Pay a visit to Bellingham for great views and eats

Affectionately dubbed the “City of Subdued Excitement,” Bellingham, Washington is a town of profound, yet understated beauty. With its taut mountain peaks, refreshing coastal waters, and vibrant nightlife, this community that lies just 20 miles south of the Canadian border is teeming with opportunities to bask in the Pacific Northwest’s delights.

Start on your drive north along I-5. The path is a direct one, but if you're tired, Anacortes sits just a short distance from the interstate and offers incredible seaside views and mouth watering bites at spots like Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina and Calico Cupboard Cafe.

Once you arrive in “Bham,” check in to retreats like Hotel Bellwether or Fairhaven Village Inn. However, if you don’t mind a little jaunt up I-5, you can place yourself directly along the shoreline at Semiahmoo Resort where you can indulge yourself in endless spa treatments or golf games.

For those seeking crisp mountain air, Artist Point in the northern Cascades will serve as a brilliant escape into the wilderness. Those who prefer a little adventure with their outdoor escapades will find great joy along the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail – especially in late summer when the nine-mile round-trip trail is covered in fields of wild blueberries. If you’re not in the mood for a major trek, this same hike is filled with incredible beauty from the minute you embark and can easily be done as a shorter, casual stroll. Or, pack a picnic and enjoy the beauty of the mountains just a few steps from the parking lot where there’s ample space to spread out and take a deep breath.

Closer to town there are a few other ways to unwind. Take a dip along Lake Whatcom Park’s waterside trail (just bring your own beach chairs), or meander through old-growth forests in the Canyon Lake Community Forest.

As for tasty bites, one Bellingham must-visit also comes with a scenic ride along the coast. Hop on Chuckanut Drive, where you’ll find old growth forests and cliffside views of the sea, to reach Taylor Shellfish’s Samish Bay Farm and Shellfish Market. Sit by the waterside as you gulp down extra fresh oysters, small fresh plates, and a curated selection of wines. However, closer to town are tasty options like the Black Cat, Galloway’s Cocktail Bar, and Bellingham Cider Co.  (which has excellent burgers).

Bellingham is also a haven for beer aficionados with several local breweries that are worth a visit: Larrabee Lager Company, Kulshan Brewing Company, or Aslan Brewing Company.

Once you’ve had your fun, wrap up your trip with some light shopping in Bellingham’s Fairhaven neighborhood. There you’ll find shops offering everything from ceramics and books to olive oil and vintage clothes.