Before we left for Holland, Michigan, I did a little research—just to get an idea of what we were walking into. And all I kept seeing were tulips. Windmills. Wooden shoes. More tulips. More windmills. The kind of pictures that make you think you’re about to step into a Dutch fairy tale with clogs and canals and people selling cheese in wooden carts.
So you can probably guess where my expectations were.
To my surprise… Holland wasn’t quite the Dutch tourism moment I had imagined. Instead, it was live music echoing down the street, people laughing at outdoor tables, and the kind of night that makes you feel present and relaxed at the same time. And while I had envisioned windmills on every corner, I didn’t spot one…aside from the occasional logo or decorative sign.
I’ll admit, I was a little disappointed at first, which felt silly considering I hadn’t cared much about windmills before this trip. But I had hyped it up in my mind, and now it felt like something was missing.
So my sweet husband asked a few locals where we could find one, and off we went, detouring to grab a photo with an actual windmill—just to make it official.
That’s love, my friends.
And the best part? Downtown Holland didn’t disappoint—not even a little.
We came for the windmill pic, but we stayed for the street vibes.
Where We Stayed:
We stayed at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott—super clean, easy to get in and out, and close enough to downtown that we didn’t waste time getting to the good stuff.
Where We Ate:
Originally, I had my eye on Butch’s Dry Dock (it looked incredible), but once we heard music in the air and realized there was a whole summer street vibe happening downtown, we changed plans.
We landed at The Curragh Irish Pub, grabbed an outdoor table, and settled in. I ordered the Mash-Up Bowl (think KFC Famous Bowl but make it Irish), and my husband went for the classic Fish & Chips. Solid choices. Street performers kept things entertaining while we ate.
What We Did:
After dinner, we strolled the main strip, ducking into shops like Glik’s, Frances Jaye, Jean Marie’s (we were checking out their Goodr sunglasses), and Onalee’s. Each had its own feel—modern, relaxed, and just quirky enough to be fun.
Dessert? Obviously.
We finished with Kilwin’s—I had Traverse City Cherry (a Michigan favorite), and my husband got Toasted Coconut. We walked with cones in hand, pretending not to care when it melted down the sides a little.
One Thing to Note:
If you’re there on a Thursday night in the summer, don’t miss the Street Performer Series from 6:30–8:30 PM. Live music, performers, and a full-on summer energy that makes you want to stay out just a little longer.
Other Spots We Noted (for Next Time):
We didn’t make it to Windmill Island Gardens—it wasn’t tulip season, so we opted for a quick photo of the De Zwaan windmill just to say we did.
If you have time, check out Tunnel Park or go see Big Red Lighthouse—iconic spots that’ll give your photo album something extra.
So if you’re planning a quick summer overnight, Holland, Michigan is worth your time. It’s easy to walk, full of charm, and has just enough unexpected goodness (the kind that sneaks up on you—in the best way, not the windmill way) to make you want to go back.
And if you’re there on a Thursday?
Do it.
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