by Peggy DePersia, Guest Blogger

I have long been enchanted by early 20th century small town architecture and vintage postcards. What is the connection? you say. Often the vintage postcards are all that remain of the structures that held such promise for developing or growing towns. In the face of urban renewal initiatives of bygone years we lost some real treasures for sure…..modest gems, (hope that’s not a contradiction in terms) remain.

Historic Fairhaven Washington, situated on the south side of Bellingham Washington (actually part of the town of Bellingham these days) bordering Bellingham Bay satisfies my romantic inclinations in this regard. Fairhaven is one of those towns that enjoyed a burst of competitive energy along with places like Seattle and Tacoma, WA. in its heyday yet, unlike those cities, Fairhaven remained what we sometimes longingly refer to as a “village”.

Perhaps it is because of its smaller, walkable scale and the fact that it did not grow into a larger city, that it was able to preserve its iconic 19th century style. When Urban Renewal became the ‘rage’, Fairhaven escaped the wrecking ball and preservationist zeal became the order of the day.

In the center of the town is the Fairhaven Historical District, a district rich with late 19th century structures that house restaurants, galleris, coffee shops, bookstores and boutiques of all kinds the “goods” that many smaller towns have come to rely on to remain vital to their community (darn, if only I had taken more photos).

I am reminded of so many small towns and villages across America that have reimagined themselves in this way. You can see things in these environments that you’d likely not see anywhere else. Check out the funky bookstore. But then again, I might see the likes of such a bookstore in NYC..or Boston..or Philadelphia but now, I’m meandering.

Bordering, as it does, on Bellingham Bay, there are the usual delights of boats, reflections on water, a possible loon sighting, and, if you’re looking for a place to stay, a lovely inn on the banks of Bellingham Bay, the Chrysalis Inn and Spa; a real respite if that is what you desire. It even supplies each guest with a set of deluxe ear plugs. Check out the photo and you’ll understand why.

And, if you’re dreaming about heading to Alaska, you can catch a ferry in Fairhaven, the southern most terminus of the Alaska Marine System. Who knows what you might be tempted to explore or what future adventure you might be restless to imagine.

Peggy is a retired art instructor who loves to explore the connections between art and life, particularly with her camera toting sidekick, her husband.