Cities in the U.S. that make you think you're in Europe

Feels most like: Greece

If you can't make it to Santorini this year, the next best thing just might be in Florida. This city on the gulf is known for three things: being the "sponge capital of the world" (yes, you heard us right); having 51 miles of pristine waterline; and its Greek heritage.  A legacy of the Greek sponge divers who settled here in the early 1900s, Greek eateries line the main street, Dodecanese Boulevard. Spend your time browsing art galleries, antique stores, and specialty shops housed in buildings that date back to the 1800s.

Feels most like: Denmark

Here in what is called the Danish Capital of America, you’ll find authentic old-world architecture, thatched roofs and windmills. Bonus: the movie Sideways was filmed here, which makes sense since this is the Santa Ynez Valley wine country. Come in September for Danish Days: three parades, folk dancing, music and even a Viking Encampment. And Julefest is a huge event here when Christmas approaches.

Feels most like: Germany

Cute as a button, this town has all the balconies, pitched roofs and red half-timbering of a Bavarian village far away. The rural feel of the Blue Ridge mountains, forestland and a river winding through all help to create the illusion of being in the Alps. For traditional German fare, eat at the three-story Heidelberg (with music hall and pub), the Hofbrauhaus, the Bodensee and others. Of course, there are breweries and wineries, and you can purchase a Black Forest cuckoo clock at the Bavarian Clockworks for a souvenir to remember your trip to “Germany.”

Feels most like: Switzerland

New Glarus, a 19th-century Swiss settlement that still prides itself on its chalet-style look and old-world charm, offers some of the very best beer, cheese and farms in the Midwest. Only-in-Wisconsin beers such as Spotted Cow, Moon Man and other New Glarus Brewing brews are worth the trek alone, but for the full effect visit the village during one of its annual events, like September’s Wilhelm Tell Festival, Oktoberfest celebrations, the Edelweiss bike tour, and the Swiss Volksfest (Swiss independence day). 

Feels most like: Holland

Established by Calvinist separatists who arrived in Michigan from the Netherlands in the mid-19th century, the town of Holland continues to celebrate its Dutch heritage. To go Dutch for the day, start with traditional pastries at deBoer Bakkerij. Afterward, head across town to Veldheer Tulip Gardens, where 6 million of the eponymous flowers explode into bloom each spring or opt for a leisurely stroll around Windmill Island Gardens, a picturesque park centered around a still-working Dutch windmill purchased by Holland residents in the 1960s (you can tour the five floors inside).

Feels most like: Germany

Inspired by the Cascade Mountains surrounding the town, Leavenworth was remodeled in the 1960s to resemble a German village. And the town didn't stop at aesthetics. In addition to architectural updates that turned the PNW city into a Bavarian-style village, restaurants serving German beer and food now line the main street, while The Nutcracker Museum displays 9,000 nutcrackers from 50 different countries, some dating back centuries. The town also engages in a series of European-inspired events; head to Leavenworth in the fall and winter for an Autumn Leaf Festival and the Christmastown festival where the town is lit up beautifully.

Feels most like: Spain

Founded on Florida’s Atlantic coast by Spanish colonizers in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the US and rivals any city in Spain for a beachy vacation. Among its oldest treasures are the imposing Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress with views of the St. Augustine Inlet, the oldest wooden schoolhouse, and The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where you can learn about the Spanish founders and the Native Americans who they displaced. Head to the Lightner Museum, a marvel of the Spanish Renaissance Revival style to see more antiquities. 

Feels most like: France and Spain

This city blends Spanish and French culture beautifully. Although the first residents after Native Americans were French, the architecture you find in the gorgeous French Quarter is actually...Spanish! That’s because early fires destroyed the original buildings. The city’s name harks to the city of Orleans in France, rescued from siege by Joan of Arc, whose statue now stands in the Vieux Carré. Here in this city where slave markets once operated, a Creole population formed with people of mixed European and Black descent. The food of that Creole heritage, which includes Native American roots, is delicious: try beignets for breakfast (or late at night) and the incredible and varied gumbos. Cajun food, too, from Canadian-French settlers who came to New Orleans, can be found in dishes like jambalaya. We love the Gumbo Shop with its handpainted murals inside: the wait for a table is definitely worth it.

Feels most like: Holland

A lot of Holland remains in this settlement founded by Dutch immigrants who made a town out of plains where there was simply a stake with a sign reading “Pella.” Tour the Historical Village of 22-period buildings with the Vermeer Windmill, find a second windmill nearby at the Sunken Gardens, visit the 1848 Scholte House, and dine and shop at many traditional spots. The three-day Tulip Time Festival happens in spring, with thousands of residents donning formal attire to celebrate their heritage. You can even catch craftsmen making wooden clogs.

Feels most like: England

The downtown here is a pleasure to walk, with multiple examples of half-timbered buildings that look like Shakespeare rented them back in the day. Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its Storybook architecture, and you’ll enjoy your day in the shire before wandering a few blocks down to the beach. Buy candy at the British style Cottage of Sweets and sleep at the quaint Lamp Lighter Inn, all with your trusty dog by your side in this dog-friendly town.

Feels most like: Germany

The town now known as Little Bavaria started with 15 colonists who pledged loyalty to Bavaria and to keep speaking German. You can go over the Holz Brücke covered wooden bridge, try the Bavarian Blacksmith Experience, visit the Castle Museum, come for the annual Volksläufe (people's race), and enjoy traditional architecture and signage throughout the city. Make sure to attend at Christmas time when the halls get Germanically decked.

Feels most like: Sweden

From the traditional red Swedish Dala horse painted on the water tower to a “herd” of the same cast in fiberglass and decorated by local artists—each foal’s birth is marked with a public unveiling—this town celebrates its heritage, founded in 1868 by Swedish immigrants. To be honest, the architecture doesn’t give much of a Swedish flair, but arrive at festival time to see folks take to the streets in traditional garb—and there are a lot of festivals in “Little Sweden USA!” Come for the annual Jenny Lind concert honoring the “Swedish Nightingale” soprano, the biennial October Svensk Hyllningsfest (held this year) with traditional food, folk dancing, music and smörgåsbord, and the March 25 Våffeldagen waffle festival, just to name a few.