Article published in "The Crossing Guide" - February 2014, Pages 72-75
Shopping Guide – Downtown Bellingham & Historic
Fairhaven
Costco, Bellis Fair Mall and Ross are popular destinations
for discount shopping. Easily accessible from Interstate 5, these shopping
plazas offer a huge selection of products. However, just three exits down and
approximately two miles from the mall, you can find a treasure trove of shops
with specialty items and local flare that are not available at the big box
stores.
Let us introduce you to Downtown Bellingham and the historic
Fairhaven!
For the Fashionista
Unique, high quality accessories can take any look rom drab
to fab, especially if you are donning looks that are not main stream. Check out these trend setting must-haves.
Knee-high in whimsy! Launched in late 2013, Mod Sock brand
socks are a cotton blend with alt of personality. Kick up your heels with these
cheeky hedgehog and television graphics. They come in men’s and women’s sizes
and a dozen fun designs. Also check out the 2300 other styles of socks available
at this feet retreat which stocks brands like Wonder, Sock Smith, Sock Guy and
exclusively Sock It To Me.
Mod Sock (1323 Cornwall Ave)
Honey, it is cold outside and you can not be caught shopping
without an amazing pair of walking boots. Eric Michaels Montana boots are made
in Portugal from leather and are perfect for the harsh Northwest winters. Available in three colors: red, black and
chocolate. Practical and attractive.
12th Street Shoes (1204 Harris Ave)
Asian Eye scarves are elegant, fashionable, and staples for
a chilly day look. Made from natural fibers like silk, fine quality wool, linen
and cotton, these textile beauties are sure to last. Available in dynamic
shades and patterns, you will be able to find a design that fits your personal
style.
Blue Horizon Clothing (1302 12th Street)
Cute and durable! Sown Design wallets and checkbooks are the
perfect shopping companion. They are
made by a Bellingham artist and each piece is a one-of-a-kind. So you will not be wondering who held it
best! They are made of 100% fine reclaimed leather and lined with duck cloth.
Delightful designs are embroidered and screen printed for dimensional quality.
Mi Shoes (1315 Railroad Ave)
Vera Bradley bags have taken the Northwest by storm and are
a fashion leader for the cotton quilted handbag! These trend setting accessories are available
in an array of patterns including Peacock, Capri Melon, Capri Blue, Botanica,
Pink Elephants, Java Blue, Mesa Red, and Classic Black. They are also available in a variety of
styles like Hipster, Bucket Tote, and Backpack.
Wither you are a fair-weather traveler, on-the-go mom, or just love a
great looking bag, Vera is a must-have!
Creswell Boggs (1300 Railroad Avenue)
For the Hobby Enthusiast
Do you have a flare for the creative? Bellingham boasts a plethora of specialty
shops full of tools to fuel your hobby… or help you get started with a new
passion.
A crafter’s dream. Designer wrapping paper can be used for
scrapbooking, decoupage, framing and of course, wrapping! You can find premium
papers like this visualized by national independent artists. Sheet sizes range
from 19 ½” x 27” to 24”x36.”
Also available are hard-to-find rolls of Italian crepe
paper.
Spruce (1422 Cornwall Avenue)
Artists, illustrators and crafters alike, color your world
beautiful with over 350 shades! Copic brand sketch markers provide premium
quality and the effect of working with watercolors. Components can also be
refillable expanding the spectrum of your long term investment. Want to broaden
your artistic side? Check out the other
essentials for pottery, painting and kid’s crafts.
Dakota Art Store (1415 Cornwall Avenue)
Good clean fun! Soap making is an easy family activity and
great for customized gifting. Choose from a wide range of molds, fragrance
oils, essential oils, and colorants. Not feeling crafty but want to indulge in
premium soaps and lotions? Local artisans make that option possible too!
Otion: The Soap Bar (301 W. Holly St.)
If jewelry making is your passion, Fairhaven is your
destination. Add vintage charm to your accessories with Steampunk or Victorian
style lockets. Made from brass, copper, and pewter, these pieces are sure to
dazzle. Priced at less than $4 USD stay on trend and on budget.
Let your imagination soar with beads, charms, buttons, and
other jewelry making supplies.
Bead Bazaar (1001 Harris Ave)
The Cadillac of stitching! The 1600P Janome Machine features
variable speed control, side-loading industrial rotary hook, and a minimum
speed of 60 SPM. In Downtown Bellingham,
quilters can find an array of Janome Machines along with a huge selection of fabrics
with popular designs including cameo, patchwork, damask, lace, paisley and
seasonal prints. Explore a variety of textures like laminated cotton, organic,
and flannel. For home or apparel.
Fourth Corner Quilts (1844 N State Street)
For the Treasure Hunter
Do you find new love in old items? If you answered yes, then you should check
out Bellingham’s consignment, antique and rummage shops. Inventory is not guaranteed but the thrill of
discovery is!
Antiques, furniture, glassware and memorabilia galore! Two
and quarter floors full a great finds. Music buff? Check out the downstairs for
vintage records players and hundreds of vinyl. If you are looking for a large
statement piece, this is the place to discover it!
Aladdin’s Antiques and Records (427 West Holly Street)
Renovating an older home? Make a stop downtown. This
treasure trove stocks loot that is donated by homeowners and contractors or
salvaged from tear downs. You will be able to find cabinets, furniture, trim,
flooring, paint, lighting, doors and hardware. Want vintage charm without the
work? Check out the artist corner that showcases pieces created from salvaged
goods by local talent.
The RE Store (2309 Meridian Street)
Consignment at its finest. Stop in for gently used clothing,
jewelry, shoes, and now housewares. Accessorize your body and your home with a
huge and budget-friendly selection at a woman’s dream stop.
Labels Women’s Consignment Shop (2332 James Street)
The only flea market in town with a lot of space for parking
and interesting treasures. A clothing consignment store for men is located
downstairs. Multiple rotating vendors take up the two story building so you
never know what you will find. Stop by often to see what is available.
O’Donnell’s Bellingham Flea Market (405 E Champion Street)
These are just a few of the amazing products and retailers
available in Downtown Bellingham and historic Fairhaven. Be sure to explore these and the other
friendly businesses offering the best selections this side of the border.
Do not forget your bags!
In 2012, Bellingham City Council passed an ordinance banning
single-use carryout bags and requires a minimum five cent charge for recycled
paper take-out bags. This ordinance
helps both the environment and to reduce costs for retailers allowing for more
sustainability of local businesses.
