Today Jeff and I enjoyed the town of Naarden, sans kids. We enjoyed an unexpected date, exploring the city, walking by the the fort’s edge, shopping and an early dinner at Het Hart. I would definitely go back there as the ambiance had a rustic bar feel, but filled with couples and families with young kids. The food was delicious too. I liked the laid back feel and great, fast service.

Star shaped fort and moat surrounded the town

Naarden is a town that was established in 1300. The Great Church is one of the oldest surviving churches in the Netherlands and is from the 15th century! The antique shop was a hoarder’s dream but made me feel claustrophobic. We found a cute clothing/gift shop called Leuk! I wanted to buy half the store, but instead picked up some cute coffee spoons!

The Great Church, Naarden

The fortress was built under the grass and there were tunnels and metal stairs surrounding the area.

There was a man sitting in the store, looking over an old, paper card catalog type of filing system and there was so much stuff surrounding him, piled one on top of the other that I was afraid to walk, touch, or breathe! But he was eating an apple, so there was something fresh in there.

Treasure hunting and bringing back the loot, Holland Style. A woman saw me taking Jeff’s picture and asked that she could take one too! She loved it.