Field Trip: Old Towne Bellingham Washington

I remember hearing about Old Bellingham from a friend of mine as a small town with lots of character and charm. It was only about a 45 minute drive from Vancouver B.C and the town was beautiful. The town was kinda like a larger version of Mayberry. I was trying to look for some apple pies on window sills cooling which would make this town more perfect. It was finally great to come to a town without mass production of Timmy's, Starf*cks and Blenz. Each coffee shop in this town was so personal in its own character and style from the exposed brick stone walls to the vintage wood moulding window sills. You would have to live here for at least a year to try each coffee or dessert shop. Parking is terrific because it was all free on Sundays and holidays...just FYI.

Some of you may cry since there's no Gap, Mickie Dee's or KFC but hey step out of your frigin' comfort zone and try some real food and shops. Each shop owner greeted us with a genuine friendly smile as welcomed us to their town. One of my "Ab Fab" places to visit was a shop called Digs, a groovy, funky but yet modern styling of home furnishings, furniture and chachkas. Very retro yet very House and Home.

Bloom is this very funky eatery and pub that specializes in Vegan food. Bloom is not like those places you see on Commercial Drive that reeks Patchouli and everything tastes off mashed up chick peas or toasted hemp seeds. Bloom focuses on flavour and good eating. I was very impressed with Bloom's diverse menu. They even have house bands that play in the evenings which I will definitely will check out next time I do an evening trip out.

Of course what's a small town without some great antique shops but unfortunately the one's we wanted to check out were closed I guess this small town still lived in the good ol' days when most stores were closed on Sundays. My favorite quote I must share with you from Chan as we window shopped at these charming antique shops.

"Wow, it looks like they have a lot of nice shit in this store."

Just a tacky display of unlimited spices and condiments at some white trash buffet we dined in.

Espresso Avellino was this cute but kewl cafe and tea shop. They had the most delicious looking home baked scones, biscottis and cookies. The sky blue facade of the building paired with the gun metal grey patio furniture was what made me go to this amazing place.

Just on the edge of town about a 2 minute drive was Bellingham Bay and we found this gorgeous breathtaking beach, so amazing with its warm breath of salt air. Just don't mind it's next to the correctional institute.

"Uh-oh I'm busted."

If you live in Vancouver or plan just plan to visit I do highly recommend this as a road trip destination and if you still need a shopping urge Bellis Fair Mall is just 5 minutes away but do you really need another pair of Gap khakis?