Your vacation: Instead of Visiting the Little Mermaid

Thinking about a trip to Europe? If you're going at Christmastime of in the middle of summer, I must recommend Copenhagen. Not as many Americans visit so it feels very much like you are immersed in local culture. Being married to a Dane has given me lots of time to discover the back streets and fun events for this gorgeous city, housing the oldest monarchy on the planet.

1. Stay at The Palace Hotel
Located in the heart of Copenhagen across from the town square and close to Tivoli it is amazingly absent of American tourists. Get to breakfast early though or you'll find the orange juice rather tepid.

2. Eat Italian food at Vesuvio's
The Danish cuisine is like ours in that they enjoy food from all over. This one is terrific and not overly expensive. I am a huge fan of the calzone but the menu will satisfy any taste. The owners and waiters hail from Italy so enjoy getting another culture imfused with the Nordic feel.

3. Take the train to Bellevue
You'll find a nice beach area with gorgeous sand and sun. An amusement park awaits the kids and an animal park provides a nice walk through the forest.

4. Sit on the dock at Nyhavn
This is an amazing combination of tourist attraction and local hang out. When the weather is nice you'll find locals sitting on the docks with friends and beer. In the wonter, the restaurants provide heaters and blankets to keep you warm while you watch the boats.

5. Nap in the King's Garden
A beautiful park with many families and students awaits you. A small lake provides great scenery  for a nice stroll and the grass is wonderfully inviting for an afternoon siesta.

6. Shop at Illum
This is the Danish version of Rodeo Drive. You can find delicious, hand made chocolate and other delicacies along side boutique clothing and even office equipment. Be prepared to spend some Kroner here since it is the most expensive store in the coutry.

7. Have a drink at The Mouse and the Elephant
No tourists here. It is a unique, four story bar filled with people playing chess, sitting on their two patio areas, and drinking beeer poured out of an elephant trunk. When we went it was smoke-filled but new laws should keep the smokers sitting outside.

8. Hear American oldies at Rosie McGee's
If you need a dose of Billy Joel or James Taylor head to Rosie McGee's for some fun. It gets hopping late in the evening. The dance floor is empty most of the time but a brave American could teach some partying Danes how to two-step is she were so inclined.

9. Walk through Tivoli at midnight
Tivoli is a small amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen famous for being the first of it's kind. You'll find lots of great restaurants within the park as well as fast food stands with a Danish flair. Many little shops carry tourist trinquets galore. The real fun though happens late when few park goers remain. Stay fo rhte light show and you wol not be disappointed.

10. Eat a hot dog at the airport
Picking up your baggage has never been more delicious. A Danish hot dog is nothing like our offering. You'll have to see for yourself. Not calorie friendly but well-worth the indulgance.