Retail Therapy

When you think of Holland, Michigan, your first thought may be the quaint windmills and colorful tulips of its European namesake–which Holland does have–but it also has a thriving and unique downtown, with stores for every shopper.

A winner of the “Great American Mainstreet” Award bestowed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, as well as being named “Coolest Downtown” by American Bloom, an urban beautification organization, downtown Holland is home to dozens of distinctive shops, boutiques and eateries.

Unique to Michigan, begin your shopping holiday at Cherry Republic, a gift shop selling all things cherry. From candies to snack mixes to syrups and salsas, Cherry Republic has something for everyone–even the family pet! They offer in-store packaging and shipping to anywhere in the country and guarantee two-day shipping to Chicago and surrounding areas.

Another Michigan favorite with a little more global reach is Fustini’s, a purveyor of olive oils and vinegars which are imported from select artisans and small-batch growers around the world. Everything they offer is available for tasting, and the store also offers recipes and cooking classes to ensure your purchase will shine when it reaches your dining room table.

Need a quick pick-me-up while strolling 8th Street? Look no further than the Holland Peanut Store, a multigenerational family-run confectionery that sells hand-dipped chocolate clusters and candies, and nuts that are freshly roasted in-store. In business for more than 119 years, they also stock their shelves with a curated selection of confections from top-tiered brands and proven classics certain to delight your inner child.

Shoppers with little ones to buy for will delight in Tip Toes, a children’s boutique selling clothes, toys, books and more for stylish kids aged 0-10. They even offer up fashions and accessories for stylish parents so that moms and dads can look as good as their little one!

Step into an historic building and onto the creaking wood floors of The Outpost, Holland’s premier outdoor outfitter. Carrying top brands like Patagonia, Vuori, Kühl, and more, Outpost has stayed on top of clothing trends and gear and equipment technologies for over fifty years. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff can get you fitted and kitted for any outdoor Michigan adventure.

Once your outdoor clothing has been sorted, it’ll be time to fill out the more metropolitan corner of your closet. Look no further than jb and me, Studio K or Frances Jaye. Frances Jaye sells home goods as well as men’s and women’s fashions with an eye to conscious shopping, prioritizing brands that put ethical practices at the forefront of their mission. Studio K is an upscale boutique offering unique and classic fashions for women, while jb and me offers up trendy and designer fashion that appeals to women of all ages.

If clothing isn’t your thing, be sure to stop into Reader’s World, an independent bookstore that’s been a downtown Holland staple for more than fifty years or rest your feet and set down your bags at the Sperry Moviehouse. This 12-screen boutique theater shows first run movies with reserved first-class seating throughout. The cinema also has a full bar and extensive menu with options to eat in the 2nd floor Dinnerhouse, or opt to have your food delivered directly to your seat in the theater.

What to Eat

A favorite breakfast spot of locals and visitors alike, start the day at The Windmill, an iconic downtown staple known for its extensive menu, big portions and friendly service. The dining room is small, so get there early.

If all you need to get energized for a shopping spree is a bit of caffeine, try The 205 Coffee Bar or Lemonjello’s Coffee (pronounced lay-mon-gello). The 205 is a few blocks off the main shopping drag but with killer coffee–and waffles! –it’s well worth the walk. Meanwhile, Lemonjello is a laid-back haunt favored by students of nearby Hope College. With limited seating, it’s best to order to-go.

Another local favorite, good for lunch, dinner, or just an afternoon aperitif, is New Holland Brewing Co. The brewery, with both indoor and outdoor seating, offers hand-crafted beers of every stripe, as well as award-winning spirits and an extensive, no-dish-misses menu. (If you’re feeling peckish but only in the mood for a snack, try the Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels, you’ll be dreaming about them the entire drive back to Chicago.) On the off chance waiting for a table is necessary, be sure to pop next door to the New Holland Sidecar, the brewery’s newest addition, with not just New Holland merchandise, beer and spirits for sale to take home, but a tasting bar as well, with a 6-tap draught system and a full line of spirits available for sampling. When you get to your table, you’ll know exactly what you want!

Refresh and recharge after a day of shopping Tulip Town with dinner at Seventy-Six, offering high-end modern American fare in a relaxed and contemporary setting. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.