Yes, there is more to Whatcom County than just Bellingham! There are over a dozen small communities that surround it; experience one or two of them in a (full) day, and be amazed at their quaint vibe and low-key nature.
A. Blaine
Known for its famous Peace Arch, which straddles the border between the U.S. and Canada, Blaine has a strong maritime heritage and an active marina. Special attractions include:
- Bird Watching: Blaine is the northern anchor of the Audubon Society’s Great Washington State Birding Trail. Sightings are especially high in the winter and early spring.
- Plover Foot-Ferry. Cross Drayton Harbor from the Blaine Marina (Visitor Dock II) to Semiahmoo Resort hourly Fri – Sun Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration. This is true Americana at its best with a pancake breakfast, parade at noon, craft fair, food vendors and a huge show & shine classic car show. Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.
B. Lynden
Home to Washington State’s largest Dutch settlement, Lynden is a farming community known for its dairy and raspberry production. The main thoroughfare is Front Street, featuring a 72-foot tall working windmill, quaint shops, and Dutch restaurants. Here are some highlights:
- Lynden Pioneer Museum. Features a life-size replica of Lynden’s historic downtown and a full size farmhouse circa 1900, as well as the largest collection of horse-drawn buggies west of the Mississippi.
- Northwest Raspberry Festival. More than 60% of America’s red-raspberries are harvested near Lynden. The festival celebrates the peak of the season in July. Savor fresh berry sundaes, listen to jazz, sidewalk shop and taste on Front Street.
- Northwest Washington Fair. The Fair is a 6-day event in August that includes a Demolition Derby and nightly entertainment in the grandstands, draft horse, livestock judging, food displays, commercial exhibits and two carnival areas.
C. Ferndale
Founded on the banks of the Nooksack River in the mid-1800s, history and heritage are also the pride of the community of Ferndale, which is home to a classic Main Street and Centennial Riverwalk. Don’t miss these parks:
- Pioneer Park. 12 actual log cabins used by the earliest pioneers are opened to visitors, including a one-room school house, general store, post office, church and homes. Tour guides in period costume are available through the summer months.
- Hovander Homestead Park. A spectacular red and white barn built in 1913 anchors this historic 720-acre farm setting, alongside the ornate farmhouse built by Swedish homesteader and architect Hakan Hovander in 1903.
- Tennant Lake Park. Adjacent to Hovander Park, Tennant Lake features an award-winning fragrance garden, 50-foot observation tower, and elevated boardwalk through protected wetland habitats.
Please note: check with each venue for details on hours