By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association
Looking for the perfect day trip destination that’s not too far from home? Look no further than Downtown Holland, located just minutes from the beautiful Lake Michigan Shore.
Grab your mask and start your morning off with a visit to the award-winning Holland Farmers Market, which is open every Wednesday and Saturday at the Eighth Street Market Place at 150 West 8th Street. Sip an iced coffee and munch on a famous blueberry donut from Bowerman’s Blueberry Market while you stroll among over 50 booths with local farmers and vendors selling produce, flowers, baked goods and so much more. The Market is open rain or shine!
After you’ve perused the Market, just cross the street to find yourself in the heart of Downtown Holland! This premier shopping and dining destination is home to hundreds of shops and restaurants, along with cultural attractions, entertainment venues and cozy parks. Enjoy a delicious lunch on an outdoor patio at any number of locally-owned breweries, restaurants or cafes. Then spend an hour (or maybe even two) shopping along the cobblestone sidewalk. With fashion and accessory boutiques, unique gift shops, art galleries, sporting good stores and so much more, it’s not hard to find something you can’t live without. And don’t miss a visit to the historic Holland Peanut Store to pick up a Fabiano’s famous Nutty Paddle Pop for a cool and indulgent treat.
End the afternoon with a visit to Windmill Island Gardens, just a few blocks east of Downtown Holland at 1 Lincoln Avenue. Follow the causeway, by foot or in your vehicle, to Windmill Island to enjoy the beauty of 36 acres of colorful gardens, historic dikes and canals and inviting picnic areas. Learn about Holland’s Dutch history as you take in the majestic De Zwaan Windmill. This original working Dutch windmill (the only one in the country) reaches 125 feet from the ground to the top of the blades! Windmill Island Gardens is open seven days a week. Admission is just $5 per adult, with children 8 and under free.
Holland Farmers Market
hollandfarmersmarket.com
616-355-1138
Downtown Holland
downtownholland.com
616-796-1210
Windmill Island
windmillisland.org
616-355-1030
