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Have you ever wanted to know what Europe looks like, but don’t feel like boarding a plane for hours?
The good news is that you don’t have to. While experiencing the real deal is undoubtedly incomparable, there is still a wide variety of places to visit that truly feel like Europe.
Take it from me – one of my favorite events in my hometown that I look forward to every year is the San Diego Greek Festival, well worth a visit to pretend I’m in Crete for a few hours, drinking wine, devouring souvlakis and fresh baked take home galaktoboureko.
Well, there’s more than one place to go your European solution also on the other side. And you can spend days there, not just hours.
Florida may be best known for its sunny beaches, Disney World, and retirees with bad swimsuits, but trust me, there’s more than meets the eye.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine deserves more hype. Home to timeless cobbled streets, breathtaking architecture and historic sites all reminiscent of Europe. Keep your passport at home and open your imagination.
While there isn’t one specific European destination that goes straight to St. Augustine, the atmosphere is impeccable.
Spain is perhaps the best example, considering that the Spanish were the original settlers in the 16th century, making this highly underrated beach town the longest continuously inhabited European settlement in the US.
Sites such as the remarkable 17th century Castillo de San Marcos takes you back centuries and makes you feel as if you are standing across the pond observing a famous European monument.
Plus, the coastal views are fantastic! The cityscape alone looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale, and is a far cry from America’s typical modern skyscrapers, making it more fun to wander the historic streets.
You’ll find charming shops along cobbled streets and centuries-old Spanish-colonial architecture along the captivating side Historic districtwhere as a bonus you can stay in the well-preserved, but renovated, Villa 1565 less than $200 per night.
Tarpon feathers
Greece is a trek to get to, hence all my talk about why Greek festivals are so great. Well, Tarpon Springs is like a 24/7 Greek festival without having to buy tickets.
No, you won’t see graffiti-lined streets like Athens or postcard-worthy cliffs like Santorini, but the Greek heritage of this lesser-known seaside town is undeniable.
Greek immigrants settled in Tarpon Springs in the early 20th century, leaving an indelible mark that more tourists should take advantage of.
In other words: pig out! In addition to authentic Greek restaurants in town, First Friday And Second Saturday events are held every month with local dishes and even live Greek music.
Betcha can’t guess what day they are held on! Better yet, there’s also the Tarpon Springs Wine Walk takes place on September 21, 2024 for $35.
What is one of the best wine producing countries in the world? You guessed it: America! I am there! But also Greece, so expect a mix of both on the menu.
While the Greek Orthodox St. Nicholas Cathedral is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the city and exudes a European vibe, Tarpon Springs’ real claim to fame is that it is the “sponge capital of the world.”
Go figure!
Alys Beach
A visit to Alys Beach is almost like a visit to the Mediterranean, if only country music wasn’t blaring and you had to use Google Translate.
A little imagination goes a long way, but there’s no denying that the whitewashed architecture of this chic seaside resort is very reminiscent of the Mediterranean, perhaps even Santorini if you look closely.
With hidden courtyards, beautiful buildings and beautiful beaches, you’d be forgiven for mistaking this lesser-known beach town for a secluded Mediterranean escape.
The city, like Europe, is very walkable, but tourists like to rent a bike to explore even more, like the top-rated city Alys Beach Nature Trail.
Please note that Alys Beach is definitely on the more expensive side in terms of price, as it is considered a luxury community on the Florida Panhandle.
Don’t expect European prices unless London, Reykjavik or Zurich are your idea of European getaways.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
