Have you ever traveled to a different part of the country and discovered a great product you wish you could buy at home? Well, part of the fun of traveling is enjoying new experiences and trying different things.
All across America, new experiences await you, whether it's a tasty food product or simply new sights and sounds. Some states are famous for unique edibles you won't find elsewhere, like scrapple from the eastern Pennsylvania area or chokecherry jams from the Rocky Mountain states...
Some of America's Most Unique Products
Here are some of the more interesting products we've found from scouring the 50 states...
Alabama: If you really want to "feel" Alabama, how about an Alabama Dirt Shirt? It's a t-shirt dyed with actual Alabama red dirt...
Alaska: A handy type of kitchen utensil used in Alaska is known as an ulu. It's a unique shaped knife with the handle carved from Alaska birch trees...
Arizona: An emu is a large bird like animal, somewhat like an ostrich but smaller. Oil from their feathers is very beneficial for your skin, particularly emu oil hand cream and lip balm. Arizona has some of the country's largest emu farms, where these unique creatures are raised and tended for the oil. No emu is harmed in the process!
Arkansas: Arkansas is the home of Petit Jean Meats, whose smoked hams and turkeys are shipped all over the country...
California: The Golden State is known for more than just wine... how about some delicious garlic based spreads and condiments made in central California? The state is one of the world's largest producers of garlic.
Colorado: It can get both cold and hot in Colorado. To combat the extremes, you can buy "smart wool" garments sheared from Merino sheep. These sheep survive and thrive in very hot and very cold conditions, so wearables made from their wool keep you warm in winter and cool in summer...
Connecticut: One of the longest established soft drink manufacturers in America is based in Connecticut. It's Foxon Park Beverages, founded in 1922. They make seventeen different flavors of soda, many you won't find anywhere else...
Delaware: The Sea Shell Shop in iconic Rehoboth Beach collects beautiful sea shells and creates works of art, like jewelry and home decor...
Florida: On the central Florida east coast, the small town of Tarpon Springs is known for their sponge harvesting. These aren't normal dyed and packaged sponges, but real sponges harvested from the surrounding waters. They're useful as a facial scrub and make quite the conversation piece!
Georgia: The Peach State is home to Claxton Fruit Cake, arguably the finest fruit cakes in the world. They are made with fresh Georgia pecans and they're guaranteed not to be re-gifted!
Hawaii: You can buy handsome Aloha shirts, also known as Hawaiian shirts, direct from the source at Sig Zane Designs...
Idaho: While the Gem State is best known for potatoes, it's also known for huckleberries. This tasty berry, often described as a cross between a dark grape and a blueberry, is used to create tasty jams, syrups, and spreads.
Illinois: Chicago in particular is a foodie town, and a great way to liven up a Chicago style pizza or hot dog is to add a bit of giardiniera (pronounced "Jar-din-air-ah"). It's an Italian style specialty condiment that has been mixed and bottled in the Chicago area for over 100 years by E. Formella and Sons...
Indiana: Indiana's rich soil is ideal for creating pottery, and you can order unique pottery bowls from the aptly named Clay City Pottery, located in the town of the same name...
Iowa: The famed Maytag Bleu Cheese is made in Iowa. It's been said that even if you don't care for bleu cheese, you'll like the rich, creamy taste of Maytag Blue...
Kansas: One of the many specialty items from Kansas is the bierock, a unique sandwich of sorts which includes meat, onions, cabbage, and spices in between a unique yeast crust. They can be ordered online...
Kentucky: Louisville is home to the famed Hadley Pottery, who create functional kitchen items and home decor which often gets passed down from generation to generation...
Louisiana: The King Cake is a Lousiana specialty, most frequently served during Mardi Gras but perfect for any sort of celebration! Several of the state's bakeries ship them across the country.
Maine: Did you know Maine is known for blueberries? They grow in abundance in the state's damp, cool climate. Many of the state's food companies use blueberries in their jams and syrups...
Maryland: Nothing says Maryland like fresh crab cakes. The sweet and succulent meat is shipped nationwide daily, as well as added as a prime ingredient into some really tasty salsa...
Massachusetts: One of America's most famous snack makers is located in The Bay State. It's Cape Cod Chips, whose products are generally available nationwide as well as online at their site...