American Cities That'll Help Fulfill Your Dream Of A European Getaway
By Kristin Conard
VACATIONS
Vail
Vail is a Colorado skiing destination whose twisting cobblestone streets, European-inspired architecture, and mountain backdrop make you feel like you're in Switzerland.
Amp up the European feel by staying at The Hythe, a luxury alpine chalet, eating at Alpenrose, a delicious German-Austrian restaurant, and attending Oktoberfest in September.
Solvang
In California's Santa Ynez Valley is the small town of Solvang, which was founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants. The town's architecture belies its Scandinavian heritage.
Solvang also has a half-size reproduction of Copenhagen's famous mermaid statue. The town celebrates its history during Danish Days, a three-day September event.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, and the city has impressive Spanish Renaissance Revival style architecture.
If you want to learn more about St. Augustine's storied history, take a free downtown walking tour. For a taste of Spain, visit the annual Spanish Food & Wine Festival.