Have you always wanted to visit Europe? How long have you dreamt about traveling around Europe to absorb the melting pot of cultures and lifestyles, not to mention the fantastic food and wine?
Experience the taste of European culture, right here in the US! That’s because dotted across the United States are some fantastic European-inspired towns and villages, often built by the original European settlers wanting to recreate a little piece of home.
Buckle up, we’ll be heading to Germany, France, The Netherlands, and Sweden – no passport necessary.
For anyone who shares a similar passion for French cuisine, architecture, and their fantastic culture, then head down to the Deep South and Natchitoches, Louisiana. This nostalgic French town’s unique claim to fame is that it’s the oldest permanent European settlement since the Louisiana Purchase.
First settled in 1714, Natchitoches provides a genuine rustic French experience without having to leave the country. Natchitoches was also once home to Sally Field, Dolly Parton, and Julia Roberts… while they were in town filming “Steel Magnolias”! Book your stay at the Best Western Natchitoches Inn to enjoy this little taste of France.
Named appropriately “Little Sweden USA”, the town of Lindsborg, Kansas, is the best place in America to immerse yourself in the distant nation of Sweden. Established in 1869, this incredible town is an excellent representation of the arts and cultures of their Scandinavian homeland.
The Best Western Plus McPherson is ideal want to enjoy the incredible Swedish art galleries and restaurants. In addition, with the Swedish celebrating all year round, there are plenty of festivals worth visiting Lindsborg for, including Våffeldagen (Waffle Day) on March 25th, Midsommar Festival (the nearest Friday to midsummers day in June), and St Lucia Day every December 13th.
The United States has always shared a strong bond with the European powerhouse of Germany. Our first German port of call is Frankenmuth, Michigan, fondly known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria”. First settled in 1845, make sure you stay in the Best Western Davison Inn in Frankenmuth (whose name means ‘courage of the Franconians’) before enjoying a festive trip to the world’s largest Christmas store at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.
Alternatively, head over to the Blue Ridge Mountains to the town of Helen, Georgia: famed for its annual Oktoberfest festivities, celebrating the excellent German food and beer. You can stay locally at the SureStay Hotel by Best Western Helen Downtown before wandering around Helen’s replica cobblestone streets and natural mountain backdrops as if you were a German native.
If your dream has always been to visit the land of tulips, wooden clogs, and windmills, then the appropriately named Holland, Michigan, has to be on your bucket list. Founded by the early Dutch settlers to the United States, Holland was first settled in 1847.
Be sure to stay a few days at the Best Western Plaza Hotel Saugatuck to truly immerse yourself in the Dutch culture in Holland. Locals thoroughly embrace their cultural roots, as can be seen through its vibrant displays of tulip beds across the city. And no Dutch landscape would be complete without an authentic Dutch windmill, and here in Holland, the DeZwaan Windmill remains the only working windmill in America.