The Guide Cottage Guidebook
For big occasions
Craving a white tablecloth, seasonal food and a memorable setting? These are some of our go-to spots for elegant dining in Bellingham.
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED! An elegant restaurant with a terrific seasonal menu, sophisticated service, and amazing western views. It's definitely an occasion kind of a place, with prices to match, but our meals there have been some of the most memorable of our lives.
40 Einheimische empfehlen
The Oyster Bar
2578 Chuckanut DrRESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED! An elegant restaurant with a terrific seasonal menu, sophisticated service, and amazing western views. It's definitely an occasion kind of a place, with prices to match, but our meals there have been some of the most memorable of our lives.
A harbor restaurant based in the Hotel Bellwether, Lighthouse is a great spot to attend a wine tasting or celebrate a happy occasion. Strongly recommended for desserts and a cocktail -- their list of whiskey is excellent.
Lighthouse Bar & Grill
1 Bellwether WayA harbor restaurant based in the Hotel Bellwether, Lighthouse is a great spot to attend a wine tasting or celebrate a happy occasion. Strongly recommended for desserts and a cocktail -- their list of whiskey is excellent.
Less spendy than the other occasion spots we've listed, but this second-floor restaurant in Fairhaven's beautiful old brick district offers formidable sunset views, solid cocktails and tasty (but not surprising) food. Reservations suggested if you're going at sunset.
37 Einheimische empfehlen
The Black Cat
1200 Harris AveLess spendy than the other occasion spots we've listed, but this second-floor restaurant in Fairhaven's beautiful old brick district offers formidable sunset views, solid cocktails and tasty (but not surprising) food. Reservations suggested if you're going at sunset.
Fountain District favorites
We've tested everything within a mile of our house. Here's what you can expect when you try out our local faves:
A two-minute walk from Guide Cottage takes you to one of our favorite spots to meet friends, grab a meal from the rotating cast of food trucks, and watch the world go by.
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Menace Brewing
2529 Meridian StA two-minute walk from Guide Cottage takes you to one of our favorite spots to meet friends, grab a meal from the rotating cast of food trucks, and watch the world go by.
Our local: A part-time nursery and farm stand (in July, go try six kinds of cherries), a taproom, the neighborhood's shared front porch ... Good's is terrific, and features two permanent food trucks, Dumpling Girls (cash + credit cards) and A Que? Taco (cash only) as well as rotating food carts; Little Bird Salon, a hair studio in a converted Blue Bird bus; a Sunday arts and crafts market, and a rotating tap list alongside family-friendly beverages from old-time sodas to juice boxes. A kid- and dog-friendly spot that gets crowded on pretty evenings and weekends.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Goods Local Brews
2620 Northwest AveOur local: A part-time nursery and farm stand (in July, go try six kinds of cherries), a taproom, the neighborhood's shared front porch ... Good's is terrific, and features two permanent food trucks, Dumpling Girls (cash + credit cards) and A Que? Taco (cash only) as well as rotating food carts; Little Bird Salon, a hair studio in a converted Blue Bird bus; a Sunday arts and crafts market, and a rotating tap list alongside family-friendly beverages from old-time sodas to juice boxes. A kid- and dog-friendly spot that gets crowded on pretty evenings and weekends.
Not in the mood to whip up breakfast? Go for one of the benedicts or the AFPs (American Fried Potatoes) at this classic diner. A three-minute walk from Guide Cottage where the portions are ridiculously generous, there's usually a short wait after 9 a.m., with friendly service and outstanding coffee.
21 Einheimische empfehlen
Diamond Jim's Grill
2400 Meridian StNot in the mood to whip up breakfast? Go for one of the benedicts or the AFPs (American Fried Potatoes) at this classic diner. A three-minute walk from Guide Cottage where the portions are ridiculously generous, there's usually a short wait after 9 a.m., with friendly service and outstanding coffee.
One of our "corner pantry" stores in the neighborhood, also known as the Kit-Kat Shop to Western students who cherish their rotation of hard-to-find Kit-Kat flavors. Excellent array of East Asian supplies, including cookware, tucked into a tiny space, and a respectable selection of West Asian curry bases and pickles (but a little light on Indian spices).
Asia Oriental Market
2408 Meridian StOne of our "corner pantry" stores in the neighborhood, also known as the Kit-Kat Shop to Western students who cherish their rotation of hard-to-find Kit-Kat flavors. Excellent array of East Asian supplies, including cookware, tucked into a tiny space, and a respectable selection of West Asian curry bases and pickles (but a little light on Indian spices).
Also known as "Dark Haggen" because it's the only Bellingham Haggen that closes (hours are 6 a.m. to midnight). This formerly local grocery chain (now owned by Albertson's) has great local products (smoked salmon, Bow Hill blueberry products, etc.), a bulk trail snacks section and a robust selection of liquor, wine and beer (including local brews). A short walk (about 8 minutes) from Guide Cottage. Note: They charge for bags, so bring the ones from the cottage kitchen!
54 Einheimische empfehlen
Haggen
1401 12th StAlso known as "Dark Haggen" because it's the only Bellingham Haggen that closes (hours are 6 a.m. to midnight). This formerly local grocery chain (now owned by Albertson's) has great local products (smoked salmon, Bow Hill blueberry products, etc.), a bulk trail snacks section and a robust selection of liquor, wine and beer (including local brews). A short walk (about 8 minutes) from Guide Cottage. Note: They charge for bags, so bring the ones from the cottage kitchen!
Zeek's is a Seattle institution and just opened this outpost in a formerly cursed building (two breweries in a row shut down on this site, a thing that never happens in Bellingham). The pizzas are creative and our household opinion is a little divided -- it's spendy for pizza, but if you feel a pizza splurge and want wood-fired, check it out.
Zeeks Pizza
2416 Meridian StreetZeek's is a Seattle institution and just opened this outpost in a formerly cursed building (two breweries in a row shut down on this site, a thing that never happens in Bellingham). The pizzas are creative and our household opinion is a little divided -- it's spendy for pizza, but if you feel a pizza splurge and want wood-fired, check it out.
Cascade Pizza on Meridian has lunch and cocktail specials and is a great family spot. Thicker crusts (no wood-fired oven) for those who like a yeast-raised dough, and the owners are local and very nice.
12 Einheimische empfehlen
Cascade Pizza
2431 Meridian StCascade Pizza on Meridian has lunch and cocktail specials and is a great family spot. Thicker crusts (no wood-fired oven) for those who like a yeast-raised dough, and the owners are local and very nice.
A food truck with a permanent home at Good's Local Brews and one of our top spots for a quick, delicious meal. Owned by a mother-daughter team, with vegan and vegetarian options as well as pork bun, lamb skewers, and both veggie- and meat-filled gyoza. If you pay in cash, they give you an extra dumpling. :)
You can eat it at Good's with a great local beverage or take it away. Try the spicy noodles!
Dumpling Girls
2620 Northwest AvenueA food truck with a permanent home at Good's Local Brews and one of our top spots for a quick, delicious meal. Owned by a mother-daughter team, with vegan and vegetarian options as well as pork bun, lamb skewers, and both veggie- and meat-filled gyoza. If you pay in cash, they give you an extra dumpling. :)
You can eat it at Good's with a great local beverage or take it away. Try the spicy noodles!
The other permanent food truck at Good's is a cash-only affair (kind of a bummer, but they're only two blocks from the credit union's ATM). Try the fish tacos, beware the ENORMOUS portion sizes, and definitely get all of the salsas. Closest spot for Jarritos!
A Que Tacos
1315 W Connecticut StThe other permanent food truck at Good's is a cash-only affair (kind of a bummer, but they're only two blocks from the credit union's ATM). Try the fish tacos, beware the ENORMOUS portion sizes, and definitely get all of the salsas. Closest spot for Jarritos!
WECU is the best neighborhood ATM -- a credit union that offers fee-free withdrawals for credit union members from around the country.
WECU Fountain
2625 Meridian StWECU is the best neighborhood ATM -- a credit union that offers fee-free withdrawals for credit union members from around the country.
A good destination for a morning dog walk (with a dog hitch out front and free treats at the register), but scant outdoor seating. A small but mighty baked goods case, fantastic tea selection, and great coffee -- although you can assume that anywhere that's stayed open for more than six months in the PNW has that. :)
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Lettered Streets Coffeehouse
1001 Dupont StA good destination for a morning dog walk (with a dog hitch out front and free treats at the register), but scant outdoor seating. A small but mighty baked goods case, fantastic tea selection, and great coffee -- although you can assume that anywhere that's stayed open for more than six months in the PNW has that. :)
If you're enjoying your visit and wonder how to find cool architectural salvage for your own spot, take a two-block walk to browse The RE Store, an independent nonprofit that repurposes building materials (and has a small, dedicated team of craftspeople in the Revision Division who make new objects out of old odds and ends). We also love Renovation Angel for this, but they're not local. Note that there are two resident mousers, if anyone in your group has a cat allergy.
6 Einheimische empfehlen
The RE Store
2309 Meridian StIf you're enjoying your visit and wonder how to find cool architectural salvage for your own spot, take a two-block walk to browse The RE Store, an independent nonprofit that repurposes building materials (and has a small, dedicated team of craftspeople in the Revision Division who make new objects out of old odds and ends). We also love Renovation Angel for this, but they're not local. Note that there are two resident mousers, if anyone in your group has a cat allergy.
Our daily park walk! Tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, a playground, tons of old trees, a lovely-in-summer fountain, and frequent outdoor musical performances from the gazebo/bandshell. Look for the carved owl sculpture and the very scoldy resident squirrels! (P.S. We have loaner tennis and pickleball gear!)
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Elizabeth Park
2205 Elizabeth StOur daily park walk! Tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, a playground, tons of old trees, a lovely-in-summer fountain, and frequent outdoor musical performances from the gazebo/bandshell. Look for the carved owl sculpture and the very scoldy resident squirrels! (P.S. We have loaner tennis and pickleball gear!)
West Coast drive-through coffee stands are a thing of joy. This is the one in our neighborhood, although we mostly walk up to it -- and they always have a treat for our dogs.
Cool Beans
2716 Meridian StWest Coast drive-through coffee stands are a thing of joy. This is the one in our neighborhood, although we mostly walk up to it -- and they always have a treat for our dogs.
For the dogs
Our local, with dedicated areas for big and small dogs, a two-gate safe entry, plentiful poop bags, dog fountain, covered seating for humans (also dogs, tbh) and room to roam around, with picnic tables just outside the fence. The city does a decent job of throwing down mulch and gravel to keep it from becoming a mud pit in winter, but it's still a place to wear mud-friendly footwear.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Squalicum Creek Park
1001 Squalicum WayOur local, with dedicated areas for big and small dogs, a two-gate safe entry, plentiful poop bags, dog fountain, covered seating for humans (also dogs, tbh) and room to roam around, with picnic tables just outside the fence. The city does a decent job of throwing down mulch and gravel to keep it from becoming a mud pit in winter, but it's still a place to wear mud-friendly footwear.
While you CAN carry a discreet can of beer to the city dog park, wouldn't you rather get one from the tap? Paws is an affordable ($5/dog/day or $8 for two dogs) adventure, with play structures, plentiful human seating, and lots of ridiculously cute dogs to admire. Humans are also allowed without a dog to supervise them.
Paws For A Beer
501 Harris AveWhile you CAN carry a discreet can of beer to the city dog park, wouldn't you rather get one from the tap? Paws is an affordable ($5/dog/day or $8 for two dogs) adventure, with play structures, plentiful human seating, and lots of ridiculously cute dogs to admire. Humans are also allowed without a dog to supervise them.
A kindhearted spot for all kinds of grooming needs. They earned our love when they let us pop in right at closing to wash our sweet, stinky elderly hound when we first pulled into Bellingham after our cross-country move and had nowhere to bathe her. Downtown spot, plenty of parking in their lot.
City Dogs Grooming
1225 E Holly StA kindhearted spot for all kinds of grooming needs. They earned our love when they let us pop in right at closing to wash our sweet, stinky elderly hound when we first pulled into Bellingham after our cross-country move and had nowhere to bathe her. Downtown spot, plenty of parking in their lot.
Squalicum beach is a secluded, walk-in rocky beach with plenty of visiting dogs, thanks to the off-leash dog park that covers the whole route in. ONE KEY WARNING: While we've only had good experiences there, we know at least one woman who has been harassed or followed by men camping in the woods along the trails -- while it's worth a visit if you have a water-loving dog, it's also NOT a great spot to go alone or at night.
Squalicum Beach
Squalicum beach is a secluded, walk-in rocky beach with plenty of visiting dogs, thanks to the off-leash dog park that covers the whole route in. ONE KEY WARNING: While we've only had good experiences there, we know at least one woman who has been harassed or followed by men camping in the woods along the trails -- while it's worth a visit if you have a water-loving dog, it's also NOT a great spot to go alone or at night.
Relocation tips
Cayla is a GEM of a real estate agent. If you're visiting Bellingham with an eye to an eventual move (and real estate purchase in our insane housing market), we strongly recommend her services.
You can book an appointment directly by calling her at 425-327-9956.
Cayla Moritz - Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc.
1894 Main StreetCayla is a GEM of a real estate agent. If you're visiting Bellingham with an eye to an eventual move (and real estate purchase in our insane housing market), we strongly recommend her services.
You can book an appointment directly by calling her at 425-327-9956.
Tipps für Reisende
Was einpacken?
Layers are key in the PNW
It's said so often that it's cliched, but that doesn't make it bad advice: In all seasons, pack lots of light layers!
In January, our coldest month, the average high is 44F/6C, and the low is 31F/0C.
In July and August, our hottest months, the average high is 74F/23C and the average low is 61F/16C.
And while our actual rainfall is a lot lower than most people assume, we get our share of misty days, so that packable rainshell is a great idea. We average 5 inches of rain in November (our rainiest month) and less than an inch in July.
Verkehrsmittel
Prompt, affordable bus lines
Guide Cottage is located directly between two Whatcom Transportation Authority stops: Elm Street at Jefferson (the 50 bus and the 232) and Meridian Street at Monroe (the 15 bus), both of which shoot straight to the downtown hub for easy connections to Western Washington University and everywhere else.
A single ride (one bus) is $1, but the best deals are multi-day or multi-ride passes from ridewta dot com.
Bräuche und Kultur
A word about homelessness and mental health care here
Like most coastal cities, Bellingham is struggling to provide affordable housing and services.
Generally, the folks who are going through homelessness want the same things we all want: safety, shelter, community. However, we do have people in our community with untreated mental illness -- and, as a result, we have a HOT (homeless outreach team) service that can help them deescalate and access services.
If you spot someone who appears to need help and you are not able to help them, you can call 360-312-3717 and leave a message with their location and your observations.
Nicht verpassen
Bellinghistory with the Good Time Girls
Y'all, if you do ONE touristy thing in Bellingham, it should be one of these info-packed tours -- which are also gossipy, fun and more accurate than the average historical walking tour. For adults, we recommend starting with the Sin & Gin tour (brothels! bootlegging!) or Gore & Lore (murders! stolen identities!); for families, the Bellinghistory tours are a great way to spend an hour.
Book at goodtimegirlstours.com and tip your guides!