Leaving the buildings and Bellingham proper behind, Chuckanut drive is one of the most scenic drives in the region. It has not changed much over time. There are two destinations on Chuckanut that are, ultimately, a couple of my favorite reasons for living in this area.
Both of them are farther down Chuckanut -- officially in Skagit County. The first destination is now called Taylor's Shellfish Farm. Back in the 1960's my aunt worked as an oyster shucker at this same place when it was called Rockpoint Oysters. You go around the bend, and take this one-lane road down to the water. The building has changed a bit, but the road is as I remember it from 50 years ago.
Taylor's is a delight for any shellfish lover. Their mussels are second to none. When my wife and I have people for dinner, assuming they like shellfish, mussels are a favorite. We cook them with a few secret ingredients that include lime and saffron. Taylor oysters are farmed right at the Bow location. (The mussels they bring in from one of their other farms). You can buy oysters in the shell, shucked or various smoked varieties that are way better than what you get out of the can. You can also choose from steamer clams, live crabs and other delectables as well.
Another favorite destination of mine, again heading south on Chuckanut Drive, is the Rhododendron Cafe. This exquisite restaurant is a favorite of mine and the wife on summer weekends and in the winter too. You depart Chuckanut, at the south end, and go a short distance toward Bow to the Rhody.
Carol and Don Shank are the owners and have been running the cafe for about 25 years. They have it down. The Rhody features all sorts of menu items, including fine wines, red meat, chicken, pork, pasta, fish and Taylor oysters. Seasonally, they feature dishes from other parts of the world -- see the ethnic odyssey.
If you live where I live -- Whatcom or Skagit County -- then these are two destination spots that you need to mark on the map or program into the trusty GPS.
Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspections
Check out "This Day In History" -- music and vintage television from the 1950's through the 1980's. I enjoy writing these articles because they take me back to my days in radio broadcasting. Click on Elvis' gold record, below, to revisit those golden hits of yesteryear.
That is a part of the country I've never seen. Someday when I retire. Ha
Love to visit some day. I really liked Seattle. Maybe one day soon...