Destinations in the USA that don’t feel like the USA

Americans who want to travel but are unable or unwilling to leave the country can find satisfaction in their own backyards. Many places in the United States have a foreign feel to them. Here are some unique destinations in the United States that fit the bill.

#1 Venice, Los Angeles, California

Ignore the palm trees and the exorbitantly priced multimillion-dollar homes. This area of Los Angeles shares many similarities with Venice, Italy. That is exactly what developer Abbot Kinney intended when he built the man-made canals. They are now protected because they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Walk along the canals and see the bridges and homes reflected in the water, almost like a Monet painting. It’s a nice break from the busier beach and boardwalk. Don’t forget to visit Abbot Kinney Boulevard for some of the best shopping in the area.

Accommodation in Venice, Los Angeles

#2 Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth, also known as the state’s Little Bavaria, is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive north of Detroit. It was founded in 1845 by German settlers from the Franconia region.

It has Bavarian inns and timbered homes in the German style. Plan your trip around the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival or, even better, Oktoberfest. Take advantage of the cold beer and hot bratwurst.

If you can’t make it to those celebrations, try to attend their annual World Beer Expo in May. When you visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, you can even celebrate the winter holidays all year. It is the world’s largest seasonal store.

Accommodation in Frankenmuth, Michigan

#3 Holland, Michigan

This city will transport you to the Netherlands. Tulips, windmills, and Dutch architecture can all be found here. This is because of the Dutch settlers who came here in the 1800s. Highlights include the Windmill Island Gardens, as well as a photo opportunity with the popular DeZwaan Windmill and the Dutch carousel.

Visit the iconic De Klomp Wooden Shoe and the Delftware Factory, where you can buy Dutch pottery and even traditional Dutch wooden shoes.

Accommodation in Holland, Michigan

#4 Vail, Colorado

This ski resort town is located at the base of the mountain that bears its name. The city’s founders, Earl Eaton and Pete Seibert, modeled it after Switzerland’s Zermatt. Seibert allegedly measured the width of Zermatt’s streets in order to replicate them in Vail.

This popular winter sports destination is still popular today. It has become a popular all-year destination, much like its sources of inspiration. It’s a great place for nature walks and hiking in the summer.

Accommodation in Vail, Colorado

#5 Little Havana, Miami, Florida

This is the city’s storied Cuban neighborhood, complete with hip bars, Cuban restaurants, and vibrant street art. Check out the popular Calle Ocho stretch for smoke shops specializing in hand-rolled cigars and traditional Cuban cafés. Check out the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, which features tributary plaques honoring Cuban actors, musicians, and other celebrities.

Visit Máximo Gómez Park, also known as Domino Park by many, where seniors get together to play dominoes and drink coffee. Make sure to try the Cuban cuisine as well. Try some sandwiches or traditional meat dishes, followed by a couple of Cuban cocktails.

Accommodation in Little Havana, Miami

#6 Lindsborg, Kansas

This tiny town in Kansas’ Smoky Valley, dubbed “Little Sweden USA,” was founded by Swedish immigrants in the 1800s. The town’s decorated Dala horses are the most popular attraction. The Dala Horse is a Swedish tradition. They are intricately painted model horses.

They could be laws or even gifts. Make sure to check out these multicolored fiberglass horses, as well as the other noteworthy artworks on display. The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery is also dedicated to the Swedish-American artist. It is an absolute must-see.

Accommodation in Lindsborg, Kansas

#7 The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada

The Venetian is a destination in and of itself. Of course, despite being modeled after the northern Italian city, it lacks some of the elegance and rich history of the real thing. Nonetheless, the people behind this popular Sin City property have paid close attention to detail in recreating everything from the Rialto Bridge to St Mark’s Square.

The most popular attraction here, according to travel writers, is a ride on one of the hotel’s gondolas. It includes a professional gondolier who will take you down the beautiful Grand Canal while singing a song. Naturally, for those who enjoy a bit of gambling, unlike in the real Venice, when your gondola docks, the bright and shiny lights, as well as seductive slots, will be waiting for you.

Rooms and prices

#8 Helen, Georgia

Helen is a slice of Bavaria nestled among the famed Blue Ridge Mountains. This small town of less than 600 people has half-timbered, gabled buildings and plenty of natural beauty. This place, like Bavaria, has a lot to offer visitors right outside its borders.

Hike the numerous nearby mountain and woodland trails. Do you require more? Visit the exciting Nacoochee Adventures adventure park, which features giant swings, high ropes classes, and zip lines.

Accommodation in Helen, Georgia

#9 Solvang, California

Last but not least, there is the city of Solvang. It is located in the Santa Ynez Valley, about an hour’s drive from Santa Barbara. Solvang is unlike any other destination in California.

It is frequently referred to as “a Danish village” by travel experts. It is what it is today because of the early Danish immigrants’ efforts. Windmills, bakeries, and half-timbered buildings abound, evoking the city’s history.

The popular Elverhj Museum of History and Art is a great place to learn about this unique location. Every September, the town also celebrates its Danish heritage with the Danish Days festival. Since 1936, it has featured traditional dance performances, as well as Scandinavian arts and crafts, food, and beverage.

Accommodation in Solvang, California

#10 Fredericksburg, Texas

This location in the heart of Texas combines the heart of Texas with the soul of Germany. Founded in the 1840s by German settlers. There is well-preserved German architecture here, as well as engaging exhibitions at the popular Pioneer Museum and annual events such as Oktoberfest.

Explore the Historic District, which includes the popular 19th-century Fredericksburg Memorial Library, as well as German-style restaurants, bakeries, and biergartens. Oh, and don’t forget that this location is also in Texas Wine Country.

Accommodation in Fredericksburg, Texas

#11 Tarpon Springs, Florida

This lesser-known city is located 45 minutes outside of the more well-known city of St Petersburg. The sign may say “Welcome to Tarpon Springs,” but your thoughts will be on Greece. They discovered a number of natural sponge beds in the surrounding waters in the early 1900s.

A community was formed when a large number of Greek sponge divers arrived. A major Mediterranean is still visible over a century later. Today, the city’s main draw is the local sponge docks.

Shopaholics will also appreciate a visit to Dodecanese Boulevard, where several shops sell the popular natural sponges. Make sure to try the fresh Greek and Mediterranean cuisine at one of the local restaurants. If you enjoy history or simply want to take a stroll after your meal, visit the charming Tarpon Springs Historic District.

Accommodation in Tarpon Springs, Florida

#12 St Augustine, Florida

This is the oldest city in the United States. The Spanish established it in the 1500s. This is reflected in both the architecture and the food. The Castillo de San Marcos is the most well-known historic site in the area.

This rugged Spanish fort is the oldest of its kind in the continental United States. It was established in 1695. The warm weather, beautiful beach, and unusually narrow lanes add to the Mediterranean feel.

Accommodation in St. Augustine, Florida

#13 Chimayó, New Mexico

This is said to be a “holy destination.” Thousands of believers make the pilgrimage here each year. It is 48 kilometers north of the popular Santa Fe. During the 1600s, Spanish immigrants established this town. Many impressive examples of early architecture can still be found today.

El Santuario de Chimayó is arguably the most well-known example. It is an exceptional adobe church that reportedly contains holy earth, which some believe has mysterious healing powers. It is also well-known for its weaving tradition, which dates back to the days of the first Spanish settlers. Make sure to try the local orange-red Chimayó chili as well.

Accommodation in Chimayó, New Mexico

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