I've been to 3 Bavarian-style villages in the US. They're charming, but just one made me feel like I was in Germany.

I felt transported to Bavaria while visiting Leavenworth, Washington.

Kirk Fisher/Getty Images I've traveled to three towns in the United States that try to recreate the alpine style of Bavaria.

Helen, Georgia, and Frankenmuth, Michigan, had beautiful views and architecture.

I've visited Germany several times, and only Leavenworth, Washington, felt like the real deal.

Over the past few years, I have spent time in three of America's most popular Bavarian-inspired towns: Frankenmuth, Michigan; Helen, Georgia; and Leavenworth, Washington.

Each offered a fun chance to stroll through an alpine village in the US without a passport.

I loved exploring these European-style towns , but as someone who's visited Germany several times, only one made me truly feel like I was back at Oktoberfest.

Frankenmuth, Michigan, offered lovely vibes but lacked an alpine landscape.

Frankenmuth Amanda Adler I grew up in Michigan and visited the delightful German-inspired town of Frankenmuth several times in my youth.

It's even nicknamed "Michigan's Little Bavaria" because of its offerings and heritage.

After not visiting for years, I went back a few Decembers ago and found that the city was still very darling, with Bavarian-style architecture and a glockenspiel that signals the time regularly.

It snowed during my visit, and the light dusting of white atop the holiday decor helped me feel like I was in Europe.

Unfortunately, the area doesn't have mountains, which makes it feel a bit less immersive.

The town is home to the "world's largest Christmas store," which is worth visiting any time of year.