Skip Europe This Summer: This Village in Wisconsin Is Just as Charming as Germany

Thanks to the availability of affordable farmland in the late 1800s, Wisconsin saw a significant influx of German immigrants. In fact, more than 40 percent of Wisconsinites claim German heritage—before moving to Chicago, I was one of them. That's also why the state has such a strong culture around beer, more so than I've seen anywhere else outside of Germany or the Czech Republic. It's no wonder charming Germantown feels so at home in a place like Wisconsin—you can get a little taste of Germany without a transatlantic flight or passport.

A northwestern suburb of Milwaukee (home to the incomparable Mader's German restaurant), Germantown has all the allure of a small town with easy access to the big city. Dating back to 1846, Germantown is also the oldest town in Washington County. You'll feel that history with the Fachwerkhäuser or timber-framed house (or building) aesthetic around town. You know those buildings with the visible timber frames that make you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale? It's those! But nowhere in town will make you feel as immersed in Germany as Von Rothenburg Bier Stube.

With its Fachwerkhäuser style, rich wood interiors, and (of course) more steins than you can shake a stick at, Von Rothenburg Bier Stube will transport you. Located on Main Street, this German beer hall and garden is a come-as-you-are and stay a while kind of place. Like my favorite eatery in the Bavarian town of Oberammergau, you can expect hearty meals, including German-style wursts, pretzels, apple strudel, and even a schnitzel sandwich for folks looking for a little twist—in addition to their brezel.

In addition to Von Rothenburg, visitors can check out the most historic part of the town during its annual Oktoberfest celebration. Held in Dheinsville Historic Park, this free event embraces the German tradition of Oktoberfest every year. It's put on by the Germantown Historical Society with live German music to keep you tanzen or dancing all weekend long. Be sure to arrive in time for the annual Dheinsville Dachshund Dash!

Dheinsville Historical Park is not just a place for the big Oktoberfest shindig, however. This location is also where you can find three museums outlining pieces of Germantown history. Stop by the Valentine Wolf Haus Museum and Jeffris Genealogy Research Center to learn more about the families who first lived in Germantown over 150 years ago. This museum is housed within the Wolf family's half-timbered home circa 1854. From there, you can pop over to the Christ Church Museum of Local History for more Germantown tidbits while admiring the building from 1862. Finally, stop by the Bast Bell Museum inside a restored barn from the late 1800s. There you will find over 5,000 bells in an unbelievable musical collection from born and raised Germantown resident Sila Bast.

In a state like Wisconsin, you never have to look too far to find German influence. After all, there are a whole bunch of incredible German restaurants in Wisconsin. But if you're yearning for some time in Deutschland, Germantown is a terrific spot to start. Plus, you have to come back to check out Tannenbaum Trail during Christmastime—who else has a Christmas tree viewing trail?