For Mother's Day, I went to the Tulip Time festival in Holland, Michigan. There are tulips {6 million of them}, Dutch Dance performances, exhibits, tours, parades and so much more. No tickets are needed to visit, explore and experience the area. This event lasts May 7th-15th. I haven't done a travel guide in a while, so I am very excited.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at the Hampton Inn Muskegon. It is about a 35-minute drive from the Tulip Time festival; however, it is a lot more affordable because it is not in the city of Holland. If you want a hotel right in Holland, you will be paying double the normal price for a room pre or post festival. Great hotel, it was super clean, and you get a free warm breakfast too with eggs, sausage, waffles, yogurt, etc.
Other Places To Stay
Best Western Plus- I have stayed here before, and this hotel is very nice as well. Especially if you want to stay close to the festival. The Tulip Time festival is just half a mile from this hotel. Free breakfast, whirlpool rooms and very clean here too.
Lake Ranch Resort- Holland's only waterfront hotel. Is located in West Michigan between Saugatuck and Grand Haven on the west shore of Lake Macatawa, just a short walk from Holland State Park and Lake Michigan. A 10-minute drive to downtown Holland. You can see the sunset on Lake Michigan. The pool is outdoor and no free morning breakfast.
What To Do
Windmill Island Gardens- A beautiful oasis on the edge of downtown Holland featuring 36 acres of manicured gardens, over 150,000 tulips, dikes, canals and walking paths. The centerpiece is an authentic, working Dutch windmill, “De Zwaan”. There is also an Antique Children’s Carousel, Amsterdam Street organ, and “Story of DeZwaan” movie offering additional cultural history.
Oz Sculpture Garden- This is for all you Wizard of Oz fans out there! Author L. Frank Baum spent summers vacationing at Macatawa Park on the shores of Lake Michigan in Holland, Michigan. It was here that inspired Baum to write this classic story. Celebrate the book and its characters with a free outdoor exhibit located next to Downtown Holland. Bronze sculptures, a living floral mosaic, the yellow-brick road and whimsical horticulture honors Baum. In Centennial Park, thousands of annual plants are used to create a 10’ X 12’ “open book” cover of this classic novel. Free and open to the public year-round.
Magnolia Tree- Right across from Centennial Park. Such a beautiful tree, you need to stop and take a picture. This magnolia tree is located right next to the Wizard of Oz statues.
Centennial Park- Fun Fact: Centennial Park was originally set aside as the village market area, but was redeveloped and dedicated to park use in 1876. This 5.6 acre park is located between 10th and 12th Streets and River and Central Avenues. Features: a fountain, garden, parking, walkways, internet, restrooms and dog-friendly. Oh, and tons of tulips, of course.
Veldheer- Holland's only tulip farm and perennial garden. In 1950, Vern Veldheer started a hobby farm with 100 red tulips and 300 white tulips. Today, Veldheers plants over 5.5 million tulips for you to walk through and enjoy. Perennials and flowers are brought in from around the world for you to buy and plant in your gardens. Definitely worth a visit to see and order some tulips for your very own garden. I have been here once every year for as long as I could remember. A family tradition for Mother's Day.
Where To Eat
Windmill Restaurant- Located right in downtown Holland. The name is so cute, and they have all Dutch decorations of windmills and tulips. A perfect vibe for the festival. This is a breakfast and lunch restaurant only because they close at 2p.m. They serve omelets, pancakes, hamburgers, sandwiches, salads, etc.
The Wooden Shoe Restaurant- Another on theme restaurant for the tulip festival. This one is also only open until 2p.m. specializing in breakfast and lunch. Known for their homemade baulkenbrie, huge cinnamon rolls or fresh homemade pig in the blankets. Also, right next to The Wooden Shoe Restautant, is The Wooden Shoe Antique Mall where you can purchase your very own wooden shoes to wear.
Crazy Horse Steak House & Saloon- The Crazy Horse is a modern rustic, wooden space. Savor award winning fare including prime rib and black angus steak. Sip on a wide collection of wines and craft cocktails and enjoy a unique dining experience. The highly acclaimed Crazy Horse is a can’t miss local destination. Open until midnight, great spot for dinner time.
Crust 54- Authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza and stone fired thin crust pizza. There are gluten free options as well. Open until 8p.m. and closed on Sunday's. Great if you want to get carryout pizza for your family and take it back to your hotel room.
That is the complete Tulip Time, Holland Michigan Travel Guide. You need to go here at least once in your lifetime just to see all of the tulips. It is a magnificent sight that you will never forget. There is so much fun for the whole family. This trip is a must.
Xoxo,
Chey
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