In This Article

1. Let Kids Run Wild at the Colorful Million Smiles Playground

Let Kids Run Wild at the Colorful Million Smiles Playground

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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.
  • How was the playground built?
    • In 2007, 3,000 volunteers came together to help make this dream a reality.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

If You Love Local Art and Live Music, Visit Jansen Art Center

© Jansen Art Center

  • What is the Jansen Art Center?
    • In 2012, what was once the City Hall and Fire Hall was converted into the Jansen Art Center .
  • 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.
  • What types of programs are offered?
    • The program of music and dance performances and classes in ceramics, painting, textiles, and jewelry is changed quarterly.
  • Are there programs for children?
    • Yes, for children, there are 3-day spring breaks and week-long summer camps.
  • Are there any family-oriented programs?
    • Fall open house and winter art classes are designed for the whole family.
  • 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

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.
  • 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.
  • What is special about the cedar trees on the land?
    • For the love of the cedar trees, they left 20 acres of virgin forest.
  • Did the Berthusens have children?
    • They had no children of their own but adopted a baby girl.
  • 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.
  • Are there any historic buildings in Berthusen Park?
    • Yes, a barn and a privy on the property have been registered as National Historic Places.
  • What facilities are available at Berthusen Park?

4. Catch a Flick in Retro Style at The Claire Theater

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • What role did Claire van der Griend Thomas play in the guild?
    • She was an accomplished pianist and played for all the auditions.
  • 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

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.
  • Is airport transfer available?
    • Yes, there is an option for an airport transfer to the hotel.
  • 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.
  • What is the Border Corner Tour?
    • The Border Corner Tour starts in Lynden, which is located five miles south of the Canadian border.
  • Does the company offer seasonal tours?
    • Yes, in spring, the Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley attracts visitors from around the globe.
  • 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

Treat Yourself to Traditional Sweets at Lynden Dutch Bakery

© Lynden Dutch Bakery

  • How long has there been a Dutch bakery in Lynden?
    • Since 1907, there has been a Dutch bakery in Lynden.
  • What is the significance of the bakery’s décor?
    • The décor is orange, which is the Dutch national color.
  • 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.
  • How can you recognize the Lynden Dutch Bakery?
  • 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

If You Crave Creative Pizza and Laid-Back Vibes, Grab a Slice at Coconut Kenny’s

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  • What is Coconut Kenny’s?
  • What is unique about the restaurant's theme?
    • The restaurant has a tropical theme, a concept that has been two decades in the making.
  • Who owns Coconut Kenny’s?
    • Chay and Lee Tan are the owners and are looking for franchisees to expand the chain's footprint.
  • 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.
  • 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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