It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s seven must-visit European-looking U.S. towns.
No, you’re not in Bavaria. Frankenmuth, Michigan, features Bavarian- and Franconian-style architecture, pointing to the city’s German roots and dating back to 1845. In addition to an annual Oktoberfest, this city also hosts a Bavarian festival. Be sure to visit Zehnder’s Holzbrücke (a covered wooden bridge) and The Frankenmuth Historical Museum to fully immerse yourself in German culture. © Kenneth Sponsler | Dreamstime.com
You can be in the South and still feel as if you’re within the heart of Germany thanks to Helen, Georgia’s, take on a traditional Bavarian alpine town. Helen hosts an annual Volkswagen and Audi event, honoring the Worthersee Tour in Austria. Of course, the town also features an exciting Oktoberfest festival. Expect to find charming shops and German-style restaurants and pubs lining the streets. © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com
Also in Michigan, Holland is a Dutch-American city founded in the 19th century by Dutch Calvinist separatists. The city’s rich Dutch heritage can be seen and experienced even today, from its annual Tulip Time Festival to The Holland Museum. On Windmill Island, located within Holland, you’ll find De Zwaan, an original, 250-year-old Dutch windmill. © Ronald L | Dreamstime.com
Leavenworth, Washington, is modeled on a German Bavarian village. Almost all of the city’s buildings resemble an Alpine German theme, even chain retailers and fast-food restaurants. Leavenworth is home to Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum and hosts a yearly Oktoberfest. Beautiful year-round, the city especially takes on a magical look around Christmas, complete with lights and a large Christmas tree. © Wirestock | Dreamstime.com
Known as “The Danish Capital of America,” Solvang, California, sits in the Santa Ynez Valley. Settled by Danish-Americans in 1911, Solvang transports visitors to the heart of Denmark. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum, Elverhøj Museum and Danish Days event can be found in Solvang, and many buildings take on Danish Provincial-style architecture and façades. Solvang has been visited by Danish royals like Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Ingrid, as well as Princess Margrethe of Denmark. © Valentin M Armianu | Dreamstime.com
As the oldest continuously inhabited, European-established settlement in the country, St. Augustine, Florida, takes visitors back to 16th-century Spain. The city retains its Spanish and colonial layout and architecture, from Castillo de San Marcos fort to historic, terraced buildings lining popular St. George Street. Don’t miss sites like Lightner Museum, Spanish Military Hospital Museum, Ximinez-Fatio House and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse. © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com
You don’t have to fly to Europe to ski and relax in a Bavarian-style atmosphere. Vail, Colorado, draws thousands of travelers every winter thanks to its luxurious ski resorts and many ski trails. Vail town was modeled after Bavarian village styles, complete with pedestrian streets, all of which is surrounded by white mountains. © Radomír Režný | Dreamstime.com
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