Once a frontier hub for trade and industry, this corner of Bellingham has transformed into a modern-day haven of history, culture and community. Today, I’d argue it’s the best part of town.
With its cobblestone-style streets, Victorian-era architecture and gorgeous views of Bellingham Bay, the historic district south of downtown has long held a special place in my heart as well those of locals and visitors alike.
Ask a dozen residents what makes Fairhaven so beloved, and you’ll get a dozen passionate answers. For Buffy Percy-Ratcliff, it’s the architecture. Percy-Ratcliff, a caregiver at Woodway Assisted Living, enjoys the neighborhood’s window into the city’s 19th-century roots.
“It’s nicely built because it's historical, and I like brick way more than the modern stuff downtown," Percy-Ratcliff said. “It’s cute when you walk down there, you feel whimsical.”
Despite its popularity, Fairhaven has resisted many of the pressures that often accompany growth. Thanks to preservation efforts, new development must adhere to strict design guidelines that maintain the neighborhood’s historic character.
These guidelines require new buildings to reflect the traditional character, height and proportion of Fairhaven’s historic commercial buildings.
At the heart of Fairhaven is Village Books, the independently owned bookstore that’s served as a cultural anchor for more than four decades. It’s not just a place to buy books, it’s a gathering place for reading and browsing.
“I read a lot of books,” said employee Adelaide Conover. “I think I have like five or six books that I’m juggling at the moment.”
A statue of Mark Twain sits in front of Village Books in Fairhaven on May 2 2025. Twain himself visited Fairhaven in August 1895. // Photo by Kaitlyn Ward
A short walk down the hill leads to Boulevard Park, where people from all walks of life come together to hammock, ride bikes or walk along Taylor Dock Boardwalk.
“I have good memories of going every Saturday with my dad,” Conover said. “We’d take this bicycle ride with my sister down the boardwalk, down to Fairhaven, stopping in at Village Books and then going to Mambo Italiano.”
Fairhaven’s charm also lies in its independence. Chain stores are few, and most buildings house local boutiques, galleries or cafes.
Amber Susee, a multilingual learners teacher in Tacoma and former Bellingham resident during her student days at Western Washington University, enjoyed the uniqueness of Fairhaven’s options.
“Being in the city I live in now, it’s pretty much all chain restaurants unless you go to a very specific spot,” Susee said. “It’s really nice being in a spot that has more small businesses.”
On weekends, the sidewalks fill with a mix of retirees, young families, students and out-of-towners, all drawn to the same atmosphere of laid-back charm.
In a city known for natural beauty and community spirit, Fairhaven stands out not just for what it looks like, but how it makes people feel. It invites you to slow down, look around and stay awhile.
“I think we’re in this age of forced modernization,” Susee said. “When we modernize everything, it’s less interesting to our brains so you’re not stimulating your brain.”
As Bellingham continues to grow and change, Fairhaven remains constant, a living reminder of what thoughtful development and a little bit of magic can create.
As Susee puts it, “everything in Fairhaven is just better.”
Benches at Boulevard Park face the beautiful Bellingham Bay on May 2, 2025. Benches sit as an option for those who want to enjoy the scene. // Photo by Kaitlyn Ward
Kaitlyn Ward (she/her) is an opinion writer for The Front this quarter. She is a fourth-year news writing and editorial journalist minoring in psychology. When she’s not reporting, she loves singing and spontaneous road trips. You can reach her at kaitlynward.thefront@gmail.com.
