5 Incredible US Places That Don’t Feel Like the US

How many US places have you visited throughout your life?

Maybe you’re craving an international vacation, but you’re finances aren’t quite up to it. Or perhaps you just want a road trip somewhere closer to home. Well, your search is over.

We found some perfect locations right here in our country that are so unique they feel a whole lot like you’ve teleported to a different continent. North America is well-loved for its rugged red rocks, dynamic cities, and world-famous national parks.

But our backyard is one of the most diverse in the world, and any journey in the US is likely to surprise you with some fabulous wonders. From dunes to glaciers, here are 5 US places you won’t believe exist in our country.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth, also known as this state’s Little Bavaria, is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive away from Detroit. This US place was established in 1845 by German immigrants from the Franconia region.

The entire town makes you feel like you’ve traveled to Germany, including its Bavarian inns and timbered homes in that classical German style. You can plan your trip around the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival or, even better, Oktoberfest!

It’s the perfect time to take advantage of the cold beer and hot bratwurst. But don’t worry if you can’t make it to those celebrations. Instead, try attending their annual World Beer Expo in May.

Another pro tip? Visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, and you can celebrate the winter holidays all year. It’s the world’s largest seasonal store.

Holland, Michigan

If you thought our first US place was a hoot, just wait ’till you read about this next one! This small city in Michigan will whisk you away to the Netherlands. Here travelers get to enjoy the tulips, windmills, and Dutch architecture.

And it’s all thanks to the Dutch settlers who arrived here sometime in the 1800s. We recommend visiting the Windmill Island Gardens and maybe even snapping a pic of you and a loved one by the famous DeZwaan Windmill and the Dutch carousel.

Just don’t forget to check out the memorable De Klomp Wooden Shoe and the Delftware Factory, where you can buy some Dutch pottery and even some traditional Dutch wooden shoes.

Helen, Georgia

This little US place would look more at home in Germany’s Bavaria rather than in northern Georgia. But you’ll find it hidden away up in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

The small town of under 600 residents comes complete with timbered buildings, charming shops, and mountainous surroundings, all adding to the feel that you’re on a different Continent, and beer is very much the drink of choice.

Helen also has a lively Oktoberfest that has been a critical event for over 40 years. While visiting, you can go hiking through the numerous nearby trails.

Need more? Visit the exciting Nacoochee Adventures adventure park, where you can enjoy giant swings, high ropes, and many intricate zip lines.

Fredericksburg, Texas

This US place is deep in the heart of Texas and has the heart of the Lone Star state…but with the soul of Germany, of course! Established by German homesteaders during the 1840s, this is your perfect escape from everyday life.

Here you will be greeted with well-preserved German architecture and fascinating exhibitions at the famous Pioneer Museum. But obviously, as with any other bavarian town, there are annual events, including Oktoberfest.

Explore the wonderful Historic District and see the popular 19th-century Fredericksburg Memorial Library, German-style bakeries, eateries, and “biergartens” as well. Oh, and don’t forget that this US place is also located within the Texas Wine Country.

St Augustine, Florida

This is the oldest city in the United States of America. It was founded by Spanish settlers sometime in the 1500s. You can still see this being reflected in both the architecture and the food of this oldest US place.

The most famous historic site you will want to visit here is the Castillo de San Marcos, so make sure to pack your camera! The rugged Spanish fort is the oldest of its kind in the continental United States, being established all the way back in 1695.

The warm and sunny weather, beautiful beach, and unusually narrow lanes add even more to its Mediterranean feel.

We hope you enjoyed learning about these amazing US places. But for those looking for something different, we’ve got many more great reads. We’re especially proud of: 5 Breathtaking Small Towns to Visit in Winter