The Best Souvenir from Every State
More travels = more souvenirs. From Georgia peaches to Vermont maple syrup, these are the must-have mementos from each of the 50 states.
Alabama: Priester’s Pecans
Dessert in the South basically starts and ends with an ooey-gooey pecan pie. Especially in Alabama, where the pecan is the official state nut. While there are plenty of farms that pick and package pecans, perhaps the most famous is Priester’s, a family-run business that’s been supplying Alabama with its favorite nuts for over seven decades.
Alaska: Salmon jerky
Forget beef jerky—in Alaska, it’s all about the salmon jerky. Home to five different species of the flavorful fish (king, red, pink, silver, and chum), the northernmost state produces nearly one-third of the wild salmon consumed around the world. Bonus: Salmon is one of the seven healthiest fish you can eat.
Arizona: Saguaro cactus
The largest cactus in the United States, the saguaro cactus is found only in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. Living to be up to 200 years old, the cacti, whose flower is also the state’s flower, are generally around 30 feet tall and can grow unlimited arms. Want to see for yourself? Visit one of these 10 stunning desert escapes in America.
Arkansas: Duck call
Break out the camo—the Natural State is renowned for its abundant duck hunting, with 53,900 annual duck hunters shooting an average of about 21 birds, according to 2016 numbers. And if you visit in November, you can attend the World Championship Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, complete with the annual Queen Mallard pageant.
California: Wine Guide
It isn’t called “Wine Country” for no reason. Northern California, specifically Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, produce over 60,000 registered wine labels, making vino the state’s most valuable agricultural product. If you’re looking for the most popular varietals, the top two frequently planted grapes are chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Since you can’t legally ship wine to all the states, this guide is a nice way to whet your palette.
Colorado: Ski hat
From Aspen to Vail to Breckenridge, Colorado is a ski lover’s paradise. Its 28 ski and snowboard resorts let you hit the slopes from October to April (the longest season in the country) and boat some of the biggest hills. If you’re searching for the perfect powder, these are the 11 best places to ski in the United States.
Connecticut: Gilmore Girls mug
Everyone’s favorite mother-daughter duo put Connecticut on the map with their love of junk food, coffee, and endless boy drama. After all, every fan knows that Lorelai and Rory Gilmore called Stars Hollow, Connecticut home. And while the fictional town may not exist in real life, these most beautiful main streets in America are the next best thing.
Delaware: Dogfish Head Beer
It may be a small state but Delaware is home to one of America’s most beloved beermakers: Dogfish Head. And unbeknownst to many, the beachside brewery actually had to overturn a historic state law that banned brewpubs in order to open their doors. Like Dogfish is in Delaware, these are the best craft beers in each of the 50 states.
Florida: Mickey Mouse ears
These states may be the happiest in the United States, but only Florida can lay claim to the Happiest Place on Earth. One of the big trends right now at Disney World is grown-up Mickey Mouse ears—aka fashionable headbands featuring the cute character’s iconic ears in every theme from donuts to mermaids. Planning your next trip? Read these insider secrets to getting the most out of Disney World from a super fan first.
Georgia: Peach jam
Ain’t nothing sweeter than Georgia peaches. And while the Southern state produces nearly 3 million bushels of the fuzzy fruit annually, earning it the nickname “The Peach State,” peach season only runs from mid-May to early August. Fortunately, you can enjoy the juicy goodness year-round with a jar of jam.