Shopping at the Chuckanut Bay Gallery and Sculpture Garden in Bellingham is awe-inspiring. Everywhere you turn, you’ll see a display of beautiful works of art, thoughtfully arranged to showcase the care that went into crafting each one. In one corner, pottery shares space with art glass. In another, an unkindness of ravens (yes, that’s the name for a bunch of ravens) nearly come to life in metal sculptures and grace the wall in paintings of many styles. Here, the art is wearable, usable or just show off-able. There’s jewelry made with stones, pearls and precious metals; mugs, plates, bowls, lamps and post toppers from the potter’s wheel; wooden bowls, trays and spoons; art glass for your beer, your bouquets or your bread; loads of framed photographs, prints and paintings; and clocks, textiles and much more to grace your home. And that’s just on the inside! Chuckanut Bay Gallery is also renowned for its beautiful garden, with winding paths leading to garden sculptures, wind chimes, art pieces, and accents made of metal, stone and glass. Since 1986, Don and Carol Salisbury have operated the gallery, first as a showcase for Don’s pottery, and then adding the handcrafts of hundreds of American and Canadian artists. Their emphasis on "art and garden" is evident, as themes of nature pop up throughout the gallery. If you're into birds (like me), you’ll find plenty to love here. [caption id="attachment_19118" align="aligncenter" width="520"] Fun, letter-pressed greeting cards.[/caption] Chuckanut Bay Gallery and Sculpture Garden is the perfect place to choose a special gift for someone you love or to treat yourself. Add to your collection of wooden spoons, Craftsman-style clocks, nature-inspired pottery or fine jewelry. [caption id="attachment_19121" align="aligncenter" width="520"] Children's books, finger and hand puppets and more![/caption] [caption id="attachment_19122" align="aligncenter" width="520"] Lovely soaps and lotions, hats and scarves, candles, garden supplies and books.[/caption] Every piece featured in the gallery is selected for its quality and uniqueness. Don and Carol strive to offer things you can't find elsewhere—and the prices are surprisingly reasonable! You can spend as little as $10 on something handcrafted, and they'll even giftwrap your new treasure for free! If you’re like me, you’ve driven past Chuckanut Bay Gallery and Sculpture Garden a hundred times while traveling up and down scenic Chuckanut Drive, and always planned on stopping in. Do yourself a favor next time and slow down, park the car, and spend an some time perusing the art, wandering in the garden or relaxing on the deck with an espresso. Whether you spend a few minutes or a couple of hours, you’ll enjoy every moment. Chuckanut Bay Gallery and Sculpture Garden, 700 Chuckanut Drive North, Bellingham, WA 98229 360-734-4885 Gallery Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sunday Noon - 5:30 pm Chuckanut Bay Gallery and Sculpture Garden on Facebook