Alkmaar is a beautiful city with picturesque canals and special shops. Tip: the Fnidsen is the old shopping area where you will find the nicest boutiques. And stop by the Cheese or Beer Museum, both are worth a visit. Alkmaar's typically Dutch cheese market takes place every Friday from 10am - 1pm and in July and August every Tuesday 7-9pm.

• 1480 Foodbar: When you step inside 1480 Foodbar, you imagine yourself a bit in America: lots of wood and a tough look. You can go there all day, especially recommended for dinner!

• De Binnenkomer: De Binnenkomer is the place in Alkmaar for a nice lunch, a cup of coffee or a drink. The colourful interior and delicious dishes make this one of our favourite spots in Alkmaar!

• Rotisserie IJkgebouw: This cosy restaurant serves really delicious food. The dishes are true works of art. Tip: you can order several smaller dishes to share so you can savour even more!
  

A day out in Bergen For a cultural day out, Bergen is the place to be. The beautiful village is close to Schoorl and you will find several galleries and museums. As far as we are concerned, museum Kranenburgh is the highlight of the Bergen museums.

Museum Kranenburgh in Bergen Located just outside the heart of the village, the museum consists of a stately old mansion with a modern wing built against it. Behind the museum is the 'sculpture forest' with several permanent and changing art objects. Several changing exhibitions are organised every year, in addition to displays of its own collection. The museum focuses partly on the "Bergen Schoorl": a group of artists who came to Bergen at the beginning of the last century because of the inspiring surroundings and the beautiful light the sea shines over the village.