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A town named Holland
wouldn’t be complete without a windmill – and the authentic 12-story
giant DeZwaan (the swan) graces Windmill Island. The last windmill allowed to
leave the Netherlands, the 240 – year old windmill is the heart of the pastoral
island, as cows and horses graze in the fields as DeZwaan’s 40-foot sails
turn. Costumed guides, a Dutch-painted carousel and gift stores are scattered
throughout the island, where visitors can roam acres of gardens, watch as intricate
hand-dipped candles are made, or simply gaze at the windmill turning in the breeze.
Further out of town is the Dutch Village, which features the only Delftware factory
in the United States. A commercialized version of Windmill Island, visitors will
nevertheless find a pleasant path through a wooden shoe factory, craft demonstrations
and a few carnival-type rides. Outdoor
treasures include miles of paths for biking, hiking, roller-blading, fishing in
Lake Macatawa, and relaxing on the sandy dunes along the shore of Lake Michigan.
Holland State Park is home to Big Red, one of the state’s most popular lighthouses,
and offers a boat launch, two campgrounds, picnic and playground areas, as well
as concessions. Adventure and fishing programs are available to children during
the summer. Holland
is also a year-round cultural escape. During the spring and summer months, numerous
gallery showings, outdoor concerts, the Hope College Summer Repertory Theater
and the Arts in the Park weekend provide an enriching break from beach and water
sports. Gallery walks, symphony concerts and the Farmer’s Market are the
highlights of fall, with a backdrop of colorful foliage along the coastline of
Lake Michigan. In winter,
the town is even more magical, with unusual heated sidewalks that keep the walkways
free of snow and ice. Music, piped in over a clever public address system, provides
a soundtrack for holiday shopping. Sinterklaas, (the Dutch St. Nicholas), resplendent
in red robes and tall mitre hat, leads the children in a lantern parade which
signals the opening of WinterFest and the Kerstmarkt, an open-air Christmas market.
Decorative booths built from centuries-old plans offer European gifts, hot drinks,
and food during the two weeks of this festival.
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