Charming spring getaway: Pella, Iowa
When this Netherland-type town is in full spring bloom, you’d never guess it was located a mere hour away from Des Moines. But with its 10,360 residents and Dutchified slogans, it has the charming Euro heritage thing down pat.
In fact, the town was established in 1847 by 800 Dutch immigrants fleeing religious persecution and famine across the Atlantic. At the heart of the town is the charming Vermeer Windmill, the tallest working windmill in North America.
It was built by Lukas Verbij in the Netherlands, taken apart, shipped to the US, and reassembled in this charming spring getaway.
You can head up to the 5th floor, which boasts a beautiful view of the Elysian town below, and keep an ear open for the Klokkenspel, a carillon clock with 147 chimes that rings out a few times each day.
But the biggest reason to make the journey to Pella in springtime is the annual Tulip Time Festival, scheduled for May.
A burst of rainbow-bright tulip gardens is complemented by quilt and flower shows, parades, Dutch organ recitals, historical village tours, a Dutch craft market, a tractor rodeo, and dances complete with wooden shoes.
To get in the middle of the action, visit Molengracht Plaza, a 100,000-square-foot Dutch-style square with a man-made canal. From there, it’s a short stroll to the Cellar Peanut Pub, a lovely bar with over 50 craft beers on tap.
And don’t forget to try the goodies at the family-run Jaarsma Bakery, which specializes in Dutch sweets like stroopwafels and speculaas bars.
