Ditch the dinner date: Bellingham's best spots for a unique day out

Have you endured one too many casual movie nights or too many dull dinner dates? In need of something new to do with someone special? 

You're in luck! Bellingham is teeming with local activities that would make an ideal date spot, whether it's a first date or another fun time out with your significant other. 

“Every date you go on and the relationship that does [or doesn't] come out of it, you grow and learn what you do and don't want in your relationships,” said Wendy Tate, a mental health counselor. “It's so important, especially for younger folks.”

Don't allow time to justify accepting yet another uninteresting date. There are several activities that might work for you and your date, regardless of whether you're just getting to know them and want to keep it brief or you're pressed for time.

Dates for two hours or less:

Mugs and Masterpieces

Is your date creative? Are you? Enjoy your date's company while discovering your artistic side by going to CreativiTea to paint ceramics.

“The environment here is really welcoming,” said CreativiTea employee Brooke Haugen. “You really don't have to be this great artist to come in here, you just need to want to create.” 

People can expect to spend an hour and a half to two hours working on their creations said Haugen. An extensive drink menu is available, as well as fruit and cheese plates to snack on while you paint.

Hearts and Arts

If you still want to appreciate masterpieces but aren't feeling like using your creative side, visit the Whatcom Museum and take in one of their numerous exhibits.

Unlike a sit-down dinner, the museum allows you to go at your own leisure and leave whenever you'd like. Whether you and your partner are in a hurry or you are just getting to know someone and want a get-out-of-jail pass, the museum allows dates to last for as long or as short as you’d like. 

If you struggle with getting the ball rolling, passing pieces serve as great conversation starters. While you admire all the Whatcom Museum has to offer, you and your date can discuss what you think the art means or how it makes you feel.

All-day Dates:

If you're searching for something to fill you and your date's day, Bellingham has plenty to offer.

Trail to Tavern

Julie Trimingham, a Bellingham local in the dating scene, shared her favorite way to spend a day with someone. 

Trimingham recommends daters take advantage of Bellingham's beauty and make their way to Chuckanut Drive. Admire the scenery and visit some of the hikes and lookouts like Larabee, Fragrance Lake, the Oyster Dome path and many more. 

After exploring the outdoors, continue down Chuckanut Drive to Edison, a quaint town just outside of Bellingham. There, you can visit the local shops and stop for a drink or bite with your date. 

“I love how local you can make your dates feel in Bellingham; going somewhere nearby, rather than, say, an Olive Garden, feels so much more meaningful,” Trimingham said.

Pick and Whisk

A U-Pick Apple Farm is the ideal opportunity to take in the fall hues while you and your date pick apples on a cool day. 

Bellingham is home to several apple orchards where you can spend your day picking apples. Bellewood Farms  & Distillery, SM'APPLES and Jones Creek Farms are a few of the orchards nestled closest to home.

After a long day of picking, extend your date by finding a recipe for a baked good featuring fresh apples. Just as soon as you have everything you need, light a candle, turn on some music and bake your tasty treat with the person that makes you swoon. 

As the day comes to an end, pop on a movie, curl up and enjoy the fruits of your labor, literally. 

“It's easy to get into a rut of doing nothing together, which may be healthy, but going out and doing something with someone strengthens your relationship and shows how you two operate in real life,” said Tate. 

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