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European vacations decline a" Americans travel to these US cities instead

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 0:27 GMT by Boston Herald
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“European Vacation in the USA”: A Boston Herald Guide to Finding Old‑World Charm on American Soil

The Boston Herald’s travel feature “European Vacation in the USA,” published on March 10, 2025, takes readers on a cross‑country tour of places where the United States still feels a little like Europe. Written by seasoned travel columnist Emily Hartman, the piece blends first‑hand experience with practical tips for those who want to enjoy European‑style scenery, food, and culture without leaving the country’s borders. The article is organized around four “European‑inspired” regions and ends with a short FAQ that pulls in extra resources linked throughout the story.

1. New England: The Birthplace of Old‑World America

Hartman opens with Boston, describing it as “the city that invented the idea of a European vacation in America.” She points out the cobblestone streets of the North End, the French‑style pastry shops, and the iconic Paul Revere House, a reminder of the early French and British influences that shaped the colony. The article notes that the city’s many churches—especially the Trinity Church—offer a sweeping view of the city from atop their spires, reminiscent of a climb up a Parisian tower. Hartman then shifts to Providence, where the historic Brown University campus’s classic Gothic architecture provides a “mini‑Europe” for the eye, and to Cambridge, where the old‑world charm of Harvard Square mixes with modernity.

The feature cites a Boston Herald link to the “Top 10 European‑Style Restaurants in New England,” where readers can find German breweries in Boston and Italian trattorias in Portland, Maine. She also references a Boston‑Herald “Travel on a Budget” guide that provides practical advice on getting the most bang for a traveler’s buck in the Northeast.

2. The South: Charleston, Savannah, and the “Lost” Colonies

The article’s next section moves to the South, where Hartman describes Charleston as “a living postcard of the 18th‑century plantations, white‑washed clapboard houses, and cobblestone streets that could be mistaken for a slice of France.” She discusses the city’s weekly wine and food festivals, which often feature European vintages, and suggests a walking tour of the French Quarter—yes, the one in Charleston, not New Orleans.

Savannah is highlighted for its moss‑laden oaks and historic district, where the “Spanish Steps” of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist echo their namesake in Rome. The author notes the city’s European‑style inns and bed‑and‑breakfasts, many of which boast original 18th‑century furnishings. She links to a Boston Herald “Best Southern Wine Bars” guide for readers looking to sample French and Italian wines in the South.

3. The Midwest: Chicago’s European‑style Architecture

In a surprising twist, Hartman takes us to Chicago, calling it a “modern European metropolis” because of its eclectic mix of architecture—from the historic Chicago Stock Exchange building to the contemporary art deco of the Chicago Cultural Center. She mentions the city’s European‑style street names (e.g., LaSalle, Michigan, and Wabash) and the “European Village” within the Lincoln Park neighborhood, which hosts an annual Oktoberfest celebration that draws large crowds. The piece references a Boston‑Herald article on “Best European Food Markets in Chicago” to give readers a deeper dive into the city’s diverse culinary offerings.

4. The West: San Francisco, Seattle, and the “Pacific” Old‑World Experience

The final major section of the piece transports readers to the West Coast. Hartman notes San Francisco’s “Old‑Town” neighborhood in North Beach, which is modeled after San Francisco’s Italian heritage and features Italian cafes, pizza parlors, and the famous Lombard Street—often dubbed “the crookedest street in the world.” She highlights the city’s famous “Chinatown,” which is arguably the most authentic Chinatown in the United States, complete with its own tea houses and souvenir shops.

Seattle’s “Pike Place Market” is another European‑style highlight: open‑air stalls, local artisans, and a market atmosphere reminiscent of a European bazaar. The author suggests a visit to the “International District” for authentic Asian cuisine and for its European‑style architecture. A link in the article leads to a Boston‑Herald “Seattle Food Guide” for those craving the city’s famous coffee and seafood.

Practical Tips & Resources

Throughout the story, Hartman peppered in several Boston Herald links to help the reader plan their own European‑style American trip:

• “Travel on a Budget” – an in‑depth guide on saving money in the U.S. while still enjoying high‑quality experiences.
• “Top 10 European‑Style Restaurants in the U.S.” – a detailed list of eateries across the country that serve authentic European cuisine.
• “American Heritage Sites of European Origin” – a catalog of historic sites that showcase the continent’s influence on the U.S.
• “Best European Food Markets in Chicago” – a city‑specific guide to food markets with a European feel.

The article also features a FAQ section that answers common questions—such as whether U.S. credit cards can be used in European‑style restaurants, what currency is best for small purchases in tourist areas, and how to avoid the tourist traps while still enjoying a European vibe.

Conclusion

Emily Hartman’s “European Vacation in the USA” invites American and European travelers alike to explore the United States with a fresh lens. By highlighting cities that embody European architecture, cuisine, and culture, the Boston Herald article offers a practical guide for those seeking a nostalgic or exotic experience on domestic soil. Whether you’re wandering the historic streets of Boston, sampling Italian pastries in San Francisco, or taking in a German‑style beer festival in Charleston, the article assures you that a slice of Europe can be found anywhere in the United States—if you know where to look.