Bellingham, USA - Washington

Just a few miles from the Canada/United States border and also one of the closest cities to the large, nature preserve-like chunk of land known as Alaska, is the small but quite influential town of Bellingham. Shielded by the many San Juan Islands from the rough-and-tough nature of the Pacific Ocean, Bellingham has been, in essence, the busiest port town in Washington since-since the West was won, we presume. With commercial and public transit as its biggest sellers on the waterways, Bellingham has grown significantly since its inception, and today boasts some of the most spectacular views, sites, and attractions for all types of travelers on the west coast of the US. Its harbor is home to enough places to visit for days if you're an avid sailor. One can even go deeper into the area's history by taking a short ride town to Fairhaven, a close cousin of Bellingham. There you'll find brick-and-mortar establishments galore, and with the water on its western front, a few quaint dockyards may too strike your fancy. A great many Americans and Canadians come to Bellingham in winter for convenient access to the slopes of Mount Baker, and because of the town's undeniable charm, many return when the days are longer and the sun has melted as well. Whether your idea of fun is taking strolls along modern, yet quirky streets and eating seafood all day long, or casting out on the docks with a rod and reel, Bellingham seems a good choice for any season or occasion.

When to go

Being a city/town in the northwest of Washington, USA, it is certainly dealt a wide spectrum in terms of weather. In summer come days of sun, rain and warmth; autumn shows to be somewhat similar, with the exception of overall cooler temperatures; Washington winters tell you that you should have brought more layers; and everything is late to thaw in spring, but the atmosphere - as well as the attitude of the people - is fresh indeed.

Getting there and around

While the majority of people journeying to/from Bellingham happen to have taken to the water in the past, travel by plane has been increasing in the region - thanks to rising impatience and the whipping winds of the Pacific. The only international terminal available to folks in Whatcom County is Bellingham International Airport, and though you'll be extremely lucky to find a direct flight to/from the UK, a connection to Boston or Chicago is all you'll need to make your trip(s) nearly effortless. When Bellingham is in its slow mode, you'll have no trouble driving yourself around town; only wandering past the city's limits will you begin to realize how tricky navigation of America's roadways can be. Automotive rental agencies can be found at the airport, but if you wish to leave the driving up to the best, buses are ideal.

Attractions

The Whatcom Museum of History and Art is an excellent place for tourists to view the most complete and most intricately represented cultural and industrial displays shown in the county. Not too big but not too small, the museum is the perfect afternoon treat after a morning of sailing in the harbor.Yes, Bellingham is first and foremost a venue for nautical centers, but if you're up for a bit of eccentricity and a departure from the typical ship-themed sites, you can visit the American Museum of Radio, where everything from transistors to a replica of the Titanic's radio room is there for all to see. A popular working exhibit is the Tesla coil, whose power is demonstrated occasionally.