Fairhaven Photowalk in Bellingham

Comments 7 by Rebecca Bollwitt

A train whistle blew in the distance as we walked out onto Fairhaven’s Village Green plaza with Chuck Robinson, Owner of Village Books. The historic district in Washington State’s Whatcom County is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a part of Bellingham, ever since it amalgamated with the town of New Whatcom back in 1904.

Fairhaven, Washington

Fairhaven, Washington Fairhaven, Washington

Founded in 1883 by Daniel Jefferson Harris (aka “Dirty Dan”) Fairhaven is located at the North end of scenic Chuckanut Drive and just off exit 250 from the I-5. The brick-laden town centre is about six blocks around and centered at 12th Street and Harris Avenue.

Fairhaven, Washington

Fairhaven, Washington Fairhaven, Washington

Fairhaven, Washington Fairhaven, Washington

Fairhaven, Washington

Home to several well-tempered yet restored buildings from the turn of the 20th century, newer buildings have been designed to fit in with the neighbourhood. Looks can be deceiving as a seemingly heritage apartment block might be younger than you are.

Fairhaven, Washington Fairhaven, Washington

Fairhaven, Washington Fairhaven, Washington

Fairhaven, Washington

A beauty parlour, pharmacy, woodcraft co-op, cafes, a bounty of tea shops, and a central book store all add to the life and character of downtown Fairhaven. Village Green (at 10th and Mill) is home to outdoor movies and events, there’s a farmers market every Wednesday in the summer, and a host of festivals and celebrations throughout the year.

The Bellingham/Whatcom County region boasts the country’s second largest number of arts businesses per capita after Santa Fe.

Fairhaven, Washington Fairhaven, Washington

Fairhaven, Washington Fairhaven, Washington

Fairhaven, Washington

Fairhaven has some of the architecture you would find in Victoria or Seattle but the town has a unique, enterprising history thanks to founder “Dirty Dan” Harris.

Fairhaven, Washington Fairhaven, Washington

Fairhaven, Washington

While we have John “Gassy Jack” Deighton in Vancouver, Fairhaven’s Dirty Dan has a much different story and it’s one I’ll tell at a later time thanks to the research of Fairhaven locals Ralph Thacker and Constantine Papadakis.

Fairhaven is just one stop on my current tour of historic places and storied attractions in Whatcom County, Washington. View the rest of my photos on Flickr. Follow some of my posts about this region and the rest of county using my tag: Whatcom.

Current Contests on Miss604
*All contests are open to residents of Canada only, unless otherwise stated. Contest timelines are published on each individual post along with entry methods. Some contests may only be open to those 19 years of age and older. Winners are announced on the contest blog posts. Contest policy »

7 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. JeanWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 10:27am PDT

    Love stopping in Fairhaven! Thanks for the photo tour!

  2. Ruth HartnupWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 12:24pm PDT

    Can you recommend anywhere goot to stop for a casual lunch/brunch with a toddler in Fairhaven? Thx!

  3. Steve Zussino – Grocery AlertsWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 12:34pm PDT

    It is a great retreat on the way to Seattle for us – like the area near the cruise terminal.

  4. Rebecca Bollwitt, Miss604 Rebecca BollwittWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 12:47pm PDT

    Hi Ruth,

    The Whatcom County Tourism folks I’m with recommend Book Fair on the top floor of Village Books. It’s a cafe with plenty of kid-friendly options and stimulation. Cheers!

  5. Lori-Vancouver AirbnbWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 3:00pm PDT

    I discovered Fairhaven a few years ago while camping at Larabee State Park…I can’t wait to go back!

  6. Joanna NesbitWednesday, June 20th, 2012 — 9:52pm PDT

    Love your photos, Rebecca. You did a fabulous job of capturing the angles.

  7. Constantine PapadakisMonday, September 3rd, 2012 — 6:41pm PDT

    Hi Rebecca,

    I have a great power point about the Lost Whaling Voyage of Dirty Dan. I would be happy to share the presentation with you. Ralph and I put it together.

    Cheers,

    Constantine

Also on Miss604.com
«
»