Sketching the Eiffel Tower during conference calls. Falling asleep reading Frommer’s Portable Florence. Telling your grade schooler bedtime stories about a continent steeped in ancient history, artistic treasures, architectural wonders, scenic vistas—and, ooooh, the food. Yep, you’re dreaming of a European vacation and all your kid can gain from it. Unfortunately, the current economic nightmare is keeping you from clicking “Book It.”

So consider this: You can get a satisfying and delicious taste of Europe without leaving North America. The timing may not be right to travel abroad, but you can still broaden your child’s horizons—and you can do that on home turf, says Amy Graff, leisure travel contributor for Best Western International and blogger at Onthego withamy.com. “There are such cultural riches to experience on our continent, and in many places you can combine and connect these with the feel and richness of Europe and with the historical influence Europe has had on us,” explains the longtime travel editor and mom of two young children. Travel nearly always offers a learning leap for kids, whose minds are opened by new environments. “When I was nine, my parents took me to Europe, when the exchange rate made it a good deal for Americans,” says Graff. “Even at that age I think I gained a global perspective, an appreciation for the European history that ties into our own history and enjoyment of the art and cuisines.” Plus, experts know that many children remember things when they learn through experience. You can bring the one-two punch of European and American culture alive for your child through enriching destinations that won’t break the bank. Here, Graff offers some excellent spots to consider.

Find Denmark in Solvang, CA

This quaint village, founded by Danes in 1911 and situated near Santa Barbara, may be kitschy, but kids will think it’s fascinating and fun, says Graff. Beyond the knickknack shops that dot the main drag, this kooky spot has Danish charm—and delicious treats. The cinnamon Danish at Olsen’s bakery, the apple strudel at Mortensen’s and the aebleskiver (puffy dough balls smeared with strawberry jam) at the Sol vang Restaurant are authentic Danish. So is the town’s charming architectural style. Curious kids will also eat up the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and Cachuma Lake, where the family can take a bird-watching cruise.

Say “Willkommen” to Leavenworth, WA

You don’t need German roots to get comfy in this Bavarian-style village, nestled in the Cascade Mountains, some 120 miles east of Seattle. Once a struggling hamlet, Leavenworth was reborn Bavarian in the early 1960s when town leaders remodeled it to attract tourism. Now lively oompah bands and yodeling accordion players abound at the town’s Front Street Park gazebo. Kids will marvel at the Cuckoo Clock shop, the Gingerbread Factory and the impressively large nutcracker collection at the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. And they’ll learn about traditional German cuisine at Andreas Keller Restaurant and at the Munchen Haus.

Go Brit in Victoria, BC

In this former British trading post, you can take afternoon tea at the turreted Fairmont Empress hotel, catch a show at the Royal Theatre and munch fish and chips, made with fresh local halibut, at Garrick’s Head Pub. London-inspired streets are lined with lampposts, flower baskets and old-world architecture. Kids will get off on Craigdarroch Castle, similar to the castles you’d find in Europe. And give them a sense of the region’s British-Canadian history with a visit to Craigflower Manor and Schoolhouse, both National Historic Sites.

Experience Paris in Québec City, Canada

France may have the Cathédrale de Notre Dame, but Québec City has the awe-inspiring, castlelike Le Château Frontenac hotel. This mostly Frenchspeaking city celebrated its 400th anniversary last year, and its rich history is reflected in seventeenth- and eighteenth century architecture. Stroll the cobblestone streets and wander up picturesque rue du Petit-Champlain to climb the Breakneck Staircase for views of Lower Town; guided tours of the old city might be just the historical ticket. The city has ample French-style cuisine—try Aux Anciens Canadiens, more than 300 years old and once home of nineteenth-century author Philippe-Aubert de Gaspé. Along with these four gems, many other cities and towns throughout North America can help your child connect her world to the old world of Europe, says Graff. Frankenmuth, MI, is another Bavarian beauty; so is Mount Angel, outside of Salem, OR, which features a truly grand Oktoberfest—and a 49-foot high glockenspiel. Italian culture reigns in San Francisco’s North Beach and New York City’s Little Italy. And the Ballard Avenue historic district in Seattle features a Nordic theme and the Nordic Heritage Museum. Long live Europe—in the good old USA.

Pump Up the Learning

To make the most of trips with your child, add in these extras, says travel expert Amy Graff.

Break out the world map. Heading to Solvang? Point out this midcoast California spot, then slide your finger across the globe to Denmark to offer a visual connection.

Use Youtube. Run an Internet video of, say, Freising, Germany, before you show her the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, WA, up close and personal.

Talk to the locals. Take advantage of chatting up shop keepers and museum operators in European style towns, who may well be from the old country and have stories—and histories—to share.