Where Locals Go For A Little Treat In Bellingham, WA
If you know me, you know I am in love with this village I get to call home, Bellingham, Washington. It’s full of tucked-away corners and fresh scone-baking cafes, cozy dinner spots with twinkly lights, and cute storefronts that beckon you inside.
For this month’s interviews, I asked a few of my local small business owner friends to tell me where they go when they need a little pick-me-up treat. Their answers are equal parts delicious and charming.
Be sure to add these to your summer “must-visit” list!
Up first is…
Elli, my dear friend and owner of the delightful Art and Happiness- “Bellingham’s Most Magical Arts and Crafts Store.” Inside her shop, you can sit down at the weekly make-n-take station, search for the tiny hidden fairy doors, or drop a letter in the mailbox to a real-life fairy (!!), plus there are elegant paper products and buckets full of craft supplies for your next project!
Here’s what Elli had to say when I asked:
Where do you go in Bellingham when you need a little treat?
What’s your go-to order?
And what makes the place so special?
Her pick:
Gosh, there are SO MANY amazing spots in this town!! My favorite little spot, I would have to say, is Ashuri Co. Ashuri is MAGICAL. It's in Downtown Bellingham, a little hole in the wall on Grand Avenue.
What she orders:
Honestly, I love EVERYTHING but Taylor (my human!) and I always order Turkish Coffee and Baklava. They have the best, richest Baklava and the coffee is HOT and is made in a traditional Turkish Pot. If we’re feeling fancy, we’ll also get Turkish Delight. I LOVE the pear flavor.
Why she loves it:
First off, magical hanging Turkish Lanterns EVERYWHERE. The place is quaint, and a perfect date spot. It always feels a little bit “secretive” when we go in, and the brothers who own the shop are so kind and helpful. The entire experience is precious and sweet.
This is not a high-energy environment, so whenever we are there we always whisper-talk to each other. The overall experience leaves me always wanting more.
One day I will own one of those Turkish Lanterns!! For such a small shop, there is a LOT to look at.
Next up…
My friend Tara Griesbach, the owner of Marigold Art Studio! Tara is a photographer, painter, flower grower, mom, and owner of Marigold Art Studio. Her approach to making art is through curiosity and process. Tara believes art nourishes, stretches, and heals us. Ultimately, art helps us to grow. This summer, she is offering art classes and clubs for children and adults!
You can find all the details here!
Here’s what Tara had to say about her favorite place:
Her Pick: Roam Coffee + Beer
This is my happy place.
What she orders:
A 16-oz latte in a mug with a marionberry oat scone. I’m a creature of habit.
Why she loves it:
The cheerful, joyful vibe. The baristas. The colorful interior. The rotating local art displays.
The way the light pours into this bright space, physically and metaphorically, cheers me up even on the dullest of days.
Lastly…
We’ll hear from my amazing hair stylist and owner of Salon Indigo Rose, Casey Jones. I’ve never gone anywhere else for a haircut in the last 5 years! Indigo Rose is a beautiful salon full of character and local art, and Casey brings her 27+ years of experience. You can’t go wrong with her and her team- Wren and Racheal (a Master Esthetician).
Read on for Casey’s favorite stop in town:
Her Pick: Red Star Taco Bar on State Street.
My new favorite dinner spot downtown.
What she orders:
Two Dad’s Tacos on Taco Tuesday, and a house margarita with premium tequila.
Why she loves it:
It’s chill, friendly, and relaxed — the perfect place to unwind after work or gather with friends!
Love supporting local? Me too!
I can’t wait to share more Bellingham recommendations with you, whether it’s favorite cafes, parks, trails, or neighborhoods…we’ll hit them all!
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