The Fairhaven Village Inn, Bellingham, WA by Sue Frause

The Fairhaven Village Inn, Bellingham, WA By Sue Frause Located just a few miles south of downtown Bellingham, Washington, the historic Fairhaven district was founded in 1883 by Daniel Jefferson Harris -- aka “Dirty Dan.” Although its brick and wood buildings harken back to another era, there’s nothing old-fashioned or stodgy about this lively urban village. Fairhaven has creatively blended the old with the new, and its streets are lined with doz- ens of shops, restaurants and business- es that cater to both locals and visitors. It’s the ideal overnight or weekend escape; a perfect place to eat, sleep and play A cozy getaway in the district is the Fairhaven Village Inn, located across the street from Fairhaven Village Green, a pocket park used for com- munity events. Although constructed in 1998, the hotel blends in nicely with neighboring late 19th-century buildings. The inn’s rooms are spacious and well appointed, many featuring fire- places. Bayside Guestrooms have balconies with views of the working Fairhaven Harbor, and sunsets over Bellingham Bay and the San Juan breakfast and lunch. The Euro-style all the way to downtown Belling- The Historic Fairhaven Association Islands. Parkside Guestrooms offer cafe prepares all its own vegetables, ham. Part of the trail includes the sponsors year-round events, includ- views out to the Village Green and meats, soups and baked goods from Taylor Avenue Dock in front of The ing the Fairhaven Holiday Festival Fairhaven’s historic buildings. scratch (including Polish pirogis). Chyrsallis Inn & Spa (a good spot beginning the day after Thanksgiv- The Suite features two rooms, a din- Across the Village Green is the Col- for happy-hour appetizers and liba- ing and the Pacific Northwest Rain ing table that accommodates 10 and ophon Cafe in Village Books; a block tions). From there, make your way to Festival in February -- celebrating the a jetted tub. Amenities in all rooms away is Purple Smile Wines for wine The Woods Coffee for locally roasted region’s precipitation with rain-themed include bathrobes; complimentary tasting. java. Going in the other direction is poetry, a rain-gear fashion show, WiFi, continental breakfast and park- Just down the hill from the Inn at the southbound Interurban Trail, ac- home-decorated umbrella contest ing; and a $5 gift certificate to Village the end of Harris Avenue is the south- cessed down the street from the inn at and even a queen to “reign” over the Books & Paper Dreams. The inn also ern terminus of the Alaska Marine 10th at Donavan. It winds seven miles festivities. has a porch on the second floor, along Highway at the Bellingham Cruise along the creek and Bellingham Bay, with a library (featuring 24-hour cof- Terminal, with year-round ferry ser- ending up at Larrabee State Park on fee and tea) and a small meeting room. vice to Alaska and seasonal foot-ferries Chuckanut Drive. Fairhaven Village Inn Adjacent to the hotel are two fun to the San Juan Islands. Amtrak and Pick up a walking map of Fairhav- 1200 10th Street spots for enjoying a meal or nightcap. Greyhound stations are also located en’s historic buildings and landmarks Bellingham, WA 98225 Daphne’s (“drinks and a little food”) here. in the lobby of the hotel. For some- is a cozy cocktail lounge. Next door The nearby 2.3-mile South Bay thing a bit more colorful, take the 877.733.1100 is Magdalena’s Creperie -- featur- Trail starts just outside the inn’s doors Dirty Dan Harris Fairhaven Walking www.fairhavenvillageinn.com ing both sweet and savory crepes for at 10th and Mill, following the bay Tour with Jim Rich, aka “Dirty Dan.” 74 | HARBORS www.harborsmagazine.com The Seaplane and Boating Destination Magazine HARBORS | 75.

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