There is a delicious area nestled between the long coastal region in the State of Washington and the North Cascades terrain: a bountiful agricultural zone. Not only is Bellingham and Whatcom County known for being the raspberry capital of the world, but you can also find creameries, orchards, and a ton of local restaurants specializing in freshest local ingredients around.
Travel Tip: You can also check out Sustainable Connection’s food and farm finder at eatlocalfirst.org and discover close to 700 locations in Whatcom County registered as growing, selling, or serving local!
Here’s some spots that strive to cook from or create in the region:
• Bellewood Farms & Distillery - One of Northwest Washington's largest apple orchards, Bellewood Farms & Distillery offers a variety of farm fresh, locally grown flavors. This family-operated apple farm includes a 14,000 square-foot building with spectacular views of Mount Baker in the background. Their café, Ten Mile Cafe and Bakery are known for their homemade apple pies, and all-day breakfast on Sundays.
Even the distillery is known for their farm-made cocktail and spirits! One of the first apple distilleries in Washington, Bellewood’s apple-made spirits are award winning. Stop by the tasting room to try farm-made Brandy, Vodka, Gin and more!
• Old Town Café - At Old Town Café, it’s all about enjoying real food, real flavors and having a real genuine experience. Old Town strives to use as many local ingredients as possible, and thanks to their prime location in Bellingham, everything they need for a delicious meal is right here in our backyard. At Old Town you will find everything you need for breakfast and lunch, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
• Birch Door Café - Taste three generations of deliciousness at the Birch Door Café in Bellingham! From souffle-style apple pancakes to French baked omelets and everything in between, Birch Door Café won’t disappoint.
• Cosmos Bistro - One of Bellingham’s favorite local eateries, Cosmos Bistro focuses exclusively on creating farm-to-table dishes! Located in the heart of Downtown Bellingham, Cosmos is all about locally sourced ingredients, community involvement, tasty mimosas and friendly vibes. Chef Cinnamon works with a variety of local farms including Cloud Mountain Farm and Cascadia Mushrooms to provide the best flavors possible.
She says the secret is she’s “always really tried to utilize whatever’s in season and whatever’s locally available.”
• Magdalena’s Bistro & Creperie - Celebrate the taste of Old-World Europe in Fairhaven Village with Magdalena's Bistro & Creperie! This romantic European-style Café is serving amazing sweet and savory crepes, handmade pierogis, fresh Polish soups and delicious desserts. Each plate is made from fresh locally sourced ingredients, and each is an edible masterpiece.
• Fiamma Burger - Located in downtown Bellingham, Fiamma Burger serves up all-natural, hormone-free Northwest Washington beef! Their brioche buns are baked daily by them with ingredients that are as real as the people who order. If you head down the street, you will find stellar pizza with the same delicious locally sourced ingredients at their sister restaurant, La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza.
Don't just trust us, check out Bellingham for yourself! We're giving away a chance to win a 2-night stay at Hotel Bellwether, a whale watching tour from San Juan Cruises and a flight for two on Southwest Airlines from LAS to BLI. Click HERE to enter!