When you move to a town you aren’t accustomed to you might be wondering what there is to do. Well, have no fear! As someone who was living in Holland before attending Hope I am here to offer some ideas.
Downtown
This one is obvious. Since Hope is located right next to Downtown Holland you can easily walk there! Spend an afternoon browsing the small local shops and splurge on yourself.
Get some chocolate, or any kind of candy, at the Peanut Store. Browse books at Readers World. Update your wardrobe at the numerous clothing stores. You could even get coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner at any of the restaurants downtown.
You could even spend some time at the Farmer’s Market when it’s open! Get fresh produce, flowers, honey, coffee, jerky, wall decorations, etc. Support your local small businesses! It’s also a great way to get a walk in that is also entertaining.
Bowling
BAM! is an amazing place to send time with friends and family. You will probably have to drive to this one but it’s not too far. Go bowling, enjoy the arcade, eat food, play laser tag, go mini bowling! There is so much to do there.
Take a step back into childhood and let your inner child run free at BAM! There is so much to do that you can never be bored. Do make sure to make reservations though so you can ensure you get a spot in whichever activity you are after, they are often busy.
Rock Climbing
Scrapyard Climbing Collective is a rock climbing center and gym. They welcome beginners and will help you find your footing. But they also have challenges for more experienced climbers.
Spend an afternoon with your friends learning how to rock climb or challenging your friends to races up the walls! A great way to workout while still having fun and enjoying how you spend your time.
Walking
This one may seem boring, or extremely obvious, but the joys of a smaller town is the option to simply walk. Go to Window on the Waterfront. Walk to Kollen Park. Just walk around campus and experience the glorious Michigan seasons!
Walk around with some friends, or walk by yourself. There are so many things to look at and lot’s of older buildings. Maybe take a walk down to Windmill Island, and if it’s open, walk through it and visit De Zwaan, the windmill.
Seasonal
Depending on the season there could be several different events going on in Holland. Maybe there is a civil war reenactment, or when there is a celebration based around lots of flowers that are super popular around Holland (Tulip Time), there might even be a parade. Oftentimes Holland has different events going on, take a look at the Holland Sentinel if you are interested in participating in any of the events.
Museum
If you enjoy history then the Holland Museum might be the place for you to spend some time. Packed with Dutch artifacts, Holland artifacts, and exhibits that are often rotating you can rely on there being different exhibits every couple of months.
Spend time learning about Holland’s history, the history of immigration, and more! The artifacts displayed are very interesting and oftentimes things you have never seen before. Even if you don’t like history, there is always something interesting for everyone at a museum.
There is so much to do in Holland. Don’t waste time just sitting in your dorm; go out and enjoy the different seasons when you can! Find things to do! Make new friends and learn new things!