Blaine, Washington is the northernmost city in Whatcom County, situated on Drayton Harbor and along the U.S.-Canadian border. In the past, it was known for its lumber port, salmon canneries and shingle mills. Those industries are are all gone now, but the region's seafaring history remains alive as dozens of fishing boats dock at the harbor. I strolled along the waterfront on a beautiful July morning to see what treasures I could find. From one end of quaint Peace Portal Drive to the other, I found plenty, in the form of wine, vintage furnishings, antiques, oysters, home decor, ice cream and much more. 
Drayton Harbor Oyster Company 677 Peace Portal Dr Open Wednesday and Thursday noon - 6:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon - 7:00 p.m. At Drayton Harbor Oyster Company's store, they shuck and sell oysters grown and harvested just a couple of miles away. Get a dozen or two raw or grilled, or take some home to shuck yourself. Edaleen Dairy Store 458 Peace Portal Drive Open Monday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Milk, milk, milk in all varieties (including chocolate and strawberry), plus Edaleen's famous ice cream, packed and ready to take home or piled in a crispy waffle cone to eat on the street. Soft-serve, too! Everything is fresh from their farm in Lynden. Merry Go Round Home Decor and Consignment 684 Peace Portal Dr. 360-366-8128 Open Thursday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
Step through the doors of this nicely-laid-out shop and you'll find some great stuff for your home. Paintings, rugs, furniture, copper pots and pans, glassware, antiques and pillows fill the space. The merchandise is nicely displayed and the prices are reasonable, too. I pined for the pristine 1930s-vintage wicker porch set , but I already have one, so I left it for the next wicker lover! Blaine Bouquets 625 Peace Portal Dr. 360-332-6700 
Blaine Bouquets is where you'll find the aforementioned wine. Indeed, this gift, flower and home decor shop has a really nice wine selection, including a display of Dakota Creek Winery, also located in Blaine, from just a few miles east of downtown. Flowers and wine go together, so it just makes sense to pair them in one shop! If you have a gift-giving occasion coming up, Blaine Bouquets can help you find the perfect present. You'll find everything from jewelry and cozy slippers to fun signs and scarves, beach bags and teddy bears. My favorite sign reads, "I'm a wine enthusiast. The more wine I drink, the more enthusiastic I get!" Check out this cute shop after you grab an ice cream cone at Edaleen Dairy. It's just a block away. 
Beth the Barber Peace Portal Dr. 360-220-1288 
Seaside Bakery Café 477 Peace Portal Dr. Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Rumor has it that Seaside Bakery Café bakes the best cinnamon buns around. I was trying to be good, so I kept walking as the scent of yeasty goodness tried its best to tempt me inside. The café also serves homemade soups, fresh breads and cakes, pastries and everything you hope to find in a proper bakery.
Blaine is an active city, well known for its arts and music scene. In fact, while I was there, they were setting up a free youth jazz concert, part of the Drayton Harbor Music festival, an annual summer event. And there's more to come: Drayton Harbor Days Street Festival August 1-2, Blaine Boating Center, 235 Marine Dr. This free daytime event features priates, arts, food, kids' games and a scavenger hunt. Birch Bay Music Festival August 14 - 16, East of the Birch Bay Water Slides Hear live bands and enjoy vendors, food booths and a beer and wine garden. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Free Admission Birch Bay Discovery Days August 29 - 30, Birch Bay Drive, Blaine A parade, music, crab boil and fireworks are featured in this free event.
