While Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam is probably best known for its tulip, hyacinth and narcissus displays, which usually peak in mid-April, toward the end of its season the park showcases plenty of other blooms. Until May 18, visitors can enjoy colorful azaleas and rhododendrons in the outdoor gardens, and marvel at the following stunning exhibitions in the indoor pavilions:

• Lilies: Beginning May 8, the Willem Alexander Pavilion will host "the world's largest lily show" with 20,000 lilies in 300 varieties.
• Orchids: The orchids on display in the Beatrix Pavilion are so perfect they almost seem unreal. This collection also features fellow tropical plants like anthurium and bromelia.

Be sure to check out my photo gallery of Keukenhof Gardens.

^{Pictured: Perfect orchids on display in an indoor pavilion at Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam
Photo © 2008 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com}

This Sunday and Monday, May 4 and 5, are two days of historical significance in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Find out what the Queen will be doing in Amsterdam on these days and why thousands will join her in a commemoration. And if you're here on May 5, be sure to take part in an all-day celebration of freedom on Museumplein!

May is slated to start off beautifully, with weather forecasts claiming nothing but sun for the first week! This heart-of-spring month begins with a solemn day to remember fallen heroes, includes a lively celebration of freedom and ends with the kick-off to Amsterdam's festival season. Of course, the days are getting longer and longer, which means you can while away warmer afternoons in any of Amsterdam's many city parks or on one of its many outdoor café terraces. Enjoy your time in Amsterdam in May.

^{Pictured: Soaking up the spring sun on the terrace at Café de Jaren in Amsterdam
Photo © 2008 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com}

It's finally here -- today is Koninginnedag! If you're not here celebrating with us, take a peek at how Amsterdam commemorates the rowdiest holiday of the Dutch calendar. I'll have more to share in the coming days!

If you're in Amsterdam on Queen's Day, there's no doubt you're in for a good time. April 30 marks the biggest celebration of the year in the city (and the country) and most everyone you meet is in high spirits. But there are certainly a few things you should avoid on Queen's Day in Amsterdam. Find out what they are in this collection of helpful tips.

^{Pictured: Crowds gather at a Queen's Day concert on Amsterdam's Museumplein
Photo © Abra Frankel}

New Orleans has Mardi Gras. Munich serves up Oktoberfest. Pamplona parties with bulls. When it comes to the world's best parties, Amsterdam holds its own special spot with Queen's Day.

This time of year, Amsterdammers of all ages are counting down to April 30, when the city dons a blanket of orange and a carefree spirit. But what's behind the biggest Dutch holiday of the year? Learn how the celebration got its royal start and stay tuned for more Queen's Day resources in upcoming posts!

^{Pictured: Two revelers wear orange crowns in honor of Queen's Day in Amsterdam
Photo © Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions}

I've seen my fair share of demonstrations in Amsterdam, from anti-war and political protests to gatherings of local students angry about too many hours of school. But never did I think I'd see a group of young and (sorry, but it's true) scary-looking young people attempting to "squat" on the Rijksmuseum.

According to the Amsterdam police officer I spoke with at about 3 p.m. today, shortly after the squatters descended upon the building and gated area on the east side of the museum, these people "believe that because the space is empty they should be able to occupy it."

The majority of the Rijksmuseum is closed to the public as it undergoes an extensive renovation, due to be complete in 2012.


^{All photos © 2008 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com}

To say the weather in Amsterdam is unpredictable is an understatement. Last week it was truly minute-by-minute, with sunny skies suddenly giving way to short-lived bouts of tiny hail or passing downpours of rain. We've been luckier this week, with several sunny days in a row! That means people are out on café terraces in throngs. If you want to eat or drink alfresco, but don't want to worry about getting stuck in wet or cold weather, consult my list of heated or covered terraces in Amsterdam.

^{Pictured: Patrons enjoy a sunny-but-cool day on Puccini's heated terrace in Amsterdam
Photo © 2008 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com}

Duck out of those infamous unexpected Amsterdam rain showers for breakfast, lunch or a coffee at Puccini, which serves simple, tasty food at reasonable prices. The people-watching from the sidewalk terrace is enough to keep you there all afternoon.

April is Holocaust Remembrance Month. If you visit Amsterdam during this time, you may want to explore one of the eye-opening museums that illustrate how Amsterdammers and the Dutch were affected by World War II. Or visit the memorials around the city that honor those who lost their lives, whether from persecution or in resistance efforts, during what was a war right on the country's doorstep.