What to do when it rains in Southeast Groningen

Rainy days call for a different kind of adventure. Fortunately, bad weather does not have to be a spoilsport. On the contrary: just then you can discover special museums, cosy cafés and cultural gems you might otherwise pass by. From looking at art to having a bite to eat together, these are great tips to turn a rainy day into something special.

Museum the MOW

In Bellingwolde, between the old trees along the stately Hoofdweg, you will find Museum het MOW. This modern and quirky museum surprises again and again with innovative exhibitions, large and small, often focusing on art but also on the history of the Westerwolde region. Young visitors are also catered for, children can follow their own route and take part in creative activities. A place where art, history and fantasy come together. Fun for young and old.

Veenkoloniaal Museum | Stories of the Veenkolonies

Fancy an adventurous walk full of history? In Heiligerlee, you walk along the spot where the Battle of Heiligerlee took place in 1568. Along the way, you will encounter special experience spots and discover traces of the past. Thanks to the interactive elements, the route is also exciting and educational for children.

Indoor shopping | From cycle shop to indoor centre

Sometimes the weather is just really not inviting to wander around outside. But that doesn't mean you have to stay at home. In the region, you will find cosy indoor shopping centres and surprising thrift shops where you can spend an afternoon. Nice and warm, dry and still get away from it all.

In Veendam, you can visit the Autorama shopping centre, with more than 15 shops under one roof. Stadskanaal is also a great place to be, with its Kanaalpassage offering a wide range of some 20 shops. And in Oude Pekela, you can drop in at De Helling shopping centre, where small boutiques and gift shops provide a surprising range alongside well-known chains. Prefer to score a sustainable bargain? Then don't miss GoudGoed Kringloop in Winschoten. Here you will not only find unique second-hand items, but also contribute to a good cause. Shopping is fun anyway, even if it rains a bit. Drop in at the cosy cafés and restaurants for lunch or a snack in between.

Bowling De Rode Loper | Stadskanaal

At Bowling De Rode Loper in Stadskanaal, you roll right into the fun. Whether you throw a strike or just have fun aiming, bowling is the game everyone can play. The six modern lanes with spectacular LED lighting add to the atmosphere. And if you want something different, there are also pool and billiard tables, or you can go wild on the dart courts. Combine this with snacks and drinks and you have the perfect indoor getaway. That way, a rainy day suddenly feels like a party.

To the theatre in the region

When the rain comes down, there is little nicer than an evening at the theatre. In the region, you have a choice of three wonderful venues that together offer a rich and varied selection. In Winschoten, you'll find Cultuurhuis De Klinker, where films and a cosy café await in addition to theatre performances. Theater Geert Teis in Stadskanaal is known as the warm cultural heart of the region, with space for both big names and intimate productions. And in Veendam, VanBeresteyn is the bustling centre, where young and old enjoy theatre in an atmospheric setting. Three stages, one promise: an evening full of culture and inspiration.

City Café Stadskanaal | Semi-chic drinking

Next to Theater Geert Teis in Stadskanaal is the City Café. This semi-chic café is mainly aimed at people over 30 who want to have a drink after a performance or a night out. The atmosphere is mature, stylish and ideal if you want to have a drink without being among the younger crowd. A nice place to end your evening relaxed.

Artphy | Art in the midst of nature

In the landscape of Westerwolde lies Artphy, a unique art place that you would hardly expect in the middle of nowhere. What started as a dream of Jan Willem Kok and Janke Westra grew into a vibrant centre for contemporary art. Visitors are surprised with exhibitions, lectures, concerts and meetings with artists. The personal approach and the impressive landscape make Artphy special. Surrounded by seven hectares of gardens, woods and meadows, you come here for wonder, inspiration and encounters. A place where art and nature merge beautifully.