Celebrating The World

Some of the young adults in Petersburg Alaska residents dress as Vikings and Valkyries as part of...

Some of the young adults in Petersburg Alaska residents dress as Vikings and Valkyries as part of their annual 17th of May Little Norway Festival and wait to be pulled into the parade. In honor of United Nations Day on Saturday, discover the different nationalities in communities across the USA. Stephen Goldsmith, director of the Center for the Living City shares with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY his list of places to enjoy the rich diversity of our cities.

(Klas Stolpe/AP Photo)
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In honor of United Nations Day on Saturday, discover the different nationalities in communities across the USA. Stephen Goldsmith, director of the Center for the Living City ( JanesWalkUSA.org), shares with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY his list of places to enjoy the rich diversity of our cities.

Star Hotel & RestaurantElko, Nev. "When I was a kid, my father took us to the dining hall here, where family-style meals are still being served," Goldsmith says of this Basque landmark. "Finding these unexpected communities in the back roads of the West stimulates openness for other cultural events, like the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering." There is lots of Basque dancing, dining and music in Elko, which also hosts the National Basque Festival in July. 800-248-3556; exploreelko.com

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Pioneer MuseumFredericksburg, TexasBuildings at the open-air Pioneer Museum in this Hill Country town, settled by Germans in 1846, exhibit their craftsmanship. Visitors can stay in historic structures throughout the town, from limestone loft buildings to log cabins constructed by early settlers. 'Willkommen' signs abound. Buy German specialties at Opa's Smoked Meats or Dietz's, one of eight bakeries in town. 830-997-6523; fredtexlodging.com

Utica Monday NitesUtica, N.Y. More than 5,000 Bosnians reside here, and 30 languages are spoken, Goldsmith says. "Utica Monday Nites is a summer series that celebrates the international community in music." Visit the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, take the Saranac Brewery Tour or bring the kids to the Utica Zoo for fall foliage views. 800-426-3132; oneidacountycvb.com

India SquareJersey City "The density of 13,000 Indians and Pakistanis living in the blocks around Newark Avenue is a self-generated, self-organized convergence that bringsvibrancy and cultural uniqueness to Jersey City," Goldsmith says of this Journal Square neighborhood. Shop for spices or eat in one of the restaurants, then visit the city's revitalized waterfront with up-close views of Manhattan and ferry service to Ellis Island. 800-542-7894; visithudson.org