The Pacific
Northwest is one of the most beautiful regions in the country!
Miles of coastline meander along the mainland and
many islands dot the Puget Sound. Islands, deep woods, and towering
mountains are all within an easy drive or ferry ride and offer a
multitude of activities.
Take advantage of our easy access to the great
outdoors, stroll along the shoreline, and visit one of our 10 major
community parks, many with walking and hiking trails, or hike in the
pristine Cascade Mountains. If it’s museums, galleries and shopping
you are interested in, you’ll find plenty of choices from boutiques
and books to antiques and art.
This region is the
homeland of several Indigenous Tribes, but during its history has been
claimed by Spain, Russia, England and finally the United States. In
1903, the three bayside towns, Whatcom, Sehome, and Fairhaven voted to
consolidate into the present day county seat of Bellingham. Bellingham
boasts a population of approximately 62,000 and is 20 miles south of
the Canadian border and is 90 miles north of Seattle.
Once again, the area
is thriving as a transportation and tourist destination. Bellingham
has a small town feel with many of the amenities you’d expect to find
only in larger cities. Come immerse yourself in our relaxed and
friendly atmosphere, experience some of the spectacular outdoor and
indoor opportunities we have to offer in the Pacific Northwest. There
are many reasons we have been voted best place to visit, live, or
retire. Find out for yourself what makes this region so special!
Bring your family and spend
some fabulous time in the Great Pacific Northwest
Bellingham Area:
Bellingham/Whatcom County "Fast Facts" -
Did you know...
-
No fewer
than four national magazines have singled Bellingham out as one of the
country's best small towns to visit and live. Magazines and
publications include “Outside Magazine" (September 2001), ”Reader's
Digest," "Swing Magazine, " "Money” (1990), "Sunset" and "Rand
McNally.” (1987)
-
AARP's
Modern Maturity rated Bellingham as one of the best 50 towns in which
to retire and live. Bellingham was ranked 4th in their 'clean and
green' category. (May/June 2000)
-
Bellingham
is the best small city in Washington State to do business and is
ranked 19th in the country. (Forbes magazine, May 2000)
-
The
Bellingham/Whatcom County area is
among the 25 cleanest cities in
terms of air pollution, according to data collected by the E.P.A. as
reported by the American Lung Association. (May 2000)
-
Bellingham
leads the nation in the amount of green space available with 15
percent of the city's total land area utilized as a park or natural
reserve.
-
The
American Hiking Society and the National Park Service have designated
Bellingham as a “Trail Town USA.” (June 1, 1996)
We are one of only 30 cities
nationwide and the only city in Washington and Oregon, to be so
honored. We are a "city of greenways" w
ith
over 80 miles of pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian trails and more
than 600 acres of open space.
-
With 16
public golf courses, Whatcom County has more golf courses per capita
than any other county in the Pacific Northwest. Golf Digest rated
Bellingham the seventh best “golf city” in the nation out of 314
cities (Nov. 2002). The region is frequently referred to as "Monterey
North."
-
Bellingham
was rated the second best "Paddling/ Ski Town" in the nation (out of
14
cities) by Paddler Magazine. (November/December 2000)
-
Numerous
spots around Bellingham/Whatcom County have been listed as the
"Best
Places to Kiss in the N.W.," including Schnauzer Crossing Bed and
Breakfast and Chuckanut Drive.
-
Bellingham
was picked by Fortune Magazine (Nov. 1996) as the
"Best city to
balance work and family life."
-
Western
Washington University is Washington's third largest institution of
higher education with over 12,000 full-time students and 77 permanent
buildings on a 189-acre campus. WWU has nationally acclaimed
educational opportunities.
-
For the seventh consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has
ranked WWU No. 2 among public
master's-granting universities in the West.
-
Bellingham
is listed as one of the best college towns in the United States to
retire in Kiplinger Magazine (Nov. 2002) and the book, "Choose A
College Town for Retirement.” (1999)
Whatcom
County is the 21st fastest growing metropolitan area
in the United States. From 1990 to 1998, the county's population
g
rew
by 27.7 percent. (U.S. Census Bureau, The Dallas Morning News,
December 1999)
-
Whatcom
Museum is one of the largest museums in Washington State.
-
The Lummi
Reservation hosts the nations fastest growing Indian college in the
United States.
-
Bellingham
has been rated the third best place to retire in America. (Rand
McNally's Retirement Places Rated, New York, 1996)
-
In 1996,
Bellingham moved from 170th to 67th best place to live in the United
States. (Money Magazine.)
-
Pioneer
Park, in Ferndale, represents one of the finest collections of
original pioneer log cabins and artifacts in the world.
-
Whatcom
County is the first in the State of Washington in the production of
milk. In 1994, dairy farmers in the county
tended to more cows than anywhere else in the State. (Cities of the
United States, 1998)
-
Nooksack
River has been listed as one of the most challenging rivers to raft
in Washington, attracting thousands of experienced rafters each year.
(Bellingham Herald, July 15, 1996)
-
Squalicum
Harbor is one of the largest marinas in the Puget Sound.
-
Hovander
Park's elaborate, turn-of-the-century farmhouse, located in Ferndale,
is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as having one of the
biggest barns in the Pacific Northwest.
-
Mount Baker set a
world record in 1999 for having the most snow fall in one year
with 1,140 inches. This tops the previous record of 1,122 inches set
at Mount Rainier, the winter of 1971-72! (National Climatic Data
Center, August 1999)
-
Mt. Baker
has the longest ski season in Washington State (Nov.-April).
-
Mount Baker
has been voted numerous times as one of the best places to snowboard,
by such publications as Snow Country Magazine and Northwest Travel
Magazine.
-
Whatcom
County holds the record for the most drive-up espresso stands
per-capita in Washington. Nearly 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".
Back to top
Bellingham / Mt. Baker
Region "TopTen"
1)
Scenic Drives- Mt. Baker~Mt. Baker Highway & Chuckanut Drive
·
Mt. Baker, a
10,778 ft. glacier-covered volcano, is the second most active volcanic
formation in the Cascade Range (nearby Mt. St. Helens is the first)
and a world-record setter for the most annual snowfall. Mt. Baker is
consistently rated by national publications as one of the best skiing,
snowboarding, snowshoeing & hiking havens in the nation. A trip up
the
Mt. Baker Highway is
breathtaking and filled with many sights along the way, including
floral gardens, fish hatcheries & farms. Stop at
Mt. Baker Vineyards
for touring and wine
tasting...then make your way to
Nooksack
Falls and feel the power as the fall plummets 100 feet down before you!
Continue up the highway to
Mt. Shuksan,
the most photographed peak in the world!
·
Chuckant Drive (State Hwy 11):
Once the major
connecting route between Seattle and Bellingham, Chuckanut Drive is
one of the United States most scenic roads. This 20-mile drive hugs
the coast and offers spectacular views of the San Juan Islands, Lummi
Island and the Olympic Mountains. Exquisite water view restaurants
and galleries dot the roadside. Chuckanut Drive takes you through
tunnels of towering trees, farmlands and past Larrabee State Park.
Fantastic hiking trails too!
2)
Historic Fairhaven District ·
Noted for its colorful, 19th century history, which includes an 1880's
developer and ex-rum-runner named "Dirty Dan." With hopes of being
the next Chicago, Fairhaven bustled with hotels, taverns, an opera
house, concert garden, restaurants and brothels.
Today,
several red brick relics of Fairhaven's era survive in the district's
six square-blocks and are home to a variety of unique
restaurants, pubs,
art galleries, antique shops, bookstores and a boutique
hotel.
Sidewalk tombstone markers and brass plaques on buildings tell
wild tales of Fairhaven's past.
3)
Lynden - Dutch Town ·
Located north of Bellingham on Highway 539, Lynden clings passionately
to its Dutch roots. Lynden is
Washington State's largest Dutch settlements,
with
approximately 70 percent of its residents of Dutch ancestry, as
well as the heart of Whatcom County's farmland. Upon reaching the
four-block span of Front Street, known as Dutch Old Town,
visitors are greeted by a 72-foot tall working windmill that towers
over the street. Inside, it houses a gift shop, restaurant and one
wing of the Dutch Village Inn. A canal meanders through the
Dutch Village Mall featuring eighteen shops specializing in Dutch
lace, wooden shoes, delftware and other imports. Waitresses in Front
Street restaurants bustle about in native dress. Menu selections are
typically Dutch and Dutch bakeries abound. Reserve at least an hour to
tour the Lynden Pioneer Museum with its premier collection of
40 antique buggies and its two-story replica of Lynden at the
century's turn.
4)
Bellingham Waterfront
·
Offering spectacular views of Bellingham Bay, Mount Baker, the San
Juan Islands and the Olympic Mountains, this recently renovated area
features Squalicum Harbor (commercial & private marina), Zuanich Point
Park, community boardwalk & promenade, shopping plaza, restaurants,
Hotel Bellwether and the new Bellwether complex featuring a high-end
gallery, jewelry shop, spa, mercato and more.
5)
Peace Arch Park, Blaine ·
Home
to the Peace Arch, a crystal white 67-foot symbol of friendly
relations between Canada and the United States. The Peace Arch was
built in 1921. Thousands of visitors pass through the Arch each
year. Peace Arch Park is a beautiful place to "stop and smell"
the flowers, view several unique sculptures or have a picnic.
6)
The Arts~Whatcom Museum & Mt. Baker Theatre ·
Located in the heart of downtown Bellingham, architecturally striking
Whatcom Museum features ongoing and revolving exhibi
ts including
contemporary art and artifacts of historical significance. Built in
1892, the Whatcom Museum is housed in what was originally the
Bellingham City Hall. Mount Baker Theatre, built in 1927, is a
historical showplace, as well, for more than 100 live performances
each year, plus movies and community events.
7)
Orca Whales·
Whatcom County's proximity to the Ge
orgia Strait affords our vessels
quick and easy access to waters inhabited by several pods of orca
whales. Visitors can spend the day encountering these enchanting
creatures as they break from the water's surface a few yards away.
See Minke whales feed in the area, harbor seals warm themselves on
rocky outcroppings and Dall's porpoises surfing in ship wakes.
Visitors will also see eagles, grebes, loons and blue herons. Several
Nature/Whale Watch cruises depart from Bellingham late May-
September.
8)
Romantic Waterfront Lodging Getaways
·
Semiahmoo Resort
is built at the tip of a natural sandspit with water and mountain
views. Luxurious guest rooms, outstanding restaurants and fitness
center. Experience exceptional golf at their award winning, Arnold
Palmer designed golf course.
·
Hotel Bellwether, a
$10 million development, is located on the Bellingham, Washington
waterfront with breathtaking views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan
Islands to the West and majestic Mt. Baker to the East. The full
service hotel, which
opened September 2000,
features 68 sleeping
rooms, a three-story lighthouse suite with a 360-degree observation
deck ($599-799 per night) and a private 200-foot dock to allow guests
to tie up their boats. The hotel also features a library; Harborside
Bistro, a fine dining, view restaurant; The Compass Room, a
breakfast/tea room; Sunset Lounge, a piano bar; a seaside rose garden
and fitness center.
·
The Chrysalis Inn & Spa,
which opened in April 2001, overlooks beautiful Bellingham Bay and the
historic district of Fairhaven. Guests can pamper themselves at the
spa or unwind at the wine bar featuring an exceptional collection of
fine wines. All of the 43 sleeping rooms have oversized soaking or
whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and water views. Guests are treated to a
complimentary gourmet breakfast.
9)
Trail Town USA ·
Bellingham has been designated as a "Trail Town USA," by the American
Hiking Society and the National Park Service. We are one of only 30
cities nationwide and the only city in Washington and Oregon to be so
honored. We are a "city of greenways" with twenty-nine miles of
pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian trails and more than 600 acres of
open space.
10)
Spectacular Festivals & Events (just to name a few!)
JUNE- Deming
Logging Show: ·
Presided over by the "Bull of the Woods", this two-day show held the
first full weekend in June is a display of iron muscles and steely
nerves. Local lumbermen enthrall the arena crowd with their daredevil
stunts and feats of strength, spiced up with a good dose of humor.
The long lists of events include: log rolling and chopping, ax
throwing, kids tree climbing, choker setting, tree climbing, and other
traditional skill competitions.
www.demingloggingshow.com
JULY- Peace Arch
Park's International Festival of the Arts: ·
Visit Washington States premier outdoor art gallery nestled in the
magnificent gardens of historic Peace Arch Park. Various artists--
each unique and beautiful. Festivities include an arts and crafts
fair, musical entertainment, food and more!
JULY 4 Haggen's Fourth of July Celebration
Fireworks display over Bellingham Bay. 10:30 Free.
Always a great show with hundreds of vantage points around the bay and
from WWU campus.
JULY 4 Old Fashioned 4th Festival
Parade, antique car show, street fair, beer garden, fireworks,
food & music. 11am-10pm
www.cityofblaine.com
630-3324544
JULY 4 Bellgrass, a seafood, wine and music festival
makes its third annual appearance at Tom Glenn Commons, Bellweather on
the Bay. Last year between 4,000 and 5,000 attended the event!
Admission is free, and guests will enjoy toe tappin’ tunes from some of the best musicians around. Food vendors
offer tasty treats ranging from oysters and salmon dinners to kettle
corn and ice cream. Wine and beer tastings are held in a huge
tented beverage garden sporting decorated tables and plenty of chairs.
Those who stay until the end have the best seats in town for the
fireworks over Bellingham Bay that follows the festivities which run
from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m.
www.bellwetheronthebay.com
;
www.hospicehelp.org 360-738-6701 or 676-2500
JULY
4–11 Festival of American Fiddle Tunes
Workshop
Join us for one of the nation's finest
celebrations of traditional music. Spend a week living, learning and
jamming with masters of North American fiddling traditions. Held
in the magnificent seaside locale of Fort Worden State Park, the crown
jewel of the Washington State Park system.
http://www.centrum.org/workshops/fiddle.html
JULY 10-11 Hills to Mills
Craft Show
Watch and buy direct from crafters, chainsaw carvings, painting & live
auctions. 9am-6pm
$4 perperson/$10 perfamily. Deming Log Show Grounds.
www.demingloggingshow.com
360-592-3051
JULY 11-17 Blaine Jazz
Festival
Seven days of exciting rehearsals, combos, improv. & classes for
teens with internationally recognized faculty, varous concerts &
performances open to the public.
www.pacificartsassoc.org
630-332-6484
JULY 16-18
Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival
If you like world class R and B you may want to stay for this show! A
scenic 3 ˝ hour drive through countryside and High Mountain passes
takes you to the drier, warmer clime of Eastern Washington. The
Festival is on the Blues Ranch next to the Methow River, one mile west
of the town of Winthrop. Temperatures can be hot even before the
musicians start to play! (This has become an annual pilgrimage for
Doug and Lyn.)
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a swimsuit or other clothes to cool off in
the river.
More information at:
www.winthropblues.com
Information on the town of Winthrop at:
www.winthropwashington.com
AUGUST- Bellingham
Festival of Music: ·
A
musical delight! This two-week world-class symphony, chamber and jazz
music festival features the music of Beethoven and other great
internationally known composers and artists. Performances nightly.
AUGUST- Northwest
Washington Fair: ·
This
agricultural fair held at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in
Lynden is known for big-name entertainers such as Neil Sedaka and
Louise Mandrell, horse races, tractor pulls, hundreds of food booths,
crafts, farm animals from top farms in Whatcom County and a thrilling
carnival. A definite fun way to spend a day!
