We want to thank Visit Pella and the local businesses for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Eating Local

Let’s not dawdle getting to one of our favorite parts of visiting a new destination, the food. Having a limited background in Dutch delicacies, we were anxious to see what we would find. My research turned up a lot of bakeries and a healthy number of meat and cheese shops. It was looking to be a great visit. After all, who doesn’t enjoy the opportunity to assemble the ingredients for a delectable charcuterie board? Of course, we can’t pass up a chance to sample festival food, especially when prepared by local organizations. During Tulip Time, you might find longer lines than normal, so be sure to visit your top picks early.

Dutch Dining

With so many delicious bites to sample, and so little time, we went quickly to work checking out the local fare. Treats like Dutch bologna, Gouda cheese, and Poffertjes were top on our list. We also sampled some of the local pastries, including the much sought-after Dutch letters. It’s hard to know just how authentic everything was, but suffice to say it was all delectable.

The Early Days

Festivals are a great time to explore the history of a city. Most of the attractions will be open and ready for visitors since the number of volunteers swells for such events. During a walkabout town, we came upon the Tuttle Cabin, which is the oldest building in Pella. Its origin hails back to 1843 when it was constructed by settlers, This is actually before the Dutch immigrants arrived. It seemed to be a popular stop for others attending the Tulip Time festival, as well.

Let the Fun Begin

While anytime is prime for visiting Pella, attending Tulip Time brings an elevated level of excitement and an atmosphere of frivolity. The main event is the show in the town square. It’s easy to find your way as the 65-foot tall Tulip Toren marks the heart of the festivities. It is not the first Toren built on this site, as the original was a wooden version constructed in 1940. This reinforced concrete version came about in 1968 and has served as the backdrop ever since. Each spring, this three-day festival is overseen by the local Burgermeister. He serves as a Dutch master of ceremonies for the event.

It ain’t Easy Being Cheesy

The daily exhibition roared into gear with a history lesson on the Dutch cheese market. While a variety of cheeses originated in the Netherlands, the two most familiar are Gouda and Edam. As the assembled crowd watches, the story of the markets unfolds. As with many parts of Dutch life, traditions are essential. The uniforms have been consistent for many generations. Cheese Guild members join the “Cheese Father” in the weighing square. Samplers inspect the cheese wheels before they are transported to the scales. By the way, the transports can carry over 280 lbs. of cheese at a time.

Community Pride

To have a successful Tulip Time requires a concerted effort by a slew of locals. It appeared that they take pride in being a part of the festivities as everyone was so welcoming. While not all dressed in traditional Dutch garb, many were strutting the designs of the various provinces across the Netherlands. As the festival celebration unfolded, we learned that there are twelve distinct provinces. Many of the residents are direct descendants of the original colonists who came from their motherland. It was interesting to see the various historical outfits that are associated with each section of the country.

Kicking It Dutch Style

With our history lesson complete, it’s time for some local entertainment. A throng of dancers makes their way front and center to the sound of a rhythmic clacking of wooden clogs. While we watched in amazement, the dancers performed a series of traditional steps. During a visit to the Pella History Village, we had watched this unique footwear being made. At that time we wondered how uncomfortable these would be to use. Here in front of us, we were watching dozens prancing around with ease.

Super Soakers

The dancers left the street and it was time for the most unusual activity we have witnessed. On one end of the festival bleachers, a swarm of traditionally dressed residents had assembled. Local councilmembers had deemed the streets in despicably dirty shape, so they needed a good cleaning. A signal was given and the throng of residents began their due diligence. An assortment of water bearers and scrubbers proceeded along the street, much to the delight of the audience. Even the little ones got into the action under the watchful eyes of their parents.

Parading Tradition

With the streets back in acceptable condition, it was time for the annual parade. Covid was still playing a part in the activities, even though the restrictions were being lifted. The town planned a shortened version that would satisfy the crowds without jeopardizing their safety. We watched as a group of costumed vendors wheeled their wagons to market. These brightly colored vehicles had also been viewed in the Pella History Village. Now we could better understand their use.

Lap of Luxury

To capture a good understanding of the Tulip Time festival means at least a one-night stay. Pella is home to an assortment of lodging options. One that keeps you in the heart of the action is The Amsterdam Hotel. Located right off the main square, it afforded us a spot for a quick break from the action, when needed. It also allowed us a restful night’s sleep without traversing the traffic around town. It also features a top-notch in-house restaurant named Liberty Street Kitchen.

Tulip Time Trek

We actually found a short escape from the crowds on the street with a relaxing dinner at the hotel eatery. A refreshing cocktail recharged our senses and we were soon back in the mix. Two days of festival time gave us a great overview of Dutch history and traditions. Learning about other people’s cultures helps us gain an understanding of their views of the world. This helps us piece together the tapestry of lives that make up our melting pot called America. Are you convinced to give Tulip Time a try now?

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We want to thank Visit Pella and the Pella Historical Village for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Tech-Savvy Site

The 1855 row house that once housed the Earp family has been transformed. Upon entry to the museum, visitors are provided an electronic listening device. At various stops throughout the building, we found portals that can be used to queue up chapters of the Earp family history. As you move forward in time, the story focuses on Wyatt specifically. While this legendary gunslinger was born in Monmouth, Illinois, he would be two years old by the time his family relocated to Pella.

The Early Years

Of the eight Earp children, Wyatt landed in the middle. His family had migrated from Europe for religious freedom. The family patriarch, Nicholas, took a job as the Pella city marshal. During Civil War time, he also served as the local recruiter for Union troops. The oldest Earp child, James, served in the war, which may have inspired Wyatt to attempt to join, as well. Although he ran off and tried to enlist on multiple occasions, he was always sent home by his father. In 1864, Wyatt was allowed to showcase his shooting skills when he was asked to supply food for a wagon train headed to California.

A Rolling Stone

Returning to the Midwest in 1869, he married Urilla Sutherland. She passed away during childbirth, which created a void in Wyatt’s life. For the next few years, he bounced around the Midwest. A series of bad choices landed him in legal troubles, but none were serious. In 1875, he headed to southern Kansas where he would serve as a police officer in Wichita and Dodge City. It was in this area that he befriended Doc Holiday and Bat Masterson. One of the rooms in the museum shows just how much Wyatt bounced around during his lifetime. It made it clear that this legendary gunslinger was not to be tied down.

The Legendary Gunslinger

Wyatt Earp’s most notable life event took place in the early 1880s. By then, he had joined some of his family in Tombstone, Arizona. His brother Virgil was serving as town marshal and Wyatt was working as a guard at a local saloon. It was an ongoing feud with a local outlaw gang that led to the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The event would propel Wyatt to heralded fame as a legendary gunslinger, even though it didn’t end the feud. After his family was ambushed, Wyatt sought revenge, which led to his flight as a fugitive from justice. Heading west to avoid prosecution, he would finally land in California.

Questionable Escapades

In the early 1900s, Wyatt worked with a biographer to pen his escapades. Wyatt Earp, Frontier Marshal was released in 1931 and it propelled him to mythical status. His daring escapades have been recorded in multiple movies, as well as lots of periodicals. His status as a legendary gunslinger has grown to near mythical proportions over the years. Interestingly enough, during my research, I discovered commentary from his friend Bat Masterson. He described Wyatt as a “quiet, unassuming man…a loyal friend and an equally dangerous enemy.” It seems that the air of mystery still remains.

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We want to thank Visit Pella and the Pella Historical Society for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Milling Around

It’s easy to find the historical village. All you have to do is look for the 125-foot tall windmill. That’s not something we see around Kansas City, so it captured our attention. In fact, it is the tallest working windmill in North America. Built in the Netherlands, they had to take it apart, ship it to the middle of Iowa, and reconstruct it on site. It represents a sight that would be commonly found in Dutch towns throughout the Netherlands. We entered through the first floor and took an elevator up to see the huge blades spinning in the wind. This was definitely an experience we had never had before and are glad we didn’t miss out.

Walk Through Time

Besides the massive windmill, there are plenty of other buildings to explore at the Pella Historical Village. The row of house-like structures display a range of early Dutch architectural design. One of the larger buildings has a collection of historical information. One of the displays helps visitors walk through the history of the land that is now called Iowa. As you progress forward in time, the focus narrows in on Pella. A lot of this portion we had learned during a visit to the Scholte House, which was home to the city’s founder.

A Different Kind of Company Town

Nearby we found an exhibit about nearby Buxton, Iowa. Buxton was a “company town”, which was a city nearly completely owned and operated by a single employer. This one happened to be Consolidation Coal Company. Founded in 1895, this town was unlike almost any other in America, at that time. It was fully integrated with black miners receiving the same wages and benefits as white miners. Families mingled at stores, church, and even the schools. This seeming ‘utopia” drew people from eastern coal mining regions who were looking for a better life. The town peaked by 1910 and the decreasing demand for coal left Buxton a ghost town.

Carts Galore

Earlier in our day we had watched a presentation at the annual Tulip Time Festival. It included a short parade where we saw some handcarts passing by. Each one was operated by a different craftsman who was selling various services or wares. From the grandstand we could only see the carts from a distance. Inside the historical village, we had a chance to get a closer look. We could imagine seeing these passing down the cobblestone streets in a small village. People would depend on these traveling vendors to supply the necessary products that would be needed for everyday life.

Preserving Traditions

Every culture has its own specific nuances, but there are a few that have puzzled us. The idea of wearing wooden shoes (Dutch “klompen”) has always seemed uncomfortable. These traditional accessories are actually beneficial when it comes to safety. Thick socks helped the foot flex as you walk. At the festival, we watched a series of dances that featured this unique footwear. It was really cool hearing the resonating sound from dozens of wooden shoes clomping off of the pavement at the same time. At the De Timmerman building, we were getting a peek at how this famous footwear is crafted.

Getting Your Clog On

Like windmills or Gouda cheese, wooden clogs are associated with Dutch culture. At the historical village we watched as they were made. It involves a series of steps that include plenty of manual labor. Of course, these days machines are used to limit the amount of human elbow grease required. A blank wooden block is created from a tree trunk. This is chiseled down to the rough shape of the iconic shoe. The interior is drilled out to make room for the wearer’s foot. Finally, the front end is clipped to round it off and the shoe is sanded smooth. Painting is done to seal the wood from he elements.

Making Music

Back outside, we sauntered around the Pella History Village. With the Tulip Festival in full swing, the place was hopping with activity. In a small courtyard, we happened upon a staff member operating an over-sized calliope. Dubbed “Goliath”, this Dutch street organ was built around 1900. Songs are played from slotted books, which activate compressed air to pump through the 900 pipes. Inside one of the buildings, we had seen “David”, which is a miniaturized version.

Continuing Education

Visits to places like the Pella History Village are one of the ways we continue our adult education. The artifacts we see all have stories behind them. These are the types of facts that we didn’t see in our textbooks at school. The stories help us piece together a better understanding of the Dutch culture and how the citizens of Pella have been preserving traditions for many generations. With this education came an appreciation for the unique customs that they brought with them to America. It got us to thinking about some of our own family rituals and where they originated. Does your family have traditions that can be traced back to a specific culture?

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We want to thank Mahaska Chamber and Visit Pella for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Spring Surprises

Our visit to central Iowa was planned for the middle of Spring, which meant everything was coming back to life. Throughout both cities, we found signs of rebirth, after our harsh winter. The sounds of birds chirping greeted us each morning. Flower beds were bursting out with a wide spectrum of colors, inviting us to slow down and take it all in. This was certainly the season to enjoy all of the delights that can be found throughout the region.

Short-term Samples

This visit to Oskaloosa and Pella was our first excursion into Dutch culture. Our adventure began in downtown Oskaloosa but had expanded to Pella. We had quickly discovered that bakeries are extremely popular with the Dutch. The aromas wafting from each of these shops tempted us each morning. When we could no longer resist, we dropped in for a look-see. Of course, that turned into a need to sample their wares to find out why so many people are eager to visit. The cases filled with pastries, cookies, and Dutch letters were too much to pass up. A small sampling made its way into our possession, but only temporarily. A nearby park bench was all we needed to complete an impromptu breakfast.

Starting Down the Charcuterie Trail

We knew that the pastries were not made for long-term storage, but there was one item on our list that was. Cheese-making has been a mainstay of Dutch culture for centuries. In fact, the first mention of Dutch-made Gouda cheese dates back to the 1100s. We are betting that they have it down to an art by now. To create a charcuterie trail, one certainly needs to have some cheese. The creamy and sweet flavor of Gouda pairs well with just about every other food we can think of, so it had to play a prominent part on our board. A visit to Frisian Farms Cheese House ensured that we were getting some of the best in the nation.

They Take Their Cheese Seriously

At the Pella Tulip Time Festival, we would learn just how seriously they take their cheese. Part of the demonstrations includes a little background on the Dutch cheese markets. While buyers and sellers haggled over the prices, teams stood ready to transport the wheels to a weighing house. What appears to be a bunch of pomp is actually based upon centuries of tradition. One of the oldest Dutch cheese markets has been in business since 1593. Every step of the process has been repeated over and over by generations of Dutch citizens. Watching the demonstration showed us how important Gouda cheese is to Dutch culture.

Don’t Mind if We Wine

With our cooler stocked up on Gouda, we knew that some wine would make an excellent beverage choice. Just down the road from the cheese factory, we found Tassel Ridge Winery. Located between Oskaloosa and Pella, this is one of the largest wineries in Iowa. Inside their tasting room, we found a wide range of wines to choose from. The owners were on hand to help us select the perfect wines to pair with our charcuterie trail items. One bottle of red and one of white would cover all of the bases. Back to the car to head toward Pella for more supplies.

Festival Food

Our time in Pella was focused on the Tulip Time Festival. Like most events of this type, they had a nice collection of food trucks and tents. Many were selling the standard festival foods, and a few of the local clubs were offering Dutch dishes. After surveying the options, we chose one that had some items that were new to us. A Pella Bologna & Smoked Gouda Sandwich brought some pleasant flavors to our taste buds. We also sampled a stick of Frikandel, which is a Dutch version of a meat stick. A combination of beef, chicken, and pork is seasoned with allspice, nutmeg, and other seasonings. Our dessert was called Dutch Delight, which features the almond flavor so readily available in Dutch baked goods.

Tastes of the Heartland

We collected some more supplies at shops around the downtowns of Oskaloosa and Pella. With a cooler filled full of goodies, we could hardly wait to sample our charcuterie trail findings. Back home, we create our first board made with the creamy cheeses we had collected during our visit. It also had some Blue Cheese Bologna that we found at In’t Veld Meat Market. Delicately decorated chocolates were found at Van Veen, while the Dutch cookies and crackers came from Ulrich Meat Market. We sprinkled in some fresh fruit and veggies and popped the cork on a bottle of Iowa wine.

Creating Memories

As we continue to evolve our travel itineraries, we find adding new adventures keeps it all fresh. The idea of a Charcuterie Trail gave us a special purpose during our time in Oskaloosa and Pella. It was like a scavenger hunt that ended with a delicious meal at the end. Definitely a win-win for us. This was also a way to make memories that go beyond the adult education that we gained at the various stops during our visit. Since we all have to eat to survive, adding this culinary experience to our agenda made our excursion extra delightful.

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We want to thank Visit Pella and the Scholte House Museum for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

The Scholte House

During the Tulip Time Festival, we had an opportunity to tour the home. This beautiful house was not what greeted Hendrik, Maria, and their three daughters when they first arrived in central Iowa. As a minister, Hendrik was in favor of the separation of church and state. When Holland changed to a state-supported clergy base, he felt it imposed upon the expression of faith. His ministry became the focus of imposing oversight, as the government began to restrict gatherings. After a decade of increasing scrutiny, it was time to look for a new homeland.

Local History

In the spring of 1847, four ships set sail for the New World. After nearly 60 days at sea, the group reached the American coast. During the voyage, an interesting situation arose. The Dutch travelers felt that the boat did not meet their desired level of cleanliness. To bring it up to their high standards, they set about cleaning the ships from top to bottom. When the ships arrived in Baltimore, they were allowed to dock without the usually detailed inspections. Even the captains were amazed at the orderliness of his passengers.

Time Capsule

Once all of the ships had arrived, it was time for the journey across the land. Once they arrived in St. Louis, a committee was formed to scout out a potential site for their new homes. Even though they remained in the city for a few weeks, they felt very uneasy. Rumors of the group’s wealth had spread around the area and the immigrants were concerned about robbers. When the committee examined the land that would become Pella, they were anxious to move their families. We can imagine the odd looks that the procession of oddly garbed travelers found in the towns they passed through. Surely, their foreign language added to the curiosity of townsfolk.

Maria’s Disappointment

Hendrik’s wife had stayed behind in St. Louis, while he secured the family home. When she and her daughters finally arrived, they found no beautiful town awaiting them. Instead, their lodging was a small log cabin. Knowing that he had made a promise to his wife, Dominie Scholte assembled a crew of workers to construct his grand home. It only took them about six months to complete the Scholte House. We are sure that seeing the home take shape would have propped up Maria’s spirits. Another blow came when the family’s crates of furnishings arrived. Much of her blue-and-white Delft pottery had broken during the move.

The Man Behind Pella

For two decades, Dominie Scholte provided his community with spiritual guidance. Being a savvy businessman, Hendrik invested wisely in banking and a sawmill. During his time in Pella, he would serve as justice of the peace, notary, and land agent. He even started the Pella gazette, which lasted about five years. During that period, he wrote many pamphlets and articles expressing his political views.

Famous Connection

Originally a follower of the Democratic Party, his position changed when they moved toward a proslavery stance. In 1860, Hendrik served as an Iowa delegate at the Republican National Convention. He fervently urged others to support the campaign of Abraham Lincoln and would later attend his inauguration in Washington. He was so passionate about the Union’s role in the Civil War that he promised a free house to any returning war veterans. In all, 129 Dutch veterans took him up on this pledge.

Visit a Pella Landmark

Our visit to the Scholte House Museum opened our eyes to a larger-than-life figure from the 1800s. Learning how this one man was able to impact so many lives reminded us that tales like these are waiting out there for us to discover. While we relished in the beauty of this historic home, it is the story behind its creation that truly mesmerizes us. Obviously, much of the home has changed over the decades, but the library still holds most of its originality. When you visit the Scholte House, be sure to check out the statue of Hendrik waiting to be discovered in the gardens.

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We want to thank Visit Pella for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Tulip Time Specials

When a city of just over 10,000 plays host to a crowd that nearly doubles the population, you have to make some adjustments. Dutch Fix has learned to adjust its robust menu to streamline the process of serving the masses. This was no issue for us since we had no predetermined dishes in mind. We were just going with the flow and ready to tackle anything that came before us. It was handy that they had placed a placard outdoors since it helped us determine our choices before heading in.

Popular Place

Of course, heading in during Tulip Time means waiting your turn. Being festival savvy, we know to expect lines for everything. This is where the streamlined menu helps out. The staff at Dutch Fix has made an art of serving this type of crowd. With having a halt to the festival in 2020, due to COVID, they were eager to see a return of the crowds. Our plan in these types of scenarios is to scope out other customers’ plates to help confirm our menu selections. With about a 20 minute wait in line, we had plenty of time to complete that task.

Getting Our Bearings

As we made our way through the line we felt our hunger growing. Seeing all of the delectable-looking dishes was really striking a chord with us. We diverted our attention to the colorful mural that decorates the main wall of the restaurant. During one of the Tulip Time festival presentations, we had heard about the history of the Netherlands. Seeing this large map helped us get our bearings of the cities that dot this small European country.

Go Big or Go Home

As the line continued to progress forward, our anticipation grew. When our turn came we were prepared to quickly blurt out our order. We had heard and seen, where others had selected the Dominie Burger. They create this monster burger using twin patties, bacon, Gouda cheese curds, sliced smoked Gouda, mayonnaise, and pickles. Cramming all of that goodness inside of a bun is a real task. Having seen others attempt to tackle it, we decided to split one. When you toss in a side of Frites, we quickly learned it was a wise decision. We have sampled a wide range of burger joints around our hometown and this one definitely stacks up to them. It’s easy to see why it ranks in the Top 10 in Iowa.

Dutch Dessert

During our time in Pella, we had noted a variety of dishes with names unfamiliar to us. One that we kept hearing about was Poffertjes. Everyone told us that we had to try them out, but we weren’t exactly sure what they were. When we spotted them on the menu at Dutch Fix, we knew it was time to give them a whirl. Evidently, this traditional dessert can come with a wide range of toppings, but during the festival Dutch Fix had concentrated on the three most popular. The Amsterdam Poffertjes are tiny Dutch pancakes covered with Nutella and diced strawberries. A hearty dusting of powdered sugar helps take the sweetness to a higher level. It only took one bite to understand why so many people are enamored with this sweet treat.

Getting Our Dutch Fix

Our visit to Pella brought us at the peak of the festival period, so we obviously faced large crowds. Now that we have had a savoring of the Dutch cuisine, we plan to revisit during a less busy period. This summer would make an excellent time to do such a trip and would offer a chance to explore more of the culinary treats that are found in this Midwestern city. We love that Pella embraces its cultural history not only with its museums and shops, but also in its restaurants. Now we just need to figure out how to make those Poffertjes at home.

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