Out of towners visiting Bellingham for a work event with my husband's job. Looked for something to…read moredo while we're here and came across The Racket. At first when I found it I was excited and showed my husband. Later I read the reviews and kinda wanted to look at other options but I didn't because I knew my husband was excited to check this place out. Being totally honest from my experience I am so glad I didn't go anywhere else. We walked in a were given a welcome by the bartender. She asked us to step at the end of the bar to check our ID's. She did take her time to look at them but not in a bad way. She was doing her job! She checked my husband's first and noticed his birthday was a week prior. She still said happy birthday. Then she seen mine and also noticed my birthday was a week prior. Also said happy birthday to me. She didn't have to acknowledge our birthdays but she did and that stood out to us. So kind of her. She asked us to wait a minute to order while she finished with someone who was there before us. She came back took our orders and both beers were good. He got Guinness and I ordered a blood orange cider which was really good considering I don't like beers besides angry orchard lol. We went upstairs played about $20 in pinball games. The $20 lasted us a while I was surprised I thought it would go quickly considering it's a dollar per game. There were several machines out of order but not knocking any stars for that it was still fun. I would go back if I'm ever in town again. My husband did say he plans to show his work buddies this place next time they're up here for a job. Didn't try the food because we ate before we went.

Always a fun time here! Love the pinball, the tator tots…read moreare delicious. Super friendly atmosphere -- you can easily go alone and feel right at home.

Shockingly nice thrift store! Not what I was expecting at all. Beautiful items, well displayed, at…read moregreat prices. And friendly, fun staff. What more could you ask for?

The ladies at the Assistance League of Bellingham rock! They are friendly and knowledgeable and…read moresupport some great causes. I was impressed with their selection and prices, will definitely go back. We need more volunteer-directed charities like this. Way to go!

In addition to shopping here, please consider donating to Wise Buys Thrift Store on State Street…read more(1224 N State Street -- near Rudy's Pizza and Old World Deli) as part of your support for Lydia Place (http://lydiaplace.org), a women and children shelter established to help get women back on their feet and into a permanent job and housing. The Wise Buys Thrift Store is also a great place to shop. I almost always see a great bargain whenever I'm there dropping off donations.

Fun place. Aforementioned live music on thursdays until 7pm-ish. Other evenings they close a little…read moreearlier. In this building, which is a non profit organization supporting the arts; there is art on the walls, a gallery space, dance and music instruction/practice rooms, and a gift shop. Plus, a coffeeshop, which makes a mean chai latte. Nice community gathering spot/ third space.

Are you a meeting planner looking for an absolutely unbelievably unique place in a completely…read moreunexpected location to meet? Check out the Jansen Art Center in Lynden Washington. Margaret and the staff are welcoming, accommodating, efficient and friendly. They will make you feel welcome and at home. Meet upstairs and use the downstairs for social events in the evening. You won't be disappointed!

My Mother was with CHCC for just a little less that a year, before she passed. The staff was always…read morepolite and professional. They were there to be helpful at all times. If I needed to get anything, they would contact me in a timely manner. The menu was always great. I felt like I should bring the monthly list home and use it as a guide for meals. The hallways and rooms were clean and neat. While my Mother didn't join in on the activities, They had plenty of art, coffee, groups that she could have. A special thanks to Steve Wallace for his help during this year.

Years ago we would go here to the Grill restaurant with a friend who had a membership. When we…read morementioned once how much he liked it, he told us they had a social membership in addition to the golf memberships (I don't golf). Looked into it and got one, now there is a long waiting list. The restaurants and service are always excellent and are a great value. The prime rib is the best value in town in my opinion. Definitely have no plans to give up our membership.

We made our visit to the Golf & Country Club and I must say we were impressed. I've driven by this…read moreplace many times and had no idea what I was missing. We were invited to a private party on the 2nd floor, which was catered by the in house kitchen, and they did a spectacular job on the buffet. The Caesar Salad, Breaded Prawns, and BBQ Meatballs were all delicious, I probably over indulged on the meatballs. The staff was very friendly and nothing but smiles from everyone. There was live music and the room is great for that. Very clean restrooms, and nice views. We enjoyed our visit.

The Food Bank in Bellingham is a wonderful resource for "Hamsters". Because they depend on…read moredonations the items vary from week to week but there's always fresh milk, eggs, and toilet paper. It's not a grocery store so wait times can be long. But food is expensive and some of us don't have a large budget and it's great. The volunteers are so helpful with assisting customers so it doesn't feel like you have to pay a lot for food to get great service and groceries. Kudos to everyone who donates or volunteers.

The Bellingham Food Bank ("Feeding our community since 1972") has helped me out more times than I…read morecan count. When you're unemployed, broke, and the food stamps have run out, this is the place to turn to. Bring a postmarked piece of mail to show you are a Bellingham resident, and it's best to bring a few empty grocery bags as well, because they tend to run out of boxes. Be prepared to wait in line an hour or more. They are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 12:30-3:00 and Wednesday 5:00-7:00. Fridays towards the end of the month are always busiest. If you come earlier in the day, the line is longer, but the selection is better, too. Later, on towards 3 o'clock, the line is shorter, but the selection of food is less. Lots of grocery stores in Bellingham (Haggen, Trader Joe's, Price Chopper) donate their just-expired or just-about-to-expire bread, pastries and such to the Food Bank. A thousand praises on the volunteers and staff who keep this place running!