| Bellingham Washington is Situated where the
Nooksack River flows into Bellingham Bay, the city of Bellingham,
Washington, has been rediscovered in recent years. This bustling
university town is full of fine old houses, award-winning architecture,
stately streets, and lovely parks. Bellingham's charm starts in Old
Town where you'll find shops and good restaurants. That charm
extends to Western Washington University, a fine expression of the
spirit of Northwest architecture with its warm materials, formal echoes
of European styles, and respect for context and the natural backdrop.
Chances to explore the cultural side of Bellingham are
everywhere. The town celebrates its history at several museums and local
displays, including an extensive collection at Whatcom Museum of
History and Art. Music and theater are important parts of the
community, and the summer music festival, featuring more than two
weeks of orchestral, chamber, and jazz performances, has become an
institution.
Any visit to Bellingham should include a stop at
Fairhaven, a once-separate town that has retained its old-time
character. The Marketplace, the grand dame and central figure
among the attractive old buildings, was restored in 1988 and houses a
number of interesting shops and dining options. The district is rich
with diversions: crafts galleries, coffeehouses, bookstores, a charming
garden/nursery emporium, and a lively evening scene. Not far from
Fairhaven is the start of Chuckanut Drive, a famous stretch of
road that used to be part of the Pacific Highway. Now it's one of the
prettiest drives in the state, curving along the Chuckanut Mountains and
looking out over Samish Bay and its many islands.
Perhaps one of the best things about Bellingham is its
location: it is the hub of northwestern Washington. From here you can
plan whale-watching or kayaking adventures to the San Juan Islands;
go hiking in North Cascades National Park or in the shadow of
stately Mount Baker—you can even catch a ferry to Alaska. Both in
town and in the surrounding wilderness, Bellingham has a lot to offer.
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