Bikes, Books, and Brew Itinerary

A. Fairhaven Bike & Ski

Here you can rent a bike, grab bike maps, talk to local bike enthusiasts or buy gear that you may have forgotten. It’s located in the Historic Fairhaven District, just off of the South Bay Trail.

B. Cruise on family-friendly trails

There are family/beginner-friendly trails along the waterfront’s South Bay Trail that connects the Historic Fairhaven District, Taylor Dock, Boulevard Park and Downtown Bellingham. Enjoy its flat terrain and incredible views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. Intermediate riders will enjoy the Interurban Trail, a 7-mile gravel trail with a few inclines (jump on at Old Fairhaven Parkway and bike south to Larrabee State Park).

C. Village Books

Bellingham is home to several independent book stores. The most well-known is Village Books in Historic Fairhaven. This dog-friendly 3-story staple is a great place to find popular and hard-to-find books, relax and peruse magazines or children’s books, attend an author event, or grab soup, coffee or a sandwich.

D. Michael’s Bookstore

Head to Michael’s Bookstore in downtown Bellingham via the South Bay Trail. It’s the largest used bookstore between Seattle and Vancouver. It has over 250,000 used, rare and out of print books.

E. Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen

What better way to reward yourself for a fun day of exploration than with a cold one? And not just any cold one, but a uniquely, recently, and locally brewed beverage. Chuckanut Brewery, located in Bellingham’s Old Town district, brews Euro-style lager, ale, kolsch and pilsners. Check out their monthly beer dinners which pair the brewery’s on tap selections with a specific chef-inspired menu.

F. Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro

Known as “Boundary Bay” by locals, this downtown brew pub has won an exhausting list of awards for its beer and is now the nation’s largest of 950 brewpubs, selling at least 25 percent of its beer on site. Sip on the local-favorite IPA while you savor the Yam Alechiladas.

Have More Time?

• The rustic and funky North Fork Brewery, Beer Shrine and Wedding Chapel is located off the Mt Baker Highway, about 10 miles from Bellingham. The North Fork is a casual place to enjoy hand-crafted beers made in extra small batches and pizza.

• For more advanced bike riders, check out Galbraith Mountain, known by locals as the “Mountain Bike Mecca.” Road cyclists will want to experience smooth and scenic roads among the country roads or take a ride along the Mt Baker Highway (State Route 542) for views of farms and the North Cascades.

Please note: check with each venue for details on hours