Do you long for a remote escape? Do you long to walk the cobblestone streets in Europe cities? It is not necessary to travel the globe to get a taste of the Old World.
No need to travel far; you can actually stay in your own country! There are a lot of cities in the U.S. that look similar to Europe.
Have I got a list of places to travel to Europe without a passport? You can enjoy the European charm anywhere you go in the United States, from Michigan to Florida to beyond.
Poulsbo, Washington
Traveling to Europe requires a lot of effort. You have to always check for new regulations. You can click here for more information. But if you live in the U.S. you can easily experience what it feels like to live in Europe.
Poulsbo is located on Puget Sound’s Kitsap Peninsula. With a population of 10,927, it has become known as “Little Norway in the Fjord.”
Norwegian settlers founded the town in the 1880s. As a result, it has been home to many Norwegians since then. Consequently, residents retained their native language as the town’s primary language until World War II.
Poulsbo has maintained a close relationship with Norway over the years. In 1975, Olav V, the Norwegian King, visited the village. Poulsbo is rich in Norwegian culture today, as evident by its Scandinavian-style architecture and numerous beer halls.
Montpelier, Vermont
Vermont’s capital is distinctly New England. It manages to be both surprisingly quirky, vaguely Western, and subtly European at the same time. Although the Main and State Streets buildings evoke dusty Denver saloons in the mind, Montpelier’s name refers to America’s early friendship with France.
The U.S.’s smallest capital feels a lot like a French country village with its farmer’s markets and charming shops, green hills, traditional European architecture, and plenty of other European elements. The presence of great, local restaurants and a large literary population enhances the French vibe.
St. Augustine, Florida
The oldest American city is located on the northeast coast of Florida. It was founded in 1565 by the Spanish.
You can feel St. Augustine’s Spanish heritage of 450 years as you walk through the narrow brick- and stone-paved streets in the historic downtown. There are 144 blocks with Spanish colonial-style buildings. Some of these buildings date back many centuries. They now house antique shops, galleries, and sidewalk cafes.
There are also several stunning 19th-century Spanish Renaissance Revival buildings in the city that look like Spanish palaces, such as Lightner Museum, which was inspired by Seville’s Royal Alcazar.
Don’t forget to climb around the stone walls of Castillo de San Marcos – a huge fortress constructed by the Spanish in 1672 as a defense against pirate raids.
Holland, Michigan
Holland, Michigan, a city with a population of 33,327, is a perfect representation of the Dutch countryside. It boasts endless fields of blooming Tulips and tall windmills.
The Dutch first settlers arrived in Holland in 1847 to seek religious freedom. We can still see their historic stamp throughout Holland.
The Capone House is a museum about the history of early settlers. It is currently open with limited hours. This museum was once home to Isaac Capone, a Dutch immigrant who became Holland’s first mayor.
You can climb four flights of stairs to reach the top of De Swan’s lookout deck. This authentic Dutch windmill was built in Krommenie (Netherlands) in 1761. However, it was moved by boat piecemeal to the United States in 1964.
Other attractions include Neil’s’ Dutch Village which is a living history attraction that dates back to the early 1900s. Here you can see artisans carve wooden shoes and learn how to log dance. There are also a number of restaurants like DeBoer’s Bakkerij, known for its delicious danishes, and Tijgerbrood which is a sweet, crunchy bread.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston was founded in 1630 by British settlers. Therefore, it’s not surprising that many parts of the city are still influenced by its English heritage.
The city’s history is alive and well today. You can still trace your steps back to the past while feeling far away. The charming Beacon Hill is a collection of cobblestone streets that lead to classic Georgian-style row homes.
The two most well-known parks in Boston are located at the foot of Beacon Hill. They draw their inspiration from English gardens. The Boston Public Garden has a Victorian feel with its manicured gardens and duck-filled ponds. The Boston Common has a similar layout to London’s Hyde Park. Likewise, it is mostly wild and natural with lots of green space.
Final thoughts
While nothing can replace an unforgettable trip abroad, most major cities offer many cultural opportunities. These may be the right places to go if you have a limited budget and want to experience different European cultures in an interesting and new way.
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