Tulip Time, a festival held in Holland, Michigan, where you get to try tasty treats from a dutch village and smell the beautiful tulips. This was my first time going and it was really spectacular to say the least. When my mother, boyfriend and I arrived in Holland, you literally could smell all of the tulips! It was such a fresh, sweet scent that wafted through the whole city.

FIRST IMPRESSION

The festival was bustling with stands and tents with tons of merchants peddling handmade goods and of course…tulips! However, the area I really was really impressed by was the windmill island which is by far the coolest area I saw that day.

When you first arrive, there is a little dutch style village that has handmade goods such as; clogs, jewelry, kitchen utensils and more. Not only that, there is also delicious food! Dutch style treats like syrup waffles (amazing) and tons of food trucks scattered across the island.

One of the best shops I perused around was ‘1613’, I picked up a cute little blue and white porcelain windmill (gotta have souvenirs amiright?).

WINDMILL ISLAND

Ok, now for the best part of the island…the windmill and bountiful fields of vibrant tulips. I kept seeing photos showcasing fields and fields of these tulips stretching as far as the eye can see.

Honestly, I did not think the tulip fields would be that large. Up until you reach the fields there are tulips, but then you reach the fields and you are like ‘holy cow, these are the tulips’. Rows upon rows of color encapsulating your entire field of view was a photographer’s dream (hint: all of the people there weren’t). To put simply, I was astonished!

Like I said, there was were a TON of people taking photos of family and friends…as well as their dogs (and even a guy with a drone!)! Despite the busy, chaotic atmosphere I was in love with it all.

Everyone seemed so energetic and excited. I truly hope you get the chance to take part in this wonderful festival announcing the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season!

DOWNTOWN HOLLAND

Once we wrapped up the photos at the island, we went to the downtown area. Lately, I have been into street photography, so I took it as an opportunity to get some shots of the people and dogs (there were so many pups, I was in heaven.)

As we were walking, I saw one of my favorite breeds, a Boston terrier. I crouched down and snapped a pic of the cutie. Funny story…the owners stopped me and asked if they could have the photo. A quick swap of contact info and a few days later I sent the photo over.

They ended up loving the photo (which made me feel so overjoyed!) I just love taking photos of others (and their pets), and my goal is to make them ecstatic, and that’s what I got!

I am so happy that I got out there and explored Holland, Michigan. If you happen to be near western Michigan, be sure to check out the cute little city. Between the tulips, the shops, the lake and just the whole atmosphere you will always find a good-time waiting!