35 Cities That Feel Like a Different Country Without Leaving the U.S.

32. Newport, Rhode Island: Gilded Age European Grandeur

While not a specific ethnic enclave, Newport, Rhode Island, especially its Gilded Age mansions, offers an unparalleled immersion into European aristocratic grandeur. These opulent "cottages" built by America's wealthiest families were directly inspired by French chateaux, Italian villas, and English country estates. Walking through "The Breakers" or "Marble House" transports you to the lavish lifestyles of European royalty and nobility. Beyond the mansions, the historic harbor and charming colonial streets add a quaint New England elegance, creating a unique American destination that feels steeped in old-world European luxury and history.