Whether you’re a vinyl lover, comic book enthusiast or a foodie looking for a unique meal, downtown Bellingham has something for everyone. Here are some ideas for your next day trip or overnight adventure.
Noon
Kick off your journey with lunch at Cafe Rumba, a cozy restaurant that’s been serving Peruvian cuisine since 2012. They serve anything from specialty sandwiches to appetizers and pastries.
“Their atmosphere is really cool and they’re welcoming,” said Abbi Means, a junior at Western Washington University. “Every time I go there, I just want to come back.”
Means is a regular at Cafe Rumba and goes two to three times a month. Her favorite dish is a number 3, a pollo sandwich and a side of potatoes with spicy aji escabeche sauce.
“It’s so good, there’s nothing else like it anywhere else,” Means said.
1:30 p.m.
After lunch, head north on State Street and stop by Y’s Buys Thrift Boutique. Y’s Buys opened in March 2021 and is different from your usual thrift store — it’s run entirely by volunteers.
“Working with volunteers is different than paid employee[s],” Marilyn Romaker, manager at Y’s Buys said. “People come in because they want to be here, people come in because they believe in the mission.”
Y’s gives out vouchers to women in need through different organizations so they can come in, pick out clothing and get the help they need. Being warm and comfortable free of charge can make someone's day, Romaker said.
“Best job I’ve ever had,” Romaker said.
2:30 p.m.
Walk over to Holly Street for your next stop at Comics Place. Whether you’re an avid comic book lover or just stopping in to browse, Comics Place has something for everyone, including tarot decks, games and a kid's section.
“We have a lot of regulars that we’re all pretty close with and we’re always excited to meet more people that want to come in and check out books,” said Ash Lukeris, general associate at Comics Place. “Don’t be scared to walk in the front door and say hi.”
Staff members at Comics Place are always happy to help you find something, offer recommendations or chat with customers about their shared love of comics.
Colette Penketh is the manager at Comics Place.
“We all truly believe that there is a comic for everyone, making sure that those are accessible to everybody who comes through the door, that people feel welcome so that they want to peruse and find that thing that’s right for them — that is really important to us,” Penketh said.
3:30 p.m.
If you’re a vinyl addict or looking for new music, stop by Black Noise Records on Bay Street.
They carry a wide selection of vinyl records and cassette tapes for whatever genre you’re into. They have funk, indie, metal, jazz and anything in between.
Black Noise Records is an independent record label in addition to a storefront created by Nico Sanchez, a Bellingham musician and producer.
4:15 p.m.
Head north on Holly Street and stop by Penny Lane Antique Mall. When you go through the front doors, it feels like a step into the past.
There are toy cars and jewelry in display cases, clothes and textiles on hangers and a multitude of salt and pepper shakers. There are plenty of trinkets to check out and vintage artwork on the walls.
Even if you’re not an antique enthusiast, you can appreciate the beauty of the organized chaos.
5:15 p.m.
If the sky is clear, walk across the street to Waypoint Park to watch the sunset over Bellingham Bay. Feel the ocean breeze and smell salt water as you stroll along the beach.
The peaceful atmosphere makes it a great place to relax before dinner.
6 p.m.
After sunset, walk over to Brandywine Kitchen, a casual comfort food restaurant that serves unusual sandwiches and lots of gluten-free entrees. They started at the Bellingham Farmers Market in 2008 and opened their current location in 2011.
“If you have our fish and chips, you would never know that they are gluten free,” Azizi Tookas, owner of Brandywine Kitchen said. “Fish and chips by far is our most popular item.”
Brandywine makes most items from scratch and goes out of their way to serve traditional dishes without wheat and gluten, Tookas said.
“One thing that sets us apart from other places is we bake our own bread every day,” Tookas said. They bake their own burger buns in addition to sandwich bread.
7:30 p.m.
For some after-dinner fun, bowl a few games at 20th Century Bowl on State Street. No matter your skill level, 20th Century helps you create long-lasting memories with friends, family or a partner.
They’re open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and offer snacks and drinks to restore your energy after a strike or spare.
8:30 p.m.
If you’re craving a sweet treat after bowling, grab a cup or cone at Mallard Ice Cream on Railroad Avenue. They have traditional flavors like cookies and cream, but also feature special flavors like ube and licorice. A handful of dairy-free options are available as well.
If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth and are over 21, stop by Redrum Tiki Bar on Magnolia Street. With bamboo wall coverings, pufferfish skeletons and tiki statues, Redrum transports you to a different climate.
“It felt a lot like Hawaii,” said Emma Eickerman, a fourth-year at Western. “It felt very tropical, which was a nice break from the clouds.”
10 p.m.
After a busy day of exploring, get some rest at Hotel Leo on Cornwall Avenue. They combine modern comforts with classic style to create a splendid experience for guests.
Check out their website to book your stay ahead of time.
Next Day - 9 a.m.
Once you’re well-rested, head to Little Cheerful Cafe on Holly Street for a hearty breakfast. The cafe has classic breakfast dishes, but also offers loaded skillets and omelettes.
For those with a sweet tooth, order a stack of pancakes with add-ins like chocolate chips or fruit, or upgrade to an R-rated stack. Sip on a hot tea, coffee, or Little Cheerful’s special Me-mosa while waiting for your meal.
11 a.m.
Before leaving downtown, stroll around to check out some local shops. Stop by Cute But Crazy Socks for new footwear, or A New Leaf Florist Shoppe for a colorful bouquet.
Whether you’re spending 24 hours in Bellingham or taking a day trip, downtown has plenty of activities for you to check out.
Sophia Raymond (she/her) is a city life reporter for The Front this quarter. She is a second-year journalism major. Outside of The Front, she enjoys crafting and cooking new foods.
You can reach her at sophiaraymond.thefront@gmail.com.
