View from Anthony's Bellingham

I hesitate on writing about this day trip as it was Memorial Day and many of the stores and restaurants were closed.  But seeing that it was the day after the Fairhaven Festival  http://fairhaven.com/  and is also the finish line for the famous Ski to Sea race  http://www.skitosea.com/, I thought it appropriate to give it a mention.  In fact, there was still “great race yesterday!” comments on the streets. 

Bellingham, WA can be found approximately 90 miles north of Seattle and 52 miles south of Vancouver, BC.  It undoubtably has one of the most diverse populations in the Northwest.  With a history of being a blue-collar town, it is also known as a great outdoor recreation spot with many runners, cyclists, and those who enjoy the active lifestyle.  The Western Washington University students make up another segment of the population here.  WWU is known for its excellence in education and has been rated as one of the best regional public universities.  Bellingham has also been rated as one of the best places to retire, particularly known for their highly rated health care services and hospital.  Bellingham boasts 24 distinct neighborhoods.   http://www.bellingham.org/; http://www.bellingham.net/ 

Lunch was had at Colophone Cafe as time was mainly spent in the Fairhaven neighborhood.  This eatery seems to bring in those looking for a soup (rotating monthly menu), salad, or sandwich…and a country cafe atmosphere.  I am not giving it a recommendation but can’t say that it is a total miss either.  My husband had the chicken pot pie and I chose a garden salad with blue cheese dressing (too runny) and cup of Corn Verde Chowder (too much corn and not enough oomph!), and side cheese tray (pass on this if you prefer specialty cheeses).  http://www.colophoncafe.com/  

Bellingham offers beautiful views of Bellingham Bay.  There is the Port of Bellingham and Cruise Terminal, the summer presents outdoor concerts and movies and a farmers market; and the area has various art and history recommendations…maybe a trip to the Whatcom Museum of History & Art, the Railway Museum or American Museum of Radio and Electricity – now that should give you a jolt!.  A variety of day trips abound – whale watching, fishing, Mt Baker Ski Area http://www.mtbaker.us/, Birch Bay, Chuckanut Drive http://chuckanutdrive.com/, British Columbia- Canada, the San Juan Islands, Semiahmoo Resort, and Skagit Valley Casino Resort.