united states

US Route 1 winds 2,450 miles along the US East Coast through major cities like Miami, D.C., Boston, and New York City. But in the autumn, especially around early or mid-October, the stretch of highway along the coast of Maine is particularly striking when the landscape turns into a foliage sunset. While the drive itself will expose you to a myriad of colors, stopping and stepping out into this autumn scene will enrich your experience.

There’s something about the crunch of leaves underfoot and the hints of an upcoming winter that makes people want to celebrate. But don’t limit yourself to the traditional Americana of Halloween and Thanksgiving. The United States is home to many ethnic enclaves with a variety of cultural festivals. It turns out that, for all the cultural differences, deep down we all just want an excuse to eat, dance, and celebrate.

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Stephanie Wilson of Portland, Oregon, was sitting on the curb at the Gaslamp Quarter—an area directly across from the San Diego Convention Center—waiting patiently to go grab dinner with some friends. Suddenly, a swarm of zombies emerged from around the corner. “At this point, it didn’t even matter that my friends were late because, well, zombies!” says Wilson.

Considering the pretzel’s many varied forms, it is no surprise that this tasty treat is probably the world’s oldest snack. An Italian monk around AD 610 is attributed with creating this delightful little treat as a reward for children who successfully memorized their Bible verses and prayers.

From appetizers to entrées, food lovers can taste the world in one little bean. For more than 7,000 years, chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) have been a staple food across a dozen different lands such as the United States, Italy, India, and the Middle East. The chickpea’s wonderful versatility makes it a useful ingredient in a delicious variety of food categories, including soups, salads, desserts, dips, entrées, and breads.

Most people believe that the United States of America was born in 1776 with the Declaration of Independence. But while that document was vital, it had yet to be truly tested with sacrifice, blood, and hope against its worst enemy—its own people.Only 150 years have passed since this nation experienced the Civil War and eventually emerged as a powerful united force that continues today. Many significant Civil War locations are still accessible to visitors, and five of them are listed below. But many others can easily be visited on the way to or from these sites.

Researchers at Cambridge University are trying to link the consumption of chocolate with the prevention of heart disease. Although the link isn’t definitive, why risk it? Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and if something as common (and delicious) as chocolate might help prevent it, you may as well give it a try.