1. Let Kids Run Wild at the Colorful Million Smiles Playground
© gpointstudio/stock.adobe.com
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What inspired the creation of the City Park playground?
- When city councilor Gary Vis learned of the alarming number of insurance claims due to children being hurt on antiquated playground equipment, he envisaged a new attraction that would be safe for children of all ages.
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How was the playground built?
- In 2007, 3,000 volunteers came together to help make this dream a reality.
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What is special about the playground's picket fence?
- 850 picket fence posts are etched with the names of those who donated $35 or more.
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What attractions are available at the City Park playground?
- There are 25 different attractions in the City Park playground , including a treehouse, slides, swings, and pretend shops.
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Is there a space for parents and caregivers?
- Yes, there is a shaded area for minders to relax and watch their children at play.
2. If You Love Local Art and Live Music, Visit Jansen Art Center
© Jansen Art Center
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What is the Jansen Art Center?
- In 2012, what was once the City Hall and Fire Hall was converted into the Jansen Art Center .
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What facilities does the Jansen Art Center have?
- The center includes six creative studios, two floors of exhibition space, a 110-seat auditorium, a café, and a gallery.
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What types of programs are offered?
- The program of music and dance performances and classes in ceramics, painting, textiles, and jewelry is changed quarterly.
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Are there programs for children?
- Yes, for children, there are 3-day spring breaks and week-long summer camps.
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Are there any family-oriented programs?
- Fall open house and winter art classes are designed for the whole family.
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What are the Jansen Art Center's hours?
- The center is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
321 Front Street, Lynden, WA 98264, Phone: 360-354-3600
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3. Unplug with Forest Trails and Farm Heritage at Berthusen Park
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Who was Hans Berthusen?
- In 1883, Hans Berthusen purchased 160 acres of land three miles south of the Canadian border.
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How did Hans and Lida Berthusen expand their land?
- Hans met his future wife, Lida, in the area when she was 8 years old. They eventually married and bought another 80 acres.
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What is special about the cedar trees on the land?
- For the love of the cedar trees, they left 20 acres of virgin forest.
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Did the Berthusens have children?
- They had no children of their own but adopted a baby girl.
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What did the Berthusens do with their land?
- In their later years, they developed playgrounds on the land, and upon their death, three months apart, they left it to the city as a park.
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Are there any historic buildings in Berthusen Park?
- Yes, a barn and a privy on the property have been registered as National Historic Places.
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What facilities are available at Berthusen Park?
- There are kitchens and picnic areas for the public to use at Berthusen Park .
4. Catch a Flick in Retro Style at The Claire Theater
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What is the Dutch Village Mall?
- In 1987, the Dutch Village Mall was built in Lynden. The facade is gabled to look like a canal house in Amsterdam.
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What is the significance of the windmill at Dutch Village Mall?
- The large windmill on the corner of the property has become a well-known landmark.
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What is The Claire Theater?
- Inside the mall, the Queen Juliana performing arts theatre was built to seat 160 people. It is now known as The Claire Theater.
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Who founded the Lynden Performing Arts Guild?
- Claire van der Griend Thomas, who was 70 years old at the time and had a Master’s degree in Music, started the Lynden Performing Arts Guild.
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What role did Claire van der Griend Thomas play in the guild?
- She was an accomplished pianist and played for all the auditions.
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How often does the guild produce performances?
- The guild produces at least one performance per quarter at The Claire Theater and is constantly seeking new proposals.
655 Front St. Lynden, WA 98264, Phone: 360-354-4425
5. Discover the Region’s Best-Kept Secrets with Pacific Northwest Guided Tours
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What is Pacific Northwest Guided Tours?
- Linda Gray started this company, which offers standard and customized private guided tours around Bellingham, Lynden, and the Pacific Northwest.
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Is airport transfer available?
- Yes, there is an option for an airport transfer to the hotel.
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What is the Brew to Brewery Tour?
- The Brew to Brewery standard tour takes visitors to the area's best coffee houses, distilleries, and breweries.
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What is the Border Corner Tour?
- The Border Corner Tour starts in Lynden, which is located five miles south of the Canadian border.
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Does the company offer seasonal tours?
- Yes, in spring, the Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley attracts visitors from around the globe.
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Can customized tours be arranged?
- Yes, for those with limited time or special requirements such as a family tour, customized tours can be arranged.
Bellingham, WA, Phone: 360-224-8717
Where to Eat:
6. Treat Yourself to Traditional Sweets at Lynden Dutch Bakery
© Lynden Dutch Bakery
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How long has there been a Dutch bakery in Lynden?
- Since 1907, there has been a Dutch bakery in Lynden.
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What is the significance of the bakery’s décor?
- The décor is orange, which is the Dutch national color.
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What traditional Dutch foods are on the menu?
- The menu includes typical Dutch fare such as oliebollen, which the Dutch claim is the original donut. Other offerings include poffertjes, Speculaas cookies, and Dutch sausage rolls.
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How can you recognize the Lynden Dutch Bakery?
- Lynden Dutch Bakery is recognizable by its sky blue Dutch canal house facade.
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Do they cater for special occasions?
- Yes, the two businesses cater for family and business parties and offer a range of holiday treats.
421 Front St, Lynden, Washington 98264, Phone: 360-354-3911
7. If You Crave Creative Pizza and Laid-Back Vibes, Grab a Slice at Coconut Kenny’s
© sebasnoo/stock.adobe.com
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What is Coconut Kenny’s?
- This pizza restaurant chain has six locations in the Bellingham Bay area and surrounding towns.
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What is unique about the restaurant's theme?
- The restaurant has a tropical theme, a concept that has been two decades in the making.
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Who owns Coconut Kenny’s?
- Chay and Lee Tan are the owners and are looking for franchisees to expand the chain's footprint.
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What food and drinks are offered?
- The menu includes gourmet pizzas, Hawaiian subway sandwiches, and Coconut Kenny's signature salads. Wine, cider, and beer on tap are also available.
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When is Happy Hour, and what are the discounts?
- Happy Hour runs from 3-5 PM, Monday to Saturday. During this time, there is a 20% discount on all food, along with specials on beverages.
8122 Guide Meridian, Lynden, Phone: 360-392-8435
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