Located on the north end of Chuckanut Drive, within the southern city limits of Bellingham, Fairhaven Historic District is known 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. May of these 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 / Credit: Peter James Photography Studio 
Shopping in Fairhaven
Fairhaven’s relaxed vibe make it a perfect spot to spend leisurely afternoons shopping. Must see shops include:
- Bay to Baker Trading Company
- Eclipse Bookstore
- Fairhaven Gold Fine Jewelry
- Fairhaven Rug Gallery
- Fairhaven Runners
- Fairhaven Toy Garden
- Paper Dreams
- Peter James Studio
- Rebecca’s Flower Shop
- Renaissance Celebration Gallery of Art Glass and Designer Jewelry
- The Garden Room
- Village Books
Eating in Fairhaven
Sidewalk dining, local ingredients, and cozy atmosphere are the norm in the historic district. Here are some suggestions on where to eat in Fairhaven:
- Avenue Bread
- Best Buds Gaming Lounge
- Colophon Cafe
- CreativiTea
- Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse
- Edaleen Dairy
- Evolve Chocolate
- Fairhaven Poke
- Fat Pie Pizza
- Jalapenos
- Keenan’s at the Pier
- Magdalena’s Creperie
- Mount Bakery Cafe
- OVN Wood Fire Pizza
- Rocket Donuts
- Skylark’s Hidden Cafe
- Zane Burger
Above photos courtesy Beau Gaughran.
Hotels in Fairhaven
Hugging the southern shoreline of Bellingham Bay, the Fairhaven District is connected to downtown Bellingham by Taylor Dock.
Bellingham has three boutique waterfront hotels – two in Fairhaven and one in Squalicum Harbor near Downtown Bellingham.
Fairhaven Village Inn 1200 10th Street, (360)733-1311
- 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
Hotel Bellwether 1 Bellwether Way, 360-392-3100, 877-411-1200
- 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
- Luxury by the Bay Packages are offered seasonally
- Click here to learn more about season packages at Hotel Bellwether
Fairhaven Winterfest
Nov. 29 – Dec. 23: 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. 29 for the official tree lighting ceremony and evening art walk to kick off the celebration. Then continue the fun on Saturday, Nov. 30 with horse drawn carriage rides starting at noon..
Festivities continue each Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, culminating in a district-wide caroling competition on Saturday, Dec. 23. from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. For more details see FairhavenWinterfest.com.
