As COVID-19’s impact on travel has made most Americans shift any international travel plans for the near future, we’re looking within the United States for interesting destinations to explore. And while there’s no Eiffel Tower or Coliseum stateside, there’s a number of domestic cities with international flair where travelers can visit and experience culture, outdoor dining, shopping and more. Outlined below are a number of destinations LHG represents that can hold their own to any European city. If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to Vice President Carlyn Topkin who can assist in connecting you to the appropriate account person. Carlyn can be reached at carlynt@louhammond.com
Trade Barcelona, Spain, for Santa Barbara, California
Spanish Colonial influence can be seen around every corner in Santa Barbara. Spanish settlers gave the city its distinct architectural style in the form of Old Mission Santa Barbara and what is now the Country Courthouse – a style that was carried forward by local visionaries after a massive earthquake destroyed much of the area’s infrastructure in 1925. Today, Santa Barbra relives Latin heritage during Old Spanish Fiesta Days. Santa Barbara is chock-full of vivid art installations, historic landmarks and incredible architecture. The town’s Spanish heritage shines through the white-washed adobe buildings, red tile roofs and hacienda-style design. https://santabarbaraca.com/
Trade Salamanca, Spain, for Santa Fe, New Mexico
Spanish explorers and then Spanish colonial settlers were traveling to and establishing “La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis” (or what is known as modern day Santa Fe, New Mexico) back in 1610. This Spanish/European influence meshed with local Native American culture to become one of the most unique cities in the U.S. that has retained a strong sense of place and one of a kind destination. To visit sites that reveal the history of the Spanish colonial times in the Southwest, United States, start in the historic Santa Fe Plaza area. Here you can visit the Palace of the Governors building (http://www.palaceofthegovernors.org/index.php) which is known as the oldest, continuously operating government building in the U.S., the “Oldest Church” in the U.S. the San Miguel Mission (www.sanmiguelchapel.org) which is also a true Adobe structure and the “Oldest House” in the U.S. https://santafe.org/
Trade Paris, for Alexandria, Virginia
Cobblestone and Brick Lined Streets – In Alexandria, there is a new discovery waiting around every corner that will make individuals feel like they’re exploring Paris. Take a stroll on a brick-lined streets and people will find chef-driven restaurants, cobblestone alleyways, surprising architectural details, independently owned boutiques and galleries and the Old Town Farmers’ Market outside on Saturdays. The gaslit lamps and narrow streets are enough to make you feel like you could be in Paris. Alexandria is packed with vibrant and diverse architectural styles and gardens reminiscent of Paris. Just like the Seine River Cruise, visitors can find a varied collection of cruises on the Potomac River, connecting to Washington, DC to the north, Mount Vernon to the south, and everywhere in between. With Potomac Riverboat Company, you can cruise to see the monuments, visit the National Mall, catch a baseball game, see the Cherry Blossoms in the springtime, and more. https://www.visitalexandriava.com/
Trade Copenhagen, for Lambertville, New Jersey
This picturesque Delaware River was founded in 1705 and is home to many antique shops in equally antique buildings, in addition to incredible outdoor dining along the waterfront, being pedestrian-friendly, artsy, inclusive to all and even has some great outdoor attributes not too far. Lambertville is known as a place for “free spirits,” a haven for artists and craftsmen. And the town’s architecture is as interesting as its residents.
https://www.visitnj.org/city/lambertville
Trade Negril, Jamaica for Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge. From renowned beaches and world class fishing and diving experiences to fun-filled water and amusement parks and a 1.1 million square-foot lifestyle center, Panama City Beach delivers a Jamaican-like vacation without ever leaving the country. Offshore, visitors can enjoy charming vendors and shops, delicious local seafood and live-music offered nightly. The region has long been favored by travelers seeking an affordable beach vacation with year-round offerings for families, couples, groups and adventure-seekers. https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/
Trade Cassis, France for Charleston, South Carolina
Travelers near and far continue to be charmed by the cobblestone streets, pastel buildings and historical homes found in Charleston, South Carolina. Many flock to this Southern gem to enjoy the walkable downtown and picturesque waterfront that resembles European locale that can only be found in the French Riviera. While most known for its Southern culture, cuisine and world-class hotels, the Holy City’s historic museums and landmarks that make up the Charleston Heritage Federation tell the story of our nation’s beginnings and preserves the region’s rich history, similar to historical offerings found in Cassis. https://www.charlestoncvb.com/
from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2020/08/17/domestic-destinations-with-international-flair/
via https://louhammond.com
After getting hooked through grade school, I minored in the language and was able to spend my junior spring of college studying abroad in Madrid and completing the program there, while living with a host family. While there was the occasional language barrier, like the time I mixed up ‘couch’ and ‘knights’ when my host mom asked me what my college mascot was, I loved getting to see the city from the local’s perspective. With weekends free, my classmates and I traveled throughout Europe and while it wasn’t always glamorous (hello hostels) we learned more from the people we met along the way than we did in the classroom.
