The United States, known for its diversity and eclectic culture, is home to a myriad of unusual and extravagant treasures. From historical artifacts to modern marvels, the country boasts a treasure trove of unique items that have captured the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. In this article, we delve into some of the strangest and most expensive things found in the USA, offering a glimpse into the fascinating tapestry of American history and innovation.
$1.4 Million Diamond and Strawberry Desert
Found in: Arnaud’s Restaurant, New Orleans
Est. Cost: $1.4 Million*
Strawberries are often regarded as the epitome of romantic fruits, with their luscious red hue, juicy texture, and exquisite flavor making them a delightful conclusion to any evening. However, Arnaud’s restaurant, nestled in the French Quarter of The Big Easy, offers a strawberry dish that surpasses all others in extravagance, priced at a staggering $1.4 million. Recognizing the exorbitant cost, Arnaud’s complements the dessert with additional opulence, including a 4.7-carat pink diamond ring and the accompaniment of a live jazz band with every order. Essentially, this indulgent dessert presents an ideal choice for a celebrity or high-ranking executive at BRK seeking to propose to their beloved in grand style.
A Fiery Waterfall
Found in: Yosemite National Park, California
Est. Cost: Priceless
Mother Nature never fails to astonish with her breathtaking light displays and awe-inspiring performances. Fortunately, vast expanses of nature still thrive in America, offering continuous displays of sights that seem straight out of dreams and motion pictures. Among these marvels is Yosemite National Park, renowned for hosting extraordinary spectacles like Horsetail Fall’s Firefall. This captivating phenomenon is visible only for a brief period at the end of February, when the lingering colors of the sunset reflect through the cascading waters of Horsetail Fall, creating the illusion of fire cascading over the eastern precipice of El Capitan.
Dog Bark Park Inn
Found in: Cottonwood, Idaho
Est. Cost: $158/night*
Hotels and motels line the roadsides of American highways, akin to graffiti beneath a bridge. In a landscape where numerous establishments vie for patrons, each must distinguish itself with a winning gimmick or risk fading into obscurity. The Dog Bark Park Inn, situated along Idaho’s Highway 95, ingeniously leveraged humanity’s fondness for dogs to its advantage. However, not in the way one might expect.
Dennis Sullivan and Frances Conklin conceived the idea of constructing a giant beagle-shaped inn in 2003. Their creation swiftly emerged as a beloved landmark in north-central Idaho and a sought-after destination for tourists. While a night in one of “Sweet Willy’s” suites may not exude the opulence of a Hilton stay, guests are treated to homemade breakfast as part of the experience.
Dodge Deora
Found in: Detroit, Michigan
Est. Cost: $10,000*
Over the years, a multitude of car concepts have emerged, ranging from the innovative to the impractical. In the late 1960s, Mike and Larry Alexander introduced a prototype that garnered considerable attention: the Dodge Deora. Priced at $10,000, some believed it could serve as a blueprint for future Dodge models. The Deora featured a unique design with a front hatch for driver and passenger entry, eschewing traditional doors. Its appearance often left observers puzzled, as it was challenging to discern whether the vehicle was approaching or departing from a distance. While the Deora never transitioned to mass production, it has earned a dedicated following among collectors. Notably, in 2009, a prototype of the Deora fetched an impressive $324,500 at auction, underscoring its enduring appeal.
Time Travel Mart
Found in: Echo Park, California
Est. Cost: Various
Established in 2008, the Time Travel Mart serves as the premier destination for time travelers seeking to procure necessities before, during, or after their temporal journeys. With an elegantly curated window display, the store offers an array of items spanning from the era of cavemen to the futuristic realms that lie ahead, all available for purchase at the appropriate price point. For instance, a packet of ‘robot emotions’ found exclusively in the express aisle caters to customers keen on assisting their household robots in learning to emote realistically.
Mermaids of Weeki Wachee
Found in: Weeki Wachee State Park, Florida
Est. Cost: $13*
Nestled within Florida’s Weeki Wachee State Park reside America’s last known mermaids—the enchanting mermaids of Weeki Wachee. Disguised as human performers, these mermaids captivate audiences nightly, bringing childhood fantasies to life in a delightful and engaging manner suitable for attendees of all ages. The centerpiece of their performances is a mesmerizing underwater adaptation of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, a spectacle that leaves spectators spellbound. Beyond the nightly shows, visitors can partake in a variety of daytime activities, including boat rides through the park, offering up-close glimpses of the never-before-seen natural habitat of one of the world’s most beloved mythical creatures.
The $168m Gigayacht
Found in: eBay
Est. Cost: $168 Million*
Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s $168 million yacht spans an impressive 405 feet from bow to stern, equivalent to the distance from home plate to the centerfield wall in most baseball stadiums. Superyachts like this Gigayacht typically boast unparalleled amenities that rival the most luxurious hotels, and Abramovich’s vessel is no exception. It features 10 multi-level VIP suites offering panoramic views, along with 8 additional guest rooms, an in-house movie theater, a helicopter pad, a retractable glass elevator, and a sprawling 3,000-square-foot main deck master bedroom. The fact that Abramovich acquired this maritime palace on eBay is truly astounding.
The Biggest Burger in the World
Found in: Detroit, Michigan
Est. Cost: $7,799*
The brainchild of Steven Mallie, a burger has officially secured its place as the largest burger commercially available, as recognized by the esteemed adjudicators at Guinness World Records. This colossal creation measures 5 feet wide, 3 feet high, and boasts a pre-grilled weight of 2,000 pounds of raw meat. To accommodate its size, Mallie had a custom grill fabricated within a shipping container. Despite losing over 225 pounds during cooking, the burger quickly gains it back with the addition of 300 pounds of condiments and a 250-pound burger bun. In total, the burger amounts to approximately 2,325 pounds of food, surpassing the weight of a McDonald’s quarter-pounder by a staggering 9,300 times.
Extreme Black Friday Sales
Found in: Nationwide
Est. Cost: Thousands in Damages
The day following Thanksgiving annually marks the nationwide phenomenon known as “Black Friday.” It’s a day that retailers anticipate with trepidation, rivaled only by perhaps Boxing Day. Customers often queue up for days in advance to take advantage of the substantial savings offered once a year. While Black Friday sales occur globally, it’s the events in America that have cemented the day’s notorious reputation. Panicked shoppers have been known to forcefully break down doors, trample staff, and even cause physical harm to fellow shoppers in pursuit of coveted deals. Ultimately, the aftermath of Black Friday often entails tens of thousands of dollars in damages to personal property and store merchandise.
A Fine-dining Restaurant for Dogs
Found in: San Francisco, California
Est. Cost: $75*
Located in San Francisco’s Mission District, Dogue stands out as one of the world’s premier fine dining establishments exclusively designed for dogs. Owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Rahmi and Alejandra Massarweh, this luxury doggie diner prides itself on serving canine customers meals crafted from the freshest and highest quality ingredients available.
While many dog owners are content with providing their furry companions with whatever pet food they find at mainstream retailers like Walmart, others seek only the finest for their beloved pets. At Dogue, this commitment to excellence translates into offerings like a $75 three-course meal featuring organic beef chuck steak, accompanied by a $5 ‘dogguccino’ with dessert.
The United States is a land of boundless wonders, where history, innovation, and eccentricity converge to create a tapestry of unique treasures. From priceless gems to architectural marvels, the country is teeming with the strangest and most expensive finds that continue to captivate and inspire generations. As custodians of these remarkable artifacts, it is our privilege to cherish and preserve them for posterity, ensuring that their stories endure for generations to come.