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Here's a bit of a different kind of battle.
As far as I know, Leavenworth, Washington and Solvang, California are the two most well known themed towns in the U.S. (they are at least the two main ones i'm aware of).
Leavenworth is modeled after a Bavarian town whereas Solvang is modeled after a Dutch town.
Which town do you think is better in terms of:
- Overall theme
- Attractiveness
- Things to do
- Scenery
- People
- Food and drink
Leavenworth, Washington:
Solvang, California:
For more info on each town, visit the Wikipedia links:
I say leavenworth simply because it's beautiful when it snows there. Solvang doesn't get any snow nor is it really in the mountains. Cool town still just wish it had a better natural setting.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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We have been to both many times. Solvang has the edge on the shops and restaurants, but cannot compete with Leavenworth for the beauty with the mountains and forests, so it's the overall winner. That's in summer, in winter Leavenworth is spectacular with the snow.
Vail is more of the "fake Alpine European ski resort village" genre rather than the "small town transformed into European theme village sometimes influenced by original immigrants home country" genre.
So you're up there with Whistler Village or Mont Tremblant, but it's a different ballgame.
Never heard of Helen before, but it looks really pleasant as well! Is it well known in the Southeast?
Unfortunately, yes. My sister lives about 4 miles outside of Helen. This time of year, with Octoberfest going on and the leaves turning, traffic is pure hell. It is a stunningly beautiful area, though.
Lots of German immigrants have settled in Helen and opened authentic businesses there, though the town itself is totally fake (well, the Alpine thing anyway).
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