Category Archives: Shopping

Easter Markets and Fun

Carnival may be over, but there is still fun going on before the Easter holiday. Check the links and information below. Öcher Bend Fun Fair (Carnival Rides) at Bendplatz, Aachen March 26 – April 11 1400-2400 (Bonus, this is right … Continue reading

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Posted in Adults, Castles, Craft/Home decor, Kids, Open Sunday, Other markts, Things to do | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Klompenschuurtje – Wooden Shoe Shop and Painting

Living so close to the Netherlands, I felt like I needed one more thing before I could call my time here complete. Wooden shoes, clogs, or klompen, as the Dutch call them, are one of the most typical Dutch items … Continue reading

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Aquis Plaza – Aachen Mall

There’s a new mall in town. Aquis Plaza is a 3 story indoor mall that has opened near Aachen’s city center. There are over 90 shops and 20 eateries, so there is plenty of variety. Here are some highlights. TK Maxx … Continue reading

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Unique Christmas Markets and Other Holiday Events

While the holiday season is over for 2015, many of these markets will be back next year. Click on the links to find out the dates for the upcoming year. The Schinnen Public Affairs Office has compiled a list of … Continue reading

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Posted in Castles, Christmas Markets, Kids, Open Sunday, Shopping, Things to do, Upcoming Events | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Local Christmas Markets

While the holiday season is over, many of these events will be back in 2016. Find out more at the links and look in your local papers and town flyers and signs for date in the upcoming year. It’s almost … Continue reading

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Local Thrift Store Summary

There are plenty of second hand stores in this area. The trick is knowing where they are. This is a listing of some of your options. If you know of others that you would like to share, let me know … Continue reading

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Hello Fresh – Food Delivery Service in Germany

Convenience and variety of meals is the name of the game for Hello Fresh. The company is located in several countries now, including the U.S., Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. If you just want to get a feel for what … Continue reading

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Balloons

Updated August 2015 I have found a few options for balloon shops in the area that have been recommended by others in the various Facebook groups. Consult their websites for opening times. Balloon Shop Sittard Steenweg 72, Sittard Ballon Romazen … Continue reading

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iClean Car (and Dog) Wash – Brunssum, NL

Photos and article idea courtesy of a fellow blog reader. The iClean car wash is located in Brunssum, not far out of the way from the GK back gate or JFC Brunssum. iClean has three main services; an automatic car … Continue reading

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Where to Buy Propane

There are two main places to buy propane in this area. Both of these locations will work for your American propane tank and cost around 20 euro to fill. NATEX Garage (Tank Exchange) Phone: 0049 (0)2451-6207-252 Mon – Thu: 0800 … Continue reading

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Buying bikes at low cost

There are a few places to buy bikes that have some low cost options. So far I’ve only experimented on the NL side, but I hope to add some German stores soon! Halfords – Sittard (Next to Xenos near the … Continue reading

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Posted in Outdoor/Camping, Shopping, Used items | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Primark Clothing Store

Located in various cities in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, this store is like a big version of H&M. I saw 3-10 euro shirts, 10 euro pants, 1 euro for 2 pairs of cozy socks, 12 euro for cardigans and … Continue reading

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Posted in Clothing, Cologne | Leave a comment

Tasso – Pet Registration

We all hope that our pets will not escape the back yard or get lost somehow, but what happens if they do? The microchip required for your pets in Europe is a good step in the right direction, but their … Continue reading

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Posted in General Local Info, Newcomers, Pets | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Q-Park Website- Parking in The Netherlands

http://www.q-park.nl/ Use the website to search cities in which a Q-Park is located. The prices do not fluctuate much from the typical 2.30 euros an hour. Q-Parks are located all over the Netherlands.

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Bisschopsmolen – Flour Mill and Bakery – Maastricht

Located close to the Vrijthof Square is this original flour mill and restaurant. Although it can be much simpler to grind wheat in a more advanced setting, this company prefers to use its centuries old water mill to grind the … Continue reading

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European VAT Forms for GK Stationed Families

This information may have changed since it’s original posting. If this process has changed, you can contact us at hereatgk@gmail.com to have this post updated. This is a question that I’ve often asked and have received several answers to. So … Continue reading

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Posted in Financial Resources, Geilenkirchen NATO Base - Info, General Local Info, Shopping | Leave a comment

Kruidvat

Kruidvat reminds me of a Dutch version of CVS or Walgreens. They have a little bit of everything, from makeup and hair items to baby products and items to clean your house. They are also one of the stores that … Continue reading

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Posted in Health and Beauty, Maastricht, Sittard | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Tirerack.com — Online Tire Sales

According to most Americans Tirerack.com is the place to go for tires when you are stationed overseas. Some say that the price of tires in Germany and The Netherlands are just way to high to pay. That is opinion, but … Continue reading

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Posted in Auto or Motorcycle, Shopping | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Babysitters

It can be tough to find a sitter. AFRC at GK NATO Base does have a list but here are some of our readers who also offer sitting services! We will do our best to keep this updated and add … Continue reading

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Posted in Businesses of GK families, Kids | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Asian Cash and Carry – Market

From our reader Mary: There is another great Asian market in Landgraaf called Asian Cash & Carry. It’s a big store that I can even take my stroller comfortably into and the parking lot is big as well. It’s pretty … Continue reading

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Toko Lim–Asian Market

I am always just one ingredient shy of the perfect recipe. Especially when it comes to Asian food. However, on a recent trip out to Sittard, a friend showed me the place to go!Toko LimRijksweg Zuid 2A, 6131AN Sittard031 – … Continue reading

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V & D department store

Website: http://www.vd.nl/ This store (which I frequent in the Sittard market place) is a normal department store that could be compared to JC Penny’s. The clothes are fashionable and varied. They have name brands and great prices and sales. We shopped … Continue reading

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Posted in Clothing, Craft/Home decor, Shoes, Shop by city, Shopping, Sittard | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Blueberries!! “Oppe Boesj” Blueberry picking

Blueberry picking in the heart of all things that grow is just as fun as you would think. They have acres and acres of blueberry bushes just waiting to give their fruit. Located at: Prinsenbaan 45 6104 BB Koningsbosch They are … Continue reading

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Ride the Alps–Annual Edelweiss Sponsored Event for Motorcyclists

Each year, Edelweiss Lodge and Resort hosts “Ride the Alps”. They offer a discounted room for two and it includes Friday and Saturday night, the dinners and the breakfast. But the most important part is the ride! They have a … Continue reading

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Posted in Adults, Auto or Motorcycle, Places "HereAtGK" has been | 2 Comments

Genker Plantcentrum

I found this store in one of our local newspapers. They had an ad that said they were the biggest plant center in the Benelux area and they were open on Sundays. I have to agree that this place is … Continue reading

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Eetcafe Pretzels – Sittard Whiskey Bar and Restaurant

This whiskey bar has it all. I don’t care how many you’ve tasted, you have barely begun denting the list of whiskeys that they carry! With a range for everyone’s preference and budget, this is a quaint bar that is … Continue reading

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Ryan’s Car Detailing Service

Getting ready to PCS, need your vehicle detailed to ship it? Or does your vehicle just need a good detailing in and out? Everything is cleaned: engine, interior, exterior, radiator. 100% guaranteed to pass inspection! 70 Euro. Call/text me at … Continue reading

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Van Son- Brunssum Tires

I popped a tire the other day along side the road driving from GK to Brunssum. After changing the tire I thought, I need to go to Schinnen and get a new one tomorrow. Turns out Schinnen does not carry … Continue reading

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Blokker

Not really sure I can accurately compare this store to anything in the U.S., but it is a nice store. While it is a bit small in some cities, most bigger cities in the Netherlands have one. It usually has … Continue reading

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Motorcycle and Auto Repairshop

I heard of this shop through multiple friends in our Motorcycle club. They have a great reputation with our fellow members and we have come to trust them as well. I know a few people who have used their car … Continue reading

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Antiquitäten Krings

A little place right off the 56 in Gangelt, you drive by more then you realize, is an antique shop. It’s the store with the mannequin woman out front. Pull in the “driveway” and stop for a look at the … Continue reading

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Meens Dranken – Beer Distributor

I stumbled across this company while looking for a seller of Gruut Inferno. The company has a small store in Geleen and a distribution center in Puth, where they ship to local restaurants. The store, in my opinion, is not … Continue reading

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Off base Optometry – GK Tricare for Dependents

The Optometrist from Spangdahlem visits GK on a quarterly basis. The appointments are in order of priority. ( 1. Flyers 2. Diabetics 3. Active duty 4. Dependents) If you are Tricare Prime then you are authorized to use network providers in the … Continue reading

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Posted in Health and Beauty, Health Resources | 1 Comment

La Trappe Brewery – Tilburg, NL

Just outside of Tilburg in the Netherlands is Koningsheoven Abbey and the only Trappist brewery in the Netherlands. The Brouwerij de Koningshoeven, founded in 1884, provides a large assortment of beers through their La Trappe brand. The monastery also makes … Continue reading

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Black & White – Formal/Semi-Formal Dresses

Black & White has recently closed (Jan 2015). This post is still published to hopefully save you from making the drive to Heinsberg based on old information. An alternative to this store is Autumn’s Glamour in Sittard. I have seen … Continue reading

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Posted in Clothing, Heinsberg | 2 Comments

Glutenvrije Super – Gluten Free Grocery Store

As the name implies, this grocery store specializes in allergen free products. Their website is extensive and allows you to see all of their products online. The store seems to do most of their business as an online grocery store, … Continue reading

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Obsthof Dreissen – Apple and Pear Farm Gift Shop

Obsthof Dreissen is an Apple and Pear farm located between Susterseel and Wehr. Their shop has a selection of their produce along with various items that would make great gifts. Good olive oil and vinegar  Monschau mustard,  jams, apple and pear … Continue reading

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TK Maxx

TK Maxx is almost exactly the same as TJ Maxx. I visited the store in Neumarkt, Cologne, which is about the same size as your usual TJ Maxx. The store contains a ton of clothes, shoes, purses, luggage, housewares, everything … Continue reading

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Corio Center -Mall

This mall is located nearby in beautiful Heerlen. Larger than some of the other nearby malls, there is something for everyone inside. It is centrally located so parking is a breeze in town or in their parking garage. Also, just outside … Continue reading

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Ordering Items for the Schinnen Commissary

Did you know that you can order items that are not usually carried at Schinnen? This usually works best with items that are carried at other commissaries in Germany, but it never hurts to ask. Just fill out this form … Continue reading

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Gruut – Gent’s Brewery

Gruut is a must see if you are spending any time in Gent. Unlike many breweries in Belgium, this brewery is very new, being founded only in 2009. As such, Gruut reminds me more of a micro-brewery you would find … Continue reading

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Posted in Adults, Drinks/Beverages, Open Sunday, Things to do, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

HEMA

HEMA is one of my favorite places to go. You’ll see them everywhere, with their big capital red letters outside of each store, calling you inside.  This store has a little bit of everything, you can browse their website to … Continue reading

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Posted in Clothing, Craft/Home decor, Maastricht, Sittard | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Gamma

Another hardware store that is comparable to ACE, Gamma can be found in many places throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. You can also check out Praxis in the Netherlands or Mobau in Germany for similar style stores. Gamma Website

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Praxis

Located throughout the Netherlands, Praxis is a great place to look for your hardware needs.  Clean, well stocked, and loaded with options, my husband loves to go on a trip to this store. No need to ask him twice to go … Continue reading

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Posted in Hardware | 1 Comment

Woonboulevard

A two story shopping complex next to ikea, this makes a nice place to stop and take a look around. With home decor, hardware, furniture, and pet stores, you can find it all here. Blokker, gamma, praxis, Xenos, etc. Woonboulevard … Continue reading

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Posted in Malls | 2 Comments

Rd4-Kringloopwinkel

If you are looking for a new hutch,  maybe a dresser, a book shelf, or a table, then there is no better place to stop then one of the many second hand furniture stores. We’ve previously written about two in … Continue reading

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Posted in Furniture, Used items | 2 Comments

Hair Crew by Concept in Kerkrade

A review from our reader: Lineik Lazare I have been an Aphrodite customer since we PCS here in March 2010. (Aphrodite was a hair salon that ironically closed down according to our sources on the day this post was published) I was … Continue reading

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Decathlon – The Sports Superstore

Decathlon can fulfill almost all of your sports needs. Running shoes, swimsuits, yoga mats, skiing gear, tents, climbing shoes, and much more, all at reasonable prices. I’ve put the info of the two closest stores to the GK area below. … Continue reading

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Posted in Clothing, Outdoor/Camping, Shoes, Shopping | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Maasmechelen Village Outlet Shopping

There are over 100 stores in this shopping center. You can definitely spend some time here at least window shopping. Most stores are designer, although we did see some reasonably priced stores as well. There are a couple of restaurants, … Continue reading

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Shopping Guides for the Big Cities

I’m a planner, even when it comes to shopping, and especially when it comes to shopping in the big cities. There are so many stores in Cologne that you can easily spend all day in their shopping district and not … Continue reading

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Aral Car Wash

Technically you are not supposed to wash your car in the driveway. Some neighbors may do it and then you can venture out and do your’s as well, but because of the water laws here, it’s better to go to … Continue reading

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The Many Drinks of Christmas Markets

There are more warm Christmas drinks at the markets than just Glüwein, but it’s not always clear what they are, so here’s a list of drinks I have come across locally so you can hopefully find a favorite. Most of … Continue reading

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Mckaela’s Tea Leafs and Coffee Beans in Sittard

Mckaela’s is located a stone’s throw away from Bagels and Beans in the Sittard Markt area. This shop is a tea  and coffee lovers dream. The tea selection is enormous, and if you can’t choose one, you can buy sample … Continue reading

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Karin’s Guesthouse

Karin’s Guesthouse is a family run business which was started in Gillrath in 2001. They are currently operating up to 8 accommodations; 6 full family houses and 2 smaller apartments. Pets are welcome! Update January 2015: Karin’s guesthouse has just ordered … Continue reading

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Posted in Businesses of GK families | 1 Comment

Füchschen Altbier Brauerei in Düsseldorf

Altbier is typical of Düsseldorf, just like Kölsch beer is unique to Köln. There are several breweries in Düsseldorf where you can try it right out of the barrel. Füchschen is one of four breweries in the Altstadt, the others being … Continue reading

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Private Music Lessons

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Posted in Businesses of GK families | 1 Comment

Meubel Depot -Used/Antique furniture

Another wonderful way to pick up some local furniture of quality is to buy it second hand. Stores like Bis-bis and Meubel Depot are great places to look for these treasures that have been well cared for by their first … Continue reading

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Posted in Furniture, Sittard, Used items | 3 Comments

The Whisky Friend – Sittard

I know there are quite a few whiskey collectors out there and have I got the store for you. Located in the Sittard Markt area, the Whisky Friend is small, but has quite a selection to choose from. There are … Continue reading

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Centro Mall – Europe’s largest indoor mall

That’s Right! According to the Centro website, this is the largest mall in Europe. I have to say that it wouldn’t surprise me since it is rather spectacular. The store list could go on forever, but they have everything popular … Continue reading

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Posted in Malls, Rainy day items | 1 Comment

Import Taxes

If you buy something outside of Germany that has to be shipped to your German address, the shipping company will request that you pay import taxes on the item (usually from 0% to 20% of the item’s value). Naturally, the … Continue reading

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Posted in Financial Resources, Newcomers, Resources/Help, Shopping | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Roermond Outdoor Outlet Mall

This designer outlet has it all. Think of just about any name brand and you can probably find it here. Of course just because it’s an outlet doesn’t mean you can afford it all! A beautiful area to walk and the parking … Continue reading

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Makado (Mall) w/ Free childcare

This reminded me of one of the Tucson Malls. After not having been to one in a while, I felt in awe of this place. Not a large mall, it certainly had plenty to see. One of my favorite stores … Continue reading

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Biercentrale/Drankenhal Corstjens – Belgian Beer Heaven

Located just across the Belgian border in Maaseik, Drankenhal Corstjens can fulfill your Belgian beer needs without the long commute. As usual, you can buy beers individually or by the crate at a reasonable price. The staff is extremely knowledgeable … Continue reading

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Posted in Drinks/Beverages | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Bis-Bis

In Sittard there are a few places that you can buy used furniture. It is often in excellent condition, made from real wood, sometimes antique, and always a wonderful deal! One on my favorite places to look is the two story building … Continue reading

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Posted in Clothing, Craft/Home decor, Furniture, Sittard, Used items | 3 Comments

Markets in the Local Area- Plus Late Night Shopping!

Markets and Late Night Shopping in the Local Area TOWN MARKET DAYS LATE NIGHT SHOPPING Amstenrade Thurs morning Beek Wed morning Fri Brunssum Sat morning Thurs Elsloo Sat morning Fri Eygleshoven Sat 10.00-17.00 hrs Geleen Thurs, Sat all day Thurs … Continue reading

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Posted in Food, Geilenkirchen, Heinsberg, Maastricht, Markets, NO COST, Other markts, Sittard | Leave a comment

Trinkgut

There are three Trinkgut businesses in the area, their addresses and opening times are given below. As the store name implies, this is a place to buy anything that you drink: beer, wine, liquor, water, soda, juice, they have everything. … Continue reading

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Posted in Drinks/Beverages, Food, Geilenkirchen, Heinsberg | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Schuhcenter & Schuhtreff -Shoe Stores in Heinsberg

Owned by the same company and across the street from each other, these two stores are a worth while stop. Although they did have a few identical pairs of shoes at both of the stores, for the most part, each … Continue reading

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Kik

Kik is a pretty general outlet store. It has quite a bit of clothing (including some cheap versions of the German costumes for Oktoberfest) and some small accessories. It offered clothes for all ages and had items as low as … Continue reading

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Amazon.de – Get your VAT back

Amazon has recently updated their policy concerning VAT refunds. The policy now states: “If you are an APO-address holder or work for the NATO troops we will be happy to refund all the VAT you were charged for your order. … Continue reading

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Posted in Appliances, Clothing, Craft/Home decor, Financial Resources, Food, Furniture, Hardware, Health and Beauty, Outdoor/Camping, Pets, Shoes, Toys | 13 Comments

Computer Help – GKSQUAD

This “squad” is run by some of the tri-border residents and is available to assist with computer/tablet issues. They have a list of all services and contact info at their website and when I emailed them, they were very quick … Continue reading

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Tongeren – Sunday Antique Market

If your looking for a no cost (unless you buy stuff!) way to spend your Sunday, this is a great trip. About 1 hour and 15 minutes from GK, Tongeren is a beautiful town in Belgium that is known because it … Continue reading

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FC Moto

If you are looking for gear for your motorcycle or scooter, this is a large one-stop-shop. With lots of helmets to choose from, you won’t know where to start. They carry most major brands and they also carry the big … Continue reading

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Posted in Aachen, Auto or Motorcycle, Clothing | Leave a comment

Biohofladen-Selfkant -Organic Food Store

Located in Selfkant this health food store of sorts is a bio lovers paradise. In Germany, products marked “Bio” are organic items that have a higher standard then your average food does. Bio items  may only be marked as such on … Continue reading

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Mosae Forum : Maastricht

The large town of Maastricht has a mall atop the parking structure that you use to visit the architecture and history. It is called the Mosae Forum and it’s pretty awesome! Maas is plumb full of shops, but only in this mall can … Continue reading

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C&A Clothing

C&A is a franchise specializing in clothing. Their stores can offer an entire families clothing options depending on which city you find one in, but I especially enjoy their children’s clothing. Their looks are affordable, chic, and always cutting edge. … Continue reading

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Posted in Aachen, Clothing, Cologne, Heinsberg, Sittard | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

H&M

H&M does not really need an introduction to this page, but for those new to the area: It’s a shopping paradise. The clothes are European, plentiful, and best of all- CHEAP! I used to love Charlotte Russe in the States and … Continue reading

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Van Haren – Shoes – Sittard

A large and inexpensive shoe store, this is one of my favorite places to pop by and try on the latest styles. In the fall and winter, they change the stock to boots and then I really go crazy. The … Continue reading

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Intertoys – Aachen

Equivalent to toys-r-us, this store had a wonderful selection of children’s toys and a large array of legos to choose from. If Santa shopped in Germany, I’m sure this is where he’d go. It is just a short walk from the Aachen center. … Continue reading

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Nanu-Nana – Aachen

For some fun craft and gift items, this is a great store to look through. They have lots of different items to choose from and were very well priced. I ended up leaving with some postcards that had a painting … Continue reading

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Villakunterbunt – Aachen

I love walking into this store because it isn’t just children’s toys. The main level is filled with fun home décor items and some fun gag-gifts. Some of the stuff is very cute and I do have trouble not buying … Continue reading

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Schneiderwind – Aachen Cigar/whiskey/hookah shop

My husband drooled all over himself in this store. It is loaded with more cigar and whiskey options then you thought existed. With amazing selection and even rare collections, this is a wonderful place to take the man that loves … Continue reading

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Posted in Aachen, Adults, Drinks/Beverages | 2 Comments

Gas Station Hours & ESSO Locations

Do you need to find a gas station store open past 8 o’clock on a Monday night? I did some research and put together this list of gas station hours. Also located below is a list of the nearby ESSO … Continue reading

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RS – Furniture store -Aachen

A high quality furniture store (Julie a fellow HereAtGk reader compared it to Pier1), this beautiful selection of wood furniture is just right for any home. The cost is reasonable for most of the items and they have a large … Continue reading

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Porta- Furniture/Home decor SUPERSTORE -Aachen

If you can’t find it here, you’re not gonna find it. This four story building is bigger then most malls in the U.S. and it’s filled with furniture of every kind. You name it, they sell it. Porta also has … Continue reading

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Tri-border Treasures Thrift Store

American Spouses Club thrift store. This store is located across the street from Schinnen’s bowling alley. There is also a door to the building past the right corner of the post office. Everything you can imagine is sold here. I … Continue reading

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Posted in Schinnen Services- Info, Used items | 1 Comment

Van Cranenbroek

A superstore by anyone’s standards, this is an inexpensive place to find just about anything. Andrea’s mission was to find a tent for the Air Force Sergeants Association. She found it alright! A nice quality tent approx. 10’x10′ in size … Continue reading

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Sparks Photography

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Cook & Co.

Located just a short walk from the Sittard market, this store is a jewel for anyone who loves to cook or have parties. With hundreds of fun items to either decorate your cake, display it, or more, this is your … Continue reading

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T’loons (mall with carnival/party/costume store)

This mall has it all!!!! A grocery store, chocolate shop, gift shop, hema, blokker, electronics store, C&A, sports store and more. That’s just inside…. Outside is the greatest Carnival/party/costume shop ever! (see pics/click to enlarge). Andrea and I checked everything out and … Continue reading

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Posted in Appliances, Clothing, Craft/Home decor, Food, Malls, Outdoor/Camping, Shoes | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Hahn Wohnen mit Kontrasten

A cute place to find seasonal decorations for you home without having to leave the area. They rotate the stock constantly and everything is very high end quality. I love to take a quick peak each month. If you let … Continue reading

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Plant Market

For 72€, my friend just replanted her whole garden (that was a lot of plants). We stopped by to see what they had and WOW, what amazing prices on beautiful plants. They sold just about everything I could ever dream … Continue reading

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Moments Decoratie

This small gift/flower shop is so close to Schinnen Army base, that you would be shocked. The shop makes wonderful floral arrangements and has a few cute items for gifts or your home. Inexpensive and constantly changing ornaments make it … Continue reading

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Danny’s Bloemen en Kadoshop

Across from Kadoshop Bakker this place is a wonderful boutique with things that you won’t be able to resist. The prices were irresistible too! They will make custom floral arrangements that will knock your hostess’ socks off, or you can pick up … Continue reading

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Kadoshop Bakker

This is one of the cutest gift stores I’ve been in lately. It is a bit pricier than a similar gift shop that is across the street (see Danny’s Bloemen en kadoshop), but it carries different and slightly more high … Continue reading

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Lidl

This grocery store is very similar to Aldi. It is a smaller store than Kaufland or some of the other grocery chains, but a nice place to shop if you need to pick something up. Lidl Website

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Posted in Food | 1 Comment

T€DI – the starting from one € store

This is your average dollar store. Most items are 1-2 € with the occasional things being more. The most expensive thing I’ve ever run across personally was a vase that was 10€. The store is constantly rotating the products available, … Continue reading

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Woolworth

A steal of a deal for some things. I thought the curtains were something my wallet could smile at and I found a few small items for my bathroom too. All in all, its worth a look but don’t expect … Continue reading

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Posted in Appliances, Clothing, Craft/Home decor, Heinsberg | 1 Comment

Makro

Update 31 August 2015: You can now sign up for an annual membership card for free with your NATO card. If you visit frequently, stop by customer service and ask for the membership form. It will save you from having … Continue reading

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Happy Preis

Decorating your home? Time for holiday cheer? Need a special gift for a loved one or friend? Look no further! This inexpensive and quaint store offered many choices of decorations and gift type items. It contained the most selection I’ve seen and … Continue reading

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Papier & Mehr

This store is a scrapbookers dream. If you are crafty, I recommend stopping by for a peek. Pens and markers and anything else you can think of are available in every color imaginable. The paper comes in color, white, card … Continue reading

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Fressnapf – Pet store

This pet store carries anything you need that Schinnen doesn’t have available. The items like Dog Beds can be quite pricey compared with similar ones in the states. Trust me, I have three large dogs so I know all about … Continue reading

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Dänischen Bettenlagers

“Danish Bed store” is a small chain store that has items to decorate your home. Furniture, pictures, curtains, tableclothes, and more. A definite good find in my book, I love going into this store. During the summer they have patio … Continue reading

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Kaufland

Built in late 2011, this store is a fun place to shop with lots of easy parking. It has a parking garage that our full sized pick up truck fits in  easily. I have seen a four door F150 park … Continue reading

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Posted in Food, Geilenkirchen | 1 Comment

Toom Markt

This is not so much a store as it is a strip mall of sorts. One large parking lot with a car wash in the middle and a large building that is the Markt. You enter through the main doors … Continue reading

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Local Veterinarians

I have not used nor endorse any of the following places.This list is purely for information purposes only. Thank you. Emergency Vet: On page 2 of the HS Woche, you’ll find a Notdienste (Emergency) section. The listing also gives a number … Continue reading

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Real

Real is your German Super Walmart. It has a wonderful selection of gluten free and lactose free items for families with special food needs. You can purchase cheap and fresh dairy, fruit, veggies, etc. There is a large selection of … Continue reading

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Posted in Appliances, Clothing, Food, Furniture, Hardware, Health and Beauty, Heinsberg, Outdoor/Camping, Shoes | 2 Comments

Aldi

If you are from the South East, you may have heard of this store. Aldi is a German company, which explains their unique way of running their business in the states. You can also find Aldi in the Netherlands. This … Continue reading

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OBI

Just like Lowe’s or Home Depot, this is a great place to get curtains, flooring, hardware, garden items, and anything else you may need for home improvement or repair. It is worth just making a trip to see all of … Continue reading

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Mobau Bauzentren

Mobau is like Ace hardware or a small Home Depot. A smaller store but a great selection of hardware and such. Übach-Palenburg Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 16-18 52531 Übach-Palenberg Gangelt and Heinsberg Sittarder Str. 62 52538 Gangelt Industriestr. 44 52525 Heinsberg Aachen Dresdener … Continue reading

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Posted in Geilenkirchen, Hardware | 2 Comments

Thomas Philipps

I don’t really know how to describe this store other then to say it reminds me of the Dollar Tree, except things are more then a dollar. You can get inexpensive electronics, kitchen appliances, outdoor items, gardening items, decorations, pet … Continue reading

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Rewe

These are located in several places throughout the local towns. Rewe is one of several grocery store chains in the area. They are usually connected to a bakery/cafe and drink market as well. The size of these stores varies, but … Continue reading

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Posted in Food, Geilenkirchen, Health and Beauty | 1 Comment

Deichmann

Think Payless Shoe source and this is your place. Higher quality shoes then you will find at Real but not high end shoes like at the Natex or other shoe stores. Lots of choices though and my favorite place for … Continue reading

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DM

DM ore Drogerie Markt is like your typical Walgreens or CVS. This is a great place to get tea, make up, diapers, lotions, emergency items, toiletries (including travel size) and more. You can also get photos developed here. If you … Continue reading

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IKEA

After exploring both of the nearest stores, it seems that the Dusseldorf IKEA has a nicer selection of bathroom “schranks” (cabinets) and for less cost. The Heerlen IKEA is much closer but offers a smaller selection, although that selection is … Continue reading

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Posted in Appliances, Furniture, Hardware | 1 Comment

Hans Stassar

Brunssum has a really nice outdoor rec store. It has hiking, camping, pool, bbq, sledding, skiing, snowboarding gear and more. Name it, and they probably sell it. You can check their website first to see some of the selection, but … Continue reading

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