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Which destinations in the U.S. feel like Europe? Here are six places that will transport you to Europe without leaving the United States!
With the cost of international flights skyrocketing by more than 30% and international travel up 200% overall compared to last year, this summer travel season in Europe is sure to be a busy one.
Rather than going to Europe, here are six destinations in the United States that feel like Europe:
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of the most European-inspired cities in the United States. It actually has a mixture of French, Spanish, and African-American influences, giving it a unique and diverse culture.
Strolling through the French Quarter will transport you to another place and time. New Orleans is also home to the oldest Catholic cathedral still in use in the United States, the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral.
Tourists in New Orleans can enjoy the city’s vibrant culture by enjoying beignets at a sidewalk cafe or spending the evening in a jazz club.
2. Solvang, California
Solvang is a small Danish-inspired town in the Santa Ynez Valley of Southern California. Located about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles or forty minutes from Santa Barbara, it makes a great day trip.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a little Danish town in Solvang, which was founded by a group of Danish Americans who wanted to escape the cold Midwestern winters in 1911.
The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art explores the town’s Danish heritage, while the Hans Christian Andersen Museum is dedicated to the famous Danish children’s author.
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3. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States. Founded in 1630, this Northeastern city has played an important part in American history, especially during colonial times and the Revolutionary War.
While many parts of Boston look just like any other modern American city, you’ll also find tons of historic squares, quaint colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and hidden alleys throughout Boston that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.
This historic center of Boston is also fairly compact and walkable, giving it a more European feel.
4. Leavenworth, Washington
If you want to be transported straight to Bavaria without leaving the United States, just go to Leavenworth, Washington.
Located less than 2.5 hours from Seattle by car, Leavenworth is a great year-round destination in the Cascade Mountains. It’s filled with Alpine-style architecture, German restaurants, and quaint shops.
Unlike some of the other destinations on this list, Leavenworth has no specific ties to Germany. Rather, it was transformed into a Bavarian-style village in the 1960s as a way to boost tourism.
5. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia is one of the most beautiful historic cities in the United States. Founded in 1733, this Southern city is full of Old World charm.
Much of this is due to downtown Savannah’s highly walkable layout, which is dotted with 22 public squares filled with live oak trees and fountains.
The historic architecture of Savannah also lends to its European feel. The city is a great destination for dining, shopping, art, and nightlife.
6. St. Augustine, Florida
Finally, one of the best destinations in the U.S. that feels like Europe is St. Augustine. This Florida city holds the distinction of being the oldest city in the United States.
It was founded by the Spanish in 1565, and vestiges of the Spanish colonial period can still be seen today, like at the impressive Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
St. Augustine also feels very European with its cobblestone streets and the grand architecture of Flagler College, which is located in the historic center of the city.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com