What bucket list is not complete without traveling abroad around the continent of Europe? Well, everyone dreams of traveling across Europe and experiencing the beauty of it all from the romance in France, the wine country of Italy, the festiveness of Spain, and the fun from the Dutch. A place where so much lies in every corner makes Europe a hot spot for every travelers bucket list. However, this comes with a hefty price tag but what if you could get your dose of Europe without even leaving the U.S. That’s right, here are 7 U.S. cities that you should travel to and find yourself indulged in Europe.
- Pella, IA is the place to be if you are feeling the Dutch experience of The Netherlands. This is Europe’s hiding place, right in Pella, IA. From Dutch-style architecture, the Vermeer Mill located by Central Park. Try to make it to Pella in May during the Tulip Time Festival and stay at the Royal Amsterdam Hotel. During this time the festival is filled with Dutch attire, dancing, food, parades, and of course tulips. Oh yeah, don’t forget to go to Vander Ploeg for a crème horn or some Dutch apple bread!
- Lindsborg, KS is the place for Sweden. The Swedish Pavilion, a part of the 1904 World’s Fair and be sure to watch the wild dala horses roaming around Main Street. Go in the fall for the biennial Svensk Hyllningsfest, filled with Swedish celebrations of food, costumes, music and dancing.
- New Glarus, WI is all Switzerland. From yodeling, to the alpine-style architecture and endless stream of cultural events like the Heidi Golk Fest makes you feel like you are right in Europe.
- Tarpon Springs, FL is just like an escape to Greece. Greek immigrants made their mark here in Tarpon Springs in the 20th century and still remains the highest Greek population of Greek-Americans. Don’t forget the stops to Mykonos or Rusty Bellies for Greek eats along the way but save room for chocolate-covered baklava from Hellas Bakery.
- Kansas City, MO for Spain. The Country Club Plaza in KCMO has a Spanish ambiance without the price ticket of traveling to Spain. This district was architecturally designed to replicate the city of Seville, and is complete with towers, ornate tile roofs, and sprawling courtyards. Take a romantic gondola ride on Brush Creek or a horse carriage ride.
- Leavenworth, WA is complete replica of Germany. A scenic two-hour drive from Seattle will take you to this small town, nestled in the mountains of Washington. Leavenworth is actually modeled after a small Bavarian village, and it makes the great holiday escape in the fall and winter months. Oktoberfest brings crowds for German beer, food, and events.
- West, TX is the Czech Republic. A perfect road trip from Dallas and Austin, West remains influenced by Czech immigrants who settled the space in the late 1800s. Czech stop, off I-35, is a popular spot for kolache, a traditional yeast roll stuffed with either sweet or savory fillings. A browse through the Olde Czech Corner Antiques is a great stop for traditional items from the Eastern European country. If you can make it to West-Fest, a weekend long celebration of all things Czech and Polka would be a great time to visit.
