Visit This Michigan Town Instead of Europe
Traveling to Europe is an exciting experience, but it’s not for everyone. If you don’t want to head overseas, one Michigan city is being called a sort of mini-Europe. So, maybe you’ll want to head there instead of Europe. Perhaps you don’t like flying, or maybe you don’t have the funds right now to plan a big European getaway. Whatever your reason for skipping the big trip to Europe, here are some other travel options that don’t require a passport.
Head to This Michigan Town Instead of Europe
The experts at Travel and Leisure have put together a roster of some cities that give you that European travel experience but are in America. So, you may want to visit these spots instead of Europe. “Whether you’re bound by time or have only budgeted for a domestic trip, there are plenty of domestic options that will make you feel like you’re abroad,” they state. “The most European towns and cities in America evoke the ambience of countries like Italy, France, Germany, and Spain through architecture, topography and culture.” In total, they highlighted 14 cities in the feature, and one of them is a Michigan staple.
Before we get to our state, I want to point out that another American city they feature as a Europe-like spot is Washington, D.C. Travel and Leisure points out that a Frenchman, Pierre Charles L’Enfant, was the main person who designed the capital of the U.S., so it has that Paris-like quality, offering “grand, tree-lined boulevards and plentiful gardens and monuments.” The city’s design really hasn’t changed much since L’Enfant’s initial design, so it has a great Paris vibe. Washington, D.C. offers streets that are very walkable, a low skyline and lots of greenery. I also think the most beautiful time of year in Washington, D.C. is in the spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. So, it’s a choice spot to visit instead of Europe. Travel and Leisure also highlights San Francisco, California, as a great mini-Europe because of the Bay Area’s Mediterranean influence. Of course, a real landmark of San Francisco is the marvelous Golden Gate Bridge, which is a must-see if you go.
So, which Michigan city is being called a mini-Europe and a possible place to travel instead of Europe? Travel and Leisure highlights Holland as being a spot that reminds them, well, of Holland and the greater Europe. It’s not just because of the name, either. “It’s charming and quaint, comes with cobblestone streets that remind you of its European roots, and even has its own tulip gardens and windmills for visitors to roam,” Travel and Leisure points out. They also note that this lovely town has bulbs blooming in the spring, summer and fall, so no matter what time to visit, you’ll find some breathtaking flowers. Skip the winter, though. It gets rough here in the winter. Take it from me. My uncles lives near Holland. In a separate story, Sixt.com lists Frankenmuth as a great place if you want to see Bavarian architecture and a taste of Germany. “You can eat at one of several restaurants serving German food or visit the local brewery,” they note. I would also throw in Mackinac Island, because even if it’s not European, it’s one of Michigan’s most popular tourist spots. I think it’s great to see these spots that are in Michigan named some of America’s more Europe-like places. What’s your favorite Europe-like spot in Michigan? Contact me and let me know.
