If your plans for the perfect European vacation are sidetracked for one reason or another, that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy a little continental flair this summer. We found a few spots right here in the good old USA that have that certain something that will make you feel like you’ve crossed the ocean for your summer camping adventures.
Holland, Michigan: Looking for the perfect pair of wooden shoes? Or a selfie in front of an iconic Dutch windmill? No need to head overseas, instead just make a reservation at Thousand Trails Bear Cave and head north about 75 miles to spend the day in Holland, Michigan. You’ll find those shoes at Nelis’ Dutch Village and that windmill, that’s here too. De Zwaan is the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. Head to Windmill Island Gardens for a truly Dutch experience and learn about the Dutch heritage.
If you’re camping at Lakeland Camping Resort or Blackhawk Camping Resort in Milton, Wisconsin, a bit of Switzerland is less than an hour away in the village of New Glarus. Originally settled by Swiss pioneers in 1845, New Glarus has kept the Swiss heritage and culture alive. Visit the Swiss Historical Village and Museum featuring 14 original and replica buildings or the Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum for some Swiss history. Enjoy the village’s own version of a “cow parade” and download a map to find the 14 cow statues around the streets, which were imported from Switzerland. Swiss food can be found in several of the restaurants in the village and to quench your thirst, head over to the New Glarus Brewing Company, which features several craft beers brewed onsite.
St. Augustine, Florida has a distinctive Spanish vibe from its Spanish and Moorish architecture to the cultural experiences found in America’s Oldest City. Visit Castillo St. Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. and Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park or take a walking food tour (staugustineexperiences.com). Plan to stay at Encore Bulow to take in this bit of Spain!
If you’re looking to go Bavarian, head to Leavenworth, Washington. Book a camp stay at Thousand Trails Leavenworth and get ready to oom-pah! To experience a true Bavarian vacation in the good old USA, don some lederhosen and do a photoshoot at Studio 1890; listen to the polka music performances in the town square or enjoy a summertime alphorn serenade (every Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in the Gazebo through September); take in the Bavarian Nutcracker Museum; and enjoy some Bavarian foods at Munchen Haus or the Leavenworth Sausage Garten. A few pics with the snow-capped Cascades as your backdrop and people will think you’re in Bavaria!
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