Are you fed up with your usual dining options or typical outing activities? Unsure about what to do in the dry winter cold?
Look no further than Fairhaven to indulge in a hearty meal, a warm cup of tea, or a nice stroll alongside Bellingham Bay.
Whether stopping in for lunch or an overnight stay, Fairhaven has a variety of charming shops, eateries and other attractions. If you’re unsure where to start planning your trip, here are some ideas for where to begin.
Noon
Start your excursion with a nourishing lunch at the Colophon Cafe. Since its opening in 1985 as an espresso and ice cream shop, the Colophon has provided customers with a cozy, nostalgic setting to enjoy classic Americana comfort food.
“People come in, and they want to feel taken care of,” said Jenni Hannan, general manager at the Colophon. “I’ve had people kind of describe it as ‘a hug’ within food.”
Their most popular dish, and Hannan’s favorite, would have to be the African peanut soup, which they’ve been serving for decades.
“It’s a coveted recipe; we still follow the same recipe that we have from the ‘90s,” Hannan said.
The Colophon has something to offer everyone with a variety of soups, sandwiches, salads, pot pies and quiches.
2 p.m.
No need to step outside for your next stop at Village Books, a three-story bookstore with a collection of genres ranging from graphic novels to horror and performing arts.
From the moment you walk in, you hear pages turning, friendly conversation and milk being steamed from the cafe on the top floor.
Village Books opened about five years earlier than Colophon Cafe, but they’ve always had a special relationship.
“We actually opened as partner companies,” Hannan said. She explained that the original owners of both Colophon Cafe and Village Books were friends, and they wanted to form a unique partnership.
“We’re actually one of the first bookstore cafes to have opened up in the United States back in the ‘80s, which is pretty cool,” Hannan said.
3 p.m.
A couple blocks down the street is CreativiTea. This crossover between a pottery painting studio and a tea room provides a unique experience, unlike other ceramic studios.
“The joy that so many people feel when they realize they can order tea here and eat a little scone while they’re also painting with their loved ones, I think, is really cool,” said Jenna Bailey, a studio team member at CreativiTea. “I’ve never been at another studio like this.”
The peaceful and artistic atmosphere envelops you as you step through the front door. With a multitude of options for what you can paint, including plates, platters, mugs, vases and more, there’s something for everyone.
“It’s very walk-in friendly too, which is really nice,” Bailey said. “We can almost always fit people in.”
5 p.m.
Just up the hill is Mambo Italiano, a family-friendly restaurant with house-made meals from scratch.
Start with an order of caprese salad or bruschetta before diving into the entrées. For the main course, indulge in a classic pasta dish, specialty pizza, or a plate of seafood. Soup options are available for those with a light appetite as well.
7 p.m.
After dinner, check out a music performance at the FireHouse Arts and Events Center.
In addition to dance and exercise classes, the FireHouse hosts events such as jazz performances, folk singer-songwriters and guitar ensembles.
Check out their website to see upcoming acts.
10 p.m.
If you’re ready to turn in for the night, head over to the Fairhaven Village Inn just off Harris Avenue to relax and get a good night’s sleep.
If you’re over 21 and still have some energy after the show, stop by and grab a drink at Archer Ale House before retiring to bed.
They offer draft beers, a diverse wine selection and classic cocktails to meet whatever beverage you desire.
Next day - 9 a.m.
Whether you’re a morning person or a late riser, the Mount Bakery Cafe has a plethora of pastries and breakfast options to match your hunger level.
“I love the Mount Bakery,” said Garrett Gundlach, a third-year environmental studies major at Western Washington University. “It’s got decent views. You walk out, and you’re kind of right next to the water and right next to downtown Fairhaven.”
Gundlach’s favorite dishes are the different types of eggs benedict, specifically the tomato benedict, but they also enjoy the cafe’s croissants and hot coffee. For them, the cute and quaint vibe of the cafe makes it a great spot to hang out in, Gundlach said.
“They have really good lattes,” Gundlach said. “They bring them out in the big mugs, which are always fun to drink out of.”
11 a.m.
If the weather permits, walk over to the Taylor Dock Boardwalk for a nice morning stroll after breakfast. The one-quarter-mile boardwalk is part of a trail link from Boulevard Park to the Fairhaven District.
Appreciate the views of Bellingham Bay while taking in the fresh sea air, the sounds of seagulls and waves rolling ashore and (hopefully) the warmth of the sun.
This walk lets you appreciate the distant views of mountains as you listen to the wind blow. Bring a book with you to pause and revel in the peaceful scenery.
Noon
Before heading out of town, stop by one of Fairhaven’s many coffee shops, like Cafe Blue or the Shirlee Bird Cafe, for a boost of energy.
Browse attire and accessories at Adored Boutique or pick up a new plant at A Lot Of Flowers.
Whether you’re looking for an easy-going afternoon or an adventurous day trip, Fairhaven has something for you to make any 24 hours special.
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.
