A couple years ago, I was in the Netherlands on assignment for a story about Dutch design. I’ve written here about the Lute Suites and The Lloyd, but really, design is everywhere you look in this country. I’m a gigantic fan of the clever-meets-kooky Dutch design aesthetic, and it was the trip of a lifetime. I got the chance to tour Marcel Wanderss Westerhuis cultural center and studio; meet Marjise Vogelzang at her Rotterdam cafe; visit Maarten Baas’ studio where they were building some fantastic wooden ship and burning furniture; and saw pieces like the Droog bench (at the Droog store) and a one-off porcelain series by Hella Jongerius (at the Frozen Fountain) in person. If you get the chance, GO. Even if you’re not a design junkie, it’s impossible not to be inspired by all that playful creativity, charm and out-there innuendo. And, of course, the gorgeous canals and flower markets! Most of the hotels offer complimentary bikes and almost every restaurant has an outdoor eating area, making it a perfect spot to spend a week in the summer.