Don’t get us fallacious: Going abroad could be an unimaginable alternative. However these United States of ours have some unparalleled home vacation spot dupes, whether or not you’re trying to expertise iconic Scandinavian structure, stare upon Japanese cherry blossoms in full bloom, or sip wines that rival those you’d discover in France. Actually, you possibly can tackle all these adventures—and so many extra—in Washington state, a gem tucked into the furthest nook of the Pacific Northwest.
From tiny cities on its Sound-side Kitsap Peninsula to cities additional inland that provide worldwide points of interest, we’ve gathered 5 of the very best look-alike locations in Washington—particularly for vacationers on the hunt for worldwide vacation spot dupes. It doesn’t matter what sort of worldwide expertise you’re after, these spots are certain to please—and, after all, are excellent for exploring with an RVshare rental as your base camp. Let’s dive in!
1. Switzerland in Washington
From the towering peak of the Matterhorn to the decadence of cheese and chocolate fondue, it’s no marvel so many individuals have Switzerland on their must-visit checklist. And whether or not you’re planning on hitting the slopes or just having fun with the apré (even when it’s really avant, or au lieu de), Washington’s inland city of Leavenworth has you coated.
Leavenworth
A Bavarian-themed village nestled proper into the criminal of The Enchantments—some of the gorgeous mountain ranges anyplace within the Decrease 48—Leavenworth affords heavenly vistas alongside scrumptious eating alternatives, together with German delicacies in addition to loads of scrumptious brews to maintain you heat within the winter (or the world’s crisp summer season evenings). There’s loads of outside journey close by, together with snowboarding and snowboarding for many who are into it, in addition to plain outdated climbing by means of Alpine meadows and crystalline lakes. And, sure, amongst worldwide cities in Washington, this one’s transformation was doubtless probably the most aware: within the Sixties, in an effort to revive the tourism that has so lengthy supported its economic system, Leavenworth city leaders made the choice to offer your complete city a Bavarian makeover. What can we are saying? It labored!
- Similarities to Switzerland: Conventional Bavarian buildings, mountain surroundings, and outside journey alternatives.
- Issues to Do: Go to the Nutcracker Museum, discover Waterfront Park, hike the Icicle Gorge Path, and revel in Bavarian-style beer halls and German delicacies.
- Close by Campgrounds
2. Norway in Washington
It’s unusual to suppose {that a} city lower than 25 miles from downtown Seattle might have all of the quiet, quaint vitality of a Norwegian ladested. Nevertheless it’s true: Poulsbo, which is tucked on the Kitsap Peninsula only a quick drive and nice ferry journey from the busiest part of Seattle, affords all of the brightly painted facades and serene sailboats of Bergen—to not point out native Nordic festivals and genuine Scandinavian eats.
Poulsbo
Poulsbo’s place alongside the Puget Sound offers it a water-struck panorama just like these of Norway’s well-known Western Fjords, and its connection to The Land of the Midnight Solar is extra than simply incidental. Within the Eighties, this city was based by a Norwegian immigrant by the identify of Jorgen Eliason, and is frequently dubbed “Little Norway” by locals. Skål!
- Similarities to Norway: Scandinavian affect in structure, fjord-like landscapes, and native Nordic festivals.
- Issues to Do: Stroll by means of Entrance Road, go to the Poulsbo Marine Science Heart, take pleasure in genuine Scandinavian bakeries, and discover Liberty Bay.
- Close by Campgrounds
3. France in Washington
France is mainly synonymous with wine—and for good cause. Whereas it is probably not the primary place wine was ever made—an honor that belongs to the areas surrounding the Caucasus Mountains area, together with modern-day nations like Georgia and Armenia, and which began greater than 8,000 years in the past—wine stands out as the nation that made it probably the most well-known. And happily, you don’t must take a transatlantic flight to take pleasure in gorgeous sips.
Walla Walla
Walla Walla is a small metropolis nestled near the place the place the Columbia River begins its northward swing. It’s simply on the border of the place the place Washington transforms from a forest to a desert. The ensuing climate patterns—or, as wine nerd may say, micro-climates—make it an ideal place to develop the identical sort of massive, stunning wines that make the Rhône valley well-known: suppose deep, darkish syrahs with simply the correct mix of different varietals, together with some surprisingly highly effective cabernet sauvignons.
Even higher, it’s not simply the wine—it’s the vibe. A small-town really feel that marries informal and complex, Walla Walla is an unimaginable vacation spot even for those who’re a teetotaler. (In any case, you’ve nonetheless gotta eat, and good wine normally means good meals.) Plus, outside journey alternatives are shut at hand—in spite of everything, you’ve gotta have one thing to do earlier than 5 o’clock rolls round.
- Similarities to France: Winery landscapes, boutique wineries, and farm-to-table eating.
- Issues to Do: Wine tasting at world-class vineyards, go to Whitman Mission Nationwide Historic Web site, and discover the charming downtown space.
- Close by Campgrounds
4. Japan in Washington
It’s exhausting to discover a journey fanatic who doesn’t have Japan on their to-do checklist—and it’s simple to know why. There are few locations on the earth that marry cosmopolitan shine with the tranquil energy of mindfulness. Japan is the place the QR code was invented. It’s additionally residence to a thriving faculty of Zen Buddhism. And did we point out the gorgeous pure environment, together with snow-capped peaks, thermal swimming pools, and considerable cherry blossoms?
Seattle’s Japanese Gardens & Uwajimaya District
For this sort of expertise stateside, the one place to show is Seattle—which is definitely a sister metropolis with Kobe, Japan. Seattle’s Japanese gardens give guests the chance to expertise the springtime bloom (and less-talked-about-but-just-as-stunning impact of Japanese gardens in the summertime, fall, and winter). The close by Uwajimaya District can also be residence to world-class Japanese delicacies and an genuine Asian market.
We gained’t lie: Seattle isn’t at all times the simplest place to camp. However there are many smaller cities and wildernesses instantly surrounding town that are prime locations to hold your hat—and offers you a chance to get away from all of the hubbub when you’re by means of with it!
- Similarities to Japan: Conventional gardens, cherry blossom timber, and genuine Japanese delicacies.
- Issues to Do: Go to the Seattle Japanese Backyard, discover the Uwajimaya Market, and expertise the annual Cherry Blossom Competition.
- Close by Campgrounds
5. England in Washington
England is a standard wishlist vacation spot for People—and never simply because it’s good to journey in a spot the place you don’t have to fret a couple of language barrier. Quaint Victorian structure, a pleasant smile behind an arm extending you a scorching cuppa, and simply sufficient drear to make you are feeling cozy are all components of the general English vibe vacationers are anticipating.
Port Townsend
One other quiet city situated bodily close-by to Seattle (although between the drive to Kingston and the ferry into Edmonds, the precise journey can take an hour or extra), Port Townsend is among the many greatest worldwide vacation spot dupes in Washington—and a worthy vacation spot in its personal proper. It’s residence to one of many best-kept clutches of Victorian-era houses within the space, and its coastal setting affords greater than a passing resemblance to small English seaside cities. It’s additionally near a set of wonderful state parks, together with Fort Worden (which is residence to an annual writers’ convention), Fort Townsend, Fort Flagler, and Andersen Lake.
When the nippiness wind off the water brings you inside, take coronary heart: this city is residence to conventional tea homes, English-style pubs, and loads of different scrumptious edible choices, to not point out a number of glorious espresso retailers and bookstores—lots of which provide gorgeous views (whereas preserving you heat from the chilly). Oh, and did we point out it’s a comparatively simple drive to the inimitable landscapes of Olympic Nationwide Park?
- Similarities to England: Victorian-style buildings, a captivating waterfront, and a maritime heritage.
- Issues to Do: Discover Fort Worden Historic Park, go to the Jefferson Museum of Artwork & Historical past, and revel in conventional tea homes and pubs.
- Close by Campgrounds
Whereas we’d by no means attempt to dissuade you from pursuing worldwide journey, we hope this information has helped you see precisely what number of gorgeous worldwide cities there are in Washington—and in each state in our nation! Regardless of which cities and wildernesses you select, RVshare is right here to assist make sure you see all of it one of the simplest ways attainable: from the consolation and comfort of your dream RV rental.
