Summer's the time for long walks, exploring the parks and streets of Whatcom County and enjoying the music and arts events that make our area so special. Rain or shine, you'll find us out and about. Here are a few suggestions to make your summer a fun "staycation." Remember to call ahead or check online for updates on events, as some are weather-dependent.
1. Art under your feet One man's sidewalk is another man's blank canvas. Every August, dozens of local artists help transform Bellingham's sidewalks into works of art during Allied Arts' Chalk ArtFest. This year, as part of the inaugural Heraldiing the Arts Festival, the event is co-sponsored by The Bellingham Herald and offers live entertainment, art and food vendors and more in The Bellingham Herald's parking lot.
When: Aug. 6
Where: The Bellingham Herald's parking lot, 1155 N. State St., and on downtown sidewalks.
Cost: Free.
Info: 360-676-8548. alliedarts.org.
Kid-friendly: Yes.
2. Jammin' in the streets
Wednesday evenings during the summer, Bellingham turns into a live music venue. The Downtown Bellingham Partnership's Downtown Sounds program hosts a concert every evening from July 6 to Aug. 3. This year's lineup includes Snug Harbor, Flowmotion and Robert Sazazin Blake. Come down and enjoy what downtown has to offer with a great soundtrack in the background.
When: July 6-Aug. 3.
Where: Bay Street, near the American Museum of Radio and Electricity and the Pickford Film Center.
Cost: Free.
Info: 360-527-8710, downtownbellingham.com/downtownsounds.
Kid-friendly: Yes.
3. Local eats
Many of Bellingham's top-notch restaurants will be serving some of their signature dishes at the annual Bite of Bellingham. Attendees can vote on their favorite of the dishes served and awards will be given out in a variety of categories. New this year: a wine-and-beer garden and live music.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 20
Where: 1300 block of Cornwall Ave.
Cost: Tickets are $1 each. Small portions range from one to three tickets, while full entrees range from four to seven.
Info: 360-527-9710, downtownbellingham.com/bite.
Kid-friendly: Yes.
4. Living on the borderlands
Peace Arch State Park is not only one of the busiest northern border crossings in the country - it may be one of the most beautiful as well. With nearly a mile of interpretive trails, sculptures, vast lawns and gardens and stunning views of Point Roberts and Vancouver and San Juan islands, the park is a great place for a picnic or afternoon with the family. The park also has a kitchen and meeting area that can be rented out for events.
Where: Peace Arch border crossing, on Interstate 5 in Blaine.
Cost: Access requires state Discovery Pass, $30 annually or $10 single-day pass.
Info: 360-332-7165, peacearchpark.org.
Kid-friendly: Yes.
5. Old-time fun
Come celebrate as Ferndale embraces its past during the annual Old Settlers Picnic and Grand Parade. A gallant parade of antique and refurbished cars and trucks, carnival rides and a community dance are all part of the good old-fashioned fun.
When: July 28-31.
Where: Various locations around Ferndale. Most activities are at Pioneer Park.
Cost: Free.
Info: 360-224-8128, 360-384-4891, whatcomoldsettlers.com.
Kid-friendly: Yes.
6. Beach constructions
What better way to celebrate summer than with an afternoon on the beach making sand castles? Use your imagination and create a sculpture masterpiece using sand, water and beach materials. Check for low tides via the link on Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce's web site.
When: All summer.
Where: Birch Bay waterfront.
Cost: Free.
Info: 360-371-5004, birchbaychamber.com.
Kid-friendly: Yes.
7. Ecosystem across the border
Explore forest, beach and tidelands in an untouched saltwater ecosystem at Lily Point Marine Reserve in Point Roberts. A cooperative of local residents, the Whatcom Land Trust, state and county officials bought the 130-acre property in 2008. Plan a day trip, as you'll pass through two U.S.-Canada border crossings each way.
When: Open year-round, dawn to dusk.
Where: Point Roberts.
Cost: Free.
Info: co.whatcom.wa.us/parks.
8. Biking trails
With more than 51/2 miles of paved and dirt trail in and around the park, Whatcom Falls is a biker's dream. For those into more extreme sports, the Whatcom Falls parking lot is a short peddle up Birch Street to Galbraith Mountain, crisscrossed with mountain bike trails.
Where: Whatcom Falls Park.
Hours: Dawn till dusk.
Cost: Free.
Info: 360-778-7000, cob.org/parks.
Kid-friendly: Yes.
9. Skeet shooting
Aim for fun at Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department's Plantation Rifle Pistol & Trap Range. Supervised by trained attendants, it offers a high-power rifle range up to 300 yards, an indoor pistol and small-bore rifle range to 25 yards, an outdoor pistol and small-bore range up to 100 yards and a trap range. Hours vary; call first.
Where: 5102 Samish Way.
Cost: $8.50 for Whatcom County residents.
Info: 360-676-9770, co.whatcom.wa.us/parks.
10. Hit the driving range
Whether you're the next Rory McIlroy or Cristie Kerr or just looking to improve your swing, the driving range is a great way to work on your game without committing to a tee time. Split a bucket of golf balls with a friend to make it a group outing.
Where: Lake Padden Golf Course, 4882 Samish Way.
Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk.
Info: 360-738-7400, lakepaddengolf.com.
Where: Shuksan Golf Club, 1500 E. Axton Road.
Info: 360-398-8888, shuksangolf.com.
11. Visit farm animals
The ideal spot for a bucolic stroll, historic Hovander Homestead Park brims with life, from horses, cows and peacocks to blooming flowers and demonstration gardens. The manor house is a dream in and of itself. So bring a buddy, the kids or a dog (half the park is designated off-leash), and enjoy the outdoors.
Where: Hovander Homestead Park, 5299 Nielsen Ave., Ferndale.
Cost: Free.
Info: 360-384-3444, whatcomcounty.us/parks.
12. Outdoor movies
A snack and a lawn chair are all the necessary provisions for an enjoyable night at the outdoor cinema. Check the schedule for favorite flicks and get there early to catch the bonus live entertainment before each film.
Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema, Village Green, 10th Street at Mill Avenue.
When: Fridays in July and Saturday evenings in July and August, now through Aug. 27; time varies by date, check schedule for information.
Cost: $5 per person.
Info: 360-733-2682, http://fairhaven.com/events/C17" target="_blank">fairhaven.com., epiceap.com/fairhaven-outdoor-cinema.
13. Lookout!
Yearning for spectacular views of the San Juan Islands? Bring binoculars to look at eagles (or hang-gliders launching off the ridge) and hiking shoes for climbing on any of the Chuckanut Mountain trails, including Pine and Cedar Lakes, Huckleberry Point and Raptor Ridge.
Where: Chuckanut Mountains, south of Bellingham, off Old Samish Way or Chuckanut Drive.
Cost: Free.
Info: 360-733-2900, co.whatcom.wa.us/parks.
14. Orca watching
Surrounded on three sides by water and connected to British Columbia, Point Roberts is a prime destination for orca whale watching. The Orca Center at Lighthouse Marine Park has photos, recordings and information about the local J, K and L pods. Look for orcas off the two-story whale watching tower. Note: You must cross into B.C. to reach Point Roberts, so bring your passport and other necessary paperwork.
Where: Lighthouse Marine Park, 811 Marine Drive, Point Roberts.
Info: 360-945-4911, co.whatcom.wa.us/parks.
15. Tide pooling
Established in 1952 as Washington's first state park, Larrabee State Park has more than 8,000 feet of saltwater shoreline crammed with tide pools and marine life from starfish to crabs. "It's so rocky that tide pools are everywhere," says Cheryl Collins of Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. Tide tables are in the phone book.
Where: Larrabee State Park, 245 Chuckanut Drive.
Cost: Access requires state Discovery Pass, $30 annually or $10 single-day pass.
Info: 888-226-7688, parks.wa.gov/parks.
16. Ride the Plover
This historic ferry is a fabulous way for the frugal to trek the waters between Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo Resort. The half-hour Drayton Harbor tours offer a look at eagles, harbor seals and baby gulls. Pack a picnic to eat on the beach at Semiahmoo, or bring a bike to ride the Coast Millennium Trail between boat rides.
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Where: Visitors Dock at the Blaine Harbor main building on Marine Drive, or from Resort Semiahmoo.
Cost: $5 adult or $1 child suggested donation.
Info: 360-332-5742, mvplover.org.
17. Blue-ribbon fair experience
From the demolition derby to the cutest baby goats you've ever seen, the Northwest Washington Fair has thrills for everyone. The 250,000-plus who attend this week-long fair take in music, corn dogs 'n' cotton candy, rides, animal exhibits, equipment displays, farm lore and much more. Some of us wait all year for the poffertjes, funnel cakes and moowiches.
When: Aug. 15-20.
Where: Northwest Washington Fair and Events Center, 1775 Front St., Lynden.
Info: 360-354-4111, nwwafair.com.
18. Alpine excursions
If you're in the mood to take your heavy-duty high-clearance four-wheeler through boulders, washouts and hairpin turns to reach the beautiful setting of Twin Lakes, summer is your chance when the road is clear of snow. Or just leave your vehicle behind and hike it - heading a bit further takes you to the Winchester Mountain lookout. Enjoy the towering mountain peaks, wildlife and gold mines.
When: Open year-round.
Where: Twin Lakes, Glacier.
Cost: Free, requires Northwest Forest Pass, $5 daily.
Info: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Service, (800) 627-0062, Glacier Public Service Center, 360-599-2714, nps.gov.
19. Bellingham Festival of Music
This world-renowned summer festival draws soloists and musicians from top international orchestras, Bellingham winning rave reviews as a great date and cultural outing.
When: Now through July 17.
Where: Western Washington University Performing Arts Center.
Info: 360-201-6621, bellinghamfestival.org.
20. Whatcom's famous berry
How does a cold ice cream sundae topped with juicy raspberries sound? Sample this and other berry-filled treats at the annual Raspberry Festival. Between bites you'll be entertained by live music, wagon rides and 3-on-3 basketball tournaments.
When: July 15-16.
Where: Downtown Lynden.
Cost: Varies by day and activity, call for information, many events free
Info: 360-354-5995, lynden.org.
21. Frisbee!
Boulevard Park's spacious waterfront oasis - formerly an industrial area that once operated canneries and a lumber mill - is now the ultimate spot for a game of Frisbee. (Just try not to aim for the water.) Note to shutterbugs: The unrivaled view of the bay is irresistible, particularly at sunset from the Taylor Avenue Dock.
When: Daily from dawn to dusk.
Where: Boulevard Park, South State Street and Bayview Drive.
Cost: Free.
Info: 360-778-7000, cob.org/services.
22. Horseback riding
For trail riding fans, Silver Lake Park has miles of trails, a horse camp with 28 sites, two picnic shelters and two stables. If it's a family outing you're looking for, the Peace Arch Equestrian Center provides year-round lessons, wagon rides, pony rides and a petting zoo.
Silver Lake Park, 9006 Silver Lake Road, Maple Falls.
When: Year-round camping and day use.
Cost: Depends on activity.
Info: 360-733-2900, co.whatcom.wa.us/parks.
Peace Arch Equestrian Center, 4520 Anderson Road, Blaine.
Cost: Depends on activity.
Info: 360-371-3109. peacearchequestrian.net.
23. Outdoor musical enchantment
Bellingham's Parks and Recreation Department hosts free concerts all summer long, held at Boulevard and Big Rock Garden parks and, sponsored by The Eldridge Society, at Elizabeth Park. Whether you like dancing to bongos or foot-tapping to guitar picking, this series offers outdoor serenading for everyone's tastes.
Boulevard Park Concerts: Saturdays, July 2, July 16, July 30 and Aug. 13, 7 to 9 p.m.
Big Rock Garden Park Concerts: Sundays, July 17 and Aug. 21, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Elizabeth Park Concerts: Thursdays through Aug. 25, 6 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Info: 360-778-7000, cob.org/documents.
24. Mt. Baker Rhythm & Blues Festival
The nationally recognized, family oriented showcase of top regional and national blues musicians. Among this year's performers: The Average White Band and Curtis Salgado.
When: July 29-31
Where: Deming Logging Showgrounds, 3295 Cedarville Road
Cost: Varies; tickets available at Avalon Music in Bellingham and Hugo Helmer Music in Burlington; also available online
Info: 360-383-0850, boomkak.com/bakerblues.
25. Lynden PRCA Rodeo
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association brings the second annual Lynden PRCA Rodeo to the Northwest Washington Fair and Events Center in Lynden, with performances at 7 p.m. each night. Each performances includes competitors in bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down (calf) roping, team roping and barrel racing.
When: Aug. 26-27
Where: Northwest Washington Fair and Events Center, Lynden.
Info: 360-354-4111, lyndenrodeo.com.
26. Miles for Memories Walk/5K Run
A beautiful 5K walk/run overlooking Bellingham Bay's waterfront. Run is timed and sanctioned. Walkers encouraged to bring their dogs. Features dog parade, live entertainment, food, vendors. Awards and prizes for people and pooches. Teams wanted! Benefit for the Alzheimer Society of Washington.
When: Aug. 20
Where: Fairhaven Village Green, 10th Street and Mill Avenue
Cost: $25 (humans) includes T-shirt; $10 (canines) includes bandana
Info: 800-493-3959, alzsociety.org.
