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It was nice to take our time getting going today. We wandered over to a cafe for breakfast, happy the rain seemed to be moving away.
After breakfast we headed to South Shore Drive to see the old lighthouse affectionately known in the area as Big Red. Lighthouses dot the shoreline of Lake Michigan but not many are still in use. Big Red got it's nickname from the distinctive red Dutch inspired structure housing the lighthouse.
South Shore Drive is lined with gorgeous mansions and manicured lawns. It was a lovely area. We drove along slowly looking at the houses but it didn't get us to the lighthouse. We also drove through an area called Washington Square which the tourist mag described as being wall to wall funky shops, cafes and galleries. Unfortunately it didn't live up to it's blurb. We drove around to the other side of the lighthouse and finally found it. It is next to the beach area of Lake Michigan called Ottawa Beach. We walked out along a stone wall to where some men were fishing. It was pretty windy and cold so we didn't stay long.
Next we drove to Nelis Dutch Village for a look. At this time of year only the shops are open on weekdays. We couldn't find anything open but driving through it seemed very similar to Windmill Island. I think Windmill Island was better because they have a windmill.
Across the road there was a mall so we went over there. Robyn wanted to buy a jumper as she is sick of wearing the same one. While we were in the mall it started to rain again.
We headed back into downtown Holland and had a late lunch in Crane's which is known locally for their homemade fruit pies and apple cider. All were delicious!
It is definitely an apple and fruit growing area. Yesterday we went to the Farmers Market at the end of our street. There were lots of apples, pumpkins, fruit and other vegies for sale. We bought raspberries and peaches.
It was still very wet and cold as we finished off looking in the rest of the downtown shops and galleries. In an antique and collectibles stores Rob found some old Watkins brand bottles and a mustard tin.
It stopped raining at one stage and the sun appeared briefly. But, back at the hotel the tv news showed the cold and wet is here until early next week. There are severe storm warnings for tonight and wind warnings for tomorrow. We have already had lots more rain and a storm since we have been back at the hotel. A lady in a shop told us the bad weather is heading east so we might have it for a few more days.
Tomorrow we head for Toledo, Ohio.
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