Lynden, Washington is quintessential small-town U.S.A., and its downtown reflects the Dutch heritage of the city's founders. Windmills, clogs, a Dutch bakery and huge flowering baskets give Front Street all the charm and personality you could ask for. 
Welkom to Lynden! Parking is free![/caption] Located about 15 miles north of Bellingham and four miles south of the Canadian border (Aldergrove crossing), Lynden is known as the home of the Northwest Washington Fair, as well as the annual Christmas lighted parade, which is Dec. 6, 2014. But today, Christmas is still very far away, and the warm days of late summer and fall are the perfect time to explore downtown Lynden’s Front Street shops. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to buy something new (or old) for your house, a special person in your life or yourself. For home decor, you can choose from new, used, vintage and re-purposed goods from a variety of merchants. There are two chock-full antique shops: More Than Antiques and Keepsakes. Each has plenty of furniture, glassware, artwork, memorabilia and other treasures to choose from. I especially liked these horse figurines. 
Browsing (and buying) fun can also be had at a couple of cute stores that feature a mix of antiques and vintage items, with new decorative signs, pillows and accessories. You can find things for inside and outside of the house at the Hen House: 
And, the Rustic Cottage will also tempt you with all kinds of charming furniture and accessories. Oh, and Trixie, the Spider Monkey. She wasn't in the best mood today, but she agreed to sit for a portrait. 
Remember those Dutch clogs I mentioned? You can find them (and a slippers version) at Dutch Mothers Restaurant, which also has a gift shop. 
Clockwise from upper left: another Lynden windmill, Dutch clog slippers, Dutch painted clogs and "Village News"[/caption] Lynden also has a lovely women's clothing boutique, called Cheeks (very cheeky). The shop features designer jean brands like 7 For All Mankind, Rock Revival and Big Star. There are plenty of cute tops, sweaters, jackets and dresses, too, along with jewelry and accessories. 
And for an interesting product mix, Wear on Earth is a men's and women's consignment shop in the front of the building and yarn shop in the back. I nearly got lost wandering through the displays of colorful yarn, including hand-dyed merino, Peruvian highland wool, hemp wool, wool-acrylic blends, silks and cotton in all weights, textures and colors imaginable. Mirasol, Malbrego, Spud and Chloe, Cascade, Blue Sky Alpaca, MadelineTosh, Sassy Skeins and lots more brands are scattered throughout the store, along with a huge selection of needles. 
Other Lynden retailers include Second Shot Sports, Blossoms Floral, Katz Used Books, Gypsy Girl Clothing and Cattlelac Cowgirl. If you get tired (what??) of shopping, get a pedicure or haircut at Mane Styles Salon and Spa! Upcoming Lynden events: http://business.lynden.org/events
