A seamless amalgamation of history and culture, New Ulm stands virtually frozen in time, dazzling visitors with a striking landscape that bears traces of its storied past. Around every corner, visitors are bound to discover a time-honored landmark or a historic building dating back centuries and evoking a vivid image of its heritage. A plethora of longstanding sites and structures are scattered across the city's idyllic sprawl, with some prominent attractions being the Turner Hall, the museum of the Brown County Historical Society, the Hermann Heights Monument, and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Complementing New Ulm's historical splendor are its cultural extravaganzas in the form of numerous festivities and events held throughout the year. The city also features a string of restaurants and accommodation options for visitors touring the area.
Tracing its origins way back to 1781, Montpelier is presently the capital of Vermont and the smallest state capital because of its small population. Finally incorporated in 1818, it became a pivotal trading city with impressive manufacturing units, power mills, iron foundries, quarries, furniture, clothes, and more. The city did not lose its strategic importance through the centuries, which explains why it still is the state capital. Montpelier boasts a number of art centers, museums, galleries, cafes, bars, and touristy attractions for visitors. Some notable attractions include the Vermont History Museum, Hubbard Park, and the Vermont State House.
Originally a logging town, Leavenworth adopted its current Bavarian theme in the 1960s, and it's been attracting visitors from all over the world ever since. Seasonal events include the Bavarian Icefest and Christmas Lighting. Indoor possibilities include a visit to the Nutcracker Museum and a gourmet dinner at Munchen Haus. River rafting is a popular summer activity, and Osprey Rafting offers guided tours as well as classes. Mission Ridge has great skiing during the colder months, and romantic sleigh rides are available all winter long. Summer weekends and all holidays often require reservations, but with a little planning, a weekend in Leavenworth can be a delightful experience.
Solvang is a slice of Denmark in California. Founded by Danish settlers in the early 19th Century, Solvang has the Danish theme aesthetically woven into its fabric, with attractions that include a windmill, replicas of Copenhagen's famous Little Mermaid Statue, and Rundetaarn. This pretty town is also home to several buildings that celebrate Danish architecture. Further, Solvang is dotted with several eateries serving Danish food and other Nordic specialties. Danish holidays and festivals are celebrated here with passionate zeal.
Tarpon Springs, just a short drive from Clearwater, is a charming village with a Greek heritage. In the early 1900s, natural sponge beds were discovered along the coast of the Anclote River. Soon after, Greek divers made their home here, creating a tightly-knit community that took pride in its heritage, cuisine, and culture. Visitors flock to the city's Sponge Docks to enjoy a slice of Greek life, from food to shopping. Walk along Dodecanese Boulevard for unique gifts, souvenirs, olive oil toiletries, and of course, natural sponges. Besides this, the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral are worth a stop during your trip.
Vail is a winter wonderland hidden in the heart of the Rockies. Known as one of the world's largest ski resorts, Vail features over 5,200 acres (2,104 hectares) of beautifully manicured ski slopes. The Black Bowls, powder-rich sheer slopes with sharp descents, are attractive to seasoned skiers who flock here for a chance to test their skill on Vail Mountain's thrilling slopes. A getaway destination, Vail is one of the United States' most sought-after towns, home to a crowd drawn by the region's breathtaking river-chiseled natural beauty, world-class skiing, and fine-dining establishments.
Often referred to as Michigan's Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth is a city defined by Bavarian nuances and architectural elements that are an ode to the province it was named for. Settled in the 19th Century by Franconian Lutherans, the city features a cultural and historical landscape woven with churches and museums which offer a glimpse at its history. Several outdoor attractions also abound, among which the picturesque Heritage Park is perhaps the most significant. A vast repository of events and festivals is a further testament to Frankenmuth's Bavarian heritage, illustrating its customs and traditions. The city is also home to the World's Largest Christmas Store, Bronner's Christmas Wonderland.
Also known as the Tulip City and the City of Churches due to the presence of 170 churches, Holland sits upon the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. It was set up by the Calvinist Dutch Settlers who arrived here to escape persecution back home. Annual festivals celebrate the city's Dutch roots, and all of the red buildings are well-decorated much to the delight of visitors. Dotted with lush green parks and sprinkles of colorful tulips, Holland is truly a spectacular treat for the eyes. The beautiful Veldheer Tulip Gardens and Holland State Park are some of the most popular attractions in the town.
When one enters Helen in White County, Georgia, one feels transported thousands of miles to the beautiful towns of the Bavarian region, because the plan of the city and the architecture are quite similar to those of Bavaria. Over the years, Helen has become a favorite tourist destination in the state, welcoming hordes of visitors all year round. The city also organizes various events, among which the Oktoberfest and the hot-air balloon race are exceptionally popular. Home to beautiful parks like the Smithgall Woods State Park and cultural attractions like the Helen Arts & Heritage Center, Helen is an incredible mélange of unforgettable experiences.
Discover a piece of Holland in the heart of Iowa at Pella. Founded by Dutch immigrants in the late-19th Century, this small town to this day retains its unique architecture and cultural heritage. From the Vermeer Mill to the Pella Opera House and the Tulip Time Festival held each year, there is plenty to see and do during your visit. Visitors flock to the town during festive seasons of Tulip Time, the Sinterklaas Christmas Parade, and the Kermis Summer Festival to experience Dutch cuisine, music, crafts and more. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake, where they can boat, hike, bike or fish, while history buffs can check out Pella Historical Village and the Scholte House Museum.
Founded by Swiss settlers over a century ago, New Glarus takes its name from the Garon canton of Switzerland. This picturesque hamlet retains its authentic charm, as seen in the European architecture that dominates the townscape. Dubbed Wisconsin's "Little Switzerland," New Glarus transports you to an Alpine village from the bygone era. Visits to the Golden Fleece Museum, New Glarus Brewing Company and Swiss Historical Village are both entertaining and educational. The Wilhelm Tell Festival is a popular annual festival of the town that welcomes thousands of tourists. Besides the plethora of cultural activities, the town also offers an array of outdoor destinations.
Lindsborg came into existence in 1869 when a party of Swedish settlers headed by Pastor Olof Olsson arrived here. Referred to as Little Sweden, Lindsborg is known for its unique Swedish heritage. The Old Town area is replete with souvenir shops, traditional cafes, leafy avenues, and cobbled streets, all of which evoke memories of the days of yore. Svensk Hyllningsfest is held once in two years, every October in odd-numbered years to commemorate the town's Swedish roots. A standard souvenir everyone picks from here is the Dala Horse, a wooden toy that originated from the Dalarna Province in Sweden.