I lived in Italy for 8 years. These 6 places in the US make me feel like I'm back in my favorite Italian cities.

March 26, 2026 adminsr

When I was in college, studying abroad in Italy was a no-brainer. My great-grandparents are from a tiny village just outside Modena, and I was curious about my heritage.

Something that took me by surprise, though, was the realization that I didn’t want to leave.

After my semester ended, I lived and worked in Rome throughout my early 20s. Eventually, I moved back to the US and became an Italian teacher.

Although I now live in ChicagoItaly still feels like my second home: I make a point to spend summers there, mainly so my daughter can bond with her nonna.

As lucky as I am to visit Italy every year, I still wish I could go more often. Thankfully, I’ve discovered a handful of places across the US that capture the energy of my favorite Italian regions.

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.

Catalina Island’s hidden coves and crystalline waters feel like Capri.

I plan a trip to Catalina Island whenever I find myself missing Capri.

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Located off the coast of southern California, Catalina Island is about 22 miles long. It’s easily accessible via ferry service, which operates out of three ports near Los Angeles.

When I first visited Catalina Island, I was awed by the dramatic shorelines, crystal-clear waters, and hidden coves. I felt like I was back on Capri.

I hiked to the top of the Garden to Sky trail, catching panoramic views that felt straight out of a Mediterranean postcard. Then, I soaked up the sunshine at Descanso Beach while sipping a chilled glass of prosecco.

Florida is home to Coral Gables, a city that always reminds me of Lake Como.

A home in Coral Gables, Florida. — Many of the homes and buildings around Coral Gables remind me of Italy.

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With its glamorous Mediterranean-style architecture, lush gardens, and waterfront estates, Coral Gables feels like Florida’s answer to Italy’s Lake Como.

The Italian Renaissance-inspired Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, built in the early 1900s, reminds me of the grand villas that line Como’s shores.

If you plan your own visit, don’t forget to check out the Venetian Pool — this public swimming spot was carved from a coral rock quarry, and (true to its name) feels straight out of Italy.

Chicago and Milan are “sister cities,” and it’s easy to see why.

Chicago downtown. — There are a lot of similarities between the cities of Chicago and Milan.

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It’s no surprise to me that my hometown of Chicago and the metropolis of Milan are officially sister cities. Both feature vibrant street art, designer boutiques, and — unsurprisingly, maybe — delicious Italian food.

I always recommend that tourists plan a trip to coincide with the Randolph Street Market, a pop-up vintage extravaganza. You can also explore Chicago’s dynamic mural scene with a street art tour.

Finally, Chicago’s pizza is as hearty and rich as any slices you’d find in Italy. You can’t leave my hometown without trying our legendary deep dish.

For a classic experience, head to Giordano’s. The stuffed pizza here is a masterpiece of cheese and sauce wrapped in a golden crust.

Sonoma bears an uncanny resemblance to Tuscany.

Vineyard in Sonoma County, California. — The vineyards in Sonoma County make me feel transported to the Tuscan countryside.

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The first time I visited Sonoma, California, I was struck by how much it resembled the Tuscan countryside, from the golden hills to rustic farmhouses.

When I found myself gathered around a long wooden table at Pedroncelli Winery, surrounded by laughter, clinking glasses, and the comforting scent of fresh herbs and olive oil, I felt wrapped in the same warmth and magic of the Italian countryside.

Perhaps the most obvious similarity, though, is the locals’ deep appreciation for wine. You can even immerse yourself in vineyard life by staying at one of the several wineries that offer accommodations.

Venice Beach in California feels just like the Italian city of the same name.

A canal in Venice Beach, Los Angeles. — I love visiting Venice Beach for a small taste of Europe.

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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. Whenever I stroll along the picturesque bridges and waterfront homes, I almost feel like I’m in Italy … all that’s missing are the gondolas.

Frankenmuth, Michigan, reminds me of the Italian Dolomites.

Frankenmuth, Michigan in winter. — If I can’t spend the holiday season near the Dolomite Alps, this city in Michigan makes me feel like I’m there.

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This Michigan city’s Alpine-style buildings, hearty cuisine, and cozy charm really resemble the Dolomites in northeastern Italy.

Moments like browsing handcrafted wooden ornaments at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland (the world’s largest Christmas store), enjoying a traditional Alpine feast, and setting off on a riverboat cruise on the Cass River made me feel like I was celebrating Natale — or Christmas — in Europe.

This story was originally published on August 18, 2025, and most recently updated on March 26, 2026.