Published July 30, 2021
Discover Bellingham: Downtown Mural Walk
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Did you know that Bellingham is home to a delightful array of street art? Our Summer Guide features a map with directions to find about half a dozen murals on a morning's walk. It makes for a great Saturday morning adventure - especially because one of the murals is at the Farmer's Market!
Let’s start things off with a great brunch:
My recommendations:
Caffe Adagio | How to get there
Mount Bakery | How to get there (this spot gets incredibly busy on Farmers Market days so arrive early or be prepared for a wait!)
The Sundial - “Savor the Gifts of this Hour”
207 Unity St (park near here)
This mural features the bold colors and sharp topographical lines that Gretchen Leggitt is known for. But those curving lines have a scientific precision too - the spot where the gnomon's shadow lands not only indicates the time, but also the month. (For more info & the story behind the mural, see "Bellingham's First Sundial Mural Unveiled" in the Western Front.)
The artist’s Instagram | Get to know Gretchen on Building Bellingham Season 2
“Not Perfect - Just Growing”
1331 Commercial St (entrance to Commercial St Alley)
Appropriately located behind a yoga studio, this refreshing color palette underscores the message of the art piece completed at the end of 2020.
As you walk down the alley past this mural, the Commercial St parking garage is on your right, with another mural covering its pillars. You won't be able to read it at first, but find just the right spot and you'll be able to read the art piece's title. . .
Welcome to Bellingham
120 W Holly (opposite end of Commercial St alley)
Completed in summer of 2020, this art piece became an instant photo backdrop for passers-by. It references well-known area landmarks, in a fun, brightly-colored design.
A Message of Transformation
113 E Holly (alley)
Artist Gretchen Leggitt told the Western Front that painting this piece opened her eyes to the real-life experiences of the homeless people she met during the process, and that being able to provide accessible art & beauty to their neighborhood was a meaningful part of the installation.
(For more of the story, see "Murals Bring Color and Character to Bellingham" in the Western Front).
Ready for a break?
We recommend stopping by Black Sheep Bellingham on Holly! It’s the Cohen Group NW's downtown go-to for tacos and margaritas. Black Sheep hand makes their taco shells and the house-made grapefruit soda is soooo refreshing (try it alone or in a paloma)!
It’s the Largest Mural in the State
Around 22,000 square feet, this art installation depicts the North Cascades mountain range. Gretchen Leggitt and an artist partner worked day and night for a month to pull it off.
Where to go next
You're about 0.8 miles from your car, so depending how much more exploring you'd like to do, here are some places to check out on the way back!
Depot Market Square - Bellingham Farmers’ Market
A local favorite for artisan crafts, and locally-grown and baked goods. (Try an incredibly-delicious pasty from Holly’s Meat Pies!) Check BellinghamFarmers.org or @bhamfarmersmkt on Instagram for hours and updates!
And a bonus mural! Gretchen Leggitt and Sarah Finger finished a new installation at the market just this spring - be sure to take a look!
Pure Bliss
An iconic area bakery, Pure Bliss will have something to suit any sweet tooth (including gluten free and vegan options)! Purchase a slice to go, or enjoy your treat on the spot in their darling eating area!
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