Holland, Michigan

Holland, Michigan has a really good feel to it. These are the only tulips we saw but I can imagine what a show they have in the spring.

What a fine farmers' market we found.. And the prices were excellent.

There was plenty for kids also such as an animal petting area, sidewalk chalk, and hoola hoops to try. This brought out the crowds of all ages and this was just on Wednesday.

I liked the glass ornaments. I think I may set up a kiln and try fused glass.

Leon made several purchases. The only problem is we keep eating in the Elks or downtown.

Also downtown we found Kollen Park where we had a picnic lunch before hopping on the bike trail alongside Lake Macatawa. Yep, several blocks away is a bike shop which got us rolling along again!

We soon passed the Heinz pickle factory that was begun in 1896. Wood from the 1920 vinegar storage tanks was used to construct the roof of this tunnel entrance.

Flowers in a variety of vibrant colors are blooming all over town. I was a little surprised to see them planted along the curbs but realize in the spring these are probably filled with tulips.

Isaac Cappon was one of many settlers who found their way from the Netherlands to Holland in 1848. Holland incorporated in 1867 and he was the first mayor. This was his home.

On our bike ride we passed a row of metal sculptures in an area where we expected nothing. What a surprise!

They even put up these gates to warn bikers that they are approaching a driveway. This is the most bike friendly town I have ever seen and it helps that downtown is mostly flat! People of all ages are riding everywhere and yes, it appears ok to ride on the sidewalks.

These sculptures were created from scrap metal by Stuart Padnos of the Padnos Iron and Metal Company. I sent word to the 84 year old gentleman about how much we enjoyed them via a worker.

The sled dogs were my favorite.

Parks are scattered throughout the town and the bike paths take you from one to the next. Several include windmills, appropriate in my opinion. We like to ride awhile, sit awhile.

OK, one sits while one scurries around taking pictures.

We even found a geocache along the trail; my first for Michigan.

Leon rarely gets in the doghouse, but this was just too good an opportunity!

We followed all the yellow paths on our bike rides.  One led down a boardwalk...

And through a park...

And alongside a marsh...

This tribute to the Dutch settlers is one of many sculptures throughout Holland. Some of the people we met come here from the south for summer. Others, we learned, go south each winter.

This is one of our favorite downtown eateries. On the opposite corner we sit outside for coffee and pastries. One the third corner is the Irish pub where we ate on Thursday night.

Then we strolled 8th Street with the crowds that came out to see the street performers: juglers, musicians, magicians, trapeze artists and even a belly dancer.

But there are always crowds on 8th Street because it is just a neat place to be with specialty shops, benches for sitting, shade trees, and friendly people. The street even has a network of hoses underneath. The water in the nearby lake is heated to 95 degrees in the winter and pumped through the hoses to melt the snow and ice.

We spent a week in Holland parked beside the Elks Lodge. They are the friendliest Elks we have ever met. AND they basically have a restaurant inside where you can choose from the special or order off the menu. Time to go further north.