Bellingham Washington is a hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest with something for everyone. The area is filled with impressive scenery, a culture of outdoor recreation, a thriving downtown arts district, and a delicious beer scene. Bellingham has something for everyone. It is easy to see why Whatcom County continually ranks high in “best places to live” surveys. Bellingham has a little something for everyone.
The outdoor opportunities are endless here with the Cascade Mountains to the east and the ocean to the west Bellingham is located right in a brilliant pocket of the Pacific Northwest. With every outdoor adventure at its doorstep, Bellingham still manages to stand out as more than just a nature lovers paradise. While the community is growing, it still retains much of its authentic self and commitment to its laid back, progressive style. The local and sustainable mindset is very mainstream, there is a real focus on the community here. Environmentally friendly practices such as recycling are part of the culture here. Bellingham is known for being a town that cares for its environment and its residents enjoy the many outdoor activities the region supports.
The local farmers’ market is top-notch and crowded to the brim every Saturday with shoppers and artisan admirers. The shopping scene downtown does not disappoint by any means. The variety that is available meets all expectations it is easy to spend all day wandering around taking in all the visual stimuli.
If perchance the outdoors and the exquisite local arts and shopping don’t tickle your fancy, then maybe the way to your heart is through the stomach ( or liver) at the time this is written there are nine breweries and they offer some of the finest crafted beer locals have become very fond of. It’s become a well-known fact that Bellingham has become a beer town, but it’s not just for the buzz it’s become where great unknown locals play live music and the food trucks that rotate at these establishments have become just as enticing as the brews. It’s about community and socializing and a shared love of quality craftsmanship and celebrating Bellingham. The local favorite restaurants that are exclusive to Bellingham simply will leave your belly full and your heart happy. Places such as The Bagelery or Bayou on Bay offer exceptional meals for lunch and dinner and for breakfast you do not want to miss Homeskillet and their pulled pork and tater tot hash. As coffee is a way of life in the Northwest, the region certainly has its share of local espresso stands. Whatcom County holds the record for the most drive-up espresso stands per-capita in Washington. The downtown area thrives with a variety of locally owned businesses, fine dining, and nightlife options. It is also the cultural core of the city, with an eclectic mix of museums and performance venues all within blocks of each other.
To sum it all up there is something for everyone in this town. From the mountains to the sea from the farm to the table. If you like the arts and culture Bellingham offers you a plethora of options. This town breeds creative minds and free thinkers. Your lungs will thank you for all the fresh air and your stomach will be happy from all the fresh seafood. Bellingham is an ideal place for college students, for raising a family, for opening a small business or just coming to chill out.