The Fairhaven District [1] is Bellingham’s [2] 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 [3], 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 [4], 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 [1], or in all of Bellingham [2] for that matter, is Village Books (1210 11th St., 360/671-2626 or 800/392-2665, www.villagebooks.com [5], 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.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/north-puget-sound/bellingham/sights/fairhaven
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/north-puget-sound/bellingham
[3] http://www.artwoodgallery.com
[4] http://www.brenthaven.com
[5] http://www.villagebooks.com