Modern Towns Bring Back the Past

Travel Writers
Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

By Victor Block

Some are towns that have been preserved, and in many cases restored, to retain their history and heritage. Others were designed right from the start with the express goal of attracting tourists — and their dollars.

These are communities throughout the United States that evoke a theme, be it architecture, realistic Old World charm, or memories of a popular television series and its primary star. The list of such destinations offers those interested in checking some of them out a welcome and surprising variety of choices.
Updated: Sat Mar 14, 2026

By Victor Block

Some are towns that have been preserved, and in many cases restored, to retain their history and heritage. Others were designed right from the start with the express goal of attracting tourists — and their dollars.

These are communities throughout the United States that evoke a theme, be it architecture, realistic Old World charm, or memories of a popular television series and its primary star. The list of such destinations offers those interested in checking some of them out a welcome and surprising variety of choices.

One popular focus of these municipalities is Germany, in particular the state of Bavaria. Frankenmuth, Michigan, was settled in 1845 by immigrants from the tongue-twisting Bavarian town of Neuendettelsau. Many of them were Lutherans who hoped to establish a religious settlement in the New World. The result of their effort is a setting replete with buildings that echo the timber-framed design of their homeland.

When the rerouting of the railroad around Leavenworth, Washington, hurt that town's economy, the local government transformed it into a Bavarian-themed community in an effort to build a tourism industry. The facelift includes colorful Alpine chalets, inviting German restaurants and bustling beer gardens, all augmented by a schedule of year-round festivals that would be at home in Bavaria.

It was Middle Eastern folk tales that inspired the founder of Opa-locka, Florida, to choose names for its streets. They include Sharazad Boulevard, Sinbad Avenue and Sultan Avenue. In keeping with that concept. Moorish design features in the buildings that line those roads include the horseshoe arch, courtyard gardens, square minarets and elaborate tilework.

In the 1860s, a Catholic missionary reported spotting Sioux Natives carrying gold out of the Black Hills of the Dakota Territory. Several years later, "placer gold," which had eroded from its original source and been deposited in rivers and streams, was discovered, and thousands of treasure-seekers flocked to the new town of Deadwood.

The community in present-day South Dakota attracted famous Old West figures that included Wyatt Earp, Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Today it has been designated a National Historic Landmark District because of its well-preserved gold-rush-era architecture. Adding to the fun are costumed reenactments of historic shootouts based upon real people from the past.

It was the silver rush, launched in 1877 when a prospector found ore in the Arizona hills, that led to the founding of the village of Tombstone. According to legend, he had been warned that the only thing he would discover in the dangerous Apache territory would be his own gravestone. When he staked his mining claim, he named it Tombstone as a symbol of both his risk and his resolve.

Before European settlers arrived in the present-day United States, the land that would become Mount Airy, North Carolina, was home to the Saura Native Americans. They farmed, fished and hunted there until the mid-1700s, when increasing European settlement led many of them to migrate elsewhere.

Today that town is known primarily as the location of the popular 1960s television show that starred Andy Griffith. The entire hamlet is designed to serve as a nostalgic reminder of where Andy, Opie, Barney Fife, Aunt Bee and the other cast of characters lived and interacted. Floyd's Barber Shop, the Mayberry Jail and other fictional locations have a new life as tangible institutions. Visitors can relive aspects of that program as they tool around town in a classic squad car similar to the one used by Andy and Barney.

While Mount Airy is a small town with a big reputation, everything is big in Casey, Illinois, except the population — about 2,400 people. Its claim to fame is as home to a dozen of the largest objects in the world. Picture a 3,500-pound taco or wooden shoes that would fit the feet of a giant. Marvel at a humongous golf tee, an enormous pitchfork and a gigantic gavel.

From these gigantic gadgets to tiny towns to realistic Old-World settings, this is just a smattering of places around the United States that invite visitors to explore and enjoy a variety of unique environments.

WHEN YOU GO

frankenmuth.org

leavenworth.org

opalockafl.gov

deadwood.com

cityoftombstone.com

mountairy.org

cityofcaseyil.org

The sculpture of Andy Griffith and a young Ron Howard by Stuart Williamson welcomes visitors to Mount Airy, North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Kelley Albert/Dreamstime.com.

The Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan, highlights the city's German roots. Photo courtesy of Kenneth A. Sponsler/Dreamstime.com.

A gunfight reenactment in Deadwood, South Dakota, reminds visitors of that city's storied past. Photo courtesy of Jesse Kraft/Dreamstime.com.

Victor Block is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.