E
uropean art, culture, food and drink make people swoon. Nearly all
Americans feel the tug eastward
toward the 51 countries of Europe. With the onslaught of at-home DNA tests flooding stores and homes, that distinctive European temptation is stronger than ever. Lucky for group tours, Europe has been hiding right here in the United States for years. These four towns will leave tourists feeling as though they have stepped off a plane and right into the Old Country.
Wilkommen to Leavenworth, Washington Leavenworth, Washington might be more than 5,000 miles away from Germany, but visitors would not believe it from the food, museums, shopping and architecture of this town. Bavarian-styled, half-timbered buildings frame the streets and seem to freshen
Leavenworth in winter
Four Old Country Towns in the New World
the air with an alpine crispness. Every morning at 8:15 and 9:15, the alp horn cries out
by Melissa Stanek
from the Enzian Inn’s balcony. Daily, the chime of carillon bells ring over the Leaven-
Welkom to Holland, Michigan
Nelis’ Dutch Village walk into the Netherlands
worth German-style fountain. Groups may
America has only one authentic, operating
of 100 years ago on the day the festival came
be surprised if a man in lederhosen greets
Dutch windmill, and it is in Holland, Michi-
to town. Every day has something family-
them from the nearby maypole, but that is
gan. Named one of “America’s Prettiest
friendly for guests. Dutch dancing, rides,
simply life in Leavenworth.
Towns” by Forbes Magazine, Holland has
wooden shoe carving and shopping are just
With such ambience, it is no surprise that
many Dutch experiences for groups. Dutch
a few of the attractions in the village.
people satiate their hunger with sauerkraut
architecture permeates Holland’s downtown,
Groups visiting Holland have another
and a snap of bratwurst. The authentic Ger-
where the sidewalks are made of cobble-
chance to see and buy their own wooden
man restaurants and beer will hit the spot,
stone. Competing with the beauty on the
shoes at De Klomp Wooden Shoe & Delftware
but to satisfy a thirst for art, visitors should
street outside, there are more than 100
Factory. Here, a shoe carver, trained and cer-
keep a lookout for the any of Leavenworth’s
unique shops, galleries, eateries and pub
tified in the Netherlands, uses authentic Dutch
many murals to find and admire.
brews to tempt groups indoors.
machinery to sculpt wooden shoes. Nearly
Keeping a sharp eye does not hurt when
To add a little Dutch education to a tour,
anyone can find a pair for themselves as sizes
shopping, either. Leavenworth has a plethora
Holland Museum is the stop. Dutch art and
range from doll to an adult size 14. Do not for-
of shopping opportunities ranging from inter-
cultural objects give visitors a view of the
get to pick up some authentic Delftware, too.
national cheese shops to clothing stores. Not
Netherlands, home country to the North and
Delftware, the famous blue-on-white pottery
to mention the unique purchases to be made
South Holland provinces, which is rarely seen
from the Netherlands, has only one production
at the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum’s
elsewhere. The artifacts on display range
facility in North America, and it is right here
gift shop or at Christkindlmarkt, which is
from the 17th to 20th centuries, granting an
in Holland. De Klomp offers more than 400
every Thanksgiving weekend, providing one-
understanding of and connection to a country
different hand-painted pieces of Delftware.
of-a-kind gifts, crafts and costumes around
nearly 4,000 miles away. Visitors can learn
Guests also have the opportunity to speak to
every corner. To start planning a trip to Leav-
about Holland, Michigan here, as well.
Delftware artists as they work.
enworth today, phone (509) 548-5807 or visit Leavenworth.org.
24 • Bus Tours Magazine / January, 2020
The museum is not the only way to step
What would Holland be without tulips? A
back in time in Holland. The Nelis’ Dutch Vil-
walk through the Veldeheer Tulip Gardens
lage is pure living history. Groups coming to
will dazzle the senses. The Gardens boasts
