Throughout the United States, many communities offer the ethnic and cultural experience that dates back to when Europeans first immigrated to America. Many ended up in cities around the country, where their rich culture still plays a strong role today.
In Ennis, Texas for example, you might have to look twice to make sure you haven’t stepped into a small town in the Czech Republic. Every year the town holds the National Polka Festival, where the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic traditions, religious customs, and folk dances are highlighted with a variety of tastes, sights, and sounds from these two countries.
In fact, the entire area of historic downtown Ennis turns its streets into “a little bit of old Czechoslovakia,” and music lovers will feel they have hit the jackpot with over one dozen Polka bands playing live throughout the festivities every year.
“There is no other Czech festival that brings thousands of people to their town,” said Danny Zapletal, director of the National Polka Festival. “The festival’s founders and current successors have maintained the authenticity and values of the Czech tradition, requiring all parade entries, street dancers, and bands to maintain the Czech theme.”
Also in Texas, Fredericksburg and New Braunfels in the Texas Hill Country are cities where the German heritage is still strong today. Particularly in Fredericksburg, bakeries and restaurants line the main street throughout town offering the German experience and food as authentic as any you will find in the old country.
Solvang, California is another goldmine if you’re looking for a Scandinavian theme on your next vacation with a quaint little Danish village set in the Santa Ynez Valley, only hours north of Los Angeles. The town began in 1911, and is known today as the "Danish Capital of America."
Thai Town in Los Angeles is an area near Hollywood Boulevard where you will definitely feel as if you have stepped into Asia. There are not only Thai restaurants lining the streets, but also markets and shops like import stores, silk clothing stores, and massage spas. Los Angeles actually has the largest Thai population outside of Thailand with about 80,000 Thai residents living in the city. As a side note, just like Los Angeles’ moniker is “The City of Angels,” and Bangkok’s official name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, translates into the same.