There is always something happening on Railroad Avenue. It might be good and it might be bad, but something will be going on. Railroad, historically, was a center for street car and train operations in Bellingham. Those industrial uses are gone and today it has a huge assortment of people -- street people to professionals -- and there are a number of shops. Most of them are related to food: coffee, bread, bagels, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Then there are the specialty stores, mixed in with the pawn shop, that sell jewelry and boutique clothing. The city has spruced the area up with flags, and it really looks pretty good. Despite the decorations, you will still run into pan handlers or sometimes see street fights and altercations. On one side of the street are a couple old-time (I mea... 06/26/2007

The Bellingham Herald recently published an article about home prices in Bellingham being overvalued by 47% no less. This housing valuation analysis was done by Global Insight Inc. and National City Corp. who ranked the Bellingham area as the 20th most overvalued housing market out of 317 metro areas. I would certainly take this study with a grain of salt. Are those who are putting out this study doing their research from a cubicle somewhere in the desert perhaps, or maybe a wheatfield in the middle of the country.Bellingham real estate prices continue to slowly climb while much of the rest of the nation is going the other way. We live in a unique corner of the world. It is amazingly beautiful here and I appreciate it every day as I drive around town and see the beauty all around, the B... 06/25/2007

On a previous blog post I showed a number of specimen trees on my property just outside Bellingham, Washington.  The trees I'm showing on this post are some more mature ones.  These I didn't plant, but were instrumental in making the decision to buy this property ten years ago.  The gardens that are visible were not here when we bought the place.These are two very large Black Locusts located in our front yard.This may be the largest Weeping Willow in Whatcom County Washington.  The tree to the right is an English Walnut.The large trees in the background are a row of Red Alders along the northeast property line.  The prayer flags are where our dog and cat are buried.The large trees in the background are Western Big Leaf Maples at the western edge of our property.  Hope you enjoyed these ... 06/25/2007

South Hill Neighborhood BellinghamSouth Hill is one of Bellingham's most exclusive neighborhoods. Nestled elegantly between Western Washington University and Bellingham Bay, it features magnificent views and historic homes in a family-friendly atmosphere.With downtown Bellingham to the north, Fairhaven to the south, WWU to the east and Bellingham Bay to the west, South Hill is surrounded by beauty and activity. Residents can roam up to campus any day of the week to enjoy concerts, art shows, distinguished speakers, dancing lessons, or any of the other many events that occur daily. Though the university borders South Hill, few students live in the neighborhood. The homes here are so fiercely sought-after that once a buyer finds one, they are uncomfortable letting anyone else live in it. ... 06/24/2007

South Bellingham Neighborhood The South neighborhood of Bellingham is characterized by space. Located between Edgemoor and Samish, South Bellingham shares the respect for nature and convenience to Fairhaven with each. One of the most notable features in South Bellingham is Fairhaven Park. Located just below the Old Fairhaven District, it brings visitors from throughout the area to play tennis, walk the gravel trails (appropriate for wheelchairs), watch salmon spawning in Padden Creek, or have a crazy afternoon in the kiddie pool. The covered picnic areas and large, open fields make it an ideal destination for group outings. In the center of the South neighborhood lies Arroyo Park, nearly forty acres of dense forest. The park is perfect for hiking or fishing along Chuckanut Creek, or ju... 06/24/2007

Silver Beach Bellingham Silver Beach is as lovely as it sounds. On the northern shore of Lake Whatcom and the eastern edge of Bellingham, the area is predominately made up of lavish homes with the affordable gem scattered here and there. Lake Whatcom is an integral part not only of Silver Beach, but the entire City of Bellingham. It provides the town with drinking water, recreation, and a highly valued piece of nature. At over 12 miles long, much of it is still wild. Boaters, kayakers, and hikers have access to even the least-explored areas of Lake Whatcom. Recently, the City of Bellingham has taken steps to clean up Lake Whatcom. Though some goals may take decades to achieve, Silver Beach will be one of many neighborhoods benefiting from the actions. Bloedel-Donovan Park, located on t... 06/24/2007

Sehome Neighborhood Bellingham Washington The Sehome neighborhood is just north of Western Washington University, providing housing and services to students and non-students alike. Most notable in the neighborhood are Sehome Hill Arboretum, the outlying commercial areas, and the diverse selection of homes. Western Washington University and the City of Bellingham jointly own and maintain Sehome Hill Arboretum. It is a 180-acre natural forest habitat that provides space for wildlife, hikers, and folks who simply want to surround themselves in the beautiful nature oasis. Anyone can explore the 5+ miles of winding trails, and many find that a walk through the Arboretum is the best way to get to campus. Visitors are welcome to drive to the viewing tower, where you can take in the astounding... 06/24/2007

Samish Neighborhood Bellingham Washington The Samish neighborhood is perfect for runners, shoppers, commuters, and everyone in between. With acres of parks and undeveloped space as well as quick access to Interstate 5 and shopping, Samish can accommodate every lifestyle. Forty percent of the Samish neighborhood consists of Lake Padden Park. This park, aptly named after the 152-acre Lake Padden, has everything a park should have and more. Motorized boats are banned from the trout-stocked lake, keeping the lake clean and giving shore, dock, and rowboat fishers a chance. Kids, adults, and dogs can be found swimming in several areas of the lake. (Long-distance swimmers frequently swim across the entire lake!) The water is just the beginning, however. One main 2.6-mile trail circles the lak... 06/24/2007

Puget Neighborhood Bellingham Washington Puget may be the place to live if you don't want to leave your neighborhood for anything. With stores, services, jobs, schools, and homes, the Puget neighborhood provides residents with everything they need. (Of course, it's also next to I-5, just in case you need to leave the area for same strange reason.) Puget and Toledo Hills provide great views of Bellingham Bay, the Canadian Cascades, and the rest of town. Most of this area is already developed with single-family houses on medium sized lots. These are desirable homes, as they are well-landscaped and maintained. Other areas of the Puget neighborhood contain both single-family homes and multi-family complexes, all ranging in size and quality. When the Western Washington University Park and R... 06/24/2007

Mount Baker Neighborhood Bellingham WA The Mount Baker neighborhood has everything a person could need. Located in the northeastern part of Bellingham, homes here well-built, the commercial areas are attractive, and there is plenty of space to get outside and enjoy nature. Visitors from around the country have discovered this neighborhood and promptly moved here, making it one of the fastest growing areas in the city. Barkley Village is the main stop for many Mount Baker residents - they can buy groceries, deposit their paycheck, grab their morning coffee, chat with their stockbroker, and even go home to a modern, comfortable home in Barkley Village. The area, labeled as a "priority urban village" by the City of Bellingham, contains offices, retailers, medical facilities, condominiums,... 06/24/2007

Meridian Neighborhood Bellingham Washington The Meridian neighborhood is characterized by a bustling economy. The Bellis Fair Mall spurred most of this growth with its creation several years ago. Many visitors are drawn from around the region, especially across the Canadian border, to shop in the Meridian neighborhood. The mall leases to larger retailers such as Macy's, Target, JC Penny, Kohl's, and Sears. Inside you'll find dozens and dozens of stores, including Build-a-Bear Workshop, Abercrombie and Fitch, and Hot Topic. The food court is usually busy as shoppers take advantage of the numerous restaurants, including Kojo of Japan, Ivar's, Cinnabon, and more. The fun doesn't stop once you leave the mall doors, however. Red Robin, McDonalds, and the new Boston Pizza reside on the outsk... 06/24/2007

Lettered Streets Bellingham The Lettered Streets, located on the waterfront in central Bellingham, date back to the 1850's. At that time, settlers were drawn to the area by the Whatcom Creek Waterfall, which provided energy for the saw mill. Today, residents of the Lettered Streets are attracted by the convenience and charm of the neighborhood. Located just northwest of downtown Bellingham, individuals can easily access any part of Bellingham and come home to a simple, quiet neighborhood. Unlike other historical neighborhoods in Bellingham, most of the century-old houses in the Lettered District were renovated in the 1960's. Since then, the neighborhood has continued to evolve. Now, the Lettered Streets contain classic single-family homes, multi-family housing complexes, offices (many ... 06/24/2007

Happy Valley Neighborhood Bellingham The Happy Valley neighborhood is one of the most popular in Bellingham, and it has even more room to grow. Its 6,000 residents range from students to retirees and everyone in between. Happy Valley lies between Fairhaven, South Hill, South Bellingham, and Western Washington University. Near the college, apartment complexes abound. Many of these were built in the sixties, seventies, and eighties, but even more are in the works to accommodate the growing university. Further south, homes range from gorgeous, older, well-landscaped homes to cute, recently developed duplexes. All of the neighborhoods are quite safe and are within walking distance of Fairhaven and shopping. Much of that shopping can be done in Sehome Village on the corner of Bill McDonald ... 06/24/2007

I commented on Tony Moores gardening blog about thinking of all four seasons when planning a garden.  I thought I would show a little of what I mean by showing a few specimen trees we have planted in our gardens.This is an Acer Griseum or Paper Bark Maple.  The interest here is  the brown exfoliating bark and beautiful red foliage in the fall.  The bark adds year round interest in the garden.One of thousands of varieties of Japanese Maple, the Full Moon needs dappled shade.  Full sun will burn this spectacularly yellow green foliage.Coral Bark Maple, another of the Japanese Maples.  This one has bright coral colored bark that gives great interest in the Winter.Robinia Pseudo Acacia Aurea or Golden Black Locust.  Another yellow leaved tree, relatively fast grower, very fragrant white pea... 06/23/2007

 In Bellingham's Columbia neighborhood is a small park. Lorraine Ellis Park. It is not far from either Elizabeth Park, Bellingham's oldest park, or the other small park, Carl Lobe Park. Lorraine Ellis Park is a nice spot but not far from the traffic. It's not big but there are attractive old trees and a children's play area. Just the same, it is a tranquil spot for sitting or reading on a nice day. It is not used much so, 15 years ago, I used to use parts of the playground as a dog agility course. It worked great and kids were seldom about. To find the park, go west on West Illinois. It will come up shortly after you pass Northwest Avenue. Thanks for looking.Steven L. Smithwww.kingofthehouse.com  06/22/2007

The Whatcom Museumin assosiation with Island Mariner Cruises have set up their summer schedule for the  Bellingham Bay History Cruises. Every summer Thursday -- June 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26, August 9, and 16 -- ayou can board the boat and listen to Museum Curator of Education Richard Vanderway provide commentary about local tradition, lore and scenic views of Bellingham and it's history.The  sunset cruise allows those on board to learn more about the fascinating history of Bellingham Bay. The cruise travels past waterways,shipyards, historic points of interest, fishing activities,the working waterfront of the harbor, past Fairhaven and down the Chuckanut shore a way. It is a great evening!  I have been on the tour and was amazed at Richards knowledge of the history of the area. Bring a h... 06/22/2007

The city's Small and Simple Grants program has recently awarded a total of 23 projects awards totaling $44,000 for projects  that provide city-wide benefits. Each project will recieve up to $2500."Small and Simple projects provide a unique and important opportunity for neighborhoods to match their volunteer efforts with cash to finance wonderful projects and community events in Bellingham," said Mayor Tim Douglas.  Neighborhood associations, community organizations, schools, and other similar groups and agencies are eligible for these funds.  Projects for 2007 include elementary school and park improvements, tree plantings, neighborhood signs, community events, music performances, neighborhood newsletters, and community support programs.  For more information contact Travis Cary, City o... 06/22/2007

Don't miss this weekend's Lummi Nation's 61st annual Stommish Water Festival."For thousands of years, the first inhabitants of this area celebrated with song and dance as tribes and local villages gathered in the Spirit of the Potlatch. These are our Ancestral Highways -- these waters of the Puget Sound. Since the late 1800's the governments of Canada and United States outlawed these gatherings in the hope of destroying the love and spirit of the Potlatch. After WWII, the Lummis began celebrating the return of our service men and women, "our Warriors." Stommish has since become the annual gathering of canoe tribes establishing that link amongst our First Nation People of the Pacific Northwest. This is a very historic summer for the Lummi will host the final canoe journey meeting for the... 06/22/2007

Guide Meridian The Guide Meridian neighborhood is one of the fastest growing in Bellingham. The Guide Meridian street (for which it is aptly named) runs northeast through this developing part of Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, and finally into Canada. The most significant landmark in the Guide Meridian neighborhood is Whatcom Community College. Over 7,000 full-time and part-time students attend this two-year college. Some students attend directly out of high school, while others are returning to school after facing (or during) "the real world." WCC attracts many residents to live in the Guide Meridian neighborhood, and the multi-family housing units are booming because of this. While the Bellis Fair Mall is not in the bounds of the Guide Meridian neighborhood, a few other major shopping ... 06/21/2007

Edgemoor Neighborhood in Bellingham Edgemoor boasts some of the finest living in Washington. Located in the southernmost area of Bellingham, most homes have a view of sparkling Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. Fairhaven Middle School, built as a high school in 1903, welcomes you to the neighborhood with its noble, grand charm. It is one of the best middle schools in the district, and its well-landscaped lawn give you a taste of the rest of the Edgemoor neighborhood. Much of the neighborhood lies on Chuckanut Drive, arguably the most beautiful road in the state. (Try to be the car passenger, since the road is windy and the cliffs on the edge make it important to be focused.) Built before I-5, it is still a lovely alternative to driving from Bellingham to Skagit County. On the wa... 06/21/2007