Once known for outlet malls and border shopping by Canadians, this Pacific Northwest town is channelling Portlandia of late, thanks to a dozen craft breweries, college-town energy and an earnest embrace of Washington state’s legalized marijuana status. Although long (and lovingly) referred to as the city of subdued excitement, Bellingham has always been a secret power. It’s just that these days, it’s strutting instead of shuffling, energized by Seattle money and validation from new residents that its city-limits outdoor bounty (ranked #21 in the nation) and ranging from easy hikes at Western Washington University’s a sprawling historic campus tucked into the thick rainforests above the city, to leg-burners south of town, is rare and wonderful. Back in town, both downtown Bellingham and neighboring historic Fairhaven are pedestrian gems boasting retail that ranks #24 in our Shopping category. The town’s dozen-plus breweries are increasingly drawing visitors—and residents—with every impeccably brewed pint. The city is investing in further combining the urban with the natural. In 2019 the city opened Waypoint Park, the first public access to the urban seashore in a century, picking up environmental awards along the way.