Travel

Wait, That’s Illegal? 15 Everyday Habits That Can Get South Carolinians in Trouble Around the U.S.

If you think you’re a rule follower, get ready for your world to be shaken. Chances are, you’ve broken at least one of the laws on this list.

There are a lot of local and national laws that regulate everyday things most South Carolinians—and Americans as a whole—give little thought to.

And, while you might not end up in prison for breaking them, you could end up paying a fine.

Don’t feel too bad if you’ve broken a law or two on this list. However, we encourage you to think twice before doing it again.

Table of Contents

1: Using a Fake Name Online

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You might think using a fake name online is a good idea to protect your personal identity.

But in many cases, doing so is illegal. The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act includes a stipulation that you can’t use a site without “authorized access.”

This means you must follow the website’s terms of use agreement. Though few people bother to read the terms of use before interacting with a website, many require you to use your real name.

2: Using Public Wi-Fi Without Permission

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Most public Wi-Fi has limitations. For example, your local coffee shop might offer Wi-Fi to patrons, but you’re not supposed to use it from your car in the parking lot. Doing so is known as piggybacking.

According to the NOLO legal encyclopedia, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act’s stipulation that you need “authorized access” before using a computer applies to piggybacking.

However, the act was established long before Wi-Fi was prevalent. So, it’s unclear whether a federal court would prosecute this crime or not.

Still, because federal law is vague on this subject, many states have enacted their own, much clearer laws.

California and Michigan both have legislation making the use of Wi-Fi without permission a crime.

3: Forgetting Your eBay Habit When Filing Taxes

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Selling your stuff online isn’t a crime; in many cases, you don’t need to report your sales to the IRS.

As Turbo Tax puts it, if your sales account to the amount you’d make in a typical yard sale, you’re safe.

However, if you sell things regularly, you need to report the income. Even if you consider your eBay sales a hobby rather than a part-time job, the IRS requires you to file a 1040 form.

4: Streaming Movies

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Many people stream pirated movies online, and few fear the consequences. However, downloading or torrenting a pirated film constitutes copyright infringement, which is against federal law.

You probably won’t be thrown in prison for streaming an illegal copy of the latest Hollywood hit, but you could face charges. And according to legal experts, using a VPN won’t help.

Federal agencies can still use your IP address to track you down.

5: Having a Few Too Many

Friends drinking. — Photo Credit: Guys Who Shoot via stock.adobe.com.

Almost all of us have been there. You go to a bar, one drink turns into three, and suddenly, you’re stumbling home. In that scenario, walking is much smarter than driving a car, but it’s still illegal in many places.

Many states have public intoxication laws. They often look similar to what you’ll find in Texas, where being intoxicated in public warrants a class-C misdemeanor and requires you to pay a fine.

Some states only enforce laws like this if you’re being a public nuisance or prove to be a danger to yourself.

Still, according to the NOLO legal encyclopedia, police officers often can arrest you for intoxication, even if you’re simply walking home.

6: Sharing Your Password

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If you’ve never shared an account password for a service like Netflix, you’re in the minority.

According to a Reuters report, more than 100 million households shared their Netflix passwords with friends or family outside their homes.

You might have heard that Netflix is coming down hard on password sharing, but you might not realize that doing so is actually illegal.

The U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act covers streaming services, and using a password that belongs to someone else’s account is against their terms of service agreement. That means it’s against the law.

7: Poker Parties

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Playing poker with friends seems like harmless fun, and many people host seemingly innocent poker parties in their garages or basements.

However, technically speaking, parties or get-togethers that include significant gambling are against the law.

The Illegal Gambling Business Act makes any form of gambling that generates more than $2,000 in revenue illegal outside of licensed businesses. Of course, you’d have to be betting a lot to cross that threshold in a friendly game.

But at a poker party, you just might end up breaking the law.

8: Turning Right on a Red Light

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If you’ve ever driven a car, chances are you’ve turned right at a red light. This practice isn’t illegal everywhere, but a growing number of jurisdictions are outlawing it.

In recent years, several cities have seen a dramatic increase in the number of pedestrians and bicyclists injured in automobile-involved accidents.

Often, these accidents stem from cars making right-hand turns on red lights.

Washington, D.C., Ann Arbor, Michigan, and New York City are just a few of the cities that have outlawed the practice. Experts believe more cities will follow suit in years to come.

9: Spitting

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In the late 1800s and early 1900s, when tuberculosis (TB) was a major concern, public health officials in New York started cracking down on spitting.

It was thought that spitting in public contributed to the spread of disease.

Whether or not public expectoration actually spreads TB is questionable, but when New York passed a law against the practice, 150 other U.S. cities followed their lead. In many of these places, the legislation is still on the books.

10: Sitting on a Sidewalk

Mother walking with child down the sidewalk. — Photo Credit: roberjzm via stock.adobe.com.

Whether you’re waiting for a bus or your Uber, sitting on the sidewalk can be tempting. However, it’s illegal in many places.

According to the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, about 53% of American cities have laws that make sitting or lying down in public illegal.

So, next time you’re tempted to sit on the curb, look for a bench instead.

11: Throwing Your Old Cell Phone Away

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Before you throw out your old cell phone, you might want to research the laws in your state.

Many jurisdictions have legislation that prohibits improper disposal of e-waste, which would include your phone, laptop, and other tech products.

In California, New York, and Illinois, tossing a phone in the trash is a crime. Instead, you need to seek out an e-waste recycling event.

12: Downloading Music

Man with a radio. — Photo Credit: DisobeyArt via stock.adobe.com.

Though streaming services like Spotify have made the practice less common, many Americans are guilty of downloading music from file-sharing websites.

Unfortunately, this practice is illegal.

It violates copyright laws and could result in a serious fine. Alternatively, it could open you up to a lawsuit that could cost thousands.

13: Driving Too Slow

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Everyone knows going over the speed limit is a crime, but fewer realize that driving too slowly is also illegal.

Driving laws are up to states, but most states have impeding traffic laws that apply to super slow drivers.

Typically, they look something like Washington state’s law, which reads, “No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with the law.”

So, if you realize you’re driving too far under the speed limit, you might want to speed up.

14: Not Getting a Dog License

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Between food, vet bills, and grooming costs, being a dog owner can be expensive.

That might make it tempting to skip the licensing fee for your pet. However, not getting a dog license isn’t a good idea.

According to the NOLO legal encyclopedia, most cities and counties have dog licensing requirements. If city officials realize you have an unlicensed pet, you may have to pay a fine.

And if an unlicensed pet ends up impounded, it can be harder to get it back.

15: Throwing Out the Last Tenant’s Mail

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It’s annoying to continue receiving the last tenant’s mail, but that doesn’t mean you have the right to throw it out. Doing so may be considered obstruction of correspondence, and it’s against federal law.

The law doesn’t apply to junk mail, as the correspondence must be “directed to them.” So, if it reads “to current resident,” like most junk mail does, it’s okay to throw it out.

Otherwise, write “return to sender” on the front and put it back in the mailbox.

50 Weirdest Laws in Each State

Three ice creams. — Photo Credit: ahirao via stock.adobe.com.

Luckily, most Americans are clear on treating thy neighbor as they’d want to be treated to reduce the chance of fines and jail time. But did you know you could be breaking the law by carrying an ice cream cone in your pocket? These are the weirdest laws in each state, most of which courts (thankfully!) no longer enforce.

50 Weirdest Laws in Each State That’ll Make You Chuckle

11 Poor Hygiene Habits Americans Don’t Know They Have

Untitled design 2024 03 20T185031.936 — Photo Credit: nito via stock.adobe.com.

Americans believe in cleanliness, but we may not be as hygienic as we think. These eleven habits reveal where many Americans fail in the hygiene department.

11 Poor Hygiene Habits Americans Don’t Know They Have

Think You Belong in a Different Decade?

From big bands to big hair, our playful Decade DNA Quiz reveals which classic American era fits you best. It’s fast, fun, and full of vintage flair. Oh, and it’s free.

Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)

Vertical image with bold red and blue text that reads “Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA! TAKE THE QUIZ.” The design features retro illustrations, including two disco balls, colorful flower graphics, a guy with a boombox, a couple swing dancing in silhouette, and a woman in bell-bottoms with a flower in her afro, all against a cream background.

Wait, That’s Illegal? 15 Everyday Habits That Can Get South Carolinians in Trouble Around the U.S.

Intellectual Insider

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A blog which focuses on business, Networth, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Self Improvement, Celebrities, Top Lists, Travelling, Health, and lifestyle. A source that provides you with each and every top piece of information about the world. We cover various different topics.

Travel

10 Signs You’re Dealing with a Born-and-Raised Virginian

Virginia is a place of rich history, fierce rivalries, and a few quirks that only true locals understand. Whether it’s knowing exactly how to navigate a roundabout or having strong opinions on gas station food, real Virginians wear their knowledge like a badge of honor.

But what happens when someone pretends to be from the Old Dominion?

If you want to spot an impostor, here are the surest ways to separate a real Virginian from a fake one.

They Know Their History (Or They Don’t)

A real Virginian can probably tell you more about history than your average tour guide.

They know Virginia is home to Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America. They can rattle off names like Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and Robert E. Lee without hesitation.

A true Virginian also knows that the state has hosted more Civil War battles than any other, and they have a strong opinion about whether or not the term “War of Northern Aggression” should be used.

A fake Virginian, on the other hand, might struggle to name even one former U.S. president from the state (there are eight, by the way). They might think Williamsburg is just a cute tourist town with actors in funny hats, rather than a place central to the founding of the country.

And if they don’t know about Virginia’s role in the American Revolution and Civil War, they’re definitely not from around there.

They Say “The Commonwealth” Instead of “The State”

Real Virginians know that Virginia isn’t just any state—it’s a Commonwealth. While this doesn’t change much in terms of governance, it makes a difference in pride.

A true Virginian will make sure to correct someone who refers to it as “the state of Virginia.”

They’ll tell you that Virginia, along with Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, still holds onto the term Commonwealth as a nod to its colonial roots.

A non-Virginian?

They just call it a state, plain and simple. If they’re really not from there, they might even hesitate when they hear “Commonwealth” and assume it refers to some obscure legal rule rather than an important part of Virginia’s identity.

They Know What a Ham Biscuit Is (And Have a Favorite)

If you ask a real Virginian what food they love most, you’ll probably hear about a ham biscuit.

Made with salty, thin-sliced country ham tucked into a buttery, flaky biscuit, this snack is a staple at weddings, church gatherings, and holiday brunches.

Virginians take their ham seriously—Smithfield, after all, is the home of the famous Smithfield Ham.

A fake Virginian might assume that “ham biscuit” is just a breakfast sandwich from a fast-food joint. Worse, they might say something blasphemous like “Oh, it’s just like Canadian bacon!” (It’s not. At all.)

If they don’t know the joy of biting into a warm ham biscuit, they’re probably not from around there.

They Have Strong Feelings About the Rivalry Between UVA and Virginia Tech

A real Virginian, whether they attended either school or not, has an opinion about the UVA vs. Virginia Tech rivalry. Even if they don’t follow college football, they know that every year, the two schools face off in the Commonwealth Clash, and they will pick a side.

Whether they shout “Go Hoos!” or “Let’s Go, Hokies!”—they care. It’s not just about football; it’s about pride.

A fake Virginian? They probably don’t know what a Hokie is (it’s not a real animal, by the way), and they might think UVA stands for “University of Vermont.”

If they shrug and say they don’t really care who wins, they are definitely an outsider.

They Know How to Navigate a Roundabout (or Avoid Them Entirely)

Real Virginians are no strangers to roundabouts. Thanks to towns like Richmond and Charlottesville, where roundabouts are popping up more frequently, they know the right way to handle them.

A real Virginian doesn’t panic when approaching one—they merge smoothly and keep traffic moving.

A non-local, however, either stops completely (which is incorrect) or barrels through without yielding (also incorrect).

If someone in front of you hesitates at a roundabout like it’s a four-way stop, they’re likely not from Virginia.

Worse yet, they might be from a place where roundabouts are nonexistent, and their confusion will not only be painfully obvious, but also potentially dangerous to other drivers.

They Know NOVA Is Not the Same as the Rest of Virginia

A real Virginian knows that Northern Virginia (NOVA) is a world of its own. It’s faster-paced, more expensive, and more politically connected than the rest of the state.

A Virginian from Richmond, Roanoke, or Tidewater will probably joke that NOVA should just be part of D.C. instead. They understand that life in NOVA means traffic, high-rise apartments, and Metro rides to work.

Someone not from Virginia might think all of Virginia operates like NOVA. They assume everyone in the state deals with gridlock on I-66 or commutes to a government job.

But real Virginians know there’s a huge difference between life in Arlington and life in, say, Abingdon.

They Call It “The Beach,” Not “Virginia Beach”

A real Virginian, when talking about a trip to the ocean, just says, “I’m going to the beach.” They don’t feel the need to specify Virginia Beach because that’s the only beach that matters to them.

They might also mention Sandbridge or the Outer Banks, but Virginia Beach is simply “the beach.”

A new Virginian, however, will say “Virginia Beach” every single time. They might also not realize that Virginia Beach is the largest city in the state by population.

If they don’t know that, they might as well be from Idaho.

They Understand the Importance of the Wawa vs. Sheetz Debate

Real Virginians take gas station food seriously, and the Wawa vs. Sheetz debate is as passionate as any sports rivalry.

Wawa fans swear by their hoagies and coffee, while Sheetz lovers praise their made-to-order menu and milkshakes.

No matter which side they choose, a true Virginian has a strong opinion and will defend their favorite gas station to the end.

A non-Virginian? They might not even know what Wawa or Sheetz is. Or worse, they might say something wild like, “Aren’t they just gas stations?”

That kind of talk will get them uninvited from road trips with true Virginians.

They Know Skyline Drive Is Gorgeous, but Also Full of Tourists

Skyline Drive, the scenic road that winds through Shenandoah National Park, is breathtaking in the fall.

A real Virginian knows this, but they also know that visiting on a peak autumn weekend means sitting in a line of slow-moving cars filled with out-of-state leaf-peepers.

Locals will either go early in the morning or wait until the crowds die down to enjoy the view.

A non-Virginian might think Skyline Drive is a shortcut (it’s not—it’s a slow, scenic route) or be surprised when they see the line of cars at the entrance.

If they show up on an October weekend expecting a peaceful drive, they’re definitely not a local.

They Know Virginia Is for Lovers (And What That Really Means)

“Virginia is for Lovers” is one of the most iconic state slogans in the country.

A real Virginian knows it dates back to a 1969 tourism campaign and has nothing to do with romance—it’s about loving history, the outdoors, food, and everything else Virginia has to offer.

They’ve seen the slogan on signs, t-shirts, and bumper stickers their whole life.

A person new to Virginia might think it’s just about couples or assume it’s a recent marketing gimmick.

If they don’t understand that it’s a point of state pride, they haven’t been around long enough to be considered a true Virginian.

12 Quirky Virginia Towns You Need to Visit

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Ready to add new destinations to your bucket list? From charming main streets to offbeat attractions, these Virginia towns are a great fit for travelers seeking something out of the ordinary.

12 Quirky Virginia Towns You Need to Visit

10 Best Virginia Cities for Retirees

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Virginia is more than just for lovers. From access to luxurious golf courses and iconic landmarks to awe-inspiring nature and national parks, it can also be a fantastic place for retirees. That is, if you pick the right area.

10 Best Virginia Cities for Retirees

Think You Belong in a Different Decade?

From big bands to big hair, our playful Decade DNA Quiz reveals which classic American era fits you best. It’s fast, fun, and full of vintage flair. Oh, and it’s free.

Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)

10 Signs You’re Dealing with a Born-and-Raised Virginian

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Travel

12 U.S. Cities Attracting Millennials: A Massachusetts Favorite Tops the List

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Millennials, who range in age from their late twenties to early forties, have an opportunity that no generation before them had at their age — the chance to make money from their laptop from anywhere in the world.

A study by the financial technology company SmartAsset found that one in four millennials relocates to a new American city.

One Massachusetts city ranked among them. Can you guess which one it is?

Making Moves

Driving across a bridge. — Photo Credit: Ann Stryzhekin via stock.adobe.com.

Whether relocating to a different city in the state they already reside in or from a foreign country altogether, millennials are on the move.

SmartAsset used U.S. Census Bureau data to determine the cities with the highest population of newly transplanted millennials.

1: Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Millennials moved to Cambridge more than any other American city in 2022. Home to Harvard University and across the river from Boston, 14.7% of Cambridge’s population is millennial newcomers.

That totals around 17,275 adults relocating to the city, with a median age of 29.

2: Santa Clara, California

From California’s Great America amusement park to several tech company headquarters, Santa Clara is a bustling place, and millennials want in.

Located near San Jose in Silicon Valley, 13.3% of Santa Clara’s population is from the massive generation, totaling nearly 16,661 people.

3: Seattle, Washington

Millennials are packing their bags for Seattle, wanting to take advantage of this well-known Pacific Northwest city.

With a median age of 36 years, Seattle is home to 93,302 new millennials, making up 12.5% of the population.

4: Sunnyvale, California

Sunnyvale is another popular destination among millennials in the Golden State’s Silicon Valley. A total of 18,862 millennials moved to the picturesque urban-suburban city in 2022.

The median age of Sunnyvale residents was 35.9 years.

5: Denver, Colorado

Many young people flock to Colorado’s capital for its glorious mountain views and outdoor recreation opportunities.

In 2022, Denver saw an influx of 85,390 millennials, totaling 12.1% of its population.

6: Arlington, Virginia

Located just about 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., Arlington is a vibrant and exciting place for millennials to live. While the housing costs are steep, the city saw 26,699 millennials move there in 2022.

With a median age of 35, millennials are bound to find friends their age in Arlington.

7: Bellevue, Washington

Another city in Washington made the top ten among millennials: Bellevue. This picturesque city across Lake Washington drew in nearly 17,131 millennials in 2022, accounting for 11.3% of the population.

It has the oldest median age on the list, at 39.

8: Killeen, Texas

Killeen is known as an affordable city in Texas, which may be one of the reasons millennials are moving there. In 2022, it attracted 16,853 millennials, making up 10.8% of the population.

The city boasts a strong military presence due to its proximity to Fort Hood.

9: Austin, Texas

Austin areal view. — Photo Credit: Raymond via stock.adobe.com.

Austin isn’t as affordable as Killeen, but it’s still popular among millennials. It’s home to the University of Texas and has been bursting with culture, excitement, and charm for generations.

Millennials are making their way in, with a whopping 103,461 moving to Austin in 2022.

10: Sandy Springs, Georgia

Rounding out the top ten is Sandy Springs, which was ranked one of the best places to live in Georgia by Niche. It has plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks for residents.

Over 10% of the city’s population comprises newcomer millennials, totaling 11,210 individuals.

11: Savannah, Georgia

Old homes in Savannah, Georgia. — Photo Credit: Gary via stock.adobe.com.

Following closely behind Sandy Springs is Savannah, another millennial fan-favorite city with southern charm, parks, and riverfront views.

In 2022, 15,303 millennials moved to Savannah, making up 10.25% of the city’s population.

12: Boulder, Colorado

While its high cost of living is a downside, it’s hard not to fall in love with Boulder. A total of 10,544 millennials moved to the lush Colorado city in 2022.

Just under 28% of the city’s population is millennials.

Packing Bags

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While it placed 12th overall for the highest population make-up of newcomer millennials, Boulder is one of the most rapidly growing among the millennial generation.

Over one-third of millennials in Boulder moved in the last year, giving it the highest rate of fresh millennials behind Cambridge.

Many Millennials

Friends laughing. — Photo Credit: Yakobchuk Olena via stock.adobe.com.

In Jersey City, Seattle, and Denver, 41% of the population is millennials.

Recent moving trends aside, together, they have the highest concentrations of millennials across SmartAsset’s study.

Low Riders

Woman with her hands up. — Photo Credit: fizkes via stock.adobe.com.

We know where millennials are flocking, but where are they staying away from? According to the study, Port St. Lucie, Florida, and Brockton, Massachusetts, had the lowest rates of millennials moving there in 2022.

Millennials also seemed to dodge a handful of California cities, including Fontana, Santa Ana, Moreno Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Lancaster.

Welcome to America

American flag as people strike. — Photo Credit: jhansen2 via stock.adobe.com.

Millennials new to the US seem to be moving to cities that aren’t as popular among Americans of the same age group.

Data shows Hialeah, Florida, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, rank as primary destinations for foreign millennials.

Weirdest Laws in Each State

Most Americans are clear on treating thy neighbor as they’d want to be treated to reduce the chance of fines and jail time. But did you know you could be breaking the law by carrying an ice cream cone in your pocket? These are the weirdest laws in each state, most of which courts (thankfully!) no longer enforce.

Weirdest Laws in Each State That’ll Make You Chuckle

11 Poor Hygiene Habits Americans Don’t Know They Have

Americans believe in cleanliness, but we may not be as hygienic as we think. These eleven habits reveal where many Americans fail in the hygiene department.

11 Poor Hygiene Habits Americans Don’t Know They Have

Think You Belong in a Different Decade?

From big bands to big hair, our playful Decade DNA Quiz reveals which classic American era fits you best. It’s fast, fun, and full of vintage flair. Oh, and it’s free.

Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)

12 U.S. Cities Attracting Millennials: A Massachusetts Favorite Tops the List

Intellectual Insider

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Travel

America’s Favorite Fudge Flavors by State: Can You Guess Maine’s Sweetest Pick?

Quick: Name your favorite fudge flavor. If the first that came to mind was something simple like chocolate or vanilla, you’re in the minority.

Candy shop Chocolate Moonshine analyzed Americans’ favorite fudge flavor in each state based on their sales data. If you’re like us, you’ll want to put several of these flavors on your “to try” list.

Ready to find out which fudge flavor people in Maine love the most?

Alabama

Alabama kicks regular chocolate fudge up a notch.

The Yellowhammer State’s favorite fudge flavor is chocolate cheesecake.

Alaska

Dog sledding. — Photo Credit: Kadmy via stock.adobe.com.

It appears that there’s nothing like a piece of chocolate walnut fudge to pack on the pounds to help you stay warm during winters in Alaska.

Arizona

If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you may be in good company in Arizona.

The Grand Canyon State’s favorite fudge flavor is crème brûlée.

Arkansas

Arkansans join Alaskans in being fans of nuts in their fudge.

Pecan turtle is the Natural State’s favorite fudge flavor.

California

When looking at the color-coded fudge map Chocolate Moonshine put together, California stood out in green among the chocolate and caramel-colored fudges.

The Golden State’s favorite fudge flavor is chocolate mint.

Colorado

People with peanut allergies aside, what’s better than eating chocolate and peanut butter separately?

Why, eating them together in fudge, according to many Coloradans.

Connecticut

Get ready for this mouthful: Penuche fudge is the preferred fudge flavor in Connecticut.

If you haven’t brushed up on kitchen terms in a while, penuche is a type of fudge that has no added flavoring other than vanilla. Since penuche is formed by brown sugar caramelization, it tends to have a more caramel-like flavor than traditional (non-caramel-flavored) fudge.

Delaware

Delaware residents are in agreement with Arizonans about their favorite fudge flavor.

Crème brûlée is also the preferred flavor there.

Florida

Being the peninsula that it is, it seems fitting that Floridians’ favorite fudge flavor is sea salt caramel.

It could make a great snack during a visit to Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, which is home to natural salt flats.

Georgia

Georgians agree with Arkansans that pecan turtle is the best-tasting fudge on the market.

Georgia has the added benefit of being the largest supplier of pecans in the U.S.

Hawaii

If you want the illusion of feeling like you’re eating a somewhat healthy piece of fudge, head to Hawaii.

Strawberry cheesecake is the Aloha State’s favorite fudge flavor.

Idaho

What’s better than getting a pick-me-up via coffee?

Getting it via dark espresso fudge, if you ask the majority of Idahoans in Chocolate Moonshine’s study.

Illinois

As a not-so-distant neighbor to Canada, it makes sense that maple walnut is the preferred fudge flavor in Illinois.

Indiana

Not every state’s favorite fudge flavor is super fancy.

In Indiana, locals love a good piece of peanut butter fudge.

Iowa

Corn field with windmill. — Photo Credit: Christopher Ruhaak via stock.adobe.com.

Iowans mix things up a bit from Idahoans, preferring to add chocolate with their walnut fudge rather than maple flavoring.

Kansas

Sunflower field. — Photo Credit: scottevers7 via stock.adobe.com.

Kansas is another state where its residents appreciate the combination of copious amounts of sugar and espresso; dark espresso fudge is the preferred flavor in the Sunflower State.

Kentucky

Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in fudge heaven for Kentucky residents.

Louisiana

It appears that folks in Louisiana appreciate breaking up the texture of dense fudge with marshmallows.

Rocky road is Louisiana’s most beloved fudge flavor.

Maine

It shouldn’t be hard to find penuche fudge in the northeast, for Mainers join Connecticuters in loving it above all other fudge flavors.

Maryland

Stream in the fall. — Photo Credit: Paul via stock.adobe.com.

Maryland residents like getting fancy with their fudge.

Black cherry bourbon is their favorite fudge flavor, thank you very much.

Massachusetts

New England is at it again, with Bay Staters loving penuche fudge.

If you’re interested in trying penuche, plan a trip there on July 22nd; that’s National Penuche Fudge Day!

Michigan

Sorry, traditional coffee. Dark espresso is Michiganians’ favorite fudge flavor.

Minnesota

On cold winter days and when fudge options are available, Minnesotans choose black cherry bourbon over any other fudge flavor to help warm them up.

Mississippi

Mississippians love a piece (or box) of pecan turtle fudge.

After all, how can a person stop at just one with all that delicious chocolate and caramel?

Missouri

Sea salt caramel is the fudge flavor most Missourians will choose over any other option, based on Chocolate Moonshine’s findings.

Montana

Chocolate may sound like too boring a fudge flavor to Montanans.

But give them the option to choose Belgian chocolate, and they’ll be all over it.

Nebraska

Scotts Bluff National Monument. — Photo Credit: Zack Frank via stock.adobe.com.

Nebraskans’s favorite fudge flavor is also Belgian chocolate.

According to Totally Chocolate, the difference between Belgian chocolate and what Americans would consider “regular” chocolate is that the cocoa beans from Belgian chocolate are sourced from West Africa instead of the Americas, it has a higher fat content (and, thus, a smoother texture), and contains less refined sugar.

Nevada

It appears Nevadans have an appreciation for sweet and salty, for their favorite fudge flavor is sea salt caramel.

New Hampshire

Here’s a test for you: What’s New Hampshire’s favorite fudge flavor?

If you said “penuche,” you’re spot-on.

New Jersey

When New Jerseyites need a sugar boost to get them through their day, the preferred fudge flavor they turn to is chocolate peanut butter.

New Mexico

Chocolate lovers appear to abound in New Mexico, for Chocolate Moonshine’s study found that Belgian chocolate is the state’s favorite fudge flavor.

New York

New York may want to change its slogan from “I love New York” to “I love pecan turtle fudge.”

That’s right; the pecan, chocolate, and caramel combination is irresistible to many New Yorkers.

North Carolina

If you offer North Carolinians several different fudge flavors, the majority of them will choose chocolate peanut butter as their favorite.

North Dakota

Maple Walnut is North Dakotans’ favorite fudge flavor. Although North Dakota has maple trees, the maple species aren’t quite as sweet as in New England.

So, it’s safe to say that North Dakota bakers import maple when making maple walnut fudge.

Ohio

When a fudge craving calls, you can bet Ohioans will reach for a black cherry bourbon flavor.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma, where the sea salt comes sweepin’ down the caramel plain.

Okay, that’s a cheesy rendition of the song, but one thing is for sweet sure: Sea salt caramel is the Sooner State’s most beloved fudge flavor.

Oregon

Oregon joins several other states on this list in loving themselves a high-quality piece of Belgian chocolate fudge.

Pennsylvania

Amish horse and buggy. — Photo Credit: Brian E Kushner via stock.adobe.com.

Pennsylvania is the only state with residents who prefer French vanilla-flavored fudge above all other flavors.

Rhode Island

Rhode Islanders stray from the New England penuche pack.

Most would choose crème brûlée fudge over other flavors any day.

South Carolina

Move over, pecans.

Despite being known for pecan pralines, there isn’t a pecan to be found in South Carolina’s most beloved fudge flavor: Maple walnut.

South Dakota

Belgian chocolate yet again makes this list, with South Dakotans choosing it the most above all other fudge flavors.

Tennessee

Whisky isn’t only for glasses if Tennessee’s favorite fudge flavor is any indication.

Its residents love themselves a chunk of black cherry bourbon fudge.

Texas

Texans prefer eating a hearty piece of chocolate walnut fudge when the option presents itself.

Utah

Utah is yet another state where its residents prefer sea salt caramel fudge to all the other fudge flavors that Chocolate Moonshine assessed.

Vermont

Vermonters love chocolate if their choice of Belgian chocolate for a fudge flavor is any indication.

Virginia

Forest in Shenandoah National Park. — Photo Credit: Walt via stock.adobe.com.

Chocolate, says who? Sea salt caramel is Virginians’ most beloved fudge flavor.

Washington

If you talk with Washington residents about their favorite fudge flavor, they may tell you there’s no point in eating chocolate fudge if it isn’t mixed with peanut butter.

Yes, chocolate peanut butter is their favorite fudge.

West Virginia

West Virginia is the last of seven states on this list to prefer Belgian chocolate over all other fudge flavors.

Wisconsin

Cows in a pasture. — Photo Credit: Clara via stock.adobe.com.

Given that Wisconsin is notorious for its cow farms, it’s perhaps no wonder that the milk/cream-heavy crème brûlée is Wisconsinites’ favorite fudge flavor.

Wyoming

Bison in a field. — Photo Credit: moosehenderson via stock.adobe.com.

Wyomingites’ preferred fudge flavor is sea salt caramel.

That ties sea salt caramel with Belgian chocolate for having seven states each that love the flavor.

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Untitled design 2024 03 23T205456.526 — Photo Credit: Gary L Hider via stock.adobe.com.

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Every once in a while, big-name brands pull products with huge followings off the shelf, saddening Americans across the country. These are the foods Americans want back the most.

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