Readers Guide: Nicholas on Bellingham, WA

My name: Nicholas
My age: 21
My profession: Healthcare agent
City/town: Bellingham, WA (The City of Subdued Excitement)
Relationship status: Dating someone
Sexuality: Gay

What was the last vacation you took? Where did you go? Where do you most want to go?

I last went to Walla Walla, WA about two weeks ago. I really want to go to Toronto and Quebec.

Are any famous people from your town?

Jennifer Garner went to Bellingham High, and Ryan Stiles ("Whose Line Is It Anyway?") lives on Lake Whatcom.

What are some of the things you love most about your town?

It's very local and accepting.

If someone came to your town for just four hours, what is the one thing he should do?

Go to Fairhaven, the historic district.

What are some great restaurants for a night out with gay friends?

Papi's, La Fiamma

What are some great restaurants for a romantic gay date? What about these restaurants appeals to you?

Anthony's at the Bellwether, because it's right at the marina. It's elegant yet casual. It's got the classy touch!

What are your favorite gay bars and/or dance clubs?

The Royal has good music, and Rumors Cabaret is Bellingham's "alternative" bar ... but Papi's is becoming more of the underground gay bar now.

What are your favorite gay parties or events in your town, if any? What is the crowd or scene like at those places?

Bellingham hosts its gay Pride in July, but it's small. Bellingham did once have the highest number of gay people per capita all along the Western coast. Fairhaven was becoming a hip gay place to move back then, until the Christian Dutch moved in and started their gay bashing. Since then, the religious folk have moved to a town 30-45 minutes away, and Bellingham is becoming more liberal every day.

Where is the best public place for a gay person to make out there (or isn't there one)?

The Northbridge over Alabama Street, because you could see the entire city. Whatcom Falls Park and the docks at Boulevard Park are my fave places.

What is the gay community like there? Do you consider yourself to be part of any particular "scene?"

The gay community of the Northwest is pretty big and close-knit. I know a good number of gay people (including lesbians). There are the green, "hippie" kind of gays and then there are the metro/Starbucks-drinking/VW-driving gays. Whatever they're like in Seattle, we're like.

Where do you shop for clothes?

Bellingham has a lot of local boutiques. Seattle is an hour and a half south and Vancouver, B.C. is one hour north -- you can't go wrong!

Where do you go for other forms of entertainment -- live theater, concerts, movies, art exhibits? Are there any local gay performance groups, bands, or artists that you're a fan of?

Bellingham's Rumors Cabaret has the Betty Desires (local drag queen) show every Wednesday, with special performances from Angel Vein (the newest drag queen). Then Bellingham has a lot of local events ... when the sun comes out. Western Washington University also hosts concerts every month during school at the Mt. Baker Theatre. Brandi Carlisle and Fine Frenzy have performed there.

If you had gay friends visiting from out of town for the first time, what are some "must-dos" you'd recommend?

Going to Fairhaven, Birch Bay, Lake Whatcom (if it's in the summer) and Mt. Baker (if it's in the winter); shopping and dining in downtown Bellingham.

Is there a local cocktail that's popular in your town?

I don't drink cocktails -- I'm a beer guy -- but I've heard that Papi's has the best martinis.

Where do the hot boys in your town tend to hang out?

Papi's or Rumors.

If you had to describe the "average gay boy" style of your town in two words, what would they be?

Local and versatile.

What bar has the cutest/hottest bartenders? (Don't name people's names.)

The Royal.

Do gay men and lesbians hang out together in your town or is that just unheard of?

Oh, no -- we mingle very much here.

Has your town ever had a "gay scandal?" If so, describe it -- but don't use names!

Nope, no gay scandals.

Do you have a hometown crush? If so, describe (but don't name names).

My hometown is San Antonio, TX, and I didn't come out until I moved up to WA -- so no.

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