The Camel’s Watering Hole: …

The Camel’s Watering Hole: Burlington’s Newest Speakeasy | Speakeasy Saloon

Maybe it’s something about reentering the ‘20s, but speakeasies have seen a definite resurgence over the past five to 10 years. Thankfully, history isn’t repeating itself entirely, so we aren’t flocking to these hidden bars and restaurants out of necessity—we’re doing it because they’re so much dang fun. The Speakeasy Saloon in Burlington opened in April 2025, and is the latest restaurant to come from the creators of Railroad Pub & Pizza and Train Wreck Bar & Grill. You…

Skagit’s Wellness Sanctuary …

Skagit’s Wellness Sanctuary | Quantum Health Pilates & Yoga Lounge

Quantum Health Pilates & Yoga Lounge has a natural way of drawing people in. With its relaxed environment, it offers visitors of every ability level a place to recharge and nurture their health. More than just a fitness studio, Quantum is a one-stop wellness destination, bringing movement, nutrition, and holistic care together under one roof. “I wanted to create a lifestyle that I could immerse myself in on a daily basis, and that’s what drove this,” says Founder Scott…

Teaching to the Whole Child | …

Teaching to the Whole Child | Burlington Little School

Alexis (Lexi) Hughes, executive director of Burlington Little School (BLS), is serious about play. Passion beams from her face as she shows me around the property, which was a single family home before the school was founded by Bruce Campbell in…

31 Days of Giveaways

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!

Five Great Family Fun Stops | …

Five Great Family Fun Stops | Five Faves

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 Featuring the Bellingham Boardwalk over the water,…

Burgers and Brews

Restaurants that Go Above and …

Restaurants that Go Above and Beyond

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 everyone we know to get the inside scoop on the places that go beyond “service with a smile” to really make their customers’ days….

The Best Spas for a Little ‘…

The Best Spas for a Little ‘You Time’

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…

Holiday Dinner Redo

Holiday Shopping Guide

Apse Jewelry Studio & Showroom Downtown Bellingham’s coolest jewelry spot with a colorful selection of rings, chains, and hoops. We handcraft all our jewelry in-studio using genuine precious metals and gemstones and design with a genderless focus. 1153 N. State St., Bellingham apse.us Northwest Yarns & Mercantile Located in beautiful downtown Bellingham’s…

Best of the Northwest 2023 …

Best of the Northwest 2023 Winners Announced!

127 Categories. 381 Winners. 72,809 submissions. 946,062 individual votes. And your 2023 Best of the Northwest winners are…

Meet Your Mushrooms!

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 world of mushrooms is expansive, and the range of flavors,…

Feature: Find Your Perfect …

Feature: Find Your Perfect Palette

Top Remodel Trends 2023

March Feature

A Multi-Generational …

A Multi-Generational Community Cornerstone

Stowes Shoes & Clothing

Pacific Northwest Health Perks

January 2023 Feature, Keeping your mind and body healthy and active.

A Heart-Warming Festival To …

A Heart-Warming Festival To Benefit Cardiac Health

Skagit Regional Health Festival of Trees

Classic Christmas: On the Town

Skagitonian Sourdough from …

Skagitonian Sourdough from PNW-Grown Grains

Water Tank Bakery

Behind the Brews

Meet the Inspirations for Your Favorite Local Beers

New Slab Gallery Encourages …

New Slab Gallery Encourages Connection to Design

Stone Pros Inc.

Sandwiches Savory and Sweet

The Fairhaven

Not Your Run-of-the-Mill …

Not Your Run-of-the-Mill Flour Mill

Fairhaven Mill

Building a Legacy in Skagit …

Building a Legacy in Skagit Valley

Have you ever been to the Heritage Flight Museum? Learn more about the history behind it, and what’s on the horizon.

A Passion for Style

After inquisitive clients kept asking hairstylist Janet Horton where she found her trendy threads, she realized she could combine her passion for hairstyling and fashion in one place. As such, Three…

Best of the Northwest 2019 …

Best of the Northwest 2019 Winner’s Announced!

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 participating and voting, and congratulations to all of the winners! Click below to see the winners in…

Berry Dairy Days

Celebrate Burlington’s history of agricultural and farming communities with the 82nd annual Berry Dairy Days presented by Peoples Bank.

A Place for All Seasons

For those craving some artisan pizza and local beer, drop by Railroad Pub & Pizza—a cozy and cabin-like restaurant in downtown Burlington.

Cinco de Mayo Hot Spots

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.

Easter Eats

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.

From Apollo 8 to Flight Museum

This Christmas Eve marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 8 astronauts entering lunar orbit. Greg Anders runs the Heritage Flight Museum in Burlington.

Best of the Northwest 2018 …

Best of the Northwest 2018 Winners Announced

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.

Skagit Surprise: Fresh Fish …

Skagit Surprise: Fresh Fish to Eat and Take Home

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.

107th Year, and Counting

The Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden celebrates its 107th year and still maintaining its agricultural roots from when it began in 1911.

Throwback Ice Cream Stand …

Throwback Ice Cream Stand Still A Gem

Ordering is the opposite of Starbucks’ multi-adjective gibberish. Just state size and vehicle. “Small, on a cone” will do.

Harvesting Suppers This Summer

Summer is a great time for buying local and eating fresh foods. Planning meals ahead can save you time for other fun summer activities.

Baking School and Bread Lab …

Baking School and Bread Lab Rise Together in Burlington

The Skagit Bread Lab is offering classes in their new King Arthur Flour Baking School to educate locals and give back to the community.

Growth Beyond ADU: Handle …

Growth Beyond ADU: Handle with Care

Growth is inevitable. The North Sound region is increasing in population and infrastructure. How is this growth affecting our quality of life?

Military Tourism

Take a tour of a few Washington State Parks and learn about the military history in this area, from the early 1800s to WWII.

Military Bases

A behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island.

Insole Giant Makes Big Step

Superfeet is emerging as a leader in footbed technology.

Seeking Perfection on a Knife&…

Seeking Perfection on a Knife’s Edge

Blacksmith Andy Gladish creates beautiful, sharp, and durable knives as owner of Element Fe.

Real Estate

Real Estate

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 2010, the last official census. The secret’s out: The North Sound is a great place to live. We’ve got nature in abundance, the coastline, fresh water, snow-capped peaks, islands, arts, recreation, and locally grown food. In this feature, we give you a…

Friends of the Forest

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 development engulfing much of the city, we have Friends of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands, more commonly known as Friends of the Forest, to thank for preserving and educating the community about the natural woodlands, meadows,…

Medical Aesthetics, Explained

Doctor Answers Questions About Growing Industry Increasingly, older Americans are looking in the mirror and unhappy with what they see: Scars, skin…

So, You Want a Pond?

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…

Tugging at the Heart

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 store features a child-sized tugboat perfect for keeping kids busy…

April Showers Bring May …

April Showers Bring May Flowers

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…

Meet the Chef

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…

Lighthouses Feature

Lighthouses Feature

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 Columbia River, began sentry duty in the mid-1800s, not long after gold was discovered in 1849 at Sutter’s Mill, an event that triggered a huge influx of fortune-seekers flocking to the coast by land and boat….

Garbage Shaming

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…

Marking the End of the (…

Marking the End of the (Traditional) Brewing Season

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 to anticipate. And it all goes in a circle, so that we can say farewell to one season…

Go with Your Gut – It&#…

Go with Your Gut – It’ll Help Your Brain

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 when it comes to nutrition research….

Skin Esthetician’s Mission: …

Skin Esthetician’s Mission: Empowering Women & Teens

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 sign up for…

Bothell Furniture

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 have distinguished themselves by their knowledge and expertise. They buy carefully selected individual pieces of furniture rather than container loads of cheap imports, and they pride…

Cider House Rules?

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 Prospect St., is nestled next door to Sylvia Center of the Arts and near the…

Redefine Health Food

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…

The Mixing Tin: Pina Mas Macho

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…

Protecting the Treasure of …

Protecting the Treasure of Whatcom County

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….

All-Ages Entertainment …

All-Ages Entertainment Downtown

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…

Yes in a Dress- Nuu-Muu

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…

Pacific Northwest Whimsy

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…

Muto Ramen and Izakaya

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…

Fixer-Upper? No Thanks.

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. 1, 2011 and…

Lasting Image

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…

Vagabond Station

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…

Glorious Winter Greens

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…

Makeup Tips for the Time-…

Makeup Tips for the Time-Challenged

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….

Five Faves

Cinnamon Rolls MOUNT BAKERY CAFÉ & BAKERY Definitely a mountaintop experience. Revel in this devilishly sticky unraveling of a treat nicknamed “cinnamon snail” in Danish pastry. Mount Bakery’s spiral-layered roll recipe originated…

Best Breakfasts

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 it, breakfast is traditionally the first meal of the day. Croissants in…

Lasting Image

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…

Walla Walla Wines Become a …

Walla Walla Wines Become a Growth Industry

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 163 wineries statewide in the year 2000. Today the state boasts over…

Fighting Food Insecurity With …

Fighting Food Insecurity With Milk

In Whatcom, San Juan, and Skagit counties, Northwest Harvest works with a total 21 food banks, feeding more than 245,000 families.

The Art of Forgiveness

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. At the last moment, just before impact, Haggerty wakes in…

Quinn & Foster

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 run the well-loved store since 1978 (preceded by another owner named Gary, hence “Garys’”). Customers enjoyed memorable service and a large selection of classic clothing and shoes for men and…

When it Comes to Running: …

When it Comes to Running: Feet First

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….

BeachCastle Sweets

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…

Western Washington student …

Western Washington student Breezy Johnson Named to Olympic Team and Goes on a Tear

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…

Opioid Addiction, Why Saying &…

Opioid Addiction, Why Saying “NO” Is So Hard

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.

Sustainable Connections Means …

Sustainable Connections Means (Local) Business

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 a year that Long accidentally ended up in Whatcom County. Like many post-grads, Long took the opportunity to travel early in life. For…

Banking on Two Wheels

Bellingham’s New Pump Track Is a Hit With just a push or two of a pedal, riders weave up, down and around, gathering speed and harnessing it to tackle the next turn or incline. On Bellingham’s very first pump track, inertia is the name of the game, one that can be played by both four year-olds and Olympians. A…

Butcher Shop Bringing the …

Butcher Shop Bringing the Craft Back to Bellingham

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.

Lynden Dutch Bakery

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.

Alaskan Odysseys

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…

From 3-D Printers to gene …

From 3-D Printers to gene therapies, medicine is changing like never before

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 the startling announcement that the…

Bow Little Market

The Bow Little Market launched in July 2010 with the motto, “Where the little guy is a big deal.” Held in the Belfast Feed Store, the market caters to smaller farmers and producers trying to get their businesses started, which means new and unusual finds for consumers. They have about 30…

Ten Good Places to Watch …

Ten Good Places to Watch March Madness

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…

ROOM TO BREATHE Organization …

ROOM TO BREATHE Organization For The New Year

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…

The Savvy Traveler

The selection of handbags and purses is equally impressive, with a similar emphasis on quality, style, and practicality.

Aerial Artistry with Terril …

Aerial Artistry with Terril Teran Mire

There are numerous kinds of apparatuses used in aerial acts, some of the most popular being hoop, hammock, rope, and silks.

Chinese Herbal Medicine …

Chinese Herbal Medicine Explored

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.

Conscious Cosmetics – …

Conscious Cosmetics – Go Beyond The Label

When reading labels, we should not only be reading our ingredient lists but learning about them.

Fresh Face For Winter

simple solutions and product recommendations to help your beauty shine bright despite the wet, blustery winter weather.

A Shop Sets Sail

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. Storeowners Royal and Diane Reinsch, and…

The Road to Recovery, A …

The Road to Recovery, A Reason to Rise

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…

White Rock, B.C

A lone stretch of driftwood-strewn beach, a quiet morning stroll along the boardwalk, a cozy cup of coffee watching a storm roll…

A Bold New Vision

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…

Sips of the Season featuring …

Sips of the Season featuring Signature Cocktails by Keenan’s at the Pier

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 members presented appetizers paired with each hand -crafted cocktail. They also demonstrated how to make each cocktail,…

Village Books Opens In Lynden

Anyone who lives in Bellingham knows the open, inviting, independent bookstore Village Books and its next-door neighbor, the gift shop Paper Dreams. Village Books is an anchor in the community, functioning as more than just a retail space. It is a gathering place that…

Sculpture Northwest Opens …

Sculpture Northwest Opens Gallery

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 are more than that. Under the leadership of George Drake and Deanna Lane — with significant energy and time from a dedicated board— Sculpture Northwest is a hub, a resource center, a community asset unique to our area. “We…

Gear Gone Wrong

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…

Best of the Northwest 2015

The results are in! Our readers have voted on their favorite businesses, services, restaurants, stores, spas and more, from Blaine to Anacortes. Looking for the go-to places to get the perfect haircut or find the best dentist? Look no…

The Table’s Herb Dumpling …

The Table’s Herb Dumpling Recipe

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…

Cosmos Bistro

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…

The Bravo 369 Flight …

The Bravo 369 Flight Foundation

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 record, “I want to recognize the efforts…

Wine From Washington State

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…

This Old Shed

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,…

Underwater Artists

Wonder what happens when art and science mix? Hop the next ferry over to San Juan Island to find out….

Tasteful Beauty

Tasteful Beauty

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…

Trail Running Inspiration

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,…

Sun Valley

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 many types of budgets and activities. In fact, with its spectacular scenery, abundant trails, appealing shops, excellent food and close proximity to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, it’s a hub for…

Darrell Hillaire and Setting …

Darrell Hillaire and Setting Suns Productions

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…

Five Faves: Native Blooms

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 and Clark on their voyage west and named by botanist Linneaus, the mock orange is a fragrant,…

Comfort Foods

When I think of food, I think of the various elegant, modern food photographs I see on Instagram, Twitter and other social media sites. Or I think of the…

Old School Trailer Works

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 four businesses under her belt, Angi Soulier is a driven entrepreneur when it comes to pursuing new and creative ventures. Three…

Wonder Woman: Jenni Cottrell

Jenni Cottrell believes in pooling resources and bringing together a community around the beauty and power of art. To illustrate this point, she tells a story about when she was with a friend at an auction in Alaska they saw a painting they loved. The auction was to benefit the town’s new public library, and Cottrell really wanted to see that painting in the new library. “We…

Seeing the world in a whole …

Seeing the world in a whole new way

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…

Wonder Woman: Zsofia Pasztor

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. Pasztor is what you would call a hands-on…

Leadership Snohomish County …

Leadership Snohomish County Program

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.

Garden Guru: Ciscoe Morris

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…

Hog Wild for Sustainability

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…

Climbing for Kids

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 began…

Ramble On

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 probably touring an established neighborhood where ramblers were the predominate style. Their simplicity is captivating and infused with potential. Therefore I am thrilled when given the opportunity to remodel one of these beauties alongside…

Creating Sanctuary Space

Find a corner, spruce it up Perhaps you need a spot for yoga, or a place to sit and read in the sun. Maybe…

Creating a simple date night …

Creating a simple date night look

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 all can relate to wanting to look our…

Donna Auer – Driven to …

Donna Auer – Driven to Abstraction

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…

Five Faves: Local Aphrodisiacs

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 Vernon Genuine Mexican can be tough to come by, but COA brings it. As mild or spicy as you like, enjoy their chile relleno to bring a…

Wonder Woman: Rose Lathrop

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 change in 2012 and became the Green Building…

Recycled Art

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.

Forgiving the Unforgiven

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. Eventually, the burden became more work than joy and I would head home. I was literally an inch or two taller as I walked…

A Delight-ful Remodel

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…

Trailblazers

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…

Recipe: Spring Parsnip soup …

Recipe: Spring Parsnip soup with sauted rosemary apples and fried leeks

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…

A Master Bath Worth Waiting …

A Master Bath Worth Waiting For

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…

Coastal Encounters

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…

The Skinny on SPF

If you aren’t intimidated by all of the acronyms associated with sunscreen, then my floppy straw hat is off to you. Even as…

Five Faves: Hiking Trails

Saint Edward State Park KIRKLAND Located on a forested bluff overlooking the northern end of Lake Washington, several dirt trails…

Wonder Woman: Molly Helmuth

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 her home track, and is a rising star…

Low-impact Exercise, High-…

Low-impact Exercise, High-impact Returns

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…

Husbandcare.gov

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 relationship problems — and even if the answer may come at my expense. I can’t help myself. I am stupid smart. My social laboratory of late has been the “women behind the magazine” at Bellingham Alive. I am typically outnumbered — a veritable male think tank…

The Beauty of Bergevin

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.

Fabulous Faux

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 realism,…

Container Herb Gardens

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 herbs, including basil, can be propagated in water from a stem and transplanted into soil when the…

Brightening Your Bedroom

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 Temperature. Bedroom light generally tends to be…

Vintage Glamour

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…

Yakima Wine Country: Endless …

Yakima Wine Country: Endless Possibilities

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…

Poet de la Paz

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 poetry workshop that he might have a “kitten…

Five Faves: Great Dates

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…

Always on Duty

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 car cross several lanes…

Wonder Woman: Mimi Osterdahl

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 of the Whatcom County Association of Realtors®. The Whatcom County Association of Realtors® is more than just a loose conglomeration of people who sell houses —…

Getting Clean for Spring

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…

Senior Citizens United

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 private comments about their childhood to their public Facebook wall? At least you figured out how to log on. It’s the thought that counts, right? And so what if you don’t trust a hybrid car that doesn’t make noise when the engine is running? I…

Spring Arrives: Container …

Spring Arrives: Container Gardens for Inspiration

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 floral display complement the earthier huckleberry and Oregon grape in the native planting. We’re pleased to bring you this early peak into…

Senior All-Stars: Volunteers …

Senior All-Stars: Volunteers Who Shine

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 in the paper about the Guide Meridian-Cordata Neighborhood that she found herself truly engaged. She joined her neighborhood association and found her niche. Bellingham’s…

Engaging Communities

Retirement Communities That Offer Amenities: When we think of retirement communities, we generally think of endless games of bingo and terrible food. Fortunately,…

The Rise of the Village …

The Rise of the Village Movement

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 wish to stay in their own homes. They call their nonprofit Beacon Hill Village, and it is the next big trend in senior lifestyle. Beacon Hill Village is a group of volunteers and service providers who combine services to aid seniors in central Boston. From college students who volunteer to help with computer…

Staying Engaged: Senior Living

Welcome to the new era of retirement, in which retirees teach part-time, volunteer for nonprofits, mentor young people, doorbell for candidates, organize neighborhood…

Spring Beauty Trends

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…

Small Space Growing: …

Small Space Growing: Beautiful Edible Containers

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…

Five Faves: Brunch

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…

Tyree Callahan

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 canvas of which is unscrolling from…

Stopping a Brutal Assault: …

Stopping a Brutal Assault: Sherry and Marlene Rials

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…

Assembling Your Bucket List

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 before you get married and have kids. The idea is to look at the finality of something, not necessarily just…

Forgiving The Unforgiven

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…

SAKURA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

Professional Teppan Yaki chefs take you on a journey of delicious and interactive dining at Burlington’s Sakura Japanese Steakhouse. Using the freshest ingredients and perfect seasonings, they stir-fry your meal…

Hope- The Emotional God …

Hope- The Emotional God Particle

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…

Best Of The Northwest 2014

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…

MI MEXICO

Mi Mexico’s reputation as one of the local favorites among Mexican food lovers is well deserved. The experience starts with…

P=mc2: Ken takes Albert …

P=mc2: Ken takes Albert Einstein behind the woodshed

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,…

The Cork, The Tap & The …

The Cork, The Tap & The Cask- A guide to drinking locally

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. Sandy is the former head brewer at Triple Rock Brewery in Berkeley, CA. He brews in very small batches, so the…

Five Faves: Summer Fairs

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…

Hypnosis: Helping You Help …

Hypnosis: Helping You Help Yourself

Are you feeling out of control? Hypnosis can help. Are you feeling out of control in an area of your life? Do you know what you need to do, but find it hard — or nearly impossible—to follow through? Is there something in your life, like fear, stress, smoking, diet, drinking, or a lack of self…

Surviving Menopause- Ken puts …

Surviving Menopause- Ken puts his life at risk

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 channel. In hindsight, it is now clear. But at the time, I was simply oblivious. Then came the fireplace blazing 24/7 and extra comforters on the bed, all while the windows were…

Farm to Table

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…

Island Getaways

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 and galleries, Friday Harbor awaits the eager visitor. With 8000…

Summer Fun Guide

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…

Farming Inspired Design

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, giving them the luxurious lodge look they desired. The family I worked with had a large, multi-purpose…

Annie Crawley: Dive Into Your …

Annie Crawley: Dive Into Your Imagintion

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…

Feasting During the Fourth of July: Sustainable Edition