Discover your new favorite things to do in Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham, Washington, is known to most as a beloved college town. Located just below the Canadian-US border, this delightful community is your gateway to wilderness adventure, artistic innovation, and cultural exchange. While the city may be affectionately nicknamed the “City of Subdued Excitement,” it is not! Filled with evocative history and exciting attractions, you’re sure to find new favorite things to do in Bellingham.
The waters of Bellingham Bay have been the lifeblood of the region’s economy for thousands of years.
Before the first Europeans arrived in 1852, the Coast Salish tribes maintained thriving communities from the region’s rich resources. These nations, especially the Lummi, remain a major influence on local culture today.
You can learn more about Bellingham’s history at the Whatcom Museum. The complex includes a collection of more than 30,000 objects.
College life may be synonymous with ramen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but this city takes its food seriously.
Surrounded by more than 100,000 acres of farmland, Bellingham area agricultural production consistently ranks in the top three percent in the country. More than 100 vendors celebrate these local products at the Bellingham Farmers Market.
While Whatcom County grows the largest per capita crop of red berries in the country, Bellingham is only a thirty-minute drive from Skagit Valley, made famous on the Internet for its annual Tulip Festival.
Like many cities with a strong college presence, Bellingham has a thriving arts scene. Some events are held once a year, such as the North Cascades Bluegrass Festival scheduled for the beginning of September, but the community has also managed to weave its appreciation for local arts into daily life.
The First Friday Arts Walk is a monthly showcase of Bellingham’s creative talent. Restaurants, galleries and shops participate in promoting local artists.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Whatcom Falls Park is less than ten minutes away.
Elsewhere in the park, a Healing Memorial Totem Pole honors the Whatcom County tragedy. In 1999, a gasoline leak led to a deadly explosion. The Lummi House of Tears erected the totem in 2006 to commemorate the victims of the tragedy and help the community heal.
Bellingham is more than just a college town. It is a vibrant meeting place of people, culture and nature. As a lifelong Washington resident, I always find something new to appreciate in this dynamic community. I recommend staying the night and timing your visit to coincide with one of the city’s many local events. You’re sure to discover new favorite things to do in Bellingham!
OnlyInYourState may receive compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Title: Bellingham, Washington, USA
