There is a reason why we chose to locate our shop in Bellingham. It’s small enough to feel unencumbered with city-life anxieties yet large enough that there is at least one Pho restaurant within two miles of you. We love this town with all of its complex social dynamics and connected trail systems, so much that we wanted to share with you our take on Bellingham. I compiled this list for those in town for a FreedomVans shop tour, and who may need tips on where to go or where to stay. Of course, there are so many more places in this town to explore and my list could go on forever, but I’ve chosen these spots for you because they offer new experiences every time you visit. Enjoy and come back soon!

Where to Stay

Bellingham AirBnB has it going on.
You’ll want to stay in AirBnB’s near Fairhaven, Chuckanut Mountain, or the York District, as there are more things to do within walking distance.
Keep in mind that, while the AirBnB options near Chuckanut Mountain are more scenic and offer a kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience, it is still a 20-25 minute drive and is isolated from shops.

Bellingham Downtown trails with parks highlighted in green. Updated April 2013

Good coffee/ Good tea/ Good food

Angel’s Gluten Free Bakery
4260 Cordata Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98226
Open: M-Fri 7:30am – 4 pm
           Sat 8am-4pm (closed Sundays)
*They also serve GF soups, sandwiches, chicken pot pies…etc*

Black Drop Coffee House
300 W Champion St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Open: M-Fri 7am- 7 pm
          Sat & Sun 8am-5pm
*amazing coffee*

Avellino
1329 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Open: M-Fri 6am- 7 pm
           Sat & Sun 7am-7pm
*has GF baked goods*

Pho Ly
4151 Meridian St # 113, Bellingham, WA 98226
Open: M-Sat 11am- 8 pm
* preferred Pho in town*

Neto’s Market & Bakery
2612 W Maplewood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Opens: M-Sun 6am-10:30 pm
*Head to the back to order great authentic Mexican food. You know it’s good because they butcher their own meat and they make their own tortillas.*

Brotha Dudes
202 E Holly St #117, Bellingham, WA 98225
Opens: M-Sun 11am- 10 pm
*GF options available and all around great winter warm foods options*

Wanida Thai Cuisine
1213 Dupont St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Opens: M- Fri 11am-9 pm
            Sat & Sun 12- 9 pm
* WARNING: their curries are not GF. Their 5 star spiciness rating is sand-bagged too. If you’re very concerned about this but you are still jonesing for Thai food, go to Busara.*

Busara Thai Cuisine
404 36th St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Opens: Wed-Mon 11:30am- 9:30 pm
*Really great sit-down Thai place.*

Going out for drinks

Up & Up
1234 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
*Part of the Bellingham bar crawl scene*

Elizabeth Station
1400 W Holly St
*Wall-to-wall cider and beer selection. Long communal benches to sit and chat. You can make your own six-pack. There is a food truck usually parked outside. Everyone’s favorite!*

Boundary Bay Brewery
1107 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
*Local brewery that is not too crowded and has very comforting aesthetic*

McKay’s Taphouse
1118 E Maple St
*Feels like a sports bar with a piano in the back. It’s definitely the college kids’ spot for late night pizza and beer.*

Things to do around town:

hike

A hiker’s stop on the Oyster Dome hiking trail in the Chuckanut recreation area.

Chuckanut Mountain

  • Tons of mountain biking and moderate hiking with great views of the bay.
  • Make sure to keep an eye out for that glacial polish and striations, and fossilized turtle shells or clam shells. It is all evidence that this area existed in different climates throughout geologic time. If you really want to nerd out on it, glance at the Wikipedia page before you head out; it’s a good introduction to the local geology.
  • Check out trails on the Washington Trail’s Association website for more information.

Bellingham Trails

  • Bellingham has an extensive trail system throughout the town, connecting little parks that all have their unique experiences. These trail systems have a focus on restoring and protecting our important watershed. You can check out their 38 page trail guide for more information.
  • If you want one park to visit, I’d recommend Boulevard Park where the sunsets are phenomenal.
  • Near our shop, Squalicum Creek Park is an allocated area that follows the creek to its drainage into Bellingham Bay. Right before you exit the greenway to the water, you cross under train tracks- an important piece of Bellingham’s history.

HoneyMoon Mead & Cider

  • This little mead and cider shop, where they feature their own brew, is usually packed with locals who want to sip quality old world drinks under twinkling holiday lights.
  • Their calendar is full of entertainment that is family friendly and, in my opinion, is even more invigorating than a liquid funk drum & bass show.