It’s Tulip Time!

Each spring, the Dutch community of Pella comes alive as thousands flock to the Iowa town located just 40 minutes east of Des Moines, Iowa.

The first festival which is held each year the first full weekend of May took place in 1935 and has grown every year since. The community does a tremendous job of telling its story. The town of more than 10,000 people comes alive with more than 300,000 tulips that create a sure sign of spring. The festival is what you would expect from a community celebration. What makes Pella unique is the quaint downtown which makes it feel like you are in the Netherlands. We sampled several foods while at Tulip time and although we weren't blown away, there were a couple of items that hit the mark. We tried the Dutch Cheeseburger, and Dutch Taco, basically replace the burger patty for sliced and ground sausage respectively. The Cheeseburger also included a slice of gouda cheese which was a nice change of pace. Sadly, the taco wasn't as good. If there is a "must have" in Pella it is the poffertjes. A traditional Dutch mini pancake, this small and fluffy treat is so good with strawberries or just butter and powdered sugar.