Bellingham Splurge!

I spent my college years in Bellingham and then the word "splurge" was not in my vocabulary. since then much has developed, both with my vocabulary and with Bellingham's amenities for travelers looking for that special splurge experience. The city's unmatched setting on the shores of a broad bay, islands in the distance, Mt. Baker towering over all, is enough to draw anyone to this friendly city, but the luxury amenities you'll find in food, hotels and entertainment will make you thrilled you checked it out and will keep you coming back for more.

Chrysalis is a cocoon of luxurious comfort from the suites to the spa, from the warm wood accented lobby to the intimate restaurant. Rooms feature views across Bellingham Bay, fireplaces, large soaking tubs and fine linens. The spa has an extensive menu of treatments but their signature is a Moroccan Mud Ritual, a splurge on the dirty... More >
Chrysalis is a cocoon of luxurious comfort from the suites to the spa, from the warm wood accented lobby to the intimate restaurant. Rooms feature views across Bellingham Bay, fireplaces, large soaking tubs and fine linens. The spa has an extensive menu of treatments but their signature is a Moroccan Mud Ritual, a splurge on the dirty side. Fino Wine Bar and Restaurant offers a European-inspired menu with 100% European wine list and has one of the most romantic settings in Bellingham. At Chrysalis, you're within easy walking distance of all of the historic Fairhaven District's attractions, restaurants and shops. This boutique inn has been acclaimed by top luxury travel publications for good reason.
Expansive views of the bay, the city and the San Juan Islands are only a few of the reasons to call the Bellwether homebase for a luxury getaway. An array of rooms and suites feature fine amenities, but the Lighthouse Suite is the room to book for a genuine splurge. Plan ahead, this popular three-story lighthouse that commands the best... More >
Expansive views of the bay, the city and the San Juan Islands are only a few of the reasons to call the Bellwether homebase for a luxury getaway. An array of rooms and suites feature fine amenities, but the Lighthouse Suite is the room to book for a genuine splurge. Plan ahead, this popular three-story lighthouse that commands the best view in town is often booked far in advance. The hotel's Harborside Bistro serves sumptuous Northwest fare with a creative edge. Hotel Bellwether is conveniently located a short drive or healthy walk to downtown or within an easy walk of a nearby waterfront park and marina where you can book a San Juan Island cruise or a whale-watching tour.
San Juan Cruises in the Fairhaven District offers a luxury cruise experience to suite anyone.
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This retro-style steakhouse has won Wine Spectator Awards for two years in a row. Classic favorites are prepared and served up tableside - dishes such as a perfecto Caesar Salad, Steak Diane and Bananas Foster. The flames make a great floorshow. The setting is elegant, the service impeccable and not stuffy, and the food as perfect as steak can get. This is a short drive out of Bellingham to the Lummi Nation's SInver Reef Casino, andt definitely worth it.
There's something about creatively conceived and presented small plates that is extremely satisfying. Maybe it's the great variety all in one meal, or the savory flavors of old Spain, orfun new dishes such as mac & cheese with white truffle oil, or a glass of fine Spanish wine to wash it all down. Whenever I dine at Flats, I can close ... More >
There's something about creatively conceived and presented small plates that is extremely satisfying. Maybe it's the great variety all in one meal, or the savory flavors of old Spain, orfun new dishes such as mac & cheese with white truffle oil, or a glass of fine Spanish wine to wash it all down. Whenever I dine at Flats, I can close my eyes and feel that I'm in Barcelona; open then again and I'm back in historic Fairhaven in a cozy tapas bar, the moody Pacific Northwest evening on the other side of the window.
Perched high on a cliff overlooking Samish Bay sits The Oyster Bar. When the tide's out you can see the oyster beds ofTaylor Shellfish Farms on the tide flats below the restaurant. You can't get fresher or tastier than this. Chef Justin Gordon has created a menu featuring the mollusks raw or cooked, along with many other excellent dish... More >
Perched high on a cliff overlooking Samish Bay sits The Oyster Bar. When the tide's out you can see the oyster beds ofTaylor Shellfish Farms on the tide flats below the restaurant. You can't get fresher or tastier than this. Chef Justin Gordon has created a menu featuring the mollusks raw or cooked, along with many other excellent dishes for those who don't crave these delicate morsels. This is one of the most romantic dining spots along the coast, famous for its food and its quintessentially Northwest setting.
This is a short drive out of Bellingham to the Lummi Nation's SInver Reef Casino, andt definitely worth it.
The Mt. Baker Theater, originally built in 1927, is one of the country's most beautifully restored and elegant old theaters. Located in the heart if the Arts District, it now serves Bellingham as its performing arts center. Buy show tickets, not only for an evening of great entertainment, but to check out the ornate auditorium and lobb... More >
The Mt. Baker Theater, originally built in 1927, is one of the country's most beautifully restored and elegant old theaters. Located in the heart if the Arts District, it now serves Bellingham as its performing arts center. Buy show tickets, not only for an evening of great entertainment, but to check out the ornate auditorium and lobby. It's worth the price of admission.
Adventure awaits just outside Bellingham - a day sail aboard Happy Talk, a 1962 50' wooden sailboat. Lummi Island is a gateway to the San Juan Islands, Washington's famed, pristine archipelago with more than 70 islands. On board, unwind and enjoy this vintage classic as Capt. Charlie DeWeese sails you to unmatched scenery. From Belling... More >
Adventure awaits just outside Bellingham - a day sail aboard Happy Talk, a 1962 50' wooden sailboat. Lummi Island is a gateway to the San Juan Islands, Washington's famed, pristine archipelago with more than 70 islands. On board, unwind and enjoy this vintage classic as Capt. Charlie DeWeese sails you to unmatched scenery. From Bellingham, drive to Gooseberry Point and catch the tiny ferry to Lummi Island.
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Orca-spotting anyone? Or how about a cracked crab dinner cruise? San Juan Cruises in the Fairhaven District offers a luxury cruise experience to suite anyone. There's not better way to experience the Bellingham area than on the water surrounding this martitime city. Day cruises to the island village of Friday harbor are available too, a great way to spend a day. More
Orca-spotting anyone? Or how about a cracked crab dinner cruise? San Juan Cruises in the Fairhaven District offers a luxury cruise experience to suite anyone. There's not better way to experience the Bellingham area than on the water surrounding this martitime city. Day cruises to the island village of Friday harbor are available too, a great way to spend a day.
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About the Author

Allen Cox
Allen Cox
Writing and editing professional, Communications Consultant. Editor, Northwest Travel magazine. Contributing Editor, HARBORS magazine. Freelance travel & lifestyle writer. Author of Best Easy Day Hikes - Seattle, Best Easy Day Hikes - Tacoma. Board of Directors: IFWTWA Faculty, Pacific NW Travel Writers Conference website: www.allencox.org blog: www.localroads.wordpress.com

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