Neighborhood Guide: Holland

Placed on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Holland has become an alluring city. Most known for the Holland Michigan Tulip Festival, this city also has a rich Dutch heritage. Its heated streets and cobblestone sidewalks downtown neighbor more than 100 specialty shops, breweries, and restaurants. This small town allows enjoyment no matter the season with many sights to see.

Restaurants

The Crazy Horse has become an award-winning and locally-owned steakhouse. Its menu offers a variety of steaks, ribs, chops, and salmon with a staff eager to cook and serve its guests. The family-friendly restaurant is available for lunch,

dinner, and anything in between. Using the best quality ingredients, this establishment is able to keep high standards for its food quality and service. The Crazy Horse is locally owned and operated and gives back to its community, from donating gift cards to hosting six major fundraisers a year. One entree to try is the slow-roasted prime rib with USDA choice prime rib hand-rubbed with The Crazy Horse special seasoning and slow-roasted all day. This restaurant has received the “best of Michigan” award for 18 years in a row. For obvious reasons, The Crazy Horse has become well-liked by the locals so be sure to reserve a table at .

DeBoer Bakkerij features authentic Dutch dining. Initially a family-run bakery for four generations, Deboer decided to add breakfast service in 2008. The cozy atmosphere with tall ceilings and large windows allows for a light and airy vibe. A

breakfast favorite is Opa’s corned beef hash with two eggs cooked any way you want with their house-roasted corn beef tossed with dutch potatoes grilled to perfection and your choice of toast. Deboer makes soups from scratch that are roasted seasonally but the Dutch pea soup is a year-round staple. If you’d like to enjoy the bakery, the sticky buns are a must-try, pair them with the in-house roasted coffee to make a meal. Breakfast is only served on Saturday and Sunday.

Anna’s House is a retro 1950s diner that, with a recent change in its menu, now works with local producers and uses only organic eggs. The menu also offers gluten-free, dairy-free, and

vegan versions of some items, these dishes are prepared in a separate kitchen to ensure those with allergies are able to enjoy their meal. A popular dish for a savory pallet is the famous breakfast lasagna, this egg casserole is layered with sliced tomatoes, spinach, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, turkey sausage, ricotta cheese, and topped with melted cheddar & house-made bechamel sauce served with your choice of potatoes. This hearty meal is sure to leave you with leftovers. If you plan to visit on the weekend, Anna’s House does not take reservations and closes at 3 pm.

Arts & Culture

Learn more about Holland’s history at the Holland Museum. Here you’ll be educated on the arrival of the Dutch in 1847, their difficulties in gaining access to Lake Michigan, the disastrous

fire of 1872, the creation of Tulip Time, and other influential moments in the city’s history. For almost 75 years, The Holland Museum has been given extraordinary gifts rooted in Dutch culture from donors from across the world. With recent donations of Dutch paintings, the museum was able to create the New Dutch Galleries with a collection of art from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Be sure not to miss this beautiful display with the museum hours being Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 5 am. The museum also hosts Free Second Mondays, sponsored by The Meijer Foundation, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Check the museum's for specific dates.

The Holland Area Arts Council is located downtown and encourages the town to enlighten itself on the culture and lifestyle of the lakeshore area. Regional and local artists are

able to display their work in the exhibition space in any of the three galleries with more than twelve exhibits featured throughout the year. The Holland Area Arts Council also puts together community activities like festivals, outdoor concerts, and other numerous events while collaborating with other community organizations. In addition, The Arts Council offers at least 150 classes in visual and performing art annually, reaching more than 1,600 students ranging from preschool children to senior citizens. Learn more about The Holland Area Art Council and its many opportunities for its community members .

Windmill Island Gardens allows you to view many rare items apart of Dutch history. Located on the edge of downtown Holland, The Gardens is home to a 250-year-old Dutch windmill named De Zwaan that still works today. Reaching a whopping

125 feet, the windmill looms over 36 acres of gardens, canals, and picnic areas. You can also visit an exact replica of a 14th-century wayside inn while learning about Windmill Island’s De Zwaan. In the warmer seasons, The Windmill Island Gardens features a show with Dutch dancers and an antique Dutch Carousel that kids are welcome to enjoy. Guests can also shop for specialty Dutch treats at the souvenir shop. This great group-friendly attraction is a fun way to learn about Holland’s Dutch ancestry.

Attractions

Home to over 75 vendors, The Holland Farmers Market features local farmers that offer a wide variety of the freshest produce along with gorgeous bouquets of flowers and plants for your

home or garden. Also available are baked goods, all-natural honey and maple syrup, farm fresh cheese, eggs, and meats. The Holland Farmers Market is a producers' market meaning that all products sold are locally grown are made. The market is open year-round rain or shine with the exception of holiday hours. If you work up an appetite while shopping The Holland Farmers Market has a food court that offers breakfast and lunch options. Free parking onsite makes this market a convenient stop.

The Hawthorn Pond Natural Area features a 5-acre pond that is the perfect place for kids to learn how to fish. The area also

features a walking trail with a kayak launch ramp with lookout stations placed in various locations around the pond. Leashed pets are allowed on the premises.