I could write a lot about Holland and why it's so special but I only have time to mention a few highlights. One thing I like most about Holland is that it has all four very distinguishable seasons (though at times winter gets to be a bit long) and there is something unique to do in each season. The city is probably most famous for Tulip Time, an annual festival celebrating the town's Dutch heritage. Every year in May, the streets are lined with colorful tulips, there are parades, shows and nightly Dutch dancing performed by residents wearing traditional clothes. When I was in high school all the other girls and I went to Dutch Dance practice three times a week after classes to learn the steps - it was so much fun! I was also in the Holland High School Marching Dutchmen Band which plays, dances and marches in parades all while wearing wooden shoes!



The city is also known for its beautiful beaches and I feel lucky to be able to live so close to them. During the months of June, July, August and sometimes September we head to the beach to enjoy the clean, white sands and the refreshing waves. The lighthouse "Big Red" is especially beautiful and it is fun to walk on the pier and watch the boats travel to and from Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan.



Some of my other favorite things about Holland is the downtown and all of the preserved natural areas like Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Sanctuary Woods park. Holland's downtown is clean, unique and always entertaining. There are fun little stores and delicious restaurants that are one-of-a-kind. I really like 84 East, 8th Street Grill, Alpen Rose, City Vu, Friccanos and Skiles Pizza. There are two main bars: the Curragh Irish Pub and New Holland Brewing Company that makes and sells its own brews. I have seen NHB's labels such as Mad Hatter even in menus outside the state. There is also JPs coffee and The Good Earth, two cafes excellent for coffee and bites to eat in the morning.



Holland is also important because it is the home of Hope College, the small, Christian liberal arts college that I attended. Hope is a small college doing big things. Many of the professors come from Ivy League schools and are there because they believe in the mission and purpose of the college. My experience at Hope as awesome and if you make a trip, you should stop in the Hope Geneva Bookstore and say hi to my mom, Deb!



But all of this is just the beginning. There is the incredible Farmer's Market every Wednesday and Saturday, the free Street Performers series on Thursday nights in the summer and outdoor concerts in the park. Growing up in Holland was idyllic; I feel lucky to have lived so long in such a cool and special place and am always anxious and happy to go back. Holland is town where people still wave and say hi to you even if they don't know you and everybody knows everybody. I hope that you get a chance sometime to visit and if you come, let me know and I'll show you around!