A close-up look at Bellingham's Chrysalis Inn & Spa and the people who run it.
By Brian J. Cantwell | August 7, 2008
BELLINGHAM — Years ago, when my wife and I were students at Western Washington University, we looked forward to whiling away the hours in Fairhaven, Bellingham's Southside artsy-historic brick-and-sandstone district. We'd browse the cramped aisles of Village Books. Sip Americanos at Tony's, where they roasted their own beans and the earthy, acrid aroma sometimes made your eyes water.
By Mike McQuaide | September 13, 2007
FAIRHAVEN -- Whether you are packing the littlest traveler in a car seat, or have ol' grandpa wrapped in a blanket, first things first: You will find public restrooms in the Amtrak/Greyhound and Alaska Ferry terminals at the foot of Harris Avenue, the main drag for Bellingham's southernmost commercial neighborhood.
By Gordy Holt | August 10, 2006
Hike of the Week
"Uh-oh, we're on the wrong trail," I said to Lola Kemp, "I think we're going to Lily Lake." Don't get me wrong, I love Lily Lake, but our goal was Oyster Dome, a high point overlooking Samish Bay in the southern Chuckanuts near Bellingham.
Some consider Oyster Dome to be Bellingham's version of Mount Si, because getting to the viewpoint is strenuous.
By Karen Sykes | March 23, 2006
Hike of the Week
Visiting Semiahmoo Park required the longest drive to the smallest park we've ever day hiked. In case you doubt us, take the time to go there and see why it's worth it. Must-takes are a bird guidebook, binoculars and a camera. Bring rain gear and dress warmly, as it often is windy on the park's 1.5-mile spit.
By Karen Sykes | February 9, 2006
When I scrutinize the selection of cheeses at my local grocery store or farmers market, my neck gets sore from the constant craning. It's a price I am willing to pay for my constant craving.
By Stuart Eskenazi | May 12, 2005
LUMMI ISLAND, Wash. — Stenciled across a stone wall on the patio of the Willows Inn are the words "Dolce far niente," an Italian phrase that means the "sweetness of doing nothing."
While it sums up the picture many city dwellers have about island living, it rarely describes real life.
Lummi's residents are an energetic mix of retirees, artists, organic farmers and fishermen who keep busy growing lavender, making pasta, painting, sculpting, playing bocce ball and building open-air art museums.
By Carol Pucci | April 22, 2005
Getting there:
Lummi Island is 100 miles north of Seattle. Take Interstate 5 north to Exit 260 and follow signs to the Gooseberry Point ferry terminal. Ferry schedules and rates: 360-676-6759 or
www.co.whatcom.wa.us
Lodging:
Willows Inn, 2579 West Shore Drive. Eight rooms, $125- $290 (seasonal discounts) with breakfast. Call 888-294-2620 or see www.willows-inn.com
April 22, 2005
BELLINGHAM -- Two airborne eagles decorate the mountain, one immature and the other white-headed. The mountain needs it.
The ungainly lummox known as Chuckanut Mountain, south of Bellingham and tucked between Interstate 5 and Samish Bay, doesn't spawn great reverence on first sight.
It's bloblike, a little lumpy. Conquering its slopes without supplemental oxygen won't attract widespread envy or wonder. Its southern bump, Blanchard Hill, isn't even dignified with the label of "mountain."
By Barry Truman | March 10, 2005
Hike of the Week
There are too many parks to count around Bellingham, but Lake Padden Park is one you don't want to miss. The 900-acre community park was established in 1972 and is well loved by local citizens, who make good use of its amenities.
By Karen Sykes | March 3, 2005
