Love the thought of taking in Parisian views from the Eiffel Tower or making a wish at the Trevi Fountain in Italy, but can't fathom the cost? If you're looking for European-like beauty, you don't have to travel very far, New Jerseyans.
World Atlas, in a recent report, listed eight towns in the Garden State that are "comparable to some of the most beautiful cities in Europe." While exploring Europe may not be feasible for many, the report states, New Jersey is chock full of "European influence" that doesn't require a ton of money or an airplane.
Of all the original thirteen colonies, New Jersey was the most culturally diverse and by the end of 1790, the state possessed a distinct set of cultural regions, according to a New Jersey Historical Commission report. The first settlers to colonize were Dutch (French included), followed by Sweden, as well as the Scots, Irish and Germans.
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Whether you want to get in touch with your French heritage or want to explore your German roots, here are eight towns worth checking out this spring:
Eight New Jersey towns that rival Europe's best
Long Valley
Long Valley, an unincorporated community within Washington Township in Morris County, earned a spot on the list for its striking similarity to a German village. The roughly 2,100-person community was called German Valley, but changed during World War I due to anti-German settlement in the U.S., according to World Atlas. The community's German Valley Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, with buildings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fairfield
Fairfield, located in northwestern Essex County, was first settled by the Dutch in 1669, who called it "Gansegat," meaning duck pond, according to World Atlas. Fairfield has a high percentage of residents that tout their Italian roots — some 50% or more, according to one report. World Atlas reiterated that number, remarking that about half of the 7,900 residents claim Italian roots and mentioned the numerous Italian restaurants in the area. Among restaurants to explore include Cucina Calandra, Calandra's Mediterranean Grill and Lumi's.
Sparta
With just around 20,000 residents, Sparta's unique architectural landscape was likened to that of a Swiss village. The Sussex County town's Lake Mohawk includes a boardwalk, eateries including St. Moritz Bar & Grill and Alpine Creamery and a unique set of Tudor, English Cottage and German Baronial architectural style homes.
Ho-Ho-Kus
The borough of Ho-Ho-Kus, about 26 miles outside New York City, was settled in 1698 by the Dutch. Although the town name is Native American, it has the feel of a European small town, according to World Atlas, with historic Colonial and Tudor style homes. Like Europe, its streets are also pedestrian-friendly and emphasizes walkability. The Hermitage, an English Gothic Revival style museum, is designated a National Historic Landmark and dates to the 1700s.
Wantage
Wantage Township, with a population of just shy of 11,000, was founded in 1798 and was named for Wantage, England. The Sussex County town contains the state's highest point — High Point — and according to World Atlas, "has a bit of a Dutch and English feel to it," with the Old Clove Presbyterian Church, although sports a bit of a "Spanish style" with the Ventimiglia Vineyard, which produces wines from red grapes indigenous to Spain.
Cape May
The popular seaside resort town is the oldest in the U.S. and is named for the Dutch sea captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, who explored the coast in 1621. The town of about 3,000 people greets thousands of visitors each year, many drawn to the more than 600 Victorian-style buildings and homes.
Frenchtown
Located in Hunterdon County, the quaint village with just over 1,300 residents was settled by the French Huguenots in 1725. Located near the Delaware River, the town still honors its French heritage with Bastille Day celebrations each July in a downtown area that resembles a European village.
Smithville
Smithville, a town of about 10,000 residents in Galloway Township in Atlantic County, was once just a stagecoach stop with just the Smithville Inn. Now, the area is covered in cobblestone walkways, footbridges and more than 60 old-world shops, said World Atlas. It's Dutch and English roots are evident in its architecture and year-round events.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: No need to go to Europe? These NJ towns rival world's best, study says