The secret is out! Bellingham is filled with history, endless trails, rural delights and a hoppin’ beer scene. Call it the new Tacoma or the new Ballard, just don’t call Bellingham the PNW’s best kept secret anymore. Begin in the historic Fairhaven neighborhood for the best of the city in a nutshell. Keeping the spirit of town founder “Dirty” Dan Harris alive, Kolby LaBree is owner, lifelong Bellinghamster and historical researcher for The Good Time Girls. Her tours provide fascinating insights into the city’s past. Self-guided history tours are also listed on the city website. After the tour, stroll downtown Fairhaven. Village Books is a fantastic general bookstore with a huge kids section and Tony’s Coffee is a local legend. Whatcom Falls Park is an awesome 241-acre land of adventures with five miles of trails, a 100-year old railroad trestle, a pump track for BMX-ers and oh so many waterfalls. Further afield, Bellingham lies in the heart of fertile Whatcom County farm country. There’s always fun at Bellewood Farms where families can stock up on apple treats, peanut butter, crafts and locally distilled booze. With 14 breweries for just 90,000 people, Bellingham has become a beer mecca. Boundary Bay was the first, and families can enjoy relaxed outdoor seating with individual fire pits that truly warm up the entire table.
Dine or stay at lovely The Chrysalis Inn & Spa, with views of the bay and easy access to Taylor Dock, the walking-on-water trail which connects Fairhaven to the Bellingham Farmer’s Market, two miles north. On-site restaurant Keenan’s at the Pier invites a lazy linger over lunch, with yummy “handhelds” (sandwiches) and chowders, and beers on tap from Wander Brewing. The grilled cheese sandwich is “probably the best grilled cheese sandwich on a kid’s menu in history,” according to one eight-year old aficionado.
