One of the best ways to experience Bellingham and Whatcom County is by bike. On this itinerary you can explore Bellingham’s independent book stores and breweries by bike!
At Fairhaven Bicycles, you can rent a bike, grab bike maps, talk to local bike enthusiasts or buy gear that you may have forgotten. It’s located in the Historic Fairhaven District, just off of the South Bay Trail.
There are family/beginner-friendly trails along the waterfront’s South Bay Trail that connects the Historic Fairhaven District, Taylor Dock, Boulevard Park and Downtown Bellingham. Enjoy its flat terrain and incredible views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. Intermediate riders will enjoy the Interurban Trail, a 7-mile gravel trail with a few inclines (jump on at Old Fairhaven Parkway and bike south to Larrabee State Park).
Bellingham is home to several independent book stores. The most well-known is Village Books in Historic Fairhaven. This dog-friendly 3-story staple is a great place to find popular and hard-to-find books, relax and peruse magazines or children’s books, attend an author event, or grab soup, coffee or a sandwich.
What better way to reward yourself for a fun day of exploration than with a cold one? And not just any cold one, but a uniquely, recently, and locally brewed beverage. Chuckanut Brewery, located in Bellingham’s Old Town district, brews Euro-style lager, ale, kolsch and pilsners. Check out their monthly beer dinners which pair the brewery’s on tap selections with a specific chef-inspired menu. See our beer page for more breweries in Whatcom County.
Known as “Boundary Bay” by locals, this downtown brewpub has won an exhausting list of awards for its beer and is now the nation’s largest of 950 brewpubs, selling at least 25 percent of its beer on site. Sip on the local-favorite IPA while you savor the Yam Alechiladas. See our beer page for more breweries in Whatcom County.
Please note: check with each venue for details on hours
