For a limited time, Amtrak is offering a buy one get one free promotion. Tickets must be purchased between today, January 7 and Sunday, January 12, and customers can take advantage of this offer on select routes in both coach and sleeping accommodations. Offer is valid for travel from Saturday, February 1 and Friday, June 12 except for blackout dates of April 10, April 13 and May 22–25. Use discount code (V605) when purchasing your ticket at Amtrak.com. Take this opportunity to check out some of our beautiful Waterside communities this spring!
Looking for something to do this weekend? Here's five reasons that you should head on out to a local farmers market!
The amazing local produce. If you’re any kind of meal planner, the farmer’s market is a great time to stock up on produce for the week, as well as pantry staples like local honey and coffee. If you’re making a day of it and just starting with the market, consider packing a cooler with some ice packs to keep any fruits and veggies fresh in the car for the day.
The food. The food stands at local farmers markets are usually packed with some of the city’s best on-the-go delicacies. Whether it’s barbeque, sandwiches or ice cream, rest assured you will find a snack that fits your fancy while wandering the booths.
Stock up on gifts. If you’re a holiday season pre-shopper, or you just have a lot of birthdays coming up, farmers markets are full of handmade, artisan wares perfect for the loved ones on your gift list.
The atmosphere. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a farmer’s market. Even with a few less people and booths farther apart, it’s magical to be able to reenter a space where people are laughing and eating, while musicians are busking and children are playing. After the last year, it’s refreshing to be able to walk into a space that recaptures what we’ve been missing.
Great excuse for a day trip. Most farmers markets take place in the morning, making them a great place to start your day of exploration and fun. Whichever community you chose, visit our home page to find other activities to fill your visit!
For a list of Waterside community farmers markets, click here. More
Travel plans across the U.S. and the world have been canceled or postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Predicting the future of this pandemic is difficult, which makes rescheduling trips tricky. This is no reason to let travel plans go completely, but rather make adaptable plans with extra free time now that can be implemented when safe and possible.
With a Stay at Home Order in effect in Washington state, people are mostly working from home, doing home improvement projects, gardening and binge watching favorite shows.
If you’re finding yourself with more free time, take a few minutes or an hour to research a vacation close to home. Although many community events have been canceled, there are still many outdoor activities like hiking, biking, climbing, exploring and camping. Washington is full of idyllic forests, beaches, lakes, rivers and mountains that can still be explored while implementing current social distancing rules and will be fully reopening when possible. When the Stay at Home order is lifted, why not have a weekend trip already planned and ready to be implemented at a moment’s notice? When cabin fever starts setting in, why not fantasize about and plan that first real trip out of the house when it is safe to do so? All the wonderful gems in our Waterside communities will be waiting for you.
Use Watersidenw.com to research the possibilities in each of our coastal communities.
Lady Washington, a full-scale replica built in Aberdeen, WA, can generally be found docked at various Washington harbors throughout the summer months. The original ship has a rich history as the first American vessel to make landfall on the west coast of North America. The modern Lady Washington has been featured in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Trek.
Lady Washington will be available for adventure and evening sails in Bellingham from Thursday, August 12 through Monday, August 23. Docking next in Friday Harbor, she will be available for adventure and evening sails off of San Juan Island from Thursday, August 26 through Monday, August 29. Sails aboard the Lady Washington wouldn’t be complete without demonstrations on tall ship handling, sea shanty singing, and a bit of the history of American maritime exploration.
If being out on the water isn’t for you, Lady Washington also offers 30-minute dockside tours for a suggested donation of $5 per person.
For tickets and a complete schedule visit historicalseaport.org. More
Warm and sunny seasons may pass by quickly in the Pacific Northwest, but you can count on the towns along the coast for a good sunset any day of the week. Characterized by an unparalleled view of the San Juan Islands and glimpses of Point Roberts and Victoria Island, you can watch the sun dip behind Bellingham Bay from a host of stunning beaches, hills and parks.
It wasn’t easy, but we’ve narrowed down our top spots to witness this beautiful daily ritual — just make sure to check the forecast for clouds or rain showers before you go!
1. Larrabee State Park
Larrabee State Park is a local favorite, situated along the Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway that many consider Washington state’s Big Sur. Distinguished by towering old-growth forests, with hikes, trails, and camping for the whole family, Larrabee is our top recommendation for any new-to-Bellingham tourists. And with more than 8,000 feet of coastline, there are infinite amazing sunset-watching spots, so you’ll easily find a favorite.
One of our top picks is Clayton Beach, a long, sandy stretch located at the southern tip of the park (though technically this beach is located in Bow). The walk to the beach from the Lost Lake parking lot takes 10-15 minutes and is not wheelchair accessible. It winds through the forest on a well-loved trail, with a slight decline as you walk over railroad tracks to the beach. We love Clayton for its stunning rock-formations and sandy beach, plus it’s also a quieter alternative to popular places such as Boulevard Park which are often overcrowded.
2. Clark’s Point
You won’t find Clark’s Point on many blog posts like this, but this hidden gem is beloved by residents of Fairhaven. Located deep in the Edgemoor Neighborhood, visitors will travel along many suburban roads to find a sign for West Clark Viewpoint. A short trail leads to a small clearing upon a rocky cliff. Visitors can enjoy watching birds and … More
