Travel restrictions may be getting us down, but you don’t have to travel internationally to feel like you’ve escaped the country. These beautiful American towns have a European vibe that will leave you feeling like you are thousands of miles from home – no passports needed.
“A little slice of Denmark in Southern California”, Solvang is located just over two hours north of Los Angeles. This wine lover’s paradise feels like you’ve stepped into another world. The charming little town is nestled between rolling hills with Dutch-inspired architecture and shops serving traditional Danish snacks like aebleskivers.
RELATED: How Some American Travelers Are Using Loopholes To Enter Europe
Natchitoches often gets overshadowed by New Orleans, located four hours southeast. According to smithsonianmag.com, founded by French explorer Louis Juchereau de St. Denis in 1714, Natchitoches became the oldest permanent European settlement of the Louisiana Purchase territory. The historic landmark district has a district French feel, from the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the area’s first parish church, to the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, a replica of the original settlement.
Can’t make it to Italy this year? Check out Healdsburg, California, 20 minutes north of Santa Rosa and an hour and a half north of San Francisco. With its vast vineyards and Cyprus trees, this town looks strikingly similar to Tuscany. Many of the food options in the area also boast some fantastic Italian restaurants specializing in Tuscan cuisine.
RELATED: Europe Is Facing New Coronavirus Surge As Countries Ease Up Restrictions
Leavenworth, Washington, located 135 miles east of Seattle, is a small town that feels like a German village. From the green countryside to the architecture, you will feel like you have left American behind. Restaurants and breweries play the part by offering authentic dishes like würste and schnitzel.
Ever wanted to visit Sweden? Take a stroll through Lindsborg, known as “little Sweden”, to experience Heritage Square, a downtown grouping of seven historic structures, including a livery stable, wooden windmill and the Swedish Pavilion, which was brought over from Sweden and first displayed in St. Louis during the 1904 World’s Fair.