Visiting Bellingham - The Portland of the North, Bellingham, Washington

In the past couple years Portland’s popularity as a tourist destination has sky rocketed, especially for folks from Vancouver (BC). Vancouver’s love of all that is Portland has even spawned a bar called Portland Craft which features food and drinks inspired by Stumptown. Great idea and concept but really? Thankfully Vancouver’s craft brewery scene is taking off so we can start celebrating our own a little more. Don’t get me wrong, I love Portland. So much so that it has become an annual (at least) trip for us. All I am saying is Vancouverites need not drive 6 hours down the I-5 to get what Portland has to offer. If you are looking for a little Americana to go with your craft brewery a mere 30 minutes across the border will do. Of course I am talking about visiting Bellingham, Washington - where you can find many of the things that makes Portland so great without the 6 hour drive.

With that in mind I headed south last weekend for a night of great eats, drinks, and oddities. Here is a touch of what I head to Portland for and where it can be found much closer in visiting Bellingham.

Yes Portland is the micro-brew capital of North America but did you know that visiting Bellingham can offer beer lovers much of the same? With three micro-breweries within its city limits, 2 more on the way, and another 2 breweries within a short distance from the city, visiting Bellingham can wet your whistle. You may have more options for your self guided brewery tour in Portland but you can have a good time brewery hopping in Bellingham just the same. Not to mention some award-winning beer along the way. Boundary Bay Brewing, Chuckanut Brewery, and Kulshan Brewing are more than worth the short trip south for those thirsty travelers. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).