Escape from Paradise with Ingrid Lemme-Chalut
Exploring the Beauty of Keukenhof: A Celebration of 75 Years of Tulips in Holland
Published in print in The Montauk Sun March issue 2025, from the Hamptons to Manhattan - Edited by Riki Fenhoff
Even as a little girl, I felt a deep connection to the Netherlands. My grandma’s sister, Hilde, lived in Amsterdam, and I fondly remember riding the train from Germany to visit her on several occasions. One of my earliest memories is of wandering the famous fish market in Amsterdam with Oma Hetti and Tante Hilde where I tasted French fries and Matjes for the first time. Although those visits never coincided with the tulip festival, they sowed the seeds of a lifelong love for Dutch culture.
Years later, that connection led me on an extraordinary journey. --
The ms¯Rotterdam gleamed in the Florida sunshine as we boarded for our 21-day repositioning cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam. Much like the intrepid Dutch merchants who once crossed these same waters in far less comfort we were bound for the Netherlands, where a particular treasure awaited us: the legendary Keukenhof Gardens during its 75th anniversary celebration.
Our adventure began with the gentle rhythm of Atlantic waves and days filled with the simple pleasures of life at sea. The ms Rotterdam, the flagship of Holland America Line, steadily carried us northeast first to Bermuda with its pristine white-sand beaches, then across the vast open ocean. As the water’s color deepened from Caribbean blue to the richer hues of the North Atlantic, each sunset brought us closer to Europe’s storied shores.
We finally arrived in Rotterdam’s bustling harbor, the largest port city in the Netherlands.
With anticipation building, we set our sights on Keukenhof a destination that had graced my bucket list since childhood. Arriving during the garden’s 75th anniversary celebration felt nothing short of serendipitous. Despite the chilly, rainy morning and overcast skies, our spirits remained high as we boarded a HAL bus from the harbor, umbrellas in hand.
Approaching Keukenhof, our guide regaled us with the fascinating history of the site. Originally the hunting grounds and kitchen garden of Slot Teylingen castle in the 15th century, Keukenhof literally meaning kitchen garden, was transformed in 1949 by a visionary group of Dutch bulb growers and the mayor of Lisse into the world’s most famous spring garden.
Their mission was to showcase the Netherland’s floral industry, with tulips becoming an enduring symbol of Dutch culture since their introduction from the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century.
Despite the drizzle, the gardens burst into life. Seven million flower bulbs spread over 79 acres created a living rainbow that took our breath away. Special exhibitions and displays commemorated the 75th anniversary, even drawing a royal nod from Princess Margriet.
After an hour of wandering the winding paths’ capturing countless photographs of tulips in every imaginable shade and patterns we sought refuge in the warmth of the garden’s cafe. A 45-minute wait for coffee and Dutch apple pie turned into yet another memorable part of our day. Savoring that delicious apple pie as the rain softly tapped on the windows, I couldn’t help but reflect on our journey. Not only was I retracing the steps of my childhood memories in Amsterdam, but I was also embracing a new chapter a celebration of Dutch heritage and natural beauty that transcended time and distance.
Tulips in the Heartland: Holland, Michigan
For those who can’t make it to the Netherlands, the United States offers its own spectacular tulip celebration in Holland, Michigan. The festival’s roots trace back to 1927, when Lida Rogers, a biology teacher at Holland High School, proposed that the city adopt the tulip as its emblem to honor its Dutch heritage. In 1929, the city planted its first crop of 100,000 tulips, and the overwhelming response led to the creation of what is now a cherished annual tradition. The 2025 celebration will mark the festival’s 96th year.
Holland, Michigan’s connection to tulips is especially meaningful given its deep Dutch roots. Settled in 1847 by Dutch Calvinist separatists fleeing persecution in the Netherlands, the town has long celebrated its heritage. Today, over six million tulips bloom throughout the city, making it one of the largest tulip festivals in the United States. More than just a flower show, the festival is a vibrant celebration of Dutch culture with traditional Dutch dance performances, authentic costumes, local cuisine, and cultural exhibits. The bond between Holland, Michigan, and the Netherlands was further strengthened in 1947 when Amsterdam sent a barrel organ as a gift to celebrate Holland’s centennial. Held typically in early May, Holland’s Tulip Time Festival offers visitors a chance to experience a slice of Dutch culture right in the American Midwest. Drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, it remains one of the state’s most beloved spring traditions.
Our three-week journey had taken us across oceans and through diverse landscapes, yet the day at Keukenhof’s and the memories it evoked of childhood visits to Amsterdam stood out as the pinnacle of the trip. Whether you find yourself among the vibrant tulips in the Netherlands or amidst the heartwarming celebration in Michigan, the beauty and legacy of these flowers continue to inspire awe and wonder.
Until next time from another interesting destination. Love Ingrid
Ingrid Lemme-Chalut
Escape From Paradise, Travel-writer & Blogger www.EscapeFromParadise.net
Award-winning TV Host, Publisher, Travel Writer www.MontaukSun.com
Ambassador for www.Seven-Stars.com & 15 Emmy awards www.aTasteofHistory.org
As featured in The Montauk Sun March 2025 issue, in print and online www.montauksun.com/escape-from-paradise-with-ingrid-lemme-chalut-march-2025/
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