February 2013
In This Issue
Romantic Eats
Where to Stay
Family Fun
Upcoming Events
Place to Shop
Visitor’s Guide
Event Calendar
Quick Links

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View the previous issue of The Traveler on-line:
 The Traveler 
January 2013
 

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Photo Contest

    Jan/Feb 2012

Subdued Excitement 
Bellingham is know as the city of subdued excitement and we want to know why. Show us what you find subdued, exciting, or both about this area!Enter to Win and the top 3 photos will get a PRIZE!

Take A Bite
Need a dining recommendation? Get your tastebuds tempted by checking out this link to
Whatcom County Restaurants.   

    

Opening on April Fool’s Day in 1998, Diamond Jim Grill’s is a great place to stop in for a bite. They serve delicious burgers, local beverages, and the specialty big 10″ pancakes. They also feature a Lite & Gluten free menu.

Our Website
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism’s website
is a great resource for both locals and visitors. Find events, plan your trip, read our blog, watch videos and virtually explore Whatcom County.

Travel like a Local
whatcom4locals
@whatcom4locals

Facebook Fans
Bellingham-Mt. Baker Fan Page
“Like” Bellingham-Mt. Baker on Facebook, and we’ll keep you posted on the latest events, great deals and fun get-away ideas.
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
360-671-3990
bellingham.org
Welcome Visitors
Spend your next vacation in Whatcom County! We have so many different things to do and places to see. After you leave, you are sure to miss it here…Questions? We are happy to provide tips on travel, recreation, discounts, accommodations and eating throughout our region. See bellingham.org.

Valentines Day Romantic Eats


Steak & Lobster
 – The Steakhouse at Silver Reef was voted Best of the Northwest in 2012 and has won awards from Wine Spectator the past two years.Oysters – Known for their aphrodisiac power, oysters are grown in the local waters near Bellingham and are best to eat in months containing the letter “r.”

1.Take a mid-day outing to Taylor Shellfish Farm onChuckanut Drive.

2.Make a reservation at the Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive, located on the cliff above Taylor Shellfish.

3.For an amazing oyster feast in a funky-fun location, try the  Bayou on Bay Oyster Bar on Bay Street in downtown Bellingham.

 

Unique Meals – Have a once in a lifetime experience with an amazing, chef’s-choice, pre-set menu incorporating ultra local ingredients like you’ve never experienced them before.

1. Ciao Thyme in Bellingham features creations by chef Mataio Gillis at his multi-course Incognitio dinners.

2. The Willows Inn on Lummi Island is recognized as one of the best restaurants in the world worth a plane ride, for foraged and farmed genius of chef Blaine Wetzel. Both require reservations many weeks in advance.

Where to Stay
There are so many places to stay in Whatcom County. Browse through local hotels with BookDirect to find the price and location that works best for you or see a full list of Hotel/MotelsB & B’s and Vacation Rentals.

For business or leisure travel, the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites is ideally located off Interstate 5 and is less than three miles from the Bellingham International Airport. This Bellingham hotel is within walking distance of Bellis Fair mall and is minutes away from popular attractions and businesses like the Port of Bellingham marina and transportation terminal.

Family Fun   

The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention offers an exciting and educational experience for audiences of all

ages. Compelling, interactive exhibits spanning four centuries of scientific achievement and cultural heritage are featured in a world-class collection of unique objects. The Spark Museum displays the inventions and innovations that changed the course of human history. The whole family will be thrilled by the MegaZapper Electrical Show performed every weekend!

Upcoming Events
Downtown Art Walk – Feb 1The downtown art walk exhibits the high quality of artists and remarkable variety of venues present in downtown Bellingham.Built to Spill with Finn Riggins– Feb 2 

Boise-based Built to Spill, one of the most popular indie rock acts of the 1990s, makes its latest tour stop at the Wild Buffalo, accompanied by the dynamic quirky and highly energetic indie rock trio Finn Riggins.

 

Lake Whatcom Railway Valentine Train – Feb 9

Get your relationship on the right track this Valentines Day. The train starts at Wickersham, on Highway 9 and travels through a small tunnel along a lake and out into the woods. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Heritage Flight Museum Fly Day– Feb 16     

Get an up-close look at some of the rarest and most famous military aircraft spanning from WWII through Vietnam.
Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” at Mount Baker Theatre – Feb 19-28
The clashing sounds and pulsing rhythms of New York City underscore this landmark Sondheim show, considered by many to be the first modern musical. Honest and witty, Company is a sophisticated look at modern relationships.

Place to Shop

Whatcom County has a wonderful variety of shopping experiences for visitors, from the traditional urban mall, to quaint boutique shops and locally-owned stores. See a full list of great shopping ideas.

Chocolate Necessities

Give your loved one gourmet chocolate this Valentines Day from Chocolate Necessities. The finest Callebaut chocolate is used in their gourmet truffles and solid chocolates. They believe you won’t find a smoother, creamier milk chocolate or richer, more layered dark anywhere. 

Visitors GuideThe Bellingham Whatcom County Visitors Guide is an excellent start for anyone coming to Northwest Washington. Get insight on all the different towns in the area along with shopping, outdoor activities, trails, scenic drives, golfing, annual festivals, and much more!
You can also view our Visitors Guide online. Or request one by mail.

Event Calendar

Our online calendar atcalendar.bellingham.org, under “Things to Do” is a highly utilized aspect of our website. Venues from throughout the county regularly post their activities here. Check it out frequently for new listings and fun ideas each month.

Maralyn D. HillThe Epicurean Explorer

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA)

Board Member, Co-Chair Conference & Media Trip Committee, Past President

Editor-at-Large, CityRoom

Freelance Lifestyle Journalist

Blogs: Where and What in the World & Success with Writing

https://authorcentral.amazon.com

Follow me: @maralynhill

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