Today we're exploring Bellingham, more specifically the coastal region of Bellingham.

And what better place to start our adventure than at the top of a lighthouse?

That is the lighthouse we started in.

It's connected to the landmark Bellwether Hotel right here in the Bellingham Marina.

And this is Christine.

She knows all things Bellwether.

Christine, can you tell me what makes this beautiful hotel so special?

I think truly, the lighthouse suite is it just connects the sea to the land.

It's a place to connect, to refresh, to renew.

I would say it's the most romantic place that you can stay.

And we are the only lighthouse replica guest room that you can stay in in the country.

Wow!

So it's very special.

That's super special.

Yes.

Can you tell me about some of the events and music that goes on here at the hotel?

Yes!

So we are a year round music, entertainment, kind of full service resort.

But throughout the year, we have in the summer, we have our blues, brews and barbecue, which brings in just live bands, delicious barbecue from our chef and culinary team.

Dancing into the sunset.

Okay, so you obviously connect so well with the guests.

How do you connect with the community here?

Yeah so we connect the community by our local art that is featured throughout the hotel and in every guest room.

From local artists, everything from watercolor paintings, glass art, just beautiful displays of our, our culture.

And then throughout the year, with our restaurant, we feature farm to table cuisine.

We work with our local Lummi fishery that brings in the local salmon, halibut.

Just incredible.

From mushrooms, to local vegetables, fruits and our craft cocktails as well.

Amazing!

And the best way to experience the hotel is yourself.

So here's a key.

Go explore.

Thank you so much.

Relax and have a wonderful stay.

Thank you.

I can't wait to expl.. To Hotel Bellwether.

And when you arrive, you're greeted by a four legged concierge.

Dogs are very welcome.

On the ground floor, you've got your own deck where you .. Fireplace.

Kitchen.

And that's just the ground floor.

And on the second floor, even more incredible views.

King sized bed.

And even your own spa.

And this is where we started the episode.

The top of your very own lighthouse.

You can actually rent this entire place.

Let's go explore the coast.

Three mile walk along the interurban pedestrian t.. The historic town of Fairhaven.

And Fairhaven, along with being super cute and home to very loud seagulls, you can also take a multi-day cruise to Alaska.

or hop on a historic vessel and take a three hour cruise.

Or you can opt for something a little more personal.

I think I know just for folks to speak to.

We're at the Community Boating Center on Bellingham Bay.

Sara, could you tell me about this place?

Yeah, we have all sorts of different ways for you to get out on the water, whether it's for a rental or one of our classes for kids and adults.

Let me actually show it to you.

We got lots of cool things to check out.

Awesome, let’s check it out.

One of the things we're really proud of is offering scholarships for everything that we do and making the waterways accessible for all, regardless of ability or background.

So we've got sit on top kayaks.

We've got rowboats that are great for the whole family and stand up paddle boards.

And you can take any of these out without taking any sort of a skills class or anything like that.

Oh my gosh, that's incredible.

I have no skill, so it's perfect.

It's perfect for learning.

And these are sea kayaks.

We have lots of different skills classes where you can practice in rescues and recoveries and .. We also do our bioluminescent tours in them so you can go out at nighttime and see the sparkly plankton.

So cool.

I love it.

It's really neat it.

We have all sorts of great sailboats for you to learn how to sail.

This is our RS quest.

We have single hand dinghies.

We even have a middle school race team.

Oh, that's so cool.

And I have one more favorite boat I have to show you.

Oh, let's check it out.

and check out our awesome mega sup.

Perfect for a board meeting or going out for one of our floating concerts.

How many people can you fit on this thing?

Six.

And probably up to 12 on this one.

Oh heck yeah.

All right, so when you're on the water, what are you likely to see critter wise?

Well, there's so many amazing seabirds, sea stars, seals.

And we have four orcas last week even.

Oh my God.

Incredible!

What do you do after you see orcas like that?

You go celebrate.

I like that idea.

Here’s to Bellingham's coastal region and their orcas.

I'm Angela.

Thank you for exploring.

I'll see you.