Historic, Colorful Fairhaven

There is only one place I know of where you can catch a ferry to Alaska, hop a train and connect to hundreds of locations nationwide, or just sit with a cup of tea on a giant green lawn and watch an afternoon game of bocce ball. No, it’s not in Seattle, San Francisco or any other major coastal town, but rather it is nestled within the small town of Bellingham - a community known as Fairhaven.

Historic Fairhaven is an artsy, colorful neighborhood adjacent to Western Washington University. In 1888 Fairhaven was committed to becoming the next big city of the West with hopes of being then next “Chicago”. Over one million bricks were imported and hotels, shops, and houses were erected by the dozens. But alas, the 1893 depression hit and construction came to a halt. Years later the people of Fairhaven were determined to preserve the community and identity they had originally built – and preserve they did. Today Fairhaven is a charming community with a character all of its own.

The center of the Fairhaven experience is the Village Green. Here locals gather for Saturday night outdoor movies, Monday afternoon bocce ball games, the Wednesday Farmer’s Market, and a whole host of outdoor concerts and events. The Village Green is literally the hub of all things Fairhaven. Surrounding the Green one can browse an assortment of boutiques and restaurants. Village Books sits directly over the Village Green and hosts hundreds of live events each year.

Fairhaven may not be the West Coast Chicago but it has a charm and appeal unlike most big cities. Here one could easily get swept away in the lull of lazy afternoons on the Village Green or partake in one of the many outdoor pursuits popular to the region. Or if Fairhaven’s quiet allure is just too slow for your liking, simply head up the road into downtown Bellingham where rowdy Friday nights on Railroad Avenue reign supreme. I guarantee whatever your interests – they will easily be met.