A FUN DAY IN THE USA

Welcome to Lynden Washington, the second largest city in Whatcom County. Established in 1874 it is today home to one of the largest Dutch American communities in the nation. This would explain the large windmill I noticed driving into town!! This was the first stop on our trip. We visited a few antique shops where I purchased a great old wooded hat rack and then stopped to photo City Hall. I just love old buildings! This was my first visit to Lynden and it is only 5 miles from home!! Very sad!!

One of my customers said to be sure to stop in Old Town Bellingham and visit the antique mall. It was here that I purchased a set of vintage corbels. Much to my husbands dismay, we enjoyed lunch at the Old Town Cafe and not the Tavern across the street!

There was one booth in the mall that got its money out of a GARDEN stencil. They stenciled everything. I got some really great ideas! The opportunities are limitless! I was very excited, Mike however just rolled his eyes!

Our next stop was the Fairhaven District in Bellingham. We enjoyed the European atmosphere with outdoor courtyards, cafes, galleries, restaurants and best of all, quaint specialty shops.
We even purchased ice cream from a big red double decker bus!

Look who welcomed us!! Well, who am I kidding, he didn't even blink!

I loved this little shop. A must see when visiting Fairhaven.

Another great little space was "A Lot of Flowers". It is sort of an inside, outside store with beautiful flowers and lovies for your garden. I am inspired to get to work in my own garden!

She had everything arranged by colour, real eye candy. It was so peaceful and what a lovely day! Another pretty store to visit while in Fairhaven is "A Garden Room".

These corbels are a bit too high for me to reach but I would have loved to take them home too!

We finished up our day with an oyster dinner in La Conner. Founded in the early 1860's it is Skagit County's oldest community. You can visit it here http://www.laconner.net/. The Vintage Lighting store was closed by the time we arrived but we did visit "Nasty Jack's Antiques", and of course the Olive Store! I almost feel like we are on vacation, what a wonderful town! I think we should all make more time for days like these! Cheers!