Bellingham Restaurant Critic
My family loves to dine out. We are always looking for the best Mexican food, the best Chinese food and so on. We always critique the food and discuss what we liked and why, and if we would come back and why or why not. No one has given us the official job of Bellingham Restaurant Critic so we gave it to ourselves! I thought it was time that we share this information with the community and give you a chance to chime in with your opinions and give your restaurant recommendations as well. We are not restaurant critic professionals, we just know what we like! Please remember that these are only the opinions of the self appointed Bellingham Restaurant Critic and your mileage may vary!
Railroad Avenue Restaurants
Bellingham, Washington
The Bellingham Restaurant Critic is starting with Railroad Avenue because there are so many good restaurants clustered there together. One night after a community theater production of the Music Man in which my husband performed, our son took us to Railroad Avenue to sample the late night hang outs of the college students.
Railroad Avenue is a great place for people watching as well. As we sat there munching on our garlic fries in Fiamma Burger we saw a parade go down the sidewalk. Each of the participants were wearing a colorful wig. There was everything from multicolored clown wigs to hot pink. They were making a lot of noise and generally having a good time. Don't know what their cause was. Don't know if they had one.
Railroad Avenue is a great place for people watching as well. As we sat there munching on our garlic fries in Fiamma Burger we saw a parade go down the sidewalk. Each of the participants were wearing a colorful wig. There was everything from multicolored clown wigs to hot pink. They were making a lot of noise and generally having a good time. Don't know what their cause was. Don't know if they had one.
Train Tracks Leading to Bellingham
San Juan Islands in the distance. Washington State.
Fiamma Burger on Railroad Avenue
Bellingham Restaurant Critic says:
Our first stop was at Fiamma Burger. They bill themselves as Bellingham's All Natural Premier Burger Joint. The burgers are good but what we really loved were the Garlic Fries. We liked them so much that we went back the next day for more. They are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, tossed with diced fresh garlic and parsley with Parmesan cheese on top. The side order of Garlic Fries is $2.95 but you get a dollar off if you get a burger drink and fries combo. These go for about $8.50 at the Safeco baseball stadium in Seattle but Fiamma Burger's are better, cheaper and closer to home. It was clean, fast, and the staff was friendly. Thumbs up to Fiamma Burger for their Garlic Fries!photo used under the Creative Commons License: Garlic Fries by Jason DeRusha
Fiamma Burger on Railroad Avenue
Have you been to Fiamma Burger on Railroad Avenue?
Do you agree with the Bellingham Restaurant Critic?
We loved the garlic fries at Fiamma Burger and we will go back for those. Do you like Fiamma Burger? What do you like there? Maybe you don't like it at all. We want to know.
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- WritingforYourWealth WritingforYourWealth Oct 30, 2009 @ 11:50 pm
- Those garlic fries look awesome. I've not been to Bellingham for several years, but may have to make a road trip some day soon. :)
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- Sarah Sarah Jul 16, 2009 @ 12:00 am
- Definately the best burgers in Bellingham!
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- calicoskies calicoskies Jun 29, 2009 @ 9:08 am
- The garlic fries look great! :)
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- BigGirlBlue BigGirlBlue Jun 16, 2009 @ 12:15 am
- Garlic Fries? I didn't think a french fry could get any better. :D
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- Adman121 Adman121 Jun 6, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
- Fiamma Burger is pretty fantastic. Relatively inexpensive, good food, and they're environmentally friendly to boot: all of their plastics are compostable from drink cups to cutlery. I'd give Fiamma Burger two thumbs up!
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- Tahoefox Tahoefox May 30, 2009 @ 2:28 am
- I do so love the garlic fries there. They're better than the ones that I get when I go to Mariner's games.
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- ArtByLinda ArtByLinda May 29, 2009 @ 1:40 pm
- I haven't been either but would love to go. Those fries do look yummy, and I'm not really a fries type of person.
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- Spook Spook May 29, 2009 @ 3:38 am
- Never been there but I like the sound of those fries.
El Capitan's on Railroad Avenue
What did the Bellingham Restaurant Critic think?
El Capitan's is across the street from Fiamma Burger. On the weekends they stay open until 2 AM. They sell Hempler Jumbo Dogs, Polish Sausage and Bratwurst, which is a high quality local brand. The buns are steamed and they have all the fixings that you would expect and maybe a couple more. It is a campy place that the kids like to frequent. Our teen and twenty-something love the place. El Capitan's is definitely a part of the colorful late night downtown scene.
Do you like El Capitan's on Railroad Avenue?
Bellingham Restaurant Critic gives El Capitan's a thumbs up.
We see the appeal of El Capitan's to the younger crowd and the hot dogs are good. The Captain has found a niche and filled it. What do you think of El Capitan's? Are you a fan of the hot dogs or the piratey atmosphere?
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- Adman121 Adman121 Jun 6, 2009 @ 3:44 pm
- El Capitan's is good: I usually just stick with the jumbo dog because I'm not adventurous enough to try the Polish or the German Smoked. But the real reasons to go to El Capitan's are: 1. it's open very late, 2. it's cheaper than the Pita Pit, and 3. the atmosphere is just so much fun. Railroad Avenue and the surrounding area are pretty much the hub of Bellingham's night life, so late-night trips to El Capitan's nearly always include some fascinating people watching experiences. The restaurant has kind of a pirate theme going, but that's not the part that I love. I just love that El Capitan's is so unique in style and experience.
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- bradyboo bradyboo May 30, 2009 @ 3:18 am
- When it gets late and I get hungry... usually I have to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while crying. But if it's a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night, and I can sweet-talk a friend into driving me into Bellingham, El Capitan's is the place to go. I love the dogs, the wieners, the sausages, brats, links, and the chips. The music always makes me tap my feet and sway my hips (which is why I always get mustard on my shoes and have problems digesting my German smoked). The visual atmosphere is always attractive as well. The walls are laced with local art, and the condiment bins are heaping with pickles, jalapenos, and sour krout, like a vinegar-soaked version of the Chiquita-Banana-Lady's hat. The majority of the customers are content, sleepy people who have just let out of the bars (which make people-watching a real treat). The whole place reeks of magic and mustard, fairy-dust and franks. The pirate paraphernalia is just the icing on the cake... or the relish on the polish. Amen
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- Tahoefox Tahoefox May 30, 2009 @ 2:38 am
- Hold the phone! El Capitan's has chips and Pretzels too! I know they used to carry Boca Dogs, but I don't think they do anymore.
Also, I do love their Brats. And their German Smoked. Aww, shoot, everything there is good.
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- hkdavis hkdavis May 28, 2009 @ 2:49 am
- When my friend Adam (The son of stargazer00) first told me that there was a hot dog stand open at the unholy hours of the night I admit I was skeptical at best; especially when he told me it was kind of a hole-in-the-wall place. But his description hardly does El Capitan's justice! From the fresh smell of hot dogs and sausages mingling with sauerkraut , to the friendly staff and the always lively music, the atmosphere El Capitan's exudes is one that brings me and my friends back time and again.
Mallard Ice Cream on Railroad Avenue
Bellingham Restaurant Critic says......
Then it was back across the street to Mallard Ice Cream. We were too full to order anything but we had a look at the menu. They have lots of unusual sounding flavors such as Rose, Avocado, Green Tea, Cardamom, Coconut Chocolate Chunk with Almonds and Lynden Blue, made from Lynden Blue dessert grapes. While standing there a man walked by me with some ice cream and I asked him if the ice cream was good there. He said it was the best. He said he had quit drinking and taken up ice cream as his addiction. He had been sober for 16 months. I congratulated him and figured the ice cream must be really good!UPDATE: Stopped in at Mallard for some Coconut Chocolate Chunk with Almonds. The standard for us is always Hagen Dazs and Mallard measured up pretty well. They make their own ice cream and it is definitely good quality and not full of air. I gave it a 5 out of 5 and my husband gave it a four. Thumbs up! Probably go back there to try some of their other flavors.
What do you think of Mallard Ice Cream on Railroad Avenue?
The Bellingham Restaurant Critic wants to go back!
Mallard Ice Cream is known for its unusual flavors such as Lavender and Black Pepper. There are a lot of lavender fields in the area so that is a natural. Do you love the ice cream? Which flavor is your favorite?
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- Bev Bev Jun 12, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
- Love Love Love Mallard's ice Cream! My friends and I go there after our hiking expeditions! What a treat!
The Pita Pit on the corner of Holly Street and Railroad Avenue
Thumbs Down from the Bellingham Restaurant Critic
The Pita Pit was a disappointment to the Bellingham Restaurant Critic. I ordered a Souvlakia Pita because I like Greek Food. I was expecting some kind of Greek mixture but it was only dark meat chicken and then I was to choose some toppings. It wasn't that good. My husband ordered a Tuna Pita. He was expecting tuna salad but it was tuna straight out of the can. He ordered mayo as one of his toppings, but it wasn't enough to moisten the tuna. The food could have been forgivable but the servers were rude. No one smiled and they didn't like to answer any questions. Seemed like we were imposing on them for being there. We are crossing this one off our list until the employees get some lessons in customer service. Too bad because Railroad Avenue is fun but this place takes some of the shine off. This was a visit in the afternoon, maybe about 4pm, not late night. What's the dish on The Pita Pit on Holly and Railroad Ave?
The Bellingham Restaurant Critic wasn't impressed but maybe you are.
If you have eaten there please let us know if you liked it. What was your favorite pita? Was the staff friendly?
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- Adman121 Adman121 Jun 6, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
- I really do think that your experience at the Pita Pit was the exception, and not the rule. Perhaps these pitas were disappointing, but I don't think they're representative of the entire menu. While it is true that their restaurant does not appear as clean as some others perse, overall their food is pretty good. I would definitely suggest the roast beef pita, loaded with toppings and finished off with some ranch dressing. You can't go wrong with the black forest ham, either. I'd probably give the Pita Pit three out of five stars on average, though it sounds like your visit simply was not up to snuff.
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- hkdavis hkdavis May 28, 2009 @ 2:57 am
- How many times have I been downtown at 1 am hyped up on too much coffee? Luckily The Pita Pit is right there, befriending not only the sleep deprived, but the food lover and health nut in us all. And while I've never visited during the day, every time I am downtown I make it a point to at least stop in The Pita Pit if only to smell the aroma of crisp veggies and flour. Definitely a must!
Snowboards in the Snow
Ride Mount Baker, Bellingham, WA
The Bagelry on Railroad Avenue
Coming soon from the Bellingham Restaurant Critic
The Bagelry is another place that we haven't been to in a long time. It is a definite favorite of the younger generation. A teacher at the high school is known for bringing Bagelry bagels to class. Mr. Cheesman, if they remember nothing else from your class, at least you made an impression on them with Bagelry bagels!
Are Bagelry Bagels the best?
The Bellingham Restaurant Critic's opinion will be coming soon.
If you have visited the Bagelry please enter your comments here. What did you like or dislike about it? What is your favorite menu item there?
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- Adman121 Adman121 Jun 6, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
- I, too, was a big fan of Rob Cheesman, AP English teacher at Lynden High School. The Prometheus Raven-Fire Bagel Award was awarded to one student each month, the one who stood out among all of his classes, and that lucky student was given his or her choice of bagel and spread fresh from the Bagelry. The award itself, by the way, was based on the Greek myth of Prometheus and the Native American myth of the Raven, both of whom reportedly brought fire to mankind. I suppose there was supposed to be some sort of metaphor between Prometheus or the Raven bringing fire to mankind and that lucky student bringing enlightenment to the class, but that's not the point.
The point was the bagel.
While I never did win the Award, I did manage to get a taste of the Bagelry through Mr. Cheesman. The Garlic bagel with a leak spread was definitely my favorite, though they have so many options its difficult to pick just one as better than the rest.
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- hkdavis hkdavis May 28, 2009 @ 3:07 am
- Mr. Cheesman was my favorite teacher for many reasons. He was loud and eccentric, and not least of all he had the Prometheus Raven Fire Bagel Award. Why it was called that I'm sure he explained, but the only reason I remember it is because of the coveted position of the student that held that award. Granted, free food to a teenager is never a bad thing, but there was something about The Bagelry that compelled us to achieve excellence all in the name of a good bagel and some spread.
Avenue Bread on Railroad Avenue
The Bellingham Restaurant Critic says Thumbs Up.
We visited Avenue Bread recently to sample their offerings. We had the day's special which was a sandwich of turkey, cranberry cream cheese, pesto, mixed greens, cucumber and red onion on rosemary bread. That was really wonderful! Their Blueberry English Cream Cheese Scone was fresh, light and very tasty. Coffee was good too.We were not so impressed with the items we took home with us to try later. I heard someone say that the Goat Cheese and Pesto Savory Twist was really good so I took home one of those. I heated it in the microwave for just a few seconds but parts of it were really hard. It didn't seem very fresh. We also took home a Blonde Brownie and a Brown Sugar and Walnut Cookie. Both of those seemed stale as well. Maybe they don't have the turn over on their desserts that they have on their breads and sandwich makings.
I would definitely go back for a sandwich and to try some of their other breads though.
Avenue Bread is a great place for people watching if you sit at the counter which looks out the big front window. You will see lots of college kids but we also noticed several retired people coming in for bread.
Have you visited Avenue Bread?
The Bellingham Restaurant Critic likes it!
Do you like Avenue Bread? What have you tried there and did you like it or not? What is the best item they offer?
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The Woods Coffee Shop on Railroad Avenue
Nine Locations in Whatcom County
The Woods Coffee Shop. is a big favorite of ours. The first one they opened is about 4 blocks from our house and we went there a lot! The shops are decorated in a soothing palette of brown and tan coffee colors. There are two big cozy leather couches and a nice fireplace. The Woods is a big local favorite. It is a great place to meet a friend for coffee. I have not been to the Railroad Avenue Location but I've been to several others and the coffee is always great and so is the service. Kudos to whoever does the hiring for The Woods. We have been to several locations in the last several years and have found the staff to be friendly, ALWAYS! We drink a lot of coffee and have never had a bad experience at The Woods. Don't miss The Woods Coffee! Do you love The Woods Coffee?
The Woods Coffee gets Thumbs up from the Bellingham Restaurant Critic!
Are you a satisfied The Woods customer? What is your favorite menu item? My husband and I like the sugar free vanilla breve latte. The kids like the Chai Tea.
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- Adman121 Adman121 Jun 6, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
- Oh, the Woods Coffee. I've never actually been to this particular Woods, but if it holds with the tradition of the others, it's a great place. By and by, the Woods are clean, earthy-looking coffee shops spread around Whatcom County, primarily in Bellingham and Lynden. The nature decor makes it a fun place to sit and read, write, or just think. In Lynden, Woods has become the place to meet for any reason, either as a destination or a starting point, probably in part because they have locations in East and West ends of town, plus one in the middle (Bender, Safeway, and Fairway, respectively).
I am a big fan of Woods Coffee, and if the Railroad Woods holds true with the rest, I'm sure it will be a fun place for anyone to visit.
Casa Que Pasa on Railroad Avenue
Have you eaten at Casa Que Pasa on Railroad Avenue?
Casa Que Pasa is famous for its Potato Burritos. After reading all the great reviews on Yelp, we decided to try this a while back. One of our group really liked the potato burritos and would make a special trip back for them.
Are you a fan of Casa Que Pasa?
What is your opinion of Casa Que Pasa and the Potato Burrito?
The potato burritos with their special sauce at Casa Que Pasa keep the customers coming back. Are you a fan? Do they have something else you like better? What about the atmosphere?
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- Adman121 Adman121 Jun 6, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
- Casa Que Pasa is another Bellingham standby. It may not be very authentic, but it certainly is fun.
I for one would unreservedly recommend the potato burrito (as, it appears, would most of Bellingham) but if you do order it, you had better be very, very hungry. The potato burrito is simply massive, to put it bluntly, and it's quite delicious as well.
I hear they also have pretty good tequila, but as I've yet to reach the magical age of 21, I can't speak from personal experience.
By and by, I'd say that Casa Que Pasa is definitely worth the trip, but not if you're in the mood for actual Mexican food.
A Rainy Foggy Day in the Pacific Northwest
Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro
This is a place to get your beer, bluegrass, backgammon and even a book club! Boundary Bay Brewery is a no smoking restaurant that welcomes all ages. They brew award winning beer and the food is great too! They even brew their own root beer.
Macaroni and Cheese for Lunch is very tasty. We were there for dinner probably a year ago and it was very good. I think another visit from the Bellingham Restaurant Critic is in order! An all around cool place!
The T-Shirt they sell: "Save the Ales."
Bellingham Foodie Blog
Restaurant Reviews from Bellingham and the surrounding area
From the blog author:
BellingHamEats.com is a foodie blog from a foodie family in Bellingham Washington 98225. We love food and especially food prepared by talented people striving to please us! From day to day, meal time to meal time, we explore Bellingham and Whatcom County restaurants...
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Reviews from Yelp for the Railroad Avenue Area
The Bellingham Restaurant Critic plans to try all the places missed!
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Food in 98225
- Mallard Ice Cream (Bellingham)
- "I asked what the most popular flavor was. She rattled off some name and all I heard was "coconut." I don't really love coconut, but I felt like I had to..." more
- The Bagelry (Bellingham)
- "I always have a great meal here and even better service, is this possible?! The bagels and the cream cheese flavors are excellent. I do wish that they..." more
- Black Drop Coffeehouse (Bellingham)
- "Yeah, this is a great coffeehouse and all, but it's kind of cramped and very noisy on Saturdays. Drip Coffee's a little more expensive here than Three Trees." more
- Lafeen's Donuts & Ice Cream (Bellingham)
- "This place is like crack...... seriously, no joke at all. You will get your first taste and come back...again...and again...and again...and you'll like..." more
- Trader Joe's (Bellingham)
- "I fell on my knees and kissed the floor when I found this TJ's. I was considering moving here and had spent a bit of time getting lost.. typical..." more
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Railroad Avenue Happenings
Bellingham
- Bellingham Daily Photo: Railroad Avenue
- Saturday morning on Railroad Avenue, with bustling little shops and restaurants. This was taken earlier this month, when a walk outside actually sounded pleasant. If I'd taken this picture more recently, the only people on the street ...
- Bellingham, Whatcom County Local News | Bellingham Herald
- BELLINGHAM - The cold evening was warmed with candles Tuesday, Dec. 1, as nearly 50 people gathered for a World AIDS Day vigil at the corners of Holly Street and Railroad Avenue.
- Bellingham Traffic » Blog Archive » E-mail: B.C. resident's ...
- The British Columbia resident who got a ticket for backing into a parking spot along Railroad Avenue last weekend had the ticket reduced to a warning, according to an e-mail from the resident. Marly Wietzke of Vancouver, B.C., ...
- Bellingham, Whatcom County Local News | Bellingham Herald
- BELLINGHAM - A candlelight vigil, march and service will mark World AIDS Day on Tuesday, Dec. 1. The vigil begins at 5:15 p.m. on the corners of Railroad Avenue and Holly Street. At 5:45, participants will march from there to the ...
Come to Bellingham!
Stroll Railroad Avenue and sample the wares!
Bellingham has been called the hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest. It often makes top ten lists such as the Top Ten List of Places to Retire. Come and visit. You might not want to leave!
I hope you enjoyed the tour of Railroad Avenue restaurants.
Will you be visiting Railroad Avenue in Bellingham?
If there is anything else you would like to see on this lens, if I have left out any Railroad Avenue restaurants, please let me know in this guestbook. Thanks for reading!
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- GrowWear GrowWear Jul 5, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
- Dianne, didn't know you had a purple star for this lens, so I was going to really rave about it, but I'll let the purple star speak for me. Well, on second thought, I will say: This is an extremely well-done lens. And congratulations on the purple star!
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- BigGirlBlue BigGirlBlue Jun 16, 2009 @ 12:16 am
- Great concept for a lens. Congratulations on your purple star!
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- Bev Dawkins Bev Dawkins Jun 12, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
- Dianne, I absolutely love your lens about the restaurants on Railroad Avenue! Great job!
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- CoolFoto CoolFoto Jun 5, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
- I was in Bellingham once to photograph the botanical garden, but didn't eat while there. Had no idea of what I was missing. Congrats on Purple Star, from a fellow hatchling player.
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- Susan52 Susan52 Jun 5, 2009 @ 8:32 am
- Woo-hoo! Congratulations on the purple star for this fabulous lens!
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- stargazer00 stargazer00 Jun 4, 2009 @ 12:34 am | in reply to mtnfam
- mtnfam, my dear friend, of course you may visit me anytime! I will take you on a tour of Railroad Avenue!
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- mtnfam mtnfam Jun 1, 2009 @ 3:00 pm
- All of these look so good! I think the hot dog place might be a favorite if I tried it and of course the ice cream shoppe! Those garlic fries might be something that I might have to try! When can I come for a visit? Can we plan it around the food?
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- Treasures-By-Brenda Treasures-By-Brenda Jun 1, 2009 @ 5:53 am
- What a GREAT idea for a lens, Dianne! By the way, have you copyrighted or patented this idea? We could all do one of these lenses for our own towns or cities!
You may not be the official restaurant critics for Bellingham yet...
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- lwhitelaw lwhitelaw May 30, 2009 @ 9:41 am
- Yummmm - you've got my mouth watering for those garlic parmesan fries!!
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- Susan52 Susan52 May 29, 2009 @ 6:59 am
- I love my small town, but we don't have the atmosphere nor the variety of eating places that you have there (wish we did). Absolutely great lens, very well organized. I'm sure residents and visitors to Bellingham will appreciate the reviews as well as the scenery. Excellent job!
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by stargazer00
Hello! I am a wife and a mother of three nearly grown sons. I love the whimsical and the quirky. I love to read, cook, and spend time on the computer... (more)
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