Ebony Williams | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A trip to Europe offers many fantastic things like famous places, history, food, art, and museums. This experience can be good for the whole family. But the main reason people don't go on vacation is because it's expensive.
Not having much money shouldn't stop you from enjoying European culture. Even if you don't have a passport, can't take more than a week off work, or the cost is not attractive, you can still see European-inspired places in the United States.
Here are five cities that have a European feel without the long flight.
New Orleans
Strongly influenced by French and Spanish lifestyles, New Orleans is a mix of cultures with a long history. It was first settled by the French and later given to the Spanish to pay a war debt. Spain controlled the city from 1763 to 1803. The city offers lively music, genuine food, art, and museums to discover.
Tarpon Springs, Florida
Tarpon Springs looks and feels like Greece; it has the highest number of Greek Americans in the country. These residents add their culture, food, clothes, and experiences to the city. Tarpon Arts, it has the highest concentration of Greek Americans in the country. These residents contribute their culture, food, clothing, experiences and more to the city.
Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the U.S., with a population of just more than 7,000 people. The connection between America and France is on display, giving the quaint town the feel of a French countryside village with shops, green hills, farmers markets, European architecture and more.
Holland, Michigan
When given a name like Holland, you have to live up to your namesake. That is exactly what this little city in Michigan does. It’s dressed with cobblestone streets much like the ones in Europe and nostalgic countryside architecture. The city has authentic Dutch windmills, beaches, food and art — giving the perfect balance of a European, beach and small-town feel.
Solvang, California
After being settled by the Spanish, a small population of Danish people came to Solvang for new beginnings. The city which is not far from Santa Barbra, has transformed into a Danish haven. Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is happily cultured in its European roots and proudly brings its residents and visitors authentic bakeries, eateries, museums, art and more.
Experiencing European culture doesn’t have to break the bank. Until you can accumulate the necessary funds to afford a trip overseas, taking a small vacation in the U.S. is the perfect substitute.
_________
©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
