Pretzel Capital of the World

Reading, PA


Pretzel Capital of the World

There has been a long tradition of pretzel making in this community. In 1884, the Bachman Pretzel Company opened and grew to become a giant in the pretzel industry. The Spannuth family came here in the 1920’s. Their operation became a success overnight and is known as the Unique Pretzel Company. Later in the 1940’s, the Tom Sturgis Pretzel Company opened and became another legendary giant pretzel manufacturer. Today, the town is still world renowned for its pretzels. There are dozens of pretzel companies in the community. If you are ever honored with the “Key to the City”, you will find a pretzel on it.

Colon, MIchigan

In 1926, the town really got into the magic business. Harry Blackstone, a world renowned magician in the 1920’s and 1930’s, came to visit the town. Harry was looking for an off season home. He purchased a local island here and brought his more than 20 member stage crew. Later, Harry joined up with fellow magician Recil Bordner. Harry and Recil started a magic business selling magic tricks. The relationship ended badly after only 18 months due to a business transaction. While Harry was on the road doing his magic show, he purchased an illusion from another magician. Recil thought the company now owned the illusion and sold it. When Harry found out about this transaction he was furious at Recil. The two never talked to each other after the quarrel. Recil later met Percy Abbott, another magician. Both went into business together and formed the Abbott Magic Manufacturing Company. This company went on to become the world’s largest manufacturer of magic paraphernalia. The company is still in business today. The community celebrates for a week and the event is called “Abbott’s Magic Get-Together”.

World Capital of Spinach

Alma, AR Spinach - Capital of the World


The Allen Canning Co. is responsible for this town claiming to be the “Capital of Spinach”. This company is one of the major leaders in the canning of spinach. One of its spinach brands is Popeye Spinach. The town takes its spinach seriously. You can find two huge green water towers here featuring Popeye. The Popeye tower claims to be the “Largest Spinach Can in the World”. In downtown Alma you can see the Popeye water fountain. Since 1985, the community has hosted a spinach festival in April. The festival features a spinach recipe contest and also a spinach eating contest. I don’t know about you but I think I will pass on the spinach eating contest!

Pie Town World Capital

Pie Town, NM – A true pie story

Clyde Norman came to this area in 1922 to open up a mine. To keep his mining efforts alive, Clyde opened up a gas station to supplement his income. Clyde was a great pie maker and started selling his pies to his gas station customers. His pies became so popular with the customers many of the locals who lived in the area referred to his business as “Pie Town”. Clyde teamed up with a local cowboy, Harmon Craig, in 1923. Harmon added his famous chili to the menu and now the gas station was also a restaurant. Clyde sold his part of the business to Harmon in 1924. Harmon’s wife and daughters kept the pies famous and the customers kept coming. In 1927, a post office was added and “Pie Town” became an official town. The town still exists and is located about 160 miles southwest of Albuquerque. The town is small but you can still get a great piece of pie. Every September, the citizens celebrate the “Annual Pie Town Festival”.

Super Capital!!!

Metropolis, IL

Superman Celebration

Who lives in Metropolis? Superman does and if you visit this town you will believe it. You will find the Superman Museum, a giant statue of Superman, and a new statue of Lois Lane. The recently installed Lois Lane statue honors the town’s First Lady, actress Noel Neill. Neill became famous for her role as Lois Lane in the 1950’s Superman TV series. For the past 30 years, Metropolis has hosted the “Superman Celebration” honoring the famous “Man of Steel”. This four day festival includes plenty of fun for everyone. There is a carnival, live entertainment, food, and a Superman costume contest with the winner taking home a $1,000 prize. You will also enjoy a pageant for super girls, super boys, and super dogs. Another great attraction is the celebrity autograph sessions featuring many famous stars of Superman movies and television. Yes, if you are lucky, you can even get a picture and an autograph with Noel Neill, the real Lois Lane!

Sedalia, Missouri - Once Ragtime Capital

Sedalia, Missouri

Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival

If you remember the music from the movie “The Sting” starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, you have heard the music of Scott Joplin. Joplin was a famous ragtime black musician and composer in the early 1900’s. His music is world renowned and Sedalia, MO was his birthplace. In 1899, Joplin became famous for his musical piece “Maple Leaf Rag”. Within six months Maple Leaf Rag sold over 75,000 copies. However, as the music scene changed so did Joplin’s fame and fortune. In 1917, he died nearly penniless and all but forgotten. In his honor, the community hosts this festival each year. If you would like to enjoy the music or learn an early 20th century dance, this is your venue. Many famous musicians display their talent throughout these days and draw more than 6,000 visitors to this festival.

Chile Capital of the World

Hatch, New Mexico

There are some other communities that may take offense to this claim. But, in New Mexico, chili is spelled with an “E”. Every year, this community holds a “Chile Festival” at the end of August. Here, the “Chile Queen” is crowned.