A Bit of Europe in the U.S.

NORTH BEACH, SAN FRANCISCO

STAY A pensione with shared baths, the San Remo Hotel sits in the heart of the city s Italian district. From $55. (800) 352-7366, www.sanremohotel.com [2].

EAT At Ristorante Ideale you ll feel as if you re dining at a trattoria in Rome. (415) 391-4129.

PLAY Sample focaccia and Sicilian sausage during the Mangia North Beach walking tour. Five hours, $80. (415) 925-9013.

SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA

STAY From the Royal Scandinavian Inn, walk to the bakeries, windmills, and clog shops of "Little Denmark." From $149.* (805) 688-8000, www.solvangrsi.com [3].

EAT At Paula s Pancake House, fill up on crepelike Danish pancakes topped with strawberries. $6. (805) 688-2867.

PLAY Free Winterfest events, from a parade to a tree lighting, usher in the holidays. (800) 468-6765, www.solvangusa.com [4].

LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON

STAY The elegant Enzian Inn looks as if it has been plucked from the Bavarian Alps. Complimentary breakfast. From $110. (800) 223-8511, www.enzianinn.com [5].

EAT At Café Mozart, the Hofbrauhaus platter for two includes Wiener schnitzel and bratwurst. $48. (509) 548-0600.

PLAY Wooden soldiers rule at the Nutcracker Museum. $2.50. (509) 548-4573.

*Ask about the discount for AAA members.

Photography courtesy Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau

This article was first published in November 2006. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.