Ivan Gillis

11 U.S. Retirement Locations with an European Feel

·         Want England?

Substitute: Try Salem, MA
Why: This city keeps that old English feel alive with cobblestone and brick roads, old docks, and more pubs than you can raise a pint of Guinness to. Want some authentic, old-school red telephone booths and great fish and chips? Pop into Victoria's Station, a local restaurant. If you're looking for an authentic pub, try Leslie's Last Retreat on Bridge Street. But from a more historical point of view, Salem was the site of the infamous Witch Trials, a direct link to England's past.

·         Want Swiss Alps?

Substitute: Try New Hampshire
Why: New Hampshire's White Mountains have impressive lineage, helping birth world champion skier Bode Miller... and if it's good enough for Bode, it's definitely good enough for you. White Mountain boasts some of the highest peaks this side of the Mississippi, offering skiers of all skillsets an incredible work out -- not to mention, the opportunity to see all the way to Canada on a clear day!

·         Want Paris?

Substitute: Try Washington, D.C.
Why: It should be no surprise that Washington, DC is a suitable substitute for a trip to Paris, as the city's French-inspired architecture was designed by Frenchman Pierre Charles L'Enfant. Want to pretend you're crossing the river Seine on a typically Parisian bridge? Just take a jaunt over the Arlington Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River. Vive

·         Want Southern Spain?

Substitute: Try Ojai, CA
Why: This town with 8,000 residents features similar architecture, with white-washed buildings in its downtown core. Ojai is also host to nifty little cafes that are reminiscent of Spanish descent, and tours through the local Olive Oil producer helps complete that other worldly feel. The town is just as laid back as you'd expect it to be, and is well known as an artist's haven -- which is why you'll find some incredible galleries to peruse, and have the opportunity to check out some awesome live music festivals.

·         Want Scotland?

Substitute: Try Hilton Head Island, SC
Why: For one, there are incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. For two, there's great weather all year long. And for three, yes, there's golf... There are more than 15 courses that offer an incredible and challenging experience for any golfer, which is provably why Golf Digest called it one of the country's best places to golf. How can you say no?

·         Want Old England?

Substitute: Try Cape May, NJ
Why: With over 600 traditional Victorian homes, you'll feel like you're in a whole other world -- and that's even before you partake in any of the city's proud historical activities. Not only are there festivals running throughout the year, it's easy to get a horse and carriage ride through the city, and you can take historic house tours. As if that's not enough, you can complete your times-past feel with a stay at Congress Hall Hotel, or The Virginia Hotel, where that old town feeling is alive and well.

·         Want Greece?

Substitute: Try Chicago, IL
Why: Okay, so it might not have the same azure ocean and white adobe housing. But Chicago, IL actually has a large Greek community that can help you feel like you're in the isles of Greece. In fact, there's even a section in Chicago's downtown core called Greektown that features the city's most authentic Greek eateries. After enough Greek food and hospitality, you'll swear the lake looks a little more blue.

·         Want Hong Kong?

Substitute: Try San Francisco, CA
Why: It could be argued that San Francisco is reminiscent of many places across the world, but its most prominent feature is calling itself home to the largest Asian community in the United States. San Francisco's Chinatown is a spectacle that needs to be seen to be believed -- it's not hard to feel like you're in a different country here! Colorful shops, authentic eateries and more line the streets, as people busily dash about, dodging traffic as they go about their days. You'll never even know you're in California.

·         Want Milan?

Substitute: Try Beverly Hills, CA
Why: Everyone knows of Rodeo Drive's iconic status, and it's not just because of its Hollywood movie cache -- the top designers from anywhere and everywhere have set up shop along this road. Roam up one side of the street and you'll spot Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton, down the other you'll find Armani and Chanel. Don't forget the world-class dining, and iconic hotels like the Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Wilshire, and the Four Seasons. Just watch out for paparazzi!

·         Want Amsterdam?

Substitute: Try Pittsburgh, PA!
Why: At first glance, you might not think that Pittsburgh is a reasonable stand-in for Amsterdam-- but scratch beneath the surface of this blue-collar, sports-lovin' town, and you'll see a beautiful city with stunning architecture, rich history and amazing culture. Part of its European feel comes courtesy of its Eastern European settlers, who made their way over to work in the steel mills and on the railroads, then infused the city with their traditions and charm. It's the next best thing to being at the real thing.

·         Want French Countryside?

Substitute: Try Vergennes, VT!
Why: Quaint countryside spots with cute, accompanying cities don't always have to be an agonizingly long plane trip away. Take Vergennes, for example. Established in 1788, it's one of the oldest and smallest cities (2,700 residents) in the country. Most of the architecture along the city's Main Street is French Second Empire featuring oversize windows and elevated cupolas. Plus, the city hosts an annual French Heritage Celebration every July. Don't forget the Black Sheep Bistro, which offers French-inspired dishes. Yummy!