How to Experience Italy Without Traveling Overseas

Because of its romance, culture, art, landscapes and—of course—gelato, Italy tops many travelers’ bucket lists. The problem, though, is the premium travel budget you need to see it all in style. But there are ways to sample la dolce vita without flexing the Euros. Fashion lovers can skip Milan and experience Italy on a budget by finding cutting-edge style in the boutiques of not-so-buttoned-up D.C. Architecture buffs are treated to Italian Renaissance style and frescoes galore in Rhode Island’s famous mansions. And everyone can find their perfect taste of the Italian experience in restaurant-lined Little Italy communities from San Diego to Chicago.

Indulge in gelato in San Diego, California

Gelato Paradiso in San Diego scoops authentic sweet treats for its California customers.

The post-dinner scoop of gelato in a buzzing piazza is a classic Italian experience, but you don’t have to cross the Atlantic for this taste of Italy. Simply book a hotel in San Diego to experience the many flavors of Southern California's beach town vibe. Since launching in 1999, Gelato Paradiso is one of the stand out San Diego attractions that has drawn legions of locals, expats and tourists to its storefronts in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and San Diego Harbor. Its secret? All Italian everything: Ingredients for the shop’s 30 flavors of gelato and sorbetto are imported from Italy, as are the marble counters and tiles, the cups, spoons and even the display cases. Staff is flown to Sicily for training with master gelato makers, and all of the small-batch flavors are handmade in-house each morning. Try it in a cup, cone, shake or affogato, and keep an eye out for seasonal favorites like peach, kiwi and pineapple (from $3 per scoop).

Go high fashion in Washington, D.C.

Dupont Circle in the heart of Washington, D.C. not only feels much like an Italian piazza, it is also the hub for much of the city's high-end fashion boutiques.

If you can’t make Milan Fashion Week but love the unique boutiques and craftsmanship that define the style-forward city, consider a stay in Washington, D.C. No longer just politicians in sharp suits, our nation’s capital is attracting an increasingly fashion-forward crowd to its downtown and Georgetown retailers. For inspiration, browse D.C.'s high-end retailers on M Street and shop smart for the season at the area’s many consignment boutiques. REDDz Trading is known for its something-for-everyone style, stocking J. Crew to Valentino at its two spacious locations. Opened in 1986, Secondi in Dupont Circle offers resale discounts on womenswear fashions, including Italian classics like Ferragamo and Chloe.

Sightseeing with an Italian flair in Rhode Island

Take in the grand beauty of The Breakers villa inspired by the classic architecture of Italy.

If you’ve ever dreamt of studying Florence’s frescoed ceilings or soaking up the canal culture and history in Venice, then Rhode Island should be high on your travel wish list. There are many hotels in Middletown that border Newport, where you’ll find The Breakers, a showstopper in the Italian Renaissance style. Built in 1893, the 70-room villa took inspiration from classic Italian palazzos in Genoa and Turin, and its opulent rooms feature Italian marble and Baccarat crystal chandeliers. Wander through the house, which is open to the public ($24 adults, $8 kids) daily—behind-the-scenes tours are also available. Then take the 45-minute drive to Providence, where La Gondola brings classic Venetian gondola rides (from $89 for two people) to the city’s waterways. The 40-minute cruise is guided by a boater-wearing gondolier and includes an ice bucket for your beverage of choice. (You bring your own beverages, though.)

Go big in the Little Italies

Founded in 1905 in Manhattan’s Little Italy, Lombardi’s is the nation’s oldest pizzeria.

When just a taste of the Mediterranean won’t cut it, you can immerse yourself in one of the many Little Italy neighborhoods across the U.S. San Diego’s Little Italy, one of the largest in the country, spans 48 downtown city blocks filled with Italian restaurants, bars, boutiques, delis, outdoor piazzas and ever-changing street art. It also has a busy calendar of Italian-themed events and festivals. Likewise, Chicago’s Little Italy—also called University Village—is a sprawl of fun restaurants, bars and shops, but it’s also a treat for architecture buffs. Find a hotel near downtown Chicago to be close to the neighborhood’s notable churches, including Notre Dame de Chicago. Whatever you do, don’t miss a shaved ice from Mario’s Italian Lemonade, a Windy City institution open since 1954. New York, of course, offers a deep dive into Italian cuisine and culture in its Little Italy neighborhood, with institutions like Di Palo’s Fine Foods, Ferrara Bakery and Lombardi’s on Mott and Grand streets, as well as during the 11-day Feast of San Gennaro festival, where you can sample delectable Italian desserts—or participate in the annual cannoli-eating competition.