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Boblo Island is No Longer

Author Anne Erickson
Photo by Erik Aratari

It’s crazy to think about, but Boblo Island is no longer. For the first time in 124 years, it has a new name.

If you recall, Boblo Island was the location of a historic amusement park from 1898 through 1993. The island, which is now owned by Amico Infrastructures, has been re-branded as Bois Blanc Canada. That means Boblo Island is no longer on the map. Say it isn’t so!

As it turns out, now you can actually live on the former Boblo Island. It’s a beautiful spot, offering water, nature and amusement park remnants. Of course, the only way to get there is by water, and most take the short ferry ride from Amherstburg. For more information, visit the site’s official website.

Michigan Town is Like Traveling to Europe

Michigan has some beautiful areas, and as it turns out, some of those areas feel a lot like Europe. I’ve actually never been to Europe, but the folks who have are letting the world know which Michigan – and American – areas feel like they’re straight out of Europe. If you’re like me and have never been to countries such as France, Germany and Italy, then perhaps visiting these American cities will be the next closest thing.

The publication HouseBeautiful.com has released a special list of American towns that feel the most like Europe. They mention that traveling to these areas, of course, is less pricey than getting on a plant and jetting overseas. “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,” the publication states. “You’re going to want to go to all of them, so start saving now!”

So, what are some characteristics of a European town? For starters, they often have cobblestone streets, lots of history and an Old World feel. European towns can be very romantic, too, so this list of American towns that mirror European ones could be a good list for a romantic getaway. So, which Michigan city actually made No. 1 on this list? Read on to find out- not to mention that another Michigan town also made the cut for the top 20. View the list of “American Towns That Look Straight Out of Europe,” via HouseBeautiful.com, below, and for the full list, go here.

  • 20. New Britain, Connecticut

    There’s a lot of Polish influence in this small, beautiful town.

    Home - City of New Britain

    Home - City of New Britain

  • 19. SoHo, New York City, New York

    Of all the areas of the vast city of New York, SoHo is the most European, offering a very European flavor and design.

    Soho

    Explore the iconic SoHo neighborhood in New York City, where artistic heritage meets high-end shopping. SoHo is full of cultural and chic charm.

  • 18. Poulsbo, Washington

    Poulsbo was founded by a Norwegian immigrant and is often called “Little Norway on the Fjord.”

    City of Poulsbo, Washington Official Website

    Poulsbo's leaders are progressive and forward looking, and are conscientiously working to balance the needs of a growing 21st century city while maintaining the Scandinavian heritage that has earned Poulsbo the nickname "Little Norway". To enhance Poulsbo's connections with Norway in late 1990, Poulsbo adopted proclamations naming Namsos, Norway and Kautokeino, Finmark County, Norway as our official sister cities.

  • 17. Fredericksburg, Texas

    This area of Texas has a German flavor, making it a very unique stop.

    Welcome To Fredericksburg, TX | Texas Hill Country

    Visit Fredericksburg, TX in the heart of Texas and the beautiful Hill Country. Come experience our German heritage, find things to do, events and wineries.

  • 16. Holland, Michigan

    Of course Holland is on this list! The area was founded by Dutch immigrants and is very Dutch. But, another Michigan city is No. 1 on the list, so keep reading.

    Holland

    Holland is best known for its Dutch heritage, evident in many of its attractions and events. Visitors can walk back through time in the Dutch Galleries of the Holland Museum, the renovated splendor of the Cappon House and a recreation of 1890s Netherlands at Nelis' Dutch Village.

  • 15. Charleston, South Carolina

    This city has lots of European architecture, such as cobblestone streets and beautiful churches.

    Charleston SC | The Official guide

    Showcasing the best information of everything Charleston has to offer for those visiting, moving to, or living in our beautiful city and the surrounding area.

  • 14. Hermann, Missouri

    This small area was founded by German immigrants.

    Hermann MO: Visit Hermann The German Town in Missouri

    Experience the allure of Hermann, MO, a delightful German town in Missouri. Indulge in its historic charm, vineyards, and welcoming community.

  • 13. Kansas City, Missouri

    If you’re looking for a Spanish getaway in America, this spot is a great pick, as it looks a lot like a Spanish city.

    https://www.kcmo.gov/

  • 12. Helen, Georgia

    This is a beautiful Alpine-like village.

    Helen, GA - Georgia's Official Outdoor Destination

    Helen offers a little bit of everything to appeal to the outdoor adventurer in you, whether its tubing, eating, or shopping!

  • 11. Montpelier, Vermont

    This spot was named after Montpelier, France, so it’s obviously very French.

    Montpelier, VT | Official Website

    Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.

  • 10. Tarpon Springs, Florida

    This area has a big Greek-American population and is very Greek.

    Tarpon Springs Florida - Things to Do & Attractions

    Just 45 minutes north of St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs was named for the fish found in abundance in nearby waters. It's also known as the "sponge capital of the world."

  • 9. Venice, California

    Of course Venice is on this list, because it’s pretty much the American version of Italy!

    VisitVeniceCa.com | venice beach| venice boardwalk|venice events| venice activities

    Venice Beach, Venice California, Venice Beach California, Venice Boardwalk, Venice Beach Boardwalk, Visit Venice California, Visit Venice Ca, Abbot Kinney Blvd., Muscle Beach Gym, Venice Skate Pa...

  • 8. New Orleans, Louisiana

    This city brings together the best of France and Spain. Very European.

    Visit New Orleans | Official New Orleans Tourism Website

    New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind destination in the United States. Famous for our Creole and Cajun cuisine, jazz music and brass bands, historic architecture, world-class museums and attractions, and renowned hospitality. From the French Quarter to the streetcar and Jazz Fest to Mardi Gras, there are so many reasons to visit New Orleans.

  • 7. Pella, Iowa

    This place as a true Netherlands feel. Very Dutch!

    Visit Pella - Pella Convention & Visitors Bureau - Pella, IA

    Plan your next getaway to Pella, Iowa: America's Dutch treasure. Explore dining options, things to do, shops, and places to stay.

  • 6. Vail, Colorado

    Known for its skiing, Vail was modeled after Zermatt, Switzerland. It makes sense!

    Colorado Skiing & Snowboarding | Vail Ski Resort

    Vail: Colorado Ski Resort - World-class skiing and snowboarding | Like Nothing on Earth.

  • 5. St. Augustine, Florida

    This beautiful spot is known for its Spanish colonial architecture.

    St. Augustine, FL | Official Website

    Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.

  • 4. Solvang, California

    This spot is known as the “Danish capital of America.”

    Official Visitor Guide for Solvang, California

    Your official guide for visiting the Danish Village of Solvang, CA and the Santa Ynez Valley. Find hotels, events, wine tasting, dining and things to do.

  • 3. Healdsburg, California

    There’s lots of Italian tradition in this town.

    Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce

    Healdsburg is the heart of California wine country and attracts those who love the finer things whether that's artisan shopping, luxurious lodging, excellent wine, a remarkable food culture or outdoor adventure.

  • 2. Leavenworth, Washington

    This town is very German and has the character of a small Bavarian village.

    Home - Leavenworth Washington

    Discover: The Bavarian Village & Plain/Lake Wenatchee Packed with charm, year-round annual events

  • 1. Frankenmuth, Michigan

    Of course Frankenmuth would be No. 1 on this list! It is, after all, “Michigan’s Little Bavaria.”

    Frankenmuth

    In Frankenmuth we say "Willkommen", in German it means welcome. An offer to come and join. There's a place that's all about being welcome. Welcome to family time. Welcome to playtime. Welcome to Christmas time all year long. Welcome to Frankenmuth. Michigan's little Bavaria, where you find all the things that make time together so meaningful.

  • American Towns That Look Straight Out of Europe

    This list is via <a href=”https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/g4384/american-towns-that-look-like-europe/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>HouseBeautiful.com</a>.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

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