A day trip around the Bellingham area would be incomplete without a stop in historic Fairhaven. A brief foray into the village brings visitors face to face with a taste of the local culture. Art, food, shopping and an open village green create a community atmosphere that is both charming and inviting.
Whats there: Dining and shopping.
Who will enjoy it: Adults, families and visitors.
How to get there: Take I-5 to Exit 250. After exiting, head west onto Old Fairhaven Parkway. Follow the parkway into Fairhaven.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Parking: Street parking is free but generally tight. Parking lots are located at 11th Street and Mill Avenue; 11th Street and McKenzie Avenue; and 13th Street and Harris Avenue.
Plan to stay: Two to three hours.
Accessibility:
Dining: Fairhaven has dining opportunities for every budget.
Events
Five things to do here:
1. Tonys Coffees & Teas, 1101 Harris Ave., 738-4710
A drink at Tonys can be a great way to start a day trip. The bay windows make this coffeehouse an ideal spot to meet friends, read the paper or just waste some time watching the street life pass you by. Tonys has a loyal following of regulars and a mix of students and out-of-towners to create a lively coffeehouse atmosphere. Try one of Tonys four specialty drinks such as the Mexican or the Moroccan mochas.
2. Fairhaven Toy Garden, 1147 11th St., 714-8552
The toy garden will turn even the grumpiest oldster into a babe in toyland. The toy shop carries novelty and retro toys, games, kites, costumes, musical instruments and art supplies for the creative young soul. The toy garden features arts and crafts workshops for children and parents every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The workshops fill up fast so be sure to call ahead.
3. Village Books, 1200 11th St., 671-2626
Village Books is a must-stop for any lover of the written word. Bookstore is just part of its attraction. Village Books is a gathering place for the community. Meet friends for coffee upstairs at the Book Fare café, or listen to an author speak about their most recent book downstairs. With three floors of shelves, bibliophiles can find any number of books and nooks in which to bury themselves in a good read. Coincidentally, the cookbooks are located downstairs, adjacent to The Colophon Café for when the inspiration to eat a tasty baked good hits.
4. CreaTiviTea, 1312 11th Street, 752-1724
Let your creativity bear fruit at CreaTiviTea pottery studio. Visitors can paint their choice of pottery while sipping from among the more than 45 different teas available. The finished pottery is then fired to a glossy shine and ready for pick-up about a week later.
5. Purple Smile Wines, 1143 11th Street, 756-0422
A wine shop with a tasting bar, Purple Smile specializes in the eclectic, said owner Jeff Wicklund. The shop has been open for about a year and a $5 tasting covers samples of eight to nine different wines. In addition to informal tastings, Purple Smile also hosts a wine tasting event every Saturday from 1-5 p.m. where patrons can meet the winemaker and ask questions.
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