American Towns With European Flair

Whether you are a European looking for a taste of home in the U.S. or an American who wants to experience a bit of Europe without traveling overseas, here is a list of towns that are as European as they come on North American soil. Of course, there are other towns and cities that could have made the list, but we have tried to keep it simple and down to the few that receive the most reviews for their European atmosphere, whether due to the architecture or the people themselves.

Newport, RI

We have to stop first in the town of Newport, Rhode Island, famous for its beautiful mansions that are reminiscent of European country estates. The splendor of these mansions is unequaled in the U.S., and many of them are open for tours. Add to these mansions other homes from the 1600’s, lighthouses, tall ships, cafes and bakeries, folk festivals and the fact that you can walk to just about anywhere in the town, and you’ll understand why Newport makes a great first stop when seeking that European feel in the New World.

Photo by Doug Kerr

Seattle, WA

No, Seattle does not physically resemble any European city. There are neither Gothic buildings nor quaint villages, but Seattle has a different type of European flair, one that many Europeans are drawn to. The touch of Europe in Seattle lies not in the architecture but in the people themselves. Take football, for instance. Although the folks in Seattle still insist on calling it soccer, their team, the Seattle Sounders, is the best team in the U.S. and boasts the best fans in the country. Seattleites love and support their team so much that they have their own fan organization, much like the clubs in Europe. In addition to the sports’ scene, Seattle is a city that was environmentally conscious before the rest of the nation even realized there was an issue. This resonates with Europeans who, being accustomed to a much smaller land mass than North America, feel strongly about protecting the natural resources they do have. All in all, it is the focus on sustainability, the free-thinking, the liberalism and, of course, the love for football that makes Seattle a city that feels most like Europe despite its appearances.

Photo by Doug Kerr

New Orleans, LA

In the Deep South we find a lovely European mecca: New Orleans’ French Quarter. New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood, Vieux Carre, another name for the French Quarter, dates back to 1718 and the French rule. The area is filled with beautiful architecture, but not all of it is French. In fact, many of the French buildings were burned in the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788. Much of the existing architecture instead dates to the Spanish rule. Regardless of the era from which the buildings hail, architecture in the French Quarter definitely reveals its strong European ties. Many European-styled eating establishments fill the French Quarter, and even some of the music draws upon the neighborhood’s European roots. Better known for its fun and entertainment, the French Quarter roots are firmly planted in Europe.

Photo by Kimberly Vardema

Solvang, CA

As we dance across the map, visiting cities that remind us of Europe, we land back on the west coast in a quaint Scandinavian town. Affectionately known as “Little Denmark,” you’ll have to blink twice to remind yourself that you really are in the U.S.A. Windmills, the Hans Christian Anderson Park, tree-lined streets, Danish pastry shops and horse-drawn carts all seek to convince you that you have been transported overseas. Thankfully, the fact that English is still spoken will bring you back to reality. The charming town of Solvang, with its quaint shops full of porcelain, leather and all things European, is definitely a must see. Time it right, and you can experience the annual Danish Days and enjoy the culture of song, dance and celebration in true Danish style.

Photo by Cristeen Quezon

Minot, ND

Even the great west, in Minot, North Dakota, you will find the Dhome of an active Scandinavian Heritage Association. While the town does not boast as much of the Scandinavian flair as Solvang, it does have a beautiful park that highlights the Scandinavian heritage with a charming replica of a Norwegian storehouse that was originally built in Norway before finding its way to Minot. The city also hosts the largest Scandinavian festival in the United States which should not be missed by those who are actively self-educating or home schooling.

Photo by Wikipedia

Do enjoy the wonderful sampling of European heritage that is found in pockets all across the nation. We are still the Great Melting Pot, where peoples from all over the globe came to find a free land where they could be individuals and a part of something great, as well.

Lorena Starkey enjoys travel in the USA and abroad. She works in hospitality in many locations, including Minot, ND at the Hyatt House where she assists visitors in finding what they need for the perfect stay.

Voula's Offshore Cafe - Seattle

Looking for a place to eat breakfast in Seattle?

Some how or another our family stumbled upon Voula's Offshore Cafe in downtown Seattle, Washington in the University district. It's a delicious little cafe that was featured on Food Networks' Dinners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. I thought because the restaurant had been features on the Food Network they would have huge line, but at 11 AM on a Saturday we were immediately seated.
They did not have a kids menu, but you can get just pancakes. They'll even make your kiddo a Mickey Mouse pancake. The Mickey Mouse pancake was huge and cheaper than the stack of two regular pancakes. I think the pancakes were around $6, but the Mickey Mouse pancake was $3.50.
I got the Pinata Eggs Benedict, one of their signature dishes, and recommended by Guy Fieri. It's a heavy meal and next time I would split it, but it was good!





Visit Seattle's "Space Needle" and 5 other attractions for just $69.00 at CityPASS.com - $121.20 value! ORDER NOW

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• 10 Family Friendly activities in Seattle, Washington (mommytravels.net)

Travel Vitals
Voula's Offshore Cafe
658 NE Northlake Way

Seattle, WA 98105

HOURS

MON-FRI  6 am - 3 pm

SAT-SUN   8 am - 2 pm

10 Family Friendly activities in Seattle, Washington

Space Needle

Seattle, Washington is a great place to travel with kids. We had a truly wonderful time in Seattle.

We stayed near the water and new art park at Homewood suites. It is part of the Hilton brand. Our room was huge and it was a suite. The only downside that we were on the side of the building that was close to a night club that stayed open really late and we could hear it. To minimize our costs we got a City Pass and they had a 10% military discount.  Every where we went in Seattle seemed to offer a military discount.

Space Needle - The entire area around the space needle is fun. We of course went up to the top. The view was beautiful even though it was cloudy.  The Space Needle has a military discount and we accepts City Pass.

Seattle Aquarium - I like this aquarium a lot. It is small but they utilize their space well. We have been several times, but have not been lucky enough to catch the salmon going through the ladder.

Woodlawn Park Zoo - This zoo is a must. Zoos in the Pacific northwest are a must. Unlike most zoos in our country, the ones in the northwest are in a league of their own. They are incredibly sprawled out and you will be doing a lot of walking. It is worth the walk, because the zoo is beautiful and they have tons of animals.

Pacific Science Center - We had a great time here. There were loads of activities for our children to do even though they were small when we went. There are all kinds of different areas including dinosaurs and butterflies.

Childrens musuem - We have yet to go here but I know that it is near the Space Needle and I have heard good things about it.

Argosy Cruises - Seattle Harbor Tour - This is an activity that we would not have normally done, but since it was included in our city pass we couldn't pass it up. It was not a very long harbor cruise but it was relaxing and we got some amazing pictures and heard all about the city.

The Museum of Flight - By far the best airplane museum I've been to. Depending on how much your family members enjoy planes is how much time you need to plan for this museum. My husband is a pilot and we were there all day. It is a large museum that has an extensive collection of planes. They utilize their space well and it takes a lot of time to see everything. Their restaurant was excellent.

Experience Music Project - Okay, I am not real into music so I was not very impressed with this museum. They could do so much with it, but haven't. My husband however loves music and was also not super impressed. You can get a combined pass that lets you into the Experience Music Project and the Science Fiction Museum.

Science Fiction Museum - Random! This is a weird museum but it is included in your Experience Music Project admission. I actually liked it better then the music museum, but it is really an odd museum.

Pike's Place Market - There is nothing more iconic about Seattle then Pike's Place Market. There you can watch the guys throw fish and visit the 1st Starbucks! You can shop for almost anything at Pike's Place Market. I still have some dried flowers I bought there 6 years ago. Plan to eat here for at least one meal. We always have to hit Sister's Cafe, they make the best sandwiches!

Visit Seattle's "Space Needle" and 5 other attractions for just $69.00 at CityPASS.com - $121.20 value! ORDER NOW

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