The Fairhaven District is Bellingham’s most enjoyable place to stroll and shop. Several interesting shops and galleries can be found in the district.

Good Earth Pottery (1000 Harris Ave., 360/671-3998, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat., noon–5 p.m. Sun.) has fine ceramics; the cooperatively owned Artwood (1000 Harris Ave., 360/647-1628, www.artwoodgallery.com, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun.) sells handcrafted woodworking; and Gallery West (1300 12th St., 360/734-8414, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily) offers paintings, sculpture, pottery, weavings, and jewelry.

Brenthaven (200 W. Holly, 360/752-5537 or 888/212-5301, www.brenthaven.com, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri.) sews and sells high-quality day packs, shoulder bags, and soft luggage.

One of the most popular places in Fairhaven, or in all of Bellingham for that matter, is Village Books (1210 11th St., 360/671-2626 or 800/392-2665, www.villagebooks.com, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Sun.) and its companion, Colophon Café, sharing space on both floors. Village Books usually has Sunday book readings.

Another bookselling alternative is Eclipse Bookstore (915 Harris Ave., 360/647-8165), which offers an array of used titles.