Entertainment

POSTED: Tuesday, Apr. 17, 2007

Lynden: The allure of going Dutch

Lynden’s historic downtown district is a Dutch wonderland nestled into the Whatcom County countryside. The hamlet’s well-kept lawns and community spirit harkens back to a simpler time of family-owned farms and a small-town atmosphere. Visitors come to admire Lynden’s historic buildings, some of which date back to the early 1900s and still have their original facades. The pedestrian-friendly area encourages window shopping and has plenty of small, locallyowned businesses to peruse.

What’s there: Shopping, dining, antiques, a museum and miniature golf.

Who will enjoy it: Adults, families and out-of-towners.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

How to get there: Take I-5 to Exit 256. Exit onto Meridian Street and head north on Meridian for 12 miles. Take a right on Front Street and go for about a mile past several shopping districts until you reach Lynden’s historic downtown area.

Parking: Parking is free on Front Street.

Plan to stay: One to two hours. The downtown area is only about 10 blocks long and is a nice, easy walk.

DINING Front Street is lined on both sides with dining opportunities for any appetite or budget.

Breakfast: Sidewalk Café inside Dutch Village Mall, 655 Front St., 354-4466; open 7 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Sundays 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lunch: Dutch Mothers Family Restaurant, 405 Front St., 354-2174; open 6 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, closed Sundays. Or try Dunny’s Café, 312 Front St., 354-8949; open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays.

Dinner: Syros Greek and Italian Restaurant, 311 Front St., 354-6586; open 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturdays. Or try The Loft, 444 Front St. Suite 251, 318-1903; open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday- Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, closed Sundays.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Home Show and Garden Pavilion (March 2-4)

Spring Craft and Antique Show (March 15-17)

Whatcom County Youth Fair (April 13-14)

Community Garage/Swap Meet (April 27-28)

FOUR THINGS TO DO

1. Dutch Village Mall

Location: 655 Front St., 354- 1024

Hours: Open 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays.

Admission: Free. Miniature Golf Green Fees: $4 for adults, $3 for kids under 10.

The Dutch Village Mall is a self-contained opportunity to experience Lynden’s Dutch heritage. Dining and shopping opportunities surround walkways split by a koi pond evoking the Dutch canals. Across the canal bridge and down the stairs takes visitors to the Dutch Village Antique Mall and Village Green. The green has 18 miniature golf holes with obstacles to challenge all skill levels.

2. Homespun General Store

Location: 510 Front St., 318- 8760

Hours: Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays. Admission: Free

The Homespun General Store is a retro trip filled with toys and games of yesteryear. Jacks, pick-up sticks and Tiddlywinks blast visitors back to a time when children wore ’coon-skin caps, or even further back, when they chased hoops with sticks. Patrons can drop a nickel in Homespun’s 1912 Wurlitzer Nickelodeon to experience some vintage entertainment or try some hard-to-find sassafras candy drops. No matter what your age, the general store will have something that will bring back old memories or encourage you to make new ones.

3. Lynden’s Cup of Tea

Location: 517 Front St., 354- 2446

Hours: Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays; dinner hours are 4-8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Admission: Free

Lynden’s Cup of Tea evokes a tea time ambiance that is unique and enjoyable. Its nine different tea rooms are decorated in themes such as The Rose Room, The Tuscan Room and Grandma’s Nook. There is even a children’s room with small furniture so the kids don’t have to miss out on the tea time experience. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of teas that can also come with sandwiches, seasonal fruit and scones. There is also a full lunch and dinner menu.

4. Lynden Pioneer Museum

Location: 217 Front St., 354- 3675

Hours: Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Sundays.

Admission: $4 for adult, $3 for seniors, kids 6 and under are free. Starting March 1, admission will be $7 for adults, $4 for students and seniors.

The Lynden Pioneer Museum honors the history and heritage of Lynden and Whatcom County with exhibits that educate and inspire. The museums agriculture exhibit reminds visitors of the strong farming ties that form the foundation of Lynden’s history. It also lays claim to the largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles west of the Mississippi.

BREAK FOR ANTIQUING

Three of the area’s best antique stores are in close proximity to each other on Front Street.

Twice as Nice, 404 Front St., 354-1547; open 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays.

More than Antiques, 400 Front St., 354-7576; open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays.

Keepsakes, 413 Front St. Suite 101, 354-0841; open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays.

“Day Tripping” seeks to explore areas in Whatcom County that can be covered in an afternoon. If you have an idea for “Day Tripping” contact Lance Henderson at lance.henderson@bellinghamherald.com or call 756-2859. You may also comment on this story by clicking on it at The Bellingham Herald.com.