This post is inspired by an email Andrea got yesterday (you know who you are).
Reasons to live in Bellingham:
1. Its big, but not too big. There is pleanty of things to do around town, but is not overly crowded.
2. Its small, but not too small. You see people you know around town, but its not a small-town rumor mill.
3. Its by the water. Sailing, kayaking, ferry rides, and multiple parks/paths along the waterfront to take it all in while staying on dry land.
4. Its by mountains. Mt. Baker is less than 2 hours away, and has skiing, great vistas, and hiking trails (if you want a challange). There are also lesser mountains around that present great hiking opportunities.
5. Its located between two international cities. Seattle and Vancouver, BC are both easy day trips. And they both offer endless places to search out and explore.
6. Its got a decent bus system. Even living in Lynden currently, I take the bus to work every day. Once we move to town, we'll be able to do alot more on the bus system.
7. Its got great places to buy food. The community co-op, Trader Joes, and a weekly Farmers Market. As organic as you want to be!!
8. Its surrounded by wineries. There are at least half a dozen small, independent wineries right around the area. And I know there are more right across the border in Canada.
9. Its got breweries!! I know of two beer breweries in town, both are great places to go tasting, or to eat!
10. Its got great resteraunts. Everything from the aforementioned breweries to gourmet pizza places to snooty Italian resteraunts to great seafood places to small cafes.
11. Its got cultural attractions. An independant cinema, small community theaters, art walks, an annual festival of music, the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra, and several community choirs (Andrea and I sing in one of them).
12. Its got seasons. And I mean more than just summer and winter like the midwest gets. Spring and Fall are great, Summer means long days, but nice temperatures. Winter is a bit dark and rainy, but worth it overall.
13. Its near Lynden. Thats right, if you need to explain to any of your Dutch relatives where it is, you just say its near Lynden.
14. Its got an airport. And direct flights to the Bay Area. Or Vegas. Or Phoenix.
15. LinuxFest Northwest. I don't even know what that is, but it may interest some people.
16. Its got great parks. Big parks, small parks, parks with lakes, waterfalls, ponds, parks on the bay, parks with hiking trails, bike trails, frisbee golf, and tennis courts.
17. Its got great downtown atmosphere. Downtown has lots of coffee shops, restaurants, shops, and is very bike friendly.
18. Its got a certain energy. Its not called the City of Subdued Excitement for nothing!
19. It rains here. Alot. Ok, not a direct reason to like it, but it sure makes everything green!!
Ok, those are a few things I can think of off the top of my head. Rest assured there are more.
______ of the day: I get the joy of looking at beautifully colored leaves outside right now.
The Pacific Northwest Ogukuo
