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| Bellingham
Bay 1 |
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Bellingham
is a waterfront community anchored on Washington State's Bellingham Bay. It
is situated 85 mi (137 km) north of Seattle
and 20 mi (32 km) south of the Canadian border with Vancouver
B.C. being 54 mi (87 km) away. Bellingham is a city that has a lot to be proud
of. Through the hard work and dedication of its citizens, this once small town
has blossomed into a colorful city and a thriving seaport. Although the community
has grown immensely over the years, it has retained its authenticity and values
that make Bellingham a very desirable location for visiting and living.
HISTORY
The birth of Bellingham
began when English explorer George Vancouver set out on the Puget and North
South waters in 1792. Naming everything on his map, he declared the bay area
he had just landed on to be called Bellingham, dedicated after Sir William Bellingham,
owner of the Storekeeper Accounts for the British Navy. However, the land would
not be inhabited by white settlers until 1853, when the first pioneers reached
the area. With the help of the local Lummis and Nooksack Indians who dwelled
in the area, the European settlers began building the first buildings and soon
erected four small towns. This original settlement was named Whatcom, a name
derived from the Native Indian culture, which when translated into English means
“Noisy Waters”.
In 1858, the Fraser River Gold Rush in Canada's Fraser
Valley caused thousands of anxious miners, goldkeepers, and scalawags
to head north from California.
All were anticipating completion of the trail which would lead them into Canada,
and in turn, into the gold fields. This event single-handedly turned Whatcom
from a small northwest town into a thriving harbor. The boom brought with it
the town's first brick building, T.G Richards Brick Warehouse, and Whatcom County's
leading newspaper, the Northern Light. Unfortunately, the town's glory would
be short lived. Just after the Whatcom trail was completed, it was declared
that all miners had to stop at Victoria,
B.C. to obtain a permit before they would be allowed to go to the gold fields.
This move caused Whatcom's population to drastically decrease, bringing the
county's explosive boom to a screeching halt.
The town slowly began its
regrowth after December 28, 1903, when the four towns of Whatcom, Sehome,
Bellingham, and Fairhaven
were officially consolidated into one, and became what is known today as the
city of Bellingham. Today, the 'county seat' continues to grow, keeping alive
its heritage, tradition and history.
ART & CULTURE
Every city has its own character,
its own flair-and Bellingham is no different. It doesn't take long to discover
that Bellingham has a deep-rooted and vivacious cultural environment. Historical
buildings, museums
and performance venues tag the surroundings, flaunting the city's pride in its
culture, history and tradition. One such building, the Whatcom
Museum of Art and History, can be seen towering over the city core.
A former city hall in 1892, the museum is composed of four buildings, including
the acclaimed Children's
Museum. Western
Washington University, the third largest post-secondary institution
in the state of Washington, contributes immensely to Bellingham's cultural scene.
It holds one of the largest collections of outdoor sculptures on the West coast
and showcases the works of various renowned artists including Richard Serra,
Isamu Noguchi, Beverly Pepper and Anthony Caro.
The Moorish-Spanish style
Mount
Baker Theatre eloquently stands on Commercial Street, entertaining the
residents of Bellingham since 1927. This former vaudeville movie palace seats
over 1,500 people and features a 100 Moorish Tower. An 80-foot interior dome
and original 215-pipe organ can be found inside this national historic landmark.
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|
Month |
Avg.
Daily Temperature |
Average
Precipitation |
|
Min |
Max |
| Jan
|
31°F
(-1°C) |
43°F
(6°C) |
116
mm |
| Feb |
34°F
(1°C) |
47°F
(8°C) |
88
mm |
| Mar
|
36°F
(2°C) |
51°F
(11°C) |
77
mm |
| Apr |
40°F
(4°C) |
56°F
(13°C) |
67
mm |
| May
|
45°F
(7°C) |
62°F
(17°C) |
55
mm |
| Jun
|
50°F
(10°C) |
67°F
(19°C) |
46
mm |
| Jul |
53°F
(12°C) |
71°F
(22°C) |
31
mm |
|
Aug |
53°F
(12°C) |
71°F
(22°C) |
35
mm |
|
Sep |
48°F
(9°C) |
67°F
(19°C) |
46
mm |
|
Oct |
42°F
(6°C) |
58°F
(14°C) |
87
mm |
|
Nov |
36°F
(2°C) |
50°F
(10°C) |
128
mm |
|
Dec |
33°F
(1°C) |
45°F
(7°C) |
122
mm |
|
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Average
Daily Temperatures and Climate Data for Bellingham |
CLIMATE
Bellingham's climate can
be summarized as mild. Although it has its share of heavy rainfalls, its average
yearly precipitation of 35in (89cm) is below the national average of 38in (97cm).
In the summer, visitors should bring along sunscreen and shorts because it gets
hot and the city is very humid. July is the hottest month, where the temperature
can reach up to 73° F ( 23° C). The coldest month is typically January where
the temperature commonly dips down to 35° F (2° C). However, because of the
city's location near the ocean and its high wind currents, residents do not
have to shovel snow too often because it doesn't stick to the ground.
The highest recorded temperature
was in 1990 when the scales tipped at 91°F (33° C). The lowest recorded temperature
came in 1985 at 4°F (-16° C).
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| Chuckanut
Drive at Night 2 |
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TRANSPORTATION
Getting to Bellingham has
never been easier. Bellingham has an international airport
which services almost 30 airlines.
Horizon
Air provides nonstop flights to Seattle, while San
Juan Airlines make daily direct trips to the San
Juan Islands. Amtrak
Cascade rail service provides regularly scheduled trips that connect
Bellingham to British Columbia
and Seattle, from which nationwide connections can be made. Greyhound
Bus Lines also services the Bellingham area. For those who plan on driving,
Bellingham provides many great roadways. Primary access is via the seven exits
off Interstate 5. Visitors using the Lynden/Aldergrove border, connecting Washington
with British Columbia, can use State Route 539. If time is not a factor, a panoramic
substitute is awaiting via Chuckanut
Drive (State Route 11). This winding road trails the side of Chuckanut
Mountain by the waters overlooking the San Juan Islands. Downtown Bellingham
can be reached by turning off I-5 at Exit 231 although an extra twenty minutes
will be needed. This route is fairly popular amongst cyclists and has frequently
been used for national car commercials. A third rural option, State Route 9,
parallels Interstate 5 and can be accessed through Skagit County.
Once in the city, visitors
may choose from an array of transportation systems. Bellingham has an extensive
public transit system provided by Whatcom
Transportation Terminal (WTA). Buses run throughout the city as well
as some neighboring towns in Whatcom County. Taxi,
limousine
and car rental
services are also readily available although many prefer to travel on foot or
bike. Parking is available in downtown with rates as low as 50 cents per hour.
Scheduled passenger ferries
leave the port of Bellingham for tours and cruises to Victoria, Alaska
and the San Juan Islands.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Bellingham hosts many festivals
and events. One such event, the Ski
to Sea race, has been ongoing since 1973. Beginning at the Mt.
Baker Ski Area and ending in Bellingham, this 85 mi (137 km) relay race
tests the contestants in seven categories including cross country skiing, downhill
skiing, running, biking, canoeing, mountain biking and kayaking. The event occurs
each year on the Memorial Day long weekend. Festivities wrap-up with a hometown
parade, art and garden show, carnival and street fair.
Bellingham's Farmers
Market is a tasty place to visit on Saturdays. The market showcases
hundreds of treats including fresh produce, baked goods, plants and flowers
from over 125 vendors. Thousands of visitors flock to the market to listen to
good music, sample fresh fruits and purchase various products. Many festivals
are held by the Farmers Market, including the annual Asian
Inspiration Festival.
One of the most prominent
festivals in Bellingham is the Bellingham
Festival of Music. This celebration of music and artistic talent spans
three weeks in August. Classical, orchestral, chamber, jazz and world music
highlight the festival. Luminary artists attend the festival every year drawing
audiences from all over the world. Performances are held at a number of venues
including Western Washington University, the Mount Baker Theatre, McIntyre
Hall in Mount
Vernon and the White
Salmon Lodge near Mt. Baker.
The Chalk
Art Festival takes place every year on the sidewalks of downtown Bellingham.
Chalk masterpieces from homegrown artists of all ages and abilities are showcased
during this time, making it a very popular event for the whole family.
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| Bellingham
Golf Course 3 |
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TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
With a never-ending list
of things to do in Bellingham, visitors can be sure to keep busy while having
a fun time. Cradling the Pacific waters in her lap, it is nearly impossible
to visit the city without taking part in some water activities. Boat
tours and cruises to the San Juan Islands are launched frequently and
experiencing nature is within hands reach with the regular Orca whale
watching expeditions. Whatcom
Lake is a popular attraction that allows fishing, swimming, rowing,
kayaking, sea
kayaking and sailing. An uncrowded alternative, Clayton
Beach boasts beautiful rock formations and coves. Birdwatchers can get
their fill of Bald Eagles, Grosbeaks, Herons and many more feathery species
at any of Bellingham's vast forests, marshes, lakes or seashores.
In addition to water
adventures, Bellingham offers many land-based activities. A relaxing game of
golf has proven to be a favorite choice. Many public and private golf
courses mark the area, making Bellingham not only home to the most public
golf courses in the Pacific Northwest, but as per Golf Digest Magazine (2002),
the seventh “Best Golf City” in the United States. Other outdoors land activities
include skiing on the back-side of nearby Mt. Baker, hiking through what the
National Park Service and American Hiking Society named “Trail Town U.S.A” and
biking along the miles of paved pathways and trails carved into this active
city. Lake
Padden Park is popular with cyclists. It covers 900 acres and offers
several miles of walking and biking trails. A number of indoor facilities are
also available in Bellingham including skating domes, hockey rinks, bowling
alleys and dance
studios.
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS
Historic Sites & Buildings
Bellingham's love for the preservation of its history is clearly evident in
its many historic monuments and buildings. Warm reminders of the past can be
seen in every corner of every neighborhood. History and education play a major
role in the city life and its atmosphere.
In addition to the Whatcom
Museum of Art and History, Bellingham is home to the American
Museum of Radio and Electricity. Dedicated to the scientific exploration
of electricity and the evolution of broadcast radio, this unique museum displays
artifacts and hands-on exhibits. Other noteworthy museums include the Bellingham
Railway Museum and Heritage
Flight Museum.
Lairmont
Manor is a must-see, exquisite manor that sits near Old Fairview. The
mansion is listed on the National Registry of Historical Sites and is a long-standing
member of the local Historical Society. Built in 1916 to the dreams of Charles
Xavier Larabee, this manor was originally erected for private residency. However,
as time went on it would act as a hospital, school of nursing and training ground
for sisterhood. Today, this luxurious home is operated by a nonprofit organization
and hosts many events such as cultural shows, weddings,
receptions and business gatherings.
Another historical landmark
is located 20 mi (32 km) north of Bellingham. Standing tall at 67 feet (20 m),
the International
Peace Arch commemorates the Treaty of the Ghent, which was responsible
for officially ending the War of 1812 between Britain
and the United States. This
arch is unique in that it has one foot in the United States and the other in
Canada, causing it to be one of the very few monuments listed on the national
historic registries of two countries. Numerous celebrations take place at this
site every year including a sculpture ostentation featuring Canadian and American
artists, the Peace Arch Celebration and Sam Hill Days.
Parks,
Gardens and Bodies of Water
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Whatcom
Falls 4 |
Captivating landscapes and
breathtaking views define the city of Bellingham. Green spaces and waterways
are accessible at almost every part of the city. Arroyo
Park features 40 acres of dense forest in a canyon setting. Hiking,
creek fishing and bridle trails mark the area. A nice picnic area, boat launch,
swimming beach and community center with gym can be enjoyed at Bloedel
Donovan Park while Sehome
Hill Arboretum indulges in the scenic views of Bellingham, Puget
Sound, mountains and the San Juan Islands.
The Whatcom
Falls park is a majestic area and one of the finest urban parks in the
Bellingham area. After hearing the roaring sound of the waterfall you will discover
why the Lummis and Nooksack Indians called this area “Noisy-all-the-time”. An
impressive bridge built in 1939 spans Whatcom
Creek and allows for a clear view of the falls. Shrubs and indigenous
trees blanket the area near the creek and gravel paths past the bridge lead
to various sections of the creek. A popular adventurous spot at the park is
known as “The Whirlpool”. This 60-foot (18 m) cliff dares swimmers to leap from
its back and plunge into the cold waters below. However, this swimming area
is unsupervised and swimmers jump at their own risk.
PHOTO COURTESY
- Bellingham Bay;
Bellingham, WA., USA
- Chuckanut Drive
at Night; Bellingham, WA., USA
- Golf Course;
Bellingham, WA., USA
- Whatcom Falls;
Bellingham, WA., USA
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