NARRATOR: These slogans say a lot about their states.
MALE NARRATOR: Start your journey at NorthDakotaLegenday.com.
NARRATOR: Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we're counting down our picks for the top ten best state slogans.
For this list, we're strictly ranking slogans from U.S. states, whether they're official or not.
Note also that American states generate slogans to encourage tourism, and, as any form of advertisement does,
these slogans have changed over time.
Additionally, slogans should not be confused with a state's motto, like New Hampshire's "Live Free or Die."
JUSTON: It's the only state in the country without a mandatory seatbelt law. You take that "Live Free to Die" a little too frickin' serious.
MALE NARRATOR: We want to wake up with a smile. We want every day to feel like an opportunity.
Colorado has long been proud of its beautiful nature, as this state spans a wonderful portion of the Rocky Mountains.
If you like skiing, hiking, or rock climbing, this state has a lot going on for the outdoorsy types.
Beyond this, city life in the state's capital Denver is phenomenal, and Colorado is quickly becoming recognized for its microbrewing scene,
as well as its recent legalization of marijuana, which gives new meaning to the slogan if you catch our drift.
Whatever the nature of your visit, the slogan "Enter a Higher State" definitely sells Colorado in a positive life.
NARRATOR: Where everyone is proud to call this place home.
West Virginia is in the heart of the Appallachian Mountains, and is often seen on the front lines of environmental struggles,
most of which stem from the pollution caused by the state's historic coal mining operations.
DIANE: Coal companies have taken billions in profit out of the mountain.
NARRATOR: With an emphasis on its environment, "Wild and Wonderful sells that state's natural beauty and stunning sights, such as the New River Gorge.
West Virginia is truly a hidden American gem that is well worth a visit and a John Denver song.
♪ West Virginia, mountain mama
♪ Take me home country roads
Seriously, what more do they need to say?
This state is known for growing some truly great potatoes and, partially as a result, has some exceptionally tasty destinations to boot.
MALE NARRATOR: In Boise, Idaho, where real deal fast cookin' means marinated pork, chicken croquettes, grilled lamb.
NARRATOR: Idaho's slogan sticks to what it knows best, and it's definitely not underselling the state straw.
Just the word "Idaho" instantly brings their delicious spuds to mind.
We love the slogan for its direct message and brutal honesty,
and for being the most straightforward slogan on our list.
MAN: I don't think people realize it, but potatoes are probably one of one or two things that a human being can actually survive on.
NARRATOR: Since it's not directly connected to the lower 48 of the U.S.A., Alaska is often thought of as beyond many Americans' reach,
as you have to fly or take a boat there or drive through Canada.
As such, Alaska is America's "last frontier," and no wonder.
It has a ruggedly beautiful natural environment and exceptionally cold winters.
While it takes a bit of planning to get to, it is definitely reachable. And this slogan hooks you in.
FEMALE VOICE [whispering]: Alaska.
NARRATOR: While the slogan "Unbridled Spirit" can be linked to Kentucky's association with horse racing,
this state is known for much more than its internationally recognized Kentucky Derby in Louisville.
Kentucky has a wide range of historical sites to visit, towns to see, and natural sights to experience.
Furthermore, this is the proper homeland of bourbon whiskey, which this state has a fine appreciation for.
With such a wide range of great things, Kentucky's slogan is all the more endearing.
FEMALE NARRATOR: Kentucky. Come discover our unbridled spirit.
Florida has been known as the "Sunshine State" for quite some time,
and this slogan appropriately embraces that moniker by keeping things as simple and obvious as possible.
As such, it's a great state to visit due to natural sights such as Everglades National Park,
historic sights such as St. Augustine, and island getaways like Key West, especially when the sun is out.
Don't forget its many amusement parks such as Walt Disney World or Universal Studios and its Harry Potter theme park.
Whether you're in Tampa, Orlando, or Miami, you're going to feel the sunshine.
CHAD: This was an unforgettable journey. But really, we've only scratched the surface.
NARRATOR: Georgia's slogan is derived from the eponomously-named song made famous by Ray Charles in 1960,
though Stuart Gorrell and Hoagy Carmichael wrote the tune back in 1930.
Georgia is a stunningly beautiful state that definitely attracts a diverse range of tourists and residents.
With Georgia on our minds, we can certainly think of some great cities to visit, like Atlanta or Savannah.
Georgia's southern charm makes it all the more appealing.
♪ Just an old sweet song
♪ Keeps Georgia on my mind
♪ You know the little girls are on my mind, ha?
NARRATOR: This state's original slogan alternated between "Virginia Is for History Lovers," "Virginia Is for Beach Lovers," and so forth.
However, the state settled on a uniform slogan in 1969, and Virginia hasn't stopped using it since. And why not?
Some of the state's greatest historical figures were well-known for their romantic lives,
including the stories revolving around Pocahontas and John Smith at Jamestown, as well as Thomas Jefferson's famous obsessions.
Virginia is great for beaches, mountains, history, and of course, love.
FEMALE NARRATOR: To keep loving Virginia, we must all do our part.
♪ I wanna meet you in the Big Sky Country
NARRATOR: Also known as the "Last Best Place," Montana is unashamedly proud of its wintry beauty.
The state pushes this to the forefront of its tourism campaigns unlike other states that try to emphasize the warmth as much as the cold.
But whether you enjoy the heat or cooler temperature, "Big Sky Country," as Montana is affectionately known,
offers a lot to do. And its outdoor activities offer stunning natural backdrops throughout the state.
♪ Be getting over in the Big Sky Country
NARRATOR: Before we unveil our number one pick, here are some honorable mentions.
Despite its location, Texas is unlike anywhere else in the U.S.
It's not quite like the rest of the South and it's exceptionally different from the Southwest, at least culturally and historically speaking.
But the inherent uniqueness of Texas has a lot to offer.
Beyond delicious Tex-Mex food and barbecue galore, you're just as likely to encounter people speaking Spanish as you are English.
Also, this slogan isn't kidding. The Republic of Texas was its own independent country between 1836 and the mid-1840s,
though it became an American state by the end of 1845.
Texas is truly like a "Whole Other Country."
Do you agree with our list? What are your favorite state slogans?
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MALE NARRATOR: Kansas. As big as you think.
Transcription/subtitles by pm41224