Bellingham: A Scenic Paradise

Bellingham Bay 1

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.

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).

Chuckanut Drive at Night 2

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.

Bellingham Golf Course 3

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

	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.