What to see and do in the area
Tips if you wish to extend your stay and explore the Dutch culture a bit more
Visit: Donderdag Meppeldag
Meppel is the main city in the geographic area in which both the wedding venue De Havixhorst and Martijn's childhood home are located. Every Thursday during 6 weeks in summer, a free of charge mini festival is being built up in Meppel with live music, food and drinks on the streets! On August 6th, this mini festival is Amsterdam themed as Meppel is sometimes called a (very small!) version of Amsterdam, and many people say this day is the best one out of the six!
Eat: bitterballen
Do not worry about the name, and do not google the ingredients - just order it with a cold beer and you will not regret it.
Visit: Giethoorn
The Dutch village where the inhabitants can only go around by boat, walk or cycle to transport themselves. The Venice of the Netherlands.
Eat: Kibbeling
Fried fish doesn't sound too special, but with a nice Dutch sauce it is a very delicious snack on the go.
Visit: Staphorst (maybe even the museum)
Staphorst is an authentic, traditional Dutch village, located in the area. In this cobblestoned, strict-Calvinist village that is part of the Dutch bible belt, some of its residents still wear local traditional clothes and the houses are decorated with colourful window shutters. Go for drive-through in the village and/or visit the museum if you wish to learn more of Dutch bible belt history.
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Eat: stroopwafel
Sugary and chewy, this Dutch cookie is a classic!