Sightseeing
We are fortunate to live in NW Washington where nature surrounds us every day. Most sightseeing to be done here involves reconnecting with nature. Hiking trails abound, and there are great kayaking areas and mountain biking trails. Skiing, horseback riding, and river rafting are also popular activities here. Or you can do as the locals do and kick back and watch nature come alive from wherever you happen to be.
Beautiful state park with many programmed activities. Arguably has the best beach front at Birch Bay. Lots of activity in summertime. It's just a short walk from the Cabana.
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I-Birch Bay State Park
5105 Helweg RdBeautiful state park with many programmed activities. Arguably has the best beach front at Birch Bay. Lots of activity in summertime. It's just a short walk from the Cabana.
Little known beach that has expansive views of the Salish Sea, San Juan passage and contains the remains of an abandoned oil refinery. Great place to launch kayaks from
Neptune Beach
Little known beach that has expansive views of the Salish Sea, San Juan passage and contains the remains of an abandoned oil refinery. Great place to launch kayaks from
There are many events held at Semiahmoo each year. Check their website for more details.
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Semiahmoo Resort
9565 Semiahmoo PkwyThere are many events held at Semiahmoo each year. Check their website for more details.
Birch Bay
Don't leave without taking a walk down the beach!
Cute little dutch farming town. Lots of fun community events in summertime including the NW Washington Fair. In Fall lots of harvest fruit and produce to enjoy and in winter experience the holidays in a small rural town. There are good opportunities for lake fishing here too.
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Lynden
Cute little dutch farming town. Lots of fun community events in summertime including the NW Washington Fair. In Fall lots of harvest fruit and produce to enjoy and in winter experience the holidays in a small rural town. There are good opportunities for lake fishing here too.
An absolute gem. Picture taking opportunities everywhere. This is what the Pacific Northwest is all about. Stop for lunch at one of the restaurants on the southern end (Skagit County side) and enjoy some oysters!
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Chuckanut
An absolute gem. Picture taking opportunities everywhere. This is what the Pacific Northwest is all about. Stop for lunch at one of the restaurants on the southern end (Skagit County side) and enjoy some oysters!
If you have half a day take the small ferry over to Lummi Island and a step back in time. Enjoy the gorgeous views of the Salish Sea and indulge at Whatcom County's only Michelin reviewed restaurant.
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Lummi Island
If you have half a day take the small ferry over to Lummi Island and a step back in time. Enjoy the gorgeous views of the Salish Sea and indulge at Whatcom County's only Michelin reviewed restaurant.
This beach side community is about 5 miles past the US/Canada border. It is known for it's restaurants and nightlife on the weekends. Great place to walk around, eat, shop or people watch.
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White Rock
This beach side community is about 5 miles past the US/Canada border. It is known for it's restaurants and nightlife on the weekends. Great place to walk around, eat, shop or people watch.
A historical maritime town. It is about 15 miles past the US/Canada border near the city of Richmond. It is a popular tourist spot and a favorite stop for local boaters. It has a wide variety of restaurants and bars and is busy on the weekends. Great place to walk around, eat, buy fresh seafood, shop or people watch.
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Steveston Fisherman's Wharf
3800 Bayview StreetA historical maritime town. It is about 15 miles past the US/Canada border near the city of Richmond. It is a popular tourist spot and a favorite stop for local boaters. It has a wide variety of restaurants and bars and is busy on the weekends. Great place to walk around, eat, buy fresh seafood, shop or people watch.
Lots and lots to do and see in the quaint community about 30 minutes drive across the border. Great place to wander, walk and explore. Many shops, restaurants, live entertainment, museums. Too much to do in one trip.
Langley Township
Lots and lots to do and see in the quaint community about 30 minutes drive across the border. Great place to wander, walk and explore. Many shops, restaurants, live entertainment, museums. Too much to do in one trip.
Fun place for the kids to see old time log cabins and enjoy a well appointed playground. Summertime sees much more activity here than in winter but you can still check out the buildings that the original settlers used way back when.
Pioneer Park
Fun place for the kids to see old time log cabins and enjoy a well appointed playground. Summertime sees much more activity here than in winter but you can still check out the buildings that the original settlers used way back when.
Beautiful mountain lake with many trails, boat rentals and swimming in summer. Also some great camping if you can find a site available. It's about 45 minutes drive from Birch Bay
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Silver Lake Park
9006 Silver Lake RdBeautiful mountain lake with many trails, boat rentals and swimming in summer. Also some great camping if you can find a site available. It's about 45 minutes drive from Birch Bay
WWU is a public university in the heart of Bellingham. It has a beautiful and expansive campus. There are museums, art and great nature walks here. When school is in session you can catch a game featuring one of Westerns sports teams.
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Western Washington University
516 High StWWU is a public university in the heart of Bellingham. It has a beautiful and expansive campus. There are museums, art and great nature walks here. When school is in session you can catch a game featuring one of Westerns sports teams.
Spectacular vistas await at this historic bridge connecting Whidbey Island to the mainland. There are great views up and down the Salish Sea, a State Park to explore and attractions like jet boat rides, trails for all levels of hikers, beautiful beaches and many events held in summertime too. It's about 45 mins by car from here but well worth the drive.
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Deception Pass State Park
41229 State Route 20Spectacular vistas await at this historic bridge connecting Whidbey Island to the mainland. There are great views up and down the Salish Sea, a State Park to explore and attractions like jet boat rides, trails for all levels of hikers, beautiful beaches and many events held in summertime too. It's about 45 mins by car from here but well worth the drive.
Iconic park off Chuckanut Drive. So much to do here and the views are postcard perfect. Bring a picnic and your hiking shoes and take one of the trails to find a private vista of the Salish Sea.
Larrabee State Park
Iconic park off Chuckanut Drive. So much to do here and the views are postcard perfect. Bring a picnic and your hiking shoes and take one of the trails to find a private vista of the Salish Sea.
Activities
It isn't always apparent what there is to do around here. So many people love the outside spaces for hiking, boating, fishing, skiing and everything that the natural environment offers in Northwest Washington. Here's a collection of ideas that has a little something for everyone.
Fantastic championship golf course that is members only on some days and open to the public on others. Check with the club house for details. Spectacular views and landscaping.
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Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club
8720 Semiahmoo PkwyFantastic championship golf course that is members only on some days and open to the public on others. Check with the club house for details. Spectacular views and landscaping.
Barkley Village
3005 Cinema PlBellingham's only traditional movie theater
Very good public golf course about 20 mins drive from Birch Bay. If you aren't into the country club scene but still want to hit some balls around this is a good choice
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North Bellingham Golf Course
205 W Smith RdVery good public golf course about 20 mins drive from Birch Bay. If you aren't into the country club scene but still want to hit some balls around this is a good choice
Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, hunting, hiking and picnics. Lake Terrell is a large wildlife managed area that feeds Terrell Creek the waterway that winds its way down into Birch Bay. It is well used by sportsmen and others as a scenic and mostly unimproved wilderness area. There is a basic boat launch, a couple of small fishing piers, picnic areas and hunting areas.
Lake Terrell State Game Refuge
Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, hunting, hiking and picnics. Lake Terrell is a large wildlife managed area that feeds Terrell Creek the waterway that winds its way down into Birch Bay. It is well used by sportsmen and others as a scenic and mostly unimproved wilderness area. There is a basic boat launch, a couple of small fishing piers, picnic areas and hunting areas.
Quirky little museum that always made me wonder why it was here...but well worth a visit. Great for school age kids
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SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
1312 Bay StQuirky little museum that always made me wonder why it was here...but well worth a visit. Great for school age kids
A nice semi-private golf course just 10 minutes from Birch Bay. Loomis Trail is owned by the Lummi Tribe so you can often get specials by checking the Silver Reef Casin website.
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Loomis Trail Golf
4342 Loomis Trail RdA nice semi-private golf course just 10 minutes from Birch Bay. Loomis Trail is owned by the Lummi Tribe so you can often get specials by checking the Silver Reef Casin website.
Beautiful park with many nature walks and iconic Bellingham vistas.
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Bloedel Donovan Park
2214 Electric AveBeautiful park with many nature walks and iconic Bellingham vistas.
Come learn about Whatcom County's history at this wonderful museum in the heart of downtown Bellingham
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Whatcom Museum
121 Prospect StCome learn about Whatcom County's history at this wonderful museum in the heart of downtown Bellingham
Live arts in this newly restored facility are first rate. While you won't see the big broadway shows here they do offer some well known performers and productions. It's a terrific way to spend an evening.
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Itheatara yeMount Baker
104 N Commercial StLive arts in this newly restored facility are first rate. While you won't see the big broadway shows here they do offer some well known performers and productions. It's a terrific way to spend an evening.
Fantastic farmers market each Saturday in downtown Bellingham. The facility is partially covered so don't let a few raindrops deter you from checking out this well attended outdoor market. Buy local produce, enjoy some food from one of the many local restaurants represented and check out works by local artists and craftspeople.
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I-Bellingham Farmers Market
1100 Railroad AveFantastic farmers market each Saturday in downtown Bellingham. The facility is partially covered so don't let a few raindrops deter you from checking out this well attended outdoor market. Buy local produce, enjoy some food from one of the many local restaurants represented and check out works by local artists and craftspeople.
Sizable public university with a spectacular campus that is enjoyable to walk year around. Lots of sculptures and natural beauty including a public arboretum attached to the campus that’s a must see. You will need to pay for parking on the campus but the fee is nominal. Worth a couple dollars to park and enjoy all the campus sights.
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Western Washington University
516 High StSizable public university with a spectacular campus that is enjoyable to walk year around. Lots of sculptures and natural beauty including a public arboretum attached to the campus that’s a must see. You will need to pay for parking on the campus but the fee is nominal. Worth a couple dollars to park and enjoy all the campus sights.
This is one of maybe three waterparks in all of Western Washington. It is a family operation and if it operates at a profit it is a slim one for sure. You won't pay much and it's not super fancy but kids love it and it is just big enough that it makes for a fun day for all. They don't have a lot in the way of food there so I recommend bringing a picnic or you can order a pizza directly to the facility and pick it up outside.
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Birch Bay Waterslides
4874 Birch Bay Lynden RdThis is one of maybe three waterparks in all of Western Washington. It is a family operation and if it operates at a profit it is a slim one for sure. You won't pay much and it's not super fancy but kids love it and it is just big enough that it makes for a fun day for all. They don't have a lot in the way of food there so I recommend bringing a picnic or you can order a pizza directly to the facility and pick it up outside.
Mountain BIking mecca in Bellingham. Amazing park for mountain bike enthusiasts. Plenty of parking, well-groomed trails, and lots of places to pull over and check out the view. Some riders get a little too excited so if you are taking a young rider keep a good eye on them so they don't get bumped or frightened.
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Galbraith Mountain Bike Park North Entrance
1206 Birch StMountain BIking mecca in Bellingham. Amazing park for mountain bike enthusiasts. Plenty of parking, well-groomed trails, and lots of places to pull over and check out the view. Some riders get a little too excited so if you are taking a young rider keep a good eye on them so they don't get bumped or frightened.
This is a great park for walking and enjoying the flora and fauna. About 15 mins drive from Birch Bay Hovander Park features a unique fragrance garden for vistors to enjoy. The Nooksack River is nearby as is a off leash dog park.
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Hovander Homestead Park
5299 Nielsen AveThis is a great park for walking and enjoying the flora and fauna. About 15 mins drive from Birch Bay Hovander Park features a unique fragrance garden for vistors to enjoy. The Nooksack River is nearby as is a off leash dog park.
Neighborhoods
A selection of area neighborhoods that have things of interest to visitors.
Oldest part of Bellingham. Adjacent to WWU it has a lot of shops, restaurants and bars to explore.
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Fairhaven
Oldest part of Bellingham. Adjacent to WWU it has a lot of shops, restaurants and bars to explore.
Samish Hill
Older picturesque neighborhood adjacent to Western Washington University
Beautiful forest like neighborhood on the banks of Lake Whatcom. Great trails, wildlife and general access to nature. Not a lot of shopping or restaurants so best not to go expecting that sort of experience.
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Sudden Valley
Beautiful forest like neighborhood on the banks of Lake Whatcom. Great trails, wildlife and general access to nature. Not a lot of shopping or restaurants so best not to go expecting that sort of experience.
Food scene
There's a growing food scene in this area but you need to know where to look. In spots it's a wasteland of chain restaurants and fast food. But look closer and you can find great hole in the wall cafe's, gastro pubs and a few terrific restaurants . Here's some of my...biased....recommendations. Vancouver/Lower Mainland BC is home to so many great places to eat but I don't cover them here. When I get some time I'll add my picks for north of the border. Until then if you want my cross-border suggestions just ask.
The best ice cream on planet earth. You will not be disappointed unless you are lactose intolerant.
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Edaleen Dairy
458 Peace Portal DrThe best ice cream on planet earth. You will not be disappointed unless you are lactose intolerant.
amazing food in big portions. set beside Highway 9 in the Cascade Foothills the Diner also carries the name of the small town it is located in. The food is typical Roadhouse fare but made with quality ingredients many locally sourced. They have breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a full bar. Be aware the busiest times are Sat/Sun breakfast so if you are in the mood for weekend breakfast/brunch be prepared to wait a little bit.
Well worth the 30-40 minute drive from Birch Bay to enjoy a meal at the Acme Diner
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ACME Diner
2045 Valley Hwyamazing food in big portions. set beside Highway 9 in the Cascade Foothills the Diner also carries the name of the small town it is located in. The food is typical Roadhouse fare but made with quality ingredients many locally sourced. They have breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a full bar. Be aware the busiest times are Sat/Sun breakfast so if you are in the mood for weekend breakfast/brunch be prepared to wait a little bit.
Well worth the 30-40 minute drive from Birch Bay to enjoy a meal at the Acme Diner
Fantastic food, drinks and view that cannot be beat. It's a little pricey but well worth it.
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Packers Kitchen + Bar
9565 Semiahmoo PkwyFantastic food, drinks and view that cannot be beat. It's a little pricey but well worth it.
Get your game on! Several restaurants to choose from including a buffet and an exceptional steak house. Live entertainment on the weekends.
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Silver Reef Casino Resort
4876 Haxton WayGet your game on! Several restaurants to choose from including a buffet and an exceptional steak house. Live entertainment on the weekends.
Excellent pub grub and beer. If it is summertime ask to sit on the deck with views of Bellingham Bay.
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Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro
1107 Railroad AveExcellent pub grub and beer. If it is summertime ask to sit on the deck with views of Bellingham Bay.
The Cat is exceptionally good. Fantastic out of the way place with amazing views of Bellingham Bay and comfortable atmosphere. Great happy hour menu
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The Black Cat
1200 Harris AveThe Cat is exceptionally good. Fantastic out of the way place with amazing views of Bellingham Bay and comfortable atmosphere. Great happy hour menu
Comfy little restaurant located in the Chrysalis Hotel on Bellingham Bay. Great Northwest inspired food, heavenly views and warm comfortable environs. Who doesn't like that?
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Keenan's at the Pier
804 10th StreetComfy little restaurant located in the Chrysalis Hotel on Bellingham Bay. Great Northwest inspired food, heavenly views and warm comfortable environs. Who doesn't like that?
Fantastic coffee and good pastries combined with friendly and fast service. You can't go wrong here. No wonder locally owned Woods Coffee is growing across Western Washington.
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Woods Coffee
470 Bayview DrFantastic coffee and good pastries combined with friendly and fast service. You can't go wrong here. No wonder locally owned Woods Coffee is growing across Western Washington.
Good general eatery with tasty burgers, sandwiches, salads and full bar. Fair prices
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Bob's Burgers & Brew Birch Bay
8120 Birch Bay Square StGood general eatery with tasty burgers, sandwiches, salads and full bar. Fair prices
CJ's is included for convenience....if you don't want to leave the Bay or want to walk someplace this is a good choice. The food is good but it's a bit of a tourist magnet and as a result the prices are a bit high all things considered. They do a good job with the dishes they offer and have a great view of the bay from their outside seating area.
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CJ's Beach House
7878 Birch Bay DrCJ's is included for convenience....if you don't want to leave the Bay or want to walk someplace this is a good choice. The food is good but it's a bit of a tourist magnet and as a result the prices are a bit high all things considered. They do a good job with the dishes they offer and have a great view of the bay from their outside seating area.
Family Mexican restaurant, nothing crazy. The usual menu items made fresh in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Giant cocktails and plenty of beers on tap round out this locals favorite
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Chihuahua Mexican Restaurant
5694 3rd AveFamily Mexican restaurant, nothing crazy. The usual menu items made fresh in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Giant cocktails and plenty of beers on tap round out this locals favorite
You wouldn't guess that you would find incredible sushi out in the middle of farmland in the Dutch Settlers town of Lynden. But Nami is unquestionably the best sushi restaurant in Whatcom County and in my opinion it rivals much more expensive and trendy establishments in Seattle and Vancouver. It is just that good.
Nami Asian Bistro
8862 Bender RdYou wouldn't guess that you would find incredible sushi out in the middle of farmland in the Dutch Settlers town of Lynden. But Nami is unquestionably the best sushi restaurant in Whatcom County and in my opinion it rivals much more expensive and trendy establishments in Seattle and Vancouver. It is just that good.
If you don't feel like driving too far Zen is a perfectly acceptable choice for sushi. Not a lot of other menu items offered there but the wide variety of sushi comes to you via conveyor in large quantities and good prices.
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Zen Sushi & Bar
3001 Cinema PlIf you don't feel like driving too far Zen is a perfectly acceptable choice for sushi. Not a lot of other menu items offered there but the wide variety of sushi comes to you via conveyor in large quantities and good prices.
An old fashioned drive-in. You'll think you stepped back into 1975. Burgers and shakes are very good. Sit inside the dining room that's made from an old house to get the full experience.
Grant's Burgers
2254 Douglas RdAn old fashioned drive-in. You'll think you stepped back into 1975. Burgers and shakes are very good. Sit inside the dining room that's made from an old house to get the full experience.
Don't let the exterior fool you...this is a seriously great fish market. Everything is uber fresh and the staff are always ready with helpful suggestions and cooking ideas
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Barlean's Fishery Inc.
4936 Lake Terrell RdDon't let the exterior fool you...this is a seriously great fish market. Everything is uber fresh and the staff are always ready with helpful suggestions and cooking ideas
If you like oysters you need to go here. That's as strong an endorsement as I can offer....it's nirvana for oyster lovers. The oysters are harvested but a few hundred yards from where they serve them so...come on...what are you waiting for?
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Drayton Harbor Oyster Company
685 Peace Portal DrIf you like oysters you need to go here. That's as strong an endorsement as I can offer....it's nirvana for oyster lovers. The oysters are harvested but a few hundred yards from where they serve them so...come on...what are you waiting for?
Chada Thai
825 Peace Portal DrAmazing authentic Thai food in Blaine! Good prices too!
This is a "must visit" place if you come to Birch Bay. The chocolate is home made, there is delicious ice cream and a summertime fav, SnoCones. They also have a cafe with great pizza and sandwiches. While you are there take time to learn the history of the building.
Unfortunately it is only open during summertime.....
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The C Shop
This is a "must visit" place if you come to Birch Bay. The chocolate is home made, there is delicious ice cream and a summertime fav, SnoCones. They also have a cafe with great pizza and sandwiches. While you are there take time to learn the history of the building.
Unfortunately it is only open during summertime.....
New Orleans style food and great cocktails in an unpretentious and budget friendly spot.
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Bayou On Bay
1300 Bay StNew Orleans style food and great cocktails in an unpretentious and budget friendly spot.
This could be listed under food, sightseeing or activity. Depending on your desire to truly learn the way of the bi-valve will determine what you see, do, taste and experience here. You could simply go and enjoy fresh off the boat oysters, or you could take a tour and learn about shellfish harvesting, maybe harvest some yourself or take a leisurely stroll down a spectacular stretch of northwest beach. It's up to you but it will be hard to leave this hidden gem...it's pretty terrific and very much an insiders place.
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Taylor Shellfish Farms
2182 Chuckanut DrThis could be listed under food, sightseeing or activity. Depending on your desire to truly learn the way of the bi-valve will determine what you see, do, taste and experience here. You could simply go and enjoy fresh off the boat oysters, or you could take a tour and learn about shellfish harvesting, maybe harvest some yourself or take a leisurely stroll down a spectacular stretch of northwest beach. It's up to you but it will be hard to leave this hidden gem...it's pretty terrific and very much an insiders place.
Fantastic little mexican cantina that has outdoor dining space as well as take out. Excellent food and great cocktails.
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Black Sheep on Holly
211 West Holly StreetFantastic little mexican cantina that has outdoor dining space as well as take out. Excellent food and great cocktails.
This is the Taj Mahal of brew pubs. The food is outstanding too but you will not find a bigger monument to the amber adult beverage than this place. And this is an area that is crazy about beer. It is truly epic and a must see for the beer lover. If you are here on the weekend the brunch there is great. Order a Mimosa when at brunch at Twin Sisters and you better call Uber to get home.
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Twin Sisters Brewing Company
500 Carolina StThis is the Taj Mahal of brew pubs. The food is outstanding too but you will not find a bigger monument to the amber adult beverage than this place. And this is an area that is crazy about beer. It is truly epic and a must see for the beer lover. If you are here on the weekend the brunch there is great. Order a Mimosa when at brunch at Twin Sisters and you better call Uber to get home.
Good old fashioned diner type restaurant with big portions and friendly staff. This is a local favorite for breakfast so expect to wait a little if going Sat/Sun mornings.
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Cedar's Restaurant & Lounge
2019 E Main StGood old fashioned diner type restaurant with big portions and friendly staff. This is a local favorite for breakfast so expect to wait a little if going Sat/Sun mornings.
You don't need to be a member or even a golfer to enjoy a bite to eat at the clubhouse restaurant at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club. Enjoy a Reuben, Salad, Soup or just a cocktail or local beer. The Great Blue Heron Grill is generally slow in the evenings after the sun goes down since the golfers have cleared out by then. The menu isn't expansive and the offerings aren't very original but what they do offer is usually tasty and the ambiance is laid back and casual.
Great Blue Heron Grill
8720 Semiahmoo PkwyYou don't need to be a member or even a golfer to enjoy a bite to eat at the clubhouse restaurant at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club. Enjoy a Reuben, Salad, Soup or just a cocktail or local beer. The Great Blue Heron Grill is generally slow in the evenings after the sun goes down since the golfers have cleared out by then. The menu isn't expansive and the offerings aren't very original but what they do offer is usually tasty and the ambiance is laid back and casual.
Wonderful seafood heavy restaurant on the waterfront. Relaxing atmosphere and exceptional views from every table. Prices are on the high side but not outrageous and the cuisine is well worth what they charge.
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Anthony's Hearthfire Grill, Bellingham
7 Bellwether WayWonderful seafood heavy restaurant on the waterfront. Relaxing atmosphere and exceptional views from every table. Prices are on the high side but not outrageous and the cuisine is well worth what they charge.
Fantastic Brew Pub with friendly staff, delicious unpretentious fare, an extensive collection of beer and wine as well as mixed drinks. I recommend sitting at the bar where you will get a one-of-a-kind experience...bartenders do not pour here. They fill glasses with beer and cider from the bottom up!
Gateway 1890 Taphouse & Grill
Fantastic Brew Pub with friendly staff, delicious unpretentious fare, an extensive collection of beer and wine as well as mixed drinks. I recommend sitting at the bar where you will get a one-of-a-kind experience...bartenders do not pour here. They fill glasses with beer and cider from the bottom up!
This remarkable little gem is just a stones throw from the Cabana. Less than 5 mins by car. Don't let the location fool you, this is authentic sushi of the highest quality. I have eaten sushi all over the world and this rivals the very best. They do not have a restaurant it is take-out only and yes it is in a mini-mart. It is not what you would expect but if you are a sushi fan I cannot recommend this place enough. You will not be disappointed getting sushi from Skai. I would put the quality of the sushi here at or above the very best sushi in Seattle or Vancouver. It is unbelievably good. Order about an hour before you intend to eat though as they are just a mom-and-pop operation and can get very busy at dinner time filling all the orders.
SKAI Sushi
5000 Helweg RoadThis remarkable little gem is just a stones throw from the Cabana. Less than 5 mins by car. Don't let the location fool you, this is authentic sushi of the highest quality. I have eaten sushi all over the world and this rivals the very best. They do not have a restaurant it is take-out only and yes it is in a mini-mart. It is not what you would expect but if you are a sushi fan I cannot recommend this place enough. You will not be disappointed getting sushi from Skai. I would put the quality of the sushi here at or above the very best sushi in Seattle or Vancouver. It is unbelievably good. Order about an hour before you intend to eat though as they are just a mom-and-pop operation and can get very busy at dinner time filling all the orders.
A local favorite! 1890 is a brew pub with terrific food at fair prices. They have dozens of local brews and some from up and down the West Coast. Watch them pour your pint from the bottom up - what a neat trick!
Gateway 1890 Taphouse & Grill
A local favorite! 1890 is a brew pub with terrific food at fair prices. They have dozens of local brews and some from up and down the West Coast. Watch them pour your pint from the bottom up - what a neat trick!
City/town information
If you have a whole day with nothing else to do and would like to see another part of the state that is most easily accessed from Northwest Washington consider a trip to Winthrop in the Methow Valley. It is a spectacular drive via Hwy 20 over the North Cascades. Although the route is typically only open May-Oct. Along the way you will see glacial lakes, clear rivers, waterfalls and upon arriving in Winthrop a quaint old west town that is usually bustling with activity in the summer. It will take about 2.5 hours each way to visit Winthrop but it is an experience you will not soon forget. I highly recommend this ambitious day trip if you have the stamina for the drive.
State Route 20
If you have a whole day with nothing else to do and would like to see another part of the state that is most easily accessed from Northwest Washington consider a trip to Winthrop in the Methow Valley. It is a spectacular drive via Hwy 20 over the North Cascades. Although the route is typically only open May-Oct. Along the way you will see glacial lakes, clear rivers, waterfalls and upon arriving in Winthrop a quaint old west town that is usually bustling with activity in the summer. It will take about 2.5 hours each way to visit Winthrop but it is an experience you will not soon forget. I highly recommend this ambitious day trip if you have the stamina for the drive.
Anacortes is a seafaring town west of Burlington on Highway 20. It is a quiet little town with lots of shops and restaurants. Many of which cater to the boating crowd. Anacortes is often the gateway for many boaters to the San Juans and the town has many large marinas where folks keep their boats and access repair services. The Washington State Ferry takes passengers from here to the San Juans for those who don't own a yacht.
State Route 20
Anacortes is a seafaring town west of Burlington on Highway 20. It is a quiet little town with lots of shops and restaurants. Many of which cater to the boating crowd. Anacortes is often the gateway for many boaters to the San Juans and the town has many large marinas where folks keep their boats and access repair services. The Washington State Ferry takes passengers from here to the San Juans for those who don't own a yacht.
Amacebiso ngesixeko
Ukuhamba-hamba
Use the Pacific Hwy Border Crossing
If you are going to BC and have seen the Peace Arch before use the Pacific Hwy crossing. It is just a mile or so East of Peace Arch and often has shorter wait times. It is also referred to as the "truck crossing" but there are plenty of lanes for passenger cars.
Ungaphoswa
Saturday's Farmer's Market
If you are in town on Saturday head into Bellingham and check out the farmers market on Railroad Ave. It's open each week. Arrive early for best selection
Amasiko nenkcubeko
Shellfishing Tips
Before collecting clams, mussels and oysters double check with the Washington Fish and Wildlife website that you are harvesting the correct species in season and that there is not a red tide warning for the area. Signs are generally posted down the beach but the website is often the quickest way to get information before gearing up for a harvesting trip. You can also get a day license online. If you prefer to buy one in person the Bay Center has them as well as Pacific Building Center in Blaine.
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Got Kayak?
We do! Two Kayaks are available to rent for a modest additional charge. Just ask your host.
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Birch Bay by Bicycle
Cabana guests have access to two beach cruiser bikes available at no cost. Birch Bay Drive and the new Boardwalk are an ideal place to get out on two wheels and explore the area. Ask your host for details.
Ungaphoswa
Plover Ferry
During summer the Plover ferry runs daily from Blaine Marina to Semiahmoo Resort. It's a fun and relaxing ride on the historic little ferry boat. Enjoy a tasty lunch at the resort and hear a little history of the region while aboard the Plover. The fare to ride the Plover is less than $10/pp round trip.
Izinto omele uzipakishe
Dress like a local
The technical term for the environment here in the Pacific NW is "Temperate Rainforest". Which means that rain is possible any time of year. It's also why everything here is so green. We can have very mild days in winter and wet/cool days in summer. But we can also have frigid cold in winter and blazing hot temps in summer. The weather here will definitely keep you guessing. That's why locals often pack both a raincoat AND sunglasses when they go out. Tackle the NW weather by packing clothes which can be layered. That way, as conditions change...so can you.
Ungaphoswa
Crab Season
Birch Bay is one the best areas in the Puget Sound for catching Dungeness Crab. The season typically begins mid-August. It doesn't take special skill just a little local knowledge which I am happy to offer. Here's a list of things you'll need:
- A Washington State Crab Fishing License
- A crab trap/crab pot with bait box
- A rope and buoy
- crab bait
Birch Bay is so shallow a boat isn't required. You can catch crab just by walking out on the bay at low tide. If you want to try your luck let me know and I'm happy give you detailed instruction on how to catch your own dinner.
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Bigfoot Sightings in Blaine
Was that Bigfoot? Also known as Sasquatch the mythical creature has been part of local legend and storytelling for time immemorial. You may just see “Squatch” which is what his friends call him if you go to Blaine. In reality, it’s a resident who has a very realistic costume and enjoys walking around downtown Blaine in it to amuse the locals and tourists alike. He has a way of sneaking up on you and may give you a little surprise. But don’t worry he’s friendly and will even pose for pictures with you.
Amasiko nenkcubeko
Beach Fires
I often get asked about making beach fires here at Birch Bay. And it is OK at any of the Public Beaches. These will be marked with signs and accompanying parking. Though you may not collect and burn beach wood so pick up a bundle of firewood at the store. Beach wood or driftwood is bad for the environment. A lot of it has come from garbage barges and may contain toxic substances. It burns poorly in any case. Save your lungs and frustration and buy a bundle of firewood at the store. I have buckets for dousing your fire when you're ready to call it a night - just ask