5. Old World Spain Is Alive in San Antonio, Texas
A visit to San Antonio will take you to another place and time. The city is one of the finest along the Old Spanish Trail, a route running from St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego, California, linking America’s cities of Spanish conquest. San Antonio’s 18th century Spanish colonial missions are particularly well preserved (who could forget the Alamo?). The ambiance along the tree-lined Paseo del Rio (River Walk), while full of modern shops, restaurants and tour boats, still exudes a distinctive Spanish charm – with a touch of Venice thrown in for good measure.
6. California’s Napa Valley is a Good Stand-in for Tuscany
The velvety vineyard’s of Italy’s Tuscan countryside are on many travelers’ bucket list (or should that be barrel list?). However, the US of A has its own rolling hills that rival anything in Tuscany, both in terms of landscape and produce. California’s Napa Valley is a world-renowned region of wineries, spas, inns and retreats, making it a must-see/must-drink destination, especially for oenophiles. Some of its wineries are styled after grand Tuscan castles and medieval wine caves. Drink enough of the Napa vino and you can pretend you’ve hopped a plane to Tuscany.
