TripIt surveyed over 3000 users in order to figure out where Americans were planning to go on vacation after the pandemic ends. The overwhelming response to that question was Europe. However, people said that if they couldn’t get to Europe, they were willing to take a domestic trip inside the U.S. instead. To make both dreams a reality, here’s a list of the most European-feeling cities in the United States to help pretend until international travel is once again up and running.
Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier, Vermont
The capital of Vermont is very quintessential New England with slightly western, funky, and European vibes all in one. The State and Main Streets buildings remind us of dusty Denver saloons. Its name harkens back to America’s strong early friendship with France, which explains why it feels a bit like a French countryside. It also has farmers market, little shops, and rolling green hills, all tied together with European architecture.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth was redesigned in the 1960’s in order to look more German. It really looks like a little Bavarian mountain village. It brings in millions of tourists per year for that exact reason. The German-Americans who lived here really made it feel quite authentic, with Oktoberfest celebrations and a Nutcracker Museum to boot.
Leavenworth, Washington
Solvang, California
Close to Santa Barbara you can find Solvang, which is a small city that is quite Danish. It was originally settled by the Spanish, Danish-Americans quickly took over at the turn of the 20th century. They wanted to start a Danish colony that was far away from the rest of America. A Lutheran church was built, and the rest is history. The windmills, half-timber architecture, Hans Christian Anderson odes, and even visits from the Danish royals make it feel really like a little Denmark right in California.
Solvang, California
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is actually the oldest city in the U.S., beating out New York and Boston as well as Jamestown and Williamsburg. The Spanish influenced city was allegedly founded by Ponce de Leon when he was looking for the Fountain of Youth. He left behind a gorgeous settlement that preserves the wealth of Spanish Renaissance architecture. You can see the influences if you visit Castillo de San Marcos and the colonial Spanish quarter.
St. Augustine, Florida
Holland, Michigan
Well, this one is a bit of a giveaway, but Holland, Michigan really lives up to its name. It is a quaint and charming little city full of cobblestones that will remind you of traipsing around a European village. There are also windmills and tulip gardens just like in the European Holland. This is the perfect place for a spring trip.
Holland, Michigan