By: Wes Simons | February 28 2011
Posted in Seattle - Find It - Seattle

Photo by: Wes Simons

Few towns rally around the local farmers market like the residents of Bellingham, Washington. A stroll through downtown on a Saturday morning would leave you to believe that the citizens have abandoned their quaint town, but just a few blocks off of the main drag is a bustling market where the farmers, merchants, and crafters gather to hawk their wares.

Bellingham has a unique atmosphere that encourages citizens to shop locally and buy more efficient products. The population is small enough that the market has a very friendly feel, yet there are enough people to support a large number of vendors. It also happens to be located close to pristine farmland and a host of growers who are more than happy to spend their time producing high-quality produce for direct-to-consumer sales.

The market features all manner of product, from the standard vegetables and smoked meats, to slightly more exotic choices like homemade pasta, gluten-free baked goods and smoothies blended by the customer on a modified bike. There is also a restaurant row where a wide variety of culinary goodness can be found, including Ethiopian food, Indian cuisine and fresh-baked pretzels that will literally make your mouth water (they are quite salty).

The market is more than just somewhere to walk around for an hour, as each booth hides a few secrets about brewing better tea or how to choose the right cheese. There's also more to enjoy besides eating and food (although I'd say that alone would be plenty). The entertainment is as varied as the selection of goods, with bands playing folk music and young virtuosos enjoying the chance to perform. Stop by and get a good dose of local flavor, both culturally and gastronomically.

Take a virtual stroll through the colorful booths of the Bellingham Farmers Market on their Flickr page. 

Stop by more markets on The Local Dish:

A Food Oasis in the Heart of the City

Springing for Strawberries

Market Watch: Eastern Market Street Food

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