16 Unique American Spots That Look, Feel Like You’ve Left The Country

Places you won't believe are in the USA

These spots may feel a world away from the USA, but they're actually right within its borders. From charming German-style towns tucked into picturesque landscapes to lively cities bursting with Spanish flair, explore the unexpected places that offer a taste of Europe without leaving American soil.

Read on for our roundup of destinations you won't believe are in the US... 

Holland, Michigan

Holland is a fitting name for this pretty Michigan city. You'll feel as though you've been whisked away to the Netherlands as you soak in windmills, tulips and Dutch-style architecture downtown. Dutch settlers came to this area back in the 1800s and the charming place fiercely guards this aspect of its history.

Holland, Michigan

There are many ways to discover Dutch heritage in the city. Windmill Island Gardens (open mid-April to early October) is the USA's answer to the Netherlands' Keukenhof. Take a snap outside the DeZwaan windmill, wander through flower-filled gardens and spot sights like the Dutch carousel. Other highlights include the De Klomp Wooden Shoe and Delftware Factory, which sells traditional Dutch wooden shoes and pottery.

Poulsbo, Washington

It’s easy to see why Norwegian settlers were drawn to this scenic part of the Pacific Northwest, with its water and mountains reminiscent of their homeland. Known as Little Norway, Poulsbo sits on the Kitsap Peninsula overlooking Liberty Bay and has a history dating back to the 1880s when a community of Norwegians established a thriving fishing and farming settlement here.

Poulsbo, Washington

Norwegian remained the primary language of the town well into the 20th century. Today, Poulsbo hosts several annual festivals celebrating its Scandinavian heritage, including Viking Fest in May and Julefest during the holiday season. These events feature parades, traditional music and dance, and Nordic cuisine.

The Parthenon, Nashville, Tennessee

Think Nashville is all cowboy boots and country music? Think again. In Nashville's Centennial Park sits a full-size replica of Rome's Parthenon. Constructed in the late 19th century, it was originally intended as a temporary structure to mark Tennessee’s Exposition in 1897 but it was so popular it stayed. However, the building is made from concrete, unlike the original, which was marble. 

The Parthenon, Nashville, Tennessee

The interior houses a monumental statue of Athena Parthenos, crafted by renowned American sculptor Alan LeQuire. This impressive statue stands 42 feet tall and is covered in gold leaf, depicting Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare. The monument also serves as an art museum, featuring a permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century American paintings as well as rotating exhibitions. 

Fredericksburg, Texas

Fredericksburg proudly describes itself as having a Texas heart with a German soul, since it was established by German settlers in the 1840s. The city still wears its German heritage on its sleeve, with beautifully preserved German-style architecture and events such as Oktoberfest. 

Fredericksburg, Texas

The Historic District has sights such as the 19th-century Pioneer Memorial Library (pictured) and many German-style restaurants, bakeries and biergartens (beer gardens) dotted around. Fredericksburg is also in the heart of Texas Wine Country, with wineries and the vineyards around its periphery.

St Augustine, Florida

Regarded as the oldest city in the United States, St Augustine has plenty to offer history buffs. The city was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and its buildings offer clues to the past. Foodies will appreciate the Spanish influence on St Augustine's culinary scene – here restaurants run the gamut from intimate tapas joints to elegant seafood spots. 

Liking this? Click on the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

St Augustine, Florida

Castillo de San Marcos is the city's best-known historic site. A hulking Spanish fort dating back to 1695 (the oldest of its kind in the continental US) it offers visitors the chance to learn more about Spanish colonial rule during this turbulent time in history. Explore this National Monument by self-guided tour, experience living history with volunteers in period dress and watch musket or cannon demonstrations. Beyond the history, the breathtaking beach, balmy weather and narrow lanes offer an extra taste of the Mediterranean.

Leavenworth, Washington

A curious find in the heart of the Cascades, Leavenworth offers a taste of Germany's Bavaria. Originally home to the Yakama, Chinook and Wenatchi tribes, and later a bustling settlement for gold and timber seekers, the town faced near extinction when the railroad re-routed. In the 1960s, town leaders revitalized Leavenworth with a Bavarian theme and made it a go-to destination – it now draws over one million visitors annually. 

Leavenworth, Washington

German-style joints serve bratwurst and schnitzel, the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum (a museum dedicated to nutcrackers) and local breweries. The city also hosts a mammoth Oktoberfest celebration in autumn with beer gardens, dancing and music to enjoy.

Venice, Los Angeles, California

If you look past the palm trees (and the multimillion-dollar homes) this pocket of Los Angeles is not too dissimilar from Venice. In fact, that was exactly what developer Abbot Kinney intended when he constructed the man-made canals in homage to the Italian city. Now these beautiful waterways are protected as part of the National Register of Historic Places. 

Venice, Los Angeles, California

The best way to explore the area is to take a stroll along the canals, spotting mansions reflected in the water and arching bridges that could be pulled straight from a Monet painting. The district offers the perfect respite from Venice's bustling beach and boardwalk. When you've finished wandering, head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard for some of the best shopping in the area.

Vail, Colorado

The USA has its fair share of beautiful ski destinations and many could pass for the charming towns of the Alps. One such spot is Vail, a Colorado town and ski resort set at the foot of namesake Vail Mountain. In fact, Vail's founders, Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton, reportedly modeled the place after destinations such as Switzerland's Zermatt.

Vail, Colorado

It's said that Seibert even measured the width of Zermatt's streets so he could replicate them as closely as possible in his own skier's paradise. Today, Vail is a quaint haven for lovers of winter sports but, just like its European counterparts, it has also established itself as a year-round destination. In summer, its bucolic surroundings are ideal for hiking.

Helen, Georgia

Helen, in the state of Georgia, proudly touts itself as having all the charm of Bavaria, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gabled, half-timbered buildings fill the town, which has less than 550 residents and natural beauty in spades. 

Helen, Georgia

True to Bavaria itself, the town has plenty to offer lovers of the outdoors beyond its limits. There are many hiking trails through woodland and mountains, and thrill-seekers should also spend some time at Nacoochee Adventures, an adventure park with zip lines, high ropes and giant swings.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

Some 45 minutes north of St Petersburg, the little-known Floridian city of Tarpon Springs is often compared to Greece. In the early 20th century, natural sponge beds were discovered in the waters around here. This led to the arrival of many Greek sponge divers and a community flourished. More than a century on, this Mediterranean influence is still tangible.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

The city's principal attraction is the sponge docks. Along Dodecanese Boulevard you can find shops selling the natural sponges that brought Greek immigrants here in the first place, and restaurants serving fresh Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Beyond the waterfront, the Tarpon Springs Historic District is another nice area for a stroll.

Chimayo, New Mexico

Considered a sacred destination and typically attracting thousands of pilgrims each year, Chimayo is situated some 30 miles north of Santa Fe. The town was settled by the Spanish in the 17th century and some impressive examples of the early architecture remain. The most impressive of all is the El Santuario de Chimayo (pictured) an adobe church that contains holy earth thought to have healing powers. 

Chimayo, New Mexico

Chimayo is also still known for its weaving tradition, a custom which dates back to the early Spanish settlers, and shops and galleries are teeming with intricate woven goods. The famed orange-red Chimayo chili, which is grown only here, is hung from shop porches.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Another Bavarian bolthole, Frankenmuth is around a 1.5-hour drive north of Detroit. Established by German settlers from the Franconia region in 1845, the place is known as Michigan's Little Bavaria and it hasn't forgotten its German roots. Today Frankenmuth is packed to the gills with German-style timbered houses and Bavarian inns.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Festivals held throughout the year are a nod to Frankenmuth's German heritage. There's the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival and, of course, Oktoberfest, when the beer and bratwurst flow. There's also the annual World Expo of Beer which is Michigan’s largest beer-sampling event. But you can still celebrate the holidays year-round at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, supposedly the largest Christmas store in the world, which sells personalized painted ornaments and more.

Santa Barbara, California

The influence of Santa Barbara's early Spanish settlers is still alive and well in this Californian city, from the architecture to the traditional festivals. Take to the streets, then grab a drink in the whitewashed buildings crowned with orange-tiled roofs, and you'll have to remind yourself that you're not in the Med. Among the city's most impressive buildings is the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, with its striking clock tower and lush grounds.

Santa Barbara, California

Beyond this, the most famous sight of all is the Old Mission Santa Barbara (pictured) founded by Spanish Franciscans in the late 1700s. There's a museum, historic mausoleum and sacred garden here, as well as self-guided and guided tours operating daily. 

Little Havana, Miami, Florida

As the name suggests, this is Miami's storied Cuban neighborhood complete with incredible Cuban restaurants, bright street art and cool bars. The Calle Ocho stretch is the busiest part of town: here shops sell hand-rolled cigars and the rich smell of coffee wafts from traditional Cuban cafes. Look out for the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame whose plaques pay tribute to Cuban film stars, musicians and more.

Little Havana, Miami, Florida

Another must-visit in this neighborhood is Maximo Gomez Park, also known as Domino Park, where mostly elderly locals gather for a coffee and a catch up over a game of dominos. Unsurprisingly there are also plenty of places to try Cuban cuisine in the area. Look out for sandwiches, traditional meat dishes and more alongside an array of Cuban-style cocktails.

Solvang, California

Despite its location in the Santa Ynez Valley, less than an hour from Santa Barbara, Solvang is worlds away from most other Golden State destinations. Often described as a Danish village, Solvang was built up by early Danish immigrants and its half-timbered buildings, bakeries and windmills are all tributes to this heritage.

Solvang, California

The Elverhoj Museum of History and Art is a great place to learn about Solvang's history – entry is by donation. The town also celebrates its heritage with the Danish Days festival every September. Since 1936, the event has included parades and traditional dance performances, plus Scandinavian arts, crafts, food and drink. You can feast like a Viking at the Viking Beer & Wine Garden, join a torchlight parade or even give axe-throwing a go.

The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada

A fully fledged destination in itself, The Venetian hotel in Las Vegas was of course modeled on the northern Italian city. While it doesn't have quite the history or elegance of the real thing, there's no doubting the attention to detail at this Sin City property, which has a copy of everything from St Mark’s Square to Rialto Bridge.

The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada

The top attraction here is a ride on one of the gondolas. To make you feel as if you're truly in Venice, a gondolier will whisk you down the Grand Canal, warbling a tune as they go. Unlike in Venice, the glittering lights and slots of the strip will be waiting for you once on dry land again. 

Liked this? Click on the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

These are the most popular attractions in every US state