Destination Blaine: Come along for a hidden speakeasy, fresh seafood, a talking moose and more
Summer has reached Whatcom County, and we’re exploring local cities, islands and other destinations within a day’s travel from Bellingham.
In May, we explored Lynden and found a fairy tale forest, delicious pastries, sweet locally-owned shops and beautiful scenery. Then, we explored Birch Bay’s beautiful beaches, oceanside restaurants and nautical charm. We also explored Ferndale, where we discovered a great cheese farm and charcuterie cafe, a historic pioneer village that takes you back in time, and bakeries and shops on a quaint main street.
Now, we’re taking you to Blaine to explore a hidden speakeasy bar, scenic beaches and delicious restaurants.
Stop 1: L&L Bakery
When you first drive into downtown Blaine, stop at L&L Bakery for a coffee and sweet treat. The bakery was started by a mother-daughter duo and serves a variety of pastries, sweets and espresso, such as lattes, cinnamon rolls, macaroons, cakes and savory rolls.
The bakery has indoor seating, but has many handheld treats that you can take on the go as you begin your walk down the main street of Blaine, Peace Portal Drive.
L&L Bakery is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 477 Peace Portal Drive Suite 101.
Stop 2: Chevron Station and Gift Shop
Don’t be fooled by this gas station, as inside it holds more treasures than your typical truck stop. This specific Chevron station and gift shop is full of cute gifts, home goods and apparel perfect for tourists or locals alike. The gift shop also houses a walk-through beer cave, and if you’re lucky, you may even hear the moose above its doors talk to you.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect Blaine souvenir, a cute beach bag, candles, books or unique snacks, stop into the gas station.
The Chevron gas station and gift shop is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday at 568 Peace Portal Drive.
Stop 3: Blaine Bouquets
As you stroll south down Peace Portal Drive, you’ll come across Blaine Bouquets, a florist shop with home goods, decor and gifts. The unique shop has nautical-themed items that fit the seaside setting, as well as Blaine sweatshirts, decor and blooming flowers.
Blaine Bouquets is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at 633 Peace Portal Drive.
Stop 4: The Railway Cafe
Whether you need another quick coffee as you stroll through downtown or want a little treat before lunch, The Railway Cafe is a delicious, and not to mention quirky, food stop. The funky restaurant, or train car, serves coffee, pastries, milkshakes, sandwiches and smoothies right on the cliffside of Blaine.
Railway Cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at 795 Peace Portal Drive.
Stop 5: Drayton Harbor Oyster Company
When you’re in a seaside city, with the smell of salt and the sound of seagulls around you, it’s only fitting to find some fresh seafood. In downtown Blaine, you’ll find just that at Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, an ocean view restaurant with great seafood, and of course, oysters.
The restaurant serves dishes such as raw, grilled, fried and smoked oysters, as well as fish and chips, fried shrimp, tacos and shrimp kebabs. The restaurant also offers indoor and outdoor covered seating, perfect for the summer weather.
Drayton Harbor Oyster Company is open from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Monday at 685 Peace Portal Drive.
Stop 6: Peace Arch Historical State Park
After a filling lunch, take a short drive north to Peace Arch Historical State Park, where you can stand in two countries at one time. The park’s southern half is owned by Washington State Parks and the northern half is owned by British Columbia Parks, according to the park’s website.
The park features a playground, field area, picnic tables and shelters, grills, restrooms and bird watching, as well as the 67-foot tall Peace Arch monument. The Peace Arch was built in 1921 to celebrate 100 years of open borders and peace between Canada and the United States, and is a monument to international harmony, according to an education plaque in the park.
Visitors can walk through the park and follow a path down to the monument itself, right at the active border crossing. A Discover Pass is required for the park, or parking costs $10 per day.
The Peace Arch Historical State Park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk year round at 19 A Street.
Stop 7: Edaleen Dairy
Before your next stop for more sightseeing, stop back onto Peace Portal Drive to grab an ice cream cone you can enjoy at your next location. Edaleen Dairy, a dairy farm and creamery based in Lynden, has a grocery store and ice cream shop only minutes from the Peace Arch, serving a variety of homemade ice cream.
Edaleen Dairy Blaine’s store is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 458 Peace Portal Drive.
Grab a scoop of your favorite flavors like mint cookie crumble, caramel cashew, huckleberry, cotton candy and more and jump back in the car to your next spot, only minutes away.
Stop 8: Jorgensen Pier
Now that you’ve gotten a sweet snack, drive a few minutes out to Jorgensen Pier, where you can enjoy your ice cream on a waterfront walk.
Jorgensen Pier, also known as Blaine Public Pier, offers scenic views of Canada, Mount Baker and the ocean. The pier has benches, picnic tables and shelters that are perfect for a stroll or picnic lunch.
Jorgensen Pier is open from dawn to dusk daily at 285 Marine Dr.
Stop 9: Smuggler’s Tunnel Speakeasy
After a full day exploring Blaine, make sure to stop at Gateway1890 Taphouse and Grill’s hidden underground speakeasy, Smuggler’s Tunnel.
To find the speakeasy, park behind the restaurant and enter in through the bottom-floor taphouse doors. Once you walk in, you’ll notice a wooden door with a warning sign reading: “Caution unprotected mine shafts in this area.”
Once the doors are open, you’ll find yourself transported back in time into an 1800’s mining shaft that was previously owned and operated by the Blaine Mining Co., according to the bar’s website.
The speakeasy’s dark atmosphere pays tribute to the rich history with mining tools, memorabilia and lanterns lighting the way to your table.
The speakeasy serves a variety of prohibition-inspired cocktails, beer, wine and ciders, as well as a full menu of food from the restaurant above. Don’t forget to tell your waiter the secret code, “cats pajamas,” for the secret bartender’s choice cocktail menu.
Smuggler’s Tunnel is open from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 429 Peace Portal Drive.
