Go From Mountains to Menus in Bellingham

Content and Photos Courtesy of Visit Bellingham

Escape hibernation mode this winter in the peak of the Pacific Northwest! Start your day with an outdoor adventure on Mt. Baker, or in one of Bellingham’s many parks, followed by an evening of lively entertainment, dining, and culture in Downtown Bellingham or Fairhaven Village.

Those seeking a classic winter adventure can have their fill at Mt. Baker, located an hour and a half drive from Bellingham. The Mt. Baker Ski Area is a haven for skiers and snowboarders, holding the record for the most snowfall in a single season. Those seeking a milder outing can also snowshoe or cross-country ski outside of the resort boundary - just remember to recreate responsibly. Find lodging in and around Bellingham or book a cozy cabin or chalet in the mountains with Luxury Getaways.

If snow sports aren’t your thing, Bellingham and Whatcom County offer plenty of low-elevation trails that stay mostly clear of snow throughout the winter. Go for a stroll in Whatcom Falls Park, trek through a forest or beach, or nab incredible views of the Salish Sea and San Juan Islands with a jaunt into the Chuckanut Mountains just outside of town. Mountain biking is also an option and Galbraith Mountain attracts visitors year-round. 

When the adventure is over for the day, wind down with a delicious meal at one of Bellingham's many incredible restaurants. There’s no shortage of seafood, whether you’re craving fresh oysters, sumptuous salmon, or crispy fish and chips. You can also buy your catch straight from a fisherman at the bimonthly Dockside Market, which operates year-round. The Bellingham Farmers Market is also open weekly through late December. 

If you’d rather wash down your meal with a craft beverage, Bellingham is also known for its award-winning breweries; nearly 20 of them to be exact. Two relatively new breweries on the Bellingham Waterfront - Beach Cat Brewing South Paw and Structures Brewing - offer front row maritime views along with delicious beers. You can also venture into Sunnyland, a mostly residential neighborhood that happens to host a variety of amazing breweries, including the new Stemma West.

If you’re planning to dine out in Downtown Bellingham, make it a full evening by visiting one of the area's many museums and art spaces. Learn about the history of electricity at the SPARK Museum of Electric Invention, discover Coast Salish art at the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building, or visit the John M. Edson Hall of Birds at Old City Hall to learn about bird migration and conservation. Skip the guesswork and find everything you need to know about the area’s cultural activities with the free and interactive Culture Crawl Quest Pass. 

For an extra festive vacation, plan your visit during Fairhaven Winterfest, an annual holiday festival running from November 29 to December 20 in historic Fairhaven Village. Meet Santa, enjoy an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage ride, shop holiday makers markets, take a fire-lit stroll through the forest, warm up by a bonfire at Stones Throw Brewery, or just enjoy the Victorian-era charm of this beloved Bellingham neighborhood. Stay the night at Fairhaven Village Inn to be within walking distance of all the festivities as well as trails, water views, incredible restaurants, and shopping.

For a record-breaking New Year, sign up to participate in the Birch Bay Polar Plunge on New Years Day. This year, the event in Birch Bay offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of history; the community is attempting to set a world record for the largest polar bear dip! If dipping isn’t your thing, the event also needs volunteers.  

If you’re coming to the area for Polar Plunge, book a room at nearby Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, Washington. Located on stunning Semiahmoo Spit, with water and mountain views in almost all directions, the resort offers robust programming for everyone in the family, from movie nights to beach bonfires to wine tastings. There’s also a heated pool, pickleball courts, a golf course, and spa. It's also within easy reach of the Canadian border, making it a great place to launch a two-nation vacation.  

This winter season, celebrate the year with a trip to Bellingham and Whatcom County. Learn more at bellingham.org.

Visit Bellingham, Washington and the surrounding Whatcom County for abundant nature, outdoor adventure and sweeping scenery from the Salish Sea to Mt. Baker and North Cascades National Park. Enjoy farm to table menus, craft brews, family moments, a vibrant arts scene and charming historical treasures.