With the
onset of the beautiful long days of summer all around us here in The
Netherlands, I thought I would share my Top Ten Things to do here that would
require only a short bike, car or train ride. If you are having visitors or
need something fun to do with your family, these places are always on my list. I
have only lived here two short years but am so appreciative of the beauty that
surrounds this lovely area we call home.
10. Biking
to the Market: Riding my bike to the market that is held in my local shopping
area once a week is pure joy. Not only do I get to choose the freshest fruits, vegetables
and flowers, it’s a wonderful way to get to know the people in my neighborhood.
People wave, we chat, smile all while catching up on how we are all doing.
There are markets all over the area held each day of the week. Mine is on
Wednesdays.
9. Postel,
Belgium: Driving just 20 minutes from my home, I’m able to take visitors or
lunch with my friends in Belgium. It’s a great way for people to be able to
visit another country on their European vacation. The Postel Abbey is my go to
place for peace and happiness and just across the street is my favorite little
place to have lunch or dinner. De Drie Linden is a great place to either sit
out on the patio to enjoy the view or inside for a little cozier atmosphere. By
the way… order the asparagus soup…. It’s lekker!
8. Drinks in
the Centrum: I love that each little city here in The Netherlands has a centrum
or center or the city. People gather from all over the areas to shop, dine and
just sit and enjoy a drink or two while chatting with friends. It’s a great way
to meet others and the perfect way to relax. My favorite centrum… of course…
Eindhoven!
7. Wings of
Liberation Museum: Spending a day walking through the Wings of Liberation
Museum in Son is a great way to appreciate with gratitude and remembrance a
group of soldiers that liberated Holland during a horrific time in history. Operation
Market Garden was not a military success but in the eyes and hearts of the
people of The Netherlands, it’s a time that will never be taken lightly or ever
forgotten.
6. Eersel: Weather I’m having lunch or drinks with
friends at Promessa, picking up some chocolate at Struben, shopping in the centrum square at or picking
out a new wine or appetizer at Ad Kuyten Specialteiten, Eersel is one of my
favorite little cities just a hop, skip
and a jump away from Eindhoven.
5. Blueberry
and Raspberry picking: One of my favorite things about summer is the fresh
fruit. As a child I would love to pick fresh blueberries at our cottage in Michigan
first thing in the morning. My Grandma would then make them into blueberry
pancakes. So getting the opportunity to pick fresh blueberries and raspberries
is not only delicious…. It’s an instant call to my memories. The blueberry farm
is in Nuenen at Vorsterdijk 16A and the raspberry farm is in Meijel at
Steenoven 28 http://raspberry-maxx.opdepc.nl/index.php?actie=home.
4. Amsterdam: I feel so blessed to be
near a city as cool as Amsterdam. To me…. it is just so much fun to ride the
train into Amsterdam Central, walk across the street from the station and hop
on a canal ride. Cruising past the stunning Amsterdam houses all pressed
together standing tall and proud is just amazing. I especially enjoy listening
to the history of the city. My favorite canal ride is the hop on and hop off
tour. This tour not only takes you through all of the city but also to the
museums in town. The Anne Frank and the Rijksmuseum are my favorites. Next on
my list will be a trip to the Van Gogh Museum.
3. De Oude
Rechtbank: De Oude Rechtbank is my new favorite place to go in Eindhoven. The old court house on Stratumseind has kept
the historical feel of the building along with transforming it into an eclectic
trendy place to be. Events, parties, bands, theatrical and comedy groups and
much more are featured here all of the time. Lunch, dinner or just hanging out with friends
having a drink, it’s the perfect place to go.
2. Kinderdijk:
To me… there is no better place to see the beauty of The Netherland windmills
than to see them at the Kinderdijk. Situated in the tiny village of Kinderdijk
about 15 miles from Rotterdam, this area is one of The Netherlands most famous
tour sights. For 4.50 euro’s you are able to go on a leisurely ferry boat ride
and sail past 19 windmills that date back hundreds of years. They still work
but water is now pumped from one of the largest pumping stations in the world. Walking
and biking are also very popular ways to view the windmills. A summer day at
the Kinderdijk… perfect!
AND MY NUMBER 1 FAVORITE PLACE TO GO IN THE SUMMER
1. Scheveningen:
There’s nothing like a summer day spent at the beach and luckily for the great
people of The Netherlands, we live close enough to drive or train over to
Scheveningen. Swim gear, sunblock, towels, shorts and a little money if you
decide to dine at one of the great restaurants along the boardwalk is all that
is needed. Oh that… and a little sun! But if the sun does peek out a bit, get
there fast and get your spot. It fills up fast.
Have fun and
be safe!
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