Holland, Michigan -- Relax and Refresh

This is our 5th day in Holland, Michigan, and we've been relaxing too much to turn on the computer more than a couple times. But it's Sunday morning, we've had yet another wonderful B&B breakfast, and it seemed like a good time to share this part of our travel adventure.

We've been staying at the Crimson Cottage in the Woods, a lovely, purpose-built B&B that's been in business about two years. Kathy and Michael, our hosts, are fun and interesting to talk to and great sources of information on the area. The breakfasts have been outstanding, served in their sun room that looks out through the trees and onto a pond. Our room is spacious and comfortable, and the house is full of light from the large windows.

Yesterday we went to the Holland Farmers Market. The produce was abundant and very tempting, but we limited ourselves to some sweet cherries. While we resisted the pies, we bought some cracker bread that was excellent with organic cheese later in the evening.

We're visiting with family who are staying in their trailer at the Holland State Park, on the shore of Lake Michigan. It's been a little cool for much in the way of beach activity, but we've had a fine time relaxing on their trailer's "patio" and watching the world go by. Every now and then, we stir ourselves to go out for something to eat or to play minigolf with our 6-year-old Perfect Nephew.

We've found some good eating places in town. The New Holland Brewery has excellent beer, good pub food, and great service. Wild Chef Japanese Steak House provided table cooking entertainment for the youngster and very good food for all of us. My hibachi filet mignon was tender and tasty (and not smothered in teriyaki sauce), and the fried rice was light and not at all greasy. Yesterday, we had a late lunch at Curragh, the Irish pub downtown. They've done a nice job with the decor to create a traditional Irish look, and they have a nice selection of beer. They were very busy on a July Saturday, and food and service were a little uneven -- not as good as at New Holland, which is right across the street.

Our other major entertainment -- besides vegetating under the trailer canopy and eating -- has been minigolf at Sundae Sundae Golf Golf at 631 E. Lakewood Blvd. The "sundae" part is locally made ice cream; the "golf golf" part is two 18-hole miniature golf courses, one more challenging than the other (though members of our party made holes in one on both of the courses). You play among trees and ponds, so it's cool and comfortable. The holes are in pretty good shape, and the course is interesting enough that we came back a second day to play the other 18 holes. It was just good old-fashioned fun, like what I remember from being a kid in Michigan (thousands of years ago...).

Downtown Holland is full of historic buildings and interesting shops. It's clear that the city has worked hard to make their downtown area vital and attractive to visitors. On Thursdays, the street is full of street entertainers playing music, doing magic, that sort of thing.

Holland has provided for both of our major needs in this first week of vacation: interesting sights, activities, and food, and a place to relax and forget about our very busy lives as innkeepers.

More later -- thanks for reading my blog!

Annette