US Towns With European Vibes

Going on a European holiday isn’t easy or cheap. If you want to experience the culture, cuisine, history and vibes of Europe without breaking the bank, here are a few towns throughout the states that can make that possible.

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is a small city located in the Cascade Mountains of central Washington state, in the United States. The city has a population of around 2,000 people and is known for its Bavarian-style architecture, which was adopted in the 1960s as a way to attract tourism to the area.

Leavenworth is situated in the Wenatchee River Valley and is surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and river rafting. The nearby Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities.

In addition to its outdoor attractions, Leavenworth is known for its many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Oktoberfest celebration in the fall, the Christmas Lighting Festival in the winter, and various music and art festivals in the summer. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters showcasing local talent.

New Glarus, Wisconsin

New Glarus is a small village located in Green County, in the southern part of the state of Wisconsin, in the United States. The village has a population of around 2,000 people and is known for its Swiss heritage and architecture.

The village was founded in 1845 by a group of Swiss immigrants, and today it still celebrates its Swiss heritage with annual festivals such as the Heidi Festival and the Wilhelm Tell Festival. New Glarus is also known for its Swiss-style chalets and buildings, which can be seen throughout the village.

The village has several museums, including the Swiss Historical Village and Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Swiss immigrants who founded the village. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing on the Sugar River State Trail, which passes through the village.

In addition to its history and outdoor recreation opportunities, New Glarus is also known for its beer. The New Glarus Brewing Company is a well-known craft brewery that produces a variety of award-winning beers, including the popular Spotted Cow. Visitors to the brewery can take tours and sample the beers in the on-site tasting room.

Solvang, California

Solvang is a small city located in Santa Barbara County, in the southern part of the state of California, in the United States. The city has a population of around 6,000 people and is known for its Danish-style architecture and heritage.

Solvang was founded in 1911 by a group of Danish immigrants, and today it still celebrates its Danish heritage with annual festivals such as Danish Days and Julefest. The city's architecture features traditional Danish-style buildings, including windmills and half-timbered houses.

The city has several museums, including the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, which showcases the history and culture of the Danish settlers. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and biking in the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains. In addition to its history and outdoor recreation opportunities, Solvang is known for its wineries and vineyards. The Santa Ynez Valley, where Solvang is located, is home to numerous wineries and tasting rooms, and visitors can enjoy wine tasting tours and events throughout the year.

Solvang also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and bakeries, many of which feature Danish-inspired cuisine and pastries. Visitors can sample traditional Danish treats such as aebleskiver (pancake balls), kringle (a pastry), and Danish-style hot dogs.

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is a city located in St. Johns County, in the northeastern part of the state of Florida, in the United States. The city has a population of around 14,000 people and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, historic landmarks, and beautiful beaches.

St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, making it the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States. The city's architecture features many Spanish colonial-style buildings, including the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress that is now a national monument.

St. Augustine has several museums, including the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, which showcases the history of the city's seafaring past. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, surfing, and fishing at the nearby Anastasia State Park, which features a beautiful beach and miles of nature trails.

In addition to its history and outdoor recreation opportunities, St. Augustine is known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife. The city's historic district features numerous shops and boutiques selling everything from handmade jewelry to local crafts. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, many of which feature fresh seafood and other local specialties.

St. Augustine is also home to several annual events and festivals, including the St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival, the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, and the St. Augustine Nights of Lights, a holiday light display that illuminates the city's historic district during the winter months.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth is a small city located in Saginaw County, in the eastern part of the state of Michigan, in the United States. The city has a population of around 5,000 people and is known for its Bavarian-style architecture, cultural heritage, and attractions.

Frankenmuth was founded in 1845 by a group of German immigrants, and today it still celebrates its Bavarian heritage with annual festivals such as Oktoberfest and the Bavarian Festival. The city's architecture features traditional German-style buildings, including timber-framed houses and colorful storefronts.

The city has several museums, including the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the German settlers. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing in the nearby Shiawassee River State Game Area.

In addition to its history and outdoor recreation opportunities, Frankenmuth is known for its shopping and dining. The city's charming streets are lined with shops and boutiques selling everything from handmade crafts to imported German goods. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, many of which feature traditional German cuisine and pastries.

Frankenmuth is also home to several popular attractions, including the world-famous Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the nearby Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, which bills itself as the world's largest Christmas store.