The Sharks Tooth Capital Of The World(01 of10)
Open Image ModalVenice, Florida -- the world\'s third most famous Venice -- got its name after locals noticed the bizarrely high numbers of fossilized sharks teeth washing up on its beaches. Naturally, the city has a Sharks Tooth Festival at which visitors can be heard remarking, \"Look, those are shark teeth.\" (credit:Flickr: lauraleedooley)
The Asparagus Capital Of The World(02 of10)
Open Image ModalHadley, Massachusetts is a restive town in the Pioneer Valley that happens to have an ideal climate for growing asparagus. Hadley grows a lot of asparagus. (credit:Flickr: USFWS Headquarters)
The Ice Cream Capital Of The World(03 of10)
Open Image ModalLe Mars, Iowa was officially designated as the world\'s ice creamiest capital in 1994 by the Iowa State Legislature, which apparently has the power to do that. The town has been known for its ice cream for nearly a century, since Fred H. Wells Jr. founded the Blue Bunny ice cream company there in 1913. Easily accessible from bustling Sioux City, Le Mars now produces ice cream for Häagen-Dazs, Baskin-Robbins and General Mills at the massive \"South Ice Cream Plant.\" And yes, there is a museum. (credit:Flickr: TimWilson)
The Bourbon Capital Of The World(04 of10)
Open Image ModalThe Ballooning Capital Of The World(05 of10)
Open Image ModalAlbuquerque hosts the annual International Balloon Fiesta, which means it now has more to brag about than native son Neil Patrick Harris. The festival fills the sky over the city every October, giving the locals the chance to stand in the shade for a change. (credit:Flickr: Randy Pertiet)
The Watermelon Capital Of The World(06 of10)
Open Image ModalCordele, Georgia is at its most active during the summer when the watermelon crop comes in before being sent out across America in truck after truck. Because agriculture represents the town\'s biggest business and watermelons represent its largest crop economically and physically, the local mascot is a legged melon in overalls and work boots. There have been some concerns about Cordele losing its title, it has managed to retain its bragging rights despite challenges. (credit:Flickr: johntrainor)
The Garlic Capital Of The World(07 of10)
Open Image ModalTravelers can smell Gilroy, California before they arrive downtown, where a massive clove pays tribute the foundation of the local economy. Not far south of Santa Cruz, Gilroy has actually become a popular destination for garlic-lovers, who flock to its annual festival to buy garlic ice cream cones they will subsequently throw out. (credit:Alamy)
The Salmon Capital Of The World(08 of10)
Open Image ModalSquatting on the edge of Alaska\'s Revillagigedo Island, Ketchikan has a lot more to recommend it than its salmon haul, which is admittedly significant. Visitors will find a charming downtown and ample opportunity to get outside. Nearby Tongass National Forest is a particularly lovely piece of land for outdoorspeople confident in their ability to avoid getting eaten by bears. (credit:Flickr: laotis)
The Speed Capital Of The World(09 of10)
Open Image ModalBonneville, Utah is always on television thanks to the car ads perpetually being filmed on its famed salt flats, where racers have been trying to set land speed records since 1907. A strange geological phenomenon has begat a strange sociological one as men come here to test their mettle against friction and wind resistance. (credit:Flickr: craigdietrich)
The Decoy Capital Of The World(10 of10)
Open Image ModalHavre de Grace, Maryland has long been the epicenter of the Chesapeake regions duck decoy carving tradition thanks to its dense population of \"carvers\" and continued war on the Anatidae family of birds. Visiting hunters and credulous waterfowl will enjoy the Decoy Museum. (credit:Flickr: surrfred)