A Touch of Dutch, Company

It all started in 1996 when I visited Whidbey Island, Washington and came upon the quaint little town of Coupeville: population 1700. Imagine stepping back in time and wandering down old town streets of yesteryear. One of the things I discovered was that in Oak Harbor, a city just 10 miles north of Coupeville, there was a strong heritage from early Dutch immigrants who had settled the area. In that tradition amid the many shops on Front Street in Coupeville was a tiny treasure tucked away in the back part of one of the buildings; a store called “A Touch of Dutch”. I was immediately enamored with its wonderful charm and the engaging personalities of the owners: Jack and Michele Kempees. Little did I know that five years later I would not only return to work for Jack and Michele, but I would eventually come to own that very store. Jack was born and raised in the Netherlands. They too had discovered the charms of Coupeville and the familiar sounding Dutch street names and buildings in Oak Harbor which were reminders of “the old country.” They opened their shop where among numerous other unique and local fare, they featured Dutch gift items and offered Dutch foods and traditional goodies not to be found elsewhere on the Island. The time had come for the Kempees’ to retire and Michele to pursue her artistic talents in watercolor painting. This opened the door for me, my husband and daughters to step in and continue in their tradition of providing wonderful Dutch imports and local gifts to our many loyal customers. 'A Touch of Dutch' is celebrating over 12 years in business. A special thanks to all of our loyal customers. We invite you to come by and visit with us. And to all those Dutch browsers out there: U bent van harte welkom! Misty Blanton, Owner