Interested in exploring the freshest new spots in downtown Bellingham? From a virtual reality arcade to a vegan cafe, read on for a list of the newest destinations to debut in this part of the city.

Mix

215 W. Holly St.

In the mood for healthful fare? Check out Mix, a fast-casual restaurant that serves up globally inspired salads, sandwiches and more, all made with locally sourced ingredients. It has another location in Barkley Village. 

Check out notable menu options like Boat Noodle Beef broth bowl with glass noodles, onions, red peppers, pickled jalapeños, peanuts and mint, as well as the Fall Harvest salad with mixed greens, quinoa, apples, candied walnuts and chia seeds drizzled with French vinaigrette. Other offerings include desserts like frozen custard. Here's the full menu. 

Mix is off to a strong start with a current Yelp rating of five stars out of 14 reviews.

Yelper Haley E., who reviewed the eatery on Oct. 10, wrote, "Super excited about this place. Came in for lunch and had a small salad. I built my own but they have salad ideas made too if you'd prefer."

Paul W. noted, "Very healthy, affordable and fast! I'm a fan. The key here for me is the speed and affordability."

Mix is open from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday.

Heady Virtual Reality

215 W. Holly St., Suite B-28

Heady Virtual Reality is a new arcade in which visitors sport a set of virtual reality goggles and enter a 3D simulation of an environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real way.

Each VR station has more than 90 games and simulations available. Multiplayer games include Holo Ball, Everyday Golf, World of Diving and Cowboys and Aliens. Check out the website for more information. 

Yelpers are excited about Heady Virtual Reality, which currently holds five stars out of three reviews.

Roy M. wrote, "Heady VR is an amazing experience indeed! Great staff will lead you through your first VR experience or give you tips for your 30th. There are a ton of games to choose from ... You can switch and play as many as you want during your time. It was a blast!"

Heady Virtual Reality is open from 1–10 p.m. on Tuesday-Thursday and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday-Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.)

The Wild Oat Bakery & Cafe

1305 Cornwall Ave.

The Wild Oat Bakery & Cafe opened its doors over the summer with a menu of vegan comfort food, locally roasted coffee and pastries.

Look for organic bagels with vegan cream cheese; an Asian sesame salad with apples, almonds, jicama, grapes and dried cherries; and the Philly Cheeze Steak made with non-beef slices, onions and peppers on a French roll. Take a look at the full menu here.

The Wild Oat Bakery & Cafe appears to be a welcome addition to the neighborhood with four stars out of 45 reviews on Yelp.

Yelper Jamie G., who reviewed the cafe on Oct. 10, wrote, "These baked goods are phenomenal. You can't tell it's vegan or gluten free. The staff is so wonderful and so friendly."

Nathalie B. noted, "Saturday morning with beautiful weather and every table was filled in the teeny tiny cafe. We were warned that the biscuits and gravy sell out fast. So I ordered those. Serious vegan comfort food."

The Wild Oat Bakery & Cafe is open from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. on Monday–Thursday and Sunday and 8 a.m.–8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.