Sipping my comfort latte in LJs, I look out to the colors of green, orange, yellow, and red leaves against the white background of Pillar Church. College friends walk by while waving through the window. The barista greets customers by name as she clears tables of yellow mugs. Peering at the clock that always seems to tick by faster, I savor my prolonged final sip of coffee as I calculate whether I have time to stop by the Wednesday morning Holland Farmers Market before my next class. Deciding that with a steady walking pace the timing will work, I head out the doors. Turning the corner of 8th street, the rich smells of caramel, vanilla, and hazelnut fill my nostrils as I watch through the Kilwins window continual overlaps of fudge seemingly pulling me to come into the store. As I stroll down the street, two pairs of wrinkled hands swing back and forth in front of me while the couple enters the senior living home “The Warm Friend.”
“the small West Michigan town of Holland provides a comforting reminder of care, comfort, and familiarity.”
To me, Holland encapsulates what it means to be a “Warm Friend.” Especially as a college student, living away from home can bring feelings of homesickness, unease, and fear. However, the small West Michigan town of Holland provides a comforting reminder of care, comfort, and familiarity. Nestled 10 minutes away from Lake Michigan known for its annual Tulip Time Festival since 1929, Holland holds a legacy of charm and beauty that attracts frequent visitors. It is unlike any other college town I have visited. While inevitably any college campus can feel like a bubble at times separated from the reality of varied age demographics, I am grateful for Hope College’s close proximity to downtown Holland. The town provides a reminder of the joy of family and life outside of college.
Having lived in Holland during each of its four seasons, I can truly attest that there is no dull time. There’s always a new gem to be found! While I am constantly discovering new spots, here is a non-exhaustive list of some of my favorite places in Holland:
Tunnel Park
Tunnel Park provides access to Lake Michigan. It is less visited than the State Park and is thus more quaint if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience. As you walk through a tunnel to get to the beach, you are met with the mesmerizing view of the lake where it appears as if you might be walking out straight onto the water (don’t worry there are in fact stairs below)!
Coffee Shops
I can’t choose just one! I really do enjoy many of the coffee shops for different reasons, but here are my top three in no specific order:
- KIN Coffee
- Lemonjello’s Coffee (affectionately and commonly known by locals as LJs)
- 205 Coffee Bar
Bowerman’s
Bowerman’s has both a cafe and a farm! Its cafe serves food and coffee inspired by its blueberry tradition. It sources much of its downtown cafe food menu from its farm. You can also visit its farm where it has another store location and where you can pick blueberries.
Hope College
I have to end of course with Hope College, located in the heart of Holland and to me very much is the heart of Holland. With its rich history beginning in 1851, Hope College has continually shaped Holland throughout its generations. The beauty, culture, and goodness of the College extends beyond the campus borders. Students often stay in Holland during the summer and many alumni have opened businesses in Holland. I am grateful to be studying in place surrounded by the beauty of its tradition, place, and people.
So whether you have lived in Holland your whole life or you are a visitor, I encourage you to be a tourist! Explore the town, bask in its beauty, and join in its rich tradition where along the way there’s always a warm friend to be found!