Sure, Europe is stuffed with attraction—however the transoceanic flight it takes these of us who reside within the U.S. to get there, not a lot. Together with avoiding the TSA line and exorbitant airfare, RV street journeys within the Northeast even have the added bonus of permitting you to pack absolutely anything you need. No want to fret about going over a weight restrict!
And also you is likely to be shocked to study that there should not one or two however no less than seven worthy Europe look-alikes within the Northeast. From the snowy mountain views of Switzerland to the cobbled streets of merry England, we’ve gathered a handful of world-class European-inspired locations proper right here at house. In truth, they’re all shut sufficient collectively that you may most likely string them collectively in a single journey!
1. Switzerland within the Northeast
Craggy peaks, shimmering alpine lakes, and the way in which a snowy winter day makes each pub inside that a lot cozier—all of those are only some of the explanations individuals go to Switzerland. Notably within the nation’s central-southern areas, like Zermatt and Interlaken, are beautiful locales for the outdoorsy, adventurous sorts—together with the furtive relations who could solely have an interest within the après a part of après-ski.
Stowe, Vermont
It won’t be the Matterhorn, however Stowe, Vermont sits on the foot of Mount Mansfield, which is Vermont’s tallest mountain peak. Towering at 4,395 toes above sea degree, its peak is commonly snow-dusted even in spring and fall. Accordingly, Stowe is without doubt one of the best-known east-coast ski locations, and the city itself is dotted with espresso retailers, pubs, eating places and different cozy locales to take pleasure in a pleasant scorching beverage when you’re finished with the slopes. Summer time guests will benefit from the surrounding greenery and maybe even a high-flying gondola journey, an effective way to take all of it in, in any season. Together with climbing classics like Smugglers’ Notch, you’ll want to take a look at close by wildernesses together with CC Putnam State Forest, Camel’s Hump State Park, and the Robbins Mountain Wildlife Administration Space.
- Dupe for: Zermatt or Interlaken, Switzerland
- Why: Mountain views, alpine attraction, chalet-style inns, snowy winters
- Issues to Do: Trapp Household Lodge, gondola journey, climbing Smugglers’ Notch
- Campgrounds: Little River State Park, Gold Brook Campground, and extra
2. Norway within the Northeast
Arctic fjords, craggy mountains, and northern mild vistas are simply among the many advantages that draw hundreds of tourists to Norway every year. Town of Ålesund, specifically, enjoys a robust vacationer business due to its one-of-a-kind Artwork Nouveau theme, which the whole metropolis received to outfit itself in throughout a rebuild after a devastating 1904 hearth. Scrumptious seafood is pulled in from the waters every day on sailboats that bob pleasantly within the water that surrounds town on all sides. Briefly, it’s fairly darn spectacular—and in addition a world away from the U.S., accessible to most People solely after no less than two legs of prolonged, tiresome flights.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Allow us to introduce you to the right Ålesund vacation spot dupe: Kennebunkport, Maine, which, like its Norwegian counterpart, sits proper on the waterfront alongside the state’s southern coast. Tucked about midway between Portland and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Kennebunkport is the definition of a hidden gem—one that gives the identical “quaint coastal village” vibes of Ålesund, together with entry to killer seafood and beautiful pure landscapes. Whilst you received’t get the Artwork Nouveau of all of it on this Maine city, you’ll get historic captain’s homes, shingled inns, white trim and wraparound porches. And, after all, tons and plenty of lobster—together with lobster boat excursions, when you’re into it!
- Dupe for: Ålesund, Norway
- Why: Coastal village attraction, rocky harbors, seafood, boats bobbing in cool Atlantic waters
- Issues to Do: Cape Porpoise Pier, lobster boat excursions, stroll Dock Sq.
- Campgrounds: Salty Acres, Purple Apple Campground, and extra
3. Northern Italy within the Northeast
Italy is a rustic of many climes and vibes—and its northernmost half is thought for stylish sophistication, a mixture of cultures influenced by lengthy and vibrant historical past, and, sure, impeccable mountain views. Town of Bolzano, as an illustration, is thought for its setting within the coronary heart of the Dolomites, so it’s house base for a lot of adventuresome vacationers year-round—and it additionally affords world-class wining and eating, to not point out some unimaginable and utterly distinctive museums.
Montpelier, Vermont
It could be laborious to consider that the identical state can function a European-inspired vacation spot dupe for nations as totally different as Italy and Switzerland—and but it’s true: Vermont affords each. Just some miles south of Stowe, which we mentioned above, town of Montpelier affords a barely extra city surroundings with all the identical beautiful surrounding landscapes—and a top-notch farm-to-table meals scene for many who are eyeing Italy for the consuming of all of it. Similar to abroad, Montpelier affords the right mixture of stylishness and gradual tempo, so you possibly can have your fancy tea cake and eat it too—all surrounded by among the most stunning nature you’ve seen in your life, together with the Groton State Forest, Kettle Pond State Park and plenty of different preserved landscapes.
- Dupe for: Bolzano, Italy (South Tyrol area)
- Why: Small city nestled within the mountains, historic attraction, artisan meals scene
- Issues to Do: Vermont State Home, Hubbard Park, Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
- Campgrounds: Onion River Campground, Bragg Farm Campground, and extra
4. France within the Northeast
Clearly, there’s no true stand-in for France—from its historic structure to its extremely refined delicacies, wine, and magnificence. However c’est vrai: A Delaware city comprises an unimaginable constructing that rivals some of the iconic French landmarks there may be. Sure, we’re speaking about Versaille—and sure, you possibly can go to its analogue with out hopping on board a flight to Charles De Gaulle.
Nemours Property – Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington is thought for a lot of issues—its considerably stunning standing as a enterprise hub within the monetary and authorized industries; its bustling riverfront pedestrian zones, alight with breweries and eateries. It’s additionally house to the Nemours Property, a 200-acre, French-inspired mansion with formal gardens on par with something you’d discover within the Metropolis of Lights. First opened in 1910, the Nemours Property options 77 well-appointed rooms, which had been constructed to serve Alfred I. du Pont and his spouse, Alicia. Together with excursions, the Property can also be incessantly the location of reside musical performances—and is way from the one delightfully French factor to seek out in Wilmington. (Our suggestion: the duck confit appetizer at La Fia Bistro on Market Road.)
- Dupe for: Château de Versailles, France
- Why: 200-acre French-inspired mansion with formal gardens
- Issues to Do: Tour Nemours Property, go to native French eating places, discover Brandywine River Museum
- Prime Close by Campgrounds
5. French Riviera within the Northeast
Paris is one factor, however perhaps you’ve got your sights set on the French Riviera: In any other case often known as the Côte d’Azur, this Mediterranean gem is heaven in case your concept of heaven contains quaint seaside villages, fancy yachts bobbing within the close by water, and an limitless move of rosé. Cities like Saint-Tropez and Touloun are well-known locations for the ritziest and glitziest amongst us—and lots who’re joyful to bask within the glow of their star energy. Or just benefit from the turquoise sea holding the crystal stem of a wine glass full of fruit from close by.
Newport, Rhode Island
We get it: At first blush, Newport, Rhode Island seems like a very totally different vacation spot than the Mediterranean coast of France. Assume fewer palm bushes and younger film stars and extra previous (and generally inconspicuous) cash. Nonetheless, these GIlded Age mansions that dot the city map aren’t there for nothing, and most of the households behind them nonetheless name town house, giving it that glamorous coastal vibe so many who go to the French Riviera are after. (And, after all, sure, there’s loads of scrumptious meals and wine to go round.)
- Dupe for: Good or Cannes, France
- Why: Coastal glamour, yachting tradition, historic structure
- Issues to Do: Newport Mansions, Cliff Stroll, harbor crusing excursions
- Prime Close by Campgrounds
6. England within the Northeast
We promised England within the Northeast—and we’re right here to ship. Whether or not you’re after the historic attraction of all of it, with horse-drawn carriages clattering down cobblestone streets, or the colonial and maritime historical past, there are many causes U.S. residents typically put England excessive on their worldwide vacation spot checklist—not least of which is the truth that it’s some of the unique locations you possibly can go to (in some methods: they name a water fountain a bubbler!) with out going through a critical language barrier.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Only a bit additional south from Kennebunkport, Maine—which we named above as the right worldwide vacation spot dupe for Norway—the city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire affords a decidedly Anglophone form of attraction. Similar to one of the best components of jolly previous England, Portsmouth’s streets are prowled by horse-drawn carriages and lined with loads of pubs serving up precisely the sorts of hearty beers that get a soul via a northeastern coastal winter. What can we are saying: There’s a purpose the city has the identical identify as one of many cities in the UK it most resembles!
- Dupe for: Cornwall or Portsmouth, UK
- Why: Historic port city with colonial and maritime historical past, pubs, cobblestone streets
- Issues to Do: Strawberry Banke Museum, Prescott Park, harbor cruises
- Campgrounds: Nice Bay Tenting, Sea Coast Tenting & RV Resort, and extra
7. Eire within the Northeast
4-leaf clovers, sea-washed cliffs, darkish beers supplied with a smiling face behind them: There are such a lot of causes Eire is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer locations amongst People and nearly everybody else. A lot of the world has adopted St. Patrick’s Day, a vacation which celebrates the tradition of this comparatively tiny island nation. Together with its rolling inexperienced hills dotted with chomping sheep and real-deal castles, Eire can also be house to among the friendliest and most welcoming individuals you’ll ever meet. Briefly, there’s a purpose they name it the luck of the Irish.
Belfast, Maine
You’ve heard of Belfast, Eire, for certain—however when you’ve but to listen to of Belfast, Maine, hear up. As a result of when you’re on the lookout for an analogous quaint coastal vibe right here within the states, that is the place to be. (And sure, it even sounds the half.) The brick-laid historic downtown and sweeping ocean views make Belfast, Maine a worthy vacation spot for many who’d somewhat skip the flight to the unique Belfast for now—and it’s all backed up by rolling hills and inexperienced mountains that provide an analogous vibe to what you’d discover in a lot of the Eire countryside. Plus, it’s received top-of-the-line farmers markets within the state.
- Dupe for: small coastal cities in Eire
- Why: Historic brick downtown, ocean views, bohemian coastal really feel
- Issues to Do: Belfast Harbor Stroll, farmers market, Entrance Road Shipyard
- Campgrounds: Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort, Searsport Shores, and extra
Whereas we’d by no means discourage you from making your worldwide journey desires a actuality, it may be comforting to know that most of the most stunning landscapes and experiences obtainable are literally far nearer to house—and extra accessible than ever if you hire a well-loved and cared-for personal RV rental via RVshare. Joyful travels, wherever they take you!
