If you grew up on a steady diet of Disney, you probably had dreams of one day being whisked away to a castle. While we can’t promise a prince (or princess) in shining armor, you can head to these real-life castles in the United States.
Castello di Amorosa, California
If you’d like to be transported back to Italy during medieval times, simply head to Napa Valley. There you will find Castello di Amorosa, a castle built in 1994 that was built using the same methods and materials that would have been used 800 years ago. The castle comes complete with a moat, drawbridge, torture chamber, and knights’ chamber. The only thing missing is a dragon.
Biltmore Estate, North Carolina
Opulent is best the way to describe Biltmore Estate which was built in the late 1800s by George Washington Vanderbilt II. The grand structure was inspired by French Renaissance architecture and boasts 250 rooms, a banquet hall, a library, a conservatory, and park-like grounds. Biltmore Estate remains the largest privately owned house in the United States.
Boldt Castle, New York
Situated on its own little island in Alexandria Bay is Boldt Castle. The mansion was built by George Boldt for his wife Louise, but upon her sudden death, the general manager of the Waldorf Astoria abandoned the project. The castle was acquired decades later by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority which has since installed marble floors, a grand staircase, and a stained glass dome.
