Journalist and presenter Eline de Ruig (33 years old) is passionate about the village-like atmosphere of Hilversum. She has shared a list of her favorite places and recommended locations, described in a travel and lifestyle blog style. [1]

Ruig was born in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel and lived there until the age of 12, before moving to Friesland, an experience she describes as a 'culture shock' transitioning from the Randstad metropolitan area to a rural environment. It took some time for her to appreciate the sense of village community, such as knowing the local baker or the owner of the clothing store who remembers her tastes. [1]

In 2014, Ruig moved to Hilversum, where she actively sought the same sense of community. She found it around Gijsbrecht van Amstel Street, where she frequents the cafe and concept store 'Sees'. Alongside coffee, the shop sells notebooks from A-Journal and jewelry from The Finds. [1]

Ruig's home is located near Hei, a picturesque natural area between Hilversum and Laren. While pregnant, she dedicates her time to caring for her unborn child, but appreciates the opportunity for purposeful walks, such as to a charming café. Among her favorites is 'Proeflokaal De Serre', a great spot for coffee and cake, which features a wild garden and a large vegetable garden. The lunch menu changes daily. [1]

The Hoorneboegse Heide forest area is considered by many locals to be the most beautiful walking area. Ruig regularly visits the restaurant 'Bij de Tuinman', appreciated for its fantastic dinner focusing on three or four dishes with intense flavors, often vegetarian. Also located there is 'De Hoorneboeg', a venue that hosts special open-air cinema events in the summer and where forest cabins can be rented for accommodation. [1]

For a relaxed atmosphere, Ruig goes to 'Theehuis 't Bluk' located on Zuiderheide. The place is accessible and welcoming, serving Dutch pancakes and soups. For children's entertainment, she recommends 'Playhood Hilversum', an indoor attraction for kids that distances itself from classic concepts. [1]

Ruig enjoys celebrating the weekend with 'borrelplanken' (snack boards) and shares her go-to sources for premium ingredients. These include award-winning bread from 'LeFournil de Sébastien', a wide variety of olives from 'Olijven Huis', vegan snacks like mango hummus and walnut and fig dip from 'Vega Paradijs', as well as fine cheeses from the small and adorable 'Echte Liefde'. She also praises the meat at 'Slagerij Chateau Briand', a recommendation previously made by TV chef Rudolph van Veen. [1]

For a French experience, visiting 'La Petite Crêperie' is essential, run by two Francophones who prepare thin crêpes. The menu includes sweet options with berries and chocolate, as well as savory versions with emmental cheese. There are also gluten-free options made from buckwheat flour. [1]

Ruig often celebrates birthdays at 'Primo', an Italian restaurant run by brothers Luca and Ennio Zaccariello, which offers a creative interpretation of grandmother Lilina's recipes using ingredients imported from Italy. The neighboring pizza shop 'Pizzeria Primo' is equally appreciated. [1]

In the realm of fashion, Ruig mentions 'Mat.store', where Anne helps customers find durable and long-lasting clothing pieces, as well as 'Studio Nouv', where stylist Marcia van Boxtel offers professional fashion consulting. [1]

For affordable clothing, 'Petit Piaf' is a good option for special occasions, while 'Sweet/Repeat' sells second-hand brand-name clothes for children. Ruig mentions that her pregnant friends go there, and she will go too, avoiding large expenses on clothes that children quickly outgrow. [1]

A special restaurant for festive occasions is 'Chef aan de Werf', located in a hangar on a boat. Although the exterior appears modest, the interior surprises with a pleasant ambiance and unique flavor combinations. Ruig mentions that although she does not drink alcohol, the wine list is excellent. [1]

Her last recommendation is the Beeld & Geluid Museum, which Ruig considers the most entertaining museum. She acknowledges visiting it with her grandparents when she was a child. A main attraction is the 'Hollywood Tour', where visitors climb into a cart and enter a real studio, having the chance to see Dutch celebrities. These early visits inspired her dream of working in television. [1]

Now, Ruig actually works in television at the Omroep MAX studios located on the Mediapark. She mentions that she really enjoys walking through that work environment. [1]

As the story develops

Update

Tommy Hilfiger (75): 'I always get up very early, I love mornings'

The original draft failed to identify the subject of the guide as fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger (75), incorrectly attributing the content to journalist Eline de Ruig. The correct title should reflect that Hilfiger shares his preference for mornings, health routines, and the Plaza Hotel. [2]

Tommy Hilfiger reveals that he is currently very conscious of his health and exercises at home, taking various vitamins as part of his daily routine. [2]

His favorite hotel is The Plaza Hotel in New York, which serves as a frequent backdrop for his personal and professional life. [2]

He is currently reading 'The Coming Wave', a book exploring the possibilities and challenges of technology. [2]

Hilfiger states that he loves mornings and always gets up early, citing them as the best moment of his day. [2]

He supports the charity 'Next for Autism'. He and his wife Dee have three children with autism, making the cause deeply personal to him. [2]

His dream vacation destination is the Mediterranean region during the summer. [2]

New York is the city where Hilfiger would choose to live. [2]

Despite his love for walking, he considers flying his preferred mode of transport due to the long distances he travels. [2]

Hilfiger does not have a single favorite character but expresses a strong appreciation for actor Sylvester Stallone. [2]

When packing, he prioritizes underwear and socks as the first items in his suitcase. [2]

He recalls feeling extremely happy at The Plaza Hotel in New York during the finale of his most recent fashion show. [2]

Hilfiger says there is no place he would never want to go again, believing that one can always learn, discover, or explore something new. [2]

He cites his high school friend, Michael French, as someone who always makes him laugh. [2]

Born in 1951 in Elmira, New York, Hilfiger began selling clothes young and opened his first store in 1969. He founded the Tommy Hilfiger brand in 1985. He is married to Dee Ocleppo, and they have a blended family of seven children. [2]

This interview is part of the publication LINDA.LOVES THE GOOD SEASON. [2]

Categories:
Tourism
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Hilversum

Sources

  1. LINDA Eline de Ruig: ‘Toen ik naar Hilversum verhuisde, ging ik op zoek naar dat dorpsgevoel en dat vond ik’
  2. LINDA Tommy Hilfiger: ‘Ik sta elke dag heel vroeg op, ik houd enorm van de ochtenden’