The Best of Bellingham: Make the most of your next trip to the city by the sea
From delicious new restaurants to a lighthouse you can sleep in, tons of fun can be had in the city only 1.5 hours from Seattle.
Less than two hours away from Seattle is the beautiful city of Bellingham. With Bellingham Bay on one side of town and Mount Baker on the other, it's more than just home to the students of Western Washington University. From a museum that literally sparks, to a burrito with nearly half a million fans, locals and frequent visitors would agree that there are plenty of fun things to see, do and eat in the evergrowing city.
Keep reading to learn about just a few of many popular spots you might want to keep in mind on your next trip up north!
Where to Eat From a giant burrito to spicy ice cream
As the city grows Bellingham has become a destination spot for foodies. People travel from all over the world to eat at nearby Willows Inn, but these spots are the local favorites:
Camber
Not only does this cafe serve up cute and delicious cups of joe -- they serve up the BEST in Washington, according to Food and Wine magazine. They've been roasting beans since 2015 and offer 5 or more different varieties every day.
Camber | 221 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 656-5343
Saltadena
This bakery is run by a woman so devoted to her craft that she has a tattooed stick of butter on her arm. Nancy Stuart has mastered the art of cakemaking with flavors like ‘Sweet Corn and Salted Honey’ and ‘Salt and Pepper’. Customers can also opt to purchase a "Scrappie" for $5 -- cake scraps from the domed tops of layer cakes contained with a scoop of frosting.
Saltadena | 111 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 393-3111
Bantam 46
This new dinner spot is HOT and simple. Their sign reads a two word summary of their menu: ‘Chicken. Drinks.’ They do both well, and the cozy interior with an upstairs bar feels like you're in your cool rich uncle's library. Also, the team at Bantam 46 is paid a living wage, so the restaurant is tip-free.
Bantam 46 | 1327 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 788-4507
Mallard Ice Cream
Mallard is a Bellingham institution that’s been making ice cream for years in small batches, by hand, mostly in single flavors. You can expect intense, pure, and sometimes unusual flavors. Their jalapeno ice cream is green and has flecks of peppers in it -- it’s hot, cold, and delicious.
Mallard Ice Cream | 1323 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 734-3884
Where to Drink Beers abound in 'Brewingham'
Need a pit stop for a drink or two? Bellingham is earning the nickname “Brewingham” for a reason -- there are more than a dozen breweries in the city, producing award-winning beer. Here are just 4 spots that are definitely worth stopping by.
Boundary Bay Brewery
Opened in 1995, Boundary Bay is Bellingham’s oldest craft brewery where the India Pale Ale remains their top-seller. The family-friendly open-air taproom and beer garden are great places to also grab a bite. But the real draw is Boundary Bay's history - they've served their community for nearly a quarter-century.
Boundary Bay Brewery | 1107 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 647-5593
Twin Sisters Brewing Company
One of the city's newest breweries serves a dozen small-batch beers on tap in wide-open spaces. It's home to one of the largest beer gardens in Washington -- with outdoor games and food service; and a smaller adults-only indoor space focused on beer making.
Twin Sisters Brewing Company | 500 Carolina St, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 922-6700
Stone's Throw Brewery
This smaller, intimate spot is the only brewery in Bellingham's Fairhaven District. It’s also unique -- shipping containers house the brew tanks and neighbors helped build the outdoor seating area, which has a cozy backyard feel.
Stone's Throw Brewery | 1009 Larrabee Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 362-5058
Paws For a Beer
This aptly named bar is Bellingham's first and only dog-friendly tavern. They serve local brews, wine, ciders, kombucha and more to humans -- and dog treats are overflowing too. With or without a pup, everyone is welcome!
Paws For a Beer | 501 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 733-7297
READ MORE: Bark for your beer in Bellingham
What to Do Lightning bolts and apples
There's more to Bellingham than just the vibrant food and drink scene. You can chill in nature at Whatcom Falls Park or take a stroll alongside Bellingham Bay at Boulevard Park. For views, Chuckanut Drive is a must. But beyond those classics, these interactive attractions are fun for the whole family.
SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
The "Spark" in this museum's name comes from the many hands-on exhibits that will ignite curiosity. Some are hair raising, using static to literally make a person's hair stand on end. In one display, President John Jenkins plays "Purple Haze" using a florescent light rod and a Tesla Coil -- a bright site that can't be missed!
SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention | 1312 Bay St, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 738-3886
U-Pick Apples at Bellewood Acres
A short drive from central Bellingham is this 62-acre farm that is home to the largest apple orchard in Western Washington. They have 20 varieties and a country cafe that does indeed serve their homemade apple pie. They also make their own cider. But not to be missed is the "cider frost" -- a delicious Honeycrisp cider slushy!
Bellewood Acres | 6140 Guide Meridian Rd, Lynden, WA 98264 | (360) 318-7720
Where to Stay Sleep in a lighthouse
Hotel Bellwether
Disclaimer: This is an Encore Presentation of this story.
Update: Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns please contact the business directly for the most up-to-date information on hours, availability or closures.
This boutique hotel with plenty of perks is the ultimate waterfront getaway. The first thing you'll see is the Lighthouse Suite -- that's right, guests can opt to stay in a 3-story lighthouse with 360-degree views of Bellingham Bay. However, all the rooms are great -- most have fireplaces, and they seem to be everywhere you turn in the public spaces too. During your stay, be sure to say hello to their canine concierge, Bella!
Hotel Bellwether | 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham WA 98225 | (360) 392-3100
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