8 People, Places and Things We Love About America

From amazing people and rich history to fabulous foodstuff and one-of-a-kind parades, check out some of what makes our country great.
From Reader's Digest
Best Reasons to Hit the Road
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Photographed by Wyatt McSpadden

Best Reasons to Hit the Road
Gastronomes Jane and Michael Stern have spent the past three decades searching for the best food in America. Here, they narrow the finds in their latest book, 500 Things to Eat Before It's Too Late, down to five all-time favorites—each worth a road trip, as long as you check your calorie counter at the door.

Barbecued prime rib: Smitty's Market, Lockhart, Texas. "The ultimate in pit-cooked luxury: boneless prime rib cut to order (extra thick, please), rosy pink in its center, and drenched in juice."

White clam pizza: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, New Haven, Connecticut. "No need for mozzarella. This pie is topped with just a dusting of sharp Pecorino and the clams, along with garlic, spices, and a drizzle of oil."

Hot chicken: Keaton's Original Barbecue, Cleveland, North Carolina. "After being fried to a golden crisp, the bird is dipped in simmering sauce just long enough to suck in the zest. The result: moist meat saturated with flavor."

Cherry pie: The Cherry Hut, Beulah, Michigan. "At America's fruit pie mecca, each unwieldy serving is one quarter of a whole pie, with tart, sweet fruit spilling out from the crust."

Pico de gallo: Taqueria Pico de Gallo, South Tucson, Arizona. "A chunky mix of watermelon, coconut, pineapple, mango, and jicama. Spritzed with lime juice and sprinkled with chili powder, it's a heady culinary collusion."

Pictured above: John Fullilove serves up succulent beef at Smitty's.

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I was dropping my son off at his day program and I saw Beth. She asked my name and then when I was born. Then she asked for my address. I asked her when she was born and she told me, then she walked on. A staff member was listening to our conversation and explained who Beth was and what she does with the information - she told me Beth won't forget. I was stunned! I will be looking forward to getting a card from her in January! I ran to get a pen to write hers down before I forgot it!

By Patricia Fisher, on 11/14/2009
i have read about catlin in your readers digest july,2009 issue,in the article "best of america"kindly give me the e mail address,home address and phone number if its possible,since i am dealing with mentally challenged children in a school caaled "SPANDAN"in baroda,gujarat,india,i am on a trip on visitors visa in usa.and am impressed by the article.my e-mail address is desai1952@rediffmail.com thanks, bharat desai

By desai1952, on 07/07/2009
its really amazing to note such a wonderful skill in catlin.if you can provide me her address and phone number,i would be very happy,since i am dealing with mentally retarted children in baroda,INDIA,we have a school by name "spandan",it will give inspiration to persons like me to work more sincerely.my e-mail address is -desai1952@rediffmail.com thanks, bharat desai

By desai1952, on 07/07/2009
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