, in the midwestern region of the country, as well as in Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada, jelly donuts have a different name altogether.

That is because the German immigrants who settled in the region named the dessert "Bismarck" after the 19th-century Prussian chancellor, Otto von Bismarck because those pastries were a favorite snack of his.

7

Milkshakes as "frappes"

Image: Sebastian Coman Photography

A milkshake and a frappe are pretty much the same thing across most of the country—and even the world, we dare say. However, that’s not the case in New England. If you were to ask for a milkshake in that area, you would receive a slightly different—but equally delicious—beverage.

Nearly everywhere else in the U.S., a milkshake is made with milk, ice cream, and syrup blended together. But in New England, that's a recipe for a frappe . A milkshake in that part of America consists of just milk and syrup, shaken or blended until a foamy head appears.

8

Casseroles as a hotdish

Image: sheri silver

A casserole is a warm dish made by layering meat, vegetables, and noodles, along with a can of condensed soup thrown into the mix and then taken to the oven. However, in Minnesota, that same recipe is called a hot dish.

According to Howard Mohr, author of How to Talk Minnesotan , "A traditional main course, hotdish is cooked and served hot in a single baking dish and commonly appears at family reunions and church suppers."

9

Poached Egg vs. Dropped Egg

Image: Unsplash

New England has appeared a couple of times already on this list, and it’s about to make another appearance. In most parts of the country, the cooking technique of gently dropping an egg into boiling water is called "poaching an egg."

But in New England, the name for this technique has a much more literal term, calling this particular preparation a dropped egg .

10

Peppers and Mangoes

Image: Paul Morley

We’ll close this list with perhaps the most curious case of regional naming we came across. In the Midwestern region of the country, a "mango" does not refer to the tropical fruit commonly known as a mango.

Instead, if a midwesterner asks for a mango at a local grocery store, they will receive a mild, green bell pepper . The suggested explanation for this is that as green bell peppers ripen, they develop red-gold splotches that make them look similar to mangos.

1

Preapproved loan

Image: Alexander Mils

Getting a preapproved loan before going to a car dealer is a good way to be sure of how much money one can spend, and it can also reveal any possible credit issues that were not clearly visible.

2

Safety first

Image: Alexandria Gilliott

It goes without saying; safety is always a top priority when buying your new car. When looking at models, go for vehicles with a high safety rating and features like airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC).

3

Driving habits

Image: why kei

What kind of driving you will do should influence what kind of car you will buy . If you do a lot of city driving with stop-and-go traffic, a fuel-efficient car like a hybrid or electric vehicle could save you significant money on petrol in the long run. Do you need a large vehicle for cargo or passengers, or is a smaller, more agile car for local errands and weekend adventures?

4

Cargo space

Image: Andraz Lazic

And, since we are on the subject of driving habits, cargo space is a crucial feature of whichever car you decide to buy. How much space do you really need? Even if you only need a lot of space a couple of times a year, you will want to have that space when the time comes, so don’t neglect this aspect.

5

Mileage and vehicle age

Image: Wesley Tingey

A simple rule to consider when buying a used car is the average mileage a car is supposed to have, relative to its age. That average is 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year . If the car you're looking at has a lower average annual mileage than that, it could be considered a good mileage.

6

Outside look

Image: Parker Gibbs

A quick inspection on the outside is advisable . Check the body for imperfections like gaps, dents, or discolored paint, inspect the windows for chips and cracks, get under the vehicle, and check the wheel wells and underbody for rust, which could lead to future problems.

7

Test drive

Image: Mira Kireeva

When buying a used car, it is always important to take it for a test drive, even if you don’t have a lot of mechanical knowledge. Pay attention to odd sounds or noises coming from the engine, brakes, or transmission . Test the AC and ensure that it cools quickly. Test the electronics, brake lights, headlights, windshield wipers, and see if the tires are not too worn off. And if you see or hear something that you are not sure about, check with a mechanic before buying.

8

Check for water damage

Image: Caspian Dahlström

Water damage can be a real problem for the interior, the engine, and the electrical system . Pull back the carpets in the footwells and check for moisture or signs of water damage. There are many flood-damaged cars on the market, and most of the time, the signs are concealed.

9

Try all the seats

Image: Wade Lambert

Try out all the seats, even if you probably won’t sit in the rear . Upholstery shouldn’t be ripped or badly worn, particularly in a car with low mileage. Try all the seat adjustments to make sure that they work properly and that you can find a good driving position.

10

Service records and possible crashes

Image: Usman Malik

The past history of a used car can predict future issues . Has it been in a crash? If yes, ask about the extent of the damage and who did the work. Does the car have service records? A good, used car has been well cared for. It should have had maintenance done at the manufacturer-specified intervals.

11

Keep it simple

Image: Erik Mclean

Avoid buying add-ons, extended warranties, or very long car loans , since those usually have higher interest rates and a much higher interest component is paid in the first years than the actual loan.

12

Resale value

Image: Hilbert Hill

Research the resale value of any used car you are interested in buying . The resale value can affect the overall cost of ownership and the financial return on your investment.

By researching its resale value, popularity, demand, and potential for retaining its value over time, you can decide whether to proceed with the purchase.

1

Grand Teton and its central peaks

Image: Toan Chu

No matter how many national parks you visit, Grand Teton will always rank among the most beautiful in the country. As evocative as it is inspiring, this national park in northwestern Wyoming saw the arrival of the first settlers, the brave frontiersmen. It also offers some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the world and is a great place for climbing and hiking enthusiasts.

The highest mountain in the park is Grand Teton itself, standing at 13,770 feet, but there are 10 other peaks that reach an impressive height of more than 11,000 feet. The interesting thing is that, to the naked eye, these mountains appear even larger, since they all rise abruptly from the otherwise flat terrain of the Jackson Hole Valley. Six alpine lakes nestled in the foothills of the central peaks, along with a fascinating array of wildlife, complete the scenery of one of the best parks on the West Coast of the US.

2

Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park

Image: Joris Beugels

The deep blue color of Crater Lake has been the objective of many attempted descriptions, but none comes close to the impact you feel when you see it with your own eyes. In fact, the first name given to it by non-native Americans was simply "Deep Blue Lake." This intense blue color is a result of the lake’s immense depth —reaching 1,932 feet at its deepest point—making it one of the world’s deepest lakes.

Located in south-central Oregon, this volcanic crater lake spans 5 miles in width and 6 miles in length, with a 20-mile shoreline. The dimensions and color are enough to attract visitors, but its setting, surrounded by lava cliffs ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet above the lake's surface, makes it all the more remarkable.

There are many ways to enjoy Crater Lake, which is beautiful all year round. In winter you can rejoice in a true winter wonderland, and in summer, you can hike the trails and go boating or fishing in the bright blue water.

3

Mount Rainier

Image: Peter Robbins

Perhaps the most famous peak in the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade Range is Mount Rainier. This dormant—but not extinct—ice-clad volcanic mountain stands at an impressive 14,410 feet. Though it is not the highest of mountains, Mount Rainier’s sheer bulk and the fact that it is set apart from its neighboring peaks make it the dominant landmark of the region. So much so that it is commonly referred to by locals simply as "The Mountain."

Located in Washington State, just 59 miles south-southeast of Seattle, Mount Rainier is visible from over 100 miles away on clear days. Rainier’s legendary beauty is as great as its overpowering size. Its 27 glaciers cover more than 34 square miles, making it the largest single-peak glacial system in the lower 48 states.

4

Half Dome in Yosemite

Image: Aaron Lee

Yosemite National Park in California is justifiably one of America's most famous and beloved parks. Its spectacular scenery is sure to impress even those who have seen practically every other park in the country. And, in turn, probably the most iconic landmark of Yosemite is Half Dome, a quartz monzonite batholith that rises 8,800 feet above sea level.

Once considered impossible to climb, Half Dome now draws thousands of adventurers to its distinctive, hooked summit each year. The 14- to 16-mile round-trip hike via the Half Dome Cable Route offers outstanding panoramic views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra. This is a journey you definitely can't miss!

5

Hyperion Tree in Redwoods National Park

Image: Josh Carter

Redwood National Park in Northern California protects nearly 140,000 acres of land and almost 40 miles of Pacific coastline. Bathed in a temperate rainforest climate, the park receives up to 140 inches of rainfall annually. This cool moisture, along with rich forest-floor soil and the trees' ability to sprout new buds, allows coast redwoods to reach lofty heights and venerable old age.

These exceptional conditions have made this park home to the world's tallest tree. Standing at an astonishing 380.3 feet, Hyperion, a Sequoia sempervirens , is considered the tallest living thing on record, including the plant and animal kingdoms. Most experts say it’s 600 years old, although some think it may be as old as 900 years. Currently, the exact location of Hyperion is not publicized to protect it from potential damage from mass tourism.

6

Mount Mckinley in Denali

Image: John Feng

Mount McKinley is the highest point in North America , standing at an awe-inspiring 20,320 feet. The almost-four-mile-high giant was known to the Native Americans of Alaska as Denali , "The Great One," a fitting tribute to one of the world’s best-known mountains.

During winter, on clear days, it is possible to see the glacier-capped summit, and the true power of nature manifests itself. In spring, when the snow melts, nature unfolds, wildflowers bloom, grizzly bears emerge from their long hibernation, and you can find mooses, caribous, foxes, and wolves roaming around the park for a memorable encounter with the wilderness.

7

Devils Tower National Monument

Image: Mick Kirchman

Devils Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks, not only in Wyoming but in the entire United States. Rising 867 feet, this gigantic monolith is visible from up to 100 miles away on clear days! Devils Tower is particularly striking because of its huge, hexagonal rock columns, estimated to be around 50 million years old. The butte is also among the most unusual of the many geologic formations in the country.

Another interesting fact about Devils Tower is that it was designated as the first U.S. national monument in 1906 by Theodore Roosevelt, under the Antiquities Act, due to its scientific and scenic value. Native Americans have long regarded the Tower as a sacred site too. In fact, over 20 Native American tribes have a cultural connection with it, the Lakota people consider it the birthplace of wisdom.

8

Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

Image: Zoshua Colah

Spanning 76,680 acres of desert land, Arches National Park in eastern Utah protects more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. But perhaps the most iconic one is the 52-foot-tall Delicate Arch. It’s so famous that its image appears on state license plates as well as on a postage stamp issued in 1996 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Utah's founding. Fun fact: the Olympic torch for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics even passed under this arch!

In addition to checking out its most emblematic landmark, this park is a great place to visit any time of the year thanks to its hot, desert climate . There are lots of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, from biking, horseback riding, and hiking to taking a minute to appreciate the colorful wildflowers while enjoying an idyllic sunset.

9

Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park

Image: Emily Campbell

Yellowstone is probably the name people are most likely to associate with "national park" and is the very symbol of the American West. It was established by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872 and is the largest megafauna location in the United States. Apart from its scenic mountains, wildflower meadows, and photogenic canyon, perhaps the most emblematic features of Yellowstone National Park are its geysers.

Among these, Old Faithful is certainly the most famous one. Erupting approximately every 90 minutes, it delights visitors with spectacular displays. Shooting up to 8,400 gallons of boiling water nearly 150 feet in the air, it was the first of its kind to be discovered in 1870 by the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition when they entered the Upper Geyser Basin. Today, Old Faithful attracts around 500,000 visitors a month.

10

Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Image: Fineas Anton

Zion National Park in southwestern Utah is famous for its brownish-red mountains with fantastic shades of purple and lilac, skinny slot canyons, and vertigo-inducing cliffs. The most paradigmatic of these rock formations is Angels Landing, a towering 1,488-foot monolith, accessible via a challenging 2.5-mile trail.

The best way to experience Zion is by hiking the trail that hugs the cliffside, crossing a narrow ridge flanked by sheer drops. Sounds too dangerous? Believe us, the reward is worthwhile. Atop Angels Landing you will not only have access to an epic view of Zion Canyon but it's also possible to spot California condors soaring gracefully between the sandstone monoliths, alongside 287 other bird species!