Indoor, Outdoor, and Performing Arts
A. Bellingham’s Arts District
Ranked second in the nation for arts businesses per capita, Bellingham and Whatcom County shine with art from galleries, museum exhibits and studio tours. Start your Arts District trek at the Whatcom Museum’s state-of-the-art Lightcatcher building and Family Interactive Gallery. The Arts District also includes Allied Arts; the historic Mount Baker Theatre; the Blue Horse, Cedarworks and Jinx Galleries; and the Pickford Film Center. If your timing is just right, take part in the First Friday Art Walk.
B. Lunch at Avenue Bread
Avenue Bread has three locations around Bellingham, but if you’re in Downtown Bellingham, opt for the flagship store on Railroad Avenue. Try their homemade bread, sandwiches and tasty baked goods, too. Don’t be shy – belly up to the community table to people watch on Railroad.
C. Western Washington University’s Outdoor Sculpture Tour
Art has a way of calming the mind and spirit, as does getting outside in the elements. Sunshine, rain or overcast skies compliment two of Bellingham’s outdoor art exhibits. WWU’s collection of 29 pieces is one of the top 10 outdoor sculpture collections in the nation.
D. Big Rock Garden
Next, head to Big Rock Garden (a City of Bellingham park near Lake Whatcom). Big Rock Sculpture Garden features 35 permanent works by distinguished international and local artists. Both Big Rock Garden and WWU’s collection feature exhibits that are great for kids; art feels so much more accessible when you can actually touch it and climb on it!
E. Dinner at The Table
Located next to the Mt Baker Theatre, The Table offers a broad range of pasta from high quality ingredients focusing on regional trade and locally produced products whenever available. Its menu changes seasonally and offers gluten-free and vegan options, as well as locally raised meats, soups and salads.
F. The Upfront Theatre
The Upfront Theatre, established by TV comedian, Ryan Stiles, is a 95-seat cabaret style venue offering live improv comedy every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening. It presents and teaches many different styles of improv including short and long form, musicals, competitive improve and everything in between. Shows are at 8 PM and 10 PM, but get there early as lines start to form 30+ minutes before show time. This interactive theatre style takes “thinking on your feet” to a whole new level. Bonus: it’s hysterical.
G. Mallard Ice Cream
Stop by Mallard Ice Cream in downtown Bellingham to experience hand-crafted ice cream and inventive flavors like Earl Grey, avocado, and Vanilla Black Pepper. They also serve favorites like Mint Oreo, Super Chocolate and seasonal fruit mixtures like Strawberry or Rhubarb.
Have More Time?
Fairhaven’s Art Galleries: Head south to historic Fairhaven, home to numerous art galleries featuring pottery, woodworking, glass, and painting. Stop by Good Earth Pottery, Gallery West, Fairhaven Original Gallery or Artwood (all on Harris Avenue) to see hundreds of locally-crafted pieces. These unpretentious galleries offer friendly and helpful staff. If you are visiting in October, make a point to experience the Whatcom Artists Studio Tour.
Chocoholics need to experience Chocolate Necessities on Cornwall Avenue. They specialize in gourmet chocolate truffles and other chocolate gifts made with the finest grade of Callebaut Belgian chocolate.
Please note: check with each venue for details on hours