Leave your cares behind and spend some Happy Hours strolling and holiday shopping in Bellingham’s Fairhaven Historic District. Located on the north end of Chuckanut Drive, within the southern city limits of Bellingham, Fairhaven is noted for its colorful 19th-century architecture and history. In recent years, the district has blossomed into a lively getaway destination and residential community.

Many red brick relics of Fairhaven’s Victorian-era survive in the federally designated historic district’s six square blocks. These and newer structures are now home to a variety of unique local shops, art galleries, restaurants and pubs, and one of the best independent bookstores in the nation.

Fairhaven Winterfest

Nov. 23 – Dec. 22: Enjoy glittering lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit with Santa, festive window displays and delicious snacks while holiday shopping in this charming historic village. Plan to be in Fairhaven on Friday, Nov. 23 for the official tree lighting ceremony and evening art walk to kick off the celebration. Then continue the fun on Saturday, Nov. 24 with horse drawn carriage rides starting at noon, buskers and a holiday market on the Village Green, and outdoor performances by Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY), Bellingham Circus Guild, and the Bellingham Showstoppers Choir.

Festivities continue each Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, culminating in a district-wide caroling competition on Saturday, Dec. 22. from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. For more details see FairhavenWinterfest.com.

Artsy Shops in Fairhaven

Fairhaven’s local flavor and relaxed vibe make it a perfect spot to spend leisurely afternoons browsing for the unexpected, perfect item. Must see shops include:

• Village Books 1200 11th Street,  Hours: M-Sat 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Paper Dreams 1206 11th Street, Hours: M-Sat 9 a.m to 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to  7 p.m.
• Bay to Baker Trading Company 911 Harris Ave, Hours: M-Sun 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Eclipse Bookstore 1104 11th Street, Hours M-Thurs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri and Sat., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fairhaven Gold Fine Jewelry, 1302 12th St, Hours: Tu-F 10-5:30, Sat 10-3
• Fairhaven Rug Gallery 901 Harris Ave, Hours: Mon, Wed-Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m, Sun 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Fairhaven Toy Garden 909 Harris Ave, Hours: M-Sat 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Rebecca’s Flower Shop 1003 Harris Ave,  Hours: M-Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Renaissance Celebration Gallery of Art Glass and Designer Jewelry 915 Harris Ave, Hours M-Sat 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Garden Room 1006 Harris Ave,  Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A Peek Inside:

• Shopping in Bellingham’s Historic Fairhaven District
• In Search of Unique Jewelry in Fairhaven
• 1 Paperboat is a Delightful New Shop in Fairhaven District

Cozy Restaurants in Fairhaven

Sidewalk dining, local ingredients, and cozy atmosphere are the norm in the historic district. Here are some answers to where to eat in Fairhaven:

• Colophon Cafe 1208-B 11th Street, Hours: M-Th 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., F-Sat 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Happy hour 3 to 6
• Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse 1211 11th Street, Hours Tues-Sunday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Keenan’s at the Pier 804 10th Street, Hours: M-Sun 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Magdalena’s Creperie 1200 10th Street, Hours: T-Sun 9 a.m to 4 p.m.
• Skylark’s Hidden Cafe 1308-B 11th St, Hours: M-Sun 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Fat Pie Pizza 1015 Harris Ave, Hours: Sun-Th 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., F-Sat 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• lovitt restaurant 1114 Harris Ave, Hours Tue-Thu 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., F-Sat 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Avenue Bread 1135 11th St., Hours: M-Sat. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Mount Bakery 1217 Harris Ave., Hours: M-Sun 8 a.m to 3:30 p.m. 
  
• OVN Wood Fire Pizza 1148 10th St., Hours: M-Th 11:30 a.m. to  9 p.m., F-Sat 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun 11:30 a.m. to p.m. 
  
• Fairhaven Poke 1102 Harris Ave. Hours: M-Sun 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fun Happy Hour Ideas in Fairhaven

• Do a Cocktail Crawl in Fairhaven
• Return to the Black Cat in Fairhaven for Drinks with a View

Waterfront Hotels in Bellingham

Hugging the southern shoreline of Bellingham Bay, the Fairhaven District is connected by waterfront trail to downtown and Squalicum Harbor on the north side of the Bay. Bellingham is home to three boutique waterfront hotels – two in Fairhaven and one in Squalicum Harbor. Perfect for relaxing in style.

Fairhaven Village Inn 1200 1oth Street, 360, 733-1311, 877-733-1100

• Fairhaven Get-a-Way Packages are offered
  • Click here to learn more about specials from Fairhaven Village Inn

Chrysalis Inn and Spa 804 10th Street, 360-756-1005, 888-808-0005

• Suite Deal Packages are offered, along with other hotel and spa packages
  • Click here to learn more about the seasonal packages offered at Chrysalis Inn and Spa

Hotel Bellwether 1 Bellwether Way, 360-392-3100, 877-411-1200

• Luxury by the Bay Packages are offered seasonally
  • Click here to learn more about season packages at Hotel Bellwether

See all hotels in Bellingham and Whatcom County

Travel Info

Bellingham Visitor Information Center, 360-671-3990, bellingham.org, tourism@bellingham.org.

Getting Here

Fairhaven is easily accessed by car. Take Chuckanut Drive, which begins and ends in Fairhaven on the north. Or, from Interstate 5, take exit 250 and drive west.

The historic district is also home to Bellingham’s major transportation hub and features the Bellingham Cruise Terminal and the Fairhaven Station (Amtrak and Greyhound bus). Both facilities are located on Harris Avenue.

The Alaska Ferry departs from the Cruise Terminal each week. Whale watch cruises, skipper chartered cruises and passenger ferries leave daily for the San Juan Islands from the Cruise Terminal throughout the summer.

More Information

Historic Fairhaven Association
1106 Harris Avenue Suite #313, Bellingham
hfa@fairhaven.com

Also see our Things to Do pages for fun events and activities throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County

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