Do you long to walk along cobblestone streets or sip wine in a medieval square, but maybe you lack an updated passport? Maybe you don’t have time or the means to go abroad, and/or have responsibilities, like young children at home. Well, we’re delivering exactly what you’re looking for today! Whether you’re craving Holland’s tulips or the sponge docks of Greece, there are plenty of European cities in America where you can get that taste of Europe. Today, we are sharing our favorites. Best of all, you won’t need a passport, AND there’s no jet lag or costly airfare!
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1. Leavenworth, Washington: A Bavarian Fairytale
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains is the picturesque Town of Leavenworth. Walking through this town feels like stepping straight into the German Alps, even though you’re only 120 miles east of Seattle. Things to indulge in here are German beer, bratwurst, sausages, and Bavarian pretzels. Things to do here include hiking, wine tasting, and taking a horse and carriage ride. The kids will also love the Leavenworth Adventure Park, where they can go mining, rock climbing, or go on an alpine coaster.
Also, don’t miss the year-round festivals held here. This is a great place to go for Oktoberfest to celebrate with traditional dancing, a stein-holding competition, and a street fair. If you’ve been missing out on European Christmas Markets, this is a great place to go in the winter. Leavenworth turns into a Christmas wonderland every year with sledding, sleigh rides, and delicious gingerbread cookies. There’s even a reindeer farm where you can feed the reindeer!
2. Helen, Georgia: An Alpine Village in Appalachia
For another German alternative, try the tourist town of Helen, GA. It’s an adorable Bavarian village nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains about an hour and a half north of Atlanta. For something really fun and unique, try tubing down the river that goes smack through the village!
In addition, there are many hiking trails and waterfalls. (We recommend hiking to Anna Ruby Falls and Helton Creek Falls.) We also recommend going to Nacoochee Adventures for their zipline attraction and obstacle challenge!
3. Solvang, California: Danish Delights in Wine Country
Located in Santa Ynez, close to Santa Barbara wine country, is the cutest little Danish town called Solvang. If you’ve ever wished to experience Copenhagen’s windmills and culture (and of course, danishes), you can do that here! And be sure to try Aebleskiver, which are Danish pancake balls!
For things to do here, skip the Solvang Trolley in favor of the Solvang Food and Photo Tour instead. We feel that this is a much better guided tour with windmills, food, wine, and beer tastings all included. Solvang also has many events during the year. We recommend going to Danish Days, a three-day celebration held in September. Past events for Danish Days have included axe throwing, parades, Danish dancing, windmill Lego building contests, and more!
4. Holland, Michigan: Tulips & Windmills
Have you dreamed of going to the Netherlands and seeing the tulips bloom in the springtime? Well, now you can, in Holland, Michigan. Yes, that’s the town’s name! Immigrants who settled here from the Netherlands brought with them their Dutch architecture and even tulip bulbs. Each spring, this town bursts into color as it celebrates its Tulip Time Festival, with over 100,000 vibrant tulips, echoing the famous fields of the Netherlands. Don’t miss the Nelis’ Dutch Village theme park for some rides and a petting farm! Your younger children will love this!
5. Frankenmuth, Michigan: Germany’s Christmas Town
Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth is located about 90 miles north of Detroit. This town delivers on its nickname with Bavarian architecture, giant pretzels, lederhosen, and authentic German hospitality. There is a festive, immersive taste of Europe here as you stroll through cobblestone-style village shops or listen to polka in the town square. Don’t miss a visit to Bronner’s, Christmas Wonderland (the world’s largest Christmas store), while you’re here for some personalized ornaments to commemorate your trip!
6. St. Augustine, Florida: A Spanish Colonial Treasure
Known as our nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine is full of Old World charm with old forts, Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages. St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States, predating Jamestown and Plymouth Rock. While here, try out Odd Birds Bar for its unique atmosphere, drinks, and beautifully presented food.
7. Ouray, Colorado: The True Switzerland of America
Ouray, Colorado mirrors a Swiss mountain range and is often referred to as the “Switzerland of America.” This area is located in the San Juan Mountains in the southwestern section of Colorado and is known for its appeal to nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Things to do here include ice climbing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and ATV adventures.
After a day of hiking to see waterfalls and maybe a jeep tour, we recommend staying in The Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodging! Here you will find a combination of geothermal springs, a historic lodge, and one of the most unique spa experiences in the U.S., a natural vapor cave. The Vapor Cave is a natural underground cave with a hot soaking pool inside. The cave fills up with mineral-rich steam, creating a natural steam room experience, and it’s deeply relaxing.
Chocolate lovers rejoice! We recommend stopping by Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee to grab some coffee and truffles. They are made from the finest Belgian chocolate, and they are delicious!
8. Telluride, Colorado: Swiss Luxury Meets Rugged Beauty
About an hour and a half drive from Ouray is Telluride, Colorado, one of the most stunning and unique mountain destinations in the U.S.! Telluride is a quaint, walkable, historic mining town turned world-class mountain resort with many hiking trails and outdoor sports as well. From here, we recommend taking the free 15-minute gondola ride up to Mountain Village to explore the European-style ski village with luxury hotels, condos, and dining. This makes a great base for summer hiking and mountain biking.
9. Tarpon Springs, Florida: A Taste of Greece
Next up is Greece. While this place does not look like Santorini, it indeed does have a cute vibe that reflects a little taste of Greek culture. Tarpon Springs, known as the “Sponge Capital of the World”, is home to the largest Greek-American population per capita in the U.S. It’s a small, quaint little coastal town on the west coast of Florida, famous for its sponge diving industry that was developed by Greek immigrants in the early 1900s. The city has Greek restaurants, bakeries, markets, Orthodox churches, and cultural festivals throughout the year. We can wholeheartedly recommend Hellas Restaurant & Bakery. Pro Tip: Be sure to make reservations if coming here during the summer. You WILL want an inside table, because the Florida heat is sweltering. We learned the hard way!
10. Charleston, South Carolina: Southern Charm Meets European Elegance
Charleston, South Carolina, was founded in 1670 and has a heavy influence of British, French, and Spanish settlers. As you stroll through the historic downtown area and the French Quarter, you will see cobblestone streets, colorful stucco buildings, and wrought-iron balconies. There are walkable squares, hidden courtyards, tea shops, wine bars, and horse-drawn carriages.
For accommodations, we recommend staying in the Wentworth Mansion, located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. This mansion was built in 1886 and features Tiffany stained glass, marble fireplaces, and beautiful woodwork. Steps from the main house, guests can dine at Circa 1886 Restaurant, which is in the mansion’s original carriage house.
So, who says you need to cross the Atlantic for a European adventure? With these towns scattered across the U.S., you can channel French, German, Dutch, Swiss, Spanish, and Greek vibes without packing a passport. Which one will you explore first? Drop your favorite in the comments!
If you enjoyed this post about Europe, maybe you would like to experience the real deal. Check out our post on “How to Plan the Best 10 Day Trip to Italy.”
