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Have you ever ever wished to expertise the magic of Europe with out leaving the USA? You’re in luck! I’ve curated a listing of 13 picturesque American cities that exude European appeal.
Have you ever ever stumbled upon a small city within the U.S. that felt uncannily like Europe? I’ve had the pleasure of discovering a number of spots throughout the nation the place each nook and cobblestone whispers of a European previous. It’s like moving into one other world, however proper in our yard!
Immediately, I’m thrilled to share my prime 13 picks for American cities the place you’ll be able to take in Europe’s appeal with out crossing the ocean. These locations are good for a weekend journey or only a daydream session out of your sofa.
From the rolling hills mimicking the Scottish Highlands to bustling market squares that might double for Italy, be a part of me as we discover these enchanting locales. Able to see what treasures lie hidden in plain sight? Let’s dive in!
Overview of cities within the US that really feel like Europe
Exploring cities within the US that really feel like they’re straight out of Europe presents an thrilling alternative to expertise distinctive cultures with out the necessity for a passport. Right here’s a fast overview to get you prepared for our digital tour throughout America:
- Most German City within the US: Frankenmuth, MI
- Most Dutch ambiance: Holland, MI
- Most Scandinavian affect: Lindsborg, KS
- Most Swiss ambiance: New Glarus, WI
Prepared to start our journey? Let’s kick issues off with Solvang, California, a bit of Danish paradise that’s like stepping right into a European fairy story.
1. Solvang, California
Have you ever ever wished to expertise Denmark however didn’t wish to take care of the effort of worldwide journey? Properly, you could find a slice of Danish life in Solvang, California.
Situated within the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is like strolling into a unique world. The city is dotted with windmills and buildings that seem like they’ve been lifted straight from a Danish village.
As you wander by way of Solvang, you’ll discover the aroma of recent pastries filling the air. Positively strive the Danish butter cookies from Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery. The native retailers are brimming with all issues Scandinavian too, from hand-painted ceramics to these iconic wool sweaters.
What I like most about Solvang is its dedication to preserving and celebrating Danish tradition. That is evident in its structure, festivals, and even the museums. Should you’re up for a little bit of historical past, visiting the Elverhøj Museum of Historical past & Artwork is likely one of the greatest issues to do on the town to dive deep into the Danish-American expertise.
Should you’re craving a European escape however your passport is out of attain, Solvang may simply be your subsequent greatest vacation spot. Prepare for a style of Denmark in California!
2. Holland, Michigan
Subsequent up, let’s jet over to Holland, Michigan. This city is a vibrant nod to Dutch tradition proper on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Throughout spring, it’s all concerning the tulips. The Tulip Time Pageant is a must-see, with thousands and thousands of tulips blooming in each colour possible. It’s like stepping right into a reside portray!
Except for the blooms, Holland’s appeal cranks up with its Dutch structure. There’s an precise working windmill, the DeZwaan, which isn’t only a picturesque spot but in addition a functioning grain mill. And sure, you should purchase flour milled proper there—good for baking adventures again dwelling.
Don’t skip the downtown space both. It’s lined with distinctive retailers and comfortable cafes the place you’ll be able to seize a espresso and soak within the native vibe. And if you happen to’re up for it, take a stroll down the Dutch-inspired streets and swing by the picket shoe manufacturing unit to see how these iconic footwear are made.
Should you’re in search of US cities that really feel like Europe, I extremely suggest visiting Holland, MI. It’s a livable city providing a fast break with a contact of worldwide aptitude.
3. Leavenworth, Washington
Should you’ve ever wished to expertise a Bavarian village with out flying to Germany, Leavenworth is your go-to spot.
Situated within the mountains of Washington State, this city turns the appeal as much as eleven with its Alpine-style buildings and beautiful mountain backdrop.
Throughout winter, the city lights up with Christmas lights and vacation markets that rival these in Europe. Plus, if you happen to’re into out of doors actions, Leavenworth presents among the greatest issues to do year-round. This covers every little thing from mountain climbing and river tubing in the summertime to snowboarding and snowshoeing within the winter.
Make certain to take a look at the native festivals too. Oktoberfest here’s a blast with genuine German beer, music, and dancing. It’s a good way to absorb some German tradition proper right here within the U.S.
4. Helen, Georgia
Have you ever heard about Helen, Georgia? It’s like a bit of slice of Germany tucked away within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Significantly, your complete city is designed to seem like a Bavarian village, and it completely nails the vibe.
While you go to Helen, the very first thing you’ll discover is the structure. Each constructing, from the retailers to the eating places, has that basic German fashion. It makes even a easy stroll round city really feel like a mini European getaway.
Should you’re up for some enjoyable, Helen has all of it. From tubing down the Chattahoochee River in the summertime to having fun with the festive lights and decorations throughout their annual Christmas market, there’s no scarcity of points of interest. Plus, their Oktoberfest is a large draw. Think about having fun with genuine German brews and meals proper right here in Georgia!
In my view, Helen is likely one of the prettiest cities in America. It’s the right place to take pleasure in a style of Germany with out the lengthy flight!
5. New Glarus, Wisconsin
Should you’re in search of a style of Switzerland with out leaving the U.S., head to New Glarus, Wisconsin. This city proudly holds onto its Swiss heritage, providing an genuine European expertise proper in the midst of America. It’s a kind of locations within the US that looks like Europe.
The streets of New Glarus are dotted with Swiss flags and conventional Swiss structure that may make you’re feeling such as you’ve stepped right into a village within the Alps. It’s quaint, charming, and extremely picturesque, good for individuals who love snapping distinctive images.
Should you’re into beer, you’ll be able to’t miss the New Glarus Brewing Firm. Their domestically brewed, Swiss-inspired beers are a success, and the brewery tour is each enjoyable and informative. And for a little bit of native taste, the city’s bakeries and cheese retailers supply some delectable Swiss treats that you simply gained’t wish to miss.
6. Vail, Colorado
Ever dreamed of snowboarding within the Alps? Vail, Colorado, is likely to be your subsequent most suitable choice proper right here within the U.S. This place is modeled after European ski cities and actually captures that Alpine vibe.
Vail isn’t just about winter sports activities, although the snowboarding is top-notch with expansive slopes and state-of-the-art lifts. Exploring the village at night time is one other one of many greatest issues to do on the town, with its charming pedestrian streets lined with boutiques and eating places. It’s straightforward to lose your self within the ambiance, particularly when the village lights up at night time.
When the snow melts, Vail doesn’t lose its appeal. Summer season right here is lush and inexperienced, preferrred for mountain climbing, biking, or simply having fun with a live performance outside towards the beautiful mountain backdrop.
So, if you happen to’re pondering of a getaway the place you’ll be able to ski, store, and soak in mountain views, I like to recommend visiting Vail, CO. It’s one of many prettiest cities within the US, palms down.
7. Lindsborg, Kansas
For a slice of Sweden within the US, you’ve gotta take a look at Lindsborg, KS. Affectionately referred to as “Little Sweden”, this charming city holds tight to its Swedish roots and provides you a style of Scandinavia proper within the coronary heart of America.
Strolling by way of Lindsborg, you’ll really feel that Swedish affect in all places. From the crimson and white Dala horses scattered round city to the standard Swedish festivals celebrated all year long, it’s a cultural deal with.
I’d suggest visiting Lindsborg in June for the annual The Midsummer Pageant. It’s a unbelievable expertise, bringing everybody collectively for some genuine Swedish people dancing, music, and crafts.
And if you happen to’re into artwork, you’ll benefit from the native galleries that includes works impressed by Swedish design and heritage. Lindsborg additionally has some cozy cafes and bakeries that serve up Swedish treats that you simply gained’t wish to miss.
8. Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth, MI, may simply be the closest factor to a Bavarian village this aspect of the Atlantic. Dubbed “Little Bavaria,” the city captures an genuine European appeal with its timber-framed homes and quaint road scenes.
While you stroll by way of Frankenmuth, it looks like a step again in time. The primary road is lined with distinctive retailers and eateries, good for a day of exploration. Don’t miss out on visiting Bronner’s, the biggest Christmas retailer on the earth, the place it’s Christmas day-after-day of the yr. Think about the twinkling lights and the odor of recent pine — it’s a vacation lover’s paradise!
The city can also be recognized for its hearty, family-style hen dinners that you simply actually ought to strive. I at all times inform mates to strive the hen at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth. Plus, a riverboat cruise down the Cass River presents a soothing method to benefit from the scenic views.
Frankenmuth actually ranks amongst these charming cities within the US that seem like Europe. It’s an ideal spot for a weekend getaway, the place you’ll be able to take in a festive, Bavarian ambiance with out crossing an ocean.
9. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a kind of locations that looks like a storybook city. It’s recognized for its beautiful coastal views and a European-style village that’s merely enchanting.
This city is a magnet for artists and writers, and you’ll really feel that artistic spirit as you wander by way of the winding streets. The structure right here is whimsical, with fairy-tale cottages and charming gardens round each nook. It’s straightforward to see why this place has been a muse for therefore many.
And the seaside! Carmel Seaside is certainly one of many prime points of interest on the town. It’s pristine and presents breathtaking sunsets which are good for ending your day. Should you’re into out of doors actions, there are scenic trails and cypress-lined pathways that provide spectacular views of the rugged shoreline.
Carmel-by-the-Sea actually captures that quaint, European village appeal proper right here on the California coast. It’s an amazing spot for a soothing weekend the place you’ll be able to unplug and soak within the pure magnificence and creative vibe.
10. Pella, Iowa
Pella is a bit of Dutch oasis proper within the coronary heart of the Midwest. This city prides itself on its sturdy Dutch heritage, which is clear in all places you look. It’s one in all my favourite locations to go to in Iowa, indubitably.
While you go to Pella, the historic structure is the very first thing you’ll discover. The city has fantastically maintained buildings with Dutch architectural types and even a working windmill—the Vermeer Mill—that’s not only for present but in addition grinds grain. Strolling round, you’re feeling such as you’ve been transported to the Netherlands.
Should you’re round in Could, the Tulip Time pageant is one thing you’ll be able to’t miss. The city bursts into colour with hundreds of tulips in bloom, and the locals rejoice with parades, conventional dances, and Dutch treats. It’s a unbelievable method to expertise Dutch tradition with no transatlantic flight.
11. Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier, VT, looks like a slice of Europe tucked away in New England. It’s the smallest state capital within the U.S., however what it lacks in measurement, it makes up for in appeal. The city has this cool vibe with historic buildings that remind you of a quaint European metropolis.
While you’re right here, take a look at the native cafes and the small indie retailers. They offer Montpelier a novel character that’s onerous to seek out elsewhere. It’s straightforward to spend a day simply exploring and having fun with the laid-back ambiance.
What’s actually particular about Montpelier is its sense of group. The city hosts varied arts and cultural occasions all year long that carry locals and guests collectively, very similar to you’d discover in European cities. Plus, the encircling Inexperienced Mountains supply a picturesque backdrop that enhances the city’s quaint, old-world appeal.
Fascinated with a fast getaway? Montpelier may very well be the right spot. It’s relaxed, it’s lovely, and it has that European contact proper right here in America. Above all – it’s one of many coolest fall locations within the USA!
12. Amana Colonies, Iowa
Amana Colonies in Iowa is a kind of distinctive locations to go to within the US the place historical past feels alive and properly. This group of villages is an actual throwback, with roots in German heritage that also affect the realm right now.
As you stroll by way of the colonies, you’ll see authentic brick buildings and houses which have been fastidiously preserved. It’s like stepping right into a residing museum, however it’s all genuine. The craftsmanship and a spotlight to element within the structure are one thing you’d sometimes anticipate in an previous European city.
While you’re there, you must undoubtedly take a look at the native retailers. They’ve some wonderful handmade gadgets which are nice for presents or simply to choose up one thing distinctive for your self. And the meals is one thing else – it’s all selfmade and sticks to the standard recipes that have been introduced over by the unique settlers.
The Amana Colonies is likely one of the coolest American cities that really feel like Europe. It’s an ideal spot for a soothing day journey.
13. Bardstown, Kentucky
Bardstown, Kentucky, won’t be the primary place you consider while you hear “European vibe,” however it’s obtained an old-school appeal which may shock you. Often called the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bardstown presents much more than simply whiskey.
The downtown space is filled with historic buildings and a few severely cozy eating places and cafes. It’s the type of place the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a sluggish stroll, peeping into boutiques and stopping for a drink or a meal with out feeling rushed.
And the festivals listed here are top-notch. They’re not your common small-town gatherings. Assume massive, vibrant, and energetic, type of like what you’d discover in a energetic European city throughout a celebration.
Bardstown feels completely different from many locations within the US. It’s obtained a novel mix of Southern hospitality and historic sophistication that makes it definitely worth the go to.
Regularly requested questions (FAQs) about American cities that really feel like Europe
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What American metropolis is most like Europe?
Boston, Massachusetts, typically feels essentially the most like Europe on account of its historical past, structure, and structure. The cobblestone streets and historic buildings give it a distinctly European appeal, reminding a lot of cities like London or Paris.
What metropolis within the US is like Amsterdam?
San Francisco, California, shares many similarities with Amsterdam, particularly when it comes to its liberal tradition, love for bikes, and picturesque waterways. Plus, the laid-back vibe and thriving arts scene make it really feel very very similar to Amsterdam.
What a part of America seems most like Scotland?
The rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and mountainous landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, notably Oregon, are sometimes in comparison with Scotland. The local weather and pure surroundings make it a hanging resemblance to the Scottish Highlands.
What European metropolis is most like San Francisco?
Lisbon, Portugal, is incessantly in comparison with San Francisco on account of its hilly terrain, coastal setting, and historic trams. Each cities even have a vibrant cultural scene and are recognized for his or her iconic bridges.
