At McMillin Farms, we are devoted to bringing the finest and freshest produce to the heart of Puyallup. We understand the importance of local farms in supporting our community’s health, economy, and sustainability efforts. Did you know that farms play a critical role in conserving natural resources and biodiversity? By partnering with us, you support practices that benefit both our local environment and your well-being.
Our farm offers a variety of produce that’s grown with care and dedication. From organic fruits to fresh vegetables, our offerings reflect the richness of the land we cultivate. In Puyallup, farms like ours provide more than just food; they are places where families create memories, and communities gather. Whether it’s a seasonal harvest festival or a quiet afternoon picking berries, we offer experiences that nurture a connection to nature and to each other.
By visiting our website, you can explore the full range of services and events we host throughout the year. We understand how important it is to have reliable sources of fresh produce and memorable experiences in Puyallup. This commitment is what makesPuyallup farms so integral to our community life.
Local Organic Farms
Corporate Parties
Local Fruit Farm
Local Produce Farm
Engagement Photoshoot
If you’re looking to host a corporate party or capture the beauty of an engagement photoshoot, McMillin Farms provides the ideal backdrop and produces exceptional quality. Our Puyallup farms has become the go-to place for local families seeking fresh produce and unique events. Each visit promises a bountiful harvest and lasting memories.
Call McMillin Farms to find out more about our Puyallup farms services today.
(253) 264-3955
Puyallup Farm
Our dedicated team at McMillin Farms takes pride in offering premium farm services and products to the Puyallup community. Farms play a significant role in preserving rural culture and fostering a connection to the land. According to research, engaging with local farms can enhance community spirit and provide educational opportunities, especially for younger generations.
We provide not only fresh produce but also an inviting venue for various occasions. Our Puyallup farm is the perfect setting for weddings, family reunions, and other special events. With ample space and beautiful scenery, your event is bound to be memorable. Beyond hosting events, our farm-to-table approach ensures that you have access to the freshest, highest-quality fruits and vegetables.
Our commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in every aspect of our work. With the growing interest in organic and locally sourced produce, Puyallup farm like ours play a pivotal role in meeting these demands.
Local Vegetable Farms
Venue Rental
Class Reunions
Farmers Market
Greenhouse Starts
If you are planning a class reunion or looking for greenhouse starts to kickstart your gardening season, our Puyallup farm has just what you need.
Call McMillin Farms for information on Puyallup farm rental for your next big event today.
(253) 264-3955
Puyallup Local Farm
At McMillin Farms, we celebrate the essence of a local farm and its impact on Puyallup. It’s well-documented that local farms contribute significantly to reducing the carbon footprint associated with food production and distribution. By choosing locally grown produce, we not only support our farmers but also promote a healthier environment.
Our farm is a place where traditions are made and cherished. We offer seasonal activities that bring the community together, like pumpkin patches in autumn and strawberry picking in summer. These events highlight the unique offerings of a Puyallup local farm and create enjoyable, educational experiences for all ages.
Supporting local farms means supporting local economies. Keeping the business within Puyallup helps maintain jobs and funds within our community, fostering a stronger, more resilient local economy. We invite you to learn more about our farming practices and seasonal offerings by visiting our website or giving us a call.
Microbrewery
Birthday Parties
Hot Sauce Festival
Field Trips
Photo Shoots
Whether you’re interested in booking a field trip for educational purposes or attending a hot sauce festival, our Puyallup local farm is here to provide an enriching experience.
Call McMillin Farms to learn about our Puyallup local farm services now!
(253) 264-3955
They say when you have a problem you can’t quite find a solution to, you should turn to nature for guidance and the answer will appear.
The city of Ocean Shores, on the coast of Washington state is a quaint, friendly small town that needed a complete guide to the city and all activities, restaurants, events and more. We took on the task of compiling all our our favorite things to do in Ocean Shores and more! This is the best guide regarding Ocean Shores and covers; activities, kid zones, events, restaurants, coffee & treats, birding, shoreline, after hours, oyhut bay, shopping, hotels, airbnb’s, camping and a ton more. For quick access to a section, click on one of the category links below. And if you have any feedback or updates to our list, please let us know!
Section Categories for Quick Access
Activities
Kid Zone
Events
Restaurants
Coffee & Treats
Birding
Shoreline
After Hours
Oyhut Bay
Shopping
Hotels
AirBnb's
Camping
Other
Credits
Activities in Ocean Shores
GOLF
Driving range at Ocean Shores Golf Course courtesy of hwcdn.net
Ocean Shores Golf Course 500 Canal Dr NE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 360.289.3357 http://oceanshoresgolf.com/ Ocean Shores has many outstanding options for the avid golfer, including a wide variety courses and plenty of tee times to fit your schedule. Plan to play a new course during your stay in Ocean Shores and take advantage of the incredible deals on tee times available through GolfNow. If golf is your thing, Ocean Shores is a great place to get in some golf time.
Pacific Paradise 767 Minard Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 360.289.9537 https://www.pacificparadisepark.com Championship golf… with a putter! This is the largest miniature golf course on the Washington Coast, with 36 holes of fun for the whole family—day and night. Putt over the bridge, through a lighthouse, and around rocks and boulders. Both sand and water hazards await you for the ultimate game-time challenge. RATES 18 Holes – $11 36 Holes – $15
BIKING
Electric Beach Bike Rentals 172 W Chance a La Mer NW | Ocean Shores, WA 98569 360.593.7441 https://www.electricbeachbikerentals.com/ Read a great review on TripAdvisor here One of the best things to do in Ocean Shores is biking around town, as the area is very bike-friendly. You can bring your own bike if you have one or rent them from several different companies. We especially like renting because they’ve got the great electric bikes that really give you the extra power you need when getting through the soft sand and out to the more compact sand near the water.
FLY KITES
Ocean Shores Kites 172 W Chance a La Mer NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 360.289.4103 http://www.oceanshoreskites.com/ Ocean Shores Kites is our go-to kites store. Not only do they have super unique kites, but about every trick kite you can imagine. We especially love their knowledge of kites and the options for those on a tight budget. Kids kites are a must in ocean shores. Even the big kids love seeing a kite fly on the shores.
Cloud Nine Sportswear & Kites 201 W Chance A La Mer Ave. Ocean Shores WA 98569 360.289.2221
PADDLE BOARDING
Ocean Shores Boat House 952 Point Brown Ave SE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 360-289-0487 https://www.osboathouse.com/ The Ocean Shores Boat House is a Veteran Owned Business. Rent Duffy Electric 21’ Cruiser boats, Sea Eagle 385FT kayaks, Sea Eagle NN14 stand-up paddleboards, and the Explorer I hydro bike. Choose the equipment you wish to explore the 23 miles of fresh waterways – the hidden gem of Ocean Shores. All watercraft are eco-friendly and made in the U.S.A.
Believe it or not, surfing is a big thing in Ocean Shores and Westport. And every surf town needs a surf shop, and Ocean Shores is no different. They have just about everything you need for surf and skate, as well as clothing, swimwear, sunglasses, sandals, jewelry, and of coarse, stickers. Staying for the day or weekend? They have board and wetsuit rentals for a fun beach day.
Joe Falk in his review on Google said, “Got a lesson from Aaron this morning and the whole experience was epic from putting the wet suit on to catching that wave near the end of my lesson. “
Kid Zone in Ocean Shores
Arcade
Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center 767 Minard Avenue NW Ocean Shores WA 98569 Email: info@pacificparadisepark.com 360.289.9537 https://www.pacificparadisepark.com/
Hours: Sunday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm Friday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm *Hours subject to change without notice
Pacific Paradise is an amusement park and mini-golf course in Ocean Shores, Washington. Their focus is on family-friendly fun and their newly designed and recently updated grounds have something for everyone. It’s really amazingly well done for this small town. The wide variety of activities at Pacific Paradise are top notch for any big city!
One visitor named Gynene Lane on Facebook said, “My family came from out of town and we all went and played 18 holes of golf. It was so nice! Except for a few careless people discarding their masks, it was clean and well manicured. The granddaughters rode the water rides, and we played arcades. Wonderful afternoon!!”
Bowling
Ocean Shores bowling
Shores Bowl 125 W. Chance Ala Mer Ave. Ocean Shores WA 98569 360.289.9356 Email: obshaver8@hotmail.com
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 01:00 AM https://www.facebook.com/shoresbowlwa/ Shores Bowl is a fun and friendly place to spend the afternoon or evening with family and friends. Food, drinks, games and parties all under one roof!
Luecinda Soriano-Churape (Cinder) left a review on Google and said, “We went on our last night of vacation. It was Saturday night. They were pretty full and it was probably close to 10pm. Every worker we encountered felt nice, talkative, and welcoming. We love the atmosphere of this town. I loved the small arcade and we spent an equal amount of time playing there too. We bowled two games also with one game with the night glow lights on. It was so fun.”
The continuation of this guide is a work in progress as of 9/7/22.
Bellingham is home to a plethora of amazing local finds. Surrounded by the waters of the Puget Sound and the foothills of the north cascades, Bellingham’s fertile soil and excellent growing conditions have made the area rich in locally grown food. There is nothing better than buying things like produce, honey, and bread from local farmers and bakers who put their livelihoods into the quality of their products. Spring is the perfect time to locate your farmer’s markets and sign up for a CSA and track down all the best spots to round up your local produce every week. Bellingham Local Goodies are readily available in the spring.
Spring brings flowers, fresh produce, and an awakening of all the local shops and farmer’s markets. It is a great time to reconnect to your local farmers and rediscover all of the local goods that you may have missed over the wintertime. If you are looking to support locals and eat right from Whatcom county, spring is the time to plan out your summer harvest plans.
Bellingham Saturday Market
The Bellingham Farmers Market is an excellent way to connect to local goods and vendors from your area. The Saturday market is from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. January- March the market is held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. And, every Saturday during the rest of the year. While the Saturday market is open year-round, late spring is an excellent time to see the harvest begin. You will see an excellent selection of local harvest goods from spring to late fall. Such as strawberries, lettuce, kale, root vegetables, and more.
At the Saturday Market, there are rotating groups of over 35 farmers from Skagit and Whatcom counties. They offer produce, cheese, mushrooms, honey, beef, and other meat products, eggs, flowers, fish, nuts, potted plants, and more. In addition to the range of local farmers, the Saturday market has locally made bread, processed artisan foods, prepared foods, crafters, and more.
If you are looking for ways to buy most of your groceries locally, you can find everything that you would normally fill your cart with at the farmer’s market. Supporting local farms helps the local economy, supports sustainable small-scale farming, and gives you access to local, organically grown goods. Bellingham Local Goodies are easy to find at the Bellingham Saturday Market.
Beeworks Farms
Beeworks Farms is a small family-owned, bee farm located in Whatcom County, Washington. Their mission is to keep strong and healthy bees in order to supply a unique range of honey from the backyard of the PNW. All of their honey is raw and unfiltered. Their honey season begins in April every year, and different crops bring different kinds of honey throughout the spring-summer and early fall.
Their honey season begins with big leaf maple and raspberry in the spring. The summer brings blackberry, thistle, wild rose, sweet pea, numerous herbs, and wildflower honey. In August, at the end of the honey season, they end their season with fireweed honey from bees above 3,500 feet in the Mt. Baker National Forest. Each harvest brings unique flavors. Did you know that eating honey from the local area can actually help mitigate seasonal allergies?
In addition to honey, Beeworks Farms also makes nectar and supplies honeycomb. If you are ready to taste all of the seasons and harvests of the PNW in a unique way, sampling honey from each specific time of the season is a wondrous experience.
Joe’s Gardens
Joe’s Gardens has been offering produce, vegetable starts, hanging baskets, and more since 1933. Located in Bellingham, Washington, Joe’s is open seasonally from Early March until Fall. Joe’s Gardens supplies Bellingham with excellent, locally grown food from vegetables like kale, carrots, broccoli, and more to fruits like locally harvested raspberries and strawberries.
Vegetable Starts are available every year from March until May. They have hundreds of herbs, peppers, lettuce and kale varieties, root vegetables, and cole crops like cauliflower and broccoli.
Good’s Nursery and Produce
Good’s Nursery and Produce in Bellingham is open March-august with Produce and Nursery items. They offerWashington grown produce, and an assortment of plants from seasonal veggie starts to flowers. During the Holidays, Goods is also open to supply local Christmas Trees.
Good’s is another local Bellingham business ready to supply all of your local shopping needs. Depending on the month, they source from Washington Farmers and have everything from peaches and zucchini to watermelon and strawberries.
Dandelion
Are you looking to experience local goods from the comfort of your own home? Dandelion Organic Delivery is a produce delivery service that offers local fruits and veggies from the Whatcom County area straight to your door. Dandelion sources local growers first and prides itself on sustainability and commitment to green practices.
This seasonal delivery box is similar to a CSA. Every week they deliver you a box of produce from local farmers. They offer a harvest box or you can opt for an all fruits or all vegetable box. The week prior to your box delivery, you can head online and see what’s slated for this week’s delivery. You can also make changes to the types of products you are getting.
They offer a few different-sized boxes and are ready to cater to your favorite foods and exclude your least favorites. This is a great option for folks who want a bit more flexibility with the same local abundance as a traditional CSA. Dandelion offers many Bellingham local goodies
Bellingham has a wide range of locally sourced Bellingham Local Goodies. The fruits and vegetables that are sold at local Bellingham markets are of top quality. . Instead of traveling hundreds or thousands of miles to wind up on the shelves of your grocery store, they come from just down the road and pass from the farmer’s hand into yours. We are uniquely blessed in the PNW to have bountiful harvests from March through late fall. Other goods, including artisanal bread, locally grown beef, pork, chicken, eggs, and homemade cheese, are all part of the goods offered in the Bellingham area.
Check back into the Bellingham Clever Neighbor to find more local businesses to support!
A thanksgiving feast from Skagit county. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, you may be planning your dinner menus and deciding which family member is making the stuffing this year and who is cooking the Turkey. While doing the big thanksgiving grocery haul can seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to.
Unfortunately, with a valley full of local resources and struggling farmers, many people don’t know just how much of their thanksgiving feast they could find right here in Skagit County. From veggies to the dessert and the rolls to the turkey, nearly everything on your thanksgiving menu grows locally during the fall months.
While there are always more small farms and roadside stands to add to this list, the below guide is meant to help you find all of the main ingredients for your Thanksgiving feast somewhere local. Your quest for fresh finds may take a bit longer than a traditional trip to the grocery store; the work will be well worth it.
At every stop, you are sure to find farmers and families with stories on where their produce comes from and how it gets to your table. You will find fresh, local ingredients that haven’t traveled across the county or the world to get to you. You’ll be able to see the fields or talk to the baker, and maybe you’ll find a new favorite spot in Skagit County. Thanksgiving Dinner in Skagit County can and should be sourced locally!
The Turkey
Starting with arguably the most prominent part of a Thanksgiving spread, several local farms raise turkeys in Skagit County. While you may pay a premium for a local turkey, the benefits are significant. You will know where the turkey was raised, what it was fed, and if it is organic or not. You will know that your purchase came from a small-scale farm and not a bird mill. And, you will be able to support a great local meat place.
Skagit River Ranch is a Sedro Woolley Farm that is certified organic. They are a grass-fed family business that has been around for over 17 years. They believe in sustainable farming, clean food, and healthy living. Their certified organic turkeys are not filled with antibiotics, steroids, growth hormones, or animal by-products. They do not use chemicals or pesticides on their pastures, and their animals spend their entire lives on organic fields.
They require a $50 deposit on their Turkeys and the rest when you pick your turkey up. If you want a particular size bird, make sure to head to their turkey sign-up and deposit page to reserve your turkey.
Baked Goods and Pies
After the turkey, arguably the most essential part of a thanksgiving feast is the pies and desserts! Everyone eats a bit less turkey than they could stuff in every year to save room for pie! If you aren’t a world-class baker or simply want to leave it up to someone else this year, there are so many good bakeries in Skagit County.
For berry pies, check out Schuh farms. Steve and Susan Schuh have been farming in Skagit Valley since the 1960s and know a thing or two about berries. They grow seven varieties of berries, pumpkins, squash, corn, and more. They pride themselves on fresh-baked pies for the holiday season. Stop in or go online to place an order for your favorite kind of pie. They offer vegan and gluten-free options. If you want homemade tasting pies made with local ingredients, Schuh Farms is the place to stop.
The Calico Cupboard Café and Bakery offers up all kinds of delicious fall treats to add to your Thanksgiving table. This made from scratch bakery prides itself on a high standard of food quality and looks for opportunities to source locally. While their baked goods can be found in all three locations, the bakery itself is located in Anacortes.
In addition to breads of all kinds that you may need for stuffing or bread pudding made at home, the Calico has pies, scones, bars, cookies, and cakes. All of which can be pre-ordered to make sure you get the one you want. The Calico is known for their pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, enormous cinnamon rolls, and specialty pies like Peanut butter pie during the Fall months.
Also available at the Calico is key lime pie, lemon sour cream pie, chocolate milk, coconut cream, fruit pies, apple dumplings, danishes, and more. You can always stop in to browse the dessert cases and make your pick before placing your order for Thanksgiving. They also offer a wide range of gluten-free options. The Calico was first opened in 1981 and has been serving up baked goods ever since.
If you are in need of local bread and cookies, head to the Bread Farm in Edison. The bread farm was opened in 2003 and is an artisan bakery. They source local ingredients and believe in sustainable agriculture and stewardship of the land. They source ingredients free from harmful chemicals and pesticides and do not use additives or preservatives.
You can utilize curbside ordering to ensure they have what you need to add to your harvest table. They often sell out of bread and cookies before the day ends, so plan ahead and call if need be. Thanksgiving Dinner in Skagit County needs pies and desserts so why not let the local bakeries do the leg work!
Potatoes
No Thanksgiving would be complete without potatoes. Whether you like them bakes, mashed or scalloped, they are a critical component of most thanksgiving tables. Skagit county grows 95% of Washington’s red potatoes, so why not buy your potatoes from local farms.
Knutzen farms was founded in 1894 and are still run by the fifth generation of family members. Deeply rooted in family and farming, the Knutzen’s would love to share a bit of their pride and joy and send you home with some potatoes for your table. While this farm is a larger scale farm that sells commercially, they are always happy to make sure the locals have local potatoes.
Call the farm ahead of time to make sure they have what you want. If you are in the grocery store, look for “Chuckanut Valley,” “Naturally Healthy,” and “Highland View” for their private labels. Thanksgiving Dinner in Skagit County wouldn’t be complete without local potatoes.
Veggies
There are vegetables galore that are ready for harvest in November. Skagit Valley grows Brussel sprouts, chard, pumpkins, potatoes, kale, apples, squash, shallots, onions, and lettuce that all are harvest-ready in time for Thanksgiving. There are several places through the Skagit Valley that provide year-round crops.
If you are interested in having vegetables during the winter months, consider signing up for a CSA winter farm box. This will provide you with a box of fresh vegetables and other goods every other week for a certain amount of time. Many winter boxes run from November 3rd through March.
If you are only looking for vegetables for your Thanksgiving feast, a few places are open year-round or until Thanksgiving.
Schuh farms are one of the most reliable stands that are open year-round for vegetables. It is worth calling to farms like Swanson Family Farms and Hedlin farms, both in La Conner, as they both harvest winter vegetables but do not always have winter farm stands.
If you cannot find what you are looking for by either of those options, check out the CO-OP in Mt. Vernon, as they sell local, fresh and organic vegetables year-round.
Appetizers and Wine
Every good thanksgiving meal has a table full of appetizers before dinner even begins. For those who love oysters, Taylor’s shellfish is a true gem. Not only are the oysters delicious, but the views are incredible. Locals describe it as a quintessential PNW experience.
Located on Chuckanut drive on a rain line, Taylor’s Shellfish is a destination stop for tourists worldwide. When you stop by to grab your oysters for your Thanksgiving appetizer, make sure to sit down and eat a few while you watch the sunset over the San Juans.
Cheese is another staple of Thanksgiving. Cheese is essential whether you are whipping into your mash potatoes or serving it up at an appetizer. Samish Bay cheese is a farm run in Skagit Valley that produces organic, local cheese. Their cows are fed 100% organic feed, no hormones or antibiotics, and are given plenty of access to the outdoors. They believe that their animals live a good life on the farm and are excited to share their products with you. They have dozens of cheeses and cheese dips ranging from mild cheddar to Salmon dip.
For many, wine is a must at Thanksgiving. From reds to white, rose to sparkling, you will be hard-pressed to find a thanksgiving celebration without at least a few bottles of wine. There are many wineries in Skagit County, and no matter where you are, you shouldn’t have to drive far to find a local winery.
Eagle Haven Winery in Sedro Woolley is just one of the many great wineries in the county. Located in the foothills of the north cascades, they pride themselves on grapes grown in the fertile Skagit soil. The Eagle Haven winery began as an orchard in 1968 and today is a space for visitors of all ages to enjoy music, community, and wine if you are over 21.
Skagit County truly has so much to offer for your holiday season. Your traditional Thanksgiving spread can be entirely sourced from the county with a bit of leg work. Thanksgiving Dinner in Skagit County is truly a community effort from local farms and vendors.
Bellingham is home to family-owned farms, Halloween activities, spooky tours, and more during the fall season! There is always something to do and this fall you can fill your weekends with fun, local activities.
SM’ Apples
Just North of Downtown Bellingham in Ferndale, Washington is SM’ Apples U-Pick Orchard. This U-pick orchard is family-owned and home to about a dozen varieties of apples. You can check out their website here to find harvest dates and prices for their apples. Their U-pick Orchard is a great family-friendly activity for this fall! Spend the day tromping through the rows of trees picking apples for apple pie, apple sauce, canning apples, and more!
Bellewood Farms and Distillery
At Bellewood Farms and Distillery, you can experience a farm-to-glass distillery in action. Bellewood takes apples grown on their very own farm and turns them into their award-winning Gin, Brandy, and Vodka. Their unique tasting room is open Wed-Sun from 10 am to 5 pm. They aim to put the highest quality fruits into their distilled products, and they are proud to focus on sustainable agriculture.
If you are looking for family-friendly activities, Bellewood Farms and Distillery offer a host of fun activities for all age. Their U-pick apples are a fan favorite, and during September and October, they are known for their Orin, Sonata, Bellewood Prince, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples. You can take their bin train out to the field and spend the day picking apples.
During late September through October, their Harvest Happens event runs every day from 9 am to 4 pm. In addition to apple picking, they have a large field of pumpkins to choose from, Fresh Cider Doughnuts and kettle corn on the weekends, and much more. Bellewood Farms and Distillery is an excellent place to celebrate fall and local harvests.
Sunday Drive on the Water
If you are looking for stunning views of the Puget sound paired with a bit of fall, driving down Chuckanut Drive is a great option. Chuckanut Drive is a winding road that follows Bellingham Bay from Edison to Bellingham. With excellent scenic views, this drive is popular year-round. Covered by a canopy of trees, during the fall, this drive becomes a colorful fall fairytale. If you have part of the day to spend, do this drive and perhaps stop at Taylors Shellfish as you pass by for excellent views of the water and even better locally harvested Oysters.
Gore and Lore Tour
Every fall, Bellinghistory with the Good Time Girls offers a Gore and Lore tour of Bellingham. The Gore and Lore Tours feature Creepy tales from downtown Bellingham’s crypts – unsettling hauntings, strange historical happenings, and horrific true crimes in the dark heart of Bellingham. If you are looking for a creepy activity to do this Halloween season, check out the Gore and Lore Tour.
Also hosted by Bellinghistory with the Good Time Girls, you can take a Sin and Gin tour. These tours follow Bellingham’s saloon history through the prohibition era. This tour is 18+ and is an excellent option for adults looking to get to know Bellingham’s past.
Bellingham’s Irish Festival
If you are looking for a unique fall event this season, consider checking out Bellingham’s Irish Festival. From October 8th- 10th, you can enjoy educational workshops, classes, and performances, as well as several theaters, shops, and restaurants that are participating. This is a fun way to learn about Irish culture and enjoy a weekend.
Enjoying the Outdoors
Fall in the Pacific Northwest is notably mild. The weather is clear during much of September and October, and the temperatures are mild, making for great outdoor recreation. In the Bellingham area, an outdoor enthusiast’s playground awaits. There are a number of relays, races, and hikes that the city of Bellingham hosts in the fall that are open to anyone to sign up. Several bike races in September and October are an excellent way to enjoy the lovely fall weather outside.
If you are looking to be a bit more adventurous, the Puget Sound and Bellingham bay are calm and the same temperature year-round. Many people enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water sports throughout the fall. Bellingham Bay is a perfect space to kayak through September and October.
Lake Padden is home to an excellent outdoor walking trail that is mostly paved or gravel, which means it will not get as muddy as other trails during the wetter months. Fragrance Lake is another great hiking option year-round as it is a 5-mile trail that brings you to a lake. The hike does not have very many extended viewpoints, which means your experience will not be impacted by weather.
City of Bellingham sponsored Events
During most Halloween Seasons, Bellingham hosts a number of fun, family-friendly events. In previous years, Halloween scavenger hunts, virtual Halloween historical tours, scary storytellings, Farmers Market Pumpkin Hunts, and more have all been on the Calendar for October. Make sure to check in with the City of Bellingham’s website this October to see all the activities.
Bellingham is full of activities year-round, and fall is no exception. If you are ready to celebrate the fall harvest, there are pumpkin patches and farmer’s markets galore for apple picking, corn mazes, and more if you are a Halloween adventurer, spooky tours, Halloween nights, and more on the horizon in Bellingham this fall. If you are just looking for more ways to be outside. Now that summer has ended, there is plenty of hiking, biking, and water sports options for you to enjoy in Bellingham through October. Cozy Flannels, hot apple cider, and pumpkin season are quickly approaching, so make sure to check out all of the options in your area of Bellingham.
Check back into the Bellingham Clever Neighbor to find more season activities, recommendations, and more.
Visiting Bellingham for fall and not sure what to do with yourself? Or do you live locally and want to get more involved in the community?
Now is the perfect time start checking out some of the awesome events in Bellingham – you might be surprised by just how much is going on.
We’ve listed ten of the coolest things happening this fall, and there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to explore a pumpkin patch with the kids or watch the scariest horror films out there, Bellingham has an event for you.
1. Bellingham Bay Marathon
Love running and want to join an organized race in Bellingham this fall? Or just fancy soaking up the atmosphere during an exciting community event?
Head along to the Bellingham Bay Marathon – a varied course which starts on Lummi Nation and ends in downtown Bellingham, taking in some beautiful sights along the way.
At the finish line, there’ll be a festival featuring food, drink and live music.
The event will take place from 7.30 am – 2.00 pm, on September 30, 2018.
2. Bleedingham: Bellingham’s Horror Film Fest
Are you obsessed with all things scary? Ready to get seriously spooked?
Head along to Bellingham’s Horror film festival to watch some awesome independent horror films as they compete to win a prize. The event will include filmmaking panels, which is ideal if you fancy entering the competition next year.
You’ll also be able to visit The Night Gallery, a kind of mini-convention of local artists and businesses, all selling their spooky wares.
Get involved by visiting The Majestic Ballroom in downtown Bellingham on October 26, 2018, from 5-10pm.
3. Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Bellingham
Trick-or-treating not that big in your neighborhood?
Head to Downtown Bellingham between 3 and 5 pm on October 31 to take part in a community event that makes trick-or-treating ten times more fun than usual.
Look for posters in more than 100 participating stores – they’ll give free goodies to any kids dressed in costume.
Traditional trick-or-treating can be dangerous, so this is an excellent, safe alternative for the whole family.
4. Thrillingham
Want some Halloween fun that carries on a little later into the evening?
Head down to Maritime Heritage Park to witness zombies emerging to dance to Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ between 8 and 10 pm on October 31, 2018. If you’ve ever wanted to see a flash mob in real life, this is your chance.
You’ll feel like Bellingham is the set of the latest horror movie – this is sure to be a night to remember!
5. Rocky Horror Picture Show at Mount Baker Theatre
Have you ever seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show? Have you ever seen it on Halloween?
Head to Mount Baker Theatre for a night of festive fun. Grab a group of friends, get into costume, and get ready for the coolest cinema experience you’ve ever had.
Who says you need to travel to Germany to enjoy Oktoberfest?
Visit Bellingham Technical College between 6 and 10 pm on October 6, 2018, to enjoy a wide variety of craft beers – from traditional German ales to trendy fall-inspired beers.
If drinking’s not your thing, you’ll still be able to enjoy food, music, and other festive activities. This event is the perfect way to really get into the fall spirit.
Profits from the event go to the local Volunteer Center, so you’ll be having a great time and supporting a good cause.
7. The Nightmare on Railroad
Fancy hanging out in a haunted house this fall?
This year, Boundary Bay Brewery and Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY) will be presenting The Nightmare on Railroad, transforming the brewery into a seriously spooky venue.
There’ll be performances from zombie dancers, ghosts, ghouls, and other creepy creatures – be prepared for some surprises!
Visit the brewery from 6 til’ 9 pm for a great family experience, or after 9 pm if you’re over 21. Events run on October 26, 27, and 30, 2018, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
8. Siro-A Techno Circus
Need a little break from all the spookiness?
Head to Mount Baker Theatre to be wowed by Siro-A Techno Circus, an act that combines dance, music, special effects, and technology to put on an amazing show.
The troupe is originally from Tokyo, and it’s definitely worth taking an evening to check out their performance. The show is suitable for all the family, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for a way to keep the kids entertained.
Be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
9. Gore & Lore Walking Tour
Want to learn more about the local area and have a ton of fun?
Why not take part in a Gore & Lore Walking Tour of Bellingham?
You’ll learn about myths, legends, and real historical happenings in the local area, stopping off at various significant locations along the way. The tour is rated PG-13, so be sure not to bring any young children along.
Tours run on October 12, 13, 19 and 20, 2018, leaving from SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention at 6 pm. It’s also well worth checking out the museum during the day if you get the chance.
10. Triple-Wren Farms Pumpkin Patch Kick-Off
Looking for some family fun this fall?
There’s nothing better than visiting a pumpkin patch together, and the Triple-Wren Farms Pumpkin Patch Kick-Off is an event that shouldn’t be missed.
There are games, food trucks, talks, animals, and more – and admission is completely free. The whole family can easily be entertained for a few hours, and you may even win some prizes.
Don’t forget to pack your camera to take advantage of the excellent fall photo opportunities.
Find the Best Events in Bellingham
Finding great events in Bellingham isn’t hard – there’s always something going on.
To stay on top of local happenings, keep an eye on our site, chat to local people, and check out the local newspapers. You’ll soon wish you had the time to attend everything that’s going on.
Want more fall activity inspiration? Check out our guide to Bellingham Farmer’s Market, where you can pick up all kinds of delicious seasonal produce.
Arista offers fresh pasta that is made in-house, and is a proponent of a “farm-to-table” approach. One such dish is their Pumpkin Ravioli, featuring locally sourced pumpkins and foraged Chanterelle mushrooms. They have a diverse selection of wine, including a chianti by the glass, and feature dessert from local bakeries.
Arista has 4.5 stars on Yelp, with gushing reviews. If you are looking for a spot to relax and a be served with food from the heart of a passionate, friendly chef, then find yourself in Arista in the near future, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Arista offers a Farm to Table approach and diverse selection of wine.
“The amazing community of Puyallup has reached out! In short we made a decision off of what appeared to be an amazing opportunity to open Roast House in Parkland which has brought on a huge financial burden due to an unforeseen situation. Due to that situation we made a premature emotional decision to close however we apologize for the premature decision to close today. I am passionate about my restaurant. This is my love. We ask you for your support as we open tomorrow and purely focus on doing what Puyallup has proven to us that they love and appreciate in Arista. We ask for your support…we will be open for dinner tomorrow. Please come support us tomorrow!!”
“Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.”
-Thomas Jefferson
Of all the holidays we celebrate in the Northwest, Halloween offers some of the greatest opportunities to connect adults and children with their local farms and produce. There are a number farms across the South Sound region that are open to the public during late September and October–with hay rides, corn mazes and fields of pumpkins to peruse on a lazy afternoon.
Surely it’s a joy to clutch a hot coffee, or cider and get some mud on your boots, but is there some greater purpose to this tradition? As evenings wane into darkness, and temperatures invite longer sleeves, what is it that draws us back each year?
A 2014 English study found that Farmers, Forestry workers and Fishermen were happier with their jobs than other professionals, including bankers and entertainers. Perhaps this is one of underlying reasons to why urban dwellers are developing green thumbs—we all secretly want to be farmers.
I remember as a child getting marigold seeds in my Happy Meal. I planted those seeds and watched in wonderment as their flowers bloomed. Today in the cities you may see a front yard sewn into a garden, or the median between a sidewalk and road transformed with fruit trees, a “Topsy Turvy” Tomato planter hanging from a balcony, and lavender grown beside the door. Maps are being drawn, across the nation, of existing fruit trees, connecting urban harvesters with potential crops.
For those too busy to garden, or lacking the space, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs provide fresh supplies of sustainable, local produce throughout the growing season. And of course there are your local farmer’s markets, where you can purchase produce from those that grow it. And then we are left with winter.
Is the autumnal stroll through corn stalks, framed by hills of orange and calls of geese something of a memorial? Is it all at once a recalibration of what we’ve done with what we might do next year? Perhaps the fiscal calendar has it right. Perhaps the year has ended with the harvest and we have already embarked on the new.
“The farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.”
– Will Rogers
This year as you arrange your squash aesthetically, and boil your cranberries with sugar, imagine if you will the farms and farmers that touched those items. Imagine the bogs, and the fields; the black cup of coffee before a hard days work, and as for the pumpkin. If all you do is carve out the guts, roast the seeds and stick a candle inside, know that you are supporting a farm, and in some small way celebrating the American Farmer.
All photos were taken by the author at Mosby Farms in Auburn, Washington
At McMillin Farms, we are devoted to bringing the finest and freshest produce to the heart of Puyallup. We understand the importance of local farms in supporting our community’s health, economy, and sustainability efforts. Did you know that farms play a critical role in conserving natural resources and biodiversity? By partnering with us, you support practices that benefit both our local environment and your well-being.
Our dedicated team at McMillin Farms takes pride in offering premium farm services and products to the Puyallup community. Farms play a significant role in preserving rural culture and fostering a connection to the land. According to research, engaging with local farms can enhance community spirit and provide educational opportunities, especially for younger generations.
At McMillin Farms, we celebrate the essence of a local farm and its impact on Puyallup. It’s well-documented that local farms contribute significantly to reducing the carbon footprint associated with food production and distribution. By choosing locally grown produce, we not only support our farmers but also promote a healthier environment.
Of all the holidays we celebrate in the Northwest, Halloween offers some of the greatest opportunities to connect adults and children with their local farms and produce. 
A 2014 English study
