One of the greatest pleasures of exploring different countries is the chance to fully immerse yourself in their unique cultures. This involves learning about various traditions, being exposed to local languages and music, having an abundance of distinct artisan goods to peruse, and, of course, indulging in delectable local cuisine. Sadly, not everyone has the luxury of time or resources to frequently embark on overseas adventures. However, there is good news! Numerous cities in the United States boast diverse cultural neighborhoods that can transport you to another country, even if only for a few hours. While many are familiar with renowned cultural enclaves, such as Chinatown in San Francisco, here are 3 lesser-known neighborhoods that can offer an authentic international experience without ever leaving the country. Let's dive in!
So what are some lesser-known destinations in the US where you can have an international experience without going abroad?
1. India Square, New Jersey
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This small stretch of Newark Avenue in Jersey City is the hub of the largest Indian community in the Western Hemisphere. As you meander through the vibrant streets adorned with Indian-focused shops selling groceries, clothing, and jewelry, you will be immersed in Bollywood culture with movie advertisements, Indian flags, and eye-catching murals. Your olfactory senses will be tantalized by the delightful aromas wafting from the numerous Indian restaurants, cafes, and sweet shops along the way. Furthermore, this area is home to several Hindu temples. If you visit in the fall, you can be a part of the largest outdoor Navratri festival in New Jersey, a 10-day Hindu celebration. Alternatively, during June, you can experience the Holi Hai Festival, a lively spring festival of colors.
For an authentic taste of Indian vegetarian cuisine, make sure to visit Sapthagiri, where you will find an array of dishes from both southern and northern India, including their specialty, 18 different types of dosas, a pancake-like delicacy. However, if you're looking for something different, EggMania is an excellent option. This unique eatery solely serves egg-based dishes like desi kheemo, a delectable combination of shredded boiled eggs cooked with masala and vegetables.
2. Little Havana, Florida
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Located just west of downtown Miami is Calle Ocho, also known as Little Havana, a vibrant neighborhood that offers a delightful mix of Cuban cuisine, music, art, and shopping. Apart from exploring the cigar shops and Latin music stores, you can catch a movie at the historic Tower Theater Miami, which has been around since 1926.
After the film, head over to Azucar Ice Cream Company, just across the street, where you can indulge in Latin-inspired ice cream made from fresh fruits and high-quality ingredients. If you're in the mood for some dancing, visit the iconic Ball & Chain, a jazz club from the 1930s, where renowned jazz musicians have graced its stage. Besides live jazz, you can groove to authentic Cuban salsa and mambo music while enjoying delicious food and cocktails.
3. German Town, Washington
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If you visit the German Town neighborhood in Leavenworth, Washington, you'll feel like you've been magically transported to a picturesque Bavarian mountain town. Although the town's origins are not in Germany, its leaders came up with a plan to revive the town when it faced an economic decline in the early 1900s. Taking inspiration from the stunning backdrop of the Cascade Mountains, they transformed the architecture, street names, and local decorations to create a charming Bavarian mountain village. Located approximately 135 miles east of Seattle, Leavenworth has become a popular weekend getaway for the people of Seattle.
When you visit, you can indulge in not only delicious bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel but also enjoy authentic German beer and live German music at restaurants like Andreas Keller and King Ludwig's. There is no shortage of German-themed festivals in Leavenworth either, including Maifest, Oktoberfest, Kinderfest, and Christkindlmarkt. So, you're in for a treat when you visit Leavenworth, Washington's German Town neighborhood.
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Have you ever heard something about off-site parking? If not, we recommend you take a closer look at this part of the article, as this information will be handy for those who prefer to travel by air and get to the airport by their own car.
Most people suppose that parking at the airport is the fastest and most convenient option for them. However, it's not actually true. We'll explain to you why.
To be true, being in a terminal parking lot isn't convenient at all. Although on-site airport parking is the nearest place where you can leave your vehicle for the period of a trip, you can face the following difficulties:
- You will need to find a spot in a crowded lot,
- You will need to carry the luggage all the way through the parking lot,
- You must pay expensive fees without great service.
Sounds not good, right? However, we found an excellent solution for you – in this case, off-site parking can become a savior for you. So if you're trying to find a parking spot with great service nearby the airport you're flying from and don't want to leave there the most significant part of your budget, pay attention to this option.
How does it work?
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Obviously, people who chose a car as a way to get to the airport want to leave their vehicle safely while traveling and not to face the problems we described above. So what can off-site airport parking offer its customers?
Although a few miles usually separate such parking from the airport, you shouldn't worry about this. Off-site parking provides free shuttles going back and forth between the parking lot and the airport. Thanks to this, it removes any worries about getting stuck in traffic on the way to the airport during peak times. So all you need to do is choose the best time for you and inform the parking lot staff.
How does it work? Actually, everything is straightforward: when you come to the entrance, the staff will remove your luggage from your car and load it onto the shuttle, which will take you and your bags to the terminal. Then, the vehicle will be parked securely.
In addition, this type of parking is much cheaper, and this is good news, as nobody wants to waste money. Therefore, off-site parking is the perfect option to receive excellent service and save money at the same time.
Want to find some great offers? You don't need to go somewhere – just find it right here!
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We're glad to inform you that you can find this solution right here. Our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers the best prices on airport car parking and bundles hotel and parking packages. Besides, we provide the services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
Our platform allows you to reserve a parking spot through a few clicks within the application. As a result, customers receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking spot upon arrival at the off-airport lot. Besides, if plans change, you can cancel hassle-free and receive a refund.
To understand it better, we would like to give you an example. Let's imagine that you live in San Francisco, California. If you're planning a trip to Florida, you can use the services of affordable SFO off-airport parking. If you're coming from NYC, New York, the situation is the same – you can choose cheap parking near JFK. So it just depends on the place you're flying from.
Also, ParkingNearAirports.io offers its customers special airport parking coupons. With the help of these coupons, you can make the price for parking even two times less. So don't forget to use them to save as much money as possible.
You can find all the necessary and helpful information connected with the off-site airport parking on our official website. Enjoy traveling!