HOLLAND, MICHIGAN, A REAL DUTCH TREAT
by Eleanor S. Morris

Can't make it to Europe for your honeymoon? Cuddle in the land of tulips, cheeses, and windmills...in Michigan!

>more on romantic getaways in Michigan

You don't have to go to Europe to "tiptoe thru the tulips." It's all there in Holland, Michigan on the west coast of blue Lake Michigan. Not only does Holland offer miles of beaches for swimming, boating, jet skiing and bike paths, boat cruises, hundreds of specialty shops, a Farmers Market, it celebrates its Dutch heritage year round with museums and events.

The Holland Museum tells how more than 150 years ago the Dutch wrested this land from the wilderness and dug a channel to Lake Michigan. The Cappon House Museum Settlers House recalls the life of hardship faced by early settlers in this home of the family of Dutch immigrant Isaac Cappon, Holland's first mayor.

Every May the famed Tulip Festival blossoms with millions of colorful tulips, field after field of color. The festival includes Klompen (wooden shoe) dancers, dancing to the tune of an antique calliope, parades, a Dutch Market, a quilt show and an arts and crafts fair. But you don't have to wait for each May to enjoy these Dutch treats. Windmill Island contains a Dutch Village that is a Dutch heritage theme xpark, with more than 10 acres of exhibits and inter- action activities any time between May and October.

And if you can't make it in the summer, the Dutch Winterfest beginning the Thanksgiving weekend has been named one of ten "great places to Catch a Winter Carnival" for its Lantern Parade, European Christmas Market, Up on the Rooftops Tour with St. Nicolas, and more.

WINDMILL ISLAND

The centerpiece of the island is 18th century DeZwaan, a genuine antique Dutch windmill, and the last to be brought over from Holland. It was dedicated here by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands himself.

This graceful giant, more than 280 years old, is the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. Cross the drawbridge and tour the mill, climbing inside and witness the power of the wind as you watch the gears turn. Look outside to see the Frisian horses and cows grazing on the islands green pasture. And most of the time the island is awash with color, first the tulips and then summer annuals that bloom through the fall. It's the Netherlands of 150 years ago come to life.

DUTCH VILLAGE

Picturesque walks, canals, authentic Dutch architecture at Dutch Village make you feel like you're off on a European day-trip. There are fun rides for children of all ages: the 1924 Herschel- Spielman "draaimolen," a carousel; the "zweefmolen," a swing ride, are two of the most popular. How about a wooden shoe slide, and a visit to a farmhouse complete with live animals?

Dare to make a visit to the "Heksenwaag," a witch's weigh-house that determines your guilt or innocence. If the latter, you'll get a signed and sealed certificate to show proof. Arts and crafts demonstrations take place every 15 minutes: learn how to make wooden shoes, or the famous Dutch Gouda and Edam cheeses.

You can shop till you drop for Delft ware, tiles books, wearable wooden shoes, Dutch foods, and of course, tulip bulbs. You don't have to go Dutch to pick up some fine crafted souvenirs and delectable European treats on this side of the ocean. And don't miss the creamy Gouda cheese, sweet almond pastries, and melt-in-your mouth chocolates.

DEKLOMP WOODEN SHOE & DELFTWARE FACTORY

Two miles north of Dutch Village on US 31, Holland boasts the only delftware factory in the U.S. as well as a wooden shoe factory.

DOWNTOWN HOLLAND

When you leave the island, also visit Holland's downtown, with shopping, dining and Victorian era architecture.

Both historic and hip, Downtown Holland is winner of the "Great American Main Street Award" and the "All America City Award." The five star shopping district contains more than 200 businesses including art galleries, apparel shops, gift and home accessories stores, books, music, sporting goods and jewelry, as well as a variety of specialty shops.

And nearby is Big Red, Holland's proud lighthouse on Lake Michigan, and those golden beaches for swimmers, boaters, skiers, parasailers, beachcombers, suncastle builders--at Tunnel Park tumble down a sand dune to dip your toes in the lake.

For more information: www.holland.org.