Activities

The Winding Wonder of Chuckanut Drive

Chuckanut Drive is, hands down, my favorite place to drive in the World. Admittedly, I haven’t had the chance to take the James Bond chase-scene route into Monte Carlo, but I’m pretty sure it would only be a close second.

Chuckanut Drive’s winding roadway hugs the hills between Bellingham’s Fairhaven neighborhood South to the wide valley North of Mt. Vernon.  Regardless of the weather, the 30+ minute drive shows off the absolute best of Northwest Washington’s geographical character, including  incomparable views of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and a peak at Mt. Baker at the Southern end.

Of course, words fail to capture the wondrous majesty of this truly unique highway. So, I took some pictures.  This past week, in spite of the fact that the Winter Olympics have been happening right up the road, has been unbelievably beautiful. With clear blue skies and temperatures in the mid 60’s, conditions were set to get some truly fabulous pictures.

Click on the thumbnails below to see full-size pictures. You can also click here to see the complete collection of pictures I took.

The pictures are in order from South to North, between Mt. Vernon and Bellingham.

Thanks for reading!

For more information on Chuckanut Drive or Chuckanut Drive real estate, please e-mail Rob LeRoy at rob.leroy@exprealty.com, or call me directly at 206.883.6668.

Bellingham Prepares For First-Ever St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Following in the rather large footsteps of acknowledged pros like New York City, Chicago and Boston, a small, but committed, band of Bellingham locals has endeavored to bring the cherished and lively tradition of St. Patrick’s Day parades to the city this year, for the first time in it’s 150+ year history.  As a descendant of vaguely-Irish heritage and a major contributor to the Rob LeRoy Annual St. Patrick’s Day Beer Fund, I felt exuberantly compelled to get behind this idea with the full force of my Basque-Irish wit and dedicated online following. This is going to be big, and we can all be a part of it!

Led by committee chair Janet Lightner (general manager of Boundary Bay Brewery, and all-around gift to humanity), the First Annual Bellingham St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 13th from noon-2pm, following the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department’s Runnin’ O’ the Green Race and Fun Run . The parade will begin at a staging area near the corner of Ohio and Cornwall, proceeding along Cornwall through downtown to Chestnut, then up the hill to Railroad and ending up at the home of the Bellingham Farmer’s Market (Depot Market Square) in front of Boundary Bay Brewery.  At that point, festivities will continue with Boundary’s signature dry Irish stout ( at least, for me, they will..) and live music throughout the afternoon and evening. There are even plans to open Boundary’s popular outdoor seating area and courtyard, weather permitting.

The parade is dedicated to the dual themes of honoring local law enforcement and firefighters, and promoting green technology.  The parade is open to the public, with entrants strongly encouraged to focus on green “people powered” themes for floats.  Local artists, musicians and performers are also needed.  Interested parties are invited to contact event organizers on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade website or their associated Facebook fanpage. There will also be a “show up and line up” policy on the day of the event for anyone who wants to join in the parade.

So far, the parade has recruited several local and regional performers, including:

• Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike as Grand Marshall
• The Snohomish County Firefighters Pipes and Drums will perform traditional bagpipe music, probably without underwear (they wear kilts)
• The Penk O’Donnell Dancers
• The Bellingham homebrewers “Brewers Brigade”
• The Mount Baker Bike Club
• The Boundary Bay Regulars kazoo band (if you’ve never heard a kazoo band…you may want to stop by Boundary Bay before the parade, in order to prepare yourself, mentally)
• Bellingham folk icon Robert Blake (who is rumored to perform at the Boundary Bay parade after-party)

Given that this will be the first parade of it’s kind in Bellingham history, there are certainly bound to be a few kinks that pop up along the way. However, the parade’s organizers are both ambitious and optimistic.  With any luck, the parade will be wildly popular and successful, with many more to follow in the years ahead.

For more information, please follow the links below:

• E-Mail: stpatsbham@gmail.com
• Website: bellinghamstpatricksday.com
• Twitter: twitter.com/stpatsbham (@stPatsBham)
• Facebook: facebook.com/stpatsbham

I would like to give a very heartfelt thanks to Janet Lightner for taking the time to meet with me for this piece…and for the fabulous Boundary Bay Irish Stout that I enjoyed during the interview!

Thanks for reading!  Please leave your comments below. If you have any questions about Bellingham, WA or real estate, in general, please feel free to email Rob LeRoy directly at rob.leroy@exprealty.com or call me at 206.883.6668

Originally posted here.

Rob LeRoy’s Guide to Bellingham, Part 7: Hotels

For part 7 of my Guide to Bellingham, I would like to take a break from talking about the myriad ways with which to fill your days, and instead tell you about where to spend your nights, at least until you’ve purchased a home of your own. Like most American cities, especially those with major Interstate highways bisecting them, Bellingham has all sorts of overnight lodging options.  We’ve got everything from four and five-star luxury hotels with water views and swanky wine bars, to flea-ridden, boarded-up shanties with hourly rates.  It is upon the former that I will dwell here, though there are certainly some entertaining stories to tell about the latter. Not from personal experience, necessarily…but I know people…friends of my brother’s college roommate, as it were. Just kidding. I don’t even have a brother….

The Best Western Lakeway Inn: Situated right in the middle of town, just off of I-5, the Lakeway Inn is not your average Best Western. They’ve got a high quality restaurant, conference space, a nice indoor pool, and a great bar (Poppe’s ) with live jazz and one of the best Happy Hours in town.  It is about a 10-15 minute walk to downtown and has easy access to everything.  They also happen to offer special rates to clients of mine who are in town to look for homes… 714 Lakeway Dr Bellingham, WA 98229 (360)671-1011

The Fairhaven Village Inn: Nestled in the heart of the Old Fairhaven historic district, the Fairhaven Village Inn is a cozy (22 rooms) and inviting slice of Bellingham history.  The Inn is across the street from the Fairhaven Village Green Park, which features a farmer’s market, outdoor movies, and several shops and restaurants nearby.  You won’t have to bother with a car here, as everything you’ll need is within easy walking distance. Dozens of unique and boutique little restaurants, shops and walking paths are right outside the door. If you do feel like a drive, downtown Bellingham is just 5-minutes to the north, as is Western Washington University, with the fabled Chuckanut Drive beginning it’s long and winding road just a few short miles to the south. 1200 10th St, Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-1311

The Chrysalis Inn and Spa: If you want luxury and unparalleled pampering, try the Chrysalis Inn, also in Fairhaven.  Overlooking Bellingham Bay, the Chrysalis features the very finest of everything. The restaurant and wine bar, Fino, is fantastic, and the views are breathtaking, looking west over the Fairhaven boardwalk, Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands.  And then there’s the spa….Spending a day here will add years to your life, leaving you feeling younger and more vibrant than ever, like a real-life Benjamin Button… a character whose movie, ironically, took away what felt like years of my life…(Awwww…I kid David Fincher. It was pretty good…but 2 1/2 hours? Really? I finished college in less time than that!) 804 10th Street Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 756-1005

The Hotel Bellwether: Well, you can tell right off the bat that this place is pretty swanky…the name just sounds fancy.  Anytime you say the word “hotel” before the actual name, you know it’s gonna be nice…and expensive. the Hotel Bellwether is both. Situated on Bellingham Bay (almost literally) the Bellwether is a classic luxury hotel in every way.  With grand rooms, an outstanding restaurant,  the popular Harborside Bistro (whose talented young chef happens to be a close friend) and a location that defines the word “exceptional”, the Hotel Bellwether is the kind of place you’ll want to include in your boring family slide-shows for years to come. Stay there for the weekend…remember it for a lifetime.  One Bellwether Way, Bellingham WA 98225 (360) 392-3100

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars, Part 6: Classy Pubs

Thanks for reading!  Please leave your comments below. If you have any questions about Bellingham, WA or real estate, in general, please feel free to email me directly at rob.leroy@exprealty.com or call me at 206.883.6668

This post simultaneously published by Rob LeRoy at theRealEstateNovelist.com

Rob LeRoy’s Guide to Bellingham, Part 6: Classy Pubs

The Bellingham bar scene has much to offer. There are great dive bars if you like to play pool, and great places to go see live music, but sometimes you just want a place to chill out and meet some people, or lay your weary head on a nice, wooden bar. That’s when you need a good pub, or maybe a swanky cocktail lounge. When it’s time to raise a glass with old friends, or get to know some new ones, nothing beats a good pub.  Whether your personal poison of preference be beer, wine or spirits, it is a comfort to us all to know a warm, inviting place to find it.  My palate tends to lean in the direction of beer, light or dark, domestic or imported, though I do have a special place in my liver heart for Canadian whiskey, the great gift of our neighbors to the North.  Years of exuberant experience have left me with a pretty good handle on the particulars of Bellingham’s many offerings. These are my favorites…in no particular order.

Uisce: OK, this one is my favorite, so I guess there is some particular order…  Uisce (pronounced “ISH-kuh,”, the Irish word for “whiskey”) is a glorious Irish pub in downtown Bellingham. Opened just a few years ago by native Bellinghamster Molly McGarry and her Irish-native husband, David, Uisce is a classic Irish pub, repleat with hardwood floors, a fire place, church pew benches, and a wide range of Irish and English beers on tap, not to mention a solid collection of The Pogues on the jukebox.  Lots of whiskey, too, of course…and darts. 1319 Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 738-7939

The Copper Hog: Another newbie to downtown Bellingham, The Copper Hog is a European-style gastro pub with a rotating selection of 15+ beers from around the world, as well as a full bar.  Their menu is varied and enticing, and the atmosphere is cool, dim and classy, without being pretentious. They offer darts and free wi-fi, as well as limited outdoor seating in the warmer months.  The building The copper Hog occupies is about 100 years old, as evidenced by the beautiful woodwork and the rather creepy 19th Century asylum-esque bathrooms.  I mean “creepy” in the nicest possible way… 1327 N State St. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 927-7888

Nimbus: Though known more for its innovative gourmet food menu, Nimbus is unique in that it sits atop the tallest building in downtown Bellingham, the Bellingham Tower.  From 14 stories above the city (ok…big small-town), the views from Nimbus are unparalleled.  With windows on three sides, the views make Nimbus is a great place for before, during, or after dinner cocktails, especially if you’re on a date… The custom blown-glass tap handles on the rotating beer selection add a cool, artsy touch to an altogether classy atmosphere.  The garlic French fries pair quite nicely with the Smithwick’s draught, I must say…  119 N Commercial St # 1500 Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 676-1307

The Archer Ale house: Epitomizing Old Fairhaven’s English atmosphere, Archer’s feels the way Cheers would feel, if Cheers were in some quaint little English village. Nestled underground beneath some of Fairhaven’s most popular boutiques, Archer’s is warm and cozy, with a good selection of European beers on tap, and a much larger selection of imported bottled beers.  Though the food is known to be a little hit-or-miss, the place is like none other in Bellingham.  The underground setting creates a genial, lively vibe that always feels inviting. They might not know your name, but everybody is in good spirits. 1212 10th St Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 647-7002

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars, Part 6: Classy Pubs

Thanks for reading!  Please leave your comments below. I appreciate your feedback! If you have any questions about Bellingham, Seattle, or real estate in general, please feel free to email Rob LeRoy directly at rob.leroy@exprealty.com or call me at 206.883.6668

This post simultaneously published by Rob LeRoy at theRealEstateNovelist.com

Rob LeRoy’s Guide to Bellingham, Part 5: Live Bars

Bellingham has a long, rich history of producing and showcasing live music.  More than a few regional bands have cut their teeth in Bellingham’s bars before going on to varying levels of fame and fortune.  Though the scene has changed over the years, and venues have come and gone, a vibrant live music scene still remains among a handful of Bellingham bars and pubs. While there are a few all-ages halls with occasional shows, like Western’s Viking Union, I am not including them. That’s because I avoid all-ages shows whenever possible.  All kids and no beer makes Rob a dull boy.  So then this list, as usual, includes only those venues that I deem worthy of praise, adulation and literary attention.

The Nightlight Lounge: First, and probably finest, the Nightlight is among the newest of Bellingham’s live music venues. The Nightlight was built just a few years ago, and incorporates modern equipment and acoustical engineering with beautiful woodwork and innovative local art.  Laid out into several rooms, the Nightlight features pool tables, a VIP area, and two bars, with the stage at the center.  Priding itself on hosting the biggest names in town, the Nightlight presents commercially successful talent, as well as the best of the local up-and-comers.  It’s basement location gives it a hip, big-city feel that sets it apart from the rest of the Bellingham live bars. 211 E Chestnut St Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 778-3240

The Green Frog Acoustic Tavern: Eschewing brevity, both in its name and beer selection, the Green Frog is a tiny, glorious, hole-in-the-wall type of place on the edge of downtown Bellingham’s commercial corridor.  Dog friendly and littered with peanut shells, the Green Frog has nightly live music and one of the best micro-brew selections in town. In fact, aside from the actual brew pubs, the Green Frog, whose beer-loving owner scours the Earth in search of the finest brews, has THE most unique and varied selection around. Even as a self-proclaimed beer-snob, I commonly find myself staring blankly at the lengthy and ever-changing list of exotic brews having NO idea what to ask for, either because I’ve never heard of them, or because there are just too many to choose from. Either way, that’s a good kind of problem to have.  Oh…the music!  I forgot! They have live music most of the time. Usually of the not-quite-ready-for-prime-time variety…in a good way. Whether eclectic, exotic or just plain strange, the musicians at the Green Frog are right there in your face. With only about 800 total square feet, the “stage” takes up most of the open space not already used up by the tables and bar, so it gets pretty cozy. Again, in a good way.  902 N. State St. #104 Bellingham, WA  98225 (360)756-1213

The Wild Buffalo:  Known primarily for showcasing regional blues, reggae and folk-rock artists, the Wild Buffalo has  been a staple of the Bellingham music scene for several years.  They’ve got great, high ceilings, old wood floors with plenty of room for dancing…or just flailing around in slow motion, which is probably more accurate.  There is an excellent selection of regional micro-brews on tap, as well as a full bar, pizza by the slice, and a few pool tables.  The Wild Buffalo is the kind of place you can take a group and be pretty much certain that everyone will be happy. 208 W Holly St Bellingham, WA 98225  (360) 312-3684

Boundary Bay Brewery: Though famous mainly for its fantastic beer, Boundary is also a great place for live music, especially during the Summer, when the outdoor stage and beer garden are open.  The beer garden is an absolute staple in the Summers. Settled into a recessed, vacant lot between two brick buildings, with a terraced wall on one side, it has the feel of a small amphitheater, accented with glowing lights, intricate landscaping and a view of downtown Bellingham to the West.  The bands are always lively-usually folksy, bluegrass or reggae influenced. In the colder months they have smaller folk and jazz acts in the bar…  1107 Railroad Ave Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 647-5593

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars, Part 6: Classy Pubs

Thanks for reading!  Please leave your comments below. I appreciate your feedback! If you have any questions about Bellingham, Seattle, or real estate in general, please feel free to email Rob LeRoy directly at rob.leroy@exprealty.com or call me at 206.883.6668

Be sure to check out my other articles here!

This post simultaneously published by Rob LeRoy at theRealEstateNovelist.com

Backcountry Essentials Combines Outdoor Lifestyle and Micro-brews

Local business, Backcountry Essentials, known for supplying Bellingham and Whatcom County with all sorts of outdoorsy equipment, has now become one of the city’s largest distributors of local micro-brews.  Bellingham has long been known as a hub of outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, snowboarding and kayaking. And what better way to wind down after a long day on the trails, slopes, or water, than sitting down with some good friends and one of the 67 varieties of micros available at Backcountry? Check out their website here.

Click here for the original article from the Bellingham Business Journal.

Rob LeRoy’s Guide to Bellingham, Part 4: Dive Bars

Now that I’ve offered up my picks for the best Bellingham restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I think it’s time to move on to the nightlife.  We all need a place to go after work to blow off some steam, regroup with friends, and suck down a few glasses of “medicine,” whether that comes in the form of a well-crafted micro-brew, a $10 martini, or a fine, overpriced Cabernet. As a connoisseur of Bellingham’s rich and varied nightlife, I have arranged my favorites into three categories: Dive Bars, Live Bars, and Classy Pubs.

Part 4: Bellingham’s Best Dive Bars

• The Beaver: My #1, all-time favorite dive bar. The Beaver Inn has everything you could you want in a dive bar. Low ceilings, brick walls, really cheap beer, darts and a pair of pool tables. Don the Bartender (who can generously be described as “ill-humored”) has been there, 86-ing troublemakers, since the dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The only bartender I’ve ever known who will ban someone “for life”…a fate suffered by more than a few dear friends of mine over the years. No live music…but they have a popcorn machine. And it’s FREE!!!  1315 N State St. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-3460

• The Up&Up Tavern: My second favorite dive bar of all-time. Back in college (when they had $1 pitchers of Busch Light! Mmmmm…), I think I spent more time at “The Up” than I did in class… The vintage sign claims the place is “World Famous”… I can’t say for sure, but it seems reasonable enough.  Unfortunately, the Up&Up has been remodeled and renovated in recent years, making it kind of nice inside…and half the size of its former self (long story).  However, they still have two pool tables, a huge selection of beer, cheap and micro, and one of Bellingham’s largest outdoor seating areas, a nice perk in the Spring and Summer.  1234 N State St. Bellingham, WA  98225 (360) 733-9739

• Cap Hansen’s: Small and crowded, like every good dive bar should be, Cap’s has, in my humble opinion, THE best jukebox in town. Lots of Tom Waits, Pixies, and Willie Nelson… They have a good selection of beer on tap, including the essential PBR. The tall cans of Oly are a nice bonus… They have occasional live music, but the place is so small that the bands take up most of the room. Cap’s is a great place to warm up before a show at the Nightelight, located next door.  209 E Chestnut St. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-0878

• The Waterfront: Home to bikers and about 300 neon beer signs, The Waterfront is lit to the point of being obnoxious…but then again, so are the patrons. (see, I just made a pun on the word “lit”…I know…clever) No live music, but they’ve got pool, pull tabs, and Rainier on tap.  If you like to drink during the day, you can get a nice view of Bellingham Bay, upon which the Waterfront sits, hence the name.  Located next door to the Chuckanut Brewery. 521 W Holly St Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 676-1755

• The Cabin: The little brother of the Waterfront, The Cabin is old-school dive. They’ve got a couple of pool tables and lots of pull-tabs, and a surprisingly nice bathroom. Have a couple of beers here before a show at the Wild Buffalo, just a block  away.  307 W. Holly St. Bellingham, WA (360) 733-9685

• The Ranch Room: Dive bars don’t get darker or funkier than The Ranch Room, nestled in the back of the Horseshoe Cafe, in the center of downtown Bellingham.  They’ve got the cheap beer, but it’s the potency of the  cocktails that really defines the atmosphere…that, and the huge murals of cowboys and wagon-wheel chandeliers. The jukebox selection is excellent. No pool tables or live music, but that’s OK. The Ranch Room is better suited to being a hide-out from bad weather, obnoxious college kids, and just about anything else that ails the mind or body.  113 E Holly St, Bellingham, WA‎ (360) 734-0380.

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars, Part 6: Classy Pubs

Thanks for reading!  Please leave your comments below. If you have any questions about Bellingham or real estate, in general, please feel free to email me directly at rob.leroy@exprealty.com or call me at 206.883.6668

This post simultaneously published by Rob LeRoy at theRealEstateNovelist.com

Rob LeRoy’s Guide to Bellingham, Part 3: Dinner

For part 3 of my “Guide to Bellingham” I will direct the reader to my favorite places to eat dinner. Keep in mind, some of these are also open for lunch…it is just a matter of personal preference that I usually choose them for dinner.  These restaurants lean heavily toward Italian, “American” and pub fare…  Though food quality is the main criteria, each of these restaurants has a unique character and style that add to the overall experience.  As with entries in my other guides, you won’t find any corporate cookie-cutter fat farms in here. These are all locally owned businesses that help make Bellingham such a great place to live.

Part 3: Bellingham’s Best Restaurants for Dinner

• Mambo Italiano:  Located in one of the oldest, most unique buildings in downtown Fairhaven, Mambo offers incredible Italian cuisine. It’s a pretty laid-back place, like most of the places on this list.  Try the tortellini carbonara. Cream sauce, peas, ham and cheese tortellini….and LOTS of garlic. Be careful with the Caesar salad- it’s great, but the default setting comes with anchovies. I find them disturbing and a little horrifying. What am I, a cat? 1303 12th St. Bellingam, WA 98225 (360) 734-7677

• Le Chat Noir (The Black Cat): Upstairs from Mambo in Fairhaven’s Sycamore Square building, The Black Cat feels like a 19th century French bistro…or the inside of a pirate ship. Admittedly, they aren’t known for always having the best service or consistent food quality. However, the location and style are ultra-cool, and the gouda-stuffed chicken with pesto cream sauce is on my top 5 list of favorite foods in the whole World. It’s really incredible…  1200 Harris Ave Ste 310 Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-6136
  

• D’Annas: Located in the heart of downtown Bellingam, D’Anna’s has some of the best Italian food in the city. It has a cozy, welcoming feel, and is usually busy. They have fresh-made pastas, with rotating specials. Try the lasagna or the chicken masala…with a Peroni from the tap.  1317 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 714-0188

• La Fiamma:  Known for its wood-fired pizza, La Fiamma is a perfect example of Bellingham’s progressive vision. The architecture and décor are modern and sort of industrial, but they recycle everything! The straws are made out of corn, and the utensils are all-in-one hybrids with characteristics of forks, knives and spoons. They’ve got outdoor seating with heat lamps… The pizza is their specialty, and it is fantastic. They also have some really good soups and desserts. Try the tomato bisque, the hummus plate and the BBQ chicken or Sofia pizzas. 200 E. Chestnut Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 647-0060

• Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro: Known across the far-reaches of the known Universe for their ridiculously strong and tasty beer, Boundary Bay also has excellent food.  Hardly classified as “pub fare”, the menu at Boundary has a wide variety of tasty choices, made up largely of local and organic ingredients. This isn’t hippie food- it tastes really good! Start with the hummus plate…and definitely try the Yam-alechilada, regardless of how hard it is to pronounce. (“yam-ale-chill-ada”) Don’t forget the Oatmeal Stout! Follow them on Twitter for updates on beer selections and events.  1107 Railroad Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225 · (360) 647-5593

• Chuckanut Brewery: Recently hailed as America’s “Best Small Brewpub,” Chuckanut is becoming known for great beer. They also have some really good food. My favorite is the Yam Burrito. Similar to the Yam-Alechilada at Boundary, though different enough that I like to alternate between the two.  The atmosphere at Chuckanut is a little quieter than Boundary.  And then, of course, there’s the beer. My favorites are the Vienna Lager and the Brown Ale. Follow them on Twitter for beer and event updates.  601 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 752-3377

• Herb Niemann’s Steak House (Formerly The Black Forest): As a former employee from waaaaay back, I know a lot about this place. As anyone who has worked in restaurants knows, it doesn’t take long to get sick of the food where you work, and it is rare to visit a place after you’ve worked there. Herb Niemann’s is SO good that I will take any opportunity to eat there, even after all these years. That’s especially significant, given that the place is out in Everson, about 30 minutes NE of Bellingham.  However, the drive is actually one of the best reasons to go- taking you East toward the towering Mt. Baker, past rolling pastures and the Nooksack River.  It’s the steak, though, that really does it. Wow! People come here from all over the World and say that they’ve never tasted better. The combination of a special aging process and a unique blend of spices makes these steaks extraordinary. The homemade Caesar dressing on the salads makes a perfect partner.  If you like spice, try the Cajun steak…you’ll taste it for hours…but in a good way. Note, this is not a place where you need to dress up. It’s surprisingly casual, given the food quality. It’s has a very…distinct character.  203 W. Main St. Everson, WA 98247  (360) 966-2855

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars, Part 6: Classy Pubs

Thanks for reading!  Please leave your comments below. If you have any questions about Bellingham or real estate, in general, please feel free to email me directly at rob.leroy@exprealty.com or call me at 206.883.6668

This post simultaneously published by Rob LeRoy at theRealEstateNovelist.com

Rob LeRoy’s Guide to Bellingham, Part 1:Breakfast

For part 1 of my series “Rob LeRoy’s Guide to Bellingham”, it seems fitting to start with breakfast. After, all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, at least according to elder members of my family and certain medical professionals.  Whether you’re a current Bellingham resident or a visitor hoping to become a Bellingham resident, this guide will help you make educated, well-informed choices about where, when and what to eat in this great city.  Like any city, there are hundreds of dining options, and there are some that are better than others, of course.  With no emphasis on objectivity, I have put together a list of the places I think are the best. Why? Because I have exceptional taste…

Part 1: Bellingham’s Best Restaurants for Breakfast

• Diamond Jim’s: The quintessential “greasy spoon,” Diamond Jim’s is a Bellingham icon. Inside its small, triangular building, you will find a long bar and a half-dozen cozy tables. The menu is vast, and includes some excellent scrambles and some of the best biscuits and gravy you’ll ever find.  Be warned: Diamond Jim’s is not a quick-fix. It is an experience. Go there with the expectation of relaxing and having a long conversation.   1906 N State StBellingham, WA 98225 (360) 734-8687

• The Bagelry: A Bellingham staple for over 20 years, The Bagelry is reminiscent of Bellingham’s progressive, long-haired roots. With over a dozen varieties of bagels, made fresh daily, and as many flavors of custom cream cheese spreads, The Bagelry is a great place to start the day, or take a quick break. It’s also a great place to find out what’s happening in town. The tall brick wall at the north end is always covered with fliers and messages advertising local events. Try the “everything” bagel with Italian cream cheese…  1319 Railroad Ave  Bellingham, WA 98225  (360) 676-5288

• Avenue Bread: Avenue Bread takes bread VERY seriously. It isn’t pretentious to call them artists.  They have a wide variety of sandwiches, hot and cold, as well as awesome breakfast sammies (Eggenues) on house-made English muffins. They have a rotating selection of cookies, bars, and cheesy bread twists, all of which will make you happy. Avenue has three locations, and many of their products can be found among the Wood’s Coffee locations. Try the Country Eggenue and lemon bars…Try everything, actually… Downtown – 1313 Railroad Avenue, Fairhaven – 1135 11th Street,  Sunnyland – 2301 James St

• Little Cheerful Cafe: Another of Bellingham’s classic icons, the Little Cheerful could easily be described as the “it place” for breakfast, especially among the college crowd.  It is lively, loud, and fast-paced, and the food is really good. It’s not the kind of place you go to relax, but you’ll definitely feel like you’re sitting on the pulse of the town, especially on weekends. The menu is of the “greasy spoon” variety, comparable to Diamond Jim’s, and just as good. Try the whole-wheat pancakes…133 E. Holly St. Bellingham, WA  98225 (360) 738-8824

• Old Town Café: Located in Bellingham’s Old Town (Duh…), The Old Town Café is in a really cool, 100ish-year-old building with wood floors, high ceilings and big windows. With an emphasis on organic, locally grown food, Old Town tries to leave the grease off the spoon.  The walls are covered with local art, and the hirsute wait-staff will pour your coffee faster than you can drink it. 316 W Holly St Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 671-4431

• The Harborside Bistro at The Hotel Bellwether: The restaurant at the Hotel Bellwether is nice. Very nice. Arguably the classiest, best situated restaurant in Bellingham, the Harborside Bistro is perched above the waters of Bellingham Bay, with a breathtaking view to the South. The brunch, offered on Sundays (breakfast served the rest of the week), combines excellent food with a distinguished, comfortable atmosphere. Regardless of the weather, the views from the dining room will capture your imagination and leave you dreaming of sailing away on one of the many yachts moored in the nearby marina. One Bellwether Way, Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 392-3200

• Harris Avenue Café: Last, but not least, the Harris Ave. Café is my default setting for a weekend breakfast. It is so good, I usually need a compelling argument NOT to go there.  Though the others on the list have their unique perks, Harris Ave. is my favorite. The menu looks relatively standard, comprised of various scrambles, potatoes–and-eggs sort of stuff…but they do something to them….I don’t know what, but it is really, really good. The place, itself, is really cool, in an artsy, funky way. Situated in the heart of Fairhaven, the Harris Ave. Café shares a space with Tony’s Coffee (the best coffee in the known Universe), which is convenient when waiting for a table on the weekend. They have a nice patio outside, open during the Summer. Try the Bellingham or Marksville omelets…or the house-made granola. Or just about anything else. They also have a great lunch menu, covered in part 2 of my Guide To Bellingham.  1101 Harris Ave Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 738-0802

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars, Part 6: Classy Pubs

Thanks for reading!  Please leave your comments below. If you have any questions about Bellingham or real estate, in general, please feel free to email me directly at rob.leroy@exprealty.com or call me at 206.883.6668

This post simultaneously published by Rob LeRoy at theRealEstateNovelist.com

Bellingham’s Best Hike: Blanchard Hill, Bat Caves and Oyster Dome

I’m a big fan of hiking. I don’t do it nearly as often as I would like to, but such is life.  My personal favorite hiking area is Blanchard Hill. It’s got it all: Views, lakes, forested sections and open areas. More variety than any other hike I’ve found.  Located on Chuckanut Mountain, (south of Bellingham between I-5 and Chuckanut Drive) Blanchard Hill is one of the area’s most beautiful natural landscapes and offers some of the best hikes and views around.  With several trails, Blanchard Hill offers hikes ranging from relaxing and quiet to slightly grueling.

There are multiple trails and access points, depending on the level of distance and difficulty you are looking for. It is possible to hike from the bottom, via Chuckanut Drive, or drive to a lookout about halfway up, then continue to the peak from there. There are a couple of small lakes (Lily and Lizard) along the way, depending on which trails you take.

From the parking area, the trail (part of the famous Pacific Northwest Trail) winds up toward a series of bat caves, and then up to the top, known as Oyster Dome. The views from Oyster Dome are unparalleled. Be warned, it’s a tough hike, but worth every sweaty step. The reviews I’d read before my first attempt sounded daunting, but it wasn’t too bad. My 11 year-old daughter made it up just fine… She also had no problem sitting right up near the edge at the top. I, however, clung to a nearby tree and occasionally peaked over the side. What can I say, I’m afraid of heights and I love to hike. I’m also afraid of water but love being on boats. To each their own, as they say…

For more information on Chackanut mountain and Blanchard hill, click here to see a map of the area.  To get to the Samish overlook parking area ,take I-5 to the Alger Exit #240,  head west on Lake Samish Road. Take the first Left onto Barrel Springs Road and follow it for 3/4 of a mile until you see a large gravel road  and a sign that says “Blanchard Hill trail system” Follow that road up the hill. It takes about 20 minutes, or so. You’ll pass some parking lots that access trails. Keep heading up. For your first time, your best bet is to go with someone who’s been there before. It’s pretty confusing- one of those places I know how to get to, but have difficulty describing. It’s definitely worth it, though!

Be sure to check out Bellingham’s Backcountry Essentials for hiking gear and micro-brews!

This post simultaneously published by Rob LeRoy at theRealEstateNovelist.com

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