The days are getting shorter and (stormy) fall weather is keeping us indoors more and more. Afraid of getting bored at home? The following stores offer more than enough inspiration to survive rainy days.
Cocooning with a book
The long evenings seem made for crawling on the couch with a good book. For more than fifty years, bookstore de Nieuwe Bengel has been the place to go for not only the finest literature and poetry, but also books on history, art, photography, cartography, cars, cookbooks and music books.
"We try to be as accessible as possible with our offer," says Gerrit-Jan Kruidenier, owner of the independent bookstore. Because he can decide what he buys himself and also imports his own books, you come across very special books here in addition to popular literature. Kruidenier: "The store moves with what the customers want and what we ourselves find special."
Or wander with Het goede leven: How the Netherlands became increasingly prosperous in half a century by Annegreet van Bergen to the past. "It's nostalgia, but not in the sense of 'everything used to be better,'" Kruidenier said. "It's more about little things that have changed: what we eat, that you almost never see a woman on the back of a man's bike anymore, or laundry hanging in the wind, flapping." A book full of anecdotes and observations guaranteed to provide many "Oh yes, remember?" moments.
Prefer a compelling historical story? Then plunge onto the couch with Musch by Jean-Marc van Tol. This first part of the Johan de Witt trilogy is based on the correspondence of the Dordrecht council pensionary. Kruidenier: "A wonderfully written book and extra fun for Dordrechters, because as a reader you really find yourself in the Dordrecht of 1650."
For the ultimate home theater feeling
In the mood to catch a movie, but it's raining cats and dogs? Then hang out on the couch and create your own cinema feeling at home with freshly popped popcorn from Allenbrand's Gourmet Popcorn.
Halfway down Voorstraat, you are lured inside at number 284 by the enticing, warm smell of fresh popcorn. A year ago, American Joshua Allenbrand and his girlfriend Mirjam opened the doors of the first American popcorn store in the Netherlands here. The corn is roasted in front of you - it doesn't get any fresher! And American as well, because Joshua grew up among popped corn thanks to his parents who have been running a popcorn food truck for almost a quarter of a century.
Warm autumn flavors
And especially don't think your choice is limited between "plain" sweet and salty. How about the Snickerdoodle flavor created by Joshua's mother: deliciously autumnal with a hint of cinnamon and undertones of vanilla and butter. Sweet tooths can further indulge in the flavors Stroopwafel, Caramel Coffee and Red Velvet Cake.
Are you more into the savory? Then plunge onto the couch with a bowl of Cheddar Cheese popcorn, Butter & Salt or, to get really hot, the slightly spicy Jalapeño Chilli Cheese. If you can't decide between sweet or savory, you can always go for the Caramel & Cheddar Cheese mix, Caramel Sea Salt or the original Kettle corn, after Joshua's father's secret recipe that started it all a quarter century ago in Kansas.
Silent films in book form
Strip store Sjors has been a household name in comic book country for more than 40 years. Owner Ineke Horst: "Comics are visual. It touches. They are actually silent movies in book form."
Many people think of comics as Donald Duck, Suske & Wiske or Tintin. If you enter Stripwinkel Sjors with that idea in mind, a whole new world really opens up to you, because there is so much more! Just like regular reading books, there is an awful lot of variety. Besides Fantasy, action, adventure stories and Japanese manga, there are also very arty comic books, historical comics, comics about politics and beautiful graphic novels. Comic books full of humor, but also about heavier topics such as depression, dementia, bullying, burnout, eating disorders, and wonderful stories about love and friendship.
Pleasing to the eye
At Sjors you will find them from all corners of the world and for all ages. The more than 40,000 comics will make your head spin. Besides being fun to read, they are often exceptionally beautiful. For example, Pablo Auladell brilliantly depicts in over 300 pages the famous poem Paradise Lost by the 17th-century poet John Milton.
Music comics
"There are also, for example, comics about music," Horst says. "From Jazz and The Beatles, to André Hazes and Kiss. It can be a biography of the artist or band or songs that are depicted, like Nick Cave's Murder Ballads, for example."
Late into the night around the kitchen table
Looking for something more active for the dark evenings, wander into 4 Your Games, the specialty store for board, card and dice games. If you're not already game addicted, you'll become one here. "We sell fun and conviviality," he says.
By the hand through games land
With over 1800 titles of board games alone, you'll always succeed here. But where to start with so much choice? "We take you by the hand, so to speak, through games land," explains owner Maico Paschold. "By asking the right questions, we always arrive at a game that really suits you." From simple card games, cozy family games and games for two, to elaborate strategy games. Games for a short game, to games you can easily lose yourself in for a full day. From small games you can easily take anywhere, to complex board games where you build entire worlds. You'll find it all here.
Game nights
But what if no one wants to play with you? Then join us for the popular weekly game nights. Wednesday and Friday nights are devoted to the game Magic: The Gathering. Friday nights are also the place to be for board games. Admission is free and there is room for over fifty people, so there is always a spot for you. That's how it goes at 4 Your Games: before you know it, you not only have a new game, but also a new hobby.
For sweet children on drizzly days
At Intertoys you will find everything to make any rainy days for children fly by. Nowhere in Dordrecht will you find so many toys together.
From squishy books and cuddly toys for the little ones to trendy teenage 'toys,' from the latest trends in toy land, board games and Barbies, to wooden toys, books and craft supplies. "The assortment is both very wide and extensive," says store manager Nathalie Duijzer. "From the big brands you won't find a few products here, but really the complete line."
Store in peace
Many a child stands in front of a wall full of Playmobil, for example. From fire stations and tough knight scenes to settings with princesses and fairies: the brand has something for everyone. Duijzer: "Very popular is the 'Spirit' line, around the horse girl Lucky who experiences all kinds of adventures in the Wild West with her friends and horses."
Friends & Family Evenings
Because it is sometimes difficult to see from a box exactly what you can do with a toy, Intertoys organizes special Friends & Family Sale evenings where all kinds of toys are demonstrated. Besides handy (and fun!) demonstrations, you also get 15% discount on toys on these evenings.
