Abroad at Home
You know about the Chinatowns and Little Italys, but did you know that Berne, Indiana, feels almost as Swiss as Berne, Switzerland? Or that Tarpon Springs, Florida, has among the highest concentrations of Greeks of any U.S. city? For authentic international experiences stateside, consider these 10 cities.
By Rebecca Etter
- St. Augustine, Florida
feels like: spain Just walk down to the grand plaza or weave in and out of the narrow streets, and you'll see the architectural mark of the Spanish soldiers who lived here in the 1700s. The city has its own version of Spain's Alcazar palace and the Alhambra Castle (and what kid doesn't love a castle?) as well a living history museum, where costumed guides go about life as it was in the 1740's—woodworking, forging iron, tooling leather, and cooking on a horno.
Stay here: Casa Monica Hotel, from $184 a night; 95 Corova St.
- Holland, Michigan
feels like: Holland A 240-year-old working windmill surrounded by 150,000 blooming tulips is the centerpiece of this Midwestern Dutch city. Add to this a miniature Netherlands Village (at Windmill Island), a hand-carved wooden horse carousel, and ye olde Gouda-making equipment (at the Old Dutch Cheese Making shop), and you'll feel swept away to clog country.
Stay here: The Inn at Old Orchard Road, a 1906 Dutch farmhouse, from $110 a night; 1422 South Shore Dr.
- Frankenmuth, Michigan
Feels like: Germany This delightfully kitschy town is loaded with authentic Bavarian architecture, Wiener schnitzel, and copper-kettle fudge. Pick up a cuckoo clock at Frankenmuth Clock Company then ride the Bavarian Belle Riverboat or visit the chicks and baby sheep at Grandpa Tiny's Farm.
Stay here: Bavarian Inn, from $140 a night.
- New Glarus, Wisconsin
feels like: Switzerland Chalet-style architecture, rolling hills, and farmland have earned this bucolic town the nickname "Little Switzerland." Children will enjoy fondue and morning rolls from the authentic Swiss bakeries; don't leave without stopping by Roberts European Imports for cow bells and Swiss pottery.
Stay here: Chalet Landhaus Inn, from $89 a night; 801 Hwy 69.
- Old Town San Diego
feels like: Mexico Mexican tile, cacti, and Mariachi bands line the streets in historic Old Town for a south-of-the-border feel. Pick up Aztec and Mayan art at the Old Town Market, then experience a traditional meal at one of the many authentic Mexican restaurants (try the tamales at La Piñata Mexican Restaurant).
Stay here: Best Western Hacienda Hotel Old Town, just steps away from Old Town, prices from $180 a night; 4041 Harney St.
- san francisco
feels like: japan Loaded with noodle houses, sushi bars, and barbecue joints, Japantown truly feels like Tokyo's back alleys. Pick up imported toys at Miyako Mall, then experience a traditional anma massage at one of the many spas.
Stay here: Hotel Kabuki, from $109 a night; 1625 Post St.
- berne, indiana
feels like: switzerland Take a horse-drawn buggy ride, see how cheese is made at the Swiss-Amish Swissland Cheese Farm, and visit the old-timey, 22-acre Pioneer Village.
Stay here: Schug House Inn B&B, from $45 a night; 706 W. Main St.; (260) 589-2303.
- astoria, oregon
feels like: finland In the 1860s, Finnish immigrants started settling this as a canning town. Today, visitors can browse the stores filled with handmade wooden items and crystal vases, climb the 125-foot Astoria Column, and try the cinnamon toast at the family-run Home Baking Company.
Stay here: Cannery Pier Hotel, from $299 a night; 10 Basin St.
- tarpon springs, florida
feels like: greece Greeks came here to harvest sponges in the early 1900s. Visit St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, try pastitsio and moussaka, and take tours on sponge boats. Every January, there's a Greek Orthodox Epiphany parade, complete with food and dancing.
Stay here: Sandpearl Resort, from $189 a night; 500 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach
- atlanta
feels like: india The Atlanta area is home to some of the largest Hindu temples in America. Tour the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, or take a yoga class or a Kuchipudi dance lesson at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta. Decatur, a 20-minute drive east, also has incredible Indian eateries and cool import shops.
Stay here: Grand Hyatt Atlanta, from $169 a night; 3300 Peachtree Rd. N.E.
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