Found at ‘Sea: Mature Adults Discover Arts and Lifestyle Port O' Call

Bellingham Mount Baker Region and the 2005 Bellingham Festival of Music--Top-Rated Value Packed Destination for Summer or Retirement

Bellingham, WA (PRWEB) May 1, 2005 -- Whether vacating for the summer, thinking about relocating, or ready to take the retirement plunge, mature adults must wade through a sea of domestic destinations vying to cash in on their majority status and hard-earned savings. For those questioning the ripple effect, value often means having to sacrifice quality of life for the former. It seems that housing prices are rising everywhere, but in one corner of the country (literally), the Bellingham Mount Baker Region, mature adults are having their cake and eating it too. (www.bellingham.org)

Though a population boom in recent years has made the market more competitive, Bellingham is one of the few spots in the Pacific Northwest where buyers can still find reasonably priced real estate. A garden of luxury condominiums with water views that promote the lifestyle center model are sprouting up throughout the region, making it the perfect locale to nest or buy that vacation home. For those looking to ‘sample a couple of times before ‘ordering off the menu so to speak, the Bellingham Mount Baker Region also offers travelers a whole lot of value for their money.

Perfectly situated on Puget Sound and the I-5 Corridor, Bellingham is 90 miles from Seattle, just 50 miles from beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. Bellingham International Airport gives easy access to the region, and Western Washington University gives Bellingham a unique vitality.

In its infancy, this once sleepy area was home to lumberjacks and miners. Sitting in the shadow of Mount Baker to the east, the region has since distinguished itself as an outdoor adventure paradise with outstanding opportunities for skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. For the golf enthusiast, there are 7 Championship golf courses. In the case of the Semiahmoo Resort Golf and Spa (www.semiahmoo.com), teeing off is as easy as opening a hotel door. With less rainfall than Seattle and more moderate temperatures, who wouldnt want to play there?

The Bellingham Mount Baker region is home to a vibrant fine and performing arts scene. The citys Downtown Renaissance Network hosts regular art walks that allow locals and visitors alike to tour galleries with eclectic and inspiring museum quality pieces by Northwest artists. In addition to art, Bellingham offers many opportunities to sample a variety of local culinary treats as well as hear live music.

Whatcom County has its own resident symphony orchestra, and its vibrant theatrical community stages unique and exceptional productions at theatres that include the Bellingham Theatre Guild, the Idiom Theatre and the Claire vg Thomas Theatre in Lynden. All three organizations nurture aspiring performers from the community and Western Washington University. Academy Award-winning actress Hilary Swank started her illustrious career at the Bellingham Theatre Guild, which is now in its 76th season. The Mount Baker Theatre brings in a wonderful variety of touring shows from the United States and abroad.

The area is also home to the prestigious Bellingham Festival of Music, the defining music event for the region. Now in its 13th season, the Bellingham Festival of Music, with music from the mountains to the sea,” is internationally recognized and includes classical, jazz, opera, and world sounds. The 2005 Festival runs August 6-21 and is just one example of affordable luxury found in the ‘authentic Northwest.

A value packed Bellingham luxury vacation includes rewarding oneself by taking in some of the most spectacular views of the San Juan Islands with a challenging hike up one of the many mountain recreation areas. Ones nature to play hard is countered with a relaxing spa package from the Chrysalis Inn and Spa (www.thechrysalisinn.com), which is a respite for the body, mind and soul.” A waterfront hideaway on Puget Sound, located in walking distance to trendy, historic Fairhaven, the Chrysalis Inn and Spa finds its inspiration in nature and combines it with Northwest sophistication and style. Treatments guaranteed to work out all the knots pamper guests —and only steps from posh and inviting accommodations fit for the celebrities and VIPs that have blazed the trail before them. Once relaxed, guests can enjoy evening bayside chamber and jazz concerts with the Bellingham Festival of Music or any of the 14 spectacular concerts by world-renowned artists at 7 different venues.

The Bellingham Festival of Music, under the direction of famed maestro Michael Palmer, has built its reputation on attracting high-profile musicians, such as principal players from major American and European orchestras, in addition to stars like violinist Sarah Chang and piano virtuoso Garrick Ohlsson. Artists like former New York Philharmonic principal oboist, Joseph Robinson, who recently retired, return year after year to share their talents with the community and to relive the invigorating spirit that is found in the people and the beauty of the Bellingham Mount Baker Region. Mr. Robinson will be making his first appearance with the Festival since his departure from his 26-year tenure at the New York Philharmonic. He will spend his retirement in Bellingham, which consistently ranks in the top ten places in the United States to retire mainly due to its pristine geography, close proximity to Seattle and Vancouver, its university, and outstanding arts offerings.

The Festival commences on Saturday, August 6 with its Gala Opening that rivals any concert in any hall around the world. Opening night features the Bellingham Festival Orchestra, comprised of 40 symphonic ‘all-stars from major American and European orchestras performing Beethovens Fifth Symphony. Metropolitan Opera soprano, Heidi Grant Murphy and the Bellingham Festival Chorus will make the evening extra-special with their performance of the Poulenc Gloria and Ms. Murphy will also sing selected arias.

The following day, August 7, will see the Festivals signature Music in the Mountains” concert with the Bellingham Festival Chamber Players, featuring two performances and a salmon dinner at Mount Bakers fabulous White Salmon Lodge. The Festivals Chamber Music Series will continue with concerts by the Bellingham Festival Chamber Players at Bellinghams First Congregational Church on August 10, as well as at the beautiful outdoor venue at Semiahmoo Resort Golf and Spa on August 16.

For those more attuned to jazz, the Festivals Friday Night Jazz Series includes Seattles always-popular gypsy jazz group Pearl Django at the Village Green in upscale but laid-back Fairhaven on August 12. The following Friday, the Portland-based Patrick Lamb Band, which currently opens for Grammy Award winner Diane Schuur, will warm up the green at Hotel Bellwether on the Bay overlooking Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands with hot classic jazz.

On Wednesday, August 17, world music lovers can experience the Vancouver-based musical group Silk and Bamboo. An event not to be missed, their Bellingham debut, Ancient and Contemporary Music for Chinese Instruments, will feature a world premiere by Canadian composer Mark Armanini, commissioned especially for the Festival.

The Festival will also feature a concert version of Leonard Bernsteins opera-meets-musical-theatre Candide with a roster of young, up-and-coming singing talent that includes William Ferguson (‘Candide), reprising his role from the recent hit production at the New York City Opera. Accompanied by the 2005 Bellingham Festival Orchestra and Chorus, Candide takes place at the Mount Baker Theatre on Saturday, August 13. If all of this wasnt enough, the Festival will also host a piano recital, pre-concert talks and its Family Concert, all leading up to the grand finale on Saturday, August 20 at the Mount Baker Theatre. The final concert will celebrate the Brahms Violin Concerto with violinist Elmar Oliveira.

All tickets can be purchased through the Mount Baker Theatre Box Office at 360.734.6080. Season tickets for the 2005 Bellingham Festival of Music will go on sale Tuesday, May 31. Individual tickets ranging from $20-$28 will be available starting Monday, June 6, and can be purchased over the phone or online at www.mountbakertheatre.com. For the first time ever, the Festival will offer a same day 50% discount on tickets purchased at the box office 1 hour prior to curtain. For more information and a detailed festival schedule, visit www.bellinghamfestival.org or e-mail info@bellinghamfestival.org.

Media requests for images or interviews should be directed to:
Paul Niemi
Office: 212.946.5067 Cell: 360.739.9689

###