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Have you ever ever needed to expertise the magic of Europe with out leaving the US? You’re in luck! I’ve curated an inventory 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 entering into one other world, however proper in our yard!
At the moment, I’m thrilled to share my prime 13 picks for American cities the place you’ll be able to absorb Europe’s appeal with out crossing the ocean. These locations are excellent 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 would 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 affords 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 little bit Danish paradise that’s like stepping right into a European fairy story.
1. Solvang, California
Have you ever ever needed to expertise Denmark however didn’t wish to cope with the effort of worldwide journey? Nicely, you’ll find a slice of Danish life in Solvang, California.
Situated within the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is like strolling into a special world. The city is dotted with windmills and buildings that appear like they’ve been lifted straight from a Danish village.
As you wander by Solvang, you’ll discover the aroma of contemporary pastries filling the air. Undoubtedly attempt the Danish butter cookies from Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery. The native outlets 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. In case you’re up for a little bit of historical past, visiting the Elverhøj Museum of Historical past & Artwork is without doubt one of the finest issues to do on the town to dive deep into the Danish-American expertise.
In case you’re craving a European escape however your passport is out of attain, Solvang may simply be your subsequent finest 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 tens of millions of tulips blooming in each coloration conceivable. It’s like stepping right into a dwell portray!
Apart from 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 buy flour milled proper there—excellent for baking adventures again residence.
Don’t skip the downtown space both. It’s lined with distinctive outlets and comfortable cafes the place you’ll be able to seize a espresso and soak within the native vibe. And for those who’re up for it, take a stroll down the Dutch-inspired streets and swing by the picket shoe manufacturing facility to see how these iconic sneakers are made.
In case you’re searching for US cities that really feel like Europe, I extremely advocate visiting Holland, MI. It’s a livable city providing a fast break with a contact of worldwide aptitude.
3. Leavenworth, Washington
In case you’ve ever needed 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, for those who’re into out of doors actions, Leavenworth affords a number of the finest issues to do year-round. This covers the whole lot from climbing and river tubing in the summertime to snowboarding and snowshoeing within the winter.
Ensure that to take a look at the native festivals too. Oktoberfest here’s a blast with genuine German beer, music, and dancing. It’s an effective way to take in some German tradition proper right here within the U.S.
4. Helen, Georgia
Have you ever heard about Helen, Georgia? It’s like a little bit slice of Germany tucked away within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Significantly, the complete city is designed to appear like a Bavarian village, and it completely nails the vibe.
If you go to Helen, the very first thing you’ll discover is the structure. Each constructing, from the outlets to the eating places, has that traditional German fashion. It makes even a easy stroll round city really feel like a mini European getaway.
In case 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 without doubt 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
In case you’re searching for 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 course of America. It’s a type of locations within the US that appears like Europe.
The streets of New Glarus are dotted with Swiss flags and conventional Swiss structure that may make you are feeling such as you’ve stepped right into a village within the Alps. It’s quaint, charming, and extremely picturesque, excellent for many who love snapping distinctive pictures.
In case you’re into beer, you’ll be able to’t miss the New Glarus Brewing Firm. Their regionally 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 outlets provide some delectable Swiss treats that you just received’t wish to miss.
6. Vail, Colorado
Ever dreamed of snowboarding within the Alps? Vail, Colorado, could 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 evening is one other one of many finest 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 evening.
When the snow melts, Vail doesn’t lose its appeal. Summer time right here is lush and inexperienced, ultimate for climbing, biking, or simply having fun with a live performance outdoor towards the beautiful mountain backdrop.
So, for those who’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, arms down.
7. Lindsborg, Kansas
For a slice of Sweden within the US, you’ve gotta take a look at Lindsborg, KS. Affectionately often known as “Little Sweden”, this charming city holds tight to its Swedish roots and offers you a style of Scandinavia proper within the coronary heart of America.
Strolling by Lindsborg, you’ll really feel that Swedish affect all over the place. From the crimson and white Dala horses scattered round city to the normal Swedish festivals celebrated all year long, it’s a cultural deal with.
I’d advocate visiting Lindsborg in June for the annual The Midsummer Pageant. It’s a incredible expertise, bringing everybody collectively for some genuine Swedish folks dancing, music, and crafts.
And for those who’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 just received’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.
If you stroll by Frankenmuth, it appears like a step again in time. The principle road is lined with distinctive outlets and eateries, excellent for a day of exploration. Don’t miss out on visiting Bronner’s, the most important Christmas retailer on this planet, the place it’s Christmas daily of the yr. Think about the twinkling lights and the scent of contemporary pine — it’s a vacation lover’s paradise!
The city can be recognized for its hearty, family-style rooster dinners that you just actually ought to attempt. I all the time inform mates to attempt the rooster at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth. Plus, a riverboat cruise down the Cass River affords a soothing option to benefit from the scenic views.
Frankenmuth really ranks amongst these charming cities within the US that appear like Europe. It’s an ideal spot for a weekend getaway, the place you’ll be able to absorb a festive, Bavarian ambiance with out crossing an ocean.
9. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a type of locations that appears 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 may really feel that artistic spirit as you wander by 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 seashore! Carmel Seaside is unquestionably one of many prime points of interest on the town. It’s pristine and affords breathtaking sunsets which can be excellent for ending your day. In case 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 ideal spot for a soothing weekend the place you’ll be able to unplug and soak within the pure magnificence and inventive vibe.
10. Pella, Iowa
Pella is a little bit Dutch oasis proper within the coronary heart of the Midwest. This city prides itself on its sturdy Dutch heritage, which is clear all over the place you look. It’s one in every of my favourite locations to go to in Iowa, certainly.
If you go to Pella, the historic structure is the very first thing you’ll discover. The city has fantastically maintained buildings with Dutch architectural kinds and even a working windmill—the Vermeer Mill—that’s not only for present but in addition grinds grain. Strolling round, you are feeling such as you’ve been transported to the Netherlands.
In case you’re round in Could, the Tulip Time competition is one thing you’ll be able to’t miss. The city bursts into coloration with 1000’s of tulips in bloom, and the locals rejoice with parades, conventional dances, and Dutch treats. It’s a incredible option to expertise Dutch tradition and not using a transatlantic flight.
11. Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier, VT, appears 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 dimension, it makes up for in appeal. The city has this cool vibe with historic buildings that remind you of a quaint European metropolis.
If you’re right here, take a look at the native cafes and the small indie outlets. They offer Montpelier a novel character that’s arduous to search 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 deliver locals and guests collectively, very similar to you’d discover in European cities. Plus, the encircling Inexperienced Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop that enhances the city’s quaint, old-world appeal.
Excited about a fast getaway? Montpelier could possibly be the right spot. It’s relaxed, it’s stunning, 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 type of distinctive locations to go to within the US the place historical past feels alive and effectively. This group of villages is an actual throwback, with roots in German heritage that also affect the world immediately.
As you stroll by the colonies, you’ll see authentic brick buildings and houses which were rigorously preserved. It’s like stepping right into a dwelling museum, but it surely’s all genuine. The craftsmanship and a spotlight to element within the structure are one thing you’d usually anticipate in an previous European city.
If you’re there, you must undoubtedly take a look at the native outlets. They’ve some superb handmade gadgets which can be nice for items 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 normal recipes that have been introduced over by the unique settlers.
The Amana Colonies is without doubt 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 once you hear “European vibe,” but it surely’s bought an old-school appeal that may shock you. Referred to as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bardstown affords much more than simply whiskey.
The downtown space is full of historic buildings and a few critically 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. Suppose large, vibrant, and lively, type of like what you’d discover in a full of life European city throughout a celebration.
Bardstown feels completely different from many locations within the US. It’s bought 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, usually feels probably the most like Europe as a consequence of its historical past, structure, and format. 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 by way of 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 to be 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 placing resemblance to the Scottish Highlands.
What European metropolis is most like San Francisco?
Lisbon, Portugal, is steadily in comparison with San Francisco as a consequence 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.
