Amsterdam Travel Guide

 

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View this email in your browser Amsterdam Travel Guide After my ode to Venice (my current hometown) for May's Travel Guide, I thought it only fitting to also share fabulous tips for my former hometown that is still near and dear to my heart. Amsterdam is similar to the Venetian cityscape with beautiful winding canals, yet it differs greatly in personality. Lush gardens, the dinging of bike bells, and fast-paced young urbanites create a freshness and energy that is truly IAMsterdam.  Amsterdam has a rich history of Art & Design, which was utter #designinspiration while I lived there. In fact, Amsterdam is where I launched The Antiques Diva & Co! Evolving from the rigidness of Calvinism into openness of expression during the Golden Age, the Dutch have a remarkable ability to adapt. In homage to their innovative spirit, I’m thrilled to share with you my inside scoop on how to shop, what to eat, and where to explore in Amsterdam. SHOP & DESIGN  Mariska Meijers is a longtime friend, fellow #GirlBoss, and owner of a fabulously chic shop in Amsterdam’s city center. As an artist, designer, and world traveler, Mariska has established herself as a true global style maven. Her eclectic showroom offers a range of items from exquisite custom-made kimonos to sparkly, feathery pillow designs – she even named one after me!   And I’m THRILLED to announce that Mariska Miejers Amsterdam is the exclusive Holland distributor of TCH Collection! If you’re in Amsterdam June 10, stop by Mariska’s shop for our grand opening party from 3:30-6pm. For the best antiques experience in Amsterdam, be sure to stop by Anouk Beerents’ where you literally can drive into her gallery of antique mirrors – the store is housed in a garage! This enchanting shop displays over 300 gorgeously framed mirrors from the 18th - 19th Centuries, many from around Italy, and painstakingly restored to perfection by Anouk herself.  EAT & DRINK If you’re into an upscale, outdoorsy feel, book a table at De Kas, which is located inside of a greenhouse. The kitchen uses homegrown ingredients from their very own garden, and the menu offers a delicious medley of Mediterranean items. Sitting at the Chef’s Table is a must – to be in the kitchen while their team of chef’s cook allows you the most intimate experience and opportunity. Taking a different spin on Dutch food is Restaurant Blauw — a spot focusing on Indonesian cuisine. Indonesia was after all a Dutch Colony. Dine here to experience delicious spices and rice-based entrees. Diva tip - order the Rijsttafel! It’s divine.  Last, but certainly not least, is Restaurant Daalder. This popular spot successfully balances a low-key atmosphere with high-quality cooking. Take a seat at the bar, and you’ll have a front row view of the masters at work preparing a delightful meal. READ While the dreamy on-screen version Girl with a Pearl Earring starring Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson is charming, I highly recommend that you armchair-travel into Amsterdam’s history with the book by Tracy Chevalier. You’ll find no better insight than what’s within these pages into the world of 17th Century Dutch life. Get carried away along narrow foggy canals and into the quaint, small-town life of our heroine, Griet. Chevalier’s writing dances with descriptions of the iconic painter Vermeer, all the while rooting on a young woman who is bold enough to break the boundaries set for women of her economic status. Suffice it to say, Griet has a bit of Diva in her. For a glimpse into current day Dutch culture read my good friend Shirley Agudo’s book Bicycle Mania. Depicted in this enlightening and amusing book are young, old and even naked cyclists in a country with more bicycles than inhabitants, transporting 'anything and everything' on their bikes from tables and mattresses to four or five children and the family dog. And if a movie is what you’re craving, Tulip Fever is a glorious journey into 17th century Amsterdam’s tulip mania.  BEAUTY & FASHION  When in Amsterdam, you cannot pass up the opportunity to shop! From vintage apparel to emerging designers, you’ll be blown away by what’s in store. X BANK offers a unique variety of high end designers who are new to the scene. This chic, modern space also houses an exhibition hall, an installation gallery, and functions as an event space for collaborative design events. Lyppens Vintage and Antique Jewelry, located smack dab in city center, was founded more than half a century ago. It's my favorite spot for one-of-a-kind jewelry and antique inspiration, ranging from Victorian Era styles to contemporary.  Shopping aside, whenever I’m in need of a bit of R&R, Sauna Deco Spa & Wellness is my tip from my friend Mariska Meijers as must go-to for a spa-cation. It’s an absolute gem and perfectly situated on a tranquil canal. Enjoy hints of Parisian luxury in the art deco-styled interior and relax in their amazing old-fashioned sauna. It’s spa heaven! ART  While everyone of course knows of the Van Gogh and Rijsmuseum museums, how many tourists actually visit the Hermitage and Willet-Holthuysen Museums? The Hermitage Museum in Amsterdam actually has a counterpart in Saint Petersburg, Russia and is situated in a building that is almost 340 years old! Aside from the historic surroundings, it houses a lovely selection of masterpieces such as Picasso, Matisse, Malevich, and more. If you’re wanting to see a bit more than just paintings, then the Willet-Holthuysen will be for you. The 17th-Century canal-side home of Louisa Willet-Holthuysen displays an incredible private collection of art and furnishings from various time periods.  Also, a brief departure from museums… but, in my opinion, art comes in many forms. And I’d argue that vintage handbags are an art form. The Hendrikje Museum of Bags and Purses allows you to dive deep into the fascinating world of bag-making through the eyes of various designers, and it is SO neat! JEWELS  Art Nouveau Collection While new-age Dutch architecture focuses much on practicality, it never ceases to amaze me how many of the buildings still achieve a sleek, modern feel. Inspired by the emerging style of organic shapes popping up around Amsterdam, our Serpent Earrings are designed to have beautiful, round movement and earthy color tones. Orange Sapphire (2.5mm.F/127/12.67) Yellow Sapphire (2.2mm.F/4/4.40) 18K Yellow Gold - Black Rhodium Vermeil Be the first to know about exciting new designs, special events, store openings and much more.  Sign Up Share Tweet Forward Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved. *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|* Our mailing address is: *|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|* Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. *|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*