You don’t need to be an eccentric scientist or the protagonist of a sci-fi novel to travel through time. Many cities, islands, and regions of the world are seemingly stuck in a time warp, offering a glimpse into the past as you and your family walk down cobblestone streets and glance up at a skyline devoid of electrical wires and skyscrapers.
Many places seem frozen in time because they’ve been abandoned, effectively transforming into ghost towns. But the communities and cities below are still thriving: just not in the same manner as our urban metropolises. Next time you feel the urge to unplug and take a break from our globally-connected digital world, consider taking a trip to any of the following locales to celebrate a slower, simpler way of life.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster County in Pennsylvania contains one of the largest Amish settlements in the world, and by far the most tourist-friendly. There are 53 total Amish settlements across the state of Pennsylvania, but for a readily accessible look into the Amish lifestyle look no further than the Discover Lancaster center. This information center that connects you to the best Amish stores, eateries, and tourist-friendly settlements in the area. To plan a trip, make their website your first stop.
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Also known as “Amish Country” and “Dutch Country,” Lancaster attracts many purveyors of finely-crafted furniture, as Amish furniture pieces have a stellar reputation. Choosing to forgo modern conveniences like electricity to draw closer to God, Mennonites follow a literal interpretation of the Bible. Their lifestyle has remained essentially unchanged since they migrated to Pennsylvania over 300 years ago.
Kizhi Island, Russia
A small island located near the center of Lake Onega in Russia, Kizhi Island and its single remaining village settlement have been preserved by the national government and converted into an open-air museum. Tourists on the island can explore untouched wooden structures and the famous Kizhi Pogost church and bell tower, which reflects the iconic 15th-to-17th century Russian architectural style. Kizhi Pogost, which consists of a stunning 22-dome Transfiguration Church, a 9-dome Intercession Church, and a historical bell tower, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Many historical buildings from the surrounding area that showcase the wooden architecture of historical Russia have been transferred to the island for preservation within the open-air museum. You can visit Kizhi Island as part of a longer river cruise, or by arranging a visit through a local tourist agency.
Truckee, California
The quaint downtown center of Truckee, California boasts a timeless rustic appeal. Located in the mountain region of the Northern Sierra Madre, the town of Truckee has managed to keep its Old West charm well into the 21st century. Many historic buildings built during the 1800s, including the Old Jail and the Truckee Hotel, are still standing and in pristine condition.
Established as a railroad town initially called Coburn Station, the city was named Truckee in honor of a local Paiute chief who the local white settlers thought was named “Tro-kay” (some accounts claim that “Tro-kay” was Paiute for “hello,” and the white settlers of the region assumed the friendly chief was yelling his own name). The Donner Party underwent a harrowing winter ordeal near Truckee, and you can learn more about their journey at the Donner Memorial State Park.
Volterra, Tuscany, Italy
The history of the walled town of Volterra in Tuscany can be traced to the 7th century BC, and you can feel the immensity of time as you wander the traffic-free streets of Italy’s favorite hill town. The two-hour drive from Florence keeps Volterra relatively quiet and free to roam without hoards of tourists.
The length of Etruscan walls that still stand today were built in the 4th century BC, when the town was a booming center of alabaster and iron export. Ruins and structures within Volterra span many historical eras, including Etruscan, Medieval, and Roman time periods. The museums are brimming with rare artifacts that would make any history lover swoon. Spend a day under the Tuscan sun while avoiding the clamor of more popular destinations in Italy.
Oxford, Mississippi
The picturesque town of Oxford, Mississippi, inspires images of the quaint southern towns described by William Faulkner in his landmark novels. This should come as no surprise considering Oxford served as Faulkner’s inspiration for the fictional city of “Jefferson.” The geographical and cultural center of the town is the courthouse square, also termed “The Square,” which contains the historic Lafayette County Courthouse as well as Oxford City Hall and many local boutiques and restaurants. Though known as a small, friendly town, the culture of the city is also vibrant: Oxford serves as the home of the University of Mississippi, or “Ole Miss.” The college town blends modern efficiency with a historic appeal.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is a seaside resort and city that is situated at the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula of New Jersey. The city itself is renowned for its distinctive Victorian feel and architecture, providing an escape just a few miles from sprawling urban areas. Victorian houses around the city have been preserved and maintained since their construction.
One popular destination for visitors is the Emlen Physick Estate, which houses a museum and has been remodeled to duplicate its original interior design. Take a trip out to the Cape May Lighthouse or regale yourself with the wonderful dining, shopping, and entertainment in the area. After all, Cape May is “America’s first seaside resort.”
Havana, Cuba
The President just announced that he would rollback the lift on Cuban travel and trade negotiated under the Obama administration, and will enforce the embargo that has effectively left Havana and other cities in Cuba stuck in a perpetual 1950s setting. Havana is known worldwide for its citywide upkeep of classic 1950s and 1960s American cars, making the streets of Havana a feast for the eyes.
Daily News reporter Garrett Ward documented his recent journey to Havana, which he noted is marked by a slower way of life. Many buildings and sections of Cuba’s infrastructure are under construction, yet unemployment continues to be high, leading to a widespread lifestyle of “waiting, watching, and hanging around.” The streets are always full of life, whether in the form of live music or a group of friends playing checkers or dominoes.
Bruges, Belgium
One of the most frequented tourist attractions in Belgium is the city of Bruges. Bruges is perhaps the most carefully preserved medieval city still intact today, and thousands of visitors each year come to experience a unique part of history. Citizens of Bruges have modern conveniences like plumbing, electricity, and broadband internet, but the medieval architecture of the city remains largely unchanged.
Tourism in Bruges has experienced a boost in the last decade after the release of Martin McDonagh’s blisteringly funny film “In Bruges.” Juxtaposing the quaint, medieval atmosphere of the sleepy town with the thoroughly modern ennui and dread of its protagonists, “In Bruges” also served as a visual showcase for the dazzling museums, cathedrals, and canals of the city. Visit some of the most memorable locations from the film by taking your own walking tour.
Carcassonne, France
You may be noticing a pattern – many cities that seem apart from modern times were built during medieval times, and through concerted effort have been meticulously preserved, in terms of architecture and mood. An aerial view of Carcassonne, France seems like something from a postcard sent in the 17th century. The towers and castles that protrude into the skyline were all built in the 13th century, and seem like sets straight out of Game of Thrones.
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The entire city is surrounded by nearly 2 miles of impenetrable walls. The most famous citadel within the walls is the Cité de Carcassonne, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. History buffs take note: the medieval Inquisition was formally housed in one of the Gallo-Roman towers within Carcassonne. There are a few bed and breakfasts within the walls if you want to spend a night in the unforgettable city.
York, England
The center of this historical marvel of a city is the impressive Gothic cathedral York Minster, but every inch of the medieval walled city of York deserves to be explored. Though the narrow streets and intimidating stone walls are carefully maintained, the city is incredibly tourist-friendly, featuring plenty of museums, pubs, and cafes for visitors. The city has existed for over 2,000 years, and served as the backdrop to many important events and political revolts throughout history.
Impressively, the walls surrounding the city that were constructed during medieval times are the most complete defense systems still standing in England. All of the gateways built into the walls have been retained in their original design over the centuries. Just remember, the word “gate” actually means “street” when you’re in York. Start planning your trip to York today.
Gion District, Kyoto, Japan
Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Japan is the Gion District, an area devoted to traditional entertainment and arts. Developed during the middle ages, Gion served as the focal point for kabuki drama and, later, geisha entertainment. The streets are lined with traditional teahouses, bars, and restaurants whose architecture is enough to convince tourists to stop by the well-known district.
In the last few decades the city of Kyoto has worked to restore and preserve the district of Gion, designating the area a national historic preservation district. The establishments in Gion, including the geisha houses and upscale restaurants, have a reputation for being exclusive. If you visit Gion in July you can attend the Gion Matsuri, a huge festival featuring traditional music and decorative floats that attracts over one million attendees.
Sonoma, California
Sonoma, California was the first city in the United States to be officially recognized as a “Slow City” by international organization Citttaslow. This is in no way a slight – in fact, the leaders of the town hail the title as an indicator of their success in championing sustainability and a leisurely lifestyle. Indeed, the city of Sonoma more closely resembles an old-country village than a town that exists in 2017.
The commerce and social center of Sonoma is the historic plaza downtown that consists of mostly local businesses and government offices. You’d be hard-pressed to find a chain restaurant or outlet in Sonoma, but drive in any direction away from the plaza and you’ll be surrounded by wine country. Marketed as a tourist’s paradise, Sonoma offers visitors the chance to step back in time to a period when we weren’t all staring at our smartphones.
Save up and visit any of these classic destinations, but be warned: once you step back in time you may never want to come back!
