As we headed north to Holland, Michigan our first stop was Nelis’ Dutch Village. Here we heard a talk by a wooden shoe carver. We got to see many tulips. We got to see some young dancers wearing wooden shoes. There was a Merry Go Round to ride on if you wanted. Many shops with things to buy. It was a very enjoyable day!

Our dinner tonight was at Boatwerks Restaurant with a very tasty chicken dinner in a room with a view of the water.

Then it was off to the Holland Community Theatre to see a play done in 1941 it was called Suite Surrender and was very funny. Then to the hotel for a good night’s rest.

On our second day we had breakfast then off to meet our step on guide. Our guide had been born in Holland Michigan, left after college, and is now back running a nonprofit in Holland. He was very interesting. He gave us talks on the college and the Reformed Church. He showed us many interesting things about Holland. The downtown streets were filled with many tulips. Then on to the Tulip Immersion Garden. This was filled with many different kinds of tulips with many colors. Here you could read about the history of what the travelers went through. It was a very pretty place. Then it was off to the Tulip Time Quilt show. Many kinds of homemade quilts. Then off to Windmill Gardens many more tulips here. We could climb to the walkway on the windmill. The view of the tulips from here was amazing.Then it was time for a great meal at Russ’. Then to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

On our third day we had breakfast and off to Veldheer Tulip Garden. This is Hollands only tulip farm perennial garden. It started in 1950 and the same family has owned and ran it since. They just had the fourth generation born in February. The fields were full of many types of tulips and the color was amazing.

Then it was time to head for home. What a great trip!

From The Escort Seat of,
Pat TenBrink

Tulip Time Festival