1. The Summers Are Grand
Bellingham is known for its mild summers, with temperatures peaking in the 70s and the daylight extending well into the evening.
2. Vitamin D Is A Commodity
While the summers are divine, the winters can be a bit dreary. The cloud cover keeps the sun hidden most days and doctors will be prescribing you Vitamin D supplements October through March.
3. Bellingham Has Connections
Bellingham is conveniently positioned in between several major cosmopolitan cities. It is just an hour and a half north of Seattle and an hour south of Vancouver. And with easy access to the San Juan Islands, Mount Baker and the North Cascade Mountains, there is always a stunning view just a short drive or bike ride away.
4. But It's Gone to the Dogs
Bellinghamsters love their dogs. The city has several off-leash dog parks but it doesn't stop there. You will often see dogs accompanying their humans in stores and in the car on errand runs.
5. Don't Speed. Ever.
While in other cities it's generally safe to drive about five miles over the speed limit without fear of a ticket, not so in Bellingham. Here if you're not driving the speed limit or less the local cops will pull you over and write you up.
6. You Better Jog To The Gym
Old, young, it's no matter; Bellinghamsters love to exercise and there are more gyms to service the 80,000 residents than one would think necessary. But the parking lots are full at all hours of the day.
7. Cheaper Booze Is Just Across The Border
The State of Washington levies a hefty 20% tax on all spirits, making it well worth the cross-border commute to Canada for discounted, duty free booze. Just remember the minimum required stay is 24-48 hours.
8. No More Waiting In Line With NEXUS
Apply for NEXUS to cut down on wait times at the border. Once you're approved, prepare to savor sweet victory as you breeze through the NEXUS-only lane and leave the traffic pack behind.
9. There's Camping Galore in Bellingham
While Bellingham proper doesn't have campsites per se, there are several nearby spots to pitch a tent, including Larrabee State Park on Samish Bay and Thousand Trails Campground.
10. Bellinghamsters Drive In The Espresso Lane
Bellinghamsters love their coffee and it shows. Bellingham boasts more drive-thru espresso stands per capita than any other city in the U.S.-a whopping 50 stands, give or take a few. Pull up to Spartan Espresso for the best cold brewed coffee around.
11. You'll Have A Whale Of A Time
Bellingham is home to several seasonal whale-watching tours. There are also tours available in nearby British Columbia or by hopping on one of the ferries headed to the San Juan Islands.
12. Historic Fairhaven Is Just Down The Street
Neighboring Fairhaven Village is home to an assortment of shopping, dining and entertainment options. There are also festivals and seasonal farmers' markets that draw locals and tourists alike. Sit down with the effigy one of Fairhaven's founders Dirty Dan Harris, but watch out--he looks like he still has a few tricks up his sleeve.
13. Bellingham Is Home Of The MegaZapper
That's right. You can get zapped (pain-free) at the Spark: Museum of Electrical Invention in one of the world's largest Tesla coil "lightning machines." Patrons are able to stand inside the lightning cage and get a load of what four million volts of loose electricity looks like.
14. Mount Baker Has The Best Powder
The third highest mountain range in Washington is home to some of the best snowboarding in the state. It also boasts the longest ski season around.
15. Bellingham Loves The Seahawks Just As Much As Seattle
The fervor surrounding the recent Seahawks' Super Bowl runs far and deep in the state of Washington, and Bellingham is no exception. Be prepared for fans bellowing "Seeaaa-HAWKS!" back and forth in bars and restaurants. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
16. Bellinghamsters Are Spoiled By All The Fresh Food
Bellingham is home to many fresh and local food initiatives such as Acme Farms + Kitchen where you can buy your groceries online and have them shipped to your door. Residents can also participate in co-ops, subscribing to weekly deliveries of locally grown produce accompanied by a menu and recipe list.
17. Beer Me, Mister
The Pacific Northwest is the Promised Land of tasty hops and Bellingham is no exception. This town may be tiny, but it still manages to keep its several local breweries in business. Stop by The Copper Hog and choose from their wide rotating beer selection or go to Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro for an ultra smooth Scotch Ale.
18. Paper Or Plastic Comes With A Price
In an effort to cut down on plastic bag consumption, the State of Washington enacted a law whereby all bags have a 5-cent surcharge, prompting many locals to bring their own reusable totes. Some stores even give a 5-cent credit when you bring your own bag.
19. Bellingham's A Golfer's Mecca
According to Golf Digest, Bellingham has more private and public golf courses per capita than any other county in the Pacific Northwest. Swing your club at that!
20. Bellingham Is Neighbors With A Geopolitical Oddity
Point Roberts is the only place in the U.S. that can only be reached via land by crossing the Canadian border. If you don't want to go through Canada, you can travel to Point Bob by catching the next boat ride or flight there.
21. Bellinghamsters Know How To Do Business
Bellingham was named by Forbes Magazine as the best small town in Washington to do business and 19th in the U.S overall.
22. The Views At Larrabee State Park Will Make Your Eyes Pop Out Of Your Head
Yeah, just look at that. When you're not ogling, check out some of the awesome hiking trails, go camping or explore the freshwater lakes, coves and tidelands spread out across Larrabee's 2,600 acres.
23. Wow Your Brain At Mindport
Bellingham is home to Mindport, a hands-on museum featuring natural science, ecology photography, and art exhibits. At only two bucks a pop, a family outing at Mindport can't fail. Kids will love playing recordings of their voices backwards and listening to the water-drop rhythm of marbles rolling down the wooden Sound Sculpture.
24. What's In A Name?
The name "Bellingham" is derived from a Nooksack word meaning "noisy water." How's that for a lesson in etymology?
25. Bellingham Is One Swank Town
And by Swank, I mean Hilary. She and comic book artist Eric Larsen were raised here, plus the members of Death Cab for Cutie attended Western Washington University.
26. Bellingham Has A Fatal Attraction
Bellingham has a direct link to at least four serial killers in the last 30 years, including the D.C. Snipers who passed through for a beer, and the Hillside Strangler who was, for a short time, a Bellinghamster himself.
27. Your Lungs Will Thank You
Bellingham is one of the top cities in the U.S. in terms of clean air, ranking #25, as reported by the E.P.A. and American Lung Association. Ever smell a Just Plain Fresh scented Yankee Candle? Now, imagine that, but fresher.
28. Prepare For The Swarm of College Kids
While Bellingham has its fair share of "seasoned" residents, it's also populated by Western Washington University's 15,000 students who will fill up local businesses at a moment's notice.
29. When Bellingham Gives You Raspberries...
...Eat them all. Seriously, that's what I do. And since Bellingham is the No. 1 raspberry producer in the state, you can stuff your mouth with this tangy red fruit knowing there's more where it came from. Plus wild blackberries and blueberries bushes abound, ready for picking.
30. Niagra Wishes It Were One Of Bellingham's Waterfalls
Just kidding. I'm sure the Niagra Falls have a very healthy self-image. But seriously, Bellingham is home to several stunning waterfalls, including 12 of the tallest in the Pacific Northwest. Stop by Whatcom Falls Park for a day of hiking and waterfall touring.
