Downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven Shopping Excursion

by "Granny"
(Bham, Wa USA)

I took my grand daughter (up here from Colorado for the summer) on a downtown excursion the other day! First we went to where "Grandpa" worked so she could glean the office of his co-workers "goodies" then took Grandpa out for lunch at The Daisy Cafe! That was some delicious lunch!

I always wanted to see what Otion was all about. After paying $4-$5 for a good bar of soap, I was intrigued about the prices and fun to make my own!

It's was a fun and interesting experience! We came home with "soap for everyone!" and then some...

Then we went to the Mount Baker Museum! She absolutely loved all the old dolls on the top floor. I loved the art display on the first floor! She pictured playing with certain dolls...I pictured a lot of the art looking fine in my living room! I was amazed that even a 6 year old girl was astonished at the beauty of the building, the stairs and the structure itself! She didn't even complain when she asked if we could take the elevator and I told her nope! We'll take the stairs and get a bit of exercise...

In our downtown excursion we were also on a mission to find the perfect birthday gifts for my daughter. She loves getting unique stuff that she can't get in the mid west...but by the time we got done at the museum, my grand daughters feet were tired, so I decided to give her a break after being on her feet for hours with me and go get some ice cream and sit for a bit.

I decided to go to McDonalds for an ice cream for her. I didn't want to go to the one downtown Bellingham, though I love the ice cream there. I just didn't want her to complain to have to walk some more. She had her sandals on instead of tennis shoes, (her daddy didn't realise how much walking I had planned on I guess when he got her ready for me that day!) McDonald's? Shame on me!

I planned on making our way to downtown Fairhaven. I knew where I wanted to go to find the perfect and unique gifts for my daughter...I forgot about the choo-choo-train that sells ice cream downtown in Fairhaven. So when we got there and walked by it I felt awful...

Walking towards my goal my grand daughter asked me where we were going and what's all these other shops about? Three French Hens...I said novelty shops, they are specialty shops, she was intrigued I could tell. Then she asked where we were going for Auntie Crystal? I said, "Mud In Your Eye!" She stopped and gave me an "eewww" look and spewed those exact words! I just laughed and said "trust me!"

We crossed over to the other side of the street where the shop was. Before Mud In Your Eye is a shop called The Bunches...(love that too!) She insisted we stopped there. After being around soap all day I really didn't want to smell anymore fragrance, but I'm glad I followed her in!

I don't even remember how much I spent there but found numerous "stuff" for my daughter all local and hand made stuff I just knew she would love! It was nice to have the owner there. I didn't know her family farms the lavender for the products she sells. We found her some really nice earrings that are locally made...it was hard to pick one pair! When we were done (or so I thought) I turned around and my grand daughter had a bag with more stuff. She said, "Grandma, I want you to have this." My aahhh for the day! Full of yummy lavender! I had to pay for it of course, but how could I resist?

So we headed just a few doors down to Mud In Your Eye! When we got there my heart started grieving...they had a notice on the door that they are closing due to retiring....I didn't accept that as good news. I love that shop. So unique, good quality pottery stuff. I have done my Christmas shopping there. My husband has shopped there for me.

I read in the Herald this morning, again about their closing. The shop really is going to be missed. They displayed unique pottery and jewelry from hundreds of artists in their store over the years. They have been a signature shop downtown Fairhaven for many many years. They will sure be missed. Their expected closing is in the middle of August. I plan to "grab a few more pieces" before they close...

I did walk out with more perfect gifts for my daughter. She called me yesterday and said she absolutely loves them all! (Though I forgot to put the soap in when I was packing everything...poop!)
All in all my grand daughter and I had a really great time on our downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven excursion! She asked me if we can do it again. I said, of course! All the while thinking to myself..."Who's birthday is next in the family!?"