You’ll Be Absolutely Enchanted By These 15 Storybook Destinations Across The U.S.

Those looking to step into the pages of a classic, German storybook need only visit Leavenworth, Washington. You'll feel as though you've been whisked away to the German Alps when you visit Leavenworth, one of the most enchanting towns in the Pacific Northwest. Situated on the east side of the Cascade Mountains near Wenatchee, it's surrounded by majestic mountain backdrops not unlike Bavaria itself. Dazzling in all four seasons, the town is known for its annual Oktoberfest and wintertime festivities, the latter of which run well into February. Downtown, you'll find everything from shop dedicated entirely to Christmas decor and nutcracker museum to stores selling beautiful kitchen supplies and high-end clothing. Leavenworth is also home to over a dozen tasting rooms pouring local wines -- and obviously, this town is big on beer. Add it all up, and Leavenworth might just be the most storybook-perfect place in the country.

Leach Botanical Garden has always been a place to recharge and reflect. A place quite literally manifested from the most heartfelt desires of Portland botanists John and Lilla Leach, the garden's story harkens back to the 1930s. It was during this era that the couple built the Manor House (pictured) and began work on the eponymous gardens. An acclaimed botanist, Lilla Leach was the first recipient of the Eloise Payne Luquer Medal, awarded by the Garden Club of America in 1950, for distinguished achievement in the field -- and the foliage and flowers at Leach Botanical Gardens reflect her skillful hand. Ultimately, the couple bequeathed the beautiful grounds, buildings, and more than 2,000 species of plants to the City of Portland; today, the 16-acre park offers an idyllic refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city.

With its postcard-perfect downtown and sublime natural scenery, Carmel by the Sea is quite possibly the most charming town in the country. This California gem is located on the Monterey Peninsula and is the most magical mix of Pacific Coast scenery and charming small-town vibes. This quaint little village has lots of local restaurants, wine bars, and fairytale accommodations that all add to its allure. Of course, the town's sublime surroundings contribute to that feeling, too. After a day spent shopping and wine tasting, head down to the eponymous Carmel Beach to take in the sweeping coastal scenery and bask in a beautiful California sunset, and allow yourself to be swept away by the fairytale of Carmel by the Sea.

More beautiful than words can convey, Maroon Bells is proof that the very best things in life take time. This natural wonder in Colorado is the culmination of more than 300 million years of geologic activity, including sedimentation, weathering, and erosion by wind, water, and ice. It’s one of Mother Nature’s finest masterpieces, and anyone who visits is utterly blown away. And Maroon Bells gets a lot of visitors – about 300,000 a year, all coming with cameras in hand to capture a truly spectacular sight. But while this attraction is touted as the most photographed place in Colorado, pictures simply don’t do it justice; Maroon Bells is a place you simply must experience for yourself.

Deep in the heart of Texas, there's a place that defies every Lone Star State stereotype... except, of course, the saying that "everything's bigger in Texas." Falkenstein Castle was built in 1996 by a couple inspired by a recent trip to Germany. Billed as "A Texas-Sized Fairy Tale in the Hill Country," the castle is a place of pure fantasy; a 14,000-square-foot palace with myriad balconies wherein guests can gaze upon the Texas Hill Country. A kingdom of 133 acres, those who believe in fairy tale endings can even have their wedding at Falkenstein Castle, which also has its own cathedral and luxurious accommodations.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of Missouri's crown jewels, and its eponymous castle ruins are a breathtakingly beautiful place shrouded in intrigue and mystery. From its perch, the ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone castle overlook the Missouri Ozarks, treating visitors to utterly sublime views of the Lake of the Ozarks and Ha Ha Tonka Spring. Viewing this landmark is an epic adventure in and of itself; you'll find the castle via the park's Castle Trail, a scenic, ADA-accessible trek that's perfect for hikers of all abilities. Happening upon the ruins of what was once Ha Ha Tonka Castle, built between 1905 and 1922, will make you feel like a modern-day explorer.

A place of rapturous beauty, Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands are a dream sequence of sea caves, emerald-green pools, deserted beaches, and rugged lighthouses. For visitors, reaching this pure, remote land takes a bit of effort; but when you arrive at the islands, your hard work will be handsomely rewarded. You’ll see the reasons around every turn – in the sculpted rock formations, in the rare and fragile wildflowers, and in the delicate bird tracks that dance across otherwise undisturbed sandy beaches. This magical place will feel like your very own private island; a real-life fantasy unfolding right before your eyes.

Located on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Island is a delightful little coastal locale that enjoys a laid-back, old-fashioned way of life. In this no-car city, you'll find residents and visitors walking, biking, and even enjoying horse-drawn carriage rides around town, making for a straight-from-a-storybook experience and welcome reprieve from the rest of the world. While you're there, be sure to tour historic sites such as Fort Mackinac, dine at beloved eateries like The Carriage House, and sample some world-famous Mackinac Island fudge from any of the town's 12 fudge shops.

If you've ever wanted to know what Dorothy experienced when she gazed out at Oz for the first time, simply visit Naples Botanical Garden. This 170-acre oasis is Florida's very own Garden of Eden; pure paradise that's wholly unique to this part of the Sunshine State. Characterized by flora and fauna found in the tropics, subtropics, marshes, and mangroves, this is one of those destinations in the U.S. that truly feels worlds apart from any place found on the mainland. The Garden, founded in 1993, also features 90 acres of natural habitats, trails, and a boardwalk and stage that plays host to local musicians, making for a delightful all-around destination for romantics and nature lovers.

America's very own history book comes to life in Washington D.C. A place as beautiful as it is iconic, there are numerous attracting in our nation's capital that will make you feel as though you're living a fairy tale. From the "Alice in Wonderland" moment you'll have when standing in the shadows of the Lincoln Memorial to the unbridled beauty of the National Mall (especially at dusk), Washington D.C. is a magical place that absolutely belongs on every American's bucket list.

No one ever forgets a visit to the Biltmore, our country's very own royal residence. The Biltmore was built by George Vanderbilt between 1889 and 1895; a 178,926-square-foot mansion located on 8,000 acres of pristine property just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. The largest privately-owned home in America, it's a place of stunning scenery, lush gardens, ornate architecture, and historic relevance. While the house itself is a major attraction (the Biltmore draws over a million visitors each year), the massive and meticulously kept gardens on the estate are absolutely heavenly and rival the home's stunning beauty. The summer rose garden, spring tulip display, and sunflower fields add an enchanting, natural element to this commanding castle, and are worth seeking out during their seasonal blooms.

Blending breathtaking oceanic scenery with buttoned-up New England allure, Newport, Rhode Island, is as storybook-perfect as it gets. This town on Aquidneck Island and offers beautiful scenic views of Narragansett Bay and the awe-inspiring Atlantic. Scenery aside, Newport is best-known for its historic and stately homes. The Newport Mansions set off Bellevue Avenue are beautiful castles that will make you feel like you've just walked into a scene from a fairy tale. Featuring victorian and chateauesque architecture, you'll be wholly enchanted by these beguiling buildings -- and, of course, everything else this charming town has to offer!

If you're looking to step into the pages of a spooky storybook, a visit to Sleepy Hollow, New York, may be in order. Back in 1819, this small village inspired Washington Irving to write his famous short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Although Ichabod Crane and the headless horseman are fictional, the modern-day village of Sleepy Hollow continues to embrace its mythical past. If this sounds up your alley, make your pilgrimage during the fall. From October to November, Philipsburg Manor hosts the Horseman’s Hollow, a weekly event that recreates the ghostly tale and includes a spooky tour of the nearby cemetery.

It simply doesn't get more quintessentially East Coast than Kennebunkport, Maine. This unassuming beach town is all weather-worn boats and craggy coastlines, whitewashed homes and unpretentious sea shacks. (The lobster rolls from The Clam Shack are particularly noteworthy, and really a must-try for any self-described foodie.) Kennebunkport has been lauded as one of the best places to live on the East Coast, and after visiting, you might just want to drop everything and move to this charming storybook town, too.