Living in Italy for eight years fostered a deep connection to the culture and heritage. Despite residing in Chicago, annual summer visits to Italy are a cherished tradition, particularly for family bonding. US cities such as Venice Beach in California, resembling the Italian city of Venice, and Frankenmuth in Michigan, reminiscent of the Dolomites, provide locals a slice of Italian life. These places offer rich food, wine, history, and charm that satisfy a longing for Italy without the need for transatlantic travel.
Venice Beach's bohemian vibe and canals are an almost perfect replica of Venice, Italy. Developed in 1905, the canals of this coastal Los Angeles neighborhood were designed to look like those in Venice.
Frankenmuth, a mountain town in Michigan, reminds me of the Italian Dolomites. This Michigan city's Alpine-style buildings, hearty cuisine, and mountain-town charm really resemble the Dolomites in northeastern Italy.
These cities offer Americans a slice of Italian culture, minus the hourslong flight overseas - and help quench my insatiable thirst for Italy with soul-stirring food, wine, history, and charm.
Although I now live in Chicago, Italy still feels like my second home: I make a point to spend every summer there, mainly so my daughter can bond with her nonna.
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