Short, simple, and thoughtful. That’s the core of Bellingham author Jim Schmotzer’s first book, “Crash Course: 101 Stories in 101 Words or Less.” Sharing an extensive list of stories Schmotzer has written over the years, the book is designed to be a thought-provoking and interesting read. The specific number of words found its origin in an annual fiction contest…
Already a local favorite along the Blaine waterfront for specialty treats and mochi waffles, Aloha Cafe has recently broadened their menu with island-inspired, plate lunch-style offerings. You’ll find tender pork adobo, teriyaki chicken skewers, and a classic breakfast platter featuring fried Portuguese sausage, rice, and eggs. The adobo is rich, tangy,…
Chester-Kidder is one of my favorite red blends with plenty to say, but it knows how to keep the conversation interesting. Crafted by Long Shadows Founding Winemaker Gilles Nicault, this Columbia Valley wine brings together Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah,…
The Rage is a student-run fashion magazine based at Western Washington University (WWU) with a staff consisting of “a community of creatives that come together to create cool stuff,” according to Jaelin McQueen, the previous director of diversity and cultural strategy at the magazine. With over…
Candy is a year-round delight, but what season gives a better excuse to indulge than fall? This Halloween, we’ve decided to showcase a few talented candy makers who produce fun and delicious candy right in our own backyard. When catering for…
Robert Wright, after extensively traveling around the world, now makes his home in Bellingham with his wife. When not creating exciting new worlds, he uses Bellingham and Whidbey Island locations as the backdrops to his stories. He has currently written 24 books, with more on the way. Most of his stories are young adult fantasy genre with a sprinkling of sci-fi,…
Fight the November doldrums with a well-deserved foodie trip to Whistler, British Columbia. This November marks the community’s 30th annual Whistler Cornucopia, an eleven-day festival (November 5–15 in 2026) for anyone who loves learning about food, drink, cooking, and culinary culture, or who just wants to experience life-changing food in one of the world’s most beautiful mountain towns. Tip: Go midweek to avoid the crowds. Book your lodging at Fairmont Chateau Resort, voted the #1 resort in Canada…
Local ingredients, organic flour, whole grains. Those are core to the goods made at Main Street Bread in Ferndale. The shop, located next to a gorgeous painted mural, focuses on serving the local community the best that the area has to offer. The owners, Josh and Erika, started out from the back of their minivan while…
The winners are in. Years of tradition. Your chosen winners. Welcome to the 17th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. For 17 years, our readers have been telling us where they eat,…
Whether you’re stocking a candy dish, filling Halloween treat bags, or just looking for a fun fall activity, making candy from scratch is surprisingly approachable. With a handful of pantry ingredients and a little patience, you can create hard candies and chewy gummies in nearly any flavor, shape, and color. Try seasonal flavors like apple and cinnamon, or stick with nostalgic favorites like cherry, orange, and strawberry. Cleanup is…
Embedded deep within downtown La Conner is a new Italian restaurant that goes by the name Moltobello Ristorante Italiano. There’s nothing like an authentic, locally-owned and run restaurant, with Italian food that is bursting with flavor in a cozy setting with soft lighting. As their website says, Moltobello has “no attitude” and “just great Italian food.” David Kas,…
Taxidermy art. Vintage goods and oddities. Potion bottles and antique uranium glass juicers. Nothing combines witchy and whimsy better than Morii Mercantile, created in 2024 by Katie Donner after noticing a lack of spooky goods…
