Miss America 2026 contestants reveal their states’ hidden gems and good luck charms

ORLANDO, FL. — There are 52 women competing to win the title of Miss America 2026, and the contestants revealed some hidden gems from their home states before the big competition.

While chatting with On The Red Carpet, Miss California Rachel Axt, who’s from Clovis, shared a tasty recommendation, “One of my favorite places in Clovis and Fresno is Ampersand Ice Cream. I’m a big fan of ice cream. I love a sweet treat every now and then, and Ampersand is so amazing. They use everything from farm to table and it’s just, it’s delicious.”

From across the country, Miss New York Cassie Donegan explained why she’d take visitors outside of the city, “I love the city. There is something for everyone across the state of New York. We have mountains. We have lakes. We have the ocean, literally within 45 minutes of each other. So, if you come to Manhattan and you have a day, I will try to take you out of Manhattan to see all the beautiful, beautiful scenery across the state.”

Miss Illinois Nitsaniyah Fitch, who’s from Chicago, spilled on her favorite area, “I will say that my favorite place in Chicago is Chinatown. There’s access to the lakefront, to the river, to the Chicago Riverwalk. There’s also the best food, culture, (and) scenery.”

Speaking of food, Miss Pennsylvania Victoria Vespico from Shavertown, gave a shout-out to a local pizza joint. “If you’re going to visit Shavertown, I’m going to say there’s not a whole lot to do, except we have some of the best pizza in the world, northeastern Pennsylvania. It’s kind of known for it. So, if you’re looking for it, I’ll give Sabatini’s a shout-out. I love you guys. There’s nothing quite like a pickle pie at Sabatini’s in Pittston,” she told On The Red Carpet.

Watch the interviews above to learn which good luck charms the delegates brought along with them for the competition.

The Miss America organization will hold the 2026 competition on September 7 at The Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Orlando, FL.