Mealtimes are a movable feast. If you study the history books, you’ll see that when we eat, and how much, has evolved over the centuries. Cultural influences, changing work schedules, class, and personal preference combine to determine what constitutes dinner time, which helps to explain why there are so many pronounced geographical differences both between and within countries. In the U.S., for instance, average dinner time varies considerably by state. According to data collected from the American Time Use Survey and published by FlowingData, there is more than a 90-minute difference between the state with the earliest average dinner time and the state with the latest. Read on to find out where your state lands. 

Past Trends

In the early days of the nation, immigrants to the U.S. most likely followed the customs and traditions they were accustomed to back home. According to the Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America, breakfast in the 1700s and 1800s “was eaten immediately upon rising or a few hours later, after the earliest chores [had] been completed.” Then, “working men and schoolchildren returned home for dinner, the main meal of the day, which was traditionally served in the early or late afternoon.” And finally, “supper, the last meal of the day, was light and, sometimes, optional. It was eaten in the early evening.”

However, household manuals from the turn of the 20th century in America — when a variety of other technological and social factors were at play — tell a different story. These manuals would have been aimed at the upper and middle classes, who typically dined later and with company. Advice given in The Good Housekeeping Hostess, published in 1904, asserted that dinner fell between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. However, the Twentieth Century Home Cook Book, published in 1905, advocated a commonsense approach: “The best time for a heavy dinner is after the hard work of the day is over and a couple or more  hours can be given to comfortable rest, reading, conversation or light amusement.”

Earliest and Latest Diners

Fast-forward more than a century, and we can see that mealtimes still vary across the nation. According to the American Time Use Survey, most households in America eat dinner between 5:07 p.m. and 8:19 p.m. The “peak” dinner time across the nation — the time at which the highest percentage of people eat dinner — was 6:19 p.m. The survey found that, of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Pennsylvanians ate the earliest, with an average peak dinner time of 5:37 p.m. A 2023 report from the Philadelphia Inquirer suggests this trend may be age-driven, though other states have similarly elderly populations.

The same survey found that D.C. residents ate their evening meal latest, with a peak at 7:10 p.m. Interestingly, due to the relatively small physical area and similarities between work and commuting patterns, D.C. had a narrower range of mealtimes compared with other states in the survey.

Average Dinner Time in Other States

With a peak dinner time around 5:40 p.m., Maine wasn’t far behind Pennsylvania in the survey. Next were Wyoming, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Alaska, which all eat around 6 p.m, according to the survey. At the opposite end of the spectrum, residents in Mississippi and Texas typically sit down to eat at 7:02 p.m., while those in Arkansas and Tennessee dine at 7 p.m., Nebraska residents sit down at an average time of 6:51 p.m., and Missouri eats at 6:34 p.m. on average. Californians fell right in the middle of the survey, with a peak dinner time at 6:19 p.m. The findings illustrate just how much variation there is from state to state and make it difficult to spot any regional trends in mealtimes. 

Curious where your state falls? You can study the findings here.

The Rise of Mealtime Outsiders

Overall, Americans tend to dine relatively early compared to people in some other parts of the world. That could be set to change, however. A 2023 study commissioned by analysts Partners & Napier found that for 32 million Americans, there was a trend toward eating much later. These “Mealtime Outsiders,” as the report labels them, typically don’t have breakfast until around 10 a.m. or lunch until 3 p.m. As a consequence, dinner, the main meal of the day, is pushed back even further in their busy schedules, typically to 8 p.m. or later.

About the data: To compile this list, we referenced data published by statistician Nathan Yau, published on his blog FlowingData. The report referenced the American Time Use Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from two periods, from 2018 to 2019, and from 2021 to 2022, to determine the percentage of U.S. households who were eating dinner at a given time. You can view the full report here.

Most states have appointed an official song, bird, beverage, or other common symbol that represents the particular culture, economy, geology, or history of the region. But sometimes, a state can get creative (and in some cases, highly specific) with what they choose to designate an official state symbol. In California’s case, it’s a state fabric. And in Arkansas, a state historic cooking vessel. Here are 20 state symbols that may surprise you.

Alabama’s State Shell

Alabama boasts several scenic and recreational coastal spots along the Gulf. The sandy shores aren’t just a place for play, however: They’re home to a variety of wildlife, including the large sea snails who leave behind Johnstone’s Junonia seashells, the state’s official shell since 1990. The scientific name for the shell is the Scaphella junonia johnstoneae. The spotted mollusk exoskeleton is common to the Gulf Coast and was named in honor of Kathleen Yerger Johnstone, an amateur conchologist (someone who studies mollusk shells) from Mobile, Alabama. In total, 15 states have named one of their regional maritime mollusks as an official state shell.

Arizona’s State Neckwear

Decades before Southwestern style became all the rage, Arizona named the bolo tie its official state neckwear. The bolo tie (sometimes called a bola tie) is a staple of the Western look: The necktie consists of a cord or piece of braided leather that is fed through a sliding clasp, which tightens around the neck and is finished with decorative metal tips. Often associated with cowboys, the bolo tie was invented in the 1940s but wasn’t widely available until after it appeared in a Western wear catalogue in the mid-1950s. Arizona named the ubiquitous Western piece its official neckwear in 1971, and it has since gotten its due in museum exhibits around the state. New Mexico and Texas also named the bolo tie their official state tie in 2007.

Arkansas’ State Historic Cooking Vessel

Since 2001, Arkansas has recognized the Dutch oven as its official state historic cooking vessel. The kitchen staple has evolved over the years into a colorful, enamel-coated dish that is as much a piece of decor as it is versatile cookware, but the tool originated as a sturdy black cast iron pot resembling a small cauldron. Brought into the state by early settlers, Dutch ovens were common by the early 1800s and considered a necessity by pioneers, who used them for just about all fireside cooking — they were (and still are) handy for roasting, braising, frying, boiling, and baking. One other state also designated the Dutch oven its state cooking pot — Utah made it official in 1997.

California’s State Fabric

In 1853, German immigrant Levi Strauss moved to San Francisco in the midst of the gold rush and founded his namesake denim company. To recognize its success, the state named the fabric an official state symbol in 2016. The bill, sponsored by California Democrat assembly member Marc Levine, stated that California was responsible for about 75% of the premium denim sold around the world. In Southern California alone, the denim industry reportedly employs more than 200,000 people, making it the largest fashion manufacturing hub in the United States. (Despite the company’s origins, however, Levi’s are not manufactured in California.) The bill also likened the history of denim to the history of California itself: practical, hard-working, and a symbol of American culture.

Connecticut’s State Heroine

In 1995, Connecticut became the only state with an official state heroine. Schoolteacher and activist Prudence Crandall opened the first school for Black women in New England after first attempting (unsuccessfully) to integrate her classroom. She opened the new school in 1833 but soon found herself in harm’s way for the deed. Crandall was arrested, spent a night in jail, and wound up on trial twice for opening the school. Sadly, after only 18 months, Crandall closed the school and left Canterbury, but today she remains the state’s official heroine for the inroads she made toward equality. Connecticut is also the only state with an official hero, Nathan Hale, an American soldier and spy who was captured during an intelligence-gathering mission in the Revolutionary War.

Florida’s State Day

Every year on April 2, Florida celebrates itself on Pascua Florida Day. The official state day, designated by the Legislature in 1953, honors Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León’s first European expedition to the state; he arrived on the shores of present-day St. Augustine in search of gold and the mythical Fountain of Youth in 1513. Historians believe the state’s name came from the discovery date’s proximity to Easter, or “Pascua” in Spanish — a very important date to the Catholic explorer — and one of Spain’s celebrations of the religious holiday, known as “Pascua Florida,” or Feast of Flowers.

Georgia’s State Beef Barbecue Championship Cook-Off

Southern cooking is serious business. That became even more evident in 1997, when the General Assembly of Georgia designated the Shoot the Bull Barbecue Championship as the state’s official beef barbecue championship cook-off. The Legislature’s bill recognized not only the cook-off’s contributions to the community, but also the “quality and flavor” of the barbecue. Competitors and spectators come from all over the state. Georgia also recognizes an official state pork barbecue championship cookoff, the Big Pig Jig.

Kansas’ State Red and White Wine Grapes

Most states count several agricultural items among their official state symbols, but Kansas is the only one to have official red and white wine grapes. Although the state is perhaps better known for its production of wheat, corn, and cattle, it’s also an abundant grape grower during particularly favorable seasons. In 2019, the Chambourcin grape, a French-American hybrid grape, became the state’s official red wine grape, and the Vignoles grape, another hybrid grape, became the white wine grape. The committee — who joked about sampling the goods before passing the bill — recognized the designation as a great marketing opportunity for the state’s 50 vineyards and wineries.

Maryland’s State Sport: Jousting

Of the 50 states, only 14 have declared official sports. Maryland was the first state to do so, designating jousting in 1962. The medieval sport, in which knights engaged in a lance fight while on horseback, has been popular in Maryland since the colonial 1600s; the state’s first governor, Cecil Calvert, introduced the sport from his native England. Its popularity took off during the Civil War, when tournaments were held to raise money for communities in need. The modern version of the sport, passed down through Maryland families, remains popular but is much more civil — “ring tournaments” see competitors race their horse along a track and spear rings with their lance along the way, taking the place of the violent duels of the past.

Massachusetts’s State Muffin: Corn Muffin

One doesn’t typically think of Massachusetts when thinking of corn, but cornbread and corn muffins have long been a staple of New England cooking. (And, of course, corn is a must-have in all those Bay State seafood bakes and boils.) In 1986, after a petition by the state’s schoolchildren, the Legislature recognized the corn muffin as the official state muffin. The Massachusetts corn muffin follows in the tradition of northern — or Yankee — cornbread and is known to be exceptionally sweet. Two other states have also named official state muffins — Minnesota has the blueberry muffin, and New York has the apple muffin.

Minnesota’s State Photograph

Minnesota boasts one of the most unique official symbols of all — it’s the only state to have a state photograph. “Grace,” captured by photographer Eric Enstrom in Bovey, Minnesota, around 1920, features a white-bearded elderly man bowing his head to give thanks over a bowl of soup and loaf of bread. Enstrom has said he composed the photograph to represent not only the humble circumstances of the area’s first immigrants, but also their survival in the face of hardships. In 2002, “Grace” was appointed as the state’s official photograph.

Mississippi’s State Toy

The state of Mississippi has a special connection to this fuzzy childhood favorite. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt — often referred to as “Teddy” — was on a hunting trip in the Magnolia State when, after three days of no catch, he was offered a captive bear to hunt. Roosevelt refused in the name of good sportsmanship; the news traveled throughout the country, with political cartoonist Clifford Berryman depicting the story in The Washington Post. Soon after, a New York toy store owner received permission to market a stuffed bear as “Teddy’s Bear,” and the nickname “Teddy bear” caught on as a descriptor for the plush children’s toy. In 2002, a group of children from Plantersville School urged their government to recognize the stuffed animal, and in 2002, the Teddy bear became the official state toy. 

Nebraska’s State Soft Drink

Many states have an official state beverage (the most popular: milk), but Nebraska is the only one with an official state soft drink. Edwin Perkins invented Kool-Aid in Hastings, Nebraska, in 1927. It was first sold as a bottled liquid concentrate called Fruit Smack, but after shipping proved too difficult, it was separated into its best-known powdered form, which came in packets that Perkins designed and printed himself. The Cornhusker State is particularly proud of the popular juice crystals and celebrates accordingly: Kool-Aid was named the state soft drink in 1998, and the state has a Kool-Aid Museum, an award-winning annual festival, and even the Kool-Aid Man’s footprints immortalized in cement. 

New Mexico’s State Insect

Of all the official state insects, none has a name so intimidating as New Mexico’s tarantula hawk wasp. The wasp — official name Pepsis formosa — is one of the largest in the U.S. The stingers alone in females grow as long as one-third of an inch, causing a sting that is said to be one of the most painful of any insect. The tarantula hawk wasp was named for its unique egg-laying habits: It hunts and paralyzes tarantulas, then drags them back to the wasp’s their burrows and lays eggs on them; when the babies hatch, they feast on the spider. The wasp was designated the official state insect after elementary students from Edgewood, New Mexico, selected three potential state insects and asked other students around the state to vote. The entire class attended the legislative hearing in Santa Fe when the bill was introduced in 1989.

North Carolina’s State Toast

A toast can be as simple as a clink of the glass and a “cheers” with friends, but in North Carolina, it’s much more complex. A poem called “The Old North State: A Toast” (also known as “The Tar Heel Toast”), by Leonora Monteiro Martin, has long been associated with the state’s celebration of independence. It was written for and first recited at a 1904 dinner in honor of the state’s history, and within a few years was recognized as a patriotic and nostalgic tribute to the early pioneers. In the early 1930s, the poem was set to music by composer Mary Burke Kerr, a music teacher in Sampson County; the General Assembly requested that Raleigh radio station WPTF play the song, and from that point on, North Carolinians adopted it as a rallying cry. “A Toast” became the official state toast in 1957.

Oklahoma’s State Flying Mammal

Oklahoma had already named the buffalo its official mammal in 1972. So when the state decided to honor one of its most unusual inhabitants, it got more specific, making the Mexican free-tailed bat its state flying mammal in 2006. Oklahoma happens to be the breeding ground for the bat, whose skinny, mouse-like tail is the reason for its name and makes it an anomaly in the bat world. Migratory patterns bring the bats from Mexico to the caves of Oklahoma, where they have new offspring, and back to Mexico come fall. Their arrival delights tourists, who flock to the Selman Bat Cave to see the hundreds of thousands of bats every year. Buthe Mexican free-tailed bats aren’t just a great tourism attraction; they also help keep the local mosquito population in check.

Oregon’s State Microbe

In 2013, Oregon became the first state to name a microbe an official state symbol. Saccharomyces cerevisiae — commonly called brewer’s or baker’s yeast — turns sugar into ethanol (aka alcohol) and is a key component in the production of beer, wine, and spirits. Oregon, known as a craft beer hub around the world, owes more than just its tasty brews to the unassuming microorganism; in 2019, the beer industry contributed an impressive $6.6 billion to Oregon’s economy, accounting for about 43,000 jobs. In 2019, New Jersey also named a state microbe, and in June 2020, Illinois did as well.

Rhode Island’s State Beverage

One of the most common categories of state symbols is food and drink; within that, 28 states have designated their own state beverage. Milk is the most common official state beverage, followed by various kinds of fruit juices. But Rhode Island stands out as the only one to name coffee milk as its state beverage. What exactly is coffee milk? Rhode Islanders will find it in the refrigerated section of the grocery store next to other flavored milks such as chocolate or strawberry, only this is made with sweet coffee syrup or coffee extract. It first became popular in America’s smallest state in the 1920s and has remained a regional favorite ever since.

South Carolina’s State Lowcountry Handcraft

Sweetgrass basket weaving has been a tradition in South Carolina’s lowcountry since the 17th century, when it was brought to the U.S. by enslaved peoples from West Africa. The baskets, though originally (and still occasionally) made primarily out of bulrush, are woven out of tightly coiled regional sweetgrass and are revered for not only their sturdy construction, but also their intricate craftsmanship. Today, makers sell their wares in markets and on busy streets in downtown Charleston and throughout the state. South Carolina honored the tradition and became the only state with an official craft when it designated the sweetgrass basket as the official state lowcountry handcraft in 2006. 

Vermont’s State Amphibian

State symbols often represent little more than the prevalence of a particular plant or animal to a region. In Vermont, however, the northern leopard frog was named the state’s official amphibian in 1998, for reasons much more thoughtful. The bill acknowledged that a declining northern leopard frog population was indicative of unhealthy and alarming environmental changes — for animals and humans alike. Additionally, the senate bill highlighted the frog’s appearance (ranging from golden to green, with spots that are surrounded by light halos) and likened it to the natural beauty of the state. Lastly, the northern leopard frog was recognized for its role in keeping Vermont’s wetlands clean and helping to maintain the state’s stunning landscape. Not bad for a humble amphibian.

Who doesn’t love to be greeted with a friendly smile or given helpful recommendations when visiting a new destination? To find the friendliest U.S. cities, the language-learning company Preply conducted a survey of residents in the 25 most populous U.S. cities to determine which has the nicest inhabitants. The survey revealed that friendliness is an integral part of the culture in some American cities, and with one state claiming four spots on the list, there’s a clear winner when it comes to making strangers feel right at home. These are the top 10 friendliest big cities in the United States as of 2025.

10. Los Angeles, California

Score: 6.83 (out of 10)

Los Angeles is no stranger to tourism — the home of Hollywood, beaches, and world-famous theme parks sees around 50 million tourists annually. Fortunately for these visitors, they’re often greeted by friendly locals. According to the Los Angeles Tourism Board, the country’s second-most-populous city prides itself on its hospitality, stating, “Los Angeles is a dynamic, ever-evolving destination — where diversity thrives, and everyone is welcome.” Indeed, L.A. is known for its culturally diverse neighborhoods, and one of the top friendly actions highlighted in the survey was Angelenos’ willingness to help others with language translation.

9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Score: 6.87

Oklahoma City is known as “the Modern Frontier” for its history of cowboy culture. The city is home to more than 680,000 residents, who welcome visitors to enjoy an array of downtown entertainment, family-friendly cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures along the Oklahoma River. While the Preply survey lists this city as the ninth-friendliest in America, residents might argue it should be in first place. After all, Oklahoma City has also earned the nickname “the Big Friendly” due to the kindness of its locals — there’s even a brewery in downtown OKC that proudly bears this moniker.

8. Nashville, Tennessee

Score: 6.90

Music City is home to more than 700,000 residents, but on any given day, expect the city to be filled with thousands of tourists — around 17 million are projected to visit in 2025. Some come for the country and blues music, others for a hockey game or a hot chicken sandwich, but we’d wager a bet that all of them stay for the Southern hospitality. Among the survey responses, residents noted that Nashvillians are especially welcoming to children and pets, creating a family-friendly environment for both locals and visitors.

7. Fort Worth, Texas

Score: 7.02

In Fort Worth, “y’all means all” — at least that’s what the city’s famous mural on West 7th Street says. Situated just west of Dallas, Fort Worth has a reputation for being more easygoing than its bustling neighbor. The city’s million-plus residents (and more than 11 million annual visitors) can enjoy Texan hospitality at the rodeos of Fort Worth Stockyards or delve into the region’s history at the National Cowgirl Museum. Expect a friendly gesture when you’re out and about in town — according to the survey, residents of Fort Worth were the most likely to greet people around them in public.

6. San Diego, California

Score: 7.04

Not only is San Diego the sixth-friendliest city in the U.S., but it’s also the friendliest place on the West Coast. For proof, look no further than the city’s official tourism slogan, “Happiness is calling!” Whether you’re visiting the scenic Balboa Park or wildlife watching at La Jolla Cove, don’t be afraid to ask a local to snap your picture — according to the survey, residents of San Diego are particularly known for offering to take photos for strangers.

5. El Paso, Texas

Score: 7.10

Home to more than 680,000 residents, this border city is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, blending American Southwest influences with those of Mexico. And it’s little wonder its residents are so happy, as El Paso was named the second-best big city to live in by U.S. World News and Report in 2025. The Preply survey on America’s happiest cities also reveals that El Paso is the friendliest city in the country toward both children and strangers, making it a perfect family-friendly destination.

2. San Antonio, Texas (tie)

Score: 7.16

There’s a three-way tie for No. 2 in the ranking of friendliest U.S. cities. Kicking it off is San Antonio, best known for attractions such as the Alamo and the River Walk. San Antonio residents who were surveyed reported that their peers are notably friendly toward strangers, fostering a welcoming environment for all. With more than 1.5 million residents, San Antonio’s thriving economy and tourism sector also contribute to its high quality of life.

2. Columbus, Ohio (tie)

Score: 7.16

The friendliest city in the Midwest is Ohio’s state capital, home to more than 930,000 residents. In 2024, Columbus welcomed more than 50 million tourists, in part due to major events such as the solar eclipse and the MLS All-Star Game. But the city is also home to year-round entertainment, from fall football games at Ohio Stadium to summers in the Metro Parks and winter days spent at museums. According to the survey, Columbus is listed as one of the friendliest cities toward strangers.

2. Charlotte, North Carolina (tie)

Score: 7.16

Charlotte is also tied in second place in the ranking of America’s friendliest cities. Residents here are more likely than folks in any other city surveyed to give guidance or recommendations to tourists or new residents. That should be welcome news, considering how much there is to see and do in the Queen City, whether it’s brewery hopping downtown or heading to the outskirts of the city for an adventure at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

1. Austin, Texas

Score: 7.45

Texas’ state capital is the friendliest city in the U.S. It’s where residents are more likely to strike up a conversation with a stranger than in any other city in the country. Home to nearly 1 million residents, this outdoorsy city is known for its live music and entertainment scene.

Austin was also recently ranked as the No. 2 most dog-friendly city in the country by Sniffspot, and the city is known for its numerous dog-friendly establishments. In fact, according to the Preply survey, Austin residents are friendlier to pets than residents of any other city in the country. But don’t worry, Austin’s residents welcome plenty of human visitors, too, to the tune of 30 million annually. 

About the data: To compile this list, we consulted a 2023 report from Preply, a language-learning company, which surveyed 1,258 Americans in the 25 biggest U.S. cities about how friendly the residents of their city are. The survey included a range of friendly actions, such as how likely residents were to greet someone on the street, offer directions, hold the door open from someone, and so forth. You can read the full report here.

Few countries take food more seriously than Italy, and with good reason: Their cuisine is among the best in the world — indeed, countless people who’ve never even visited the Boot consider Italian cuisine their favorite. But next time you’re lucky enough to actually find yourself in Italy, go for the most authentic experience possible by following these six tips for eating like a local.

Skip the Savory Breakfast

Most of the dishes we consider classically Italian are savory, not sweet: pasta, pizza, and paninis, just to name a few. None of those is a breakfast food, however, and that isn’t a coincidence. By and large, Italians prefer to start their day with something sweet, with cornettos (the Italian take on croissants) being among the most popular. These and other pastries are almost always paired with coffee, especially cappuccino or espresso — one study found that 84% of Italians drink coffee as soon as they wake up every morning.

And Go for a Late Dinner

Anyone who’s ever visited Rome in the summer knows there’s something uniquely appealing about a late dinner accompanied by an equally late sunset. Regardless of what time day ends and night begins, however, Italians prefer to eat the last meal of the day later than folks in most other countries. You aren’t likely to find an early-bird special in Venice or Turin, as dinner often doesn’t begin until 8 or 9 p.m. And the farther south you go, the later dinner will be. This is due to both warmer weather and ingrained traditions that, like your nonna’s lasagna recipe, won’t be changing anytime soon.

Eat Pasta as a Starter

Those of us who love our carbs tend to think of pasta as an entree or main course. Not so in Italy, where it’s usually the primo (first course) rather than secondo (second course). The latter will usually be meat or fish, with a smaller portion of spaghetti, lasagna, or even gnocchi whetting your appetite first.

Don’t Drink Cappuccino in the Afternoon

The flip side of 84% of Italians drinking coffee first thing in the morning is that they have strong opinions on exactly what type to drink — and when. Cappuccino is considered a morning beverage due to its high milk content, making it a faux pas to order one in the afternoon. This isn’t purely based on arbitrary traditions: Milk is considered fairly difficult to digest, so only having it in the morning is thought to give your body more time to process it and avoid a funny tummy before bed. If you do need a caffeine fix in the p.m., go for an espresso or macchiato.

Think Locally

Though we tend to associate a number of classic dishes with Italy as a whole, many of them are regional specialties. You wouldn’t expect a Philly cheesesteak from San Diego to be as authentic as one from Philadelphia, so why would you expect to find the same kind of Bolognese in Rome as you would in Bologna? Florence, for instance, is known more for its meat than it is for its pasta, especially the famed bistecca alla Fiorentina, which literally means “beefsteak Florentine style.” If you’re in Bologna, go for the delicious lasagna Bolognese. Wherever you travel to in Italy, do your research ahead of time and focus on regional specialties as much as possible.

Be Mindful of Opening and Closing Times

Italian restaurants tend to close for several hours between lunch and dinner, which has surely perplexed many a traveler used to more generous hours. And while there’s much to be said for the convenience of finding a spot that’s open between the hours of, say, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., locals might warn that these establishments cater to tourists and are therefore less authentic. Italians eat dinner late, often taking a post-work evening stroll known as la passeggiata before doing so, which means that the spot around the corner from your hotel that doesn’t open until 7:30 at night likely offers a more authentic experience.