Page 1 of 24 pages |  1 2 3 >  Last »

New Fairhaven Map brochure is available

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Now available, the 2012 Fairhaven Map brochure.  Watch for it and pick one up.  If you enjoy Fairhaven, then this brochure has a superb walking map that you will find helpful.  It highlights restaurants, shops, parks, trails, historic buildings and markers - and has a new timeline of Fairhaven history.  And, you probably already identified the cover painting is by Ben Mann, our unofficial Fairhaven treasure and painter.

Also new to this year’s brochure are two more historic buildings built in 1890, making a total of 12 buildings with photos and rewritten historical information.  Penny Tillson, who wrote so much of Fairhaven’s history with her late husband Tyrone back some 20 years ago, is back and editing the old descriptions with new information.  Taimi Gorman has provided us with haunted information for many of the buildings - and it is included in the brochure.  And Jeff Jewel of the Whatcom Museum photo archive has again allowed us to print photos of many of the buildings as they appeared a hundred years ago. 

Many people enjoy finding and reading the 39 historical markers throughout the district.  Well, Penny has edited a full list of them and Larry Morris of Town Graphics has placed red pin markers on the map where all the markers are.  Of course Penny did the field work looking for markers that Tyrone placed back in the 1980s.  Tyrone was then a member of the Old Fairhaven Association (OFA) and the city provided a grant to place all the markers.  Now the remaining ones are listed on the map.  He originally placed 46 markers.

We want to thank Larry Morris of Town Graphics for working with several of us in the OFA to make so many improvements to the map for this year.  And we thank Lithtex Printing of Bellingham for the outstanding job on the maps.  We love that they were printed locally.  We almost ran out of the25,000 maps printed in 2011 maps and so Larry agreed to print 30,000 this year at no increase in rates.  We appreciate that. 

The OFA paid to include the historical information in the brochure and manages the distribution.  Pam Went, of the OFA, does the distribution in the historic district.  If your business would like to have a counter display with the Walking Maps, just email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and let us know. 

Open on Easter in Fairhaven

Saturday, April 7, 2012

The weather is looking great for Sunday - Easter Sunday yet.  And we are gathering names of shops, restaurants and galleries who will be open on this warm sunny Sunday.  We expect many not listed will also be open, and you are invited to enjoy the browsing on the historic streets of Fairhaven on Easter.  The above photo shows the outside plants at the new location for A Lot of Flowers on the Village Green. 

Village Books - 11-7
Paper Dreams - 11-7
Book Fare - 11-7
Abbey Garden Tea Room - 11-5
Archer Ale House Open at 4, Trivia at 7
Bay to Baker 11-4
Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse Open at 5pm
Good Earth Pottery Noon - 5
Serendipity 11-6
Sirena Gelato Shop, Noon - 6
Skylark’s restaurant 8am - Midnight
The Rustic Coffee & Wine Bar, 7am to 8 pm
Yoga Northwest

New Gate installed at Caretakers House

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Classic Pacific Northwest design and construction - this almost finished gate was installed over the weekend at the old Rose Garden.  It combines elements of several cultures and times.  Volunteers and several local firms worked together on it.  Cascade Joinery and Landmark Enterprises - the construction firm, not the rental outfit - provided much of the skill and time.  The wood is all recycled Douglas Fir.

The Caretakers House is in the old Rose Garden - just over the Padden Creek bridge from Fairhaven and at the beginning of Chuckanut Drive.  In recent years, with the explosion of our urban deer population. the deer ate all the roses to death.  Now local southside volunteers are rehabilitating the grounds for sustainable gardening and are constructing a very tall deer fence around the property.  And this fine structure will be the main walk through gate.  The entire project is now called “The Center for Local Self Reliance” and you can easily walk the 5 blocks to it from the historic district.  They have a website and are very open to others joining them in their project. 

In a drizzling rain the volunteers assemble the very stout gate structure on Saturday.

Mrs Hudson’s Yarns & Teas Opening Saturday

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Who is Mrs Hudson?  Answer at bottom of caption.

Opening this Saturday, March 31, is a new shop in Finnegan’s Alley on Harris Avenue - Mrs Hudson’s Yarns and Teas.  Callie Rivas is shown above with some of the yarns from around the world that she stocks.  As a random example, I asked her about the green yarn at her elbow in the photo.  It is Swan’s Island brand, made in Maine, is 100% organic Merino, and is hand dyed with all natural dyes.  It reflects the quality of yarns in her shop.

She also handles teas - mostly English black and herbal teas.  Tea samples can be prepared, if you wish.  And, yes, Callie has been to England and London - more than once.  In her shop it is very evident that she is putting a lot of care and skill into selecting her products.  It is well worth checking out.  Finnegan’s Alley is between Papa’s Sweets and the closed Fairhaven Pub - just a half block down Harris from 12th. 

Mrs Hudson?  Ah yes, Watson - surely you remember the housekeeper for Sherlock Holmes.  Callie has some nice decorator touches in her shop of the well know fictional sleuth.

Even in Fairhaven - Time marches on

Monday, March 19, 2012

Change.  For an Historic District, this can be interesting.  This is the side of the historic Knights of Phythias building having all its brickwork repaired and strengthened.  Below it is the former site of A Lot of Flowers - which has moved around the corner to a shop off the Village Green.

In a couple months, a new two story building will arise along this wall.  It has no name yet, but will provide us with a donut shop, a pizza parlor and a new home for A Lot of Flowers.  It should fit in well with the historic buildings around it.  And all is scheduled to be open in time for the Holiday season. 

As usual here, click the photo for a larger image.

Four Starrs Boutique celebrates 6 years

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Danielle Starr’s clothing and accessory boutique is one of Fairhaven’s most successful shops.  Danielle likes to say it is “like stepping into your girlfriend’s closet”.  In January, she renovated the store and the new layout is very contemporary - especially for an historic district.  Her shop is in Harris Square at the corner of 10th and Harris.  She is open 7 days a week, and Sunday noon to 5 pm.  That is Danielle in the background helping clients.

Fairhaven has several shops that specialize in women’s clothing and accessories.  All are independent and owner managed - which translates into unique selections not found in mall or chain stores.  Southside Trends a block down from Four Starrs at 9th has consignment and new women’s clothes and Serendipity on 11th Street offers contemporary clothing. Others are Three French Hens, Arabella and 12th Street Shoes. 

We invite you down to historic Fairhaven for fun shopping in Independently owned shops and restaurants.  Always free parking. 

The great magazine published from Fairhaven

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Paul Haskins and Alaine Borgias are well known in Fairhaven; they have worked and lived here since 1988. And their magazine is well known thoughout western Washington and other regions in the Pacific Northwest.  Since the first issue in 2006, this husband-and-wife team have steadily published outstanding articles and an extensive regional calendar of outdoor recreation experiences of all sorts, with an eye on giving enough information and inspiration that readers can plan their own trips. The spring issue in this, their seventh year of publishing, is now available for free pick-up at various locations in Fairhaven, Bellingham, and region-wide. 

What is cool is that many of the places featured in Adventures NW are reachable in a one-day drive from Fairhaven. Fairhaven is uniquely located for kayaking, mountain climbing, sailing, mountain biking, scuba diving, skiing and snowboarding, fishing and mountain trekking.  We have the San Juan Islands visible from Fairhaven, and Mount Baker visible from Fairhaven. Rent a bike in Fairhaven and be on superb Chuckanut Mountain is 5 minutes.  Rent or launch kayaks in Fairhaven - and be gliding along sandstone shores in minutes. 

Paul and Alaine live here because we have it all here - and they publish about it. Take their spring issue stories: converting an old workboat for taking guests from Bellingham to the Inside Passge; rowing on Lake Whatcom; the first traverse of the Olympic Mountains in 1890; coastal parks on Point Roberts; a traverse of the Stuart Range in the Cascades; hikes in the Eastern Washington Okanogan Highlands - and a few more stories on area people and places, plus an unrivaled, year-long local and regional outdoor recration calendar.  Pick up a copy of Adventures NW - it is full-color, free and available in many locations around Fairhaven, including Village Books (where Paul and Alaine first met and both worked for a number of years).

Moving day for A Lot of Flowers

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

click image for larger view

And, yes, those are pussy willows in the foreground of the photo.  It is spring.  And, yes, they will be for sale at A Lot of Flowers when they reopen this Friday afternoon.  As you can see, Penny and her staff, her mother and her friends are busy getting everything placed into their new shop.  Until next Thanksgiving, they will be located in the shop vacated by Fair Trade Haven - right on the Village Green and next to the Colophon Cafe.  We all hope this location works out for them. 

In a week, construction will start at their old location on the corner of 11th and Harris, on a new two story building that will be completed before Christmas.  It will be home to a Rocket Donuts, a pizza parlor, and to A Lot of Flowers. 

OOOPS.  No rain for Rain Festival

Saturday, February 11, 2012

click photo for larger view

Well, the Raining Queen and her Court did recover - and celebrated the expected rain.  Surely blue skies cannot last long in the Pacific Northwest during February.  Actually it was a pretty fun day with a good group of rain enthusiasts gathered on the Fairhaven Village Green for the 10th annual Official Pacific Northwest Rain Festival.  In all, it lasted the normal time of about half an hour, starting at noon. 

At the microphone looking to the west in hope of seeing rain clouds, is our modern day Dirty Dan Harris, known to his friends as Jim Rich.  Next to him in her gold regalia is the Queen of the Rain Fest, also known to her friends as Diane of the Barber Shop on Harris Avenue.  Her Court consists of the Ladies of the Evening Society, our Fairhaven strictly social group who remind us of the first successful female business owners in Fairhaven.  Part of Fairhaven’s colorful history going back to the 1850s. 

Photographer Mark Turner’s take on Fairhaven

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

click photo for larger size

Wow.  Welcome to our Fairhaven.  And to Fairhaven photographer Mark Turner’s fun take on our fun Historic District.  Yes, yes, that is one of Fairhaven’s colorful local characters.  But - where is he standing?  Answer follows.

Mark has his studio in Phyllis McKee’s Finnegan’s Alley building on Harris Avenue. He does portraits - and mostly outside his studio in our stunning northwest natural environment.  Check out his portrait website to see some of his fine work.  Want a portrait like this one?  Mark can do it for you.  He actually took the photo of moi in his studio.  He has special equipment to get this wild 360 degree shot from the curb in front of Good Earth Pottery at 10th and Harris.  And he stitched them all together for this final result.  Harris Avenue is to the left, going uphill towards 11th.  The visitor info gazebo is at the bottom of the photo, next to the Bead Bazaar. 

Addendum:  Check out the Portrait Specials that Mark has for February - for a wild portrait like the one above or even something else wild - like the horn player on his special page. 

Photo courtesy of Mark Turner.  Copyright 2012 Mark Turner.

Great Breakfasts in Fairhaven

Monday, January 23, 2012

There are several great places to have breakfast in Fairhaven.  With over 20 eateries, you would expect that.  Above, we have the usual Monday morning guys at Skylark’s Cafe on 11th, opening at 8 am.  There is also the Harris Avenue Cafe, also opening at 8 am, a half block away with both serving full breakfasts.  Then Avenue Bread, opening at 7 am, has their great sweet rolls and breakfast Eggenues - breakfast sandwiches.  Plus we have several coffee shops that are open by 7 and 8 am. 

Have an iPhone or Android?  Fairhaven.com special formatted pages for smart phones will show you which of the restaurants that advertise here are open for every half hour of the day. Check to see who is open for breakfast or a late evening drink.  If they do not advertise here, we still show their phone number and you can call them.  Just click on the Dining category.  For iPhone users, you can create a quick and free web app which makes it quick to check for Fairhaven businesses anytime. 

Fairhaven shops and restaurants are open

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Robin, the owner of Tony’s Coffee and Harris Avenue Cafe, shovels his sidewalk even as more snow is on the way.  While some places closed on Wednesday with the bitter cold and icy streets, all will probably be open now as the weather moderates. The historic buildings sure look great with the snow and the ambience in the cozy coffee shops is best on such days.  But the forecast says the rains and temps in the 40s will return on Friday. 

A sad tribute to Caleb “Flip” Kors

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Caleb “Flip” Kors, 10 years old and a talented juggler, died in an accident last week at his home.  Hundreds, no, thousands of us watched him perform and contributed a dollar to him.  Flip liked the Village Green and he entertained also at the Farmers Market in downtown Bellingham.  His death is a shock and sadness to many in our community.  And many have expressed their sorrow and respects by leaving memorabilia of Flip at the statue of Dirty Dan Harris on the Village Green.  I’m sure many of us in Fairhaven extend our sympathy and condolences to his family.

Let the new year begin

Monday, January 9, 2012

Fairhaven has several fine jewelry shops - and each offers original jewelry by Northwest artisans.  Russ, the owner of Silvery Moon on Harris Avenue, opens his shop this morning by carefully setting up his display counters.  A morning ritual for all jewelers.  Russ has over 30 years in the jewelry business which benefits his customers.  He can explain much about each piece he carries.  He describes his selection as “eclectic jewelry”. 

His Fairhaven.com business listing says he has the “largest selection of hand carved Northcoast Native and First Nations silver jewelry north of Seattle, including the work of Lummi/Elwha artist Al Charles Jr. and Kwakiutl artist Chris Cook.”  You can see his listing by clicking the link just below. 

We invite you to shop Fairhaven for special gifts all year long.  You will find unique one of a kinds at many shops.  There is not a single chain store in Fairhaven.  All shops and restaurants are locally owned.  They are also all locally managed.  And this means more attention to customers and their satisfaction. 

Wrapping up a good year

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Cooperation between the Fairhaven Toy Garden and Paws Awhile gift shop resulted in volunteers gift wrapping Holiday presents.  It was one of many examples of businesses in Fairhaven cooperating on projects, events, promotions and having fun in the historic district.  It was a good year. 

Here Pam Went wraps a present as a volunteer for the Humane Society.  Folks gave donations for the wrapping service during the four weeks leading up to Christmas - raising about $1,000.  Awesome.  Pam organized the event with the Toy Garden owners Robin and Tina, with some space by the front window at the toy shop.  I even found Robin wrapping gifts one day. 

We thank everyone - merchants and residents - of Fairhaven for a wonderful year.  We bring our hopes and plans to 2012. 

Our thanks to the Fairhaven Village Inn

Monday, December 26, 2011

This could be titled “Santa thanks the Fairhaven Village Inn”, but that would be a little presumptuous.  The Village Inn hosted Santa every Saturday from Thanksgiving until Christmas.  The Inn has this this huge chair - a throne actually - that looks like something out of a Maxfield Parrish painting.  Hotel owners Connie and Gene Shannon set this up in the lobby and Santa holds forth from a fine setting.  Above is what is on the seat when Santa is not there.  The Shannons also hosted the free horse drawn wagon rides each Saturday - and led several Fairhaven businesses in paying for the rides so kids and their parents could ride free.  These rides were really popular with the little ones.  The Shannons did this in the spirit of the holiday season.  We thank them.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Old Dirty Dan Harris is cast in bronze on the Village Green.  But through out the year he has been known to wear flowers on the brim of his bowler hat, and to drape a scarf around his neck and to generally enjoy light apparel.  We found him a couple days ago sporting the hat that Santa left behind at the Village Inn.  This statue has become the iconic symbol of Historic Fairhaven.  He was created by Bob McDermott and installed in Apri 2003 and instantly became a favorite of children.  He continues to charm them to this day and we thank Bob for that. 

Many Fairhaven shops open until 6 pm Saturday

Saturday, December 24, 2011

The Fairhaven Toy Garden, kitty corner from Village Books, was filled with Santa’s helpers yesterday.  All looking for great gifts for little ones.  Today in Fairhaven, most shops will be open until at least 6 pm for that last minute shopping.  This includes the Toy Garden and Village Books.

Yep, I’m talking to the men.  Fairhaven is great for last minute stuff.  Jewelry shops, books, two toy stores, a great kitchen and cooking shop, glass art, fine hand crafted pottery, and fine hand crafted wooden furniture, lamps, boxes and household accessories.  And much more.  Two flower shops for holiday flowers.  All within a couple historic city blocks.  All in less space than our local big mall. We invite you to Fairhaven for your last minute shopping. 

Holiday shopping till 9 pm tonight, Friday

Friday, December 23, 2011

Village Books is a great place for last minute gifts with books, iPads, children’s toys, and more.  As the above photo shows, a lot of people feel it is a great place to find that gift.  The store is open until 9pm tonight, Friday, and until 6 pm on Saturday, Christmas Eve.  Same for Paper Dreams - the partner shop with cards, calendars and may other gifts.

Most shops in Fairhaven are open until 9 pm tonight, Friday - with most closing a bit earlier - 6 pm - on Christmas Eve.  We invite you to come on down for those hard to find perfect gifts. 

Late Friday shopping in Fairhaven

Friday, December 16, 2011

click image for a larger view

Artwood Gallery is one of many Fairhaven shops staying open until 9 pm each Friday until Christmas.  Gallery manager Erica talks with shoppers browsing the beautiful custom wood furniture and accessories.  This is definitely not your average furniture store.  Every item is hand crafted in the Northwest.  All are one of a kind.  A fine shop to find a unique gift. 

Carolers from Sehome High School sang on different street corners during the evening.  Next Friday, Dec 23, will see most shops open until 9 pm again.  And carolers will again be on the streets providing a festive air for shopping.

A youngster gets up close to enjoy the Holiday Trees setting on the stage of the Village Green.  All of Fairhaven, including shop windows, the street trees and the building roof lines are decorated with lights.  We invite you down for your Holiday shopping. 

Whimsey - where you can find unique gifts

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Whimsey is art, jewelry and gifts.  Open for over 8 years, it is the creation of Cami, shown at her counter helping a customer.  It is one of many unique, locally owned shops in Fairhaven.  It offers Cami’s selection of what is worth your attention.  And helps make shopping in Fairhaven so different from the malls or big box stores.

New to the Whimsey gallery is Love Heals, a line of unique charms, stones and chains from a family run company in Ojai, California.  A philanthropic business, Love Heals jewelry is handmade in the USA from ethically sourced materials.  Stop by the Whimsey gallery to create your own unique necklace, bracelet and earrings.

We invite you to Fairhaven for your gift shopping.  Most shops are open until 9 pm every Friday until Christmas. 

Click the link below to see photos of the items available at Whimsey. 

Fun days start for Fairhaven Holiday Festival

Monday, November 28, 2011

click photo above for larger view
Here are some photos of the fun in Fairhaven this past weekend as the Fairhaven Holiday Festival Opening days.  Above is Good Earth Pottery with its works representing more than 50 local artists. 

The lights floating in the big tree behind Don White’s Skylark’s Cafe.  Don puts special effort into that tree each year - and wows us every time.  Walk up the cobblestone way to fully enjoy.

Jody Finnegan’s 12th Street Shoes always has sharp seasonal windows.

The Grinch is at Village Books most all day every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas.  Tim takes the photos - and they can be used for Holiday Cards or just family memories. 

Paws Awhile is a gift shop that benefits the Whatcom Humane Society.  The gifts are for people, not pets, and they have a great selection for Christmas.

Magdalena’s Creperie on 10th Street had an eclectic and enjoyable photography exhibit by Marguerite Crooks and Kate Vredevoogd.  It may still be there. 

Bellingham High School carolers were on the sidewalks on Saturday adding to the holiday cheer.

The Fairhaven Village Inn is hosting the horse drawn wagon rides through the historic streets each Saturday through Dec 24 from noon to 3 pm.  Free - and the kids love it. 

We didn’t forget Santa.  Here he is in the gazebo at Harris and 10th.  He will also be at the Fairhaven Village Inn - seen in the photo down at the end of the block - every Saturday from noon to 3 pm until Christmas. 

Holiday Season opens in Historic Fairhaven

Friday, November 25, 2011

click photo for larger view

Santa assisted at 5 pm in lighting the Festive Forest on the Village Green stage - and the Bellingham High School ‘Showstoppers’ sang carols for the crowd.  It was a beautiful and fun event with music in the air.  Then the singers walked the sidewalks of the historic district, caroling the shoppers.  And the shops were lit with lights for the holidays and stocked with unique gifts for all. 

Tomorrow is Shop Local day - and we just wanted you to know that every shop and restaurant in the historic district is locally owned.  Every one.  We hope many will come down on Saturday and have the most enjoyable shopping that can be imagined. 

Starts Friday - Fairhaven Holiday Festival

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

click poster for larger view

This poster says it all.  And you can check the Event information above for full schedule of all events. 

It starts with the Grinch at Village Books on Friday morning. If you subscribe to the Fairhaven Friends News, then you received this graphic as an email.  You can download an easy to print pdf file of this poster and put it on your home bulletin board.  Lots happening in Fairhaven this weekend - and every weekend until Christmas.  We invite you to Fairhaven. 

We invite you to Historic Fairhaven for shopping

Sunday, November 20, 2011

This coming Friday and Saturday evenings are the opening nights to the month long Fairhaven Holiday Festival.  For over 20 years the historic district has opened the Christmas shopping with all the shops staying open till 9 pm, serving refreshments, having artists in the galleries and shops, and with all the thousands of lights being turned on at the start of Friday evening.  There is no rushing in doors for bargains.  Instead there are many shops with unique Northwest crafted gifts, fine jewelry, art, clothing, shoes, books - and toys.  Fairhaven has two full line toy stores, plus other shops also carry many gifts for children.

Above is Village Books with the unique relaxed Fairhaven ambience in full view.  Casual browsing of good books.  Besides books, you can buy iPads, eBooks, children’s toys and more.  Upstairs is the cozy Book Fare Cafe.  Connected by a wide archway is Paper Dreams with a huge selection of holiday cards, calendars, picture frames, and most any gift or home decor item that involves paper.  Starting this Friday and every Friday until Christmas, most shops will be open until 9 pm.  Come on down to Historic Fairhaven, where shopping is more fun.

Home for the Holidays at the Cruise Terminal

Friday, November 18, 2011

Open until 9:30 tonight, Friday evening, and on Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.  Joyce Hill is presenting the 30th Home for the Holidays, Bellingham’s premier holiday gift show at the Alaska Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven.  Admission is free - but with over 60 vendors the shopping is great.  Parking is plentiful and free.  The Port of Bellingham has decorated the terminal for the Christmas Holidays and it makes this gift show a visual delight.  Come on down to Fairhaven. Take I-5 Exit 250 and follow the signs. 

Halloween photos ready at Fairhaven Pharmacy

Saturday, November 12, 2011

The free photos taken by Gordy Tweit are now available for pickup at the Fairhaven Pharmacy.  The window display will be up until mid week and then the boards will be inside the shop - and you can search for your photos there.  After that they will be put in photo books and you can still pick them up.  In fact, photos from 2009 and 2010 are still available for pickup.

All no charge, courtesy of the Fairhaven Pharmacy, Quicksilver Photo Lab on Cornwall Avenue, and Gordy Tweit.  All three combine their resources each year to donate this to the community.  If you have a little one whose photo was taken by Gordy, you owe it to them to pick up the photos.  The photos will be treasured when they grow up. 

Stop by anytime the Pharmacy is open.  The staff will help you.  Mon-Fri 9:30 am to 6 pm.  Sat 9:30 am to 4 pm. 

High value women’s clothing shops in Fairhaven

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Newly opened Serendipity, a women’s clothing consignment shop, is shown with owner Lisa Lee at the counter.  Lisa and her partners have a very successful shop in Kirlkland and have their new shop in Fairhaven packed with clothing from Kirkland and Bellevue.  Great values can be had on very high quality clothes. 

She just opened last week and is right across 11th Street from Village Books and next to Fairhaven Runners.  And she is open 7 days a week. 

She joins Southside Trends, also a women’s clothing consignment shop, located down on Harris Ave at 9th street to provide Fairhaven with two high value shops for women’s clothing.  Cathy Lee opened her shop in 2006.  Between these two shops, plus others that sell new clothes, shoes and accessories, Fairhaven offers outstanding values and choices for women looking for clothes. 

Southside Trends has a large showroom that is always packed with all types of women’s clothing. 

We invite you to visit Fairhaven for a great shopping experience. Free parking in the entire commercial district. 

Fantastic fun with perfect weather for Halloween

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

As it has for several years now, the weather magically cleared for Halloween eve in Fairhaven.  And the kids dragged their happy parents up and down Harris Avenue and all the side streets.  The historic district was packed.  Above is 11th Street showing the 1800s buildings and the fun that everyone had.  It was just a fun and perfect evening for all - merchants, parents and the little ones.

Gordy Tweit took hundreds of photos of all the costumed folks at the Fairhaven Pharmacy, marking the 49th year he has done this.  All ages, from infants to grand folks, were enjoying Gordy’s generosity.  Gordy is the retired pharmacist and he is assisted each year by the current pharmacist Rob and the staff.  It is their annual gift to the Fairhaven community and we thank them for it.  Photos are no charge and will be ready for pickup in a few days.  We will post a notice at the top of this page when they are ready.

DAvid, of Papa’s Sweets, surrounded by potential tricksters as he doles out candies.

The Toy Garden invited the little ones and their parents into the store to get the treats. 

Bay to Baker also invited the little ones in - and this guy is just really appreciative of that bit of candy.  Batman looks like he better get just as nice a piece, or else. 

Jody at Southside Trends met them at the door.  Yep, the merchants really got into costumes also.

Nancy at Artwood Gallery - the lady bug gives a treat to superman. 

James of Renaissance Celebration is his usual Halloween chair provides candy to a fellow who looks like he knows how to count candies - and James better get it right.

A look up Harris Avenue showing the crowded sidewalks.  Our hat is doffed to all the business owners and employees who prepared their shop windows, bought all the sweets, dressed up in costumes and made the afternoon a fun and exciting event for all the little ones - and also for their parents. 

Treats in Fairhaven - Monday 3 to 6 pm

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Bring the little goblins and princesses and super heroes and ghosts to Fairhaven Monday afternoon from 3pm to 6 pm.  The historic buildings will be looming above the sidewalks - the shop windows are thick with cobwebs, spider webs - and pumpkins.  The business owners will be witches, frankensteins or just themselves - but they will have treats.  Lots of treats. 

The pumpkin above is on an outside dining table at the Big Fat Fish restaurant on 12th Street.  Chef Jordan River did the incredible carving of a Dungeness Crab.  He has another of fish and is carving another tonight for placement somewhere in Fairhaven.  Oh, and another is down at Good Earth Pottery on Harris.  The chef has talents with those cooking knives. 

Again this year, Gordy Tweit will be taking photos of all the little ones at the Fairhaven Pharmacy.  No charge - as it is a yearly tradition of the pharmacy.  Rob, Marci and the staff will be helping Gordy do this for the 49th year.  Yep, he started in 1963.  Yes, kids from that year are bringing their grand children for photos this year. 

Finally - the weather forecast is for clearing skies and the rain stopping over the afternoon.  Might be a perfect crisp Halloween afternoon.

Ready for Halloween

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Nice work by S&S Concrete and the Bellingham Public Works Department.  They knew Halloween afternoon is big in Fairhaven and they did quick work this week replacing broken sidewalks on Harris Avenue.  Above is the final paving that was poured and smoothed this morning.  It will be ready for use on Friday.  What was really nice is how they kept access to the front doors of the shops all during the four days of work.  The S&S crew was just great.  Public Works informed business owners ahead of time and scheduled work to minimize disruptions.  Thanks to both.

And notice the last of the brick planters around the street trees are now gone.  It was time.  They were installed about 28 years ago by the Old Fairhaven Association and were expected to last 20 years.  Well, the growing trees were pushing the planters apart.  Other planters in the historic district have been taken out over the past 10 years.  Below is a photo of the street last week with the planters.  While it does not fully show, the planters were slowly coming apart. 

Paper Dreams has Halloween stuff

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Hats, orange goody bags, scary jewelry, Halloween cards - and who knows what else.  Only those who go inside Paper Dreams can really see what is in there.  Whooohooo. 

Bring the little ones down for treats on Halloween - Monday, Oct 31 from 3 pm to 6 pm.  Most all the shops in the historic district will be providing treats.  Already windows are being decorated and spooky things are being rumored about. The historic streets and buildings are perfect for that old Halloween feeling. 

In the window of Paper Dreams are reflected from across the street some of Fairhaven’s oldest buildings from 1888 and 1890. A tip of the hat to Kelly for the great window display.  Some of Fairhaven’s historic buildings are haunted.  But we are not telling which ones.  You can pick up a brochure at the information gazebo on Halloween that tells about the haunted ones.  the gazebo is located at 10th and Harris next to the Bead Bazaar. 

Gordy Tweit will be taking photos at the Fairhaven Pharmacy - as he has done since 1963.  This will be his 49th year. 

Fairhaven Bike & Ski celebrates 40 years - with a sale

Friday, October 14, 2011

John Hauter started Fairhaven Bikes next to Tony’s new coffee shop back in October 1971 - right where Harris Avenue Cafe is today.  Shown above, John is helping a good customer while Joey looks on from the other side of the service counter.  The place is packed with every type of bike for any type of riding by anyone of any age.  They are literally are hanging from the ceiling. 

A big 40th Anniversary Sale continues through Sunday. Great bargains even on ski equipment which is surprising for this time of year.  John’s staff of experts handle everything that needs to be done for skis and bikes - and carry the clothing and accessories for both sports.  They also rent both - whether for hitting Mt Baker for the opening of ski season or a mountain bike ride on Chuckanut Mountain. 

Fairhaven Bike & Ski is now the oldest business is Fairhaven still owned and managed by the original entrepreneur.  Fairhaven Pharmacy is our oldest business, going back over 100 years.  Tony’s Coffee started at the same time as Fairhaven Bike but has gone through several owners.  Haggen’s Fairhaven Market, Winn’s Drive In and Good Earth Pottery all started in the 1960s but have changed owners one or more times. Gallery West, The Chimney Sweep and Dos Padres all started in the mid 1970s.  John Hauter has the title of longest running owner of a business in Fairhaven.  The skiing and biking are probably one reason he looks much younger and is still fit and enjoying his work. 

Fairhaven Lions Club has a message for us

Sunday, October 9, 2011

The Fairhaven Lions Club would like to thank the community of Fairhaven for all the wonderful support shown during our flower watering efforts though out the summer.  Flowers pots were put up in time for the Ski to Sea Race and stayed up though September. Receiving daily waterings, over 350 volunteer hours were required.  Frequent comments of how wonderful the flowers looked were heard, and appreciated.  More Volunteers are needed for next year!  Please contact Fairhaven Lions Club for more information. 

Fairhaven Lions Club website

Phone:  360-746-8206.

John M. Marshall, President of the Fairhaven Lions Club

Local Politics at the Old Firehouse

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Hosting a forum for candidates this evening, the old Fairhaven Fire Station, now the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, provided a perfect cozy venue for candidates and voters.  24 candidates attended, including both from virtually every contested city and county contest.  While the seating capacity is modest, south side Bellingham politics is taken quite seriously and candidates know that.  The place was standing room only. 

Shown above are the Bellingham City Council candidates for the four open seats of the seven on the council.  Two are running unopposed, but they showed anyway to present their views and answer questions.  The Coalition of Southside Neighborhoods produced the forum.  Besides Fairhaven, that includes South Hill, South, Happy Valley and Edgemoor.  It was a very well run forum and all enjoyed it.  A tip of the hat and thanks to all who helped put this on.  We had a perfect opportunity to compare candidates for all local offices.

If you are not familiar with the Firehouse, it was Bellingham’s #2 fire station for almost 80 years.  After a new station was built a few blocks away, it was renovated and is now a community meeting place, coffee shop, theater and classroom.  It hosts classes in dance, martial arts, relaxation, ballet and more.  And it is now showing movies once a month during the winter.  And tonight it hosted a very good political forum.  Thanks folks. 

Fairhaven business owners have more fun

Thursday, September 29, 2011

There are at least a dozen Fairhaven business owners in this photo.  This is a little look behind the scenes in our compact business district.  Each month the business owners schedule a mixer for themselves.  It is hosted by a different business each month.  We call it the monthly Fiver - because it starts at 5:55 pm - to fit with most shops closing at 6 pm.  Tonight the Fairhaven Village Inn co-owner Connie Shannon hosted at her cozy hotel.  That is her with the big smile in the middle of the photo.  These mixers and other social events for business owners are organized by the Old Fairhaven Association.  We thank Connie for the great spread of snacks, tastes and beverages.  And to Ross of Drizzle who provided tastings of a few of his 55 different vinegars. 

Page 1 of 24 pages |  1 2 3 >  Last »

Business Features & Sales + VIEW ALL