- El Paso, TX
When you look at it geographically, El Paso should be a part of New Mexico, or perhaps old Mexico — it would make a lot more sense that way. t has a unique spot on the map and the extent of Mexican influence is almost tangible when you crisscross through Spanish signs all over the city, or peek into Juarez, which by the way is a bedrock of the culture of El Paso. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by mountains on three sides, standing in a desert in the largest bi-national city on two continents, in the home of cowboys and margaritas.
- Tangier, VA
Tangier is on the National Register of Historic Places; however it’s on the list for linguistic reasons. The residents here speak with a English Restoration-era dialect and the only way to the mainland is by airplane or boat. There aren’t any traffic lights and you can visit all restaurants in three days.
- Santa Fe, NM
Did you know that Santa Fe has two alternate names- Ogha Po’oge and Yootó, or Tewa and Navajo? It’s a testament to the unique Hispanic-meets-native-American blend of the city. The city was occupied by Pueblo villages about 700 before Europeans came over with their trinkets, and guns. The narrow alleyways and roads blended with Pueblo architecture make this place a feast for the eyes.
- Molokai, HI
Molokai isn’t exactly a city but it does have an interesting Hawaiian feel that makes it stand out. The buildings, the coconut trees, and the workers in the plantations and ranches all preserve the history of Halawa Valley. The language is different too, with a twist of Portuguese, Tagalog, and English. Want to sign up for lei classes? This is the place.
- Leavenworth, WA
Now, if one of your dreams is to set foot into a Bavarian Snow Globe, then book a flight to Leavenworth. Streets are crowded during Oktoberfest, and Christmas brings a large number of visitors too. With half-timbered houses, wooden men, a Nutcracker Museum, and shops with names like Der Markt Platz, you’re not likely to forget this place.
- Conch Republic, Key West
The Conch Republic continues to wage their little battle about seceding from the Union; it’s a tongue-in-cheek conflict which has the city making souvenir passports for visitors, and international country code vehicle stickers. Back in 1994 the city adopted a national anthem- which naturally was written by the Key Lime Pie National Band, and so nobody thinks they’re joking anymore.
- Whittier, Alaska
The entire city of Whittier operates in the Begich towers, and there’s only one official access by land, the Portage tunnel- there’s an hourly system for letting cars in, and nobody goes through past 10:30. Whittier is a peculiar Morlock society that needs more study.
- Holland, MI
Apologies to the Dutch, but this city does an eerily good job of imitating Dutch culture. It’s the perfect place for you to go plant tulips while the kids wear wooden shoes to Klompen lessons. This combination of Dutch village combined with Lake Michigan shoreline makes it a rather beautiful setting, and it was voted the second happiest place in the US.
- Solvang, CA
Solvang is a curious place where a century ago a bunch of Danes chose to call home. After you finish your æbleskiver, take a walk and count all the windmills you see, and when you’re tired of walking around, stop by any one of the thousand-or-so bakeries with queues out the door.
- Nantucket, MA
The name might sound fictitious but this is a real island, about 30 miles south of Cape Cod. It’s considered the best example of late 18th century New England seaport architecture so the entire thing has been labeled a historic landmark. The houses are idyllic, and harken back to a forgotten time, and even the street lamps are remarkably unsophisticated. A few names with houses there; Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, and Sharon Stone.
This article originally appeared in Matador Network by Jaqueline Kehoe
Posted on May 5, 2023