Omayra Acevedo, Nederland.  Change is the only constant life guarantees. I know for some of us, it can be difficult to suddenly or constantly find ourselves adapting to change. For others, it comes a bit easier. I moved around a lot when I was a kid, so I guess you can say I’m used to change.

Whether or not I like it is an entirely different story. It can be, without question, a struggle at times, but I try to embrace it no matter what form it comes at me. Hence the reason I decided to move to Europe a few years ago. To the Netherlands, to be exact.

Before moving to Europe, I lived in Coal Creek for over seven years. Needless to say, I also spent quite a bit of time in the town of Nederland. Or as the locals call it, Ned. Thousands of years ago, a glacier created a valley in the area where Ned now sits at 8,228 feet above sea level. Inevitably, wildlife and early Native Americans discovered the valley and found it a good place to settle and begin life. The rest, as they say, is history. However, here’s a short recap.

In 1871, the town of Nederland was known as Middle Boulder. A man by the name of Abel Breed bought the Caribou Mine and began to mill his own ore.

Then, in 1873 Breed sold the Caribou Mine to a mining company from Holland. ‘Middle Boulder’ became known among the miners as ‘the Netherlands’ (meaning low lands). They chose this name because of the comparison in elevation between Caribou at 10,000 feet and the town of just over 8,000 feet. In 1874 when the town incorporated, the residents chose Nederland as their new name. By the late 19th century, the town became another mountain ghost town. It wasn’t until 1910 that the first automobile made a trip from Boulder to Ned.

Throughout the years, the town has experienced an increase and decrease in mining, as well as residents, tourists and other activities. It wasn’t until a steady increase in population during the 1960s, that things truly started to change for the once mountain ghost town. Hippies! That’s right. Hippies brought with them a spirited music scene and a brand-new lifestyle to the valley. Let’s face it, hippies changed a lot in our history and for that we should be thankful.

The town of Nederland is definitely a great way to escape from the city without having to go very far. The drive through Boulder Canyon, Highway 119 or the Peak-to-Peak Highway is part of the adventure getting there. It’s a perfect little town to spend the day in or even a weekend. It’s small, but there’s plenty to do. Lodging, hiking, camping, eating, shopping and more can be found right in town or the surrounding areas. You can find different restaurants to accommodate all taste buds. Don’t forget to stop at the gift and art shops throughout town. One last stop I would recommend, and my personal favorite, is the Very Nice Brewing Company. Don’t drink? Stop in anyway. Grab a bite to eat and bring it with you. Enjoy a local brew, soda or kombucha. Stay a while and live music might just start adding to the already cozy ambiance.

The town’s slogan, “Life is Better Up Here,” only confirms the pride locals share for their town. I spent two years in the Netherlands before moving back home to Colorado. The change I experienced from living in another country was a bit too much change. I guess even I have a limit. And in case you are wondering… no, the Netherlands is nothing like Nederland, because as most of us know by now, there’s no place like home.

(Originally published in the October 11, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)