Bellingham (Washington) Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Bellingham is the seat of Whatcom County in the northwest corner of Washington State.
Contents |
Understand
The City of Bellingham[1] formed in 1903 when the cities of New Whatcom and Fairhaven consolidated from what were once four separate settlements (Fairhaven, Whatcom, Sehome, and Bellingham). The local economy got its start in resource extraction, notably coal and timber. The Georgia-Pacific mill on the waterfront, whose site is now being redeveloped into a dynamic mixed-use neighborhood, sustained the local economy for many years. Recently employment has diversified from heavy industry to education, services, tourism, and retail.
Situated on Bellingham Bay, you can venture from downtown and in minutes be in rural farmland, the North Cascades or out on the salt waters around the San Juan Islands. Bellingham is situated abot 80 miles North of Seattle and 55 miles from Vancouver. Environmentally friendly practices such as recycling are part of the culture here. Bellingham is known for being a town that cares for its environment and its residents enjoy the many outdoor activities the region supports.
Outdoor adventure[2] has become a big part of the reasons why people live and visit here. From skiing at nearby Mt. Baker to whale watching near the San Juan Islands, the region offers many attractions. While the community is growing, it still retains much of its authentic self and commitment to its laid back, progressive style.
Downtown [3] thrives with a variety of locally owned businesses, fine dining and nightlife options. It is also the cultural core of the city, with an eclectic mix of museums and performance venues all within blocks of each other. The historic Mt. Baker Theatre[4] hosts a variety of live performances year-round. The nearby Whatcom Museum of History & Art[5] showcases exhibitions of contemporary art and regional history in four buildings.
Down on Bay Street is the American Museum of Radio and Electricity[6]. It links the scientific exploration of the phenomenon called “electricity” with the development of radio into its Golden Age. Compelling, interactive exhibits spanning three centuries feature a world-class collection of unique electrical objects and radios.
Nearby on Commercial Street is the Bellingham Railway Museum[7]. This facility traces the history of the railway in Bellingham through a variety of hands on exhibits and simulators. The Museum's Lionel and tinplate exhibit features a collection of pre- and post-war Lionel, Marx and Ives toy trains and the accessories that went with them.
Western Washington University [8] attracts students from across the region to Bellingham. This keeps the city relatively young and vibrant, and contributes to a unusually rich local cultural scene. WWU is also home to one of the largest & finest collections of outdoor sculpture[9] on the West Coast featuring the works of internationally renowned artists including Richard Serra, Isamu Noguchi, Beverly Pepper and Anthony Caro
Fairhaven [10]is noted for its colorful, 19th century history. With hopes of being the next Chicago, Fairhaven bustled with hotels, taverns, an opera house, concert garden, restaurants and brothels. The boom, driven initially by demand for lumber, coal and fish, was further fueled by the rumor that Fairhaven was to become the western terminus of the second northern transcontinental railroad.
Today, several red brick relics of Fairhaven's era survive in the federally designated historic district's six square-blocks. They (and other structures) are now home to a variety of unique local restaurants, pubs, art galleries, antique shops, bookstores, boutique hotel plus an inn and spa. The district has blossomed into a major destination and residential community.
As coffee is a way of life in the Northwest, the region certainly has its share of local espresso stands. Whatcom County holds the record for the most drive-up espresso stands per-capita in Washington (state). More than 50 stands dot the landscape, with such lively names as "Brewed Awakening", "I Wanna Moka", "Jitters Cafe", "Shot in the Dark" and "Well Latte Dah".
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, [11] is the central resource for community information. 800-487-2032 toll free in US and Canada, 360-671-3990. They have an info center at Interstate 5, Exit 253 City Center. Open daily 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Get in
Visit the Tourism Bureau's transportation page for more information on accessing Bellingham and travel within the region.
By plane
Bellingham International Airport (BLI) [12] has scheduled flights to Seattle and connecting cities through Horizon Air/Alaska Air,Las Vegas on Allegiant Air and Salt Lake City and connecting cities on Delta Airlines . A few small carriers offer flights to the San Juan Islands.
For information on airport parking call (360) 733-5823. Parking price is $6.00 for 24 hours, $30 per week.
Major national rental car agencies at the Bellingham Airport include Avis, Hertz, Budget and National.
By train
The Amtrak Cascades [13] offers service to Seattle, Portland, Eugene and Vancouver, Canada.The train station (Fairhaven Transportation Center) is located at 401 Harris Avenue in Fairhaven.By car
Access to Bellingham is primarily from the seven exits off Interstate 5, although travelers using the Lynden/Aldergrove border crossing will arrive via State Route 539, a.k.a Guide Meridian. Fairhaven is served by Exit 250, and downtown is served by Exit 253 (Lakeway Drive).
A scenic alternative when coming from the south is Chuckanut Drive [14] (State Route 11), a winding road that follows the side of Chuckanut Mountain along the water overlooking the San Juan Islands. Turn off I-5 at Exit 231 and expect to take an extra twenty minutes to reach downtown. This route is also popular with cyclists (warning: narrow shoulders) and has been used frequently for national car commercials.
Another rural alternative in the eastern part of the county is State Route 9, which parallels Interstate 5 and can be accessed south of Whatcom County via Skagit County. This roiute carves through a valley east of Stewart Mountain and the Mt. baker foothills. A two lane highway, you pass through small towns and by various farms, follow the south fork of the Nooksack River, and end up at the border community of Sumas on the U.S. and Canadian border. Be sure to stop in at Everybody's Store in Van Zandt for unique provisions and treats. To connect back to Bellingham, visitors should go west on Highway 542 when it intersects with Highway 9.
By bus
Greyhound buses [15] arrive at the Fairhaven Transportation Center at the south end of town.
Quick Shuttle busses [16] provides services from Vancouver and Seattle to the Bellingham Airport. Call the WTA in advance to book Bus #50 to take you into town or take a taxi from the airport.
Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) [17] buses provide service to the Bellingham bus station, which in turn provides service to most of the city as well as a number of towns in Whatcom County.
By boat
Seasonal passenger-only service is available to Victoria and the San Juan Islands.
Get around
You can get around on foot within the Fairhaven district, downtown, and the University, but transportation between these areas is best by bicycle, car, or bus.
Parking is 50¢ per hour downtown, and notably more expensive at the University. On-street parking is plentiful at most hours, and a number of free lots are available. Downtown Bellingham, though small, is something of a maze, with many odd angles and one-way streets. It may be helpful to have a detailed map handy when navigating this area. Free maps are available at the Visitor Center just off I-5 at exit 253.
There is a comprehensive network of bicycle and pedestrian paths throughout the city. A free bicycle map can be downloaded from the city's Web site.
Because of the relative lack of traffic and parking difficulties, most locals get around by car (though many students and ecologically-minded souls travel on foot, public bus or on a bicycle).
Whatcom County roads outside of Bellingham are referred to by locals with a preceding the. Guide Meridian is "The Guide," Hannegan Road is "The Hannegan," and so on.
See
The historic Fairhaven District [18] at the south end of the city is probably the most tourist-oriented area, with a number of nice shops and restaurants. Many beautiful historic homes overlook the bay from the South Hill neighborhood, just north of Fairhaven.
Western Washington University, [19] on the flank of Sehome Hill boasts an outdoor sculpture garden and adjoins the Sehome Hill Arboretum, with a number of trails and a lookout tower at the top.
Downtown [20]lies to the north of the University. Although less touristy than Fairhaven, it is still vibrant during regular business hours, and caters to college revellers at night. The American Museum of Radio and Electricity [21] is on Bay Street. The main performance venues are downtown: A number of night clubs host live music, and the Mount Baker Theatre hosts theatrical productions as well as musicians and comedians.
North of downtown is mostly residential, gradually tapering off to the big-box retail and strip-mall area north of I-5.
To the east of the city is Lake Whatcom, a 9.2-mile long lake that also serves as a drinking water reservoir for about 88,000 local residents. Bloedel-Donovan park offers a swimming area, and the North Lake Whatcom trail offers a good view of the less-developed half of the lake.
Whatcom Falls Park is a beautiful park at the center of the city with a depression-era sandstone bridge overlooking Whatcom Falls, a cascade of water that drops 20 feet directly towards the city, down to Whatcom Creek. Numerous paths connect to the city's system of bicycle and pedestrian trails. Part of this park was the site of a massive pipeline explosion in 1999. 1401 Electric Ave. Open daily from dawn to dusk.
Lake Padden, 4882 Samish Way (A couple miles southeast of town), 676-6985. 6AM-10PM daily. Motor boats are banned on this smaller lake, so it is ideal for relaxed kayaking, rowing, or swimming. The lake can be circled on shady paths in an hour or so of easy walking.
Do
- Farmers' Market, [22]. Located downtown at the corner of Railroad and Chestnut. Saturdays from April through October, 10AM-3PM. Pick up local fruits, vegetables, and meats (many organics) for a barbeque. Try any of the prepared food stalls for a quick and easy lunch. Though still called a farmers' market, there are several craft and souvenir tables as well.
- Ski to Sea, [23]. A historical race held in Bellingham. The race has been held annually since 1973. It consists of a seven man team that travels 85 miles from Mount Baker to Bellingham Bay, each individual does a different event. The events start with cross-country skiing, then it goes to downhill skiing, running, bicycling, canoeing, mountain biking and sea kayaking. The actual Ski to Sea takes place on Memorial Day weekend on Sunday May 27th. There are many other fun family activities leading up to the race also on Memorial Day weekend, such as parades, art shows, and boat shows. The weekend prior to the main race on May 20th, is the Junior Ski to Sea Race. This is a wonderful activity for all the kids.
- Chalk Art Festival
- Mt. Baker Blues Festival
- Deming Log Show.
- Scandinavian Fair.
- True/False Film Festival.
- Scottich Highland Games.
Learn
Work
If you're eligible to work in the U.S. it may be a challenge finding something other than minimum-wage employment in Bellingham. The natural beauty of the area tends to attract more residents than the local economy can support, but positions do become available from time to time.
Buy
A major retail center is the Guide-Meridian Street, off I-5 in the North end of town. This includes Bellis Fair Mall and a variety of strip malls and major retail outlets.
For those in search of something authentic, downtown Bellingham and the historic district of Fairhaven offer a number of small one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, bakeries and unique services.
Nearby communities like Lynden and Ferndale are smaller, but have some interesting retail and dining options. Throughout the region there are seasonal produce stands and orchards that offer locally grown items.
Eat
- Jacci's Fish and Chips, 1020 Harris Ave., +1-360 733-5021. Tu-Th, 11AM-7PM, F Sa, 11AM-6PM, Sunday, 12-5 PM. You can't miss this red double decker bus with a few picnic tables out front. Select fresh fish such as cod, halibut or salmon for truly delicious fish and chips. $6-$10.
- Dos Padres, 1111 Harris Ave. , +1-360 733-9900. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM, Bar until midnight daily. Standard Mexican food such as fajitas, burritos, and so on. The restaurant side is comfortable and relaxed. Note the separate bar entrance to the right if you are mainly interested in the margaritas.
- Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro, 1107 Railroad Ave., +1-360 647-5593. Opens 11AM daily. Fax +1-360 671-5897. [24] This brewery, bar, and restaurant is a good place for a drink or food. Minors are welcome in the restaurant. Seafood, steaks, and Mexican food on the menu from $8-$25. Try the beer sampler with a friend to get an idea of all the brews they produce.
- Mallard located in downtown. Serves a wide variety of ice cream and other deserts. Favorite of locals, and the servers are very friendly.
- Rhododendron Cafe, 5521 Chuckanut Dr., Tel +1-360 766-6667. [25] located South of Chuckanut Mountain in the country town of Bow, features exquisitely prepared combinations of Northwest and ethnic food in a casual setting. Drive down Chuckanut Drive (Highway 11), 25 minutes from Fairhaven, for a visual treat. Open for Lunch & Dinner, W-Su, 11:30AM- 9PM; Sa-Su brunch 9AM. Closed M-Tu. Reservations for parties of 5 or more only. Entrees $9-20; complete meals with wine and tax $30-$40 per person.
- The Horseshoe Cafe, 113 E. Holly St., tel +1 360 734-0380. [26] located on Holly Street since 1886, is an old-fashioned diner with breakfast most of the day and burgers for lunch and dinner, enough modern sensibility to offer free wireless internet access, and waitstaff that call you "honey" and/or sport the latest piercings. Reasonably priced.
- The Pacific Cafe, 100 N. Commercial St., tel +1 360 647-0800. [27] in the Mount Baker Theatre building, is one of Bellingham's top gastronomic experiences. It offers fresh food skilfully prepared, with Asian and Northwest accents. Lunch entrees $10-15, dinner entrees $18-30. Open for Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:00PM, Dinner M-Sa starting at 5:30PM. Reservations accepted.
Drink
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
- Schnauzer Crossing, 4421 Lakeway Dr. , +1 800 562-2808, +1-360 734-2808, +1-360 733-0055, (Email, fax: +1-360 734-2808), WebPage. Check in daily 4PM-6PM or by arrangement, check out 11AM. Enjoy lake views from the veranda as you eat a truly amazing breakfast cooked fresh with local ingredients. This small B and B has one double room, one suite, one detached cottage, and an outdoor hot tub jacuzzi. The owners have taken great care in furnishing the rooms in this long established inn. As the name implies, be prepared to be greeted by a schnauzer or two on arrival. The dogs are trained and very well behaved around guests. $140-$225 ($30 extra for a third guest in rooms).
- Hotel Bellwether One Bellwether Way., +1-360-392-100 Toll Free: 1+877-411-1200 WebPage. High-end lodging on the waterfront with walking access to fine dining, specialty shops.
Stay safe
Crime
The crime rate is relatively low for an urban area by North American standards. Violent crime perpetrated by strangers is nearly unheard of, but property crime is more common. If you are parked at a trailhead or in a park, keep your valuables out of sight, or better yet leave them where you're staying.
There are few areas of the city that couldn't be considered safe at all hours of the day and night. The downtown bar scene sometimes attracts a drunk and somewhat rowdy crowd at night, and a few street corners downtown attract groups of loiterers that have occasionally become belligerent. But overall no unusual precautions need be taken.
Rail/Trail Crossings
When hiking in the area it's not unusual to have to cross the railroad tracks that hug the shoreline south of the city, or in some cases walk along the tracks (though both are technically considered trespassing). Be sure to stay alert; while the numerous freight trains that pass through make plenty of noise, the passenger trains are surprisingly quiet and can easily sneak up on an unwary hiker.
Cope
Bellingham's winters are often long and rainy. If you visit between the months of October and May be prepared for a good deal of wind and precipitation.
Get out
Mount Baker — is a dormant glacier-covered volcano with a popular outdoor recreation area and ski resort. It is located east of Bellingham on Mt. Baker Highway, Highway 542.
Numerous hiking trails exist south of the city in the Chuckanut Mountains. Lookout (Galbraith) Mountain offers some of the best mountain biking in the area.
The North Lake Whatcom Trail is a treat on hot summer days, as it has numerous spots to take a dip in the lake or just take in the scenery. Follow North Shore Drive nearly to the end and follow the signs to the trailhead. Come early, as the insects can be a bit overwhelming in the evening.
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