When it comes to the quirky and interesting names of cities and towns in the United States, there is no shortage of places named after food and drink. From Appleton, Wisconsin, to Walnut Creek, California, these 25 American cities have names that are sure to make you smile.
Appleton, Wisconsin, is known for being the hometown of the legendary magician Harry Houdini. The city, located on the Fox River, is Wisconsin’s sixth-largest city and boasts a population of around 75,000 residents. Interestingly, Houdini lived on Appleton Street in Appleton, and there is now a plaza named after him in that location.
Bean Station, Tennessee, was founded by pioneer William Bean, who established it as a frontier outpost with Daniel Boone. The town was moved in the 1940s after the original site was flooded during the construction of the Cherokee Dam.
Chicken, Alaska, has a unique name that stems from a disagreement among residents over the spelling of the town’s original name, Ptarmigan. The town is located along the Alaska/Yukon border and has a fascinating history tied to the Gold Rush era.
Cocoa Beach, Florida, is not just a beach but an entire city in Brevard County. It is home to legendary surfer Kelly Slater and the largest surf shop in the world. Cocoa Beach also shares a border with Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Coconut Creek, Florida, is known as „The Butterfly Capital of the World“ due to its large butterfly aviary. The city, located north of Miami, is home to nearly 60,000 residents and is named after the coconut fruit.
In Cookietown, Oklahoma, the streets may not be paved with dough, but the town’s name has a sweet origin. Legend has it that a merchant in the town used to hand out cookies to passersby, leading a child to remark that he never wanted to leave „Cookietown.“
Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, is a Pittsburgh suburb known for being the home of the Westinghouse Electric Company headquarters and the Pittsburgh Penguins practice facility. The town’s name reflects the prevalence of wild cranberries in the area.
Dumfries, Virginia, is the oldest continuously chartered town in the state. Named after Dumfriesshire, Scotland, the birthplace of founder John Graham, Dumfries was once a popular port town that rivaled major cities like Boston and New York.
Hot Coffee, Mississippi, got its name from L. N. Davis‘ inn and market, where travelers in the 1800s would stop for a cup of what was considered the best hot coffee around. The inn may be gone, but the town’s unique name remains.
Oatmeal, Texas, is a small community with a population of only a few dozen people. The town’s name likely stems from its first gristmill owner, Othneil, or a translation of the German name Habermill.
Orangeburg, South Carolina, was named in honor of William IV, Prince of Orange. The town is home to South Carolina State University and Claflin University and is located just east of the state capital, Columbia.
Oyster Bay, New York, is a historic hamlet on Long Island that was frequented by Theodore Roosevelt during his childhood and adult life. The town has several tributes to the former president, including parks and sanctuaries in his honor.
Peachtree City, Georgia, is often used as a filming location for TV shows like „The Walking Dead.“ The city, located south of Atlanta, is known for its three beautiful lakes and large population of nearly 40,000 residents.
Pie Town, New Mexico, is a small community with fewer than 100 residents. The town is known for its annual Pie Festival and its proximity to the Gila National Forest and the Very Long Baseline Array of radio telescopes.
Popcorn, Indiana, is a small community that inspired the name of the popular popcorn brand. Although the brand is not actually located in Popcorn, the town’s name was chosen to evoke a sense of small-town charm.
Potato Creek, South Dakota, is a tiny stretch of territory in the Pine Ridge Reservation. The area, which has not had a post office in over 60 years, is located near the Oglala Sioux Tribe Veterans‘ Cemetery.
Rye, New Hampshire, is a beach community with a population of around 5,500 residents. The town boasts the longest stretch of coastline in the state and owns four of the nine islands known as the Isles of Shoals.
Sandwich, Massachusetts, is the oldest community on Cape Cod and was historically known for its glass-making industry. The town is home to several cultural and historical sites, including the Sandwich Glass Museum.
Sugar Land, Texas, is a Houston suburb with a population of over 111,000 residents. The city is home to major companies like Imperial Sugar Company and Minute Maid, as well as the Sugar Land Space Cowboys Minor League Baseball team.
Toast, North Carolina, is a census-designated place with a population of around 2,000 residents. The town has its own post office but shares its zip code with the nearby town of Mt. Airy.
Tortilla Flat, Arizona, is the last surviving stagecoach stop along the Historic Apache Trail. The town, with a population of just six people, is known for its Old West charm and attractions like the Superstition Restaurant & Saloon.
Turkey, Texas, is a small town with a population of around 300 residents. The town is known for being the birthplace of Western swing music pioneer Bob Willis and for a humorous petition by PETA to change its name to „Tofurkey.“
Vinegar Bend, Alabama, is a small community with fewer than 200 residents. The town’s name has uncertain origins, but it is most famous for being the hometown of MLB All-Star Wilmer „Vinegar Bend“ Mizell.
Walnut Creek, California, is a city with a population of 70,000 residents located east of the San Francisco Bay Area. The city has been home to famous residents like Randy Johnson, Christy Turlington, and Lars Ulrich.
From the historic charm of Oyster Bay, New York, to the small-town feel of Popcorn, Indiana, these 25 American cities with food and drink in their names offer a glimpse into the diverse and quirky landscape of the United States. Whether you’re a fan of pie festivals, hot coffee, or butterfli…