In town things to do
In town things to do
Though Bellingham is smaller than neighboring metropolitan areas such as Seattle, Vancouver, or Victoria, the city and its surrounding region offer many attractions which are popular for both residents and visitors.
The Whatcom Museum of History and Art sponsors exhibits of painting, sculpture, local history, and is an active participant in the city's monthly Gallery Walks which are pedestrian tours of the historic buildings of the city, offering history and art lessons for local schools and adult groups, and historic cruises on Bellingham Bay.
The Bellingham Railway Museum is where one may find educational displays explaining the history of railroading in Whatcom County, as well as model trains, and a freight-train simulator.
The American Museum of Radio and Electricity is a unique local establishment which features a collection of artifacts from 1580 into the 1950s, providing educational resources about the history of electronics and radio broadcasting. The AMRE also operates a low-power FM radio station which broadcasts a number of old shows popular many decades ago, as well as programming of general interest to the local community.
Mindport is a privately funded arts and science museum, and is also occasionally involved in the Gallery Walks.
The Bellingham Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from early April thru late December. Originally opened in 1993, the Farmers Market now features more than fifty vendors, music and community events. There is a tradition that "on opening day a cabbage is thrown by a city official to a long standing vendor." The association also operates a weekly Wednesday market in nearby Fairhaven.
The scenic splendor of Bellingham and Whatcom County is appreciated by residents and tourists. Whatcom Falls Park is a 241-acre (0.98 km2) large public park encompassing the Whatcom Creek gorge, running directly through the heart of the city. It has four sets of waterfalls and several miles of walking trails, and is a hub of outdoor activity connecting and defining several different neighborhoods of Bellingham.Popular activities during warmer weather include swimming, fishing, and strolling along the numerous walking trails.
Mount Baker Ski Area is home to many of the world's first snowboarding champions, and it holds the world record for the greatest amount of snowfall in one season (winter 1998–1999). During most years the depth of accumulated snow exceeds 12ft (4m) and results in the closure of the ski area before the end of the winter months.
Chuckanut Drive (Washington State Route 11), a route which offers Cliffside views of the sea, the San Juan Islands, the hills and forests of the Chuckanut mountains, and several small picturesque bays along the edge of the Salish Sea.
Lake Whatcom, is a beautiful natural resource which provides the local public water supply and is the source of Whatcom Creek. Around Lake Whatcom and the region of Lake Padden there are several large foothills of the Cascades, including North Lookout Mountain, known locally as Galbraith Mountain. Several miles from Bellingham in the southern part of Whatcom County there are many places enjoyed by vacationers and enthusiasts of outdoor recreation, including: Larrabee State Park (popular for hiking), Lake Padden (popular for swimming, fishing and golfing), and Lake Samish. In the waters of the Georgia Strait and Puget Sound it is possible to go whale watching. Several pods of orcas (killer whales) are known to travel from the open Pacific Ocean into the area, and families of these huge aquatic creatures can be seen swimming and hunting near the local bays and islands.
Around Bellingham
Fairhaven
Fairhaven was founded in the late 1880’s and is now part of the City of Bellingham. It is on the south side of Bellingham and borders Puget Sound on the west and Western Washington University on the northeast. Its center is the Fairhaven Historical District, which features a seasonal farmers market as well as numerous restaurants and shops.
You must do:
• Check out the local artists boutiques such as Good Earth Pottery.
• Have a glass of wine at Le Chat Noir (the black cat) and take in the view.
Lynden
Lynden, WA is many different things to many different people. Guests into the Lynden area find the local merchants customer oriented and Lynden’s location to be unbeatable for outings to ski, golf, boat, sightsee or even visit Canada. The Dutch influenced architecture reminds visitors of strolling the canals of Holland while enjoying food from around the world in their many restaurants.
Must see:
• Check out the Northwest Washington Fair!
• Visit the Lynden Pioneer Museum
• Take the “Touch of Dutch” tour
LaConner
LaConner is known for its friendly people, diverse community, cultural attractions including three museums and outdoors sculpture exhibits, locally owned boutiques & galleries and an environment of mountain, farms, rivers, island, and the North Puget Sound.
Things to do:
• U-Pick apples, strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries from Skagit Valley's local farms. • Visit Padilla Bay's Interpretive Center to discover what marine life lives in La Conner's waters.
• Take a hike in La Conner. Ample hills and beautiful views.
Mt Vernon
Mt. Vernon is a city that is characterized by a “hometown” atmosphere and is perfect for an outdoor enthusiast. This bountiful county features an abundance of action, adventure, relaxation, and culture. Mt. Vernon is known for the annual tulip festival.
Things to do:
• Golf Eaglemont course which was voted one of the top 10 courses in the state.
• Go eagle watching in Concrete
San Juan Islands
The paradise known as The San Juan Islands consist of 172 islands with names. Three major islands (with ferry service) are Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Island. You can reach them by a Washington State ferry, seaplane or boat. Good accommodations and amenities await you in the islands.
Must do: • Take a whale watching cruise around the islands
• Visit the Whale Museum
• Celebrate summer at Pelindaba Farm’s annual Lavender Festival
