Sofie Hynes has been an independent jeweler in Bellingham for around three decades, and her business, Sofie’s Goldmine, operated in a repurposed gas station on State Street for the last…
In May, Bellingham staple Old World Deli re-opened its doors after a month-long renovation. While it may be the same business inside the same building, Owner Chris Adams is determined to bring a new, more refined approach to the shop. After visiting delis across New York, Los Angeles, and even Japan, he decided it was time to make some changes….
Bellingham’s poetry scene has been quietly brewing for decades, with writers’ groups, kitchen table readings, open mics, and acclaimed poets making an occasional splash. This Nov. 7–9, the inaugural Salish Sea Poetry Festival hopes to bring poetry front-and-center. The festival is the newest program from the Whatcom Poetry Series (WPS),…
Nestled in the Mount Baker Rim community, Arch House is a beautifully designed two-bedroom, one-bathroom, arched frame cabin. The home was first purchased in 2021 by Erica and…
If your scalp is haunted by half-hearted hair care, there’s a place in Bellingham where you can go to revive it. Moondog Head Spa & Haunt is the private studio of…
Downtown Bellingham is becoming somewhat of an art exhibit, featuring works sanctioned and unsanctioned from many local artists and muralists. One artist making his mark on the scene is Ivan Colin, an abstract artist and muralist who first moved to Bellingham in 2017. Originally from Napa Valley, California, Colin was drawn to art during high school, when he saw it as a skill to grow during…
Walking into Pure Bliss Desserts, it almost feels like you’ve been transported to another world; elegant and classy interior decor calms the eyes, appearing in various colors of muted and matte pink, white, and black. On…
Anyone looking for even more scares this Halloween season should stop by Bleedingham, Bellingham’s annual horror film festival. From Oct. 24-26, attendees can enjoy horror to the max with fun events happening throughout downtown Bellingham. Run by Gary Washington,…
Azzurra gift shop Owner Sasha Leaman didn’t start her career in retail—in fact, she never even worked in a shop before opening one of her own. A healthcare professional with a clinical doctorate in physical therapy, Leaman’s path to curating a refined and serene storefront in Fairhaven…
The Shop Sandwiched between Avenue Bread and The Bagelry, Sojourn is the perfect lunch break shopping stop. Sojourn first opened in 1994, when Owner Peggy Platter saw a lack of boutiques in town and an empty lot on Railroad Avenue, and had a vision. Tired of the big- name stores that once occupied Bellingham’s downtown, Platter was determined to bring a local touch to the city’s shopping market. “I love being part of the local business community,”…
Bellingham residents may be familiar with the stories of Jennifer Worthley and Bryan Matamorosa, the culinary couple who own It’s The Sweet Things and Bry’s Filipino Cuisine, respectively. Now they’re embarking on a new venture, this time together. Found on the second floor of Fairhaven’s…
For most, a gas station parking lot may not come to mind when looking for a bite to eat. But Vinny and Ruby La, the owners of Banh Mi & Bubble Tea, are trying to challenge that. They’ve operated their food truck out of the parking lot of a…
For tens of thousands of years, music has been a gateway for people from all walks of life to get together, bond, and create community. We’re lucky enough to have an orchestra right in Bellingham that embodies these very things. Bellingham Symphony Orchestra (BSO), the resident orchestra of Mount Baker Theatre, has been…
Is there anything more comforting than a dumpling? They’re literally little pillows of sustenance, bursting with flavor and draped in a blanket of sauce. Or, at least, the ones at Hey Dumplin are. On a recent visit, we were blessed…
On Aug. 1, Pickford Film Center officially opened Pickford on Grand, a long-anticipated expansion just one block from its Bay Street location in downtown Bellingham. The new venue features three additional screening rooms—two 60-seat houses equipped with state-of-the-art 4K laser projection and a 19-seat “jewel box.” “This expansion is about breathing room,” says Marketing Manager Gray Gordon. “We were always having to choose—do we keep a film longer or make space for something…
The Mount Baker Theatre will be hosting a variety of shows throughout their upcoming theatre season, starting with “Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy” on Nov. 19. December will see the MBT taken over by the Tony Award-winning musical “The Book of Mormon,” playing Dec. 29-30. The season will be rounded out by “TINA -The Tina Turner Musical,” playing Jan. 12-13. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall, the show tells the story of Tina Turner, soundtracked by her own…
Twice a year, Bellingham Technical College (BTC) presents the community of Whatcom County with the opportunity to enjoy food made by their own culinary students at Café Culinaire. The cafe was started around 20 years ago…
Through numerous education and volunteer programs, the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) has been working with local community members to remove barriers and create watersheds for salmon recovery for the past 34 years. Created in the wake of the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group (RFEG) Program, established by Washington state legislature in 1990, NSEA is now a multi-million-dollar non-profit, and continues to make strides in supporting salmon growth throughout…
Thanks to a grant from Puget Sound Energy’s Green Power Community Support Program, the Community Boating Center (CBC) in Bellingham was able…
Vibrant sparkles, radical acceptance, flamboyant creativity, safety in expression, unbridled joy—these are just a few phrases that describe this year’s Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County Trashion Show. The show was created six years ago by Hillary Pritchard, Habitat’s operations manager, as part of Habitat’s annual auction in support of repurposing…
Since Time Immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared…
You may be surprised to learn that nestled in north Bellingham is Washington’s largest, green-built, solar community: Larrabee Springs, one of the city’s best-kept secrets. It’s the vision of Caitac USA that has been brought to life by green builder Alex Wynstra of AJW Builders. Larrabee Springs has earned a reputation as one of Bellingham’s most respected builders of affordable, green-built, solar-powered homes designed for modern living. With a mission to create communities…
It’s time for 31 Days of Giveaways! Enter to win a prize from a local business every day in August, plus a chance to win the Grand Prize!
Dim sum is one of my favorite foods. I grew up spending weekend mornings with my family at noisy, crowded restaurants where middle-aged ladies pushed steaming carts piled high with baskets through impossibly narrow spaces between huge round tables, pausing to lift lids and offer us piping hot har gao, siu mai, pork buns, and all manner of more obscure dishes. It’s a core memory—a fragrant one. When my…
“I’ve been a professional woodworker for almost 25 years, and I’ve done all sorts of different things,” says Andy Thorp, the craftsman who hand-made all of the serving boards and end grain cutting boards we…
Jenna Deane, co-founder of the community-oriented gardening app GeoGardenClub, is passionate about local food sustainability. After graduating from Western Washington University with a degree in environmental education, Deane ran a school garden program in California for seven years. She also…
Summer is the time of year to create long-lasting family memories. Not sure where to go? Consider checking out these five amazing locations that are fit for all ages! Plan a day, or a full weekend filled with sun and excitement, and don’t hesitate! 1. Boulevard Park…
The art of pastry making is the purest form of self expression for Tobey Layne, owner of Lamination Station LLC. After baking for more than 30 years, he…
Since before recorded history began, human beings have celebrated their relationships with beautiful adornments. From wedding rings to friendship bracelets, gifts of customized jewelry can add…
Inside Fairhaven’s historic Sycamore Square building is the studio, gallery, and gift shop of Echo Chernik, a commercial artist known internationally for her powerful Art Nouveau style and over 30 years of work. If you haven’t visited yet, you’re missing out! Echo Chernik Gallery opened after Chernik and her family moved to…
TOM COLLINS Matthew’s Honest Cocktails: $11.50 Ingredients: 2 ounces gin, ¾ ounces lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup, and 2 ounces club soda From rickety lemonade stands to hitting the town, some things never change, including our love for…
Children of the Setting Sun Productions (CSSP) is chock-full of kind, educated, friendly individuals who have made it their life mission to advocate for the environment, human rights, and Native history. One of the company’s main goals is to fight for Native communities by working to educate the public. “We’re constantly fighting erasure, there’s no…
Little Squalicum Pier is open to the public for the first time in its history. Stretching 1,248 feet over Bellingham Bay, the pier offers a new perspective for people to view this gorgeous expanse of dark blue water. Beginning in…
Beach days and sun rays are all fun and games until the temperatures really start to kick up. This summer, if you’re looking for a place to escape the heat and enjoy some lovely, live entertainment, look no further than your nearest theatre. Bellingham’s theatre scene…
Have you ever thought of providing local pollination from your own home? Whether you want to hardly lift a finger or go all in and be one with the bees, Northwest Apiary Services makes this possible. Co-Founders Monica Burdette and Karly Kerr are beyond passionate about making beekeeping local, sustainable, and accessible….
Elspeth Palmby laughs and looks a little bit uncomfortable when I ask if she’s the owner of Beauty Collective, a…
PRODUCER: Niccolo Coturri WINE: High Diving Sparkling 2023 GRAPES: Madeleine Angevine and Siegerrbe from Lopez Island Vineyards We love this wine from our friends at Piquenique and Niccolo Coturri Wines—they’re some of the only natural wines being made in Washington state. Nic and Tess farm this organic vineyard themselves on Lopez Island, using no preservatives or chemicals in the winery and doing everything as…
March 3 marked the opening of the new Hallowell Todaro ADHD & Behavioral Health Center in Bellingham. The health center, an offshoot of the larger Seattle location, will initially serve as a place for new client consultations and therapy, with plans to eventually expand to patient and parent coaching. Nick Mabbutt, licensed marriage and family therapist and one of the two initial employees at the Bellingham office, briefly describes the difference between coaching and therapy:…
THE SHOP The beautiful Bellingham National Bank Building on Holly Street has a stylish new tenant: Worn Again Thrift, a curated vintage store that believes secondhand apparel is a gateway to sustainability, community, and self-expression. Worn Again began as a two-person team (Owner Miles Harlow and a co-founder), buying and selling vintage on the road, off porches, online, and at pop-ups. They opened their brick-and-mortar at the corner…
Strolling through downtown Bellingham, you’ll come across many treasured local haunts. And from May through October, you’ll find yourself face to face with something unique to the summer months: enormous flower baskets hanging from downtown lamp posts. The presence of these vibrant flower baskets is the result of the Adopt a Flower Basket program, a community giving…
A new restaurant has moved into the previous K-Pop Chicken and Beer space in downtown Bellingham, and it’s serving up something that Bellingham’s been missing: dim sum!…
Melissa Hatcher, 32, isn’t just the new owner of downtown Fairhaven’s Adored Boutique—she’s a legacy. Since Adored opened in August 2020, Hatcher has worked…
Excitement was in the air. Cornhole bags flew across the astroturf field of the Bellingham Sportsplex as players warmed up for the ensuing tournament. That was the scene at the first fundraising cornhole competition hosted by United Way of Whatcom County, a local non-profit, in partnership with Upper Left Cornhole. The competition cost $50 per team of two, with a max of 48 teams, and a first place prize of $500….
BLACKBERRY JALAPEÑO MARGARITA Red Star Taco Bar: $12 Ingredients: Jalapeño-infused blanco tequila, blackberry jam, lime, and a salt and Tajín-rimmed glass A cold winter’s night, a warm summer’s day, tequila and blackberry have come to say hey. The Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita from Red Star Taco Bar is clean, refreshing, and sharp. In a short crystal glass over ice, the cool, light-purple color gets darker as you drink, thanks…
The Portal Container Village at Bellingham’s Downtown Waterfront reopens on May 2, bringing with it local seasonal food, shopping, and outdoor fun. Both the Waterfront Bike Park (a.k.a the Pump Track) and its nextdoor neighbor, the Portal, began as experiments to get folks out to the undeveloped waterfront—they opened in 2019 and 2021 respectively. Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden opened with and anchors the Portal, and…
Padraic Markle, co-owner of Sweet Bay Cafe and Red Star Taco Bar, is serious about tequila. Behind the bar sits a selection of over 50 tequilas, all made with three essential ingredients: water, yeast, and matured agave. They also have a wide selection of mezcal and agave spirits available. “Six to eight years of Mexican sunshine in a glass,” Markle says, describing the time it takes for agave to mature. The spark for Red Star Taco Bar came while Markle…
April Brews Day kicks off its 25th annual beer-tasting festival on April 26. The event will take place from 4:30-8 p.m. at Bellingham’s Downtown Waterfront on the corner of Granary Avenue and Chestnut Street. Since 2001, April Brews Day has helped…
Did you know there’s a Bellingham business that sells its own line of custom-designed mattresses? If you’ve ever stayed a night at the Hotel Bellwether, it’s likely you’ve already slept…
ABEJA “BEEKEEPER’S BLEND” | COLUMBIA VALLEY, WASHINGTON Drinking this wine in April makes perfect sense—spring is in full bloom. A perfect day for me is bringing this wine out to the Semiahmoo Spit right before sunset. The breeze and the colors of the sky complement the wine’s fruitiness and smooth structure. This is the perfect wine for any occasion; bring it to a nice dinner or share it on the beach with friends.
The sole technical college in Northwest Washington has received one of its biggest donations yet. Bellingham Technical College (BTC) was gifted $780,000 by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. With the finalization of the donation in December 2024, it’s now being put into effect. Around $300,000 of the gift will fund student scholarships, which some people rely on…
“I’m not gonna try to revolutionize breakfast,” begins Troy Krajewski, full-time chef and co-owner of Sweet Bay Cafe. “I don’t know that you truly can.” Krajewski wrote the menu for Sweet Bay Cafe with simplicity and quality in mind. Everything on the menu is made from scratch apart from the bread, which is brought in from local Bellingham bakery Avenue Bread. Krajewski explains that…
THE SHOP A Bellingham-based one-stop-shop for all things ‘gift,’ Swag is a woman-owned business dedicated to curating quality items fit for celebrating any occasion. Products span a plethora of categories, and Owner…
A new La-Z-Boy store opened its doors for a soft launch on Jan. 16, followed by a grand opening on Jan. 29. This is the first La-Z-Boy located in Bellingham—previously, the two closest stores…
I didn’t know what to think when I walked into The Pink Dahlia. Was it an aesthetics center? A wellness center? A board-certified gynecologist’s office? Turns out it’s all three. “It’s a place where women can get all of their medical needs met,” Dr. Russo says. “I can help with aesthetics like Botox, medically assisted weight loss, body contouring. But I can also help with things like fertility and incontinence as well as with sexual health concerns. Plus…
On February 17, 1993, Kent Taylor opened a restaurant in Clarksville, Indiana called Texas Roadhouse, working off the cocktail napkin on which he’d drawn his original vision and rough blueprints. More than 30 years later, the restaurant has become famous for their hand-cut steaks, chicken dinners, and homemade southern-style food—the fresh-baked bread rolls and honey-cinnamon butter have a cult-following of their own. The original Texas Roadhouse has spread, too: there are now more than…
THE SHOP Bellis Fair has been Bellingham’s one-stop-shopping destination since the late ‘80s, but it wasn’t immune to the national dip in mall traffic that came with the rise of online shopping in the 2000s, followed by the 2020 pandemic. In December 2022, 4th Dimension Properties swept in from the wings to buy Bellis Fair during an auction sale by its defaulted previous owners. These new dark horse owners went right to work reinvigorating Bellis Fair…
Storia Cucina has been serving downtown Bellingham with delicious Italian staples since opening in 2020. The restaurant is known for many things, including its house-made pasta and bread, locally sourced ingredients, and the open-kitchen design that invites customers to witness the hard work behind every dish. If you time your visit right, you may even get to meet the woman running the kitchen: Chef de Cuisine Helen Lofton….
The new headquarters of Dementia Support Northwest, Amy’s Place, is slated to open this spring, adding another vital community hub to Bellis Fair mall. Dementia Support Northwest is a Bellingham-based organization serving Northwestern Washington since 1983. Their mission is to support caregiving partnerships and educate people about dementia-related diseases. Thanks to their work in respite, they were awarded…
Whatcom residents have been calling on Nancy Stuart for creative celebration cakes and delicious piles of scraps and frosting—the beloved Lil’ Scrappies—since December 2016, when she started Saltadena Bakery as a cottage food business out of her home kitchen. “I started with mostly weddings,” Stuart says, adding that the Scrappies were a way to use up the scraps from large wedding cakes. “Instagram was my best friend…I would give people a little heads up [that a…
KEVIN WHITE 2023 “BLUE LABEL” YAKIMA RED, $20.99 Big Blue is back and we’re so happy! We have been enamored with this Woodinville producer since its inception. Kevin brings the true sense of Rhone Valley-style wines to Washington. This is an annual spring release and…
The Spanish word tinto can mean a deep red color, and is often used in reference to red wine (vino tinto). But in Colombia, everyone knows that tinto means piping hot, inky black coffee. Tinto is made from affordable beans and sipped at cafes with friends or in the kitchen with family—it’s a part of Colombia’s culture and love for coffee. Tinto Coffee brings the spirit…
The Bellingham Folk Festival took place over four days from Jan. 23 to Jan. 26. Through sessions, jams, workshops, and concerts, the festival contained 66 events and had something to offer all sorts of folk fans. Some of the more unique events included a yodeling workshop, multiple square dancing workshops, and a Burns supper—a traditional Scottish holiday celebrating Scottish poet Robert Burns. Venues like El Capitan’s and Honey Moon Mead & Cider became warm dens for collaborative, expressive folk performance…
There are big changes underway at everyone’s favorite Bellingham science museum, SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention! The popular educational museum is working on a new rotating gallery, due to open in late spring; a major remodel of the space…
Colorful bottles, locally grown plants, and beautiful artwork line the walls of a welcoming new shop in Fairhaven. It might look like any of the bottle shops in Bellingham, but this one is unique; the beverages are non-alcoholic! Bloomhaven is focused on providing non-alcoholic beverages to people in the Bellingham area. The shop is queer-owned and woman-owned, founded by Molly Flynn, a leader in the local non-alcoholic…
In a world where designs of peaceful PNW landmarks are king, Chibi Yeti is a different kind of screen printer. Founded and operated by artists Ahnnawake “Wakey” Nelson and Megan Peeples, this…
The rate of homelessness has been rising in Washington State over the last few years, with many people in our immediate community facing these challenges daily. With these numbers increasing each year, there are several groups in the area trying to make a change by providing resources to unhoused…
SONDER X SAGE RAT CARBONIC NEBBIOLO Keep the winter celebrations going with this rose-colored stunner! Winemakers Sonder and Sage Rat made their Carbonic Nebbiolo in collaboration here in Washington State, from 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown right here in Washington—which is somewhat rare because Nebbiolo is a temperamental grape that is especially sensitive to the weather. There’s a myth that you can’t pair just one wine to a whole meal, but this wine attempts to prove that wrong, with…
Ashley E. Sweeney, “The Irish Girl” Book Signing January 4, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Attend this book signing and release celebration of award-winning author…
If you’re a millennial or younger, you’ll know the common refrain: “They never taught us anything useful in school.” For those of…
I first heard about WWU QueerCon just one day before the event. It was late April, and Bellingham was just starting to really blossom with activity like it does every Spring. I was looking forward to a weekend at home when QueerCon appeared on my Instagram feed. A queer-focused fiction media convention at Western Washington University? As a fairly recent transplant to the area, I wasn’t sure if this was a new event or…
As you walk down Holly Street toward the bustling streets in downtown Bellingham, you come across a mysterious yet welcoming set of stairs with a large star at the top. It draws you in and takes you to the front door of The Orion. As you step inside, you are embraced with constellations lining the walls and the sound of games from the ‘80s…
Whether you’re entering your golden years or have loved ones who are, we’re here to help with resources for aging gracefully in the North Sound.
The Shop Clean, bright, and at the intersection of minimalist aesthetics and maximalist comfort, Faraways Boutique on Orcas Island is a family-owned and -operated business serving locals and visitors alike. Faraways provides fashionable clothing, accessories, body care, and home goods year-round, seven days a week. It was…
OVERLOOKING BELLINGHAM BAY inside Hotel Bellwether, Lighthouse Pub delivers an elevated pub experience in an approachable environment. With its casual vibe and friendly staff, the pub…
Since Fall 2018, Marc Blake, Founder of Pacific Multisports Network, and his team have helped with just over 200 race events. Marc created an all-encompassing platform for athletes and event coordinators that combines registration, timing services, race organizing, and a support…
MARCUS MINDLIN SMILES a lot. And not just in a politely professional way. He has the smile of a guy who cares a lot about other people. When I asked him how he joined the arborist trade he explained that it’s just what he’s always done. “My whole life I’ve…
Whether you’re embarking on a new build, planning a selective remodel, or just looking for ideas for making your home more livable and fun, our March feature article is full of inspirational customizations to make your home work for you! Check out the full…
Local Resources for Garden-Lovers This Spring As March brings us into spring, gardens all over the North Sound are waking up from their winter slumbers. Nurseries that might have closed for the season are open again, and local destination gardens are coming into bloom. Read on for resources galore, from local businesses to the area’s Master…
SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared home in…
ALICIA MILLS OF Method Skin Studio offers skin care through Genesis Salon and aims to provide result-driven healing treatments with exceptional plant-based products. Her…
Sunday nights in downtown Bellingham are usually quiet. After the Friday and Saturday night buzz is over, the streets are still. However, this could not be further from the truth at Rumors Cabaret. Every Sunday at 9:30…
I think we can all agree that going out for coffee or food is already a treat, especially in these times of ever-increasing inflation. But sometimes, we need a little something extra—whether that’s a small freebie, a creative presentation, or even just a kind word. That’s why we’ve polled…
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Maple. Bar, in Bellingham’s Cordata neighborhood, is the color palette. It’s decidedly groovy, with muted taupes and browns swirling around mellow yellows and pinks, offering a notably different feel…
Katie Trent and Sarah Rorvig are, respectively, the CEO and Salon Director of Gene Juarez Salons and Spas. The company strives to provide expert treatments, superior products, and a sustainable approach to the beauty industry. In August 2023 they opened a new branch in Bellingham, and they’re excited to join the city’s business network and support local events to help the community thrive. What services are offered at Gene Juarez Salons & Spas? We offer a range of hair and…
Ingredients: Novo Fogo Silver Cachaca, creme de banane, fresh lime, pineapple Price: $13 In the deep winter months, everyone reaches for warming spices and roasty flavors…
On Kristen Winn’s left inner wrist is a teal-blue tattoo of an oval seventh-circuit labyrinth, its lines snaking around and around until your eyes almost cross trying to see the path. She got the tattoo…
Beyond the grocery store aisles, discerning shoppers can find a rotating selection of fresh kimchi (a popular traditional Korean side dish made with salted and fermented vegetables) from Buu Chan— a local food…
After the stress and chaos of the holiday season, we all need a little self-care, and what better way to unwind than by taking some time out at…
The Shop Can a service be both niche and necessary? Allies, a Specialty Boutique answers that question with a resounding ‘yes’ by providing mastectomy products and compression garments to breast cancer survivors and other…
The New Year is all about rebirth, fresh starts, and setting attainable goals. The key word there is “attainable.” Vision-boarding is all well and good, but every successful plan…
This South Hill home bends with the trees above Bellingham Bay as it clings firmly to the steep sandstone bedrock. It’s a place to retire, relax, and have access to the PNW outdoor way of life. All needed amenities on the main floor allow the occupants to age in place, while still giving them space to host family…
Since Time Immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is…
I am not a golfer. It’s not that golf doesn’t appeal to me; I just could never quite summon the gumption to take a “swing” at it. Therefore, the Bistro at Shuksan might never have appeared on my radar, if it weren’t for writing this review. Now, I believe it should be on everybody’s. The entrance at Bistro at Shuksan boasts high ceilings…
Seamless, sassy, and may we say a little sexy! That was the look our clients were going for and I must say… we nailed it! What once was a blah, beige, and boring bathroom is now a gorgeous, chic retreat in their newly remodeled primary suite. When we presented the homeowners with the 3D renderings, they couldn’t believe their eyes. From a one-of-a-kind vanity (designed by…
If you’ve ever wanted to send a gift basket to a friend or family member, but didn’t want to go through an impersonal internet business, Madrona Gifts is a perfect solution. Run by Kirsten Lutes, the online shop’s goal is to support local businesses from Whatcom County and the Salish Coast while remaining environmentally responsible. “I’d always wanted to start a business of some kind,” says Lutes. “I was…
It’s no secret that whiskey holds an iconic place in the heart of American libations culture. But have you ever wondered what actually goes into the process of creating that silky smooth, perfectly balanced sip? According to the team behind Ferndale-based craft whiskey label Doc Swinson’s, it’s (almost) all in the blend— and in the barrel. “People in the United States rarely focus on the blending aspect, which is actually what the rest of the world focuses on,”…
One of the first things people often ask Hilda Sandoval when they find out that she is a farmer is why she, as a woman with a college degree, would choose to do such a difficult and physically demanding job. Her answer is always the same: “Because I like it.” Of course, like the…
Since Time Immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared home in a good,…
Festival of Trees The Skagit Regional Health Foundation hosts this annual festival that goes to support their life-saving medical programs. Families can attend Santa breakfasts, grown-ups can dress to the nines to attend the Gala and Auction, and you can bid on their decorated mini-trees in Downtown Mount Vernon. St. Joseph Center, 215 N. 15th St., Mount Vernon, skagitregionalhealth.org/foundation Holiday Giving Store …
Apse Jewelry Studio & Showroom Downtown Bellingham’s coolest jewelry spot with a colorful selection of rings, chains, and hoops. We handcraft all…
The Shop It’s difficult to walk out of Poppy & Pomegranate without smiling. Open since April 2023, this floral and gift shop brings a breath of fresh…
Children of the Setting Sun Productions started as a Lummi song and dance troupe, formed by Frank Hillaire. Before his passing, he instructed his descendants to “keep my fires burning,” and today Children of the Setting Sun continues under Executive Director Darrell Hillaire as a production company with all kinds of different projects. While the…
Taylor Melim, L&L Libations When it comes to crowd-pleasing cocktail bars, L&L Libations is hard to beat— and this is largely thanks to the efforts of Co-Owner Taylor Melim. Melim co-owns both Leaf and Ladle and L&L Libations…
Bellinghams’s strong and vibrant arts community is made up of individuals who put countless hours of love and work into it. One of those people…
Whether you’re catching the big game or catching up with friends, you’ll feel right at home at Corner Taphouse. Open since March 2023, its laid-back, friendly atmosphere has made it a quick favorite among folks looking to spend a casual evening on the town in Fairhaven. The taproom is a passion project brought to life by Co-Owners Jim Quick, Jim Weber, and Carrie Weber….
The Shop Whether you’re in the market for handmade gifts, stylish sandals, or even a new pair of favorite jeans, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for at Fringe Boutique. Fringe has been a downtown staple since 2015, but May 2023 marked the store’s biggest evolution yet: a…
We get it– mushrooms aren’t the easiest niche to break into. There’s no fungi food group in that familiar pyramid, and no, they shouldn’t be lumped in with the veggies! When you look into it, the…
When Madison Stump isn’t teaching first grade at Kendall Elementary School, you can probably find her in her “art shed” experimenting with various fabrics and yarns, working on her next creation for her other job: The Stump of Approval. Back in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing, closing schools, businesses, and pretty much everything else, Stump found herself with a lot of time on her…
In December 2022, Kamarie Chapman and Krissa Woiwod started Bellingham Story Hour at the New Prospect Theatre, a monthly event consisting of two workshops and a true story share. But Bellingham Story Hour is about much more than just sharing stories: It’s about creating a space for our community to…
From Gretchen Leggitt’s colorful mountainscapes to Jason LaClair’s Coast Salish designs, street art has played a major role in defining Bellingham’s character. Now, residents can expect to see even more art around town thanks to Noisy Waters Mural Festival, a new annual event taking place…
Bellingham’s Bay Street Studios Studios may seem unassuming from the outside looking in, but if you frequent First Friday art walks, you already know that the interior is home to a vibrant (and growing) arts community. This includes Synapse Gallery, a studio/event space that’s quickly becoming a hub for Bellingham creatives. Synapse is owned and operated by Jax Mildner (Fine Art Jax, fineartjax.com) and Sienna Dawn (siennadawn.com),…
A few years ago I threw out my all-time favorite “nice” shirt. It was just a cotton shirt from Uniqlo (clearly I don’t dress up much). After years of wear it had…
Tucked into a cozy downtown storefront, red paper lanterns line the windows to greet customers at the recently opened Ramen & Bowl. The small space utilizes a mix of single and shared seating, echoing the ramen shops of Japan that inspired it. Likewise, the menu is streamlined, offering tempting variations on two staple dishes: ramen and donburi (Japanese rice bowls). This latest culinary venture by Paul Han and his…
The Shop Located in Downtown Bellingham, Brazen Shop + Studio is a women-led shop whose space showcases works done by multiple local artists and small businesses across the U.S. The word “brazen” encapsulates this shop by definition: It means to be bold and without shame. “Our first location was located in an alley. … We were opening a store with just two gals taking a leap of faith and trying something…
SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish (Lummi), Nooksack, and other Coast…
SUMMERTIME IS HERE—don’t miss it, break out the brisket! Jokes aside, there’s no denying that summer is prime time for BBQ chefs and appreciators alike. While you can grab delicious barbecue from restaurants all around the North…
WE ALL DREAM of building a community where everyone can belong, especially the most vulnerable among us—and Northwest Youth Services (NWYS) has been working to make that dream a reality since 1976. What began as a foster program has blossomed into a multifaceted organization that provides a range of social services for 13- to 24-year-olds experiencing homelessness…
I F YOU’VE BEEN shopping the local makers scene for natural skincare over the last few years, you’ve probably seen Good Graces. It was founded in 2019 by Saragrace Wyckoff, who runs her business on three tenets: education, sustainability, and collaboration. Wyckoff herself is an educator, and credits her Montessori training for giving her the…
E VER NOTICED A boat full of happy people cruising around Bellingham Bay at sunset? Chances are it was a San Juan Cruises outing. Founded in 1987 by Drew Schmidt, the company started out as Gray Line Cruises, doing tours out of Semiahmoo. In 1989 they moved to the Bellingham Ferry Terminal in Fairhaven, continuing their tours to San…
PRIDE MONTH MAY only come once a year—but the Bellingham Queer Collective (BQC) celebrates community and togetherness for the LGBTQ+ folks year-round. The social group has only recently gained nonprofit status in Washington State, and while…
“WHATEVER YOU ARE thinking about right now, just do it,” was the text Izaiah Ellis got as he sat on his couch contemplating his plan to start a business. After getting laid off from his job in 2020, Ellis was wondering what to do next. Bringing in his love of culinary arts, Ellis started recipe testing for rolled ice cream as…
WHETHER YOU’RE KAYAKING the San Juan Islands, rafting the Skagit River, or doing yoga on a paddleboard at Lake Padden, our region’s waters have something to offer everyone. That’s why we’re bringing you a guide to the local resources you need to make a splash this summer—but appreciating these waters requires looking beyond outdoor recreation alone. Luckily there are endless ways to have fun in the…
REMY COUTAREL, A Franco-American artist who has lived in Bellingham since 2017, believes that art can be used to open dialogues. After moving to the U.S….
Since time immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish (Lummi), Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared home in a good, life sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to restore our relationship with Mother Earth…
March Feature
Featured Home
WHAT’S NOT TO like about a selection of meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables on a charcuterie tray? It’s easy to prepare, offers great variety, looks beautiful, and is meant to be shared in the company of others. With so…
B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar
Designer Diane Williams of Lovelike
Maple Bar
When selected with care, drink pairings have the potential to exchange and extend the flavors of an already-delicious meal.
Charmed Chocolat
Quinn + Foster
Estelle
Savannah LeCornu
Goldstatus Botanicals
Q&A with Nia Gipson
District Brewing Comes to Whatcom County
Q&A with Owner Patricia Mallett-Edlin of Unique Technique Dance Studio
BBay Running Pub Rubs
Blue Water Pottery
Linnaea Jewelry
Financial Wellness with Money Maven Financial
Since Time Immemorial is a new recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish (Lummi), Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared home…
Paper Whale
January 2023 Feature, Keeping your mind and body healthy and active.
SilverSneakers program at the YMCA
Lorikeet Bar
Tanna by Design
Skin and body treatments and what local spas to find them in.
Cafe Rumba
Local farms, producers, and merchants that have everything you need for a locally sourced feast.
Kayla Colburn, Old Growth Photo & Film
Noam Moore, Concept Design, LLC
The Black Cat
Winter Outdoor Activity Roundup
Under the Tree Presentation (pun intended) is part of the fun when it comes to holiday gifting– and if you’re looking to shop local for gift wrap, Cresswell Boggs is sure to have everything you need and more. If you prefer to get your gifts professionally wrapped, Paper Dreams offers both…
Classic Christmas: On the Town
Whatcom Million Trees Project
Ideas to turn your home into an iconic holiday haven
Chef Cinnamon Berg of Cosmos Bistro
King Dahl Creative
If you’re looking to start the holiday season in the spirit of giving, get excited for the return of the Giving Trees, a form of gift drive that appears all over our community near the end of every year. At Village Books and Paper…
Sarah Larson of Sage to Sea Designs
The Penny Farthing Bar & Restaurant
Q&A with Author Laurie Noelle and Illustrator Sharon Beth
Robin Daly Color & Design
When it comes to staving off the PNW winter blues, good food is a great antidote– especially when it’s enjoyed somewhere warm, welcoming, and intimate. Imagine it now: The weather outside is frightful, but you’re snuggled up with your sweetie and sharing a delicious meal…
Bellingham is full of femme creatives, and many of these artists make wearable works of art that can be shown off every day rather than just hung up in your home. Marion Bouquet is one of these women who runs her business, Golden Fern Adornments, making and painting wooden earrings inspired by all things wild. They often feature creatures like serpents and moths, plants and fungi, or even scenery like Mount Baker and the night sky above….
Kementari’s Creatures
Third Planet
Amy Popelka of Tac Tile Company
Maikham Lao and Thai
It’s that time of year again! After 31 days of voting, 122 local business categories and over Seventy Four Thousand submissions, we are proud to announce your 2022 Best Of The Northwest reader’s choice winners! Congratulations to all 366 of our winning businesses, and a huge and grateful thank you to all our voters. Read below to check it out!
Storia Cucina
The Foundation Lounge
Slice of Heaven Cafe & Bakery
Q&A with Alesia Hall of Sea Witch Botanicals
Haunted Road Trip
Feature Home, designed by TC Legend Homes
Matthew’s Honest Cocktails
Mo’s Parlor
Doctober at the Pickford Film Center
Q&A with Kick Step Design
Meet the Inspirations for Your Favorite Local Beers
That’s What I Like! Island Grill
JoyRiders Mountain Bike Club
Chef Kristopher Arndt of Snowy River Cocktail Co.
Circa
If liquors are the backbone of the cocktail world, then liqueurs could be thought of as their sweeter, more playful sibling. Unlike standard liquor, these spirits are high in sugar and often (but not always!) lower in alcohol content as a result. Better yet, the options for flavorings and infusions are practically unlimited– you’ll find liqueurs made with everything from fruit to herbs, nuts, spices, flowers, and even…
Clara’s Canning Co.
SeaFest
Sunnylandfest
A Guide from Betty Be Good Boutique
Wines with Sommelier Amberleigh Brownson
fillerfogg design
Volli Bellingham
Wild Material
Chef Stew Navarre of Jack’s BBQ
August Feature
Mixing Tin
Salt & Rain
HATS Feature
Q&A
Zorganics
Banter After Hours
30 Years of the Bellingham Farmers Market
Amy Chaloupka, Curator of Art at the Whatcom Museum
Q&A with Jimmy Watts of Shuksan Rod Co.
Eleventh St GOODS
Mixing Tin
Remodeling from a Realtor’s Perspective
Chef Marcello Mazzoleni of Lighthouse Bar & Grill
Dry Dock Goods
Home Buyer Tips
Callahan Wellness
Nomad Charcuterie and Wine
Northwest Tune-Up
The Selkie Scoop
Our Kitchen
Featured Home
Time & Materials Taphouse
Emily O’Connor, Executive Director of Lydia Place
Purple Flamingo Cafe
8 Great Tastes May 2022
Q & A with Artist and Fisherman Tom Crestodina
Featured Home
MW Soapworks
Eleanor Hines
Chuckanut Bay Distillery Expansion
Landscape
The Opening of Quantum Leaf
Golden Glen Creamery
Faith Ulate
The Mixing Tin May 2022
Goat Boat Farm
LockBreaker Escapes
Magdalena’s Bistro and Creperie
Mark Schultz of Chuckanut Manor Seafood and Grill
KP Metalworks
Rena Priest
Mixing Tin April 2022
Accomplice Burgers
8 Great Tastes
Bellingham Language School
Remodel
Q&A with Kyleigh Rogers, co-owner of Freedom Vans
Styled Shoot
Celebrate Earth Day with Whatcom Museum!
The Blue Room Grand Opening
Oishii Teriyaki & Rolls
David Falk Design
Artesanías El Alebrije
COF&
Beck’s Shoes
Historic Mount Baker Theatre Turns 95
New Mexico Tamale Company
Jo Joe’s Doughnuts
Soul Sisters Unique Boutique
Storefront Improvement Grant
Bar 542
The Mixing Tin March 2022
Fairhaven Village Tacos
James Binnion Metal Arts
A Seed-To-Table Approach
Crowe Potter
Welcome Road Winery
Connect NW Physical Therapy & Wellness
Music lovers of all stripes are sure to feel at home at Black Noise Records. This new addition to downtown Bellingham buys, sells, and trades vinyl– but you don’t have to be a seasoned collector to appreciate what they have to offer. “If you’re trying to get into record collecting, our store is great because there’s something for everybody,” says…
Three French Hens
Andrew Murry remembers how normal it was to get adjustments at Christmas and Thanksgiving. By 16, he knew he wanted to be a chiropractor–the eighth chiropractor in his family. Over a decade ago at Sehome High School, Andrew met Sammy. His aunt became Sammy’s chiropractor, and Sammy became chiropractic’s “number one fan.” After…
Spring Creek Heritage Farms
As Christmas draws closer, Hotel Bellwether is busy preparing its 10th annual Holiday Tree Lighting Event.
Cute but Crazy Socks
He was a real estate agent and she was an accountant. Neither had any intentions to buy a martini bar, but a decade ago, Becky and JD Merris did exactly that.
Beloved illustrator Phoebe Wahl has opened a new brick-and-mortar retail shop in the heart of the Bellingham Arts District. Now residing within Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress, the gift shop is home to her collections of prints, home decor, and her own illustrated children’s books.
The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra’s new concertmaster is Dawn Posey, a violinist who comes from a family of musicians. Posey, who attended her first live concert when she was 10 days old, chose the violin as a child because she thought it looked easy to play. Hindsight, of…
If you’re a vegan or an avid food truck lover in Bellingham, you’re bound to have sampled food from Sage Against the Machine. This beloved food truck features diverse menu items, all of which are two important things: Vegan and delicious.
Bellingham’s downtown neighborhoods might not be the first place you’d look for a new high-performance home. However, this rebuild snuggles right into the existing historic neighborhood perfectly, providing its residents with the comfort of modern style while maintaining easy access to the vibrant downtown scene.
At Auda Sinda, an artisan design studio in the Pacific Northwest, you can purchase a custom handwoven rug that is both unique and gorgeous. Owner Amy Tyson started her business in 2014 with hopes to create bespoke rugs crafted locally in the United States.
Sweet As Waffles officially opened to the public at Stemma Brewing Company in June of 2021. For the owners, Nate Brown and Graham Berkwitt, the grand opening was the culmination of a vision several years in the making.
Leah Foster knows firsthand that cutting down on waste can be a daunting task. Working in the airline industry made her mindful of our society’s reliance on disposables, and after becoming a mother, she noticed that her own family was going through more of everything. Household necessities such as shampoo, dish soap, and baby products are traditionally sold in plastic. However, finding sustainable alternatives proved challenging.
Madrona Wear is a sustainable clothing company born from a passion for sewing and a love for the natural world. It was founded in August of last year by Ruby Spring and Weston Persons, and the couple makes all of their clothing to order using upcycled and recycled materials.
Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, this rich and boozy take on Hogsmeade’s brew of choice is a must-try for Halloween.
But challenges often arise– especially for Randhawa, who is in a unique position to make key decisions. The COVID-19 pandemic completely changed the university’s operation, meaning that the past year has required innovation.
Picture an art gallery. What do you see? Perhaps a large building with pieces carefully and thoughtfully lined up on the walls, each work of art unique. Now picture that same gallery, but one thousand times smaller.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are no strangers to rain. Whether or not you’re a fan of the frequent showers, have you ever stopped to think about where that rain ends up?
When considering how best to use an empty space in the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher building, restaurateur Jonathan Cicotti took inspiration from the bars he visits with his family in Cento, Italy.
Artist collective formed in 2020 provides space and community for all
It’s officially Fall! Here’s a look at what our staff here at Bellingham Alive loves about Fall Fashion.
The Black Mirror is a combination of spicy and sweet, an uncommon flavor profile for cocktails, and schezuan ghost pepper simple syrup makes the drink really stand out.
Bella Rose Boutique
When Devin Parks started Are You My Human? Dog Rescue & Lounge in May of 2021, he expected to have an impact on the lives of rescue dogs. What he didn’t anticipate was the effect his business would have on the lives of his customers.
Animals as Natural Therapy
When the community Needed PPE, Makerspace Answered the Call
WeSNiP
SconeGrown
Locus Concrete Jungle Ingredients: Stout, Irish cream, cold brew, heavy cream $11 In honor of National Coffee Month — I know, there’s a month for everything, but everyone loves coffee so why not embrace it? —…
Zeeks Pizza
New Farmers Market Mural
Pack Northwest
FLUX Yoga Retreats
The Bellingham Farmers Market (BFM) is kicking off the summer with a brand-new market located in the historic waterfront district.
Snowy River Cocktail Co.
Flatstick Pub
Rachel Carter took her first belly dancing class while attending Washington State University in Pullman. She loved it so much she continued taking classes when she moved to Bellingham, and hasn’t stopped dancing since. “I attended all the free dance classes that I could possibly go to,” Carter says. “And I just never stopped going.” Carter has been dancing and performing for…
Looking for a safe, educational, and fun activity to get your young ones out and about during the pandemic? Look no further than Bellingham Coding + Robotics Club (BCRC).
Where relaxation meets results
Q & A with Suzanne Taylor, founder of the DISH Foundation
Options Cabinetry
Despite the hiatus, MBT is gearing up for their eventual reopening.
Dorothy Smith and Allegro Strings
Plants for All People
Fashion Q&A with Jody Proctor at 12th Street Shoes
Galloway’s Cocktail Bar Lavender Fields Forever Ingredients Empress gin Giffard creme de mure house-made lavender syrup organic lemon egg white butterfly pea blossom garnish $13 With spring on the horizon, Galloway’s cocktail menu offers a fresh array of seasonal delights. The warm, floral notes of this gin cocktail are perfect for a late winter night or early spring evening. Beautifully topped with a single butterfly pea blossom, the main flavors in this botanical mixture come from a…
Bellingham Local Opens Rotisserie Food Truck at K2
Mediterranean cafe delivers big flavor at affordable prices
Near Whatcom Community College, the airy 10,000-square-foot gallery presents a new multi-generational exhibition, Origins and Evolutions: Five Generations, set to run through May 22 or later.
A New Studio Offers Opportunities for Bellingham Creatives
The 1.5-acre park is home to attractions for the whole family.
AFresh Respiratory Therapy Services & Equipment
Storia Cucina Bishop Ingredients: mastika mezcal creme de cassis green chartreuse $11 This drink may look fruity, but don’t let the rosy color fool you. The mezcal creates a smoke-forward elixir layered with complex flavors. One such flavor is the mastika, which gets its name from mastic, a piney resin that imbues the liquor with an evergreen taste. The drink’s dark red color comes in part…
The beloved Italian restaurant now has a new location in downtown Fairhaven, just a few doors down from Village Books, making it Bellingham’s newest destination for fine Italian dining and seafood.
Martini Metal Craft
Kulshan Community Land Trust Pushes Forward in 2021
Lorikeet
Bellingham Family Partnership Program Helps Kids Learn from Home
Living Earth Herbs Apothecary
Chalkboard climbing gym plans to open doors in 2022, joining Vital as a space where climbers can train, socialize, and practice their sport.
Otherlands Beer
PNW Minimalist
The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate the season with a warm winter cocktail.
Bellingham’s newest art store, Art & Happiness, has everything you need to keep the creative juices flowing.
JUXT Taphouse serves up cocktail flights, crowlers, and more
A Guide to Heated, Outdoor Dining in Bellingham
This issue’s Mixing Tin is the Bosco Fresco from Storia Cucina. With hints of rosemary, honey, and cranberry, this cocktail is like Thanksgiving in a glass! Keep the holidays with you all year long with this drink.
Penny Pinchers Estate Clearance
Artivem Mead Co., located in the Granary Building on Bellingham’s waterfront, is the newest addition to the North Sound’s beverage scene.
New York chefs bring big flavor to downtown Bellingham
Say hello to Bellingham’s newest park and playground.
Adored Boutique opens its doors in downtown Fairhaven
Find classic and curious offerings of coffee, wine, beer, and food at Bellingham’s Locus.
Aqui Esta Tile and Stone
Whatcom Community College is bringing Bellingham Alive across the globe.
The Lighthouse Mission Base Camp re-locates to the Bellingham Public Market.
A closer look at Bellingham’s budding cider scene
Epic Memorials
This month’s Mixing Tin is A Stone in the Woods from Galloway’s Cocktail Bar.
Bellingham Professional Finsihes
Combat stress, pain, inflammation, and more with Red Light Therapy.
Bellingham potter Linda Stone captures the PNW in her creations
Bury the hatchet with Bellingham Axe, Bellingham’s newest axe-throwing venue.
Bellingham’s newest Italian restaurant weaves European, Lopez Island, and Bay Area connections
Texture Clothing
Bradley Lockhart
Skylark’s Hidden Cafe Katie’s Killer Mimosa Ingredients: Fresh muddled orange orange vodka peach schnapps pineapple juice orange juice champagne $9 This delightful cocktail, named after a former employee, is the perfect addition to a Sunday brunch. While…
122 West Brewing Co. brings good food and solid brews to the Bellingham Craft Beer scene.
Recycling medical supplies for those who need them most
Electric Beet Juice Co. settles into a new location.
Bellingham Local Jake Riley prepares to go for the gold despite Olympic postponement.
Western’s Jeopardy Magazine Publishes 56th Issue
The results are in. You—readers from Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties—cast more than a total half-million votes in 126 categories for your favorite North Sound businesses, places, and people. From Best Date Night to Best Dentist, you made your choices known. Here they are. Thank you to all our readers and followers for…
The Bellingham Housing Authority continues to develop the former site of the Aloha Motel
From butcher and grocer to beloved Bellingham restaurant — Mi Rancho Meat Market brings delicious tacos and more to the Birchwood neighborhood.
Ideal is where you go to find functional, simple items from local and international sources.
Looking for your next sustainable DIY project? Try this greenhouse made out of solar glass.
The COVID-19 pandemic is rocking our world. Restaurants and bars are shuttered, schools are closed, and our local service industries are suffering badly. The impact from the virus has spared no one. But the threat has not changed our community’s character.
April’s Mixing Tin is the L’italienne from Gainsbarre, a classy wine-and-champagne-based cocktail that’s both simple and sophisticated.
What do malbec, merlot, and macaws have in common? They’re all likely to come up in a conversation with Peter and Olga Osvaldik, husband-and-wife owners/winemakers at Bellingham’s Dynasty Cellars.
Galos Flame Grilled Chicken offers Portuguese Dining at its finest.
The Historic Hotel Leo gets a modern uplift.
Allison Sutherland from Galloway’s Cocktail Bar dominates during Bellingham’s Cocktail Week.
Chef Christy & Shannon Fox use local ingredients, art to make Evolve Chocolate + Cafe truly unique.
Meet Glenn Curtright, the head custodian at Mount Baker Theatre. Here’s some of his favorite stories from behind the curtain.
Bellingham’s newest hot yoga studio welcomes everyone.
Whatcom Museum is introducing new accessibility initiatives for people with sensory processing disorders, dementia, and memory loss.
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Irish Coffee from Southside Bar — a delicious take on a classic beverage, perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
2020 marks 100 years since the ratification of the 19th amendment, guaranteeing American women the right to vote. Learn a little bit about the amendment’s history as well as how your community is celebrating the centennial.
CrossRoads Brings BBQ and fun to Barkley Neighborhood. Check out some of their delicious dishes.
This month’s Mixing Tin is The Cablegram from Jack’s. This classic cocktail offers doesn’t pull its punches (flavor or alcohol), and is sure to leave you wanting more.
Local author Kathryn Trueblood discusses her career as an author and her journey while writing “Take Daily as Needed.”
The Chipper Bird’s Whimsical Downtown Space is Sure to Leave You, Well, Chipper.
Bellingham Cocktail Week Introduces a new way to Happy Hour — Read more about the competition and which bars to hit.
Thousand Acre Cider House expands Bellingham’s cider scene. Read more about its owners as well as more about what makes this cider so awesome.
This new poke restaurant downtown appeals to the masses, with colorful bowls and delicious treats.
Nobody puts Baby Cakes in a corner! This nonet is taking the Bellingham Funk scene by storm. Read more about the group and how they got started.
Em’s Herbals uses locally sourced, organic ingredients in their hand-made products. Owner Emily Pacheco discusses her business, favorite products, and plans for the future.
Bellingham Handmade’s new space is a haven for creative energy.
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Winter Cardinal from Galloway’s Cocktail Bar—a fruity and smokey winter twist on a classic summer drink.
Western receives a $302,000 contract to help build new equipment and gain a new understanding of Mars.
No matter your age or experience level, you can channel your inner ninja at Life Force Ninja Gym.
Good Earth Pottery celebrates 50 years of highlighting more than 40 artists at a time.
Craving a burger? We’ve got you covered. This roundup features six Bellingham burgers that’ll definitely leave you wanting more than a bite.
Designer jewelry gallery Whimsey brings unique, locally made creations to Bellingham’s Historic Fairhaven District.
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Run Run Rudolph from Swim Club Wet Bar—a warm winter cocktail that will give you all the holiday feels.
Western’s new Tribal Liaison Laural Ballew discusses her background and plans for her position.
Lombardi’s founder Diane Symms brings more than 30 years of delicious, authentic Italian cuisine to Bellingham.
Western Washington University opens new Multicultural Center to celebrate diversity and inclusion on campus
Chef Sarah Chan uses her love of cooking to teach others and spread awareness about human trafficking, domestic violence, and food insecurity.
Since 1980, luthier Andy Beech has crafted and sold a myriad of handmade instruments through his business D’Haitre’ Guitars.
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Perfect Pear Martini from Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse—a fall cocktail reminiscent of the most perfectly ripe Bartlett Pear.
Over the years, Andrea “Andy” Leebron-Clay has touched thousands of lives, healed many hearts, and provided opportunities to those in need.
Since 2008, the Bellingham Circus Guild has bolstered the circus arts and performers of Whatcom County—offering one-of-a-kind shows, classes, and events.
For this month’s Five Faves we invite you to explore the work of some of our favorite local fine art painters, from kaleidoscopic landscapes to geometric forms.
To help you stay inspired and creative throughout the cozier winter months, we’ve compiled a list of ways to artistically engage all five of the senses.
The Guest Brewer’s Brew Pipeline program—a network that assigns different brands of beer to distributors across the country—means better beer for everyone.
Nutrition blogger, Cassie Elliott, invites readers to try this easy-to-prepare Pumpkin Custard, which is grain free, dairy-free, and free of refined sugar.
Lisa Staton Interior Design revitalize this classic Bellingham Four Square, built in 1906, while honoring the home’s original architecture and detailing.
Nationally-ranked beer judge, Neal Tognazzini, is here to help you prep your holiday wish list—for beer that is—with his guide to the best beers in the U.S.
In late July, the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District installed ShakeAlert, a pilot system for detecting earthquakes before they occur.
How Bellingham rock star, Tim “Herb” Alexander—the celebrated drummer for the alt-rock band Primus—came to co-own Herb’s Cider with his wife, Shama.
Jennifer Ryan talks the benefits of installing a dedicated built-in dog wash station in your home—as shown in this recent bathroom remodel.
Lori Hill is an award-winning artist currently living in Bellingham, who has been featured in galleries and markets across several states.
Check out these nearby markets open during the month of November, where you can find fresh produce, local goods, and holiday gift items.
Life Between the Pages—A collaborative book club between Evolve, Village Books, and local bars creates an immersive literary experience.
Having successfully opened its first location in Captiol Hill, NEKO—a cat cafe—will soon be opening a Bellingham location at 1130 Cornwall Avenue.
Current volunteer coordinator for the North Cascades Audubon Society, Pam Borso, shares some tips for how to transform your yard into a haven for birds.
Mount Baker Care Center & Summit Place Senior Living tailors everything they do around the residents’ needs—from daily dining specials to a senior prom.
Local visual artist Kevin Coleman is a philanthropist and champion of the arts in Bellingham—read about his work at WhatcomTalk and with local nonprofits.
To learn more about the process of dying gray, we sat down with Katie—a stylist at Bellingham’s Vanity Hair Studio on Dupont Street.
Take a look at this Broadway Park Neighborhood home—a perfect blend of high-performance detailing and traditional, craftsman design.
With the spooky season upon us, we bring you a list of some of our favorite scary movies—get ready to sleep with the lights on!
Bloodworks Northwest is a local, independent nonprofit that connects donors to lifesaving services—read about their programs here.
After years of toying with the idea of starting another local business, Ben Scholtz—owner of Bellingham’s beloved Mallard Ice Cream—opened Bantam 46 in May.
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil shares the importance of tasting, not drinking, when wine judging—sniffing, swirling, and sipping your way to the best wine.
With three main tours—Sin and Gin, Gore and Lore, and Bellingham History—Fairhaven’s Good Time Girls know how to bring history alive.
Over the summer, HomesNow! Not Later—a nonprofit that provides safe, temporary housing—received a permit allowing them to operate in Fairhaven.
For those looking to revamp their look, check out Pretty Penny Clothing and Guerrero Hair Studio—owned by Sarah Dunbar and her husband, Nick St. Mary, respectively.
For this month’s Mixing Tin we indulged in the Hogwarts House Cocktails offered at Rook & Rogue Board Game Pub—Which house are you?
Heather Hitts opened Burnish Clay Studio last February on North State Street, joining Bellingham’s vibrant clay community.
Celebrate the season with some classic autumn activities—Take a hayride, sip some cider, or get lost in a corn maze.
Bellingham’s newest coffee shop, Makeworth Market, blends business and aesthetics to create a bright, beautiful space for studying, working, or socializing.
Nutrition blogger and food photographer, Cassie Elliott, utilizes the fresh foods of the season to create this flavorful, gluten-free dish.
Nutrition blogger and food photographer, Cassie Elliott, utilizes the fresh foods of the season to create this flavorful, gluten-free dish.
This month’s online exclusive is all about Big Rock Garden Park, an easy, local outing that offers accessible trails and plenty to see.
For this month’s feature, we’re here to help you plan your own weekend wine escape—with a list of overnight wineries only a day’s drive from Bellingham.
Stemma Brewing Company, owned by Jason and Kim Harper, has officially joined the Bellingham brewery scene—opening a taproom at 2039 Moore Street in June.
This month’s Five Faves features some of our local favorites for charcuterie cheese—delectable additions to any fall harvest cheese boards!
Leo E. Osborne is a multi-award-winning artist and writer whose love of nature led him to the Pacific Northwest, where he continues to explore his craft.
At 11th Hour Tea & Coffee Bar, owned by Bridget Gallaghur, customers come to relax and enjoy a variety of teas, golden milks, lattes, and espresso items.
Master esthetician and owner of Crosier Skincare, Lisa Crosier, talks acne tips and the importance of seeing a skin therapist for long-term, clear skin.
Interior designer Jennifer Ryan provides readers with a guide to creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces in the Pacific Northwest.
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil gives readers a delicious alternative to pouring out those half-empty bottles of wine: his single skillet chicken picatta recipe.
North Corner Brewing Supply—opened in 2000 by Robert Arzoo—sells a range of supplies for new brewers and seasoned professionals alike.
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Bramble from Swim Club Wet Bar—a rich, spiced cocktail to defend against the early fall chill.
Shop around for your favorite Washington wine in our list of 25 must-have Washington wines, as part of our September wine issue.
To aid the food access issue in Birchwood, Bellingham farmer Ellie Duncan and her farm partner, Annah Young, started Birchwood Farmers Market in 2018.
Since 2001, Fairhaven has been home to The Silvery Moon jewelry shop—a store full of unique affordable pieces, made from all-natural stones.
Bellingham has launched it’s own chapter of The Pink Boots Society (PBS)—a nonprofit aimed at helping women brewers find a seat at the industry table.
With schools back in session, we took a closer look at private school options in Whatcom, San Juan, and Skagit counties—from Christian and Catholic schools to non-denominational academies.
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil talks tasty white wines for the warmer summer months, with a wide range of flavors, styles, and sweetness levels.
Brad Haggen—whose grandparents, Dorothy and Ben Haggen, co-founded the Haggen grocery store chain in 1933—purchased Skylark’s Hidden Cafe last fall.
Family-run brewery, Stemma Brewing Co., opened its doors in June—a long-time dream for owners Jason Harper and Kimberley Harper.
Samantha Kent, a researcher for SleepHelp.org, tells all about the relationship between sleep and interior design.
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Summertime Blue from Fireside Martini & Wine Bar—a refresher that changes from sapphire blue to fuchsia in seconds.
West Coast Pops, which has been supplying events and parties with sweet treats since 2016, opened a storefront on North State Street in April 2019.
Every Sunday through October, the Bellingham Handmade Market brings together a variety of local creators—its first season operating on a regular, weekly basis.
This month’s Five Faves explores some of the top local spots for oysters—from raw oysters served with pink grapefruit to jalapeno vodka oyster shooters.
This month’s featured home is green—designed and built to minimize the home’s ecological impact in the face of climate change.
We take a look at Bellingham local Ryan Sandholm, known around town for his acoustic shows that fuse pop, rock, and country.
Tiny Onion Cooking School, founded by Annalee Dunn, offers classes that aim to introduce food and nutrition to children in a fun, engaging way.
We take a look at three of Fairhaven’s top-notch options for ice cream: Edaleen Dairy, Acme Ice Cream, and Sirena Gelato.
What started as a guided biking business, became a nonprofit dedicated to connecting female-identifying individuals to the world of outdoor recreation and to one another.
This month’s online exclusive covers one more traveling eatery—not a food truck, but a mobile food tent serving up some cheesy goodness.
In this month’s Final Word, Ken Karlberg pulls his “anti-aging” secret formula off the market.
For a helping hand in decorating your space, take a look at our list of some of the best one-stop shops in our corner of the Pacific Northwest.
With the help of four local interior design experts, we bring you the ultimate guide for redecorating your home and take a look at four common decor themes.
This month’s Five Faves is all about some of the tastiest local hot dogs—from gourmet to classic, summer wouldn’t be complete without them.
Mary Elliott, an occupational therapist, opened Bellingham Makerspace in 2014, selling her house to afford the initial equipment.
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Salish Sea Daiquiri from Saltine—a fruity twist on the original Cuban cocktail recipe.
Bellingham’s newest hair salon, Vanity Hair Studio opened on May 28 of 2019—the second location of the popular Seattle salon.
Nutrition blogger, Cassie Elliott, provides readers with a colorful, nutritious, and delicious dish—easy to make with only four main ingredients.
The four-day event, which starts on July 24, is a celebration between several Native Nations, with special guest tribes traveling from as far as New Zealand, Maui, and Papua New Guinea.
John Enright is the chef and owner of the new Cobalt Grill and Lounge in Fairhaven—serving traditional American fare with an emphasis on local seafood, natural products, and abundant bar selections.
Discover new summertime spots near you with our list of the area’s most outdoor-friendly restaurants.
Mount Baker Theatre welcomes 180 kids aged 7–18 to their stage this month for three separate week-long theater camps hosted by Missoula Children’s Theatre.
Designer and certified aging-in-place specialist, Susie Landsem, intersects both design and utility to help aging homeowners make their homes more accessible.
Bellingham makeup artist, Elizabeth Marie Hayes gives us some of her top pro tips and products to help your freckles shine all year long.
During four weeks of July, for six days a week, Bellingham TheatreWorks is presenting three productions for Fairhaven’s first Summer Repertory Theater.
Bellingham community members celebrate this 4th of July with a KidsZone, beer garden, live music, and of course, fireworks—at Zuanich Point Park.
Still wondering where to go for the Fourth? In this month’s online exclusive, we highlight the best places around the Sound to watch the fireworks boom.
For our Summer BBQ feature we grilled up some signature barbecue recipes with Bellingham-based chef, Mike Siggers—fit with drink pairing advice, grilling advice, side dishes, vegan options, and more.
In this month’s Final Word, Ken Karlberg honors a mother’s love—sharing admiration for his own mother and the many ways in which she is “simply beautiful.”
Terry and Jackie Lehmann show their appreciation for travel and design with this breathtaking Asian-inspired oasis, located just north of Lake Whatcom.
We took a look at this generation’s college experience through the eyes of four students, each who currently attend or recently graduated nearby colleges.
Jennifer Ryan brings new style with this geometric Bellingham bathroom remodel. See the end results of the makeover with Katheryn Moran Photography.
As part of Bellingham’s waterfront cleanup project, locals can enjoy the ASB Trail and the spectacular views it has to offer.
This month’s Five Faves is an ode to the finest spare ribs in town, this is our summer BBQ edition after all—how could we not!
Pure Bliss Desserts owner, Andi Vann, has expanded this Cornwall Avenue storefront—with doubled seating and tasty additions to its drink and dessert menus.
Beauty connoisseur Lindsey Major is here to share—check out her go-to summertime makeup looks and products, along with hydration and protection tips.
The Bellingham Roller Betties, now in their 12th season, use the rink to spark new friendships between community members.
Since they began selling ice cream in 1982 Edaleen Dairy has opened six locations, with its newest location having opened in Fairhaven on February 18, 2019.
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil gives readers the inside scoop on Pinot Noir: common perceptions, best practices, and some budget-friendly recommendations.
Sara Southerland invites readers to try out a nutritional breakfast that’s versatile, full of greens, and topped off with a delicious lemon garlic aioli.
Sara Southerland invites readers to try out a nutritional breakfast that’s versatile, full of greens, and topped off with a delicious lemon garlic aioli.
Karen Chapman’s new book helps those looking to plant a beautiful fence-free garden, without attracting hungry, roaming deer.
Rich Appel, of Appel Farms, was awarded the Vim Wight “Building Bridges” award for his efforts to improve water quality in the Nooksack River basin.
Bellingham Alive provides an extensive three-month internship program for local students looking to break into their prospective industries.
This month’s online exclusive is a sneak peek at our summer barbecue feature — a grilled margarita shrimp recipe that is sure to wow your guests.
Ken Karlberg honor’s the memory of a cherished friend in this month’s Final Word.
Construction of a five-story building, reminscent of the historic Fairhaven Hotel, is under development, a symbol of Fairhaven district’s growth and future.
Take a look at the rapidly transforming, urban district of Fairhaven and how it became the chic residential and tourist destination it is today.
Through the eyes of city planners and local residents, take a look at the future of Bellingham and how Urban Villages might affect its continued growth.
Take a look at this comprehensive plan of Bellingham’s urban village districts, and the pros and cons that come along with each area.
Anmly Cafe, opened by Emile Diffley in January of 2019, is a zero waste space that offers lattes, smoothies and meals with sustainability in mind.
Master esthetician and owner of Crosier Skincare, Lisa Crosier, talks acne in this age of social media and the effects it can have on self-esteem.
Take a look at this Featured Home on Chuckanut Crest in Bellingham. A modern industrial space with a state-of-the-art kitchen and beautiful view of the bay.
Cinco de Mayo or not, it’s never a bad time to order a margarita! This month’s Five Faves is all about the best of the best local margaritas.
When Tom and Barb Kilpatrick moved to Bellingham in 2001, a historic café became a classic Bellingham diner. Hilltop Restaurant brings more than just great atmosphere with its longtime Chef, Steven Herzog.
Whatcom County Library System is celebrating its 75th anniversary, embarking on a nine-month history preservation project and building a new Bookmobile.
Arlené Mantha, professional chef from Los Angeles, shares her favorite green smoothie so you can take a nutritional breakfast on the go.
With the coming of Spring, you’ll want to try this recipe for pickling watermelon radishes. They are nutritious and can be preserved for months.
Josh and Tomo Kramer are the founders of Cascade Shrub Farm, bringing you a healthy, refreshing, locally infused cocktail and soda mix.
Why are IPAS so popular? Nationally-ranked beer judge, Neal Tognazzini, tells all about the history and variety behind brewing IPAS.
Arlené Mantha, professional chef from Los Angeles, shares her favorite green smoothie so you can take a nutritional breakfast on the go.
This month, Bellingham Alive is celebrating these boss moms from around the North Sound who manage to balance motherhood while also working full-time jobs.
Animals rescued from a fire at Hohl Feed and Seed by the Bellingham Fire Department, now find new homes through the Whatcom Humane Society.
My client’s husband had recently passed away, and her daughter contacted me as a means to brighten her mother’s mood. The client and her husband had been dreaming of remodeling their home and just never thought the time was right. So when her family contacted me and asked if I could take on this special project and handle…
Leif Whittaker is a climber, ranger, and author. His new book, “My Old Man and the Mountian,” talks about his childhood and journey summiting Mount Everest.
Celebrate the Mexican army’s win over France at the Battle of Pueblo with the best Mexican dishes around the North Sound this Cinco de Mayo.
This month’s Mixing Tin is El Beso de Virginia from Northwater. This tequila-based drink is not a margarita, but a delicious way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Ken Karlberg analyzes the history and future of America as a powerful nation in this month’s Final Word, “Our Invisible Empire.”
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons National Park in Wyoming.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting the Kenai Fjords National Park and Exit Glacier in Alaska.
Mathew Blubaugh is the owner of Northwest Woodslayer, a woodworking business specializing in custom cabinetry. There is also an axethrowing station.
From beer to wine, mead to olive oil and vinegar, this month’s Five Faves takes a look at the best local tasting rooms in Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan.
Cassie Elliot remembers cooking with her grandmother, Ella Gutknecht and shares a recipe for Cauliflower and Bacon Chowder, part of her 20-Day Sugar Detox.
Allegiant Air is now offering direct flights between Bellingham International Airpport and Anchorage, Alaska. Pack your bags and look for moose!
This month’s Mixing Tin features The Temple Vesper from The Temple Bar in Bellingham. Try pairing this cocktail with the “Everything Plate.”
April is National Volunteer Month, and there are many ways to be involved. Help in your community, celebrate Earth Day, and visit the Volunteer Week Fair.
Cassie Elliot remembers cooking with her grandmother, Ella Gutknecht and shares a recipe for Cauliflower and Bacon Chowder, part of her 20-Day Sugar Detox.
Sage Against the Machine is a vegan food truck run by Tara and Nate Johnson in Bellingham. The menu has homemade items and locally sourced ingredients.
Allison Potts and Karen Blanquart are the owners of the Bellingham boutique Brazen Shop + Studio. The shop features local art, jewelry, and so much more!
Online trip planning is fast and easy, but there are some things you get with a travel agent you just can’t from the internet. Frank Zurline fills us in.
We’ve found the best places if you’re planning to take your family out this Easter. Enjoy a brunch, buffet, or dinner menu at these local spots.
Learn to make your own natural Tea Tree and Lavender Sugar Scrub to exfoliate and remove dry, dead skin after a long winter.
This beautiful Farmhouse Kitchen remodel was designed by Jennifer Ryan. See the end results of the makeover with Katheryn Moran Photography.
April’s Online Exclusive spotlights two additional Travel Destinations: Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, and Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, the Snake Rive, and Dierkes Lake in Idaho.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Zion National Park, Emerald Pool, and Angels Landing in Utah.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Antelope Canyon National Park and Lake Powell in Arizona.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Joshua Tree National Park and the Oasis of Mara in California.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting the Grand Canyon National Park and Havasu Falls in Arizona.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting the Hoover Dam, a National Civil Engineering Landmark, in the Black Canyon in Nevada.
Loretta W. Clease lets the men in on a little secret about female power: The She Shed. Women have closets, and allow men to have their man caves.
A generous grant from Phillips 66 oil refinery will allow the Boys and Girls Club to update computers and fund educational STEM programs.
Carolyn Roy is the director of Family Promise through Interfaith Coalition. Case managers, volunteers, and employees are helping lift people out of poverty.
The Hope Auction is a fundraiser supoprting Interfaith Coalition programs to help the homeless. Tara Gilligan Reimer is the auction coordinator.
Louis Tabor and Andie Whitewing share their stories of homelessness and how Interfaith Coalition and Family Promise helped in their time of need.
The Fork at Agate Bay restaurant is under new ownership. David Kas and Paul Lawrence run the restaurant, while Chef Nora Kas oversees the menu.
The “Spaces” part of this feature gives a look at stunning designs for a variety of rooms. Take a look at these beautiful PNW homes.
This month’s Five Faves is a list of five garden centers where you can find everything to make your garden grow beautifully this Spring.
This month’s Mixing Tin is a Lemon-Rosemary Champagne Cocktail brought to you by Brandywine Kitchen in downtown Bellingham.
Winter Haven is a tent city behind Bellingham’s City Hall run by HomesNOW! The organization’s president Jim Peterson provides the basics for the residents.
Neal Tognazzini shares his insights on black beer. Looking for a traditional way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish beer? Try Meance Brewing.
Ashley HomeStore has a new home at the Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham. Chris Busby and April Barnes are part of a team that helps the store run smoothly.
The “Kitchens” part of this feature gives a look at the inspiration behind each design for these six kitchens, and kitchen tech recommended by the experts.
“Living Coral” was voted Color of the Year for 2019 by the Pantone Color Institute. You may start seeing a trend of this pinky-orange color as you shop.
In Ireland, whiskey is known as the ‘water of life.’ Here is a list of a few local spots to find a good Irish whiskey and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day right.
With the coming of Spring, you’ll want to try this recipe for pickling watermelon radishes. They are nutritious and can be preserved for months.
The Chrysalis Inn & Spa is getting an update. Renovations will stay aligned with the original look created by architect Betty Blount of Zena Design Group.
Greenhouse, a home furnishings store in Bellingham, is under new ownership. BreAnne Green bought the store last year and has kept a strong community focus.
WWU professor Erika Block has created a podacst, “Inside the Notes,” focusing on the stories behind classical music. Oboist Joseph Robinson is a guest.
Galloway’s Cocktail Bar hosted our Sips of the Season event. Manager Alli Sutherland and talented mixologists taught guests how to make winter cocktails.
The RE Store in Bellingham shows us how to upcycle old pallets and turn them into a raised garden bed, garden shed, or shelves.
Whatcom Chorale presents “Heart Mountain Suite,” a musical composition by Sarah Mattox using journals from Japanese internment camp prisoner, Kara Kondo.
These are the do’s and don’ts when using essential oils. Check out options from Bramble Berry, Target, Living Earth Herbals, and Edens Garden.
PeaceHealth members provided footcare and boots to Jacob Hood and other homeless people in Bellingham during the annual Our Hearts to Your Soles event.
Our online exclusive this month showcases companies that provide local, fresh wholesale seafood from Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan counties, and Alaska.
Ken Karlberg has an unwanted visitor digging up his yard: a mole. He has tried many tactics, but hte molehills keep coming. What will he do next?
This month’s feature brings up questions regarding Governor Jay Inslee’s plan to help chinook salmon and orca whales in the Pacific Northwest.
New student housing apartments are in the works up Samish Way for Western Washington University students. Samish Station will be another off-campus option.
This month’s Five Faves features Wines Under $20. Take a look at our top picks from local wineries and neighboring vineyards.
Salmon and shrimp and crab, oh my! February features some of the restaurants and eateries in Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan where you can find the best fresh, local seafood.
Heard Around the Sound: a recipe for skewered salmon & calamari, facts about dark chocolate, and how you can help nonprofits at the Chrysalis Inn & Spa.
Jim Sullivan and Sandy Petersen run Growlers Keep in Bellingham, where you can fill a growler with any beer, cider, or other beverage they have available.
For Valentine’s Day, we bring you the stories of five local couples. They share how they met and fell in love, and what they are doing now in our community.
Dan Radil brings you a guide to non-traditional drinks to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day. Try something bubbly, pink, or cool and crisp for a change.
Whatcom Educational Credit Union is rebranding their organization to become simply WECU. Jennifer Kutcher is the CEO and Keith Mader is a program manager.
This month’s Mixing Tin features True Love by Pink, an exotic cocktail using lychee made by Studio B. The perfect romantic drink for Valentine’s Day.
With professional travel and tourism experience, Sandy Ward, CEO of Bellingham Whatcom County Touris, is working on a way-finding plan for Whatcom County.
Tianna Tsitsis of RejuvenationMD shares her favorite foods and bad habits to break to help us achieve radiant, healthy skin.
Kelly DuByne of Distinctive Interior Designs showcases a kitchen remodel in Lake Stevens. Cabinets from Architectual Cabinet brighten and warm the room.
Jeff Holmes, owner of the Loft, has a second location on Sunset Drive, The Latitude Kitchen and Bar. Steven Engels is the executive chef.
Roberta and Gregg Westover own the Olive Shoppe and Ginger Grater. at their place in La Conner, you can taste a variety of olives, shop for kitchen necessities, and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Kara Nelson describes what it’s like to be married to a commercial fisherman. Her husband, Laeth, is gone for extended periods of time for much of the year.
Ken Karlberg shares a personal account of a family member dealing with an addiction. PeaceHealth is saving lives during this opioid epidemic.
Andrea Hampton is the owner of Salty Fox Coffee – a Friday Harbor cafe with baked goods, Twisp coffee, art, and a comfy place to wait for the ferry.
There are many environmental hazards that can affect our homes. This safety guide lists safety checks for the house to keep you living in a healthy home.
This month we are sharing five of our favorite Bellingham podcasts. With the shows discussing community, science, beer, food, comics, and more!
There are many different ways to exercise your brain and keep your mind sharp. Some techniques include coloring, games, and communicating with others.
These medicinal plants have healing properties. You can look for them in the wild or grow them yourself, like having a backyard medicine cabinet.
A community garden helps us build community with our neighbors; reconnect with our food, where it comes from, and how it grows; and stay healthy!
Eugene Leonard is the owner of Anacortes Cannabis. Many of their products have healing properties to help with symptoms such as anxiety or sleeplessness.
Jenn Bachtel gives a week-by-week summary of her first month with Morgan H Fitness. Morgan Herkert is a registered nurse and personal trainer.
Jenn Bachtel shares a few favorite recipes, like cold Asian salad and protein bread, as well as substitutions to keep your meals varied and nutritious.
After having a baby, Jenn Bachtel is working with Morgan Herkert of Morgan H Fitness to change her life through a rigorous nutrition and exercise plan.
Owned by Kevin Buck, Chocolate Necessities changed locations last fall and now has two stores where you can enjoy artisan chocolate, gelato, wine and beer.
This month’s Mixing Tin features the G, a cocktail created by managing mixologist Dakota Etley at Miller’s Back Door, next to Rumors Cabaret.
Brian Shasserre is part of the Zero Waste Movement. He refuses single use items to create less waste and instead reuses items.
Professional organizer Monika Kristofferson of Efficient Organization gives you some hints to help simplify your space and clear the clutter this new year.
Alchemika Salon, with owner and stylist Somer-Barnes, is an eco-conscious salon for responsible hair care. Green Circle provides compostable packaging.
Big Love Juice has two Bellingham locations, offering cold press juices made from local ingredients in addition to healthy, fresh snacks.
The New Year is a time to refresh! Fashion blogger Autumn Sorelle shares her tips on how to clear away the clutter and re-organize your closet.
Jenn Bachtel shares a few favorite recipes, like cold Asian salad and protein bread, as well as substitutions to keep your meals varied and nutritious.
Josh and Tomo Kramer are the founders of Cascade Shrub Farm, bringing you a healthy, refreshing, locally infused cocktail and soda mix.
Jennifer Ryan took on the challenge of a home remodel to open up the kitchen, dining room, and living room, so a view of the lake could be enjoyed.
Monika Kristofferson shares tools for change to help you clear away the clutter. Learn how to make decisions to organize your home and feel more empowered.
Cassie Elliot shares her recipe for a delicious butternut squash soup with toasted pumpkin seeds. It is low carb and fits within her 20 day Sugar Detox.
Zac Palmer is a personal trainer, and VP of Fitness Gear and Training. The store sells residential fitness equipment, has a gym and a 30-Minute Fit program.
Mother and son duo released their book, “Raising Ryan: Living with Autism” in June of 2018. Sometimes funny, sometimes hear-wrenching, this is their story.
Robin Robertson is experiencing life in a whole new way since her knee replacement surgery a year ago. Her custom knee was designed by Conformis.
Professor Merrill A. Peterson, at Western Washington University, teaches biology and entomology. He recently published a book, “Pacific Northwest Insects.”
Neal Tognazzini reminds us not to forget about dark beers during these long, dark winter months. Selections from Wander Brewing Co. are among the favorites.
Cassie Elliot shares her recipe for a delicious butternut squash soup with toasted pumpkin seeds. It is low carb and fits within her 20 day Sugar Detox.
The Bellingham Food Bank provides hunger-relief to many in our community. The non-profit is run by executive director Mike Cohen, staff, and 150 volunteers.
December’s Mixing Tin brings you the toasted bourban mocha from the 13moons restaurant at the Swinomish Casino in Anacortes.
We have chosen our top five favorite places celebrate New Year’s Eve around Skagit County, Whatcom County, and Island County.
Ken Karlberg gives us a challenge this holiday season in his Final Word: to love thy neighbor and to practice kindness, to open our eyes beyond our bubble.
Head down to Squalicum Harbor for some classic fish and chips or a burger and fries from Nicki’s Bella Marina, which overlooks Bellingham Bay.
Suzanne Smith, owner of Betty Be Good, held a fundraiser and raised $10,000 for Engedi, an organization providing support to survivors of human trafficking.
Continuing our Jane Goodall feature, learn about the chimps, the Jane Goodall Institute, and how Goodall is depicted in a Far Side cartoon by Gary Larson.
Primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall talked to a sold-out audience in October through WWU to share her work and efforts to save the planet.
Pandora Grover moved her women’s clothing store, Seasons, to Fairhaven earlier this year. You can find Northwest fashion for every season there year-round.
For a seaside retreat and an exceptional dining experience, try the Whidbey Island Inn at Langley with executive chef Matt Costello and chef Emily Bell.
Styled by Lisa Karlberg and photographed by Katheryn Moran, we bring you Feathers & Fur (faux fur!) paired with beautiful clothes from local shops for our annual fashion shoot!
Brian Cladoosby, senior tribal leader of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, is enacting national and local change, improving the lives of his tribe.
Lisa Crosier, owner of Lisa Crosier Skincare and Beauty Boutique, shares her secrets and goals for healthy skin care for a new you in the new year.
This Christmas Eve marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 8 astronauts entering lunar orbit. Greg Anders runs the Heritage Flight Museum in Burlington.
The Lummi Nation purchased the Blaine Loomis Trail Golf Course, located on original tribal land. It will be an addition to the Silver Reef Hotel and Casino.
Since Costco’s move, the Cordata Center is now home to Sierra Trading Post, HomeGoods, and Hobby Lobby. All in one place to make your shopping trip easier.
This month, our featured home showcases a home for the holidays, with Christmas trees and seasonal decor to brighten and warm the room.
Lynden native Laura Bouma owns the women’s clothing boutique Cheeks. You can find the shop on Front Street in downtown Lynden.
You can help out your local chapter of the National Audubon Siciety by becoming a citizen scientist and counting birds for the Christmas Bird Count.
The Saratoga Inn on Whidbey Island makes a delightful getaway this winter. In the remodel, owner Jim Pensiero gave the inn a refreshing, comfortable look.
The 31st annual Jingle Bell Run starts at Bellingham High School on Dec. 8. This event raises funds for arthritis research and helps spread awareness.
Arelené Mantha of Twofiftyflora has blackberries and biscuits for a perfect Christmas morning treat. Try her blackberry sauce on buttermilk biscuits recipe!
Christopher Morrison is Bellingham’s own Dale Chihuly, creating beautiful glass art pieces inspired by nature. You can find his work at Morrison Glass Art.
As you are preparing for the holidays, here is a list of local, U-cut Christmas tree farms around Whatcom and Skagit counties.
This month’s Final Word is by Ken Karlberg. As someone within the legal system, Ken takes a look at the controversy of the Judge Kavanaugh hearings.
Jordan Pollack has been a fearless wildland firefighter across Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish for over 40 years.
To help keep boaters, fisherman, and community members safe, the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed in Bellingham, keeps watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Whatcom County Search and Rescue Council and their volunteers play a vital role in assisting the Bellingham Police Department and community.
Whether they’re tracking a suspect or sniffing for bombs, the Bellingham Police Department K-9 Unit and their handlers are putting their lives on the line to keep the public safe.
Police Detective Pauline Renick fights crimes against children with the help of Children’s Advocacy Center coordinator Gail Tierney.
Nothing beats a good Bloody Mary in the morning! Find out who has the best Bloody Marys in town in this month’s Five Faves.
Interior designer Tanna Edler answers her most frequently asked questions about home design including inspirations and tips and tricks.
Slow Food USA practices slowing down, understanding where food comes from, and enjoying the local bounty in Island and Skagit Counties.
From stickers to mugs to handmade jewelry to screen-printed clothes, it’s all available at elSage Designs in downtown Mount Vernon.
If you’re looking for a night out for Thanksgiving dinner, we have a list of local restaurants open next Thursday in Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties!
This Brussels sprout salad from Samantha Ferraro of The Little Ferraro Kitchen will add Thanksgiving Flair if you’re looking for unconventional recipes.
The Lau Lau is a Hawaiian BBQ dish that may be an unconventional Thanksgiving recipe for many, but it could be the start of a new tradition!
A Filipino cuisine, Ginataang kalabasa is a squash and coconut milk is an unconventional Thanksgiving recipe that will add a splash of color to your table.
Instead of turkey, try duck this Thanksgiving! Peter McWilliams of Doe Bay Cafe shares his unconventional Thanksgiving recipe for duck.
There’s always debate over how to cook a turkey. Whether it’s injecting vs. bringing, frozen vs. fresh, or roasted vs. fried, we have the pros and cons to help you make a great Thanksgiving meal.
Our Thanksgiving Flair Feature this month can help you deign a fall tablescape and decorate your home with pumpkins and more from Pier 1 Imports.
Richard Kauffman of Riverhaven Farm is raising high-quality, free-range Thanksgiving turkeys. These small-farm birds are expensive, but certainly worth it.
How are you going to wash your traditional starch-and-fat lover’s delight of a meal down this Thanksgiving? The answer: Saison.
Cataloging, recording, and saving priceless pieces of Bellingham’s history is up to the archivist Jeff Jewell at Whatcom Museum.
Here is a list of the best dishes on the Mount Baker Highway in Glacier and Deming. Stop in for a bite after a day of fun on Mount Baker this winter!
Sara Southerland shares her great grandmother’s recipe for a fall frittata with a carrot top pesto using fresh veggies from the Bellingham Farmers Market.
Dr. Joseph Gaydos is an advocate for marine life. He works for the Orcas Island-based SeaDoc Society and is the author of “Explore the Salish Sea.”
When the Leightons took over Sandpebble on Friday Harbor, they changed the name to Pebble and began to slowly and naturally modernize the shop.
Continuing with our series of wellness centers, we bring you a unique type of therapy: hypnosis. Kelley Woods of the Woods Hypnosis Center shares her view.
You voted, and now you can see who is the Best in the Northwest! Here are the Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners in all 126 categories.
Scout Urling, owner of Flying Bird Botanicals, makes locally sourced organic tea and drinking chocolate, sold in various locations around Bellingham.
The Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association and Whatcom Land Trust are busy maintaining fish habitats along the Nooksack River and educating the community.
Julie Coull is the owner of Hamann’s Gallery and Gift in Barkley Village. You can find custom framing, local art, Scandinavian home goods, and so much more!
Cocktail consultant Mike Rothmeyer has developed three versions of the classic Mai Tai for The Union Tavern in Anacortes.
Heidi Skievaski and Kryssie Maybay of Sublime Garden Design worked to transform this Snohomish backyard into a relaxing retreat, complete with a waterfall.
Makeup artist and owner of Love Beauty in Bellingham Ashley Thomasson shares her secrets to can’t-live-without products for her finishing touches.
Carolyn Colwell of Your City Sports has donated thousands of socks to the homeless, working with Rachel Tinnell of the Lighthouse Mission Ministeries.
The Orca Building in Fairhaven is home to the Peter James Photography Gallery as well as a splashy new orca sculpture designed by David Christensen.
Ken Karlberg recalls past pranks at work and with his daughters, and encourages us to be playful and find our inner child.
San Juan Island Brewing Co., run by brothers Tim and Sean Alyward and stepfather Verne Howard, offers tasty brews and wood stone pizzas on Friday Harbor.
Bob Hall, owner of Daylight Properties, is an integral part of creating the downtown Bellingham we have today with his historical buiding restorations.
Midterm elections are right around the corner, and Ken Karlberg shares his thoughts on truth, our country, and political parties.
In Burlington, Tana and Eric Skaugrud are founders of Skagit’s Own Fish Market. They offer fresh, locally caught seafood, seasonings, and a seafood lunch.
With just a little bit of planning, prep, and organization, anyone can use this super simple recipe for instant pot chili.
Dan Radil gives an inside look into the current downturn of Whatcom County Wineries and which wineries were distinguished at the Northwest Wine Festival.
Jennifer Ryan transformed this garage into an Archie comic book themed game room for two teens, complete with disco ball and foosball table.
The Pickford Film Center is celebrating their 20th anniversary. The movie theater shows independent films and hosts a variety of film festivals every year.
The Opportunity Council is a local nonprofit providing services like housing, building job skills, disability assistance, and so much more.
Urban Collective is a a home decor boutique and staging service created by Solveig Johnson, a Bellingham realtor at The Muljat Group.
It’s October and Halloween is right around the corner! We have a wide variety of costumes for grown-ups: fictional characters, night creatures and more!
In the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest lie natural geothermal pools. Here are the quick stats that you’ll need to take a hike to the Baker Hot Springs.
Off Chuckanut Drive in Bow lies The Rhododendron Café, run by Lisa Cooney and Jim Kowalski, who use fresh, local Washington ingredients.
Mama’s Garden is a local farm run by three mamas. Located in Deming, they have U-pick blueberries, beef, produce at their farm stand, and more!
Take a look at this Featured Home on Sandy Point in Ferndale designed by Alexei Ford, built by Ian Hamilton, and photographed by Tim Chandonnet.
Infuse your home with living plants from Babygreens, flowers from your local greenhouse or for a bit more fun, try temporary floral tattoos from Tattly.
The Mixing Tin this month is showcasing a drink called Charlie, created by Karly Steffen, bar manager at Fairhaven’s Övn.
Tianna Tsitsis of RejuvenationMD shows us an advanced, effective natural treatment for cellular rejuvenation throughout the body using blood platelets.
Hayley and Jarod Faws have opened a new jewelry store called APSE. A percentage of their profits goes to ending sexual exploitation.
Bleedingham, a local horror short-film festival, gives filmmakers a chance to bring their own terrifying stories to the screen, being held Oct. 27-28.
It’s midterm elections again, and Bellingham Alive is here to help with tools for registering, ballot drop-offs, and helpful websites. Vote by Nov. 6!
Here’s a look at local restaurants and bars where you can get a small bite to eat. Check out what’s available and snacks you should try.
Here’s a look at the Orcas Island Distillery, which uses isalnd-grown fruits to make their spirits. Read owner Charles West’s story of how he got started.
Here’s an inside look into Mount Vernon’s Valley Shine Distillery, where prohibition, bootlegging, and Al Capone are a big part of its history.
Here’s an inside look at Lynden’s Bellewood Acres, where everything they make is grown on their farm. Read a list of their homemade spirits.
Take a quick inside look at The Madrona Bar and Grill on Orcas Island. We will also share recommendations of home bar essentials.
Here’s a quick inside look at Bellingham’s Fireside Martini and Wine Bar and a Q & A with Kuma Liqueur owner, Chet Holstein.
We’re taking a look at distilleries who use local ingredients in their craft cocktails. Also read a bio on Alexine Langdon, bar manager at Hundred North.
We did a Q & A with four local bartenders. Here’s what they had to say about their backgrounds, favorite drinks, joys and challenges.
Audra Lawlor uprooted her fast paced Manhattan Wall Street life to start a fruit preserves company called Girl Meets Dirt on Orcas Island as her Second Act.
Doug Robertson spent his first act as an attorney; now his Second Act is working as an adjunct professor at Whatcom Community College.
Russ Kendall started out as a documentary photojournalist. Now he is in his Second Act as the owner of Gusto Wood Fired Pizza.
Susan Soltes started her second act at 50 years old. She tells her story of how she went from film production to organic blueberry farming.
We are highlighting five of our favorite hikes to take during the fall season, from the North Cascades to the San Juan Islands.
Northwest Youth Services is providing a number of services to help homeless teens in Whatcom County, including housing and mental health services.
Material Wit on Orcas Island is run by Jessie Morrow. Her shop showcases four jewelry collections, clothes, household items, and art.
Goat Mountain Pizza owners opened a new restaurant last fall, this time a bar with tacos called Black Sheep. You can find them in downtown Bellingham.
Award winning Chuckanut Bay Distillery is opening a new restaurant and event space located in the center of downtown Bellingham.
Take a look at the amazing transformation of this beach drive remodel on Camano Island. This article details the renovations made during this home remodel.
Dave Mauro has conquered seven summits and shares his stories in his new book, “The Altitude Journals”. He will be speaking at REI stores across the US.
Master esthetician Lisa Crosier shares her secrets on anti-aging and the two types of exfoliation to give you a younger glow.
Loretta shares her insights on how bicycle seats can be a very successful form of birth control while being the designated cyclist during girls’ night out.
In this web exclusive, you can take an inside look into the family-run business in Anacortes, Deception Distilling and get the recipe for Lavender and Lace.
This month’s Mixing Tin showcases a cocktail called The Bullfighter, which can be found at The 202 in Downtown Bellingham.
Bellingham Alive writer Melissa McCarthy tries riding an e-bike for the first time. Electric bikes are safer and better for the environment.
Flip and Little Bugs, owned by Elyse Brown, are two children and maternity consignment stores in Bellingham where moms can buy second hand clothes and toys.
Todd Elsworth is the founder of Recreation Northwest, a nonprofit organization educating people on the economic and social benefits of recreation.
Western Governors University is a national nonprofit online college. WGU is designed for people with families and careers who need more flexibility.
The Sports Bar & Grill at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge has upgraded their menu. Chef O’Neil is responsible for the new delicious additions.
Beauty professional Cheryl Jason gives us the breakdown on three different types of hair removal: waxing, sugaring, and threading.
Babygreens is a new indoor plant shop located in Downtown Bellingham. Owner Nick Meza is a WWU grad and opened the shop earlier this spring.
The Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden celebrates its 107th year and still maintaining its agricultural roots from when it began in 1911.
Epsom salt float tanks help relax muscles, pressure on joints, and alleviate stress.
Snoqualmie Ice Cream is an eco-friendly, sustainable ice cream business. Snoqualmie Ice Cream makes quality, consciously crafted, delicious ice creams.
Take a look behind the scenes at the Lopez Island Creamery, where new and classic ice cream flavors are created at this local Anacortes business.
Acme Ice Cream and Rocket Donuts share their secret on how they make their rich, dense, delicious homemade ice cream using local ingredients.
A quick look into the history of ice cream and a list of local ice cream shops in the North Sound that make their own delicious desserts!
Doing a partial kitchen remodel can be a tricky puzzle, especially while trying to combine existing aspects with new features that just don’t seem to go together.
Ken Karlberg makes suicide prevention personal by asking each of us to take the time to lsiten and talk, and to ask for help when you need it.
Pure Bliss desserts is expanding! A new extended menu will include more savory options and an expanded alcohol selection.
Katie Meier What is your role at the magazine and how long have you been with K&L Media? I have been working at K&L Media since May as part of the intern team. With three other interns, I write, check facts, conduct research, and sometimes take photographs. Since starting here, I have worked on 8 Great Tastes, compiled the Agenda, Culinary Events, and Literary Events….
Ordering is the opposite of Starbucks’ multi-adjective gibberish. Just state size and vehicle. “Small, on a cone” will do.
Summer is a great time for buying local and eating fresh foods. Planning meals ahead can save you time for other fun summer activities.
A generous donation to Lydia Place will help the local non-profit provide housing for an overlooked population: single fathers and their children in need.
Changes are coming to the Whatcom Humane Society and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, including the location of this year’s Dog Days of Summer festival.
Take an inside look as Ross Grier builds his dream home in Fairhaven by fusing Japanese elements with a Pacific Northwest Washington feel.
This fall season, get that fresh, clean, bold look with beauty tips from makeup artist Ashlely Thomasson, owner of Love Beauty.
Both beer and wine have a wide variety of flavors perfect for the season. Summer is the ideal time for a cold beer, flavorful white, or bold red.
BIJA is changing the chocolate industry. BIJA works with women’s co-operatives to build empowered communities and with cocoa farmers to become organic.
The traveling Caravan Stage Co. presents “The Nomadic Tempest” at the Squalicum Marina. The show hopes to spread awareness of the effects of climate change.
The Skagit Bread Lab is offering classes in their new King Arthur Flour Baking School to educate locals and give back to the community.
Saltine is the newest addition to Bellingham’s food scene. Located downtown in the arts district, Saltine is providing locals with warm comfort foods.
Growth is inevitable. The North Sound region is increasing in population and infrastructure. How is this growth affecting our quality of life?
Top male figure skater for the Thailand National Team and Sehome High School Senior, Micah Lynette, prepares for the Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022.
We wanted to hear from you, area residents and visitors, about plans for Bellingham’s waterfront development, along with the new Waypoint Park, the first phase of the plan. Over the course of a few days in mid-May, we interviewed people on the street and those looking through the fence at the park, which had yet to open. Here’s what you had to say.
Take a tour of a few Washington State Parks and learn about the military history in this area, from the early 1800s to WWII.
A behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island.
Superfeet is emerging as a leader in footbed technology.
Stay safe this summer and protect your skin from sunburn by learning about UV radiation.
Local residents share their thoughts, views, and concerns about Bellingham’s waterfront development project at Waypoint Park.
Approximately 40 years ago, this bathroom and closet off the master bedroom was a luxury. After much love, it was in desperate need of a makeover. Updating the fixtures and bringing the…
Downtown, An Old Space Becomes New Again For Fred and Colleen Schacht, the Hamlet Hotel has been a reclamation project, sentimental journey, and business venture wrapped into one century-old downtown building. The Hamlet isn’t really a hotel but a four-suite Airbnb, where guests check themselves in via cellphone and internet (though the Schachts are just a phone call away). The Hamlet’s location, at 1202 Railroad Ave., makes…
Only the most radical (and misguided) beer snob would insist on a glass for every beer-drinking occasion. Smart drinking requires an appreciation of context.
Humor alert — Loretta reminded me to provide a satire disclaimer. No toes were intentionally stepped on in the writing of this Final Word
Eero Johnson helps local residents participate in city-run BTV public access programming.
Derek and Debbie Peris share their passion for fresh-roasted coffee with the community at Barnyard Coffee Roasters in Blaine.
The North Cascades National Park, or the “American Alps,” contains nearly 400 miles of accessible trails with 94% of the acreage designated as wilderness.
Plant pathologist Lindsey du Toit and her team are increasing spinach seed production in Skagit County through Fusarium fungus research.
Michael Dyrland of Dyrland Productions uses photography and multimedia to bring environmental issues to the forefront.
Blacksmith Andy Gladish creates beautiful, sharp, and durable knives as owner of Element Fe.
Maple and brown sugar? These flavors were made for each other, we all know that. But if you thought they existed only in your morning oatmeal, think again.
Evolve Chocolate has found a new home at Village Books, expanding to include a café and bar, showcasing what Bellingham has to offer.
Have a minute? Looking to take advantage of the long summer days? Just trying to get away? Check out our five favorite scenic drives.
The Swim Club cocktail bar in Fairhaven transports customers into a different world and a different time with their unique and authentic atmosphere.
This milestone is worthy of a celebration — and is picnic-worthy!
Whatcom Community College is planning major renovations, including a new facility for student and staff collaboration and student dorms.
On paper, starting a Bellingham lifestyle magazine in 2009 looked like a crazy business idea. Like the rest of the country, Bellingham was suffering from a recession. In the fall of 2008, just months earlier, a historic financial meltdown threatened to crash worldwide markets. In early 2009, as fears lingered and the…
Giant Pacific Octopus (Entreoctopus dofleini) Where found: In cold oxygen-rich water at depth of up to 6,600 ft. The record size… Click to read more!
The non-profit organization was founded in 2008 by Celeste Mergens of Lynden who saw the need for feminine hygiene kits while she was working with a family foundation in Kenya.
Women Researchers at Shannon Point Inspire Students Not far down the road from the Anacortes ferry landing is an important marine research center that has studied everything…
Magazine Won 2016 ‘Maggie’ for ‘Best Editorial Layout’ It’s always great to hear when our readers in the North Sound like what we’re doing here at Bellingham Alive, and other publications like Couture Weddings and NSL Guestbook. It’s also nice…
Proteins, Fats Give Energy Too These days it seems that every other news story is talking about the merits (or pitfalls) of the low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet, also commonly referred to as the Keto Diet. So what is it and should you follow it? In a nutshell, the majority of the calories you consume in a day are primarily from foods that are…
Bellingham Alive’s Best of the Northwest is both our biggest magazine issue and biggest shindig of year. The Best of the Northwest (BONW) contest, now in its…
Many people wonder what exactly an esthetician does or how regular facials can help their skin. I am passionate about changing skin through proper education, treatment and most of all, addressing the misconceptions you may have about your own…
1. KEENAN’S AT THE PIER …
From her stove in Bellingham, Samantha Ferraro has cooked up a gourmet selection of Mediterranean dishes highlighting world cuisine and cultural favors. Her recipes have found their way to her widely followed food blog, and now…
He created the Rocket Donuts’ rocket in downtown Bellingham and has been a contractor for 25 years designing multimillion-dollar homes in the Pacific Northwest. Now, Alexei Ford has just opened Ruckus, a downtown art gallery just a stone’s throw from the Bellingham Farmers Market. Ruckus prides itself on combining an authenticity of the West with a…
Immigration is a hot issue not only nationally, but locally. And lawyer and teacher Hannah E. Stone has been at its center in Whatcom County. Stone, 42, has worked in immigration and citizenship law in Bellingham for 11 years and has served as chair of the Whatcom County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. Her clients’ countries of origin range…
Bryan Dealing yells, “Stand by! Let it go! Twenty-six feet!” and then, splash! The diver, with his hand gripping the weighted rope that leads into the sea below him, steps off from the back of the boat into the cloudy, dark waters of Everett’s Port Gardner. It’s the middle of February. While not raining, the wind blows hard across the chilling water and the boat deck offers little protection. Fully covered in neoprene, the diver will…
Your forefathers gave me life more than 240 years ago. When most of them first came to this land, many were in search of a new life, free from religious persecution, free from economic oppression, and free from a system of governance based largely upon one’s circumstances of birth and social status, not upon one’s merit or character. These were the seeds of discontent that fertilized a…
Heeeere’s Johnny! (With Your Cocktail) Are you ready to be transported to an island oasis? Take one step into Red Rum, the new tiki bar in downtown Bellingham, and you’re greeted with bamboo huts, tiki torches, and no visible windows hinting at what the outside world holds. You can’t tell day from night, only that this may be paradise. Red Rum opened in mid-March under the ownership of Aaron Roeder, owner of Cap Hansen’s, and Andy…
By its nature, Bellingham Alive is designed to be a perpetual work in progress. As our community changes, Bellingham Alive will always change with it. Few may have believed that Bellingham Alive would succeed when we published our first issue 10 years ago in the Great Recession. I did, however. I had faith in my wife, Lisa, and her vision and determination. Our goal was simple—to simply make a difference in our community, to celebrate our community, and to help drive business through the doors of our community. Certainly, we hope that our magazine has become a source of pride for our local counties. That is our goal. That is our commitment to you.
Beltane is celebrated with a maypole dance. This shot was achieved by standing in the middle of the dancers underneath the interwoven ribbons. Feeling the joy of the community surrounding me brought this festival to life in its purest form.
In Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties of the North Sound, the real estate industry has grown from a decade ago. No wonder, because people are moving here at a rate not seen since…
Faith Ulate grew up in Whatcom County, and long dreamed of having a beach home. So, she and her family lived in Costa Rica for 11 years. But when it came time to…
Ian Bivins As executive director Ian Bivins enters the small children’s theater in downtown Bellingham, he takes a moment and looks at…
Most of the watering holes in Bellingham glow with youthful exuberance and do-it-yourself charm. This is one of the things I love about the breweries in town: their unpretentiousness and aura of simple fun. But every now and then a grownup needs a grownup place to drink: a place to be reminded that fermented beverages can be sophisticated, too. For that reason, I’m delighted by the recent opening of the Aslan Depot. Its parent company, Aslan Brewing…
The art of feeding ourselves, isn’t it a funny thing? From granola bars on the go, to treating ourselves to a gourmet meal, the way in which we nourish ourselves varies wildly by the day. For many of us, it can feel like a challenge to get a…
THE SHOP Statement Apparel opened May 1, 2015, with two goals: create a women’s clothing store complementing all ages and donate to charity. The Barkley Village shop has done just that. Owner Deirdre (DeeDee) Bell took over the shop when Susan Sandell retired, creating a new name and widening the target market. “From 20 years old to 90, we really have something for everyone,” Bell said. “And that makes me feel good.” And you can feel good about where…
While many may know The RE Store on Meridian Street for its salvaged building materials and curious odds and ends, the store makes up only one facet of the nonprofits’ impressive agenda. The RE Store is a program of RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, which runs various programs aimed to develop a healthy, sustainable community. One of the RE Store’s newer programs is the Community Jobs Training Program, which provides internship opportunities…
When you hear about a group called Death Café meeting in a funeral home, you may not think it would be a lively group. But, according to the founder of the…
Before he became a homeless advocate, Jim Peterson himself lived on the streets. “I have a unique perspective,” he says. “I know what they’re going through.” Peterson, 59, spent 17 years of his life without a home. When he finally was able…
1. WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY CAMPUS If you’ve ever strolled the campus situated well above downtown Bellingham, you can’t miss the intriguing, and sometimes befuddling, artwork placed…
This drink was named after the tale of the Five Joaquins. The Five Joaquins were, well, five guys named Joaquin. Between 1850 and 1853 it was reported that the Five Joaquins and a man they called “Three-Fingered Jack” were responsible for a majority of the robberies, murders, and cattle thefts in the Sierra Nevada. Joaquin Murrieta, the leader, was supposedly killed by the newly formed California Rangers, but who knows? What we do know is this: The outlaw gang inspired…
What is your favorite thing to take pictures of? Street Photography is my favorite thing to shoot, it’s spontaneous, gets me out, and I really get to see the town. I love shooting both film and digital. What do you do when you aren’t taking photos? I help craft micro social media content for independent businesses for Instagram, and I shoot short documentaries. What is your favorite spot to photograph? The streets of Bellingham really. I love…
The first bite transports you to a warm, Mississippi morning. The array of spices paired with a hint of pineapple give a burst of flavor, but the carrots and walnuts provide a smooth finish. Top that all off with cream cheese frosting and a buttermilk glaze, and you’ll find yourself licking…
Tore Ofteness has been a local photographer for more than 30 years. Born in Norway, Ofteness, 72, lives in Bellingham. Now all but retired, Ofteness recently published the book, “A Higher Perspective: Aerial Photography of the Pacific Northwest,” through Village…
Bellingham Cider Company Bellingham Cider Company’s head chef Dirul Shamsid-Deen has been a chef for more than 17 years, cooking in culinary meccas like New York, L.A., and Chicago. Far from the bustle of those big cities, Shamsid-Deen is making some noise at the new Bellingham Cider Company, tucked away in a downtown location that has quietly become the talk of the culinary community. A couple doors down…
Acupuncture This wellness therapy has become so widespread that people are even taking their dogs in for treatment. But for people, this therapy has been around for eons. Good for helping with: chronic pain, anxiety/depression, high blood pressure, stress management, infertility, sexual dysfunction, asthma, insomnia, menopause, and a variety of other ailments. Theory behind the therapy: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice…
Unidentified flying objects are personal for Bellingham artist Trish Harding. A Lummi Island native and Bellingham resident, she says she has seen UFOs twice in her lifetime, once on Lummi as a child and also as a young adult off the island. With that partly in mind, she named her downtown workplace Studio UFO. From that studio last year, she won a region-wide competition to be selected as the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival poster artist. The 35th anniversary of the…
East of downtown Bellingham just over the Alabama Street hill unfolds sprawling Lake Whatcom—the city’s vast drinking water reservoir ringed by lakefront homes, parkland and an inviting 6.2 miles easy trek into the…
Ken (and Loretta) offer their post- Winter Olympic Games thoughts to increase viewership Every two years, we celebrate the world’s athletes, their incredible stories of sacrifice, and the spirit of Olympic competition. Once upon a time — back before cell phones and the internet—the whole world tuned in. Now, not so much. Why? Well, as all her readers know, my alter-ego, Loretta, is a…
Between the name and the marketing slogan: “Fat Shack—Late Night Done Right” there’s little question to whom this new restaurant, open as late as 3 a.m., is targeted. Popular items are burgers, wings, and their densely packed specialty sandwiches, some with names a party animal would chortle over (“Fat Doobie” and “Fat Hangover,” for example.) The typical “fat” sandwich is some combination of grilled steak and fried chicken, along with melted cheese and a host of sides,…
What is your favorite thing to take pictures of? My favorite subjects are in the sky: stars, comets, eclipses, the sun and moon. But being a night sky photographer in the cloudiest city in the continental United States can be challenging, so I also…
When you find the perfect house —it’s got a beautiful view, a great lot, lots of space for three growing girls, and in the desired location —but it’s lacking charm and style, what do you do? This is what my some of my interior decorator clients purchased last year. Right away they knew they wanted to make some changes. But they were unsure of what to do and how to pull it all together in a cohesive way. This…
Last month was Women’s History Month, but we don’t have to stop celebrating just because it’s April. The second annual Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival is April 12–15 at Pickford Film Center in downtown Bellingham. This festival screens films directed exclusively by women, honoring their strides in a predominately male dominated field Cascadia will spotlight a variety of feature films,…
Many residents in Anacortes are lucky enough to live within walking distance to some of the city’s 2,800 acres of forests. With rapid real estate…
Your shovel and spade have been collecting dust in the shed all winter. They’ve been itching to hit the soil for months now, and spring is finally here. Some novice (and not-so-novice) gardeners may be wondering what to plant in their often damp, rarely sunny Pacific Northwest gardens. We’re here to help. In general, go with what’s native to the Northwest. Being the easiest to grow, most resistant to local bugs and diseases, and requiring minimal maintenance, these native…
Off La Conner’s main drag and up a hill sits The Oyster & Thistle Restaurant & Pub. Originally a hotel and restaurant (and for a year a barbershop), it was designed in 1976 by architect Glen Bartlett in an English country theme. Going for authenticity, Bartlett salvaged stained glass from a London building that was about to be demolished and installed it…
Doctor Answers Questions About Growing Industry Increasingly, older Americans are looking in the mirror and unhappy with what they see: Scars, skin laxity, wrinkles, moles, liver spots, excess fat, cellulite, unwanted hair, skin discoloration, and spider veins top the list of complaints. As skin worries grow, so have new ways to treat them (think Botox) and new places to seek help. Once mainly the purview of dermatologists and plastic surgeons, only a few hours of television will…
So, you’ve never muddied your hands with garden soil. You can never remember what a perennial is. You’ve drowned or deprived all your past plants. Do not despair. Below is a list of some of the hardiest, low-maintenance plants you can put in the ground. These, according to the experts, are harder to kill than cultivate. Once rooted, these toughies are here to stay. Of course, as with all plants you’re thinking of adding, be sure they’re not invasive….
So, you’ve decided you want to build a water feature in your back yard That’s a wonderful idea. A pond draws hummingbirds, songbirds, and butterflies. The trickling sound of a stream is soothing as is watching colorful gold sh or koi swim lazy laps. Water lilies in full summertime bloom are stunning. You’re already imagining perfect pond-side summer garden parties. That vision is possible, if you…
Lil’ Tugs Children’s Boutique 713 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.299.2350 | liltugskids.com THE SHOP Since its opening in July 2016, Lil’ Tugs Children’s Boutique has become a community favorite. The darling shop carries toys and clothing for newborns through eight years old. Inspired by the Anacortes tugboat town culture, the…
Hydration ‘Tis that glorious time of year here in the Pacific Northwest in western Washington, where the rain is constant and everything is oh-so-sopping wet. This is the point of the year where I start to lose it. I comfort myself with the thought that I am in this glorious part…
Wine Bar Extraordinaire Bellingham native Katie Bechkowiak had plenty of experience in the restaurant and wine industries when she began toying with the…
When you walk into The Blue Abode Bar in Barkley Village, it feels like you are home —even though it’s new to the neighborhood. A cozy spot for cocktails, it has a…
Lather & Salt Tucked — almost squeezed — neatly between Antique Warehouse and Roger’s River View Bistro on Snohomish’s main drag is a delicious bath and body shop. Though it only occupies about 75 square feet of space on downtown First Street, Lather & Salt smartly fills every nook with odoriferous goodness. Chemical-free soap and personal care product lovers will rejoice at the decadent bath bars, bath salts and skin balms only…
After 22 years as Western Washington University’s director of communications, Lynne Masland has now committed herself to becoming a connector of the community. As she describes it, she is an elder of Whatcom County, responsible for building a web of support in the community. Since she retired, Masland has been…
Chef Todd Alan Martin of Hundred North hosted his German-inspired dinner on Thursday, February 22 at Judd & Black Appliance in Mount Vernon. The four-course meal was full of comfort foods from parsnip soup to chocolate cake, each with its own flair and elegance. Martin’s attitude was laid-back, straight-forward, and far from over the top. His philosophy for cooking stemmed from a love of bringing people together around something they all have to do: eat. “It’s the…
Twin Sisters Creamery The Twin Sisters Creamery and cheese shop is big, bright, and airy, not exactly what you’d expect of a store of its kind, but certainly what you want. Lindsay and Jeff Slevin opened the Ferndale retail shop in August of 2015. Customers will find a variety of cheese, jams and chutney, crackers and assorted kitchen accessories. Within just two refrigerated cases lay about…
Pesky Plants to Avoid We gave you the best and easiest plants to grow in your Pacific Northwest garden, but it’s also invaluable to know what not to plant. See our list of what plants…
Kelli Linville chuckles as she recalls how people occasionally mistake her husband for the mayor of Bellingham—a job she’s held since 2012. White men still predominate in the halls of government from Washington D.C. to Whatcom County, but increasingly women are carving out an important role—especially here. Just check out, for instance, today’s city halls in the…
For those of us who spent time or grew up in the East, a West Coast road trip has this one, can’t-beat-it novelty: seeing the sun set over the ocean. The following five places — Gig Harbor; Oregon’s Astoria and Cannon Beach; California’s Arcata/ Eureka and Mendocino — are notable destinations for that reason and…
If not for the California gold rush, the construction of the first lighthouses on the West Coast would have been far less urgent. The “original eight”—seven on the California coast, one at the mouth of…
THE PIERS AT LA CONNER MARINA The piers at La Conner Marina see all different kinds of boaters from commercial, recreational and marine connected businesses. With bustling downtown La Conner a few steps away—amble over to the Museum of Northwest Art if you have the chance—this pier offers has a little something for everyone. It’s the perfect launch for a boater’s day trip, and features a rest stop with bathrooms, laundry and WiFi offered. In addition, there’s the Boaters Discount…
When Does the Failure to Act Become a Moral Issue? Only a handful of issues divide our country like immigration. The debate pits our heritage as…
Colleen Haggerty Colleen Haggerty lay on the precipice of sleep. The same scene that had visited her countless times before would visit again. She was in a car, sometimes driving, sometimes not. It was dark and raining. Out of the darkness comes a car, barreling straight for her, faster and faster, destined for catastrophic damage….
Loretta gets serious about recycling to avoid the public stockade. I don’t shame easily. As a native New Yorker, my adherence to social norms was often optional, kind of like taking abstinence advice from my…
From Spring, Lager Awaits Its Day The older I get, the more I appreciate the seasons. Our lives are always emerging from somewhere, always headed somewhere. We always have something to remember and something…
Gut instinct. Listen to your gut. What does your gut tell you? In the 1970s through to the 1980s, studies on the connection between diet and depression were being conducted. But they were discontinued due to underfunding, as is so often the case…
If you’re looking to spice up your life a bit, look no further than On Rice Thai Cuisine. Their green curry is a creamy concoction of coconut, green curry paste, and basil. Who doesn’t wish they were on a tropical beach eating some fresh pork tacos? Aslan Brewing Co. offers vibrant and delectable Hawaiian pork tacos that will make you feel…
Around age 10, I started going with my mom to get her hair cut. Sitting in the corner and watching the staff, I knew then that I wanted to be a part of the salon industry. I didn’t really have an interest in doing hair, but more in the connection that I saw taking place. I tried to…
Since 1985, Bothell Furniture has been a mainstay in downtown Bothell, and a recent move to a larger building just four blocks away has allowed it to spread its wings. The store’s salespeople…
Bellingham Cider Company In a region dominated by local beers of all kinds, Bellingham Cider Company boldly enters on the leading edge of a brewing renaissance. The restaurant, set to open in February at 205…
Shambala Bakery and Bistro If someone offered you a slice of non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan bread, what would you expect it to taste like? You might guess flavorless cardboard. If you’re eating bread from Shambala Bakery and Bistro in Mount Vernon, you’d be absolutely wrong. Customers new to Shambala will often exclaim…
Redlight- Pina Mas Macho If you’re looking for a tropical treat to steal you away from the cold Bellingham weather, look no further than the Pina Mas Macho drink from the Redlight bar. Rum, infused with guava to give it a sweet exotic, flavor and basil…
Whatcom Land Trust From the North Cascade mountains to the Salish Sea, the committed members of the Whatcom Land Trust have made it their mission to protect the diverse land that draws people to Whatcom County. For many of Whatcom County’s residents, it is…
The Ruckus Room Arcade and Fun Center Looking to provide an all-ages space downtown for Bellingham’s under-21 crowd, Collin Topolski and Emmalyn Smith opened the Ruckus Room Arcade and Fun Center in August of 2017. The co-owners designed the space with the basements and bonus rooms of middle-class…
HIDDEN FIGURES (2016) Discover the true story of three brilliant African-American female mathematicians—Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson—who played a crucial role in the U. S.’s space race against Russia. IRON JAWED ANGELS (2004) Follow the brave women of the 1917 women’s suffrage movement, particularly feminist Alice Paul. Watch as they sacrifice everything to fight for…
Sempre Italiano Laura and Raffaele Chiusano like to describe events in their lives as “destino!” The two have a zest for life and passion for their work which is bringing hand-painted ceramics from Italian artisans to their store in La Conner. Sempre Italiano opened in 2006, but Laura…
Athletic leisure wear is all the rage, but what about a functional athletic garment that looks as pretty as your non-athletic garments? What about telling your daughter she can play basketball in a dress? What…
As a Bellingham native, professional painter Ben Mann has spent much of his life capturing the whimsy of the Pacific Northwest. His paintings are bold with color, yet soft with their overall simplicity. It is hard to imagine the toughest art critic not breaking a smile after taking in one of Mann’s pieces. “I just want to lift people up with my work,” Mann said. After growing up in Bellingham, Mann made his way to San Francisco…
Seifert and Jones Wine Merchants 19 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.393.3271 | sjwinemerchants.com THE SHOP Seifert and Jones Wine Merchants is located in a charming downtown building that welcomes guests with tall ceilings, large windows, graphic art, and plenty of wine. Ted Seifert and Diane Jones opened the store in 2013 with a mission to promote smaller brands from all over the world. The co-owners love its downtown…
Ramen, Revisited With the closing of the Japanese restaurant, Wasabee Sushi, last spring, it felt as though downtown Bellingham had been hit with a huge loss. Thankfully, Muto Ramen and Izakaya moved into Wasabee’s previous location on…
In 2018, Seniors and Millennials Will Find Common Ground in New Construction. If we only had a crystal ball. Then we could predict, or at least pretend to predict, the real estate economy and the housing forecast for the coming year. With no crystal ball in hand, we just need to focus on that which we know for sure. According to the Pew Research Center, 10,000 Americans have been turning 65 every day since Jan….
What is your favorite thing to take pictures of? Sunsets are by far my favorite things to take photos of because they are always unique and unpredictable. A bonfire on the beach with friends is one of my favorite settings to photograph. Being the photographer to my closest friends and taking their portraits while watching a sunset is my happy place. What do you do when you aren’t taking photos? I’m currently still in school so…
In recent years, health and wellness centers are catering to clients who want far more than feel-good country spas and or challenging exercise adventures. Centers today offer approaches once considered unconventional, but now more mainstream, like acupuncture, natural medicines, and hypnosis. This is the first in a series of stories telling how we can make our lives better through therapies that don’t involve medication. For each, we will list the therapy, then lay out the theory behind the therapy, and…
Different and Delicious Imagine a crispy fried-chicken breast atop a fluffy biscuit, covered with melted cheddar cheese, and smothered with gravy. The Yard Bird sandwich is everything you didn’t know you were missing and it’s available at Vagabond Station in Anacortes. Until recently, Vagabond Station was a food truck specializing in Southern-style food: chicken and waffles, fried pork ribs, and Hoppin’ John (Southern peas and rice dish). Owners Lori and Michael…
EAT Restaurant and Bar The Mon Dieu (My god) Ingredients: Captain Morgan’s rum, maple, lime, topped with BelleWood Acres Cider, $11 Tucked on the corner of East Chestnut and Cornwall in downtown Bellingham, EAT Restaurant and Bar is surprisingly upscale for its…
Whatcom Falls Park is an accessible place for all kinds of activities, even beyond hiking, which makes it one of Bellingham’s most popular destinations regardless of season. Hikers, bikers, fishing enthusiasts, and dog-walkers are all welcome. The…
In the midst of winter, we are lucky to have some hearty veggies to stave off scurvy. Kale, cabbages, collard greens are the emerald gems of winter eats — packed full of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber — and they are extremely versatile in the…
As a makeup artist, I often get questions/comments about my own beauty routine, somewhere along the lines of “Do you airbrush yourself every day?” or “It must take you forever to do your makeup in the morning!” But the truth is — no — to each of those things! Just like you, I am busy! The last thing I have time to do is to spend time on myself. So, in an effort to minimize my morning routine and…
Cinnamon Rolls MOUNT BAKERY CAFÉ & BAKERY Definitely a mountaintop experience. Revel in this devilishly sticky unraveling of a treat…
All of us do it. Some before dawn cracks a new day, while others prefer to wait until mid-morning. There are even those who do it almost at lunchtime. Doesn’t matter what time you do…
Olympians from here have won medals on both snow and ice — remember soul-patched short-track speedskating phenom Apolo Ohno from Federal Way, who won his first Olympic medal by crawling to the finish…
Glassblowing Art When molten glass cools too quickly it explodes. At the Firehouse Glass Gallery in Langley there’s a barrel…
What is your favorite thing to take pictures of? Having lived in Whatcom County for 46 years, I’ve seen some beautiful scenery here that still amazes me each time I visit that location. Yearning to cherish these wonderful places led my interests toward the arena of photography. Capturing that special moment in time with a photograph means something to me. “Imagery is all about…
The explosion of wineries in the Walla Walla Valley mirrors the impressive growth of wineries in Washington state. How impressive? Consider this: According to the Washington Wine Commission, there were…
In Whatcom, San Juan, and Skagit counties, Northwest Harvest works with a total 21 food banks, feeding more than 245,000 families.
Colleen Haggerty lay on the precipice of sleep. The same scene that had visited her countless times before would visit again. She was in a car,…
Keeping it classic When Garys’ Men’s and Women’s Wear closed in the winter of 2016, the Bellingham community mourned. Gary Lupo and his wife Barbara had…
Skagit Running Company 724 South 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.982.2934 facebook.com/Skagit-Running-Company THE SHOP On a corner at the edge of downtown Mount Vernon sits Skagit Running Company. Operating since 2001, the store has become a go-to in the lives of numerous runners in…
Ken shares his thoughts on the spirit of Valentine’s Day For most males in serious relationships, Valentine’s Day is one of three days each year that strike fear in their hearts, the others being their partner’s birthday and their wedding anniversary. Get it right, or you die. Forget the dates, and you die. I…
Something Sweet for Your Sweet Rule number one when making chocolate treats is to use good quality chocolate. “You can really tell the difference in taste” explained Linda Lewis, owner of BeachCastle Sweets in Anacortes. Lewis sells her chocolates in a handful of local stores and…
Change skier Breezy Johnson’s status from “Olympic hopeful” to South Korea-bound. In an update to our story in the February edition of Bellingham Alive (p. 68), the Western Washington University sophomore, who grew up in Victor, Idaho – and has yet to ski Mount Baker, Western’s “home” mountain – has been named to the 2018 U.S. Olympic team that will compete in Pyeongchang, South Korea, when the Games run Feb. 8-25….
Many parents may remember Nancy Reagan’s anti-drug slogan, “Just say ‘No’ to drugs”, or the anti-drug campaign that used a frying pan and eggs to highlight the effect of drugs on the brain. The messages were simple and catchy. Neither slogan, however, gave parents the full scope of tools to address the risks of drug abuse with their kids. And that is because the physical effect of drug abuse on the human brain was not yet fully understood, especially for dangerously addictive opioids.
Derek Long grew up in a one-stoplight town in Ohio before pursuing a career in business and economics. Much like the Pacific Northwest, Long’s hometown barely saw the sun. However, it wasn’t until after earning his degree from the University of Toledo and traveling around the world for more than…
Bellingham’s New Pump Track Is a Hit With just a push or two of a pedal, riders weave up, down…
Four years ago, Shaun Almassy wasn’t sure that he even wanted to become a butcher. After some convincing from a friend, he decided to try his hand at butchery. Almassy now finds himself up, at times as early as 6 a.m., prepping for the day ahead.
Beyond inviting visitors in for an afternoon treat or as a stop on their morning commute, Lynden Dutch Bakery caters for events, weddings, and company parties at a reasonable cost.
Women in Fishing Find Their Passions, Help Others: Comprising a small group in a large and unforgiving industry that is Alaskan fishing, women persevere through extreme conditions, long hours, little sleep, and little to no contact with the outside world. But they keep returning, summer after summer, to catch what can’t be found on the mainland, something that’s a…
The Sidecar INGREDIENTS Christian Brothers Brandy, Orange Cointreau, house made sours mix, lemon twist, sugar on the rim, $10 Walking in, first impressions bring me back to an Ireland trip in the 1990s. Bartenders in…
Angeli VanLaanen is Bellingham’s lone, home-grown winter Olympian, and after years of traveling and competing on the high-flying, high-pressure world of international freestyle skiing, she is putting down roots where she started. She sounds content, relieved almost, to be…
From 3-D Printers to gene therapies, medicine is changing like never before Two years ago this month, in a sweeping farewell State of the Union address, President Obama made…
Eclipse Bookstore THE SHOP Eclipse Bookstore sits on the edge of Fairhaven, a mere block uphill on 11th Street from Village Books. But the two couldn’t be…
A Lot of Flowers It is not too bold to say that A Lot of Flowers has become a staple of the Fairhaven community. Since 1985, the…
Threshold Singers Since 2007, the Bellingham Threshold Singers have been providing soothing sounds for people who are seriously ill or dying….
Recreation NW Parkscriptions Bellingham public health and medical professionals increasingly want you to take a walk in the woods — or even just around the block. It’s all part of a national program called Parkscriptions, or ParkRx. It is a national program, based in Washington D.C., aimed at encouraging community mental and physical health through physical…
Whatcom Community College is already making a name for itself as a place to be trained in the rising field of cyber security. Now it has taken…
Why do some things taste better together than others? The tongue, for all its functional importance, is a largely misunderstood, multipurpose muscular organ. We use it to speak, mock others, whistle, and eat. Arguably, the tongue’s most important daily task is the role it plays in the gustatory system. This system includes cranial nerves, gustatory cortex, and approximately 9,000 papillae, or taste buds. Taste buds have…
For a standup comedian, Paula Poundstone asks a lot of questions. She is quirky, inquisitive, and brilliant, all traits evident during her September show at Bellingham’s Mount…
Ken’s Hopes for Parents in Pain During the Holidays For the holidays, I decided to unwrap a personal wound to support divorced parents everywhere whose relationship with their children…
The Classic INGREDIENTS: Brandy, triple sec, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, Luxardo cherry, $8 Being new to Bellingham, I’ve been looking…
There is something about a busy coffee shop that feels welcoming. Voices struggle to be heard over the sound of the espresso machine pushing hot water through fresh ground coffee. Cups clink when they are placed back on their saucers as customers slowly sip the decadent liquid. At Camber Coffee in downtown Bellingham, customers will want to stay awhile just to soak it all in. The location is ideal for…
New owners of this home loved its sweeping views of Lake Whatcom and its modern character. But sometimes, even modern needs an update. With a family of five, the house was also due for an expansion, and a bedroom and bathroom was added to produce a total four-bedroom, four-bath lake house. Built in 1996 and remodeled last year, the complete custom renovation generated better flow between rooms and more living space on the…
This feature story appeared in the December 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.
While I love creating soft and feminine looks, I’ve never been one for the traditional “girly” stuff. Pink frills and sparkle never captivated me the way it does some. But for whatever reason, once a year around the holidays, it never fails: I crave glitter. Maybe it’s the season, or that New Year’s Eve is my favorite holiday, or because I’m longing for a little extra light on the days when the sun sets at 4…
After growing up in their mother’s retail store in Chelan, Jenna and brother James Wadkins opened Outbound, an apparel store in Fairhaven, about a year and a half ago. The outdoor apparel store differentiates itself from the big names in recreational clothing with its selection of small, but innovative brands. In addition to seeking out unique merchandise, Jenna said she is committed to offering customers clothing that takes…
Duo Bringing Discovered Screenplay to Life More than a century ago, a confident young writer named Ella Higginson moved to Bellingham, and her career…
Girls on the Run Coordinator, Trailblazers founder The rhythmic sounds of small footsteps on gravel is music to the ears of Jen Gallant. For more than a…
Best Buds Gaming Lounge As Hugh and Alexis Newmark manage their shop, a little brown package arrives. It has been sent from Germany, which could only mean one thing. Giddy with excitement, they carefully open it on the bar. It’s the European version of the classic video game Super Nintendo, with a…
Rotary Club of Bellingham After celebrating 100 years of service, Rotary Club of Bellingham member, J.C. Hickman, said it is just the beginning. Started in September of 1917, the Rotary Club of Bellingham has brought community leaders and business owners together for…
The Birch Door Cafe The Birch Door Cafe does not fall short on charm, variety, or serving size. Once you open the massive birch door and enter the spacious lobby, you’ll immediately be greeted by friendly service and enchanting smells. Opened in…
Sehome Hill Arboretum Trail The Sehome Hill Arboretum Trail is a six-mile network of loose hikes that weaves alongside 25th Street as it summits Sehome Hill….
Backcountry Essentials Tucked into one of historic downtown Bellingham’s charming buildings is Backcountry Essentials outdoors store. Dozens of recreation backpacks find homes on the exposed brick walls, along with rows of skis and boots. From the wood rafters hang hammocks and tents. Even the creaky staircase, which leads customers to the used merchandise section, holds shelves of…
Rook & Rogue Board Game Pub Something new has arrived in downtown Bellingham. It’s not a cafe, not a bar, nor is it a restaurant or gaming lounge. It’s all of those things combined. Rook & Rogue is…
I lived near Bellingham for 22 years before discovering there’s a circus in town. It’s aptly named Vaudevillingham and is put on by the Bellingham Circus Guild. Located just down the road…
Ciaò Thyme Ciaò Thyme will take your breath away before you’ve even had your first bite. This “lifestyle brand,” as co-owner Jessica Gillis called it, houses a catering business, lunch time café, event space, cooking classes, take-home prepared frozen meals, and a dinner series. What a mouthful. And, to…
Bellingham has its artistic success stories (Death Cab for Cutie, comedian Ryan Stiles), but it also has its grassroots luminaries. Author, poet, and radio producer Shannon Laws is one. She has the privilege of not only being one of many talented Bellingham artists, but possesses a passion for supporting the local art community. Since beginning her writing career in 2009, she has expanded…
The Refresher INGREDIENTS Choice of housemade infusion, muddled citrus, Sierra Mist and club soda, $9 The bar at Bayou on Bay has the comforting feel of a neighborhood tavern, but one located in a bustling intersection of downtown Bellingham. Step inside and settle in. Twinkling lights hang inside and romantic art scatters the walls. This makes the perfect place to sit with friends for drinks while watching the world whirl by from the…
Private Gardens Design Susan Harrison, owner of Private Gardens Design, is no stranger to awards. She won our own Best of the Northwest for Best Landscape Designer in 2015 and took home the silver from this year’s Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) International Design Competition. The silver-winning design is located on a one-acre lot in Anacortes that overlooks Similk Bay…
Inexpensive Costume Options at Buffalo Exchange, Wise Buys Finding a clever Halloween costume can be a challenge, especially in a hip, creative community…
Fairhaven Fourth Friday Art Work Fairhaven is Washington’s best-kept secret, according to artist and shop owner Scott Ward, who moved north from Seattle a year ago. The exposed brick buildings, the boardwalk,…
Ray and Keely Deck, Skookum House Upstairs are rooms bathed in natural light from the windows, complete with colorfully quilted beds and bins…
For the last 2 ½ years, Marie Marchand has done her part to raise up voices from the greater Bellingham community. As host and co-producer…
A Guy’s Viticulture Guide to Relationships I am either fearless or foolish because I habitually connect dots for the sake of humor, like the parallels between romance and wine, that should never be connected in public. This issue’s feature article on wine inspired me yet again — my pencil is out and ready. Despite the threat of grave bodily injury, I just can’t help myself. I am compelled to provide…
Sangria in the Rain INGREDIENTS Clear Creek Pear Brandy, Rene Barbier Catalunya Red Blend, lime, orange, pineapple, Sierra Mist, $8 Perhaps the most appealing part of choosing The Black Cat (or Le Chat Noir if you’re feeling French) for an after work drink or two is the view from upstairs. Set…
Lovitt Restaurant The atmosphere of the Lovitt restaurant welcomes you with dim lighting, large farm style furniture, and the smells of fresh sourdough, herbs and spices. Kristen and Norman Six opened the restaurant in…
Western’s Carver Gym Renovation a Sight to See for Fans After undergoing an extensive and much-needed renovation costing $70 million and spanning two years, Sam Carver Gym at Western Washington University will re-open its doors — just in time for fall sports. Your first chance to watch a Western team play in the new gym will be on September 19, when Western women’s volleyball hosts NCAA Div. II…
This striking home in the San Juan Islands started as a log cabin. A full overhaul, led by Bellingham interior designer Lisa Staton and client Kristina Gladstein, transformed it to a lighter, brighter…
ModSock Socks of all shapes and sizes adorn the surfaces of ModSock, including more than 50 cat socks alone. When asked what it’s like to run a successful business selling niche items, owner Urania Shaklee said socks aren’t a niche, they’re a need. ModSock thrives selling solely socks…
Bellingham Cohousing Coffee hour starts at 10 a.m. each morning. Residents sit quietly in the common house and drink their coffee while catching up with neighbors. Six acres of land was bought in 1997 and three years later, the first family moved into their unit and Bellingham Cohousing was born….
Melvin Brewpub Melvin Brewpub opened June 3 with an estimated 300 people lined up outside the door. Even with an abundance of microbreweries already in Bellingham, the community could barely contain its excitement for the native Wyoming brewery with a cult following. Melvin picked Bellingham over other, more populous cities (sorry-not-sorry, Seattle) because of our beer-friendly attitude and co-founder Jeremy Tofte’s, Mount Vernon roots. “There is room for more beer here. The market is definitely not over-saturated,” said national…
Only some people are aware of the major dispute between Great Britain and the United States over who had rightful ownership of the San Juan Islands, referred to as The Pig War. The mid-1800s conflict never actually resulted in physical combat, but was instead resolved diplomatically. It is quite likely that just a handful of people know…
Bellingham SeaFeast Festival After a successful maiden voyage in 2016, SeaFeast is returning to Bellingham September 22 and 23 for two days of games, live music, and of course, good eats. The festival…
Kathie Wilson When Bellingham’s Childlife Montessori School opens the doors to its final year this month, Kathie Wilson will begin her 41st year of…
With career-oriented courses and connections to local industries, Bellingham Technical College has established a considerable foothold among Bellingham’s institutions of higher learning that include Western Washington University and Whatcom Community College. This year, BTC has even more to celebrate: its 60th anniversary, and a reputation for helping students land employment after graduation — no small task in an economy where debt-ridden college graduates can languish for years before finding a job in their field of study, if they…
The Waterside Citrus INGREDIENTS Hedge Trimmer gin, fresh lime, fresh grapefruit, a sprig of mint, with soda water, over ice, $8.75 With the summer finally settling in here in…
Goat Mountain Pizza Goat Mountain Pizza just might be the first living restaurant in Bellingham. To sustain local produce year-round, Goat Mountain has installed an aquaponics system. The in-house garden looks anything but traditional. With no dirt and no garden bed, you may not even notice the growth…
While the tiny building that sits on Pam Bosch’s property isn’t legally a house, it serves as a model for future construction projects. It was built using hempcrete, a cement-like mixture that’s made from combining the inner core of the hemp plant with lime. The result is a cozy space that stays cool even…
2020 Solutions THE SHOP Any preconceived notion you have for how a marijuana retailer should look would probably be dashed when you enter 2020 Solutions on Meridian. The store, one of three 2020 Solutions…
Forte Chocolates Pushing away from corporate chains mechanically mass-producing their chocolate, Forte Chocolates takes a step back, continuing to handcraft their world-renowned sweets. Turn the corner…
Pizza’zza Expands in Fairhaven After about six months of renovation Pizza’zza officially reopened in June as a full-service, sit-down restaurant and tap room. While the…
Western Washington University Summer Theatre With the vast amount of outdoor activities available to Pacific Northwest residents in summer, theater-going is rarely at the top of the…
Opera Pastries and Coffee Those hungry for a taste of France have a new destination to try in downtown Bellingham. Opera, a French pastry and coffee shop, officially opened its doors on April 1. The bakery features an array of classic French pastries baked in-house daily. Opera’s display case is filled with…
Barb Demorest Barbara Demorest’s story is one that begins with a diagnosis and leads to a ripple of hope for thousands, extending from her Bellingham community all the way to women of rural Uganda. In July of 2011, Demorest received the devastating call that a lump she had biopsied was indeed breast cancer. She would undergo a mastectomy and,…
The summer is when the best parts of Washington come out to play. There’s nothing quite like rooftop dining during the warmer months. Maybe it’s the skyline views or the general fancy ambiance. Maybe it’s the above-it-all feeling you get as you enjoy food and drink. Or maybe it’s because food has been known to taste better when you’re high. Whatever the case may…
One of the greatest tragedies of being lactose intolerant is the inability to enjoy one of the best go-to foods there are—pizza. You can, of course, make your own recipes…
Mambo Italiano Mambo Rosemary Margarita Mambo Italiano’s bar sits above the regular dining seating in the front of the café. Up the stairs and to the left you find the quaint bar. A small yet cozy atmosphere —…
Paws for a Beer If there are two things the people of Bellingham adore, it’s their beer and their dogs, not necessarily in that order. That was what Rylan Schoen was counting on when he opened his one-of-a-kind…
B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar at Four Points by Sheraton is an inspiration of architecture, interior design, and culinary imagination. Early this year, the hotel closed its previous restaurant, Poppe’s 360, and set about construction of this bright new and more contemporary restaurant. Large, unobstructed, floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a heated patio…
The airy lightness of this Chuckanut Bay home’s interior stands in contrast to its big, bold, concrete frame that attracts attention from those who live nearby or paddle past. The owner, a builder himself, wanted to convey permanence in a home situated between the everchanging water and a boulder wall constructed to highlight area sandstone. McClellan Architects, led by Regan Smith, was also responsible for the interior design that included this staircase, enhanced by multi-level orbs, giving…
Whatcom County: Sunnyland There’s no such thing as the perfect neighborhood. Everyone has different needs and desires. But for Tina and Kirby White, Sunnyland has it all. Sunnyland is where they live, work, and play. A few blocks away from their home is their restaurant, Homeskillet. It’s a breakfast and brunch place that has gained wild popularity, even outside its Sunnyland borders—Homeskillet is known as Sunnyland’s “worst-kept secret.” The Whites were looking for a restaurant within walking distance of…
Whatcom County: Lettered Streets With beer, ice cream, and Bellingham Bay just blocks away, the Lettered Streets neighborhood is one of Whatcom County’s most prized for location. Lisa Kaufman, Todd Eastman, and new four-legged companion Zeke have been enjoying their quaint Lettered Streets house and yard since 2003. It was Bellingham’s accessibility to the outdoors that brought them here, Kaufman said. The couple lived on Bellingham’s outskirts for…
Whatcom County: Cornwall Park Imagine a block of homes with blooming gardens and the street teeming with children, surrounded by a park. In the 1960s and 70s, this was Marilyn Mastor’s view from her home with her four children and husband. So many children…
Semiahmoo is more than just a hot spot for retired couples and vacation homeowners. It’s a community for families. Len and Tara Saunders found their home in Turnberry Wood in 2004 after Len’s job led them to the U.S. from…
Northwater Comfortable soft blue leather chairs, Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie” playing in the background, a classy atmosphere, light entrees, and vast choices of cocktails and mocktails—that’s what’s to be expected at Northwater. Northwater, a modern restaurant and bar which opened in late March, is part of the Holiday Inn and Suites hotel, across from the Bellingham airport. From I-5, take the Bakerview Road and Bellingham International Airport exit (exit 258) and follow the signs to the airport. Whether you’ve just arrived…
If you think the compacted-soil, rock-hewn, lifeless plot of land on your property could never support a garden, we have a story for you. More than 100 volunteers recently transformed the empty gravel lot across from the Bellingham…
Lairmont Manor Historic homes can be a focal point for neighborhoods. In Bellingham, few are more famous than Lairmont Manor, in Fairhaven’s Edgemoor neighborhood. Originally named The Larrabee House, it was designed in 1914 for local power couple Charles and Frances Larrabee by renowned Seattle architect Carl Gould. Gould designed a 25-room Italian Renaissance-style estate with sweeping views of Bellingham Bay and plenty of gardens for their four children to enjoy. While Charles died before completion of the estate, before…
Yoga Brings Peace to Women in Transition In one of the least likely places, the chapel of the Lighthouse Mission, women temporarily forget the harsh realities of their daily struggles while yoga instructor Sarah Willett, face aglow, shares a different set of life skills—ones that involve stretches, breathing, and expansion. While…
Bellingham Railway Museum The sound of children at play filled the Bellingham Railway Museum, along with the recorded sound of a train engine at full speed. The model trains took up a large majority of the room, as they made a circuit through the miniature landscape, highly detailed with trees, stations and logging equipment. Michael Lower, president of the board for the museum, said…
Not every 8-year-old has to worry about inviting their third-grade teacher to their movie premiere. But for Kayleigh Finnegan, it was a real predicament. “Where do you have to make sure you end up the next day?” her father, Brian Finnegan asked. “School,” Kayleigh said. While she started acting in 2015, Brian said she’s…
The Hub Since 2002, the HUB Community Bike Shop has been catering to Bellingham’s cycle-friendly community. But now, after 15 years, the neighborhood looks very different. New apartment buildings surround the HUB’s…
Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series The Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series will be bringing the groove to our summer nights once again starting on June 15. In partnership with the Eldridge Society and Bellingham Parks and Recreation, the free concerts have been a Bellingham summer staple for more than 20…
The Curiosity rover has been treading the surface of Mars for more than five years with a team of NASA scientists watching its every move. Part of the elite team of scientists working it is Western Washington University professor Melissa Rice. Rice came onto the Mars Science Laboratory mission just before Curiosity landed. Curiosity’s nuclear power source is an upgrade from the solar-powered Opportunity Rover, which is still going strong in its 13th anniversary…
Mountain Science Prof Who Survived Crevasse Now Leads New Program at Western John All, the founding director of Western Washington University’s new Mountain Environments Research Institute (MERI), says the Cordillera Blanca mountains in Peru is one of the best mountain ranges in the world. “I always go back there because it’s a great place to work,” All says. All’s research has taken him across the…
Sarah Guenther has heard it all. Even in Bellingham, one of the biggest bike-commuter cities of its size in the nation, people give excuses not to ride to work. But Bellingham made a huge commitment to its pedal-loving citizens with its 2014 Bellingham Biking Master Plan, committing $20 million over 15 years to boost its network to 170 miles of cycling routes in…
Ski to Sea Team Advocates for Women―and a Mountain-Bike Leg Kirsten Jensen has been participating in the Ski to Sea relay race for four years as a part of an all-women’s team. But not just any women’s team. Many of its members are part of Queens of Dirt, a year-round mountain…
Mount Baker Theatre Celebrates 90th Birthday When you step inside the 90-year-old Mount Baker Theatre building, you are greeted by a Moorish-Spanishstyled interior. Lush red tones adorn the walls, paired with rich dark wood. An opulent chandelier hangs above, surrounding the theater with cascading warm light. Amy Guerra, the marketing director of…
Lake Samish Row House This distinctive home on the shores of Lake Samish was built in 2010 with rowers in mind. We want to say its curvy roof and contemporary, minimalist design evokes the smooth, effortless air of a rowing team in sync. But like the sport itself, looks can be deceiving. Bellingham Bay Builders and the Cirrus Design Group, with the owner’s direction, put substantial effort into the interior’s open,…
Open Classes Encourage All-Comers A neighborhood cafe links, window to window, with a wide-open space — symbiotically, a dance studio. At the Firehouse Café, lattes are not the only treats on the menu. Open dance classes are offered in the next room over. Ballet, modern, and contemporary are taught throughout the week. An open dance class is a place for movers of all…
When Soy House opened a few years ago, you could count the number of Vietnamese restaurants in the area on one hand. Since it opened, it has amassed a reputation for being…
Achillea Natural Medicine Dr. Julia Hipp opened the doors of Achillea Natural Medicine in January to bring healthcare to her patients. Literally. Hipp’s clinic is no ordinary natural medicine center. She offers house calls, believing that each patient, no matter their schedule, deserves encompassing healthcare. Beyond providing accessible healthcare, Hipp believes in treating the root of problems rather than merely symptoms. Naturopathic medicine utilizes natural therapies to address the cause rather than…
Rebecca Abdelbaki opened Bellingham Escape the first weekend of March with the hope of creating a space for friends, families, and co-workers to socialize while exercising their minds. Escape rooms are adventure games where a team of participants have a set time to “escape” a room by using elements and solving puzzles inside the room. Bellingham Escape hosts groups to solve puzzles…
The Fairhaven market was created just a few years after the downtown Bellingham market and was soon brought under the same management umbrella. Now, visitors can find many of the same vendors found at the downtown market in the intimate atmosphere of the Village Green. Purposely timed for the lunch break, stop in for a well-earned lunch and a grassy seat in the sun. The market also hosts a summer…
When two Western Washington University students came together in the 1990s, they had no idea that their small idea of a market would sprout into one of the biggest farmers markets in the state. With the help of community member Del Lowry, the…
Cosmos Bistro and Portteus Winery On March 4, a sold-out crowd at Cosmos Bistro experienced a range of wines from Portteus Winery, paired with out-of-this-world small plates created by Cosmos owner Cinnamon Berg, during Bellingham Alive magazine’s Spring Sips of the Season. Dan “The Wine Guy” Radil explained…
Spruced Hair and Brow Studio Last summer, Brooke Becnel, along with the help of her loyal stylists, opened Spruced Hair and Brow Studio in Fairhaven. Opening a modern, hip salon was not necessarily Becnel’s plan, but she always knew she wanted to work for herself, and so Spruced was born. The salon is clean, open, and airy. Comfortable lounge chairs greet customers in the intimate lobby space. Five or six styling chairs line the back wall. Lights reflecting…
Apricot Lane Boutique Apricot Lane Boutiques have made their way up to our corner of Washington. The Bellis Fair store opened on Nov. 17 as the first Apricot Lane in the state, said owner Michelle Alke. While Apricot Lane is a franchise, the company has…
Max Higbee Center helps disabled youth and adults recreate F or more than three decades, the Max Higbee Center has been committed to providing recreational services to developmentally disabled youth…
Flavored, fermented tea is as popular as a home brew, too Kombucha has been everywhere lately, from lining the shelves at your local Fred Meyer, to the Culture Café at Kombucha Town opening in Bellingham’s own historic…
Emily O’Connor From grant writing and public speaking to dealing with finances and program development, Lydia Place’s executive director Emily O’Connor does it all. “I do a little bit of everything,” O’Connor laughs. And “everything” doesn’t just stop at the workplace. In addition to an all-consuming job, O’Connor is a mother of a six-year-old daughter…
Evolve’s Chaicolate good for Easter, Mother’s Day The first rule of comparing sipping chocolate to hot chocolate is…don’t. “It’s incomparable to hot chocolate,”…
Graham Kerr isn’t downsizing, he’s actualizing. There’s a difference: Kerr already lives by the notion that we should stop purchasing new things. Instead, give away things we don’t need anymore. It’s an act he’s coined “out-doldrum,” taking an active role in revitalizing your sense of purpose and life by unencumbering it with excess materials. It’s safe to say he’s comfortable giving away earthly…
It started like so many remodeling projects do, with just a kitchen replacement. Then, like that piece of cake you keep evening out in the pan, it grew, morphing…
Laundry Rooms are the Home’s Hidden Hub It’s the forgotten room of the house: the laundry room. At the bottom of creaky stairs in a spooky basement, part of the mudroom or tucked in a closet, it’s not a room that’s usually included in the guest tour. The best part of a laundry room is usually the door—so you can close it on the chaos. Despite our best intentions, the…
While our Salish Sea coastline gets a lot of deserved attention here, our freshwater lakes are the jewels of Bellingham’s interior….
Galloway’s Cocktail Bar Galloway’s Cocktail Bar has taken over the space Daphne’s once held in Fairhaven, across from the village green. The new bar has retained much of Daphne’s old-fashioned feel but without the feminine vibe. The small space is dark and romantic with intimate booths perfect for a date night with that special someone. Soft lighting illuminates the charcoal walls…
Arshia Fathali sat at his desk with Oliver, his 11-year-old canine friend, on his lap. Hand-woven rugs decorate the walls, cover the floors, and even the surface of his desk. It is no wonder that Fathali calls his space a gallery. The Fairhaven Rug Gallery is located at 901 Harris Ave. and was opened…
Bellingham Theatre Guild The Bellingham Theatre Guild celebrated a scene change of sorts with a gala to mark the completion of its $1 million renovation in mid-January. The guild is entirely staffed by volunteers, many of whom gathered in the theatre lobby during the event to relish the improvements, which included a new entrance and ticket office, bathroom…
Sure, you could watch the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments from the comfort of your own sofa, but what’s the fun in screaming your fool head off in a quiet house? Go find your tribe – or at least some good pub fare – as you cheer on (or against) teams in the best college sporting event around. The men go from March 14-April 3. The women, with last year’s Final…
February is chock-full of events in our neck of the woods. They serve as a great opportunity for both familiar and new experiences. Take advantage of the fun…
The word “aloha” holds a variety of meanings in Hawaiian culture. Aloha could mean “hello,” “goodbye,”or “love.” For the owners of Aloha Poke, this commonly used word defines their way of life as they bring a part of Hawaii to Historic Fairhaven District. When you enter the environment of Aloha Poke, there’s nothing that resembles a tacky Waikiki tourist within the shop. Owners David Jacobsen and Mark Ishijima, who were both born and raised…
The beautiful thing about ranch-style houses is the way in which a good designer can open up the interior, build in great storage, and add light and space. Many of these homes have been updated a few times, and sometimes a remodel requires completely rethinking the interior. This was one of those projects. The owners bought this house with remodeling in mind. They wanted to upgrade…
The results are in! Our readers have voted on their favorite businesses, services, restaurants, stores, and spas from Blaine to Anacortes. Looking for the go-to places to get the perfect haircut or find the best dentist? Look no further. Winners announced here! Powered by Jasper Roberts – Blog
What is it that turns a house into a home? When a person first walks into their new house, they see the potential. My job as an interior designer is to make them see a “home,” to give them space they can call their own. This is the reason I became a designer. My clients contacted me…
The end of summer and journey into fall is a bittersweet time in Northwest Washington. It’s easy to yearn nostalgic for long summer days, but through the falling leaves and impending…
THE SHOP This charming space in Historic Fairhaven is packed with whismical vintage goods. Located right on Harris Avenue, the historic setting provides a perfect backdrop to the antique furniture, fun artwork, and bright fabrics. Something Found owners Jamie Schwindt and Helene Fellows keep the store well-organized and pleasing to the eye. Although there are lots of knick-knacks and collectibles, they are charmingly…
AFTER 13 YEARS of growing a law practice dedicated to community leadership in legal care for DUI, Auto-Accident Claims, Speeding & Criminal Justice, I know very well that no one gets there alone…
Nearly nine months after the Fairhaven Pharmacy closed its doors in 2015, partners Cameron Vail and Scott Ward have breathed new life into the location. The two men are the founders of Current and Furbish,…
Literacy is more than just a useful skill. The United Nations qualifies adult literacy as a basic human right, without which one cannot function in society. “You can’t talk to your neighbors about issues, can’t read the paper, can’t read a bus schedule, or any of these things we often take for granted without even the very basic level of communication,” said…
The Loft at Latitude Forty-Eight Five’s Strawberry Gin Fizz Ingredients: Gin, strawberry puree, soda water, lemon juice | $6 A sunny summer afternoon calls for two things: a seat with a view and a cold drink. The Loft at latitude Forty Eight Five delivers on both accounts. With…
Poppe’s 360 in the Four Points Sheraton was a great location for our summer Sips of the Season event on July 9. Guests enjoyed exceptional food and handcrafted cocktails. Under the direction of Doug Metzger,…
On a perfect Fairhaven Saturday, a group of cyclists walked into Stones Throw Brewery. It was only noon, but the taproom was abuzz with activity. Owner Tony Luciano reached above the bar to pull a handle, TOOOOT TOOOT! The cyclists cheered…
I remember baking at L.A.’s “it” bakery in 2000 and being sent on an errand to “forage” the very best berries I could get my hands on. I took a wad of cash the chef gave me and headed out…
THE SHOP My Garden Nursery offers patrons so much more than plants. From events like the Summer Solstice Soirée and their holiday Ugly Sweater Party, the nursery is about…
It’s the mantra many people associate with yoga: a gentle, slightly vibrating “ommm.” Simply defined, om is the sound of the universe, but Yogic scholars remind us the meaning goes far deeper. In its simplest form, yoga is a series of movements in tune with one’s breath, but as any yoga practitioner can confirm, it is more than that. Bellingham’s 3 Oms Yoga Studio ensures its mission is just as multifaceted as the yoga experience. Back when the studio began,…
On April 1, the Sylvia Center for the Arts opened its doors to the community for the first time. Curious…
THE SHOP Tucked in the Lettered Streets, within the walls of a blue garage lies Alleycat Bike Shop. This neighborhood treasure is Bellingham’s onestop repair shop to restore and renew your bike. Lined with handlebars, accessories, helmets, tires, and other parts, this bicycle workshop has been repairing rides since 2013. Stepping inside Alleycat is a first-hand look at the mechanics of bike repair and restoration, the passion of shop…
In London, the word “bird” can also mean “gal.” That is what inspired shop owner Adrienne Beard’s new women’s clothing store, The Chipper Bird. “I wanted to incorporate the words bird, joyful, and happy into the name],” Beard said. “I thought I could be a happy gal as well.”…
BY ZIAD YOUSSEF MAKING A CHOICE: Whether it’s your neighborhood, your city, or your country, community leadership requires a community effort and it doesn’t just fall on the shoulders of one candidate, and it surely doesn’t end with one VOTE. Just as proper legal care shouldn’t fall…
It’s high time the folks in Bellingham discover what guests at the Four Points Sheraton already know—Chinuk Restaurant is well…
You can hear the clicking of heels throughout Meadowdale Middle School hallways, and they aren’t your average heels. They are bright yellow, spiked high heels worn by intensive learning teacher Tamara Musser. Once you catch a glimpse of her, you may think she took a wrong turn on her way to a Paris fashion show, but this high-end fashion collector is right where she belongs, teaching. Whether she is…
EAT owner Eric Truglas pointed to the little chalkboard to which the bill was clipped. “L’ardoise,” he said. “The bill is called ‘l’ardoise’ in France, because the order and the check were written on little chalkboards or slates. Truglas greets his customers with a friendly handshake and a wide smile, the…
SIX DEGREES OF TROUBLE Part 2: How Big Is Your Problem? WRITTEN BY ZIAD YOUSSEF L ast time we identified that trouble is…
THE SHOP “Rad” and “cozy” are two words Olivia Hanson-Hostetter uses to describe her clothing business Sassy Babes Boutique. “I’d also use the words ‘innovative’ and ‘unique.’” The shop, located in a Chevy 3500 bus, opened in December 2013. Complete with hardwood flooring, vibrantly colored drapes, and loads of locally-inspired products, the big blue bus has been cruising around town for the last…
On February 11, K&L Media and Judd & Black Appliance teamed up for Meet the Chef at Judd & Black Appliance’s test kitchen in Mount Vernon. Our special guests were Chef Justin Hawkinson of Crave Catering and Distiller John Belisle of BelleWood Acres. Located just north of Bellingham, BelleWood Acres is a charming U-Pick apple orchard and pumpkin patch that, on clear days, offers excellent views of Mt. Baker. John and Dorie Belisle planted the farm in…
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” It takes energy, drive, and determination to run an arts nonprofit, but Purves is clearly up to the task. When asked what her day-to-day schedule is like, she laughed. “I allow the staff to do their jobs. I’m the shepherd.”
“We just like to make everything as enjoyable and relaxed, yet elegant, as we can,” Hank said. “All we want is to be
accommodating — plus a little extra. We want to make a memorable experience.”
The couple set about remodeling, using mostly local artisans. The result? A comfortable, unpretentious, and yet artful home that accommodates family, friends, and even a lovely bald eagle who lurks in the trees above
Whether it is a blank book, greeting card, or stationery,
everything in the store has a connection to writing.
To really understand the 6 Degrees of Trouble we explore
the nature of problems in general; or, at least, the difference
between small problems and large problems, and the difference
between those that have little impact and those that have
a large impact.
next time your work week gets the best of you, head to the Lighthouse and try the DiSarrono Sour.
The minds behind Avenue Bread are at it again but are taking a more retro approach to their second venture, The Filling Station.
Winter in the Pacific Northwest. The near-constant cloud cover brings the sky low and drapes the landscape in shadows. Often it’s dark when we wake to leave for work and dark once more by the time we return home….
There are numerous kinds of apparatuses used in aerial acts, some of the most popular being hoop, hammock, rope, and silks.
Accounts differ, deities get in the mix, but according to most sources, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as we understand it began with the Shennong, a demigod known as the Divine Herdsman.
When reading labels, we should not only be reading our ingredient lists but learning about them.
simple solutions and product recommendations to help your beauty shine bright despite the wet, blustery winter weather.
Tucked beneath the South Bay Suites in historic Fairhaven is Bellingham’s newest home decor and gift shop. 1 Paperboat welcomes guests with open doors to Bellingham Bay, creating a new by-the-sea shopping experience. Within its walls, shoppers can find an array of home goods, jewelry, gifts, and clothing….
The day that Jackie found out she was pregnant, her world came into focus. She was 21, homeless, and seeing a man who was being tormented by his own demons. Jackie had seen her own recreational drug use begin to spiral out of control, shifting from casual to frequent, finally leading to intravenous use — anything to escape reality. As she described, “I was using anything I could get my hands on.” As drugs and…
A lone stretch of driftwood-strewn beach, a quiet morning stroll along the boardwalk, a cozy cup of coffee watching a storm roll in over the water —…
Graham Cracker Crumble: 1.5 Cups graham cracker crumb 1/3 Cup of melted butter 1/4 Cup of white sugar In a metal bowl mix the graham and sugar together, slowly add the melted butter and mix thoroughly. Spread the graham mixture out on a lined cookie sheet or sheet pan and bake at 325 for 7 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked and cooled puree the mixture and reserve the fine graham powder…
When traveling between Seattle and Vancouver, Bellingham tends to be the place to stop on the way. We’re striving to be a place that travelers don’t just pass through, but decide to stay and visit for a weekend. The Downtown Bellingham Partnership is one of the leading forces making downtown a place for economic and cultural growth, as well as a magnet for visitors. DBP is a nonprofit that specifically…
Keenan ’s at the Pier and The Chrysalis Inn hosted the inaugural Bellingham Alive Sips of the Season event on the restaurant’s open air patio. Gentle ocean breezes, fun people, and remarkable hors d’ oeuvres and fantastic cocktails made for an unforgettable afternoon. Keenan’s staff…
Anyone who lives in Bellingham knows the open, inviting, independent bookstore Village Books and its next-door neighbor, the gift shop Paper Dreams. Village…
It could be a misnomer to call Sculpture Northwest a sculpture gallery. Yes, they certainly have one in downtown Bellingham on Prospect Avenue, but they…
Gear. It’s where a lot of great hikes and camping trips begin. Laying out the bags to fluff in the sun, trips to the camping store for more stove fuel, gathering up the sleeping pads and tucking them…
The results are in! Our readers have voted on their favorite businesses, services, restaurants, stores, spas and more, from Blaine to Anacortes. Looking…
Check out this Web Exclusive- The following recipe was omitted from Chef Dave Reera’s Pot Roast at the Meet the Chef event on September 10th, 2015. This is a great Fall…
Cosmos Bistro, located in the Herald Building, is destined to become one of Bellingham’s iconic restaurants. Recently opened by Cinnamon Berg, Cosmos Bistro offers guests a relaxing venue filled with good vibes and out-of-this-world cuisine. Berg, the genius executive…
If your children grow up studying the dramatic U.S.-led mission to deliver planes to Russia through Alaska, you’ll have Whatcom residents Craig Lang and Jeff Geer to thank. In her remarks giving the Bravo 369 Flight Foundation Congressional recognition, U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene read into the…
Reds Trust 2012 Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla- trustcellars.com If you like light red wines like Merlot and Pinot Noir, you might enjoy a dive into the deeper, bolder flavor of a Cabernet Franc. The makers of Trust Cabernet Franc describe it as having “refined tannins, spicy aromas, vanilla with peppery accents, violet nuances and an understated…
For this remodel, my clients wanted to revamp an old shed. Fifty feet from the house, this outbuilding is the perfect place to create a space to entertain friends, have sleep-overs, watch movies, play games, have snacks, make music, and exercise. My clients wanted to maintain the integrity of the original foundation and have it look as if it were an extension of their home all…
Wonder what happens when art and science mix? Hop the next ferry over to San Juan Island to find out. Here, the mysterious underwater world of the Puget Sound surfaces in the photographs of two people: local scientist-turned-artist, Adam…
The Intricate Art of Edible Landscaping Western Washington is a gardener’s haven. With a mild climate, known as Zone 8 to fruit and vegetable growers, many plants thrive, often beyond our wildest expectations. Talk to those with a passion for edibles, and you start hearing things like, “Does kale ever die?” and “Do food banks take fresh garden donations?” Neither is a drawback. One…
It’s not much of a secret that I enjoy traveling long distances on foot—I’ve through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail twice. I love the way miles accumulate and push you forward, the way the sheer volume inspires you to press on for just a few more miles or hours. It is a strange phenomenon that when I am traveling and I step onto a treadmill, I run for…
Take a ten-hour drive southeast—or a twohour flight—and you’ll find yourself at the famed ski destination, Sun Valley, Idaho. Often thought of as a snowy playground for the elite, Sun Valley is actually a welcome vacation area that caters to…
It seems reductive to call Darrell Hillaire a playwright, given how much work he has done in his life on behalf of the Lummi Nation, and for Lummi youth in particular. Darrell has served as a coach, mentor, teacher, and leader for the Lummi Nation for more than twenty years. He has served on community boards, on the Lummi Indian Business Council, and as Chair of the Lummi Nation. He founded…
Western Red Columbine (AQUILEGIA FORMOSA) These lovely star-like blooms bob on delicate stems among lacy foliage. Running counter to the claim that native plants aren’t showy, a patch of these in any landscape will catch the eye. Wild Mock Orange (PHILADELPHUS LEWISII) Collected by Lewis…
When I think of food, I think of the various elegant, modern food photographs I see on Instagram, Twitter and other social…
What’s old is new again in entertaining, and the new interest in vintage culture brings with it the welcome return of the Airstream. With…
Jenni Cottrell believes in pooling resources and bringing together a community around the beauty and power of art. To illustrate this point, she…
Inspirational doesn’t begin to describe local resident Jim Stegall, who, at 85 and in company with his guide dog Emilio, celebrates the 20th anniversary of his almost four-month, 12,000- mile trip through South America. By the time he set off, Stegall and his 70-year old travel partner, David Hopkins, were both legally blind and eager to…
Built to blend unobtrusively with its landscape, yet maximize views and interior space, the House in the Field takes the lines of a traditional ranch house and explodes them into beautiful angles and fascinating forms. Natural materials and an earthy palette complement the open land surrounding the house.
Bellingham has a few great spots that serve up their particular delicious version of the cheese-laden pie. New to the mix, however, is Fat Pie Pizza, a bustling joint that specializes in the infamous Chicago-style crust, as well as the lesser-known Detroit crust. Owner James Swift dreamed up Fat Pie Pizza after holding a few pizza parties for friends…
Zsofia Pasztor is a busy woman. She is a parent of four, part-time instructor, business owner of Innovative Landscape Technologies, and creator of the successful Farmer Frog Model. Her passions are horticulture and education—two things that took on a life of their own after the recent economic slump that affected many small business owners….
The Leadership Snohomish County Program has a mission—to develop leaders for a lifetime. Geared toward anyone seeking to build and expand their leadership skills, Leadership Snohomish educates people of all ages for a bright future.
North End Metro caught up with Ciscoe Morris on a chilly Christmas Eve morning. For those rare few who don’t know him, Ciscoe is a local gardening personality well on his way into the annals of Seattle history. His presence immediately warmed the coffee shop,…
The next time you fail a drug test, you might try to blame it on the BB Ranch prosciutto. Nice try, but eating butcher William von Schneidau’s “pot pig” products won’t get you high. The Pike Place Market butcher teamed up with Jeremy Gross of Snohomish’s Bucking Boar Farms and began feeding marijuana scraps to a number of pigs when Washington legalized use of the plant in 2012. Von Schneidau started experimenting with different…
Dave Mauro climbed the steep incline, knowing the end was near. He stepped onto the summit, looked out at the twinkling lights of Nepal and Tibet and said to himself, “Thank you.” It was 3:42 a.m. on May 20, 2013, as he reached the top of Mount Everest. A Bellingham resident, Mauro…
Siberia is, by extremes, a far cry from Whatcom County. It’s a chin-scratcher that a Siberian winemaker by way of Armenia would settle down in this part of the world. Margarita Vartanyan’s story emerges from…
Changes Ownership,Goes Local To visitors who don’t head to Lummi Island often, the changes to the Beach Store Café will seem subtle. At first glance, the restaurant looks the same with its cozy interior, warm wood floors, and waterfront view—albeit with fresh paint, sound panels, and woodwork. But in November, the restaurant re-opened under new ownership and…
Remodeling an Era If you are like me, you’ve driven around an older neighborhood at some point in your life, admiring homes with a certain style – long, low profiles with minimal exterior decor. You were…
Find a corner, spruce it up Perhaps you need a spot for yoga, or a place to sit and read in the sun. Maybe you like to knit by the fire or watch the rain as you write in your journal. Whatever your interests, if you feel the need for a little corner of your own, we have some ideas. Dormer Window A dormer, even a squatty one, can usually accommodate someone…
One of the features that makes our area so charming is in the way in which we preserve and restore houses and buildings from our past. With the RE Store, Skagit Salvage and antique stores galore, it’s not difficult to find materials for an era-authentic remodel. This was not always the case, but the surge in…
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching and spring just around the corner, there is no question that the air is brimming with love. As women, I think we…
What I first notice when stepping into Betty Lou’s Downtown Emporium, other than the flowing skirts and cozy sweaters, is a feeling of being transported to somewhere calm, mature and a little bit exotic. To my left are displays full of dresses, skirts, sweaters and tops in warm earth tones with occasional bright colors.
Beauty & Function Picture a vibrant new store that takes Bellingham’s collective passion for reusing and repurposing in a new, untapped direction. What a wonderfully cluttered used bookstore is to boxes of lonely books in your attic,…
She was always a painter, but when Donna Auer joined some friends for a guided painting tour of Italy organized through the former (and much loved) Blue Horse Gallery, she didn’t know that she would actually have to paint, too. “They said that was part of the deal. You got to go to Italy, but you had to produce work…
Oysters Packers Oyster Bar Semiahmoo You can’t get fresher or more locally sourced oysters than the farm right outside the bar. These succulent oysters are sure to do the trick, and pair nicely with Packer’s well-crafted cocktails. semiahmoo.com/packers Chili Peppers COA Mexican Eatery Mount…
Few experiences rival the enthusiasm children bring to exploring the outdoors— whether they’re climbing rocks, exploring moss covered trees, hunting for seashells on the beach or running along trails.
Dr. Mitchell Kahn and the Skagit Opera In January, the Skagit Opera performed at Lairmont Manor in Bellingham for the first time. One of the missions of the Skagit Opera, which has been in operation since 2003, is to spread an appreciation to new…
Passionate, community-minded and up for a challenge, Huxley graduate Rose Lathrop has dedicated her career to sustainable planning and design. A former employee at Aiki Homes, which specializes in sustainable, green and co-housing development, Lathrop made a…
The impulse to restore old furniture, to find value in the discarded, to resurrect the rusted out, to elevate trash into functionality, maybe even art—is a passionate one. In the old days, the dumpster-divers and junk men were seen as goofy guys in crumbling trucks, typified by Fred Sanford on the hit TV show Sanford and Son.
As a young boy, age 5 or 6, I used to play in the local woods where the soil was mostly clay and the clay would stick to my PF Flyers — the farther that I walked, the longer that I played, the heavier the build-up of clay….
Homeowners Delight Green and Michael Newlight hired Craig Burling, owner and general contractor of CB Premier Construction, to build an addition onto the master suite of their creative Chuckanut Drive house. The 850 square foot addition included a bedroom, bathroom and closets, all with electric radiant heat. “The house is 41 years old and we thought the master bath was dated, Delight said. “Also, we wanted more closet space to make…
Celebrating the Women of Boeing Be ready. And always have your shoes on. That’s how Nelda Lee, the first female pilot to fly an F-15 Eagle, explained the success of her 35-year long career in aviation. A spellbound crowd gathered at the Future of Flight Aviation Center in Mukilteo as Lee told the story of growing up on a farm with shoes perpetually tied tight, ready to go on a moment’s notice….
Spring Parsnip soup with sauted rosemary apples and fried leeks (Vegan) Serves 8+ Soup Ingredients: • 1/2 cup almond oil • 3 onions peeled and cut into large dice • 5 lbs…
Our master bath remodel had been a long time coming. It started in my head when we bought our 1920s Tudor in Bellingham 13 years ago. The unfinished attic had been remodeled in the 80s, and the bath was added then—good space, but the dark wallpaper, phone booth-sized shower and graying linoleum floors were showing their age. Fast-forward a decade and we were finally ready to gut the existing bath and start over. Being on a budget, we decided to…
The North End’s Best Beaches A day at the beach burns bright in one’s memory. We are drawn to water, because the sea is a master storyteller. Shorebirds squawk and circle. The salt air aches of escape and adventure. Children squeal and giggle over ribbons of slimy seaweed and watch in wonder as small crabs…
If you aren’t intimidated by all of the acronyms associated with sunscreen, then my floppy straw hat is off to you. Even as a beauty professional I completely understand how labels like SPF, UVA, UVB, PA+++ (yes, that’s a real thing) can leave your head spinning….
There are places we dine because the ambience is lovely, even though the food is questionable. There are restaurants we frequent because the food is great, but the décor is as comfortable and inviting as a carnival ride. And then there is Pierside Kitchen at Semiahmoo Resort — a fine dining restaurant that ought to be on everyone’s list…
Saint Edward State Park KIRKLAND Located on a forested bluff overlooking the northern end of Lake Washington, several dirt trails wind around 316 acres of moss-wrapped old growth trees and peekaboo stretches of sand and waterfront. An astonishing 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline, this former Catholic seminary is known for its undeveloped lakeshore and wide variety of birds and sea life. LEVEL Easy-Moderate LENGTH Multiple mileage options Big Four Ice Caves NORTH CASCADES MOUNTAIN…
Each issue, we highlight a woman who is setting a prime example of what success looks like in our local marketplace. This issue we celebrate Molly Helmuth, who calls Monroe’s Evergreen Speedway…
You haven’t been to the gym in ages. You’re busy, you’re tired, and you have endless work, family and social obligations. You know you need to exercise, but who’s got the time and money to invest in a proper program? The American Heart Association recommends that individuals do moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, or vigorous exercise for 75 minutes per week. Take a Load Off You don’t have to do an all-out, hard-core workout to…
Ken’s Valentine’s Day gift for the woman who has everything I am a social scientist at heart. As with most males, I am genetically engineered to offer solutions to life’s challenges, even gender-related…
Riddled with many wonderful wineries, Walla Walla is one of those places where one couldn’t swing a cat without hitting an award-winning wine maker. Annette Bergevin, co-owner of Bergevin Lane Vineyards, is one of those winemakers.
What better way to escape the Pacific Northwest rain than to visit an eatery with Southwest flair? Situated on North State Street is Susan Albert’s restaurant, Pepper Sisters.
The effect of faux tile finishes once depended on how light fell, how the sun or kitchen lights caught the pattern in the floor, how the tile felt underfoot or how it looked behind the sink. Decades ago, faux was just another word for fake, ersatz, as something that was meant to reach for an effect, but failed in the process. In the ’60s and ’70s, decorators played up the shortcomings in…
Herb gardens are perfect for small spaces. They thrive on patios, balconies and even on your kitchen counter. Thyme, parsley, chives, oregano, cilantro and basil are common and satisfying herbs to grow. Herbs are among the easiest plants to nurture — all you need are containers to plant them in, potting soil and a green thumb. Many…
The Light Touch With incandescent bulbs disappearing in favor of more long-lasting light bulbs, finding light that has the right color temperature can be a challenge. Florescent light—as from compact florescent lamps—can look yellow and sickly, and LEDs can look too blue. Be sure to research the right temperatures for your taste. The packaging for alternative light bulbs should list the CCT, or Correlated Color…
Makeup How-To: Step 1: Skin Never skip skincare. You want to ensure that you have healthy skin to create a masterpiece from your perfect makeup canvas. Always start with a moisturizer suited for your skin type and a light eye cream that is applied with your ring finger (it is your weakest finger, and causes less tugging on your delicate eye area). Primer can be beneficial here too, or it can be blended…
THE SHOP Find Your Fashion Again is the new kid on the block. Located in the Grocery Outlet Center in Ferndale, Wash., this 6-month old consignment shop offers a new twist on an old shopping favorite. Shoppers can bring in their used clothes and receive credits toward future purchases, which can…
Bill and Teri Hewett, owners of the Color Pot, seem to be quite the dynamic duo. Bill oversees the office, does estimates, works in…
Beneath a brilliant blue sky, an emerald valley of farms, vineyards and orchards rolls out to the horizon of amber hills. At a glance, it could be Napa, Burgundy or Chianti — but it’s not. Only a few hours from Bellingham,…
For many students at Western Washington University, Professor Oliver de la Paz is the amiable and quirky character often seen walking the halls of Humanities building, bobbing his head to his tunes, his large, friendly dog Beau in tow. An encouraging, accessible figure who pushes his students to explore while remaining true to themselves, he amuses his students with funny stories about his children, and once commented in a prose…
Keenan’s at the Pier BELLINGHAM After a nice stroll around Boulevard Park and Taylor Dock, a sunset dinner at Keenan’s at the Pier would be the perfect way to spend a special evening. Located in the intimate and elegant Chrysalis Inn and Spa, Keenan’s…
DANIEL HOWARD Daniel Howard was on his way home after spending time in Oregon last May. He had been in Oregon recovering from an injury he sustained while working for the fire department. Near Tacoma, Howard saw a white…
Every year, Edge.org asks its gigantic constellation of thinkers, intellectuals, scientists and world thought-leaders — among them Richard Dawkins, Steven Pinker, Jared Diamond, Rebecca Goldstein and many others — a question and publishes their answers. Bellingham’s own George Dyson is an annual participant in the Annual Question. George…
With a paintbrush in one hand and a glass of wine in another, Uptown Art makes creating your latest masterpiece more fun and more social than ever. Newly opened in December near the Bellwether Hotel, the…
In every issue, we will highlight the accomplishments or great careers of women in our area. In this issue, we celebrate Mimi Osterdahl, the new President…
Ahh, it’s almost spring in the Northwest! The birds will fly north and begin singing again, the rain will subside and you will once again see the faint glimmer of sunshine through the branches of those soon-to-be-budding trees. There are already little signs of hope in your muddy and moss filled “lawn.” All of the sudden, you are struck by a deep need to open all of your windows, air out your house and stop…
Ken pays respect to his elders I have your backs, seniors—and your backsides, open medical gowns and all. So what if you unintentionally embarrass your kids by posting…
Chuckanut Bay Distillery owners Matt Howell and Kelly Andrews aim to make the highest quality spirits using as many regional ingredients as possible. So far, the pair have created a gluten-free potato vodka and a wheat vodka. Soon, their gin and coffee liqueur will hit the shelves of stores and nearby bars. The potato vodka, made exclusively of Skagit Valley Yukon Gold…
The sun is starting to peek through some of our winter gloom, and springtime is upon us. We called upon the plant experts at Garden Spot Nursery on Alabama St. and Kent’s Garden and Nursery on Northwest Ave. to create beautiful container gardens that harness the hope and beauty of early spring. Hellebores, narcissus and primroses in the…
ADRIENNE LEDERER Neighborhood and Parks Activist Energetic, warm, outspoken Adrienne came into volunteerism through a political campaign in 1996, but it was through a notice…
Retirement Communities That Offer Amenities: When we think of retirement communities, we generally think of endless games of bingo and terrible food. Fortunately, we have retirement communities in our area that offer amenities beyond television…
In 2001, Boston residents came together and created a model for seniors who want the lifestyle and amenities of living in a senior community, but who…
Welcome to the new era of retirement, in which retirees teach part-time, volunteer for nonprofits, mentor young people, doorbell for…
GLOW Try mixing Mac’s Strobe Cream with your foundation. Use a damp sponge to apply it to your face, and your face will have a subtle glow. GILDED EYE A fancier way of saying metallic looking eyes, and it’s easy to do. Apply a smoky eye and…
Attempts, tries, uncertainty. Cooking and baking are full of risk. Risk of time and precious ingredients—the milk of a mother cow, eggs from an over-worked, over-laying chicken, beautiful produce that takes so much time to plant and grow, farmers’ energy and precious natural resources. The monetary value, the purchasing of the ingredients, as well as the research and time. The shopping. Oy, the shopping….
One of the most revelatory moments to be had as a home gardener is realizing the incredible volume of food that can be grown in a small space. A large container or two on your front or back porch, window boxes, and narrow in-ground planting beds can all produce food for you to enjoy. Window boxes and narrow or side-yard planting beds are usually close enough to…
THE SHOP Located on West Holly Street and shaded by the trees and nearby shops, Naked Clothing is home to a new type of clothing—clothing with a conscience. The shop is new to the downtown Bellingham area, and is located in the old Merch-Bot space. Naked Clothing has been open since…
Just utter the name “Zara” and you will have the attention of every fashionista in the Pacific Northwest. The Spain-based fast-fashion paradise opened its 49th U.S. store in Seattle this February and the buzz it is causing may be infinite. Ask anyone who has already paid a visit to the…
The Good Time Girls of the Bureau of Historical Investigation are a blast from the past. Offering guided walking tours around…
Homeskillet BELLINGHAM With each pop of a champagne cork, the entire staff yells “opa!” and you know it’s on. Skillets are delicious, but don’t overlook the pancakes and Cinnamon swirl French toast. For serious appetites, the biscuits and gravy are the real deal. homeskilletinsunnyland.com Copper Hog BELLINGHAM Whether you’re…
Tyree Callahan is probably best known worldwide for his conceptual art piece Chromatic Typewriter, a 1937 Underwood typewriter that has color keys rather than letters. Small paint-laden sponges sit poised to create one of Tyree’s landscapes, a…
Nestled in the Alley District is a boutique gallery filled with handcrafted treasures waiting to be discovered. While the mosaic tiled flooring may draw you into Tide Lines, it’s the artwork that keeps you there. And if the art around the room isn’t enticing enough, artist and owner Chelsea Jepson’s workspace behind…
Sherry and Marlene Rials were driving down Douglas Rd. toward Grant’s Burgers in Ferndale when they encountered a sight they will not likely forget: In the middle of an intersection, three teenagers were assaulting a young…
The Alternative Library (or Alt.Lib as it is known) is a grassroots, independent nonprofit in downtown Bellingham founded to foster and…
When she turns her attention toward you as you speak, you know that Mayor Kelli Linville is listening. Not just putting on the appearance of listening, but taking in your words and considering them. Sometimes she responds right away, but typically she takes your words into consideration, thinks about them, and then meets with you at a…
Jin came to Susanne and Bruce on a flight into Seattle accompanied by an agency escort. Not unlike a birth, the moment they took him up from his car seat…
Warm interior. Friendly staff. Wholesome food. Ciao Thyme. After catering in the community for years, Jessica and Mataio Gillis opened their café, Ciao Thyme, in September of 2012. “Our…
Five Faves 1. GALBRAITH MOUNTAIN – WHATCOM The granddaddy of all mountain biking destinations, Galbraith has many challenging but rewarding trails. Maintained by volunteers (many of whom you can meet along the trails), Galbraith isn’t just a great place to mountain bike, it’s an excellent model of balance between the interests of developers and cyclists. 2. LAKE PADDEN – WHATCOM Padden is a popular destination for locals, and it’s not hard to see why —…
A New Kind of Studio When a small group of local parents decided they wanted something more from the offerings of performing arts education in Bellingham, they didn’t just sit back and wait for the perfect studio to drop into their laps. They created their own. Thus, Opus Performing Arts School was born, thanks to Tiiu and Martin Kuuskman of Blaine, and their business partner, Allan Redstone. The school, which…
Pita bread is pita bread, right? Not at Mykonos. If you order a starter of hummus, prepare your tastebuds for slices of pita bread heaven. If you consider yourself to be a connoisseur of Greek cuisine, try the traditional Greek salad as a litmus test. You won’t be disappointed. It is delightfully fresh and light and a meal by itself, with perhaps the best feta dressing west of Athens. Should…
The “dirt” on Dirty Dan Harris? In a word: excellent. The steakhouse provides warm, friendly waitstaff, quaint historic surroundings and superb…
Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill serves the same quality food we’ve come to expect and love from Anthony’s other restaurants. The Hearthfire menu…
What’s On Your List? Bucket Lists have made a huge surge in our culture — and somehow it sounds far more appealing than “my list of things to do before I expire.” In fact, you can even create small lists, such as a Bucket List for your 20s, 30s, or a Bucket List…
Loft at Latitude Forty Eight Five BELLINGHAM On a warm day, the bay doors open and sea breezes waft over the tables. The Loft is a nice place to meet some friends for great late-afternoon specials. Entrée-sized portions for $5? Heck yeah! Generous pours of…
Women of Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties have an excellent option for healthcare that isn’t well-known up here — Citrine Health. Formerly the Positive Women’s Network, this…
Robin Robertson of the Bellingham Tennis Club laughed as she said, “Owning a tennis club was never on my list of things to do. I was in environmental science. I’m a Huxley grad.” So how did an environmental science professional with a background in waste reduction and environmental consulting end up the Tennis Queen of Bellingham? “I was always active. I was a…
Malbec Pots de Crème 2 C Malbec 6 oz Semisweet chocolate 2 C Hazelnut butter 12 Egg yolks ½ C Sugar 3 C Milk 2 C Cream 1 tsp Salt 1 tsp Vanilla 1 tsp Espresso powder Place Malbec in saucepan, reduce at slow simmer until only 2 Tbsp…
Wagyu Ribeye The Steak 8 oz Wagyu rib steak per person Pinch salt and pepper The Garlic Mash 5 Yukon gold potatoes 2 Tbsp Minced garlic 3 Tbsp Butter 2 C Heavy cream 1 C Shredded Asiago To taste Kosher salt In a heavy saucepan, add cream,…
Dungeness Crab Cakes 2 Red bell peppers (diced) 6 Stalks scallions 1 Pinch Garlic 1 Tbsp Butter 15 Table crackers 1 Tbsp Mayo 1 Tbsp Old Bay Spice 1 Egg 1 lb Dungeness crab Sauté bell pepper and scallions with garlic in butter until soft Process crackers to consistency of kosher salt Place cooked peppers, scallions in mixing bowl, add cracker crumbs and combine…
Seared Scallops and Pear Salad 20-30 Sea Scallops 20-30 strips Hickory bacon 1 Asian pear (julienne) 30 oz Organic greens 1 Grapefruit 2 Tbsp Honey…
On Nov. 13, K & L Media partnered with Judd & Black Appliance to host Executive Chef Michael Buholz from The Loft at Latitude 48.5. Buholz welcomed the small audience gathered in the showroom’s test kitchen and shared his philosophy on sourcing the best ingredients and serving only made-from-scratch sauces and dressings. As he prepared the four-course meal, Buholz entertained guests with stories from his lifelong love for cooking. Memorable childhood…
As the leaves fall and the cold air starts to blow, we find ourselves enjoying intimate moments in our homes once again. Now is the time to bring the outdoors in through décor. This project incorporates native items that resulted in a nature-inspired interior design plan. The ability to bring nature into your home…
If you haven’t had the opportunity to try the delectable dishes that Nok’s Thai Cuisine has to offer, then your poor taste buds are being neglected. Reward them by diving into a fanfare of exquisite and well-priced…
THE SHOP Within the Bay Street Public Market is J & J Jewelry, a hidden gem. The owner is owner Jaime Pyshny, long-time jewelry expert. J & J is named after Jaime and her daughter…
At Taste of India all the dishes are rich, delicious and truly feel authentic. Dishes come with your choice of pulao rice or the classic Indian bread naan. Taste of India offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, all with exquisite and well-developed flavors. There’s also a variety of flavors of naan, including garlic or spinach. For those unsure of what to order, or those who want to try multiple dishes at once, try the lunch buffet….
Fireside is out to make a name for itself. By using fresh, local ingredients and a menu that changes on an almost daily basis (based…
As a young boy, age 5 or 6, I used to play in the woods where Sunset Place is today. The soil was mostly clay and the clay would stick to my PF Flyers — the further that I walked, the longer that I played, the heavier the build-up of clay. Eventually, the burden became more work than joy and I would head home along James…
Paris, London, New York, Vancouver and Bellingham have them. Little shops where the aromas of sweet and savory crêpes, custom sandwiches and hot soup du jour fill the air. With a formidable selection of crêpes, it’ll take more than one trip to decide which is better, sweet or savory. But at this eatery, it is criminal to pass up the sweet little numbers filled with velvety smooth vanilla-flavored cream cheese,…
Kuru Kuru Sushi, which translates to “go around Sushi,” offers not only a good meal, but a good experience. Some of the offerings, like the Dynamite roll, are lightly tempura fried before…
At Flavor of India all the dishes are rich, delicious and truly feel authentic. Dishes come with your choice of…
Owners Tina and Kirby named their restaurant after one of their favorite lines in the movie “Juno,” when the main character calls a store clerk “homeskillet.” The skillets on their menu came afterward, but are now one of the eatery’s most popular items. A small skillet is filled with perfectly-fried potatoes, eggs and toppings you choose. Try Tina and Kirby’s personal favorite: the poutine, home fries smothered in traditional gravy,…
As unassuming as they come, The Fork at Agate Bay is a quiet retreat of fine food and wine only a short drive down the east side of Lake Whatcom. Be careful not to be fooled by its quaint exterior; inside you’ll discover a surprisingly upscale atmosphere warmed…
If you’re looking for good Italian food without having to resort to a national chain, D’Anna’s may be the place for you. The emphasis here is on the food, not the frills. The restaurant stands out in many ways, but D’Anna’s delicious, homemade pasta is what really makes it special. 1317 N. State St., Bellingham 360.714.0188, dannascafeitaliano.com
For those who have experienced Ciao Thyme’s gourmet dinners and cooking classes, the new Ciao Thyme on the Side Café is a welcome addition to the delicious work of Jessica and Mataio Gillis, owners of Ciao Thyme catering. As with everything Ciao Thyme does, ingredients are fresh, local and in season. Choose soups, salads…
At Blue Fin Sushi, fresh sushi is used to create a variety of tasty options like the Tekka roll, which is seaweed, rice and tuna. The waitstaff is friendly and it’s always entertaining to watch the chefs at work. Blue Fin also offers a full menu of…
Bellingham has an abundance of Vietnamese restaurants; the trick is to find ones that stand out — like the Black Pearl. With all the available extras, it is almost impossible to get the same flavor twice. The pho is clean and refreshing with a variety of sauces to add as extra seasoning. It comes with a variety of types of meat, including round-eye, brisket and chicken, but vegetarians don’t despair, there’s an option for you, too. One nice…
Black Forest Steak house offers a versatile dining experience. It’s fancy enough for special occasions, anniversaries and graduation celebrations, but it’s also a place you’ll want to go to any day. Black Forest…
Bayou On Bay serves a wide variety of classic Cajun/Creole dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boy sandwiches and hush puppies, to name a few. A house-made remoulade, which accompanies many of the dishes, is worth the trip alone. The bar offers an extensive list of drink options. Bayou on Bay is a must for foodies as…
Regardless of religion or tradition, so many of us have memories of a special treat at the holidays. From ancient…
Named for the decadent heirloom tomatoes grown on their farm, the owners source much of their ingredients locally and hold the “from seed to plate” philosophy. The menu offers vegetarian and gluten-free options (like rice-Panko Fish and Chips), and includes beer from both Boundary Bay and Chuckanut breweries. Try the Quinoa-Salmon Cakes with red pepper aioli or a BLT with Hempler’s bacon and maple-tomato…
WasaBee Sushi is a dining experience not soon to be forgotten. Deliciously fresh and succulent slices of fish resting atop carefully handsculpted pillows of rice are a sushi lover’s dream come true. Delicately sweet Hamachi, beautifully barbecued Unagi, and bright and glistening…
Continually recognized for their craft cocktails and small plates, Temple Bar aims to please. Begin with the classic Temple Bar cheese plate, a collection of three rotating cheeses varying in texture and flavor. They are often paired with fruit, honey, toasted nuts and bread. Next, dive into a piping hot gratin, which varies based on what is in season. In between…
If you love pizza, then you’re going to love New York Pizza and Bar. Not just because of the crispy, handmade dough (made fresh daily) or because of the fresh, high-quality ingredients or the amount of them that top each slice. But because New York Pizza is the master of pizza diversity. Anything…
Gastropubs are known for having pub fare with high-class style and high-class food, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at The Copper Hog. You can also find classic pub favorites like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and poutine, as well a less-routine pub grub such as Ramen soup or ahi prepared a variety of ways. The Copper Hog also has a wide variety of beer, including local and organic brews. The menu changes seasonally. You’ll want to go back…
I am in mourning. My comic idol is Robin Williams. The tragic loss of Robin should be a dark reminder — the will to live comes from within, even for the most talented amongst us. He had everything and yet he had nothing in his eyes, at least not enough to keep him on this earth. Why? And is his death any more tragic than any other suicide? Aren’t all lives precious? I suspect most of us would admit, in a…
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Best Casino Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa Silver: Skagit Valley Casino Bronze: Swinomish Casino & Lodge With events, expos and activities, there are always reasons to spend a weekend at the Silver Reef, but they’ve wisely added one more: the Cigar Lounge. It’s the perfect place to gather and relax — a calm oasis among ringing slots and busy card tables. The hotel and spa are world-class, and offer excellent packages for…
SIGHT Visual art in our area is so abundant. Some say it’s the light, some say the views, some say it’s the calm, easygoing lifestyle. For whatever reason, our corner of the Northwest has become a gathering place for visual artists. We celebrate the filmmakers, painters, dancers, photographers and sculptors who work so hard for so little to help us…
Nick Moss — the award winning executive chef at 9 Restaurant at the North Bellingham Golf Course — has definitely raised the culinary standard for golf course fare. Under Nick’s guidance, this made-from-scratch restaurant serves the most diverse menu in Whatcom…
Samson Estates is nestled among the berry farms and pastures of rural Whatcom County, with the Mount Baker foothills in the distance. The tasting room staff is very friendly,…
In my recent project, I assembled an eclectic collection of furniture, which is neatly placed in a symmetrical living area layout. In this aesthetic, casual contemporary embraces stylish comfort. The arrangement of this living space makes it a great place for bringing people together and fostering conversation. Contemporary style is, by definition, what is…
In partnership with the Northwest Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, we selected this exquisite home perched above beautiful Chuckanut Bay. This project began as a remodel, but the needs of the family were greater than the existing house could provide, and a rebuild ended up being a more affordable option. A Feng Shui consultant reviewed the new design to ensure proper interior…
It’s that time of year again — vacations are winding down, school is back in session and routine has resumed once more. Although we all know we’ll miss those carefree summer days, I can’t help but feel that fall is Bellingham’s favorite season. We rejoice in the beautiful colors, praise cozying up with a warm latte (pumpkin spice, perhaps?), and can hardly wait to…
Autumn This is it, the time of year in which all that is cozy and good comes out to stay a while. Autumn, fall, the holiday season, harvest, whatever. There is a real security in leaning into these comforts: food, sweaters, books, wood-burning stoves, puzzles, and Vitamin D. I have become aware that I am submitting to a…
The Shop Dakota Arts has been in downtown Bellingham for 20 years. With a new location, a new on-site art gallery — and much more space overall — art enthusiasts can be sure to find what they are looking for. Alan Weydert, the manager…
With creativity — and the determination to cultivate her passion — Aerin Adrian recently opened eARThbenders and Artisans, a new ceramic and pottery studio in downtown Bellingham. “I started making pottery 17 years ago at the Community College of Yakima,” Adrian said. From there she went on to major at Western Washington University in East Asian Studies. Finding that her strong passion for her craft endured, Adrian said she…
Quiet and unassuming, Lummi Island isn’t as showy and flashy as some of the other islands in the San Juans, but it has a lot to offer the weekender. The island is named for the nearby Lummi tribe, who called it Skallaham. Today, artists, retirees and young families make up the permanent population, and vacationers swell the ranks in the summer months. In winter, Lummi is…
As Rosalinda Guillen talks about Community to Community — the organization she started to spread awareness and bring social justice to farmworkers in the community — she sits beneath two distinctive pictures. One is of her inspiration, civil rights activist and co-founder of the…
Hold on Bellinghamsters, an entirely new way to enjoy beer is a-brewing. Those who thought they knew their way around Bellingham’s beer scene will have to start with a blank slate. From Boundary Bay to Chuckanut Brewery, four…
Stone Pot isn’t just a clever name, but the clever little pots and skillets many of the meals are served in. The Stone Pot Bibimbap is a medley of vegetables with choice of meat or tofu that sits atop a sizzling pot of rice. A fried egg is placed on top — stir it in to mix the yolk throughout the rice and meat as the hot pot continues to cook…
Scotty Browns offers an edgy, energetic ambiance, a varied menu of mainstream and upscale creations, and excellent drink options for all ages. Outdoor dining is a popular alternative during warmer weather. The selection of beer, wine and cocktails is broad enough…
Mi Mexico’s reputation as one of the local favorites among Mexican food lovers is well deserved. The experience starts with a warm, friendly, professional waitstaff in an enjoyable, upbeat atmosphere. And from there, Mi Mexico separates itself from the competition with a choice…
One word speaks volumes about Fiamma Burger: variety. With six different patty types (including homemade veggie, bison and salmon) and more than 17 menu…
Scientists need to take a chill pill, starting with Albert Einstein. His idea of a good time on a Friday night was to measure the speed of most everything in the physical world — sound, light, and my personal favorite, light in a vacuum. Really, Albert? I bet you…
Virginie Bourgue completed her migration to Port Townsend, Washington in 2010. In June of this year, she celebrated the opening of Lullaby Winery tasting room. This seaside community reminded her…
The team at Poppe’s 360 have always been known for their extensive martini list, making Poppe’s a favorite among area cocktailistas. But what had been a reliable bar before is now becoming craft cocktail central for our area. Their secret sauce is the consulting team of Unlimited Liabilities, which is owned by Russell Davis, and his associate, Kate Gerwin. Both Davis and…
Ten strangers met on a warm summer evening in Bellingham, WA for a night of wine, beer and cocktail pairings at The Real McCoy, which is owned and operated by in-house…
1. North Fork Brewery 6186 Mt. Baker Highway, Deming northforkbrewery.com The home of the Beer Shrine, North Fork was established in 1997 by Sandy and Vicki Savage….
This year for our style feature, we were inspired by the ornate ironwork, rich woodwork and majestic atmosphere of Lairmont Manor. Taking a cue from the Lairmont’s vintage charm, we gathered…
This issue we feature two small spaces that are nestled deep in the woods and surrounded by mature forest. The paths around the property teem with wildlife, the trees are alive with birdsong. A peaceful…
Owner and nail specialist, or shall I say nail guru, Tara Ellis is still sculpting and manicuring nails but with a few changes — a new location, a new business name, and a bigger staff. The Purple Door Beauty Lounge is a 4000 square foot pampering paradise that opened in March. “I wanted a name that was…
THE SHOP Nestled next to Bayou on the Bay, on the corner of Holly and Prospect in downtown Bellingham lays a hidden jewel called Red Barn Jewelry. Owner Stacia Davis makes bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings using only recycled metals and her signature flat stone rocks. “I have been making jewelry for as long as I can remember, but professionally for three years. I used to make my jewelry in a red barn and…
J. Jill’s new retail location in Bellevue has elevated the shopping experience to be a modern day escape for those who seek simplicity. The completely redesigned space opened late April under the brand’s new platform with a fresh philosophy–“uncomplicated.” Chris Gayton, the Vice President of Brand Marketing, gave an in-depth tour of the store explaining how different sections of the store will appeal to different J. Jill customers. J….
Betty Be Good — a contemporary fashion boutique in Birch Bay Square — offers attractively chic clothing, shoes and accessories at affordable prices. “The printed leggings are our most popular selling item, they sell for $14.50,” said owner Suzanne Smith. Betty Be…
VANCOUVER PNE VANCOUVER AUGUST 16–SEPTEMBER 1 The PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) has been in operation for 101 years, and draws 900,000 visitors during its 17 days. Loaded with cultural demonstrations, performances, rides, fair food and more, the PNE is nonstop fun. Just remember to take cash — the debit machines on the fairgrounds only take Canadian cards. pne.ca NORTHWEST WASHINGTON FAIR LYNDEN | AUGUST 11–16 From cat dioramas to demolition derbies…
Whether promoting SuperFeet insoles or helping Bellingham to seduce Google into making Bellingham a Google Fiber pilot city, Max Kaiser and his team at Hand Crank Films do more than set up a camera, point, shoot and cut. The creative choices — the quality of the light, the texture of the images, the composition of the shots — set Hand Crank…
On August 20, 2013 a lifechanging event occurred for dispatcher and supervisor Faye Whitney. With twenty seven years of experience working as a dispatcher, she knows how to handle a crisis. Given her supervisory role, she has mandatory CPR certification, and she is required to know Criteria Based Dispatch (CBD), which set protocols that match the level of care…
Bellingham TheatreWorks, a new theater company in town, was recently established by the brilliant team of Mark Kuntz and Steve Lyons. Local playwright Steve Lyons graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and later found his passion in writing. Director Mark Kuntz graduated from University of Washington and University of Oregon in theater, and later taught for…
The Bellwether peninsula now offers visitors, local employees and boaters a one-stop-shop where they can buy anything from chips, candy, coffee, or cigarettes to craft beer and wine. Bellwether Market is a new upscale convenience market that opened in May this year and is located at 6 Bellwether Way. Owner Ann McEvoy said the store even provides customers with lunch options, including sandwiches and salads from Avenue Bread. There is a charming sitting area for two…
2014 finds many business people away from the classic cubicle in the office, without a desktop computer or water cooler in sight….
Conveniently located right on Meridian Street, Slo-Pitch is known for their mouth watering hamburgers and wide variety of chicken wings. Offering a large menu and serving breakfast all day long they are the perfect place to…
Are you feeling out of control? Hypnosis can help. Are you feeling out of control in an area of your life? Do you know…
Serving fresh, healthy meals with the customer in mind is what Super Mario’s is all about, and it’s the consistent flavor and quality of the food that keeps bringing people back. The house specialty Carne Asada is perfectly seasoned and tender. The veggies are chopped fresh daily, nothing is frozen, and nothing is cooked until it’s ordered. In addition, keeping…
Keenan’s at the Pier is located inside Fairhaven’s Chrysalis Inn & Spa. With stunning panoramic views of Bellingham Bay, any seat in the restaurant or bar is an excellent choice. Executive Chef Robert Holmes uses fresh ingredients that are regionally sourced, and the menu changes frequently. Happy hour runs…
The signs were subtle at first — a wide-open window during a cold snap in January and the perpetual running of Sleepless in Seattle on the Hallmark…
Established in 1996, San Juan Vineyards is a Puget Sound American Viticultural Area winery destination for locals and tourists alike. The wine room, a renovated schoolhouse that was built in 1896, is an easy 10-minute drive from downtown Friday Harbor. The pastoral setting makes this winery a popular destination for oenophiles, tourists, weekend adventurers and party planners alike. San Juan Vineyards’ owner, Yvonne Swanberg, and winemaker Chris Primus also…
Waygu Beef Tenderloin with Smoked Pear and Truffle Demi-Glace Wagyu Beef tenderloin is a Japanese style of beef, and the most tender cut you…
Pan-Seared Halibut with Pork Rillon and Stoneground Fennel Toss Peppery without being too much so, this second course was both substantial enough to be an entrée, and yet delicate enough to be a small plate. Fresh halibut makes a huge difference in quality. The fennel toss was tangy and complemented the flaky halibut nicely. Pork rillon gave the dish a subtle meaty texture. • 1 lb…
Warm and Cold Lamb Carpaccio Caprese Lamb Tenderloin This appetizer combines the delicacy of shaved lamb with the fresh flavors of a traditional caprese. Heirloom tomatoes add flavor and texture, as does hand-made mozzarella. The saffron is a quiet undertone. This dish is perfect for a…
On May 15th, Bellingham Alive and Judd & Black Appliance hosted Chef Perry Mascitti, who created a beautiful threecourse meal that drew on the seafood, meat and produce of our area. Perry is the Executive Chef…
Mead, also known as honey wine, is said to have been the first alcoholic beverage, coming before both wine and beer. Originating in Northern China and Dating back to 7000 BC, this beverage has been part of cultures all over the world. Many say mead was the nectar of the gods…
We are so fortunate for our beautiful, local farms. They feed us with fresh produce — mounds of ripe berries, piles of thick, rich greens, barrels of crisp, sweet apples — and they protect our rolling hills and rural character. Not only do our farmers work hard to grow all this amazing food, they offer their bounty in our local farmers markets, grocery stores, CSAs and restaurants. So next time you pass a farm stand, grab a few extra…
SAN JUAN ISLAND San Juan Island teems with life in the summer. Friday Harbor is San Juan’s welcome mat, and a cheery one at that: just up the hill from the ferry landing, shops, restaurants…
Olaf — the lovable snowman in Disney’s Frozen — sings about his affection for summer “Bees will buzz, and kids will blow dandelion fuzz…in summer!” But parents and grandparents aren’t always as thrilled with the extra hours of bored little ones tugging at them for something to do. Those who work during the summer months have it even harder, having to come up with…
This lovely house is located on the tip of Samish Island, just above high tide. It is owned by an oyster farmer who farms the surrounding waters of Samish Bay. Built to withstand harsh conditions — the salt, sand and constant breeze of the island elements — it’s solidly built and yet graceful. Amenities include heated concrete floors without a crawlspace, which is ideal for minimum maintenance. The solid timber frame construction…
He’s a little bit country and she is a little bit rock ‘n roll, and the combination is something I call “organic modernism.” We combined the homeowners’ mementos, industrial pieces and warm textures to create a collection of oddities that satisfies their rustic-inspired living,…
Cleaning Your Makeup Bag Toss anything expired! Do this now. Start with mascaras and toss out anything that is more than 8 weeks old. Old makeup is the most likely thing to cause problems ranging anywhere from skin irritations, pink eye…
Tucked away on the Guide Meridian, just a short drive down Telegraph Road, is one of the most relaxing, fun and professional day spas around. With an added salon, it has everything a customer could want. Silhouettes Salon & Day…
THE SHOP Located on Guide Meridian and full of equipment that bikers can only dream about, BikeSport offers a variety of bikes, unicycles, and helmets, as well as clothing. This shop is new to the Bellingham area as it opened in March this year, but has been successfully running in Ballard since the beginning of 1995. ATMOSPHERE Open, encouraging and knowledgeable in all things bike. KEY PEOPLE BikeSport is owned by two couples,…
It could be the open environment, the gorgeous furniture, or the large oil paintings hanging on exposed brick walls — whatever it is, owner and showroom manager Sharon Kingston has finally found her place in Bellingham at Modern Classics. Originally…
Starting out as an unpromising little sandbar, Granville Island now shines as an example of what a community with chutzpah and vision can achieve in a couple of decades. Vancouver, B.C.’s original name was Granville, so it is fitting that this little island (technically peninsula) has…
On June 7th, the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Foundation will celebrate the community’s generosity, spirit and leadership at its bi-annual black-tie gala. PeaceHealth takes great pride in its service and commitment to the people of Whatcom County and beyond, but the not-for-profit doesn’t act alone: doctors, patients, caregivers and the community at large are all a valuable part of the…
Officer Rhonda Lasley had been on the Sedro-Woolley police force for a month when she and civilian Nicole Vojkovich received a call from the Skagit sheriff’s office about an overturned boat at Dead Man’s Island. Prior to this, Rhonda had been employed for fourteen years by Skagit…
We all know The Woods Coffee as a place to relax and enjoy delicious tea, coffee or a treat, but now they have taken their company to an entirely new level. Their coffee, originally roasted in Seattle by a few different companies, is now going to be roasted right here in Whatcom County. Twelve years ago, The Woods Coffee was born. Shortly thereafter, the company had…
It’s that time of the year again. The Bellingham Circus Guild is back in action. If you have never heard of this event, it’s a collection of professional and hobby circus artists performing as aerialists, stilters, clowns, myth makers, jugglers, acrobats, theatricalists and so much more. Their routines are based on European performance techniques and vintage circus performances. Think Cirque de Soliel meets steampunk, and you get the idea. The Guild performs a special…
Neon green sea grass and fiery fields of red coral bubble with life. Streams of light dance weightlessly to the sway of a gentle current. Tentacles wrap and release tight circles. Urchins preen and pucker. Mighty mammals travel ancient water routes in search of warmer waters. Life in the ocean is a technicolor masterpiece. Ten years ago, Annie Crawley made a decision to capture underwater life, changing the entire course of her own. She…
Giuseppe’s Al Porto Ristorante Italiano provides an enhanced dining experience to its customers, including outside seating that provides diners with the joy of eating by the water and taking in the…
Ask any local or college student: On Rice is the place to go in Bellingham. With its affordable lunch specials and three locations around town, it’s easy to enjoy one of On Rice’s many flavorful Thai dishes. A classic Thai favorite, Pad Thai, is interpreted well here. It’s sweet, without being overpowering, and has just enough…
Folks who have enjoyed the fresh, handmade pastas of the Bellingham Pasta Co. from their local market can now experience them served with a helping of marinara, alfredo or pesto sauce at the Pasta Co.’s restaurant, The Table, which is named for the long family-style table that fills the center of the dining room. Pasta is not the only item on the menu: starters,…
Syklark’s Hidden Cafe in Fairhaven is worth seeking out. From decadent breakfast items such as Eggs Benedict and house specialty Banana Bread French Toast with Maple Walnut Topping to hearty dinner entrees such Halibut & Lobster Thermidor and New York Steak…
With two locations, Rocket Donuts is an icon in Bellingham for its delectable donuts and sci-fi themed storefronts. The donuts are made fresh daily, giving them their fluffy, soft texture. Try the classic glazed or spice up your morning with maple-bacon bar. Rocket donuts is unique by offering vegan and gluten free options. Lift off your morning Rocket style. 11th and Harris Ave., Bellingham…
WWU Planetarium manager Brad Snowder got a first-hand look at the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover this summer after being selected by NASA to help promote the mission and landing of the rover as it reached Mars.
Just west of downtown, nestled alongside All About Flowers, awaits Elizabeth Station, a convenience store opened in early March 2012.
Vintage chic for the home, trendy accessories for you THE SHOP. The theme, old to new, flows throughout Grandiflora. Named after the popular magnolia gardens that existed in Lynden’s past, Grandiflora opened its doors in 2000, becoming a premier home decor store. The importance of history and culture is etched into the mural depicting Lynden’s discovery on the brick of the building. Nothing inside feels…
If you want an excellent early morning espresso or a taste of old Italy for lunch or just a mid-afternoon break, Torre Caffe is the place to go. It’s authentic, right down to the co-owners, Pasquale and Louisa Salvatti, who came here from Genoa in 2005. Traditional Italian lunch…
Step off busy State Street after your late night festivities for an inexpensive and satisfying fill of plump dumplings. Stuffed with either meat or potatoes, these dumplings are…
Fresh, flavorful and family-friendly, diners will want to make a return visit.
From vegetables and cheese to milk, grass-fed beef, chicken, pork or wine, families are encouraged to see another side of Whatcom County – where the locally grown food is brought to life … and to local plates and palettes.
Scotty Browns, a favorite Whatcom County dining destination, opened a new location behind the security line in the new terminal at Bellingham International Airport.
New charging stations include three in Whatcom, Skagit counties… Lines of electric cars decorated the parking lot of Bellingham’s Sehome…
![Q&A with Laural Ballew [Ses Yehomia/tsi kuts bat soot], New Tribal Liaison at WWU](https://bellinghamalive.com/wp-content/uploads/frontend/2019/12/Spotlight_Feature_Image-400x250.jpg)
