When I lived in the Netherlands, I always brought back gifts for friends and family in the US; some of my favorite things to share were adorable baby clothes from my favorite children's stores in Amsterdam. Pop into these shops and you'll see the Dutch favor bright colors in their kids' wardrobes and you'll find the toys are simpler and more special than the run-of-the-mill plastic junk so common in enormous chain stores.


<sup>Pictured: De Beestenwinkel in Amsterdam sells all sorts of animal-themed products for children

Photo © 2009 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com</sup>

If you're visiting Amsterdam on the national holidays of December 25, 26 and 31, you'll be happy to know that you won't be relegated to your hotel room because nothing is open. There are plenty of museums to explore open on these days.

As I was putting together this list of Romantic Hotels in Amsterdam, I realized that all of them are located in canal houses. That's no surprise, as one of the most romantic things about Amsterdam is its ethereal, watery scenery. Create some heat during the cold months in one of these cozy spots for couples.

^{Photo © Hotel Toren}

If you're an American visiting Amsterdam over Thanksgiving and find yourself with a hankering for a holiday meal, there are two places to quell your craving.

• Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam -- The American-born cafe serves up a festive feast of traditional Thanksgiving dishes including corn chowder, turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, homemade stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Prices range from € 17.95 to € 24.95, depending on how many courses you choose. Meals start at 12 noon.
• American Book Center -- The long-established bookstore on the Spui square hosts a turkey day gathering at their "Treehouse" space just down the street. Expect turkey and all the trimmings (including a vegetarian main dish); they encourage guests to bring a starter or dessert to share. Cost is € 20, (€ 5 for children under 10),including coffee and tea (soft drinks, wine and beer available for purchase). Dinner served 6 - 8 p.m. Be sure to make reservations!

So you've been walking around Amsterdam's western canals all day and just don't feel like traditional Dutch fare tonight. If you're craving Thai food, stay in the neighborhood, because nearby Rakang Thai Restaurant serves some of the city's best.

Not quite your typical Thai place, Rakang prides itself on excellent (if not showy) service and unique ambiance. Prices reflect the quality of the food, so mark this one down as a special dinner, order one the € 36-39 fixed-price menu dishes and enjoy the splurge.

Be sure to make reservations at Rakang, as it fills up fast. If you score a seat on the sidewalk patio, you can watch as Jordaan neighborhood locals and visitors pass by.

Visitors to Amsterdam are always intrigued by the tolerant attitude the Dutch have toward "soft drugs" (e.g., cannabis products). I couldn't escape talking about it forever. I used to think that there's already enough information about it online. But with these Amsterdam Coffeeshop Dos and Don'ts I hope to help your tolerant cultural experience be a better one!

Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas, arrives from Spain on his boat at the Scheepvaart Museum (Maritime Museum) in Amsterdam's harbor on Sunday, November 15, at 12 noon. He'll be arriving in preparation for Sinterklaasavond on December 5, the most important night of the Dutch holiday season, when he'll fill the shoes of deserving little ones with treats and gifts.

From the harbor area, Sinterklaas will ride his white horse through the center of Amsterdam as his helpers throw holiday cookies and candies to the hundreds of children and onlookers along the route. This is one of the most anticipated events of the calendar, especially for kids.

Don't miss the opportunity to see his huge welcome party in Amsterdam. See pictures from last year's arrival and you'll understand why you should stake out a viewing spot by 11 a.m. at the latest. He's expected at Dam Square by 2 p.m. and at Leidseplein by 4 p.m.

^{Photo © sintinamsterdam.nl}

If you've been a reader of mine for a while, you know that Museumnacht (Museum Night) is an Amsterdam event I hold dear. I realize plenty of cities put on similar "night at the museum" events, but there's something so special about biking all over shimmering, watery Amsterdam as you cultural-cocktail-party-hop. Learn what to expect on n8 and find out what that little abbreviation means in my guide to Museumnacht in Amsterdam, coming up on Saturday, November 7.

Later this month, the city will host the annual pAn Amsterdam, the Netherlands' national art and antiques fair. The more than 100 dealers -- most are from the Netherlands, some hail from Belgium and Germany -- offer everything from Chinese teracotta horses dating to the 4th century to 17th-century furniture to Art Deco jewelry.

I've attended in the past and felt like I was in a museum, surrounded by Old Master and even French Impressionist paintings. The only difference is, these stunning works of art and historical objects are for sale to anyone who can afford them. I think the € 15 entrance fee is well worth the eye candy.

pAn Amsterdam Art and Antiques Fair Information

• Where: RAI Conference & Event Center, Amsterdam (Tram line 4 will take you there)
• When: Sunday, November 22 to Sunday, November 29
  Open daily 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  Exceptions: Only open until 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 26 and Sunday, November 29

• Cost: € 15
• More information: www.pan-amsterdam.nl

It's that time of year: time for the sweet, malty flavors of the seasonal bokbier. The upcoming fall beer festival in Amsterdam focuses on regional breweries that specialize in this style. But be warned, these are strong ales!