10 Breathtaking United States Destinations That Feel Like Europe

The United States with it’s diversity often conjures images of towering skyscrapers, sprawling deserts, and iconic landmarks. However it will surprise you to know that within its borders lie hidden gems that transport visitors to a European-inspired wonderland.

With its quaint villages nestled amidst rolling hills and majestic castles overlooking breathtaking landscapes, these destinations offer a taste of Old World charm without the need for a passport. These hidden treasures, scattered across the country, invite travelers to embark on a journey of discovery and immerse themselves in the beauty and history of Europe, all within the familiar comforts of home.

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth, located in the Cascade Mountains, boasts the enchanting atmosphere of a Bavarian village in the Alps. Many of the town’s structures feature half-timbered architecture, and colorful flower boxes which enhance its Germanic charm. The surrounding mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop reminiscent of the Bavarian countryside. In the winter, Christmas lights and festive markets create an even more magical atmosphere. Whether you’re shopping or embarking on a trek through the nearby mountains, Leavenworth leaves quite the impression.

Solvang, California

Fremont is a small town located in the Santa Ynez Valley in the state of California otherwise known as the Danish Capital of America. You find Danish style architecture and windmills here and you can also get Danish pastries from the bakeries. Take a walk through the streets with its Scandinavian like architecture, and taste the famed Danish cakes. There are souvenir shops around if you would like a trinket to take home with you. It’s a location that offers the best of a European experience while still within California’s borders.

New Glarus, Wisconsin

This canton named “America’s Little Switzerland” was created by Swiss people and maintains Swiss traditions. From features such as architecture of the houses, the Swiss flags, and yodeling festivals You can hardly tell that you are not in Switzerland. New Glarus Brewery is famous for its traditional beer styles. It is an intimate, perfect atmosphere which recreates the environment of Switzerland in the Midwest.

St. Augustine, Florida

St Augustine feels more like a European coastal city being the oldest city in the United States with its Spanish colonial buildings and a lot of sidewalks. This is complemented by the city’s fortress, Castillo de San Marcos, which lends caster a somewhat historicist air. The setting of the city of St. Augustine is very Spanish indeed and reminiscent of Mediterranean Europe.

Holland, Michigan

Holland in Michigan is a city with many connections to the Netherlands and each year in the second week of May, they celebrate the Tulip Time Festival. Its Dutch traditions and architecture such as the windmills, wooden shoe manufacturing factories and the famous tulip gardens give it a very European air. Take a walk in the Windmill Island Gardens and you will see an old Dutch windmill. Bright flowers in Holland in the Spring are a beautiful depiction of the Dutch province countryside.

Vail, Colorado

While the town thrives in skiing, the village of Vail, Colorado boasts a Bavarian style architecture reminiscent of an Austrian village. The automobile friendly city is dominated by a number of European styled hotel lodges, cozy baked cafes and snow touched mountains which look like a Tyrolean picture. During winter, the village is transformed by strings of lights and turned into après-ski location.

New Orleans, Louisiana (French Quarter)

The French Quarter in New Orleans quite uniquely holds the influences of French, Spanish and Creole and to all intents and purposes resembles the old European city. Iron balconies, sandy courtyards and the rousing color infusion put the guest right back in Euro colonial age. Walk around city streets: shake it to jazz rhythms, feel the atmosphere and taste the French creole cuisine. Italian food culture mixed with Spanish energy equals a taste of Europe.

Montpelier, Vermont

Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the United States, but you’ll find hints of France here and there. The town was named after Montpellier in France with beautiful, European architecture and designs, and tree lined streets. Recommended visiting times would be during early fall in order to experience the marvelous beauty of the season and the wonderful weather. It’s friendly atmosphere and small coffee shops make it look like some French village in New England area.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

This city located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean might as well be a southern European village with its cottages, cobblestoned streets and views on the ocean. It has quaint and traditional look coupled with adventure with art galleries, coffee shops and small specialty stores. Located by the sea with wonderful views of the ocean that is characteristic to Mediterranean coastal towns, walking through the main streets or at the shore can provide a captivating and relaxing activity.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth or “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” really makes you feel like you have been transported to Germany with its Bavarian facade of buildings and beer gardens. The town is known for delicious German cuisine such as chicken dinners and pretzels and other kinds of food. Christmas is a great time to visit especially since Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the World’s Largest Christmas Store, is located here. It is a popular destination known for its cheerful vibe and perfect for those who want to get a feel of Germany.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

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