Europe is undeniably alluring. It also requires a plane ride and—as this past summer’s travel chaos emphasized—can be a bit of a headache to reach.
If you can’t drag your kids to another continent for vacation, you don’t have to miss out on the European experience entirely. Throughout North America there are towns that feature traditional European architecture, festivals, food, and music. That means you may not even need a passport to walk around a Bavarian village, enjoy traditional French pastries or attend a German folk festival.
Some of these destinations are campy and fun; others seriously sophisticated. Some are internationally known, others local favorites. They all offer families some Continental flair—and in many cases, don’t require you to exchange your dollars. Here are seven of our favorites.
Guanajuato, Mexico
There are many reasons to visit Mexico—including incredible food, beaches and culture. For a taste of Europe, head to Guanajuato, in the mountains of central Mexico. The UNSECO World Heritage site was founded by the Spanish in the early 16th Century as a silver mining town. Spanish-style mansions and cathedrals built to serve the town’s wealthy silver barons can still be seen today. The old city has miles of winding, cobblestone streets—including the Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss) named because it’s narrow enough for a couple to kiss across balconies. It’s common for wandering musicians to entertain visitors at the town’s sidewalk cafes adding to the European vibe. visitmexico.com
Holland, Michigan
This town in Western Michigan was founded by Dutch settlers in the mid-19th century, and within a few decades had become a tourist destination. At that time, visitors came to see the beaches and sand dunes (Holland is very close to Lake Michigan). Today, they’re more interested in the Dutch Village theme park, the annual Tulip Time festival, and downtown’s charming architecture. holland.org
Leavenworth, Washington
The mountain town of Leavenworth, Washington greets visitors with warm “Willkommen!” In 1860, German settlers arrived in search of fortune, but the town soon fell into economic decline. A hundred years later, the town decided to embrace its past and revitalize the city based on the German towns of Bemalte Fassaden, Leipzig, and Munich. Leavenworth now resembles a picturesque Alpine town and hosts festivals including Oktoberfest and Holy Schnitzel! In the summer, enjoy authentic German beers at the town’s biergarten while listening to traditional Bavarian folk music. During winter, experience a traditional German Christmas everyday in December. leavenworth.org
New Glarus, Wisconsin
Also known as “Little Switzerland,” this town in southern Wisconsin was founded by Swiss immigrants from the canton of—what else—Glarus. It features chalet-style architecture, festivals that celebrate Swiss heritage and specialty shops that sell a variety of Swiss products. It’s one of the few places to get the highly coveted New Glarus beer, which visitors can try at the town’s very own Oktoberfest. It’s also a great place to try traditional Swiss dishes including raclette, fondue and muesli. swisstown.com
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans was settled by the French, taken over by the Spanish, and then returned to the French again. The vibrant city still reflects its deep European roots. Spanish and French influences can be seen all over town—in architecture, food, festivals, and more. Take a history tour, explore the French Quarter, binge on beignets or catch some beads at Mardi Gras for a European vacation in the heart of Louisiana. neworleans.com
Québec City, Canada
Quebec City’s old town looks and feels just like a European city—and not just because French is the official language. The 400-year-old city is surrounded by a fortified wall, and there are endless cafes and cobblestone streets. Visit Notre-Dame-de-Québec Cathedral, which dates back to the 1600s, the 19th-century stone Parliament building and the Chateau Frontenac, an imposing hotel that resembles a medieval chateau in France’s Loire Valley. UNESCO has recognized Old Québec, naming it a World Heritage Site. quebec-cite.com
Solvang, California
Southern California’s climate is very different from Scandinavia’s. Nonetheless, there is a Danish town in the Santa Ynez valley, about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara. Founded in 1911, today it is home to traditional architecture, six iconic windmills, and a horse-drawn trolley—in addition to boutiques, inns, and restaurants. In September Solvang hosts the Danish Days festival, with ax throwing, concerts, folk dancing, and more. solvangusa.com
