Making the decision to give up big-city life for the slower pace of a small town often requires people to make significant, lifestyle-altering sacrifices; for example, resigning oneself to a lengthy commute in exchange for the luxury of retreating to a peaceful town in the evenings. An impromptu trip to the grocery store for a missing ingredient is an impossibility, and an afternoon of shopping and entertainment requires an early-morning departure. Homebuyers who can find a small town adjacent to a metropolis are lucky. Native small- towners have no difficulty in their quiet environment, of course, but for those of us who choose to relocate from bigger towns and cities, it's an adjustment best acclimated to gradually. Holland, Michigan, is once such town.

With its spectacular displays of tulips and its unique, 12-story DeZwaan windmill -- now nearly three centuries old -- you might swear you were in the Netherlands. In case you're having in any doubts about your whereabouts, Holland received the title of "All-America" City in 1996, a somewhat ironic distinction for a town with such an international flavor. Holland received the title as recognition for its efforts to preserve historic buildings as well as the surrounding natural environment. This All-America City takes great care of its parks (of which there are many), in addition to its beaches and nearby forests. Located approximately 30 miles from Grand Rapids, Holland is a world unto itself, with enough attractions in its backyard (for example, its fine restaurants, retail shops and a variety of upscale hotels) to keep residents happy, but also offering easy access to the resources of a larger metropolis.

One of Holland, Michigan's earliest settlers, the Rev. Albertus Christiaan Van Raalte, defined the architecture in this town more than 150 years ago. The Dutch flavor Rev. Van Raalte gave Holland stuck and has proven to be an excellent boon for tourism. In fact, this town of approximately 120,000 residents is one of Michigan's most visited tourist destinations. In addition to its historic Dutch architecture, brick streets and renowned tulip displays, Holland offers close proximity to the scenic shores of Lake Michigan and plenty of shopping, including several retail outlets that sell Dutch items. What exactly are "Dutch" items? For starters, wooden shoes, which you'll find at a few wooden shoe factories around town. Carved candles and Delft porcelain also qualify as distinctly Dutch (a visit to DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory offers you the opportunity to purchase both). And, of course, Dutch delicacies are everywhere, from Dutch chocolate to breads, pastries and imported cheeses.

It's impossible to escape the feeling that you've traveled overseas when you visit Holland. One of its local attractions is the Holland Museum, an excellent introduction for anyone wishing to learn about the Dutch roots of this town, which date back to 1847. The museum is filled with various items of Dutch culture, many of them three and four centuries old. A stroll downtown is a treat for any lover of history. Downtown Holland is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lined with cobblestone streets, downtown Holland has been lovingly restored. Its 19th century buildings now serve as home for a variety of retail shops, art galleries and fine dining establishments.

No trip to Holland would be complete without a stop at DeZwaan, a 12-story tribute to Dutch culture nearly 280 years old and located on Windmill Island. DeZwaan is, in fact, the only authentic Dutch windmill in the United States. Visitors to DeZwaan can actually walk inside of the structure and experience the view from inside as its massive gears turn. DeZwaan's interior also gives visitors a breathtaking view of the island's surrounding countryside, its foliage and rolling green hills. And for a taste of Holland's maritime history, check out "Big Red," Holland's historic lighthouse, from Holland State Park. The best time of year to visit Holland is during the spring months, when a visit to treats visitors to an 8 mile-long stretch of brilliant color. In May, Holland holds its annual Tulip Time Festival, during which the town's Dutch heritage comes alive through performances by "Klompen" dancers.

Holland's local economy is fed in large part by its retail sector as well as its insitution of higher learning, Hope College, a small liberal arts institution that employs many locals and also contributes skilled professionals to the local workforce. Just west of Hope College is lies the town's historic district, where you'll find a substantial inventory of historic homes, many of them Tudor and Victorian-style. New construction continues in and around Holland. The latest subdivisions offer incoming residents the luxury of modern amenities in their homes, despite the town's predominantly historic flavor. Along the shores of Lake Macatawa is where you'll find the highest prices in Holland. In this region, square footage soars, and so do prices. These homes also command the most breathtaking waterfront views in the region. Holland offers plenty of condominiums and townhomes, as well.

Prices vary greatly. At the lower end of the scale, you can find reasonably priced residences in the mid-$100s; the higher end knows no boundaries. Many single-family homes and condos are priced in the upper $200s to $1 million and up (in the case of homes along Lake Macatawa). Architecture, at least in the area's newer homes, is designed to capitalize on Holland's wealth of natural beauty. Homes range in style from modern to ranch-style to log cabin-style, but all of them incorporate glass to the fullest extent in an effort to bring the outside inside.

Holland has taken great care both of its historic and natural resources, a commendable effort that is likely to keep its property values high. Heading to this mini-Netherlands may be cheaper than going to Michigan's European counterpart, unless it's waterfront views and square footage you're craving. If a move here isn't in your plans, Holland is worth a visit for the history lessons it teaches -- and the example it provides us: that the determination and dedication of city planners and residents can successfully preserve history for several centuries.

Published: April 24, 2000

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.