Time Travel
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The Dutch-influenced town of Holland, on the west coast of Michigan, was ideal for Amy and her girlfriends—Carolyn Shapiro, Lisa Dublin, Ilana Kutinsky-Brager, and Allison Woll Parr—thanks to its beaches and accessibility (four of the five live in the Midwest.) They reminisced over coffee at Good Earth Café, day-tripped to the nearby artists' haven of Saugatuck, and took advantage of Holland's annual sidewalk sale. They even managed to make time for manicures. The highlight, though, was when Amy pulled out their makeshift time capsule: a paper place mat covered in predictions they'd made 20 years earlier about how their lives would unfold. "Back then, I didn't suspect that the art gallery I would one day own would actually display works created by my kids!" says Allison.
Though the women discussed making a new time capsule and opening it when they turn 60, they ultimately decided against the idea. "We didn't want to predict who'd get the first face-lift," says Amy. "That's not nearly as much fun!"
Holland Highlights: Where They Stayed, Ate, and Played
CityFlats Hotel
"Our hotel's rooftop bar was perfect for late-afternoon cocktails." —Allison
61 E. Seventh St., Holland, 866/609-2489, cityflatshotel.com, from $140
Butch's Restaurant
"We sat outside, drank wine, and talked about love and husbands." —Carolyn
44 E. Eighth St., Holland, 616/396-8227, butchs.net, entrées from $17
Windmill Island Gardens
"It was surprising how much it resembled Europe." —Lisa
E. Seventh St. and Lincoln Ave., Holland, 888/535-5792, cityofholland.com, Apr. 18–Oct. 4, admission $7.50
Smooch Beauty Boutique
"There was so much fun makeup to try on!" —Amy
10 W. Eighth St., Holland, 616/848-3200, smoochbeautyboutique.com, manicures from $20
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