50 STATES

Kalanianaole Highway hugs the coast near Honolulu, Hawaii.

The 10 Best and Worst States for Drivers in 2023

If your commute is a nightmare, blame where you live.

Think your state is wicked smart? Discover where it ranks in this list.

The 20 Smartest States in the U.S., Ranked

Think your state is wicked smart? Here are the brightest states in the U.S., according to a recent study.

Head to Mississippi if you're searching for the most affordable state in the nation.

4 of the Cheapest States To Live In Right Now

Mississippi is the cheapest state to live in right now, but here are a few more you might not have known about.

Pictured: Roughly 16.5 potential mistakes

One Misconception About Each U.S. State

How well do you know the United States of America? In this episode of Misconceptions, we debunk one common myth about each of the 50 states.

Each U.S. State’s Favorite Snack Food, Mapped

Nearly half of all U.S. states seem to agree that Doritos is one of the best snack foods of all time.

This would brighten up your Instagram feed.

See What North Dakota’s Sunflower Fields Look Like in Full Bloom

North Dakota’s sunflower season is almost over, but these captivating photos and videos won’t fade.

It's not everywhere that you can walk on a lake—but you can in Alaska.

The 20 Coldest States in the U.S.

If snow sports and curling up with a good book and steaming mug of tea are your favorite activities, you might want to consider moving to one of America's chilliest states.

The Reason So Many Credit Card Companies Are Based in Delaware

Your credit card probably has a return address in Delaware. That's because the second smallest state in the country has some of the biggest corporate perks.

The Most Expensive Home for Sale in Every U.S. State

If browsing Zillow causes you stress, this list may put things into perspective.

The Best Diner in All 50 States

From greasy spoons in small towns to famous restaurants in bigger cities, here are some of the best diners in all 50 states.

11 Modern Classics Every Book Collection Needs

From Alice Walker's 'The Color Purple' to Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods,' discover 11 modern classics we think deserve a spot on your bookshelf.

The Appalachian Mountains have a long, fascinating history.

11 Facts About the Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountains occupy a towering spot in North American cultural identity, thanks in part to the Appalachian Trail. The rugged peaks have been influencing the continent for a lot longer than we’ve been around to appreciate them.

11 Lesser-Known Fairy Tales

Almost everyone knows the classic fairy tales like 'Cinderella' and 'Sleeping Beauty.' But you probably haven't heard of 'Hans-My-Hedgehog.'

ArtistGNDphotography/iStock via Getty Images

The 20 Best States for a Summer Road Trip in 2021

Any great road trip begins with one important question: Where to go? A new survey ranked the road trip-worthiness of all 50 states—from best to worst.

51 Must-Visit National Park Properties Across America

From Acadia to Zion, these are the best U.S. national park properties in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.

New Haven-style white clam pizza is a Connecticut specialty.

New York and New Jersey Have Some Thoughts About Connecticut Trying to Make Pizza Its Official State Food

New York and New Jersey lawmakers have lots of feelings about Connecticut's push to make pizza its official state food.

There's no guarantee you'll get all of a performer's greatest hits at a concert.

11 Hit Songs Musicians Have Refused to Play

Owing to boredom, spite, or just plain artistic growth, some recording artists won't give audiences what they want.

A Typo Put a Giant Mosquito in the Running to Become Mississippi’s New State Flag Symbol

The new Mississippi flag design, featuring a mosquito silhouette surrounded by a ring of stars, has become a surprise hit with the public.

These non-U.S. license plates won't give away any quiz answers.

Can You Identify the U.S State by Its License Plate?

Anybody who grew up playing the license plate game on road trips just might be a master at this quiz.

Why the Iowa Caucus Comes First

The Iowa caucus doesn’t always predict the presidential nominee, but it’s been an important part of the process since the 1970s.

The 25 Friendliest States in America

While each state has its own version of what is considered polite behavior, the residents of some states are just generally nicer than others. Where does your state rank?

The 13 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Washington, D.C.

We've covered a lot of the best foods, destinations, and bookstores in all 50 states here at Mental Floss. Now, it's our capital city's turn.

The Best Day Trip Destinations in All 50 States

The allure of foreign countries and far-off places is tempting, but sometimes when you want to get away, the best adventures can be found right in your backyard.

The Best Chocolate Shop in All 50 States

When you need a particularly decadent treat, head to one of these chocolate shops (or their websites) to satisfy that sweet tooth. No holiday necessary.

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