Preview: It’s time to hit the road and head to Holland, a mere fifteen-minute drive from Saugatuck. Nestled in tulip country, the village is replete with Dutch nostalgia, including wooden-shoe dancers and flower pastures dotted with old windmills spinning in the breeze. The countryside is particularly spectacular in May, when acres of tulips proudly display their magnificent charm. The townsfolk are still of Dutch ancestry—all you have to do is open the phone book and see the pages of “vans” and “vanders.” Indeed, some families have roots in the area that go back to the 1840s, when tens of thousands of Dutch separatists fled the Netherlands for the United States. What many visitors don’t realize, however, is that Holland boasts the largest concentration of Hispanics in the state, as well. Visitors like Holland for its combination of attractions and leisure activities. The pace here progresses at a comfortable speed, slow enough to jump aboard but quick enough to take you to another world. About 20 miles up the road is Grand Haven, a city that has done an excellent job of coaxing the fun out of its lakefront without killing it with over-development. The focal point is a magnificent new boardwalk that stretches for almost 3 miles. While Grand Haven is the end of this swing around Lake Michigan, it can be the jumping-off point for exploring the northern reaches (Muskegon, Ludington, and beyond) when you have more time. Highlights include: Boating, shopping, fishing, museums, galleries, and a wooden-shoe factory. The detailed itinerary in this chapter is a driving tour that features extensive recommendations for sightseeing attractions, recreational activities, lodging, restaurants, shopping, and more.
© Copyright Bonnie Miller Rubin, Marcy Mason published by The Globe Pequot Press all rights reserved.
Duration: 2 Nights
Best Time to Go: Year-round
This travel guide comes from:
Quick Escapes: Chicago Guide Book
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Date of Trip: 6/15/2004
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We were there at the end of the tulips, but still got to see some of the beautiful colors. Michigan can be a little hot in the summer, so take water with you if you're going to be walking outside.
Holland is very picturesque and a great little town to walk around in. The people are very friendly and will help you find your way if you get lost.
Lots of windmills and Dutch-influenced architecture.
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