1

Mr. Peanut

Image: Tom Hermans

As familiar as snacking on a handful of peanuts, Mr. Peanut is a beloved symbol for us all. Incredibly, despite being a successful and recognizable character, Mr. Peanut's design only cost $5!

That's right, Planters Company created a contest in 1916 to find the ideal mascot. And guess who won? A 14-year-old boy! Antonio Gentile received $5 in exchange for his cute peanut-bodied mascot, to which the top hat and monocle were later added. Not only is his appearance sophisticated, but his name is, too. Mr. Peanut's full name is Bartholomew Richard Fitzgerald-Smythe. Fancy, right?

2

Tony the Tiger

Image: Sten Ritterfeld

One of the most famous felines, Tony the Tiger , the mascot of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal , first appeared in a TV commercial in 1952, more than 70 years ago!

Despite his age, Tony still embodies the ideas of strength and energy that the brand wants to associate with its delicious cereals.

His distinctive muscular body and unique red scarf around his neck make him one of the most recognizable characters for people of all ages. He is just gr-r-reat!

3

Energizer Bunny

Image: danilo.alvesd

We've all wished we had the incredible energy of the Energizer Bunny , right?

This cute, drum-beating mascot first appeared in a TV commercial in the late 1980s. Its characteristic endless energy symbolizes the power of the brand's batteries, summed up in its classic catchphrase, "It keeps going and going and going..."

Over time, this little pink bunny with sunglasses has gained worldwide fame and has become one of the most recognizable brand mascots.

4

Mr. Clean

Image: JESHOOTS.COM

We've already seen tigers, rabbits, and even peanuts with eyes; now it's the turn of a human-shaped mascot.

Mr. Clean is the legendary mascot of the Procter & Gamble cleaning product line, famous for his look and accessories. With his white eyebrows, classic earring, bald head, and white T-shirt, the beloved Mr. Clean is impossible to miss.

Created in 1958, this mascot has changed very little since his first appearance, making him even more iconic. If you're looking for a Halloween costume, you know who to imitate this year!

5

Ronald McDonald

Image: Brett Jordan

Ronald McDonald , the clown of the most famous fast food chain, has become a global star.

Over the decades, children around the world have excitedly lined up to see him, greet him, and take pictures with Ronald in McDonald's stores.

Created in 1963, Ronald looked a bit different than he does today. Ronald's appearance has evolved, with changes to his costume and makeup, making him more vibrant and approachable. But the magic of this character is still intact.

6

Pillsbury Doughboy

Image: Pablo Lancaster Jones

If we discuss cute mascots, we can't forget the Pillsbury Doughboy . This little man made of dough has been wearing a chef's hat and a scarf since his birth in 1965 when he first appeared in a TV commercial.

While his appearance has remained the same, his name has changed a few times. Originally called "Jonathan Pillsbury," his name was changed to "Poppin' Fresh" in the 1970s, though today we all know him as Pillsbury Doughboy.

His playful personality is captured in his classic catchphrase, "Hoo-hoo!"

7

The M&M’s Spokescandies

Image: Sebastian Gómez

Who can say "no" to a handful of delicious M&M's ? Definitely not us! And as if their great taste weren’t enough, M&M's also has a series of mascots with varied personalities that know how to win us over.

The original characters emerged in the 1950s, and there were only two mascots: the Plain (milk chocolate) and the Peanut characters. This evolved over time, and more characters were added, each with different colors and qualities.

Today, some of the most recognized are Red, Yellow, and Green .

8

Martin the GEICO Gecko

Image: Tate Lohmiller

The GEICO insurance company's Gecko is definitely one of the most famous brand mascots in the country.

Born in 1999, this little Gecko first appeared in a commercial in which he talked to the viewers, trying to convince them to choose GEICO. This appearance was so successful that the friendly and witty Gecko has remained the company's mascot to this day.

One of the peculiarities of this character is his distinctive British accent, which sets him apart from other talking mascots.

9

Kool-Aid Man

Image: Roksolana Zasiadko

If you were one of the many Kool-Aid fans as a child, you probably remember the charming and unique Kool-Aid Man fondly.

With his pitcher-shaped body filled with Kool-Aid, the character first appeared on the product's packaging in 1954. It wasn't until over 20 years later that he made his first TV commercial, always smiling and uttering his traditional catchphrase, "Oh yeah!"

The now classic character became very popular and even had cameos in famous animated TV series!

10

Chester Cheetah

Image: Ryan Quintal

If you love snacks, you've probably smeared your fingers with Cheetos crumbs at some point, right? We get it; these cheesy snacks are simply irresistible.

And if you've ever tasted Cheetos, you're likely familiar with the famous Chester Cheetah . With its cool look and relaxed attitude, Chester Cheetah was created in 1986. This feline appeared in TV commercials and on Cheetos packages, always enjoying the snack and never without his trademark sunglasses.

His fame grew to the point that in the '90s, Chester starred in a couple of video games!

1

Macaroni, JFK’s daughter’s famous pony

Macaroni, a 10-year-old Shetland gelding given to John F. Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy, as a gift by Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, became a beloved White House celebrity.

The famous pony was seen roaming freely on the South Lawn, received endless fan letters, and even appeared together with Caroline on the cover of Life Magazine in 1962_._ A photograph of the pair together is also said to have inspired Neil Diamond to write the hit song "Sweet Caroline," although the song wasn’t released until 1969.

2

Balto, the sled dog who became a hero

In January 1925, a black-and-white Siberian Husky named Balto led his team through brutal winter conditions, including a blinding 50-below-zero blizzard, on the final 53-mile leg of a relay known as the Great Race for Mercy to deliver life-saving diphtheria antitoxin to the people of Nome, Alaska.

In doing so, he not only became a national hero, but also an international icon.

3

Sergeant Stubby, the WWI war dog

Sergeant Stubby was a stray dog who served with U.S. troops during World War I. He became famous for reportedly warning soldiers about mustard gas attacks and helping locate wounded men.

He served 18 months, participated in 17 battles, saved countless lives, and became the only dog known to have been promoted to sergeant through combat . He was later hailed as one of the most decorated war dogs of World War I.

4

Toto, the dog behind The Wizard of Oz

Toto in The Wizard of Oz (1939) was played by a female brindle Cairn Terrier named Terry and earned a reported $125 a week during filming. It was an unusually high salary for an animal actor and more than some human performers on the production.

She also survived several injuries on set, including when a cast member stepped on her paw, and became so well known for her role that eventually her name was changed to, you guessed it, "Toto".

5

Theodore Roosevelt’s extraordinary menagerie

Theodore Roosevelt’s children brought an astonishing assortment of animals (over 40) to the White House, including snakes, a badger, a macaw, a hyena, guinea pigs, and a pony named Algonquin, who was once taken up the White House elevator to visit Roosevelt’s sick son Archie.

Carefully looked over by each of his six lively children and the 26th president who encouraged their adventures, this wild collection turned the Executive Mansion into quite a vibrant and chaotic home.

6

Lassie, America’s most beloved fictional dog

Lassie first appeared in a 1938 story by Eric Knight and the 1940 novel Lassie Come-Home , before becoming a movie and television icon, with the classic TV series running from 1954 to 1973.

The true stories behind the real-life animal actors are equally fascinating. A male collie named Pal became the first in a long line of collies to portray Lassie, helping to turn the fictional character into a beloved American icon; he stunned the director with his ability to swim against the current.

7

Millie, the presidential dog who became an author

Millie was an English Springer Spaniel who belonged to George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. The pup became a published author in 1990 with Millie’s Book , a children’s book written by the First Lady from Millie’s perspective .

It became Number 1 on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list, with proceeds benefiting Baraba Bush’s family literacy foundation.

8

Smoky, the tiny WWII hero

This four-pound Yorkshire Terrier, found in a New Guinea foxhole in 1944, not only became a World War II hero, but is also widely regarded as one of the first therapy dogs.

Handled by Corporal William "Bill" Wynne, she survived 150 air raids, flew 12 combat missions, and helped pull a communication wire through a 70-foot pipe only eight inches wide, while serving alongside American troops and assisting patients in military hospitals.

9

Rebecca, Calvin Coolidge’s Thanksgiving raccoon

A raccoon was sent to President Calvin Coolidge’s White House in November 1926 by a Mississippi supporter, intended as a potential Thanksgiving dinner . Instead, the animal-loving First Family spared her, and First Lady Grace Coolidge named her Rebecca.

She became a presidential pet, roaming freely around the White House and even escaping from the grounds several times.

10

Socks, the White House cat

The stray black-and-white tuxedo cat from Arkansas, Socks, was adopted by the Clinton family, became a national celebrity, and even appeared on the White House website.

Known for his press room podium appearances and for becoming an early internet celebrity, Socks was one of the most recognizable pets of the 1990s. He even inspired a children’s book, Dear Socks, Dear Buddy , before dying at age 20 in 2009, and his rivalry with the family’s dog, Buddy, also became a memorable White House story.

1

Griffith Park, Los Angeles

Image: Venti Views

Covering over 4,000 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Located in the hillside neighborhood of Los Feliz, this park is full of natural spaces , with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, baseball fields, tennis courts, and golf courses.

Probably the two most famous attractions in Griffith Park are the Griffith Observatory at the top of the hillside and the Hollywood Sign on the southeastern slope of Mount Lee. Griffith Park also features a number of museums and themed gardens, including the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Los Angeles Zoo.

2

City Park, New Orleans

Image: Farah Almazouni

Imagine a spring afternoon sitting on a bench by the lagoon, in the shade of an 800-year-old oak tree, reading your favorite book. Is there a more delightful plan? This pleasant dream can come true if you visit City Park in New Orleans!

In addition to its 1,300 acres of woodlands, waterways, and wildlife, this park is full of cool attractions. From amusement and theme parks (Carousel Gardens and Storyland) to a 1930s Art Deco-influenced Botanical Garden, an art museum with 40,000 objects in exhibition, and a sculpture garden. Trust us, it's worth leaving the French Quarter for a little while to take a stroll around this majestic city park!

3

Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis

Image: Paul Esch-Laurent

Built in 1988 and spanning 11 acres, Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis is one of the top urban sculpture gardens in the country. The garden is an ongoing collaboration between the city's parks department and the Walker Art Center.

In 2017, Sculpture Garden underwent an extensive renovation. A few pieces by contemporary artists such as Theaster Gates and Katherina Fritsch were added, a former wetland was restored, and native flora was planted to help feed essential and endangered pollinators.

While most visitors are drawn to the garden's inaugural centerpiece, "Spoonbridge and Cherry," the park features 40 permanent art installations and many temporary pieces that rotate periodically.

4

National Mall, Washington D.C.

Image: Jacob Creswick

The National Mall is often considered the political heart of the United States. This landscaped park in downtown Washington, D.C., is surrounded by impressive monuments, iconic government buildings, and amazing museums. Nearly two miles long, it stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol.

At the center of the National Mall is the Washington Monument. This obelisk, the highest point in the city, is surrounded by 56 flags representing the 50 states plus Washington D.C. and 5 U.S. territories.

Throughout this iconic park, you can also find 10 Smithsonian museums. For example, the National Museum of American History, which houses the first version of the American flag, and the National Museum of Natural History, with rooms full of dinosaurs and the Hope Diamond.

5

Forest Park, St. Louis

Image: Keran Yang

If you're looking for a peaceful place to relax after a busy day in the big city, Forest Park is the best option. It is visited by 13 million people a year for a reason! This 143-year-old park covers 1,326 acres of meadows and wetlands that are home to a great variety of birds and wildlife. It also features a six-mile bike ride, paddle boats, a golf and tennis center, an amphitheater, a skating rink, and a restaurant.

In addition, Forest Park is an important cultural hub . As well as housing the Saint Louis Art Museum, it hosts events such as the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, and the LouFest Music Festival. But perhaps the most visited place in the park is the Saint Louis Zoo, which has a collection of 18,000 animals. It's impossible to get bored in Forest Park!

6

Balboa Park, San Diego

Image: Leslie Yu

Balboa Park is a must-see for anyone visiting the city of San Diego. This huge 1,200-acre cultural and urban park was built in 1868, making it one of the oldest public spaces in the United States. Moreover, in 1977, it was declared a National Historic Landmark.

Balboa Park's 15 museums play a predominant role in the city's cultural life. These include the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Us, and the Museum of Art. Secondly, you can ' t miss the themed gardens, especially the Japanese Friendship Garden. Finally, the San Diego Zoo is one of Balboa Park's star attractions. This 99-acre zoo is considered one of the most important in the world, both for its diversity and its concern for the protection of animal species.

7

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Image: Jeffrey Eisen

Golden Gate Park is huge. At 1,017 acres, it is the largest park in San Francisco. Almost anything you can think of can be done in Golden Gate Park; from hiking and biking to disc golf and archery. But don’t worry if you are not a sports buff; this National Historic Landmark also has many relaxing spots to discover.

Some of the most interesting features you can visit are: the picturesque Dutch Windmill; the Garden of Fragrance, specially designed for blind visitors; the Japanese Tea Garden, decorated with bonsai and pagodas; or Shakespeare's Garden, with more than 200 flowers mentioned across the author’s works. Oh, and don't forget to head to the top of Strawberry Hill for an iconic view of the Golden Gate Bridge!

8

Patterson Park, Baltimore

Image: Aaron Burden

Patterson Park was once a key defense site for Americans fighting the British during the War of 1812. Today, this historic park, nicknamed "Best Backyard in Baltimore," is busy with bikers, joggers, and strollers who enjoy 137 acres of 50 different species of trees, smooth pathways, lakes, picnic areas, and sports fields.

In addition, during the summer, people can cool off in the swimming pool and, during the winter, have fun skating on the ski rink. But perhaps the park's main attraction is the Patterson Park Observatory, a gorgeous 1890s pagoda that serves as an observation tower and reflects Baltimoreans' fascination with the Orient.

9

Boston Common Park, Boston

Image: Josephine Baran

Boston Common was founded in 1634, making it the oldest public park in the United States. The site has great historical significance since many events related to American independence took place here. Today, the park is used primarily for recreational purposes and is the perfect spot to relax after a busy day.

Every spring, the famous swan-shaped boats sail away, as they have done for more than 140 years. In summer, the go-to place is the Frog Pond, which offers a refreshing wading pool for children. During winter, this same pond becomes a skating rink enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Fun fact: did you know that Boston Common sits on top of Boylston Station, the first subway station in the U.S.? Lots of "firsts" for this amazing site!

10

Central Park, New York City

Image: Michael Matloka

You may be thinking, what else can anyone tell me about Central Park that I don't already know? Yet, this city park is so iconic that it still has some secrets to reveal. For example, did you know Central Park is larger than the entire city-state of Monaco? Often referred to as "The Green Lung", this oasis in the heart of Manhattan is also the most filmed public park in the world, appearing in more than 500 movies.

With an extension of 843 acres, Central Park has a large number of attractions worth visiting, such as the Belvedere Castle, the "Imagine" mosaic, the Bethesda Fountain, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, the Central Park Zoo, lakes, 58 miles of pedestrian paths, many green areas to relax, two ice skating rinks and, in the warm season, outdoor theater and cinema. So, next time you visit New York City, you might want to check one of these out!