My trip to Holland…

Holland? Holland? This blog is about the pursuit of Americana. So, I can NOT write about HOLLAND. Or can I? What if my post is about Holland, Michigan. Michigan?? I know, I know. I may get kicked out of Ohio for saying something nice about Michigan, but, here it goes anyway…there are actually beautiful parts of Michigan. You just need to get away from that south and east part…e.g. Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor, etc. If you get north of Flint, the geography really picks up. Furthermore, the west side of Michigan goes up the coast of Lake Michigan. The unique and interesting small towns along the west coast of Michigan are the SMALLTOWN, USA, that this blog looks for. In that light, I give you my trip to Holland, MI.

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Not surprisingly, Holland was settled by Dutch Americans around 1847. These Dutch Americans put some real effort in bringing the Dutch heritage into their new town along the coast of Lake Michigan. There are Dutch museums, a Dutch village/theme park, tulip gardens, windmills, and just about every other Dutch stereotype. In addition, the town of Holland has about 33,000 residents. Holland is also home to Hope College…the small, liberal arts college that you would expect to be here. Also, let us not forget to mention, Holland is known for pet friendly establishments.

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As already mentioned, Holland is also a coastal town. The Lake Michigan shore has nice beaches, beautiful sand dunes, marinas, nature stuff, and the usual high end lake front property. For water enthusiasts…which I am not…Holland would be a great place to vacation away from the real world. But wait, beyond the Dutch immersion and beautiful waterfront, Holland has a couple other points of interest worth bragging about…

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Frank Baum was the author of the book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Mr. Baum was not born here, but he apparently had a summer home here. And, according to local lore, he pulled much inspiration and did a fair amount of writing while living in Holland, MI. As you go about the town, there are many well done tributes of Baum’s famous children’s book.

Now, on a less wholesome note, the true treasure of Holland is the New Holland Brewing Company…or more specifically Dragon’s Milk. Now, put aside the unfortunate faux pas that dragons obviously do not nurse their young and have no milk. If you can forgive that…Dragon”s Milk is worth sampling (and then some). I know that I am a PBR guy, but I have always said…”everything is better with bacon and bourbon.” Dragon’s Milk is a bourbon barrel aged beer that is quite good. Obviously, this process makes for a high ABV, as well as a high cost. My trip to Holland would not have been complete without enjoying some of the Dragon’s Milk of New Holland Brewing. So, if you have to go the Michigan, I would recommend some time in Holland. PT

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On a related topic, while making our way to Holland, we had to stop at the oldest bar in Michigan. In the really small town of Niles, Michigan, we stopped by the Old Tavern Inn, circa 1835. The Old Tavern inn is a great small town bar with a comfortable and relaxed environment. No PBR, but the menu offers plenty of respectable choices. All the long time residents love to come to the Old Tavern Inn for their evening meal. The place makes you feel young as you get the impression most customers have been patrons for several decades. If you are traveling up the west side of Michigan, the Old Tavern Inn is a good stop for comfort food and beer. PT

p.s. Ariana en Tom…Ik draag dit verhaal aan jou op. Vergeet niet dat het de bedoeling is dat je je eigen verhaal plant. Hoe is mijn Nederlands. Antwoord me in het gedeelte “OPMERKING” hieronder.

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