This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (2024)

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (1)

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Before you shell out hundreds (or, most likely, thousands) of dollars traveling across the ocean, you may want to look closer to home. There are plenty of cities in the United States that look just like those quaint, historic destinations in Europe. You're going to want to visit all of them, so start saving now!

Frankenmuth, Michigan

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (2)

Back in 1845, this village was founded as a Bavarian mission colony for Lutherans, and today it's known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria." The town is famous for Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, which claims it's the largest Christmas store in the world.

Lenox, Massachusetts

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (3)

If you've ever wondered what it's like to live in Regency-era London, here's your chance. With its endless greenery and historic properties (like Edith Wharton's The Mount, seen here!), this centuries-old town will make you feel like you've stepped into an episode of Bridgerton.

Leavenworth, Washington

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (4)

Just two hours from Seattle is Leavenworth, which looks like it was plucked out of Germany and dropped in the mountains of Washington. It's modeled after a small Bavarian village and is the dreamiest escape, especially during the holidays.

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Healdsburg, California

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (5)

If you've ever wanted to visit Tuscany, Healdsburg is your next best bet. It falls along the same line of latitude as the Italian region, so it has a similar climate and grows a ton of Tuscan wine varieties. The town's Italian cuisine is also not to be missed.

Solvang, California

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (6)

Known as the Danish capital of America, this charming town is filled with quaint shops and even an iconic white and red windmill. The name means "sunny fields" in Danish, which is appropriate for the warm, California weather.

St. Augustine, Florida

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (7)

Since this city was founded back in 1565 by Spanish settlers, it's no surprise it's filled with Spanish colonial architecture, like cobblestone streets and balconies. It's also known as the oldest city in the United States.

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Vail, Colorado

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (8)

You're probably most familiar with this town for its amazing ski resorts, but did you know it was inspired by the town of Zermatt, Switzerland, which is located at the base of the Swiss Alps? That's why you'll find architecture like decorative balconies and detailed woodwork everywhere you look.

Pella, Iowa

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (9)

The Dutch-style architecture and huge windmill located in the center of this quiet town are some of the reasons this Midwest city will make you feel like you're in the Netherlands. Insider tip: Visit during May to experience the famous Tulip Time Festival.

New Orleans, Louisiana

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (10)

Since this city was founded by French colonists and then ceded to Spain in the Treaty of Paris, it feels like a unique mix of both countries. The wrought iron balconies and the famous Jackson Square are both French influences.

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Venice, California

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (11)

It's impossible to ignore the comparisons between this California town and the famous one in Italy. Both are full of canals and bridges (like these cities!), except the waterways in the United States-based destination were man-made. Still, it's a sight to behold.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (12)

Forget Santorini: This Gulf Coast town feels like it's a charming Eastern Mediterranean island. Tons of Greek immigrants flocked here at the turn of the 20th century, and the town still prides itself on having the largest Greek-American community in the country.

Montpelier, Vermont

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (13)

Named after Montpelier, France, this gorgeous town was founded in 1781 and is rich in history. Its French-style buildings and dazzling fall foliage make it a must-see.

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Helen, Georgia

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (14)

It's hard to believe this town is only 90 minutes from Atlanta. Located right next to the Blue Ridge Mountains, this city was transformed into an Alpine-inspired village in the 1960s to attract more visitors.

Kansas City, Missouri

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (15)

Since the Country Club Plaza in this downtown area was architecturally designed to mimic the city of Seville, you'll feel like you just walked off a plane and into Spain. The towers and courtyards might distract from the fact that you're more likely to find BBQ than tapas.

Hermann, Missouri

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (16)

This small town was handpicked by German immigrants for its close proximity to the Missouri River, which reminded them of their beloved Rhine River. The climate also made the location ideal for winemaking—and today, there tons of local wineries in the area.

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Charleston, South Carolina

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (17)

Even though this town is the definition of Southern, it's also filled with countless similarities to European cities, like grand churches, cobblestone streets, and short, colorful buildings. Not to mention it was named after King Charles II of England.

Holland, Michigan

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (18)

The name of this town says it all: It's a little slice of the Netherlands and was founded by Dutch settlers back in 1847. It's also home to the DeZwaan Windmill, which is the only authentic working Dutch windmill in the United States.

Fredericksburg, Texas

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (19)

German immigrant settlers founded this town in 1846, which is why it's known for its mix of German heritage with Texan hospitality (an unbeatable combination). Throughout the town, you'll find tons of specialty shops and biergartens.

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Poulsbo, Washington

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (20)

Poulsbo was founded in the 1880s by a Norwegian immigrant, Jørgen Eliason. Ever since, it's been known as "Little Norway on the Fjord." Everything from the architecture to the beer halls to the annual Viking Festival is inspired by Scandinavian culture.

SoHo, New York City, New York

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (21)

While every neighborhood of Manhattan looks different, SoHo specifically has a European vibe. Its columned buildings and cobblestone streets will make you feel like you're in Belgium. In fact, the type of stone used is called Belgian block.

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (22)

Lauren Smith McDonough

Senior Editor

Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.

As a seasoned travel enthusiast and expert with a passion for exploring diverse cultures and architectural wonders, I have traversed the globe, immersing myself in the rich tapestry of cities that mirror the charm of European destinations. My extensive firsthand experiences, combined with a deep knowledge of historical contexts and architectural nuances, position me as a reliable source to guide you through the captivating American cities mentioned in the article.

The article explores various U.S. cities that exude the ambiance of European counterparts, providing an enticing alternative for those seeking the allure of historic charm without crossing the ocean. Let's delve into the concepts used in this travel piece:

  1. Frankenmuth, Michigan:

    • Founded in 1845 as a Bavarian mission colony for Lutherans.
    • Known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria."
    • Home to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, claiming to be the world's largest Christmas store.
  2. Lenox, Massachusetts:

    • Features endless greenery and historic properties.
    • Evokes the ambiance of Regency-era London.
    • Highlighted by landmarks like Edith Wharton's The Mount.
  3. Leavenworth, Washington:

    • Resembles a small Bavarian village.
    • Located two hours from Seattle.
    • Particularly enchanting during the holidays.
  4. Healdsburg, California:

    • Offers a Tuscany-like experience.
    • Similar climate and Tuscan wine varieties.
    • Boasts delectable Italian cuisine.
  5. Solvang, California:

    • Known as the Danish capital of America.
    • Features quaint shops and an iconic white and red windmill.
    • Translates to "sunny fields" in Danish.
  6. St. Augustine, Florida:

    • Founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers.
    • Showcases Spanish colonial architecture.
    • Recognized as the oldest city in the United States.
  7. Vail, Colorado:

    • Inspired by Zermatt, Switzerland, at the base of the Swiss Alps.
    • Notable for ski resorts and Swiss-inspired architecture.
  8. Pella, Iowa:

    • Dutch-style architecture and a prominent windmill.
    • Hosts the famous Tulip Time Festival in May.
  9. New Orleans, Louisiana:

    • Founded by French colonists, later ceded to Spain.
    • Blends French and Spanish influences.
    • Features wrought iron balconies and Jackson Square.
  10. Venice, California:

    • Resembles the famous Italian city with canals and bridges.
    • Man-made waterways but shares striking similarities.

These cities showcase the diverse cultural influences and architectural wonders that make them reminiscent of their European counterparts, offering a unique and captivating travel experience within the United States.

This Centuries-Old Town in Massachusetts Looks Straight Out of <i>Bridgerton</i> (2024)
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