Make Bellingham your next getaway

Bellingham and its surroundings are gems of the Pacific Northwest. Here you’ll find picturesque coastal views, verdant forests and abundant nature, outdoor adventure, a vibrant arts scene, historical attractions, and plenty of good food. People are friendly and their enthusiasm for all that makes this place special is contagious. And as it’s home to Western Washington University, you can expect an upbeat, youthful vibe.

Though you can take I-5 north to Bellingham, consider getting off at exit 231 for Highway 11, or as it more commonly known, Chuckanut Drive. This is Washington’s original scenic byway, initially completed in 1896. The route winds through the peaceful countryside, along the shoulder of the Chuckanut Mountains and follows the shoreline as it continues 20 miles to Bellingham.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy dramatic coastal views and, if it’s a clear day, you’ll be able to see the San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains, and Lummi Island. The road passes through the Bow-Edison area, two tiny villages; the latter was named for inventor Thomas Edison and whose most famous resident was journalist Edward R. Murrow.

Take the short detour to Edison if only for the Breadfarm, an artisan bakery. You can’t miss it, as there’s usually a line of people standing at the order window and the heavenly aromas will propel you forward. Order a loaf of one of the handcrafted breads, then go next door to Slough Food for some local or imported cheese. Now all you need are some fresh oysters!

You’re in luck, as Taylor Shellfish Farms is your next stop. Taylor’s has been here since the late 1800s and it mainly raises oysters and clams. The hundreds upon hundreds of oyster shells you see all piled into stacks on the beach are a part of the farm’s recycling operation. Once the oysters have been removed, the shells are pressure-washed and reused in the reseeding process.

Buy some smoked oysters at the onsite shop, then take it over to one of the picnic tables next to the ocean where you can feast on your goodies. Nearby is the only lighthouse made of oyster shells. Of course, you’re going to take a pic!

Next, stretch your legs at Larrabee State Park. Located on nearly 3,000 acres along the shores of Samish Bay, Larrabee is the oldest state park in Washington. There’s miles of trails to explore, beach access, grassy fields, picnic areas, and more.

After the park, you’ll soon reach Bellingham’s historic Fairhaven Village. I recommend making this charming locale home base during your stay. It’s known for its Victorian-era, red-brick architecture and unique local businesses. And better yet, everything’s walkable.

The center of Fairhaven is the Village Green, where all ages hang out, either on the expanse of grass or the benches surrounding it. “Grand Mural,” by Lanny Little, graces a building wall on the south side of this pocket park. It depicts the Fairhaven of 1920s yore, trolley car and all. Nearby, sitting on a bench, is a statue of Fairhaven’s founder, Daniel Jefferson Harris.

There are several stores around the perimeter of the Village Green, including my favorite – Village Books & Paper Dreams. I could have easily spent hours perusing the bookshelves of this fabulous literary haven. And don’t forget Eclipse Bookstore a block away – it’s a haven for used book fanatics.

Legendary Colophon Café is another beloved Fairhaven spot. Set in a 100-year-old building that also flanks the Village Green, Colophon is known for its creative, award-winning soups, salads and sandwiches, savory quiches, and pot pies. And then there’s the famed peanut butter pie!

For accommodations, Fairhaven Village Inn is tops. This boutique property is centrally located with views of Bellingham Bay and steps from the Village Green. Rooms are spacious with fireplace and harborside options. Start your day in the cozy library with complimentary locally-made pastries, breakfast cookies, fruit, coffee, and tea.

Later in the afternoon, return to the property for hospitality hour. As a guest, you can stop by the front desk to enjoy a complimentary glass of house wine. Take it upstairs to the outdoor porch for a killer sunset.

Active travelers can get their steps right in Fairhaven with nearby Taylor Dock and Boulevard Park. A one-quarter mile, elevated boardwalk that starts at Taylor Dock provides a trail link from Fairhaven to the park, which then continues all the way to downtown Bellingham. As you stroll over the open waters of Bellingham Bay, soak in the views.

Parks are plentiful in this area, offering opportunities to take to the trails and get a dose of nature. I recommend visiting Whatcom Falls Park. After you’ve checked out the waterfall with its grand stone bridge, take to the trails. With 241 acres, there’s space for everyone to find a little slice of paradise.

Art abounds in Bellingham, not only in museums and galleries, but also outside where sculptures and murals dot parks and streets. One of the top 10 outdoor sculpture collections in the nation resides right here, at Western Washington University. Over 29 pieces are located throughout the campus by renown artists such as Isamu Noguchi, Alice Aycock, and Richard Serra.

Big Rock Garden Park is also a lovely place to find outdoor sculpture. It’s actually a city park nestled in a grove of evergreens. Once you go through the gate, you’ll feel like you’re in a secret oasis. Meander the paths that wander through this serene landscape, where nature and art complement each other.

Museumgoers will be impressed by Whatcom Museum and its three state-of-the-art venues: Old City Hall, the Lightcatcher Building, and the Syre Education Center. Located in Bellingham’s growing Arts District, the museum’s collection boasts close to 30,000 objects of art and history and more than 200,000 images and related ephemera in its photo archives.

Old City Hall is the original home of the museum. It’s an iconic city landmark with Victorian cupolas and a central clock tower. The focus here is on historical exhibitions that tell the stories of the building’s architecture, the city’s early days, logging history, and waterfront industry.

The museum’s Lightcatcher Building hosts a rotating schedule of art exhibitions and houses the Museum’s Family Interactive gallery and museum store. The building is named for its focal point – a spectacular, translucent wall that captures sunlight. When I visited, “The Greatest Wildlife Photographs” was the featured exhibit. The photos were taken from the pages of National Geographic magazine and showcased innovations in camera technology.

When your stomach grumbles, know you’ll have a variety of choices when it comes to eateries, as Bellingham and Whatcom County is a foodie mecca.

For breakfast, head to Fairhaven’s Avenue Bread and order an “Eggenue,” an egg-centered creation on an English muffin. Lunchtime, make a beeline for Port Fairhaven Fish & Chips inside the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The beer-battered, halibut fish and chips are some of the best I’ve eaten. Sit outside on the deck with the shipping scene as your backdrop.

The Black Cat, also in Fairhaven, is popular with locals and visitors alike. Located in the old-world Sycamore Square building, this sophisticated, lively tavern has real character. It offers a classic bistro menu and full bar fare.

For that special dinner, make a reservation at The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive. This intimate restaurant not only has exceptional food and impeccable service, but features stunning views of San Juan Island from every seat. The menu features seasonally inspired dishes with locally sourced produce and an award-winning wine list for pairings. Aim to enjoy your meal at sunset, for a scene akin to an Impressionist painting.