November 25 2015 0Comment
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Fall in Whatcom County

Fall, that wonderful time of year when the summer heat is gone but the cold dark days of winter have not yet arrived, is a great season to be in Whatcom County. Early fall is often an extension of summer and there is much to see and do outside. As the season progresses and the festive season approaches there are markets, shows, fine dining and much more to enjoy indoors. From scenic drives down country lanes, to fine dining, and nature exploration, Whatcom County has a little something for everyone at this time of year.

Get Outside

The natural beauty in Whatcom County is exquisite, and particularly in the fall when it lights up with a gorgeous display of colors. Here are a few great ways to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors.

  • Scenic drives are a lovely way to spend a day. Whatcom has 2 designated scenic drives: Chuckanut Drive and Mountain Baker Highway. Chuckanut Drive winds along the sea, through forests and past mountains, ending up in the quaint historic town of Fairhaven. Mount Baker Highway leads you from Bellingham through farmland and gorgeous vistas along the way to Mount Baker National Forest.
  • Within Whatcom County there are miles of hiking trails that will get you outside breathing the fresh air and taking in the mountains, skies and seascapes.
  • For those who want to cover more ground on their own steam, biking and kayaking are popular ways to get around Whatcom county and there are plenty of trails, tracks, roads and waterways to accommodate you. Maps are available through Visitor Information Centers, the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department, and local bicycle and kayak rental shops.

Bring in the Harvest

After a summer of growing, farmers around Whatcom are ready to bring in the bounty. Enjoy the sights and taste the delights at some of these fine events:

  • Harvest Time at Bellewood Acres is a wonderful activity for the family. Hop on the Apple Bin Express and take a ride out to the orchard to pick your own apples. Check out the entire farm and then enjoy the market and relax at the Bistro.
  • Whatcom Farm Tour happens in September. You can take a self-guided tour of farms, a winery and a farmer’s market to see how your food is grown and processed and to meet the fine folks who do it.
  • Get yourself a pumpkin from the largest pumpkin patch in Whatcom County, located at Stoney Ridge Farms. While you’re there make sure to ride the wagon, get lost in the corn maze and enjoy a treat from the bakery.

Support the Arts

If the weather does not beckon you outside, perhaps you will appreciate the galleries, shops and markets featuring locally made arts and crafts.

The Bellingham Farmers Market has a covered square so rain or shine you can take your time enjoying handmade things, picking out the perfect gift, and meeting talented artisans.

Whatcom County is a haven for the arts with dozens of museums, galleries and studios to enjoy. In the Cultural Arts District of downtown Bellingham you can take in the Museum’s state-of-the-art Lightcatcher building and Family interactive gallery, the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention, The Mount Baker Theatre and the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra among many other galleries, exhibits and shows. Visitor Centres can provide you with maps and more details on local arts and cultural events.

The Lynden Fall Craft and Antique Show is the place to go for treasures of both the handmade and vintage variety. Held at the Northwest Washington Expo Centre, there are over 100 vendors selling a wide variety of gifts, decor, art, clothing and more. For fun things to do in the Fall, Whatcom County has it all!