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Your passport may be screaming, “Stamp me,” but for the time being it will need to remain shut. You on the other hand, need not surrender your desire to see faraway places. The United States is a nation of immigrants and their presence can be felt everywhere, sometimes in the unlikeliest of places. Here are 8 spots that will make you feel like you’re in another country.
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Leavenworth, WA
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? You don’t actually have to speak German in this Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascade Mountains, but its German architecture is so authentic that you may want to bring a passport just in case. Like its European counterpart, Leavenworth is famous for its Christmas lights and holiday market so go when it’s snowy!
Distance from Seattle: 2 hrs, 12 mins
Las Vegas, NV
We know that Strip resorts like the Luxor and the Venetian are meant to resemble far off places, but we’re here to point you in the direction of Chinatown, a sprawling nabe full of pagoda-style architecture and easily the best kept secret in Vegas. This other strip is home to amazing Asian cuisine (not just Chinese) and locals hope you never find out about it. Oops!
New Glarus, WI
Don’t think you can come here and open a Swiss bank account, even though you might be tempted. This Midwest village is so proud of its Swiss heritage it dares to call itself Little Switzerland and is celebrating its 175th birthday this year. Admire New Glarus‘ Swiss architecture and see if you can spot the 16 cow sculptures placed around town (and manufactured in Zurich, of course). Be sure to stop by beloved New Glarus Brewery to pick up a six-pack of its famed Spotted Cow ale on the way out of town, and check to see if its beer garden (pictured) is open.
Distance from Milwaukee: 1 hr, 45 mins
Big Sur, CA
The woodsy cabins dotting Pacific Coast Highway are pure Americana, but the coastline screams Portugal’s Algarve Coast. Although the waters here are much cooler and the beaches less crowded than its famed European counterpart, what both places have in common are rugged coastline punctuated by craggy rock formations.
Distance from San Francisco: 2 hrs, 35 mins
St. Augustine, FL
America’s first city was founded by the Spanish, but that doesn’t mean dinner service at restaurants begins at 11pm here (trust us, it definitely doesn’t!). Nevertheless, enjoy St. Augustine‘s Spanish Renaissance architecture, cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. Another thing the city has in common with Spain? Fabulous beaches, of course.
Distance from Jacksonville: 45 mins
Bonneville Salt Flats, UT
Is your Insta feed feeling jealous of all those otherworldly photos of Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia, try juicing up the Prius and trekking on out west for a photo shoot at Bonneville, a densely packed salt pan in northwestern Utah. As with Uyuni, visiting after a rainstorm provides an irresistible mirroring effect. Your followers will love it!
Distance from Salt Lake City: 1 hr, 30 mins
Solvang, CA
Little Copenhagen? New Denmark? All are titles befitting this Danish-inspired hamlet located a stone’s throw from HWY 101 as its twists through California’s Central Coast. Solvang‘s Danish-style architecture and pastry shops are legit although we’re guessing the windmills are just for show. Check out nearby wineries and Ostrichland USA!
Distance from Los Angeles: 2 hrs, 20 mins
Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID
Even when there’s no pandemic sweeping the globe, you can’t exactly whisk away to a vacation on the moon. Nevertheless, we had to include this one for its breathtaking lunar-like landscapes—but with oxygen! If you think Idaho is merely the land of potatoes, Craters of the Moon will take your breath away.
Driving distance from Boise: 2 hrs, 45 mins
Jason Heidemann, Travelocity Staff Writer
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There is also Helen, GA which is a quaint Bavarian styled village in the Georgia mtns.
I went to Helen, GA many years ago. I loved it there. Thanks for mentioning it Donna! 😊
Great article and enjoyed reading! Please do another on this subject with places in the Northeast. Thanks much!
Great article! More of these unique places, please…
I went to Helen, GA many years ago. I loved it there. Thanks for mentioning it Donna! 😊
Great article and enjoyed reading! Please do another on this subject with places in the Northeast. Thanks much!
Interesting concept. Would like to go to New Glarus
Just what i was looking for! thank you
New Orleans!
Been to Craters of the Moon. It was great!
Going to try St Augustine next.
Nice compilation. I’ve been to all but one. Also I would consider Poulsbo, WA. Founded by Norwegian fisherman and still maintains a gentle Norwegian quaintness.
Lived there and couldn’t agree more. Lots of neat places to visit around this area too.
Not many interest me. St. Augustine is a gem.
Why no Santa Fe, New Mexco
Pella, Iowa is a quaint city with authentic Dutch architecture and bakeries, even traditional windmills and a canal!
I also recommend if you want to go to another place AND time go tour the amazing Parthenon in Nashville Tn. There is not much left of the original in Athens Greece. But this is the world’s only true to original specs re-creation of the ancient wonder. Plus the 40 foot Athena covered in gold is a must see .
nice day, wot?
Tarpon Springs, FL near Tampa makes you feel like you went to a Greek island for a day.
What about the Amana Colony in Iowa? It’s pretty neat and open to tourists. Has bats in a beer garden, etc.