1

Walmart

Image: Marques Thomas

When it comes to big brands, Walmart is one of the largest in the country, and even the world. But its humble beginnings can be traced back to Bentonville, Arkansas , where Sam Walton opened his first store, aptly named Walton’s, in 1950.

Since then, the company has grown into a business worth over $530 billion, with stores all around the globe. Yet, its headquarters remain in the small town of Bentonville.

2

Hormel Foods

Image: Hannes Johnson

From Skippy to Country Rock and even Spam, the Hormel Foods label carries a lot of successful brands. However, when the company was founded in 1891 in Austin, Minnesota, it began as a much more modest venture.

Even after over 130 years and a huge growth, the brand still remains in the charming little town of Austin and has no plans to relocate.

3

Kellogg's

Image: Yvens Banatte

In 1894, America’s breakfasts changed with the invention of the cornflake. W.K. Kellogg invented this wonder at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, a health resort run by his family. A few years later, in 1906, Kellogg founded his own company, the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company.

To this day, the massive company, which generates $13.5 billion in annual revenue, remains in Battle Creek, Michigan , a city of 51,000 residents.

4

Dick's Sporting Goods

Image: Artificial Photography

If you’ve ever thought that Dick's Sporting Goods sounds a bit like the name of a small-town shop, you are not wrong. The founder, Richard Stack, started his business in 1948 by opening a small fishing tackle store in Binghamton, New York.

By 1970, Stack had expanded the business to include gear for all kinds of sports and outdoor adventures. Today, the company, which is still family-run and operates out of Binghamton, generates $7.3 billion in annual revenue.

5

Kohler

Image: Oxana Melis

It’s not often that a town changes its name in favor of a company born there, but that’s exactly what happened in the tiny village of Riverside, which renamed itself Kohler. The company was founded in 1900 as a plumbing manufacturer and has since expanded its business into faucets, sinks, and toilets.

And, while the company has grown to be a multi-million-dollar enterprise, its headquarters remain in the picturesque village of, yes, Kohler, Wisconsin .

6

Progressive Corporation

Image: Jamie Street

Progressive Corporation is one of the largest car insurance companies in the U.S., also providing coverage for boats, motorcycles, and RVs. However, it started small in Mayfield Village, Ohio , in 1937. The company was founded by lawyers Jack Green and Joseph Lewis in their hometown, and it has remained headquartered there to this day.

7

CVS

Image: Tbel Abuseridze

This ubiquitous pharmacy chain opened its first store in 1963, and just seven years later, it had expanded to 100 locations. Today, CVS operates 10,000 stores nationwide while maintaining its small-town identity, thanks in large part to its headquarters in Woonsocket, Rhode Island .

8

Caterpillar

Image: Sindy Süßengut

A brand known for its ruggedness, Caterpillar Inc. makes tractors, construction, and mining equipment, and even clothing. The company is ranked in the Forbes list as one of the most valuable brands in the world, with over $51 billion in revenue. Despite its global success, Caterpillar still maintains its headquarters in the small town of Deerfield, Illinois .

9

The Hershey Company

Image: Janne Simoes

It makes sense that The Hershey Company, probably the biggest chocolate brand in the world, is headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania . The company produced its first product, Hershey’s Cocoa, in 1894 and has continued to grow and innovate ever since, all the while remaining in the small town that saw its birth.

10

Sonoco

Image: Kelly Sikkema

This packaging company produced its first product, a cone-shaped paper yarn carrier, over 120 years ago in Hartsville, South Carolina . These days, Sonoco is the world's largest producer of paperboard containers.

Despite its growth, the company has remained loyal to its roots, and its headquarters are still based in Hartsville.

1

Diana Ross & Lionel Richie: "Endless Love"

Image: Ethan Smith

Did you know that this pop music classic was actually composed for a movie? Diana Ross and Lionel Richie recorded "Endless Love" for the Motown label, and it was used as the theme song for the 1981 film of the same name, starring Brooke Shields and Martin Hewitt.

Produced by Richie, the song was released as a single from the film’s soundtrack. Although the film was a flop, the song became the top hit single in the United States that year. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for nine consecutive weeks.

2

Sonny & Cher: "I Got You Babe"

Image: Joop van Bilsen / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

"I Got You Babe" is arguably the biggest hit by Sonny & Cher, one of the most iconic musical duos in history . Sonny Bono wrote it late one night in their basement for his wife, Cher.

Recorded in 1965, the song became a smash hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "I Got You Babe" is a beautiful hymn to love and loyalty , and it has been covered by various artists over the years.

3

Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer: "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)"

Image: Gritte

Considered one of Donna Summer’s standout songs , "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" was recorded with Barbra Streisand in 1979. The song became so popular that several vocalists have recorded their own versions over the years.

Neither Donna nor Barbra ever performed the duet live together, but Streisand sang an excerpt during her Back to Brooklyn concert tour in 2012. At the time, she remarked that if Donna were still alive, she would have loved to perform it with her.

4

Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney: "Say Say Say"

Image: Pavel Danilyuk

The former Beatle had already collaborated with the King of Pop on "The Girl Is Mine," featured on Jackson’s Thriller album. The song was so successful that they teamed up again to record "Say Say Say," the lead single from McCartney’s fourth solo album , Pipes of Peace .

Jackson wrote most of the lyrics, and the legendary George Martin produced the track. It was released in 1983 , along with a music video in which the duo plays a pair of con men selling a miracle potion. The video also featured cameos by Linda McCartney and La Toya Jackson.

5

Aretha Franklin & George Michael: "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)"

Image: melojordan94

Did you know this song wasn’t originally written as a duet? It was composed by Dennis Morgan and Simon Climie with Tina Turner in mind . Eventually, Aretha Franklin got the job, and the label later suggested a collaboration with George Michael.

Aretha and George released "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" in 1987. Both artists later stated that they had a great time recording the song and the music video that followed. And it shows, because the tune reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts around the world.

6

Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes: "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life"

Image: Chris Duan

Performed by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life" was released in 1987 as part of the soundtrack for the movie Dirty Dancing . This pop ballad, with rock and soul influences, conveys a sense of celebration and joy, highlighting the importance of special moments that leave lasting memories.

The song was such a huge hit that it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won the Oscar for Best Original Song , the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, and the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

7

Nancy & Frank Sinatra: "Somethin’ Stupid"

Image: Elviss Railijs Bitāns

The original version of this song was recorded in 1966 by C. Carson Parks and his wife, Gaile Foote, but it only became widely known in 1967 when Nancy Sinatra performed it with her father, Frank.

It may seem a little unusual for a father and daughter to sing a romantic duet, but their version of "Somethin’ Stupid" became a massive international hit . Although the song was revived in 2001 by another duo—British singer Robbie Williams and Australian actress Nicole Kidman—Nancy and Frank’s rendition remains the most iconic.

8

Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton: "Islands In The Stream"

Image: 42 North

When the anti-disco backlash nearly ended their reign, the Bee Gees shifted their focus to writing hits for other artists. Originally, "Islands in the Stream" was intended as a soul song for Diana Ross or Marvin Gaye. However, it ended up becoming the quintessential country-pop duet—and one of the biggest hits of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s careers.

The song is named after Ernest Hemingway’s posthumous novel, but its lyrics speak to the joy of finding that one person you’ve been searching for your whole life. Pretty romantic, don’t you think?

9

Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder: "Ebony And Ivory"

Image: Osman Rana

Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder released "Ebony and Ivory" in 1982, and it was an instant hit. Written by McCartney, the song addresses racial integration , using the black and white keys of a piano—working together to create harmony—as a metaphor.

Fun fact: McCartney and Wonder filmed their parts of the music video separately due to scheduling conflicts, but the final result was seamless nonetheless.

10

Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes: "Up Where We Belong"

Image: Paul Seling

This powerful and emotional ballad, performed by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes, was released in 1982. The song was created for the soundtrack of the movie An Officer and a Gentleman and captures the essence of overcoming challenges and transcending through love.

"Up Where We Belong" won several major awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song . The combination of Cocker’s and Warnes’ passionate vocal performances and the rich instrumentation has made this song an enduring classic.

11

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

Image: AndNowProjekt

There’s nothing like the charismatic and luscious voices of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell to convince us of love’s healing power. "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" was released as a single in 1967 and became a huge hit.

This romantic anthem is just one of the iconic collaborations by the duo that helped define the Motown era, thanks to their vocal harmonies and onstage chemistry . Their list of great soul duets also includes "Your Precious Love," "Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing," and "You’re All I Need to Get By," among others.

12

John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John: "You’re The One That I Want"

Image: Mesh

Anyone who has seen the movie Grease is probably a fan of this iconic tune. Immortalized on screen in 1978 by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, the song transcended the boundaries of cinema, topped charts worldwide, reached number one in several countries, and became one of the best-selling singles of all time .

1

Grand Canyon

Image: Tim Hart

The Grand Canyon: Every angle seems worthy of a picture! This Arizona landmark is truly awe-inspiring, and very few would be able to visit without wanting to take home endless photos of it.

Whether you capture shots from the rim, hike to the bottom, or take a mule ride, the views are simply unforgettable. Hoover Dam is the second most photographed spot in Nevada—a worthy opponent!

2

Central Park

Image: Jermaine Ee

Not only is New York’s gem the most filmed park, but it’s also the most photographed in the state!

A stroll through the oasis that is Central Park always merits a picture or two. Scenic green spaces, bike and boat rides, flower gardens, and even a zoo—there’s no shortage of photo-worthy spots. That’s enough to surpass the number of pictures taken from the Empire State Building and even Niagara Falls upstate.

3

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Image: Nico Smit

Picture this: you, a Mai Tai, and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. That’s the vibe at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the most photographed spot in the Aloha State.

A paradise on Oahu’s famous Waikiki Beach, this resort—featuring its iconic Rainbow Tower, lush gardens, and multiple pools—certainly has no shortage of social-media-worthy corners.

4

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Image: Connor Gan

This one wasn’t hard to guess. South Dakota’s most photographed spot is Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a truly awe-inspiring sight: the 60-foot faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln carved into the granite mountainside.

Did you know it took 14 years to complete and involved over 400 workers? Arguably, it deserves all the attention it still gets.

5

Disney's Magic Kingdom

Image: Brian McGowan

Another easy guess: the most magical place on Earth! Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Florida is undoubtedly one of the most popular spots for tourists—and that’s in a state known for its paradisiacal beaches, like those in Miami and Key West!

It seems that castles, parades, fireworks, and timeless characters are enough to win the hearts of most Florida visitors.

6

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1701919747996-1e9531dde0a9?

A one-of-a-kind outdoor venue, Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado undoubtedly takes home the prize. Nestled among stunning red rock formations, this dramatic landscape looks even more breathtaking at sunrise.

Imagine an epic rock concert there—or simply the joy of standing at its center and hearing your voice naturally amplified.

7

Wrigley Field

Image: Blake Guidry

Whether you're a Chicago fan or not, the unwritten rule for tourists is simple: if you walk by Wrigley Field, you snap a picture. It’s a baseball lover’s dream and a must-see for any visitor to the Windy City.

Home to the Chicago Cubs, this historic ballpark has witnessed its share of legendary moments, from Babe Ruth’s called shot to the Cubs’ unforgettable 2016 World Series win. It even appears in more pictures than The Bean or Navy Pier!

8

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Image: Chang Ye

Is the movie Rocky to blame? Maybe. The Philadelphia Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of masterpieces from around the world. But let's be honest—most people just want to photograph or film themselves conquering the "Rocky Steps."

In the famous movie, the protagonist climbs those stairs daily as part of his training before his big triumph. His fists-up gesture is so famous that they even added a statue of him nearby! After your triumphant run and snapshots, take some time to explore the museum’s galleries and admire its stunning architecture.

9

Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Image: Daniel Halseth

Sun, sand, and surf! Virginia Beach Oceanfront is the perfect destination for a classic beach getaway.

A scenic boardwalk, fresh seafood, and a towering 12-foot bronze statue of King Neptune are all frequent subjects of photos taken in this area. Even the occasional seagull makes for a popular portrait choice!

10

Brown University

Image: Keming Tan

Several universities rank among the most photographed spots in their states, and Brown University is no exception! This Rhode Island Ivy League school boasts a beautiful historic campus, complete with Gothic architecture and an intellectual atmosphere that captivates visitors.

Brown’s campus is so popular and charming that online tours are available for people to explore from the comfort of their own computers!

11

Disneyland

Image: Brandi Alexandra

Did you see it coming? Another Disney win! The original theme park, located in Anaheim, California, appears in more photos than the Santa Monica Pier, Golden Gate Park, or Hollywood’s Universal Studios. Walt Disney, who personally oversaw the park’s construction, would surely be proud!