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I lived in Italy for 8 years. These 6 places in the US make me feel like I’m back in my favorite Italian cities.

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When I was in college, studying abroad in Italy was a no-brainer. My great-grandparents are from a tiny village just outside Modena, and I was curious about my heritage.

Something that took me by surprise, though, was the realization that I didn’t want to leave.

After my semester ended, I lived and worked in Rome throughout my early 20s. Eventually, I moved back to the US and became an Italian teacher.

Although I now live in Chicago, Italy still feels like my second home: I make a point to spend summers there, mainly so my daughter can bond with her nonna.

As lucky as I am to visit Italy every year, I still wish I could go more often. Thankfully, I’ve discovered a handful of places across the US that capture the energy of my favorite Italian regions.

These cities offer Americans a slice of Italian culture, minus the hourslong flight overseas — and help quench my insatiable thirst for Italy with soul-stirring food, wine, history, and charm.

Florida is home to Coral Gables, a city that always reminds me of Lake Como.


A home in Coral Gables, Florida.

Many of the homes and buildings around Coral Gables remind me of Italy. 

RAUL RODRIGUEZ/Getty Images

With its glamorous Mediterranean-style architecture, lush gardens, and waterfront estates, Coral Gables feels like Florida’s answer to Italy’s Lake Como.

The Italian Renaissance-inspired Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, built in the early 1900s, reminds me of the grand villas that line Como’s shores.

If you plan your own visit, don’t forget to check out the Venetian Pool — this public swimming spot was carved from a coral rock quarry, and (true to its name) feels straight out of Italy.

Chicago and Milan are “sister cities,” and it’s easy to see why.


Chicago downtown.

There are a lot of similarities between the cities of Chicago and Milan. 

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It’s no surprise to me that my hometown of Chicago and the metropolis of Milan are officially sister cities. Both feature vibrant street art, designer boutiques, and — unsurprisingly, maybe — delicious Italian food.

I always recommend that tourists plan a trip to coincide with the Randolph Street Market, a pop-up vintage extravaganza. You can also explore Chicago’s dynamic mural scene with a street art tour.

Finally, Chicago’s pizza is as hearty and rich as any slices you’d find in Italy. You can’t leave my hometown without trying our legendary deep dish.

For a classic experience, head to Giordano’s. The stuffed pizza here is a masterpiece of cheese and sauce wrapped in a golden crust.

Sonoma bears an uncanny resemblance to Tuscany.


Vineyard in Sonoma County, California.

The vineyards in Sonoma County make me feel transported to the Tuscan countryside. 

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The first time I visited Sonoma, California, I was struck by how much it resembled the Tuscan countryside, from the golden hills to rustic farmhouses.

When I found myself gathered around a long wooden table at Pedroncelli Winery, surrounded by laughter, clinking glasses, and the comforting scent of fresh herbs and olive oil, I felt wrapped in the same warmth and magic of the Italian countryside.

Perhaps the most obvious similarity, though, is the locals’ deep appreciation for wine. You can even immerse yourself in vineyard life by staying at one of the several wineries that offer accommodations.

Venice Beach in California feels just like the Italian city of the same name.


A canal in Venice Beach, Los Angeles.

I love visiting Venice Beach for a small taste of Europe. 

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Venice Beach’s bohemian vibe and canals are an almost-perfect replica of Venice, Italy.

Developed in 1905, the canals of this coastal Los Angeles neighborhood were designed to look like those in Venice. Whenever I stroll along the picturesque bridges and waterfront homes, I almost feel like I’m in Italy … all that’s missing are the gondolas.

Frankenmuth, Michigan, reminds me of the Italian Dolomites.


Frankenmuth, Michigan in winter.

If I can’t spend the holiday season near the Dolomite Alps, this city in Michigan makes me feel like I’m there. 

T-I/Shutterstock

This Michigan city’s Alpine-style buildings, hearty cuisine, and cozy charm really resemble the Dolomites in northeastern Italy.

Moments like browsing handcrafted wooden ornaments at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland (the world’s largest Christmas store), enjoying a traditional Alpine feast, and setting off on a riverboat cruise on the Cass River made me feel like I was celebrating Natale — or Christmas — in Europe.

This story was originally published on August 18, 2025, and most recently updated on March 26, 2026.




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Italian fashion designer Valentino dies at 93. His legacy was his devotion to dressing women — many adored him.

by with No Comment Xpandfy

  • Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died at 93 in Rome.
  • He launched the Valentino fashion house in 1960 and soon became a key figure in the fashion world.
  • Here’s a look at how women across fashion and Hollywood paid tribute to him.

Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known as Valentino, has died at 93, his foundation announced in an Instagram post on Monday.

“Our founder, Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” the caption read.

Valentino founded his eponymous fashion house in 1960 and quickly became one of fashion’s defining figures. He was celebrated for his glamorous, elegant designs and his signature shade, “Valentino Red.”

His clothes were worn by numerous celebrities and even royalty, including Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and Elizabeth Taylor.

“I know what women want,” he said in “Valentino: The Last Emperor,” a 2008 documentary about his life and career. “They want to be beautiful.”

Here’s how women across fashion and Hollywood paid tribute to the designer after his death.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow and Valentino Garavani at the 2002 Venice Film Festival.

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Gwyneth Paltrow paid tribute to Valentino in an Instagram post featuring a photo of her kissing the late designer on the cheek.

“I was so lucky to know and love Valentino-to know the real man, in private. The man who was in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends. His dogs, his gardens, and a good Hollywood story. I loved him so much. I loved how he always pestered me to ‘at least wear a little mascara’ when I came to dinner. I loved his naughty laugh,” Paltrow wrote in the caption.

“This feels like the end of an era. He will be deeply missed by me and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Vava,” she wrote.

Paltrow has worn Valentino gowns for many major moments over the years, including the 2013 Met Gala and her 2018 wedding to Brad Falchuk.

Cindy Crawford


Cindy Crawford and designer Valentino Garavani walk the runway at the finale of the Valentino Fall 1997 Couture Runway Show.

Cindy Crawford and Valentino Garavani at the Valentino Fall 1997 Couture runway show.

WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images

Cindy Crawford paid tribute to the designer on Instagram, sharing a photo of the pair on the runway together.

“I’m heartbroken to hear of Valentino Garavani’s passing. He was a true master of his craft, and I will always be grateful for the years I had the privilege of working closely with him,” Crawford wrote.

Crawford has walked the Valentino runway and appeared in multiple campaigns for the brand over the years.

Carla Bruni


Carla Bruni and Valentino Garavani at Paris Fashion Week in 2017.

Carla Bruni and Valentino Garavani at Paris Fashion Week in 2017.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Former French first lady and model Carla Bruni also took to Instagram to share a tribute to Valentino.

“I’m moved by the departure of the immense Valentino who will leave so much beauty in the world. He was a teacher and it was an honor and a great privilege to know him and parade for him and I will always remember his great kindness and infinite elegance,” Bruni wrote in her caption in Italian. “My thoughts are with @giancarlogiammetti and all of Valentino’s family. Rest in peace #valentino.”

Bruni has modeled for Valentino numerous times throughout her career.

Claudia Schiffer


Valentino Garavani on the runway with model Claudia Schiffer during the finale of his spring 1998 couture collection.

Valentino Garavani on the runway with Claudia Schiffer during the finale of his spring 1998 couture collection.

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Claudia Schiffer paid tribute to Valentino with a series of Instagram photos, including shots of her with the designer and from her campaigns for the brand.

“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of my old friend Valentino. He is what true legends are made of, living on forever through the brand he created, the embodiment of timeless elegance and glamour. I loved the special times where I got to bring his creations to life on and off the runway. One of my favourite campaigns was in Rome where I became Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita, a memory I will cherish forever,” Schiffer wrote in her caption.

“I will remember the fun holidays I spent with him in Mallorca, Ibiza and St Tropez. My Valentino wedding gown which I have framed at home as a constant reminder of his gentle, generous, sweet and loyal nature. Having him create my wedding gown was one of the great honors of my life, a moment I will cherish forever. I feel so proud to have been a part of his life. Repose en paix, Monsieur Valentino,” she wrote.

Sarah Jessica Parker


Valentino Garavani and Sarah Jessica Parker at the Schiaparelli and Prada Costume Institute Benefit red carpet.

Valentino Garavani and Sarah Jessica Parker at a red carpet event in the early 2010s.

Lars Niki/Corbis via Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker shared an Instagram post featuring a black background with red text that read “RIP VAVA. May 11, 1932 – January 19, 2026.”

“So many memories. So happy to recall. Of course, wish I had more. For your extraordinary talent, your decadent generosity and your love of all things beautiful, we are all more fortunate for the grand gestures you shared with the world. Godspeed Valentino Garavani,” Parker wrote in her caption.

Kim Kardashian


Valentino Garavani and Kim Kardashian attend the Valentino show at Paris Fashion Week in 2014.

Valentino Garavani and Kim Kardashian at the Valentino show at Paris Fashion Week in 2014.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Kim Kardashian shared a series of Instagram Stories featuring photos of herself with the late designer.

“Sweet Valentino. You were magical, so special. Thank you for your magic. Rest in peace,” Kardashian wrote in her caption.

Helena Christensen


Helena Christensen and Valentino Garavani at an event in the early 2000s.

Helena Christensen and Valentino Garavani at an event in the early 2000s.

Evan Agostini/Getty Images

Model Helena Christensen left a comment on the Instagram post announcing the designer’s death.

“Such wonderful memories with this beautiful talented man and genius,” she wrote.

Christensen has appeared on the Valentino runway multiple times throughout her career.




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