Meet the Man Behind “Brochet”: The Wild, Woolly Art of Steven Borzachillo
From Nation, For Nation - Pulse of the Nation
Fleetwood Mac and the “Rumours” That Defined Them
Augustine Celebrates 75 Years of Strange
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! St. Augustine celebrates three-quarters of a century of strange memories,
jaw-dropping artifacts, and unforgettable experiences that continue to amaze visitors of all ages.
Since 1950, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! St. Augustine has stood as the first, oldest, and largest attraction of its kind.
Housed in the iconic and supposedly haunted Castle Warden building of 1887 on San Marco Avenue,
the historic site once welcomed world traveler Robert Ripley himself and now hosts millions of curious minds.
Marking its 75th year, the attraction introduces *Cryptids: Where Legends Live*, an immersive new exhibit.
Guests encounter legendary beings like Bigfoot and Mothman through artifacts, interactive displays, and compelling stories,
blending myth, mystery, and science while inviting visitors to explore the unexplained for themselves.
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From Globe, For Globe - Pulse of the Planet
Founding Fathers, fireworks, and... salmon?! Let’s test your Independence Day IQ.
Fireworks. Hot dogs. Red, white, and blue everything. We all know how to celebrate the Fourth of July, but just how much do you actually know about it?
At Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, we’re all about the extraordinary. So in true Ripley’s fashion, we’re digging into the fun and mind-blowing facts hiding behind America’s most explosive holiday!
1. You’re Celebrating on the Wrong Day
That’s right! According to Founding Father John Adams, Independence Day should be July 2, not July 4.
That’s when Congress actually voted to break up with Britain. July 4 is just when the paperwork got finalized.
Imagine throwing your birthday party on the day your birth certificate was signed. Weird, right?
2. Founding Fathers Were Party Animals
Think early Americans were all powdered wigs and seriousness? Think again.
The first Fourth of July celebrations in 1777 were rowdy—bonfires, bell ringing, fireworks, even melting down a statue of King George III into bullets! The party hasn’t stopped since.
3. New Englanders Eat... Salmon?
While the rest of the country is scarfing down burgers and hot dogs, New Englanders are chowing down on salmon and green peas.
Why? Because back in the day, salmon was super common in July. It’s become a full-blown Independence Day tradition, turtle soup optional (but historically accurate!).
4. There Are Over 15,000 Fireworks Shows Every Year
That’s a lot of boom. From coast to coast, towns and cities light up the night sky with patriotic pyrotechnics, and some shows even cost millions of dollars!
Tip: Stay safe this Independence Day. Take extra care and look out for those around you. A little caution goes a long way.
5. Americans Eat Enough Hot Dogs to Stretch Coast to Coast... Literally
Every Fourth of July, Americans eat around 150 million hot dogs.
That’s enough to stretch from D.C. to L.A. five times. And yes, Joey Chestnut is basically the Michael Jordan of mustard-slathered madness, holding the Nathan's record with 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes!
Before You Go: Looking for more hot dog stats to drop at the barbecue this Independence Day?
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Referred by ripleys.com - where the world’s most extraordinary stories are discovered and celebrated.