This weekend, my Canadian friends, why not break out of the routine when you travel to our fair city of Bellingham for shopping? You are probably accustomed to leaving the freeway and heading left toward Bellis Fair Mall and Costco. Or you might head straight down James Street to everyone’s favorite, Trader Joe’s (dark chocolate peanut butter cups, anyone?).
All of these are fine destinations for shopping in Bellingham. But next time you’re heading south on I-5, take a right! If you venture a little off that beaten path to check out the treasures that await you in Downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Kyle Fuller of the Downtown Bellingham Partnership agrees: “Downtown Bellingham loves having its neighbors to the north visit. We have such eclectic and unique shops in our downtown district, and we would love to show another side of Bellingham shopping to our Canadian friends! Shoes and clothing stores, cute gift and stationary shops, and even housewares stores–everything you need is in our historical setting by the water.”
From I-5: Head south to exit 253 Lakeway Drive, turn right onto Lakeway Drive and continue onto East Holly Street, which will take you to the heart of Downtown Bellingham. Find street parking everywhere, or turn right onto Commercial Street to enter the Parkade. Parking is free on weekends and after 5:00 p.m., except for commercial and private paid lots, which are indicated.
From Trader Joe’s: Head south on James Street. Turn right onto State Street and continue for .8 mile (or 1.28 km), then turn right on Holly Street.
Once you’ve parked, you can walk everywhere. Wide sidewalks and corner ramps make it suitable for walkers and wheelchairs, too. Downtown Bellingham offers a wide variety of shops, and plenty of places to rest and refuel with a bakery treat and a freshly roasted espresso, bubble tea, glass of wine or a craft beer and sandwich.
Clothing:
Home and Kitchen:
Stationery and Gifts:
Books:
Eyewear:
Food and Wine Shops:
Flowers:
Shoes:
Yarn:
Click here for a copy of the Downtown Bellingham Partnership's retail map
From I-5: Head south to exit 250, Old Fairhaven Parkway. Turn right and follow Old Fairhaven Parkway for 1.3 miles (2 km). Turn right on to 12th Street. Find free parking everywhere.
From Trader Joe’s: Head south on James Street. Turn right onto State Street and continue for 1.2 miles (2 km). The road becomes Boulevard and then 11th Street. Enter Fairhaven on 11th or 12th Street and park for free anywhere.
Clothing:
Jewelry and Gifts:
Home and Garden:
Antiques:
Handcrafted Goods:
Books:
Sporting Goods:
Toys:
Food and Wine Shops:
Shoes:
Flowers:
Bellingham’s hotels also have great deals. Spend a night or two and give yourself extra time for exploring and shopping.
