What's So Special About Bellingham, Washington?

One of the most common questions that I ask other travelers is, “Where’s your favorite place you’ve been?” After an overwhelmed sigh, the traveler will usually talk about the location that has grown deep roots into their memory. Some people have asked me this question. And although I could never pick just one, I will have to say my favorite place is Bellingham, Washington.

I’ve visited twice, once with a group in 2008, and again by myself in 2009. Both times, I fell in love with the town and surrounding area. When locals in Bellingham heard I was away from home for a month, our conversation would go something like this:

LOCAL: Great! Where are you going?

ME: Here.

LOCAL: Here?

ME: Yeah, I’m here for a month.

LOCAL: Do you have family here?

ME: Nope.

LOCAL: Do you know anyone around here?

ME: Well, no.

LOCAL: You traveled halfway across the country to spend a month in Bellingham?

ME: Yup.

LOCAL: Uhm… why?!

That’s a good question. The myriad answers can be summed up in a single sentence: “I think Bellingham is cool.” For those who want more detail, though, here are the top 10 reasons.

1. There are hiking trails everywhere. I have never seen a city with so many greenways— you could walk or bike pretty much anywhere in that town and pretend you were walking through the middle of a forest.

2. There’s a giant bay. I mean, seriously. This is impressive to a Midwestern person, but pretty much anyone has to admit that bodies of ocean water make everything better.

3. There is a beautiful mountain on the skyline. Mount Baker never ceased to make me stare in wonder, though it was often cloaked in clouds.

4. There are purple starfish! Walk to the shoreline of Boulevard Park at low tide and you’ll be able to see dozens upon dozens of these incredible-colored echinoderms. 

5. Bellingham has all the cool “Northwest” stuff. This includes but is not limited to fantastic weather, a great public transportation system, and a bustling farmers market.

6. It has fun art on the sides of buildings. These murals are everywhere, and you’ll also find a lot of interesting urban art.

7. It has one of the greatest churches I’ve ever visited. Speaking of cool wall art, here’s the one outside of the First Baptist Church of Bellingham. It was small, truly intergenerational, and full of ridiculously friendly people. I miss them all.

8. It has well-populated parks. I visited during the school year, granted, but every single day I visited any of the parks, they were packed out with people reading, playing sports, and generally socializing. With all that fresh air, it’s no wonder that I never saw any overweight people when I was there!

9. It is within day-trip distance of the San Juan Islands and Seattle, two more of my favorite places. A one-day drive gets you to this place (Orcas Island). Amazing? I think so.

10. And finally, it has Mallard Ice Cream. This ice cream place in downtown is happiness on a cone, featuring such flavors as grape (it’s surprisingly delicious), maple walnut, and hot pepper. 

Despite the locals’ confusion about my choice of a trip, Bellingham will always be one of my favorite places I’ve ever been. Three years have passed since I last set foot on its happy ground, and I miss it more than ever. Next time I’m in the Northwest, I swear, next time…

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Where to Go: Zion National Park

I had the privilege of visiting Zion National Park last year, and it was one of the highlights of my trip. From the canyon-bottom views of Weeping Rock to the triumphant lookout at Angels Landing, this park has something for everyone.

Why you should go: The Grand Canyon is breathtaking beyond all reason, but as far as I’m concerned, Zion Canyon is a close second. This natural wonder offers incredible views, beautiful and challenging hikes, and unique sites of landscape that can blow your mind.

How to get there: As with most places in the US, you need a car. You can find detailed driving directions on the website.

What to bring: Admission, good for one consecutive week, is $25 per vehicle unless you have a National Parks Pass. This is the desert, so bring an array of hats, sunblock, and more water than you think is possible to drink. No special hiking gear is required.

What to do: Grab a map, hop on the park’s free shuttle, and take a grand tour of the area before selecting a trail to hike. The trails come in all lengths and difficulty levels, and even some of the easy flat walks are breathtaking. If you are adventurous (and in really good shape), I highly recommend the Angels Landing trail.

What else you need to know: Allow a full day for hiking, take frequent breaks, and pace yourself. Dress in layers so you can keep your body at a comfortable temperature. Take advantage of the shuttle system to learn more about the park, rest, and regain your energy before attempting another hike. Take lots of photos— they’ll make great desktop backgrounds later!

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10 Incredibly Scenic Photos

I’ve visited dozens of places where I look back at the photos and think, “Dude, did I really go there?” Photos are a tangible reminder that yes, I was there, and yes, it did look unbelievably scenic. Here are 10 of my favorites that I took with my own hand (well, a camera was involved too, but you know what I mean). Disclaimer: I spent three weeks in Utah when I took a trip out west, hence the profusion of photos from that state. I also didn’t have a very good camera when I was in Colorado, so none of the shots made the cut. Poor Colorado. I need to return to take some good photos sometime.

Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah. The near-death experience was worth the view.

Columbia Gorge, as seen from the Oregon side. Hands-down one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

More Utah (Salt Lake City area). In the three weeks I was there, I never got tired of looking at these snowy wonders.

New Bern, North Carolina. I love the feel of the river and the town.

Ship Peak, Orcas Island, Washington. If you ever get a chance, go to the San Juan Islands. Trust me.

More Washington! (Puget Sound, Seattle) Check out those Northwestern clouds.

Somewhere near(ish) Rock Springs, Wyoming. The stark beauty unnerves me even now.

The Seven Sisters, San Luis Obispo, California. This range of dormant volcanoes stretches out to the Pacific.

Flaming Gorge, Utah. It's positively GORGEous. (I can now longer call myself a serious writer.)

Grand Canyon, Arizona. Because no set of scenic photos is complete without one like this.

My Favorite States

Why, you ask, have I not visited Arkansas? I'm still trying to figure it out…

Over the past two decades, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit 29 states. I consider this to be a fair accomplishment, although I still have quite a few to go to reach my goal of all 50. You may ask, “Out of all the states, which one is your favorite?” The answer is, without hesitation, “Missouri.” Yes, I know that’s cheating, but it’s true. It’s central, simple, pretty, and my home.

(You might also ask what is my least favorite. I would say, “West Virginia,” for absolutely no reason other than that I get negative feelings every time I hear those words. Am I weird? Yes I am.)

However, if your question is, “Out of all the states you don’t live in, which is your favorite?” I can handle that, as long as you allow me multiple answers. Keep in mind that these are my favorites… not necessarily the best.

Honorable Mentions:

Florida. From the Everglades and the crazy-awesome subtropical trees to Disney World and the wildlife, this place deserves to be a tourist destination— but only, I contend, in the winter. (Also, it contains the Everglades International Hostel, a truly magical place.)

If you get a chance to visit the Everglades National Park, do it.

Colorado. Home to some of the loveliest towns I’ve ever visited (Colorado Springs, Fort Collins), this state also boasts some fantastic geological formations and down-home streams. Oh yeah, and there’s also the Rocky Mountains.

This is the best shot I could find— although I've visited CO three times, I have no good pictures of it!

California. I could give a laundry list of places I love within its limits: San Diego, San Francisco, the entire coast, the Redwoods, the landscapes, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and so on and so on. Seriously, do you need me to tell you why California is awesome?

I love the scenery around San Luis Obispo.

Now… The Top Three!

Oregon. For several months I harbored a grudge against this state, refusing to believe that it was as wonderful as all the Oregonian snobs said it was. But after being assaulted with stunning natural wonders everywhere I went, from the Columbia River Gorge to the Bandon beach, I realized that I could not deny that this place is pretty much amazing.

A sight to convert even the most stubborn skeptic.

I'll never get tired of Bandon beach.

North Carolina. From the majestic Smoky Mountains in the west to the shimmering beaches in the east, this state has a variety of vistas (and some of the most beautiful Southern accents I’ve ever heard). I love the history of this area, and little details such as tin-roofed buildings and Spanish moss. My ancestors first moved to North Carolina from Europe in the early 1600s, so I have deep roots there as well.

I love walking through downtown New Bern.

Bogue Inlet Fishing pier— my favorite pier.

Washington. This will always be my second-favorite state, if only for nostalgia’s sake. It was my first place I visited out west, the first place I saw a snow-capped mountain, the first place I traveled solo, and the first time I fell in love with a city (Seattle). I love the mix of manageable scenery (rolling hills, small mountains, streams) and breathtaking views (the Cascade Mountains, the Pacific Ocean). Also, Bellingham and the San Juan Islands are two of my favorite places on earth. 

What are your favorite states?

Lost Lake near Bellingham, Washington. Mary and I almost got lost finding it…

The view of Seattle from the ferry is fantastic— and, if you're coming from the west, free!

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