U.S. towns with rich European heritage to visit
People walk along the shops and restaurants of Saint George street in the historic district of St. Augustine Florida. Credit: Getty Images/Pgiam
This summer, the New World is the ultimate dupe for the Old World.
Travel to Europe has become more challenging. Airfares, which always rise during peak season, are even higher because of the fuel crisis in the Middle East. Airlines are cutting routes and trimming schedules to save money. The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System is gumming up airports, causing travelers to miss their flights. Overtourism is stressing everyone out.
To enjoy a transatlantic holiday, however, you don’t need to cross the ocean. Towns and communities across the United States, from California to Connecticut, have preserved the traditions and culture of their immigrant ancestors.
Instead of Europe, try Little Europe.
“Travel to Europe is expensive, and you can find a cheaper alternative by visiting these immigrant enclaves in the U.S.” said Jeanne Batalova, senior policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute. “In these places, you can still find culinary traditions, architecture and festivals that celebrate a particular origin group.”
Batalova, who was born in Ukraine and lived in Chicago, home of Ukrainian Village, says destinations with hyphenated nationalities are not a substitute for the real country. However, the more accessible and affordable options can still transport you to not-so-faraway lands where windmills spin, tulips bloom, hefeweizen flows and bilingual signs welcome - and välkommen or willkommen or witamy - all.
