American Destinations with an International Flair

Yearning for the exciting sights, great food, and unique cultural experience that comes with foreign travel, but can't get away? Then check out these seven destinations that bring the world to our doorstep right here in the good old USA.

Solvang, California

The Solvang visitor's guide describes their little hamlet as "A Slice of Denmark in Southern California." The historic Danish village of Solvang features old-world European architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming small shops. Get a Danish pastry from one of several world-famous bakeries, take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley, or just relax and enjoy the friendly Danish hospitality. Usually held in September of each year, the Danish Heritage Festival features folk dancers and musicians, a Viking Encampment, and several free concerts. Solvang's numerous Danish-style accommodations, and its location in the center of California's Santa Ynez Valley, make it an excellent base for area travel as well.

Holland, Michigan

Dutch-style architecture, working windmills, and expansive tulip fields earned Holland, Michigan its moniker. The first Dutch settlers came to this area in the 1800s, and the charming little town guards its history closely. Area attractions and events include Windmill Island Gardens, the DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory, and the Tulip Time Festival every spring. Windmill Island Gardens boasts an original working Dutch windmill named "De Zwaan" (the Swan) that the town brought over from the Netherlands in 1964. In total, the park has over 36 acres of gardens, picnic areas, dikes, canals, and a Dutch carousel. Costumed guides give daily tours of De Zwaan as well as the park's huge flower garden, a recreation of the world-famous Keukenhof in the Netherlands.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Fredericksburg brags of having a Texas heart with a German soul. Established by German settlers in the 1840s, the city takes its heritage to heart. Beautifully preserved German-style architecture and lots of Bavarian restaurants, bakeries, and biergartens bring a taste of the German homeland to this little Texas town. Learn the hardships that Fredericksburg's original immigrants suffered and overcame, at the Fredericksburg Pioneer Museum. Take a walking tour of the Historic District and sample some German delights. Check out the Altstadt Brewery for a taste of the Old World, and a real taste with authentic German beer. The 120-acre complex features tours, a fine dining restaurant, and lots of charm.

St. Augustine, Florida

Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, Saint Augustine, Florida holds the title of America's oldest city. While the Spanish conquistadors are long gone, many historic buildings remain, and the old culture lingers. Located in the Old City of St. Augustine is the nation's oldest public street, Aviles Street. Here one can find a mix of Spanish restaurants, museums, and historic structures. St. Augustine's most popular attractions include Plaza de la Constitucion, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, and the old City Gates and Walls. The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument - a Spanish fort that dates back to 1695 - offers a glimpse into colonial rule during the early to the mid-eighteenth century.

Lindsborg, Kansas

Nestled in the Smoky Valley in Kansas, Lindsborg touts itself as Little Sweden USA. An influx of Swedish immigrants settled Lindsborg during the nineteenth century, and their descendants still make up a large percentage of its population. From the Swedish Country Inn to the pastries at the Courtyard Bakery, Scandinavian influence appears throughout the quiet little town, also called one of America's best small towns. The Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery, opened in 1957, features works by the Swedish-born painter Birger Sandzén. You'll notice brightly colored, fiberglass statues, known as Dala horses, all over town in Lindsborg. A tradition in Sweden, Dala horse carved figurines are often given as gifts, with larger versions erected as statues.

Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Matched only by the same occurrence in Southeast Asia, a Synchronous Fireflies phenomenon takes place each June in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The breathtaking event features tens of thousands of lightning bugs that swarm together and flash in harmony. Watch as the entire forest alternates between light and darkness and Mother Nature puts on a strobe show that you will never forget. Beyond the June event, however, the Smokies are a great place to get away any time of year. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a unique, UN-designated ecosystem, teeming with plant and wildlife - and humans, as the most popular park in the country. The gateway towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer countless attractions and seasonal happenings, and many families return year after year. Thanks to the mountain setting and the home-away-from-home privacy offered by Gatlinburg cabins available for rent, the Smokies have become a big hit with romance seekers as well.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

About forty-five minutes drive north from St Petersburg is the little city of Tarpon Springs, Florida, which visitors regularly compare to a small town in Greece. After the discovery of natural sponge beds in local waters, many Greek sponge divers flocked to the area during the late nineteenth century. Even today, their Mediterranean influence can still be felt. Along the main street of Dodecanese Boulevard, shops still sell the natural sponges that brought Greek immigrants here over a hundred years ago. The Tarpon Springs Historic District features a mix of boutique shops, over 140 historical buildings, and numerous restaurants serving fresh Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.