All About Holland 2023

DUTCH EXPERIENCES

NELIS’ DUTCH VILLAGE Î (SEASONAL) 12350 James St • (616) 396.1475 • dutchvillage.com

Step back into the Netherlands of over 100 years ago, where costumed dancers perform in wooden shoes and welkom visitors into their klompen folkdance. Wander along canals to old-world Dutch shops, and watch how traditional delft pottery, wooden shoes, and farmhouse-style cheese were crafted. The village’s old-world amusements will create fun for the whole family. Climb into the sky on a 1940’s windmill Ferris wheel; twirl on the zweefmolen chair swing ride; or cheer your kids on in a pedal pumping car race. Music froman antique street organ and spinning carousel will call to children of all ages. And the giant wooden shoe slide is guaranteed to earn a photo-worthy smile. All this activity is sure to work up an appetite. For an authentic taste of the old country, treat your taste buds to some saucijzebroodjes (homemade sausage rolls), the village’s famous pea soup, or 20 varieties of Dutch cheese. Savor banket – the traditional Dutch almond pastry – or a Grolsch lager at the Thirsty Dutchman Pub. When you’ve had your fill of Dutchdelights, bringhome an imported memento or packaged sweet to keep the happiness going. $ New in 2023: Tractor Time takes guests back to another era on mini electric tractors! Loop past the kinderboerderij petting farm barn and a half-scale reproduction of the windmill that stood at Nelis Tulip Farms for over 60 years. A botanical paradise, this 36-acre park gets its name from the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. De Zwaan is over 200 years old and sits upon picturesque grounds that make you feel transported to another country, if not century. From April 15 – October 1, you can climb inside this piece of history to a 4th-story deck with a seasonally changing panoramic view. Expansive blooming tulip fields surround the windmill in the spring. Throughout the summer and early autumn, floral beauty endures in peaceful gardens filled with hundreds of perennials and thousands of annuals. The theme for the gardens changes annually. 2023’s is "A Celestial Season," a celebration of the sun, moon, stars, and everything above us. Come experience a slice of the Netherlands right here in West Michigan. This beautiful little island is a dazzling treasure to the residents of Holland, and one we delight in sharing with our visitors. Be sure to check the website for events that will make your visit extra special. $ WINDMILL ISLAND GARDENS Î (SEASONAL • GROUNDS OPEN YEAR-ROUND) 1 Lincoln Ave • (616) 355.1030 • windmillisland.org

Nelis' Dutch Village

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Sara Cozolino

Emily Branca

Sara Cozolino

Sara Cozolino

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