Bellingham

Bellingham is a merger of what were once four different districts, each with their own character: the port where the transport of lumber still dominates the piers, the old town, the lovely residential district that encircles the waters of Lake Whatcom, and the quaint community of Fairhaven. A favorite of ours, the Fairhaven Historic District, between 13th and 20th Streets just south of downtown, is good for a self-guided, walking tour. Lovingly restored brick storefronts from the 1890s now mark buildings that house cafés, restaurants, shops, and galleries in an understated, informal atmosphere. Bellingham is also home to Western Washington University, well known in the area for its outdoor sculpture collection, arranged across some 190 acres of campus grounds. Also popular in town is the Whatcom Museum of History & Art, devoted to regional culture and art. Bird enthusiasts love the extensive bird exhibit featuring many winged creatures common to the Northwest, while children delight in their very own hands-on museum offering stimulating exhibits and workshops. (121 Prospect Street; open Tuesday to Sunday, from noon to 5 pm, except holidays; 360-676-6981; www.whatcommuseum.org.) From Bellingham it’s only an 87-mile drive south on I-5 back to The Emerald City (Seattle).