The year that went by was not a great time for traveling. With the whole world in lockdown, we spent the best of our time inside our home. We haven’t been able to go anywhere, especially when it comes to the elderly.
But with Covid 19 lockdown restrictions easing away, one can visit some of the best places in the USA, which gives you a feel of Europe. Yes, so what if you cannot visit Europe now? You can get the European feel right in the USA. Check out some of the best places here.
Solvang, California
Solvang is a beautiful Danish village in Southern California. It has everything for the eclectic elderly traveler. From historic churches to an iconic windmill, not to forget the Little Mermaid fountain that adds charm to the unique feel of this quaint city. To get the best of the place, visit in September will give a feel of the Danish Days Festival, in October for the Solvang (Grape) Stomp, or for December for Julefest (Yule-fest).
Solvang is just a small touristy village entrenched in a small Santa Barbara County, where it takes just an hour’s drive north from Santa Barbara city. Solvang’s main attraction is certainly the town’s European heritage and architecture which looks just like Europe and California. It is also known as the Danish Capital of America. Solvang will certainly appeal to you as you move about the different small streets and alleys between small shops and ice cream parlors. You can make the walk around comfortable by wearing casual shoes to explore the various streets and alleys.
Holland, Michigan
Dutch settlers in the 1800s established the Holland in Michigan. Holland still manages to retain the influence from the old country. It even has the oldest working windmill in the United States.
Visit the place in early May right on time to attend the famous Tulip Time Festival, when you could catch a glimpse of tens of thousands of colorful tulips at a glance! Holland is steeped in cultural history, one you should take a look at.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans has a culture steeped with strong European influences in the Big Easy. The elderly can walk the streets of the French quarter with a beignet, and it will give the French Riviera feels.
This city celebrated its tricentennial in 2018 and has so much to offer. And there are many multicultural places to take a peek into. You may also experience a temptation to explore the beautiful vibes of Bourbon Street. And you can let that spirit take over you. You could take a quiet walk in the wrought-iron railing of the balconies of Royal Street or attend a jazz brunch at an upscale restaurant in the evenings.
Lindsborg, Kansas
The Swedish Pavilion in Lindsborg originated in the 1904 World’s Fair. You can spot the oversized Dala horses going through the various towns. You can tuck in a delicious Swedish meal or attend Svensk Hyllningsfest, the Sweden Heritage Celebration.
Lindsborg is a place for party-goers. Today, the town celebrates many festivals and attracts many visitors worldwide, also the Swedish royalty! There is something about Lindsborg, which you must explore and soak in the vibes of this unique place.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
This beautiful place is also known as Little Bavaria. Frankenmuth looks like the perfect setting of a German fairytale. It is a peaceful haven for retirees with a relaxing riverboat cruise, a happening brewery tour. You can even enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride or even get a Pedal Trolley ride where you can cycle through the gorgeous town.
In June, you can enjoy the Bavarian Festival, which promises polka music, dances, and a boisterous street party. You could even visit the Oktoberfest in September and incorporate all the things you would want to enjoy, right from fun games to the celebration of German culture. It is a hidden gem inside the Mitten State.
Frankenmuth is a small town that is just 90 minutes from Detroit, Michigan. It is a cute and quaint town with its roots firmly embedded in the German cultural roots and has beautiful Bavarian-styled architecture. You will get a feel of the place as soon as you land in Frankenmuth. If the stunning architecture wasn’t enough, the place breathes of absolute gorgeous natural beauty!
It is time to explore these little-explored gems that offer a great deal of natural beauty and a European feel.