European Adventures: Our Personal Travel Blog

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 Our first week in the Netherlands kicked off with a beach day at Scheveningen Beach (Scheveningen Tourist information) and wow, what a ride! Just a short bus ride from home, this seaside gem offers:

•  Sandy shores and stunning views
•  Beach resorts, shops galore, and drool-worthy eats
•  A pier packed with kid-friendly fun: ziplining, trampolines, water sports, and yes, a Ferris wheel with epic boardwalk views!

Family Highlights:
•  John & Annabelle played Velcro-ball catch
•  Cheyenne wandered the beach hunting for shells and wildlife
•  I soaked in the peace while watching a couple take engagement photos on the sandbar 

Seagull Shenanigans: Let’s just say... Dutch birds don’t play. A flock targeted the couple’s snack stash mid-photo shoot, and despite John’s heroic sprint, the seagulls won. Later, one dove into a restaurant table next to us and snatched leftover food like a feathered ninja. It was wild and kind of hilarious.

Fun Fact: During WWII, Scheveningen was used to detect German spies because the name is notoriously hard to pronounce even for Dutch speakers!

Our first international trip since moving to the Netherlands and we picked Antwerp for a slow, sweet start! 

Where We Stayed (www.theater-hotel.be)

Theater Hotel was cozy and welcoming, just a 15-minute walk from the central train station. Free water, coffee, and fruit? Yes please. And the real MVP: air conditioning! We cranked that little wall unit and froze like happy popsicles. It was glorious.

Museum of Illusions Antwerp (Illusion Antwerp - museum of illusions)

We spent a whole day giggling through interactive exhibits and snapping silly tourist pics in every room. Optical illusions galore, our brains were officially bamboozled. 

Chocolate Nation (www.chocolatenation.be)

The world’s largest Belgian chocolate museum did not disappoint.

•         Adorable audio tour 

•         History of chocolate from bean to bar 

•         Tasting room with a chocolate-on-tap buffet 

We sampled at least 10 flavors with tiny spoons; my fave was the gold chocolate with a caramel twist. Absolute Heaven.

Antwerp Zoo (www.zooantwerpen.be)

This zoo was a game-changer. Spacious, peaceful, and animal-friendly.

•         Elephants and giraffes wandered freely (behind safe fencing)

•         No forced “showtimes”—just natural encounters

•         The café? A revelation. Fresh sandwiches, soups, fruit, pastries, wine, beer... not a hot dog in sight. 

We walked the entire zoo and were wiped by the end. It felt massive and magical.

Where Do You Take Visiting Family in the Netherlands for the first time?

That was our recent conundrum when John’s dad Jay and his wife Lori came to visit. We knew we’d spend some cozy time at home, but we wanted one day to be extra special, something unforgettable 

So, I did some digging and found a gem just outside Utrecht: Kasteel de Haar (www.kasteeldehaar.nl), the largest castle in the Netherlands! 

A Peek Into Aristocratic Life

This stunning estate once belonged to the Van Zuylen family and hosted iconic guests like Coco Chanel and Brigitte Bardot. Talk about glamorous history!

What We Loved

•         Breathtaking gardens and walking paths 

•         A real wedding happening in the chapel as we strolled by 

•         Lunch at Restaurant Laverie just inside the gates

We spent the whole day exploring the grounds, soaking in the beauty and elegance. The castle truly feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Family Verdict: Totally impressed. A win in my book!

For my birthday weekend, we explored the Royal Delft Museum in Delft, Netherlands and it was pure magic (museum.royaldelft.com). 

What’s So Special?

This iconic museum celebrates Delft Blue, the hand-painted pottery tradition dating back to the 17th century. We toured the original factory, watched artisans at work, and learned how this world-famous ceramic art has evolved over time.

Inside the Museum

- Gorgeous tile panels, vases, and tableware

- Interactive exhibits blending tradition with modern design

- A visual feast for lovers of Dutch heritage and craftsmanship

Courtyard Vibes

We grabbed pastries and coffee at the garden terrace café and were serenaded by a violinist as we relaxed in the courtyard. It was heavenly. 

Open Monument Day Bonus!

Our visit happened to fall on Open Monument Day, a nationwide event where historic sites open their doors to the public. We saw at least a dozen places flying the signature flags, inviting visitors to explore their stories. It added a whole extra layer of magic to the weekend.