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Nick Kelly
Savour your trip in Bellingham, WA
An aerial view of Bellingham
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Courtesy Bellingham Whatcom County
Savour your trip in Bellingham, WA
Squalicum Harbor Marina
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Katheryn Moran
Savour your trip in Bellingham, WA
Enjoying the beer in Bellingham at Aslan Brewery Co.
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Brendan Laing
Savour your trip in Bellingham, WA
A stunning view of Mt. Shuksan and Picture Lake.
By Steve Fennell
It’s hard not to bring up microbreweries when talking about Bellingham and Whatcom County. After all, this coastal city in the northwest corridor of Washington State is home to more than a dozen acclaimed craft brew masters who tantalize the taste buds of locals and visitors alike. While most – if not all – restaurants in its downtown district offer a range of local ales and lagers, look beyond the city's beer expertise and you’ll discover a vibrant area where you can enjoy local cuisine, browse unique shops, or enjoy the sights in and around the region.
With 140 miles of shoreline, Bellingham and Whatcom County entices boaters from near and afar. With much attention on its shoreline, it’s often overlooked that Bellingham boasts 100,000 acres of productive farmland, ranking the region as a major agriculture player. In fact, its production is rated in the top three percent of all counties in the United States, raises more than 60 percent of the nation’s red raspberries, and the dairy farms are the most productive in Washington State. This means fresh local foods are delivered from the farm to the restaurants, to the weekly markets and if you’re a foodie who enjoys boating, to the pedestal table in your galley.
A testament to this is the Bellingham Farmers Market located downtown every Saturday at Depot Market Square, which is open from April to December (10 am to 3 pm). A second location is 5 km (3 miles) away in the Fairhaven Historic District. Held every Wednesday, the market’s hours are from 12 pm to 5 pm is open from June to August. Of course, no matter which one you visit, both feature a variety of fresh produce, meats, diary, seafood, flowers, unique artisan crafts and more.
The restaurants will provide fresh culinary experiences as well. The downtown district encompasses numerous places to savour the local offerings and there's a choice for every taste and budget – from casual dining chic bistros to more formal settings. Nonetheless, chances are likely you can experience any number of the fresh seafood or grilled meats menu items or the vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re a history or art enthusiast, you can eat your heart out as well. Of special interest is the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention, which details scientific achievements through interactive exhibits that date back as far the 1600s. There's also the Bellingham International Maritime Museum that preserves the insightful maritime history of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and Puget Sound. Another popular attraction is The Whatcom Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate that showcases rotating art exhibitions, as well as the new (and permanent) exhibit, People of the Sea and Cedar: A Journey through the Tribal Cultures and History of the Northwest Coast. Reflecting the history of local native tribes, the exhibit opened in July 2017 and some artifacts include Coast Salish artwork and carvings, woven blankets, hand-made tools, clothing, baskets and traditional crafts created by the Northwest Coast people.
On the first Friday of every month throughout the year, Bellingham hosts Art Walk, a fun, festive gathering downtown and Fairhaven. Held from 6-10 pm, you can experience the works from local and regional artists of many mediums, which are displayed in galleries, boutiques, restaurants and many other businesses. The Fairhaven District showcases additional works of pottery, woodworking, glass, and painting. If you really want a larger than life experience, the Western Washington University outdoor sculpture collection is an impressive sight. Considered one of the Top 10 outdoor sculpture collections in the US, there are 29 pieces located throughout the campus by a range renowned artists.
Getting Here
Located on the Straight of Georgia, Bellingham's Squalicum Harbour is a full-service marina where all your essential boating needs can be met. One of the larger facilities in the region, the marina hosts more than 1,400 commercial and pleasure boats and transient boaters are welcome along the docks located at gates three, nine, and 12. Overnight moorage is also available and it’s wise to book in advance. Some ideal services include gas/diesel, portable pump out carts, two pump out stations, dinghy racks, plus dock boxes and carts. If you plan on staying for longer periods, potable water, 30-amp shore power, as well as showers, restrooms and laundry facilities are available. Marine repair services are nearby if required.
There’s no need to worry about getting around town either. The marina is located right at the foot of downtown Bellingham and the many shops, restaurants, boutiques and galleries – plus all the services and supplies you may need – are within walking distance. In high season, the marina has a courtesy shuttle so you can easily checkout the nearby attractions.
Visiting Bellingham offers the best of both worlds for cruising. After seeing the sights or completing all your shopping, Bellingham is the perfect gateway to the nearby San Juan Islands, whether it’s for a day trip or to move on to new adventures in the region.
For more information on Bellingham visit www.bellingham.org