8 Great Tastes | Summer 2025

1. Looking for something lightly sweet to complement your latte? Caffe Adagio’s famously good coffee pairs perfectly with their Marionberry Scone. 2. With crispy pork belly and pickled chilis, the Sweet and Spicy Pork Flatbread at Ferndale’s The Score Sports Bar & Grill is a slam dunk. 3. Mercato delle Bontà does Italian food right; The Star of the Show sandwich spotlights imported mortadella (complete with pistachio), with a supporting cast of fresh mozzarella and spicy arugula. 4. Bellingham’s…

Seared Sockeye Salmon with …

Seared Sockeye Salmon with Rosemary Fingerlings, Summer Squash & Strawberry-Cucumber Arugula Salad | Chef Matthew’s Corner

June & July in the Pacific Northwest is a time when long days and warm evenings inspire colorful, laid-back meals made from ingredients grown right here in the North Sound. This dish brings together everything I love about a summer dinner in Bellingham: wild sockeye salmon, tender fingerling potatoes, sweet summer squash, and a fresh, unexpected salad made with local strawberries, cucumber, and arugula. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like home, rooted in…

Playing Around With Summer’…

Playing Around With Summer’s Favorite Drink | Lemonade Tips & Tricks

Recipe for Simple Perfection Before we talk about anything else, let’s start with the basics: what’s the recipe for lemonade? Start with one part lemon juice, one part sugar, and three parts water, then tweak based on how strong or sweet you like it! Remember to dissolve the sugar into hot water before adding it to the lemon juice. The Main Squeeze You need to squeeze…

Boards Beyond the Cheese

Listen, everyone loves a cheese board, but sometimes you just want to break the mold! Boards are a great way to feed a crowd without having to do a ton of cooking; they can…

The Outdoors for All: …

The Outdoors for All: Accessible Hikes for Summer!

The Pacific Northwest is home to an abundance of ecological and wildlife diversity: the expansive and lush forests of the Olympic Peninsula, the…

The Mixing Tin | Tom Collins

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 a…

Farm, Garden, U-Pick Guide | …

Farm, Garden, U-Pick Guide | 2025

Introducing our 2025 Farm, Garden, U-Pick Guide; the perfect resource to help you plan your summer activities! Take advantage of the sun and warm weather this season by spending an afternoon supporting a local farm or garden. Don’t forget to tell them Bellingham Alive sent you!

Summer Fun & Camp Guide |…

Summer Fun & Camp Guide | 2025

Don’t miss our 2025 Summer Fun & Camp Guide! From farmer’s markets to art festivals to plain old community fun, our guide has it all. Check our what’s going on in our communities this summer below!

Wine Pick of the Month | …

Wine Pick of the Month | Niccolo Coturri’s High Diving Sparkling 2023

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,…

Spring Spot Prawn & …

Spring Spot Prawn & Asparagus Risotto | Chef Matthew’s Corner

May in the Pacific Northwest is a time of abundance—farmers markets overflow with vibrant produce, and the Salish Sea offers some of the freshest seafood imaginable. One of the reasons I fell in love with this region is the unparalleled access to high-quality local ingredients—some of the best I’ve ever cooked with. Whether meeting farmers in the field…

Countryside Equestrian ‘…

Countryside Equestrian ‘Hipstoric’ Farmhouse Kitchen | TANNA BY DESIGN

With a nod to the English countryside, this farmhouse design combines old and new, mixing modern pieces and antique furniture with rough-and-ready European elements that everyone is gravitating toward—a ‘hipstoric’ farmhouse with a curated maximalist style. What is ‘hipstoric?’ It’s a recent industry buzzword for a place that’s historic in nature and redesigned to look hipster—or a place that’s totally hipster and designed to look historic. For us, that clearly fits our…

8 Great Tastes | May 2025

The Black Cat is known for its vintage, classy atmosphere and it’s delicious Mexican Street Corn Dip. From red brick walls to stained-glass Tiffany lamps, this is the perfect restaurant for…

52 Perfect Saturdays

Ever wake up on the weekend and feel a tug to get out of the house and do something fun, but you have no idea what fun thing to do? Sometimes, you can waste a whole beautiful day languishing around trying to figure out a plan. Well, we’re here to help, with 52 ideas for a great day out and about in the North Sound. From…

The Mixing Tin | Blackberry …

The Mixing Tin | Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita

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…

Since Time Immemorial | Eliza …

Since Time Immemorial | Eliza Julius

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, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to restore our relationship with Mother Earth and with one another. We are grateful for these stories, told in the words of each featured individual….

Best of the Northwest 2024 …

Best of the Northwest 2024 Winners Announced!!

31 Days of Voting… 127 Business Categories… 77,419 Submissions… 1,006,837 Individual Votes Cast… YOUR 2024 BEST OF THE NORTHWEST RESULTS ARE IN! Check them out below!

8 Great Tastes | April 2025

We love Fairhaven’s Skylark’s Cafe for brunch, but this dinner item blew us away: Flat Iron Certified Angus Steak, marinated and sliced to order, with Yukon Gold garlic mashed potatoes, whiskey cream sauce, and seasonal veg! Want something other than a pretzel or a hot dog for a walking-around-snack in Downtown Bellingham? Grab some Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Skewers from Cafe Akroteri! Get the sides that come with it to-go for later. Hammerhead…

Wine Pick of the Month | …

Wine Pick of the Month | Abeja “Beekeeper’s Blend”

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…

For Love of Local Literature |…

For Love of Local Literature | Spotlight on Our Local Authors

I started my career in book publishing, working at Bloomsbury in London and publishing my first book over there, but when I moved back to the States I figured I’d have to leave that world behind—the great majority of book publishing is centered around New York City, and I was moving back to the West Coast. So imagine my delight when, four years later, I moved to Bellingham and discovered…

Water You Waiting For? | …

Water You Waiting For? | Waterfront restaurants you’ll want to dive into!

The Pacific Northwest has some of the best restaurants that serve up some of the most breathtaking views of the Salish Sea. Each city and town has its own story of the waterfront, but the one thing they all have in common is the water views, which never…

Since Time Immemorial | Eliza …

Since Time Immemorial | Eliza Julius

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, life-sustaining way. We live in a time…

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Looking to check out something new around the Pacific Northwest area? Whether a long time resident or fresh to the northwest, we may be able to help you experience something new. From beaches, parks, and tulips to food and fun walks, let us guide you through being a tourist in your own hometown! TULIPS? TULIPS! If you’ve lived around the Pacific…

Led by Love | Storia Cucina …

Led by Love | Storia Cucina Chef de Cuisine Helen Lofton + Recipe

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…

Inspirational Designs in …

Inspirational Designs in Kitchen & Bath

Check out our March 2025 feature: Inspirational Designs in Kitchen & Bath!

The Mixing Tin | Irish Coffee

THE IRISH COFFEE In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, try an Irish coffee (at Uisce, if you’re in Bellingham)! This warm, comforting drink pays homage to its namesake through its rich flavor and…

8 Great Tastes | March 2025

Greene’s Corner is a great spot to grab some food and enjoy local events, from live music to open mics—whatever the entertainment, the Korean Fried Chicken Slider is one thing you don’t want to miss out on! The Shrimp Shack has been serving up seafood in Anacortes next to Deception Pass State Park since 1973. You can’t go wrong with the classic Popcorn Shrimp Basket, served…

Wine Pick of the Month | …

Wine Pick of the Month | Kevin White 2023 “Blue Label”

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 we sign on…

Since Time Immemorial | Na-…

Since Time Immemorial | Na-tak-ul-tan Tino Kurtz

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, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when…

8 Great Tastes | February 2025

We all know Redlight for their friendly bartenders and great cocktails, but the food is also excellent. Whether you’re in the mood for slippery, spicy wontons or a crunchy Fried Chicken Bao, they’ve got what you’re craving. While Burgermaster in Mount Vernon is known for, well, their burgers, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t get a shake. Their hand-spun Blackberry Milkshake is made with real berries and tastes…

Down for a B.A.D. Time | …

Down for a B.A.D. Time | Bellingham Aerial and Dance

Bellingham Aerial and Dance (B.A.D.) opened in late September 2024 and has already created waves in the arts community. The business idea came to Max Rodzon, the owner and founder of B.A.D., in July—they could tell Bellingham was in need of aerial dance. “There was such a want for it that I was able to spin it up pretty quickly, start marketing, and get a feel for how many people were interested,” says Rodzon. It turns out that many people…

“Bringing Joyful Bites to …

“Bringing Joyful Bites to Lynden” | Graze and Gather Charcuterie and Bistro

Among the new businesses Lynden Commons has brought to town is Graze and Gather Charcuterie and Bistro, run by local mother-daughter team Lydia Faber and Kristina Wendt. Faber always enjoyed…

Looking for Help Making Your …

Looking for Help Making Your Space More Chic? | Schieck Spaces

Mackenzie Schieck is a one-woman operation at Schieck Spaces, where she offers many different creative services, including interior decorating, prop and food styling, writing, and photography. Given the wide range of services she provides, Schieck says that her business is more of a creative studio, where she can express her creativity through the work she conducts. “People ask me all the time, would you prefer to only be doing…

The Mixing Tin | Pomegranate …

The Mixing Tin | Pomegranate Mimosa

POMEGRANATE MIMOSA (Based on recipes by Sonja Overhiser and The Chunky Chef.) Mimosas originated as Buck’s Fizz, a 50/50 combination of champagne and orange juice invented in 1921 at Buck’s Club in London. The cocktail has a wonderful fizzy taste and is infinitely adaptable—this version combines the citrusy notes of orange juice with tangy pomegranate for…

A Foodie’s Guide | 2025

It’s here! Check out our February 2025 feature: A Foodie’s Guide.

Cottage Bakeries Throughout …

Cottage Bakeries Throughout the North Sound

Did you know that you could have a bakery right down the street from you and not even know it? Nestled in neighborhoods across Whatcom and Skagit Counties are some unique culinary gems known as cottage…

A Global Journey Inspires a …

A Global Journey Inspires a Local Wine Bar | Bryan Holmes of Blackbird Wine & Charcuterie

After years of traveling and cultivating a deep appreciation for food and wine, Bryan Holmes returned to Anacortes seeking to translate his experiences into something he could share with the community. And so, he opened Blackbird Wine & Charcuterie in November 2020. “I want to provide a space where people can build relationships,…

The Whatcom Art Center and …

The Whatcom Art Center and All It Provides | Whatcom Art Center

Are you an aspiring artist, with all the corresponding hopes and dreams, but without the space to properly create? Luckily for you, the Whatcom Art Center is up and running. Located in the charming neighborhood of Fairhaven, the…

Blending Old and New for an …

Blending Old and New for an Elegant Result | Littlebird Cabinetry

Our client’s Lake Whatcom home was undergoing a major remodel and had a dated kitchen design in need of an update. We had the challenge of combining new elements with the existing cabinetry in a cohesive way. The design called for a…

Wine Pick of the Month | …

Wine Pick of the Month | Comeluna Rosso

COMELUNA ROSSO New all-time favorite! Deep cherry notes come through on the nose, joined by notes of dried bark, earth and hints of cinnamon and licorice. Intense cherry notes on the palate that are balanced by nicely integrated acidity. Earth…

Old Roots, New Blooms | …

Old Roots, New Blooms | Blaine Bouquets

As you drive into the charming city of Blaine, just a few minutes south of the Canadian border, one storefront will catch your eye with its soft pastel colors, artistically designed…

Creative Seafood Spot Has its …

Creative Seafood Spot Has its Hooks in Bellingham | Roe

Owner-operator Izzi Rehbein and Chef-Owner Dan Rehbein opened Roe last November with their own capital and concept, hoping to give Bellingham the answer…

An Intentional Space for …

An Intentional Space for Gathering Well | LaBelle Bridal Cottage

Nestled in the hilly landscape of the Ferndale countryside, you will find LaBelle Bridal Cottage—a quaint home that Owner Lisa Shumski has turned into a dreamy…

A Deliciously Romantic Winter …

A Deliciously Romantic Winter Staycation in the San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are an understandably popular summer destination for travelers from all over the world, but those of us who live in the North Sound are lucky to have year-round access to their beauty. And I’d argue that the low season—late fall through late spring—is actually the…

Super Bowl Snacks, With a …

Super Bowl Snacks, With a Twist!

Take your game global this Super Bowl Sunday with a line-up filled with crowd pleasers. These Italian-rooted, Asian inspired, and Hawaiian-style appetizers are…

Black History Month

The idea surrounding Black History Month originated in 1915, started by historian and “the father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson; the idea began during the early stages of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History to combat the lack of information regarding the achievements of Black people. The tradition was originally a one-week celebration in 1926 that displayed the contributions of…

“A Shop for Dreamers” | …

“A Shop for Dreamers” | Indigo Dreams Fiber Studio

The Shop Walking along the charming streets of Edison, you’ll come across an unassuming white and red building labeled ‘Edison Firehouse,’ which isn’t a firehouse at all….

Since Time Immemorial | …

Since Time Immemorial | Xwesultun Raven Borsey

Xwesultun Raven Borsey is a graduate student in cultural anthropology at Western Washington University, where as an undergraduate he won the 2024 Outstanding Student Award. He is Young Tribal Leader and Culture Keeper at Children of the Setting Sun Productions. He is also a carver. Along with his twin, Free Borsey, he was recently awarded the Bullitt Prize by…

Access to Movement for an …

Access to Movement for an Island of Dancers | Orcas Dance Collective

Island life may have a reputation for being laid-back, but it can definitely throw residents some curveballs. Dancer Chelsea Sherman moved to Orcas in 2020, just as the island’s established dance company was disbanding. Looking for connection, collaboration, and work opportunity, she set about laying the…

January Feature | …

January Feature | Macronutrients

Beauty Tips for Everyone

The best beauty advice isn’t limited to just women—it’s for all of us! These five timeless tips are worth pursuing to ensure you always look your best! 1. Beauty Rest: Tried and True You probably all know this, but some of you still need to hear it—looking good starts with getting good sleep. While we rest, our body is repairing itself and purging stress. Shop from Bellingham-based Sandmaiden Sleepwear to look and feel amazing…

The Mixing Tin | The Classic …

The Mixing Tin | The Classic Manhattan

THE CLASSIC MANHATTAN The Manhattan dates back to the latter half of the 1800’s, first making an appearance at the Manhattan Club in New York City, although many have claimed that this recipe has been around much longer. The first written mention of the Manhattan came from the “Olean Democrat”…

Winter Harvest Healthy Meals

Weather you’re harvesting from your own garden or buying at the store, winter-time produce makes for delicious dishes! And there are more options than you might think. For instance, did you know that certain varieties of pears are a winter fruit in Washington? Or that chestnuts are harvested in late…

8 Great Tastes | January 2025

The perfect breakfast to accompany a morning meet-up with a friend? The Soft Boiled Egg on Toast and a Cardamom Latte at Cafe Blue! It’s just filling and indulgent enough without being too heavy and distracting you from the conversation. For Peruvian-cuisine enthusiasts, Cafe Rumba is the restaurant for you, as they serve many different pastries and a variety of different Peruvian sanguches. One snack you have to try here are the Yucas, fried yucca roots that come with…

Looking and Feeling Your Best …

Looking and Feeling Your Best at Any Age

No matter who you are or what stage of life you’re in, we all want to look and feel our best. Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a rut or feel boxed in by what you’re ‘supposed to’ wear or do, but style and wellness are for everyone! LOOKING YOUR BEST How you present yourself to the world is important—not because you owe anybody conformity to a particular beauty standard, but because the first thing…

Two Years of Since Time …

Two Years of Since Time Immemorial

This month marks two years and 20 instances of one of our favorite recurring Bellingham Alive columns: Since Time Immemorial. The wonderful Julie Trimingham…

Wine Pick of the Month | …

Wine Pick of the Month | Sonder x Sage Rat Carbonic Nebbiolo

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…

Local Rugby | Empowering …

Local Rugby | Empowering Girls Through the Game

According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, girls are dropping out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14; this can be due to factors such as lack of access and…

Since Time Immemorial | Tsx’…

Since Time Immemorial | Tsx’vilum Free Borsey

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…

Going for Gold on a New Stage …

Going for Gold on a New Stage | Chef Doug Elliott

From step stools at the kitchen counter with his mom to a resume full of Executive Chef positions, Doug Elliott has made a name…

A Farmhouse Renovation That …

A Farmhouse Renovation That Manages to Be Both Rustic and Modern | TANNA BY DESIGN

In the heart of the Yakima Valley, nestled near rolling orchard fields and whispering trees, stood an old farmhouse steeped in history. With its rustic charm, it was a relic of a bygone era, but within its walls lay the potential for transformation. Join us on a captivating journey as we chronicle this remarkable before and after renovation and the process of turning this aged treasure into a stunning rustic modern abode with an open floor concept. Discovery and…

Feel Good About You Every …

Feel Good About You Every Single Day | Wild Hare Beauty Co.

On Peace Portal Drive in Blaine there’s a very cozy, very cool salon where the vibe lies in that relaxed happy space between glam and bohemian. The single styling chair faces a big picture window while happy beats float over the bright and funky decor. “Our logo represents us well….

Mixing Tin

Peppermint Mocha Martini Ingredients: Vodka, cooled Espresso, Baileys Chocolate, Kahlua, Peppermint Extract, Chocolate Syrup, and crushed peppermint Ingredients: 2 ounce Vodka 2 ounce fresh espresso (cooled) You can also leave out. 1 ounce Baileys Chocolate 1/2 ounce Kahlua or other coffee liqueur 1/8 teaspoon Peppermint Extract Rim a glass with chocolate syrup and crushed peppermint….

Gifts for Good: Businesses …

Gifts for Good: Businesses Making a Difference

In the heart of Bellingham, a diverse tapestry of businesses is weaving a narrative of community and compassion. These establishments, from bookstores to breweries, are not only providing goods and services but also actively contributing to the well-being of their community. Village Books and Paper Dreams: A cornerstone of the Bellingham literary scene, Village Books has long been more than just a bookstore. They support local authors through readings and events, donate books to schools…

Wine Pick Of The Month

November Van Vino Vineyards 2021 GRENACHE As a writer who represents the wine industry in our region, I must crumple and toss out the complaint of, “Oh, you’re covering too much local!” After all: We Speak to Where You Live. So yes, I will…

Winter Warm Up

Nothing brings warmth back to the frigid winter weather like all things soft and snuggly! Whether you’re curled up by the fire or braving the great outdoors, cozy pieces like these are sure to make the doom and gloom of the colder months a little more bearable and a lot more stylish. 1 ) World’s Softest Socks Village Books and Paper Dreams: $13 1200 11th St., Bellingham 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com…

Giving Local Indigenous …

Giving Local Indigenous Artists and Authors a Showcase | Native Arts 360

Whatcom County is an area awash with artists, galleries, and art festivals. Yet despite the rich tradition of vibrant art in Coast Salish indigenous communities, local artists from these communities have struggled…

Your New Favorite Evening …

Your New Favorite Evening Hangout | Starla’s

Jordan Koplowitz and Christy Wyble found success in the Seattle food scene with Blotto, a popular pizza joint named by the New York Times as one of Seattle’s 25 best restaurants. But when the landlord told them the building was going to be sold,…

Where Funky Meets Fabulous | …

Where Funky Meets Fabulous | apse

The Shop Nestled into the Herald Building is apse, a jewelry store looking to subvert the common idea of “jewelry stores.” Small signage with their cattywampus logo denotes where to look if you want something a little outside the jewelry box. The Atmosphere The interior of apse is a cross between an art gallery and your “Interior Design” Pinterest board. The ceilings would allow a giraffe to fully extend its neck, and green plants and blue…

Creating a Tablescape for the …

Creating a Tablescape for the Holidays

The Holidays are here, and whether you’re decorating for Thanksgiving or Christmas the table sets the mood for this special season. Below I have pulled together some ideas to help you on your journey to the perfect table for you. Happy Holidays! Let’s Get Inspired With today’s technology, there are so many options that can help you on your way to creating…

Joy to the Fishies Down in …

Joy to the Fishies Down in Padden Creek | Padden Creek 24th to 30th Streets Restoration Project

For the past two years, the City of Bellingham has been working on the Padden Creek 24th to 30th Streets Restoration Project—and Phase 2’s construction just wrapped up. The…

8 Great Tastes

We recently picked up a box of treats from New Whatcom Pastries for the office – we had the Almond Bear Claw, Raspberry Diamond, Butter Braid, Cherry Turnover, Rhubarb Boat, and Chocolate Streusel, and they were all delicious! Looking for something to warm you up? With its thick bone broth and filling BBQ pork, the Tonkotsu Ramen at Hokkai Ramen &…

Raise a Glass to Excellence …

Raise a Glass to Excellence at Bayernmoor Cellars | Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Nestled amidst the vibrant wine country of Woodinville, Washington, Bayernmoor Cellars Tasting Room offers a unique and immersive experience for those seeking a taste of excellence. This charming establishment, founded by passionate husband-and-wife duo Kim and Larry Harris, is dedicated to crafting exceptional wines that reflect the rich heritage in the tradition of Burgundy. Kim and Larry’s…

Family Fun at Mach1 | Mach1 …

Family Fun at Mach1 | Mach1 Speedway & Arcade

Bellingham has a new race track in town, and it’s revving up the fun factor for the whole family! Mach1 Speedway offers an electrifying experience with its state-of-the-art electric go-karts, catering to speed enthusiasts of all ages. But Mach1 is more…

Whatcom Literacy Council Does …

Whatcom Literacy Council Does So Much More Than You Think

Katherine Freimund is on a mission. As executive director of Whatcom Literacy Council she coordinates numerous activities that assist residents of Whatcom County to read and write more fluently. Individual tutoring? WLC…

Cider Donuts | The Revolution …

Cider Donuts | The Revolution Will Be Well Fed: Recipes for Creating Community

From Skagit-based publisher Raspberry Bow Press, The Revolution Will Be Well Fed features baking recipes for breakfast, snacks, and desserts, as well as essays…

“Poised to Practical” | …

“Poised to Practical” | Copper Knot Co.

Whether you are gift shopping for yourself or a loved one, finding an accessory that is local, sustainable, and unique is always a challenge. Enter: Alyssa…

Since Time Immemorial | …

Since Time Immemorial | Takwiltsa Cheryl Kinley Sanders

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…

Functionality + History in …

Functionality + History in South Hill | A1DesignBuild

A1DESIGNBUILD just completed a bathroom and kitchen renovation on a historic home built in 1911 in South Hill, Bellingham. The goal of the project was two-fold: to maintain the classic integrity…

Everything a Rider Needs, …

Everything a Rider Needs, From Head to Toe -The Bony Pony

Written And Photographed By: Anne Godenham The Shop Out on Old Highway 99 at the south end of Mount Vernon, surrounded by huge agricultural and manufacturing…

A Feathered Nest for Wine …

A Feathered Nest for Wine Lovers | Blackbird Wine Bar and Charcuterie

Blackbird Wine Bar and Charcuterie in Anacortes is a haven for wine and cheese lovers seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. The bar invites patrons to unwind and savor the moment with its warm lighting, tasteful decor, and cozy interior. Owner Bryan Holmes has infused the space with a personal touch, drawing inspiration from his years of travel to create a truly unique ambiance. A carefully curated selection of wines from around the world takes center stage,…

Since Time Immemorial | tsi …

Since Time Immemorial | tsi sq̓ʷal?alq̓ʷal Lora Pennington

*Interview and Photo by Julie Trimingham 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, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to restore our relationship with Mother Earth and with one another. We are grateful for…

Best of the Northwest 2024 …

Best of the Northwest 2024 Winners Announced!

31 Days of Voting… 127 Business Categories… 77,419 Submissions… 1,006,837 Individual Votes Cast… YOUR 2024 BEST OF THE NORTHWEST RESULTS ARE IN! Check them out below!

Honoring Nature, Washington, …

Honoring Nature, Washington, and Friendship | Fern & Fog Apothecary

Britta Nelson and Rachel McNulty have known each other for decades and share a love of nature. “We’ve been friends since we were three years old. We are well into our 30s,” laughs Nelson. Having grown up in a small…

Embracing Island Life Through …

Embracing Island Life Through Art and Apparel | Slow Loris

On Guemes Island, life tends to move at its own pace. Apparel company Slow Loris strives to weave the island’s unique vibe into the fabric of their…

Mongolian Beef with Oostema …

Mongolian Beef with Oostema Farmstead Wagyu

Tender, sweet, and spicy, this recipe stars Oostema Farmstead ground Wagyu beef, from cows that are born and raised right here in beautiful Whatcom County! Celebrate the local ingredients that we have access to here in the North Sound by adding this recipe for Mongolian Beef to your repertoire. For the Sauce Ingredients: ½ cup Aloha soy sauce (for all other brands, use…

Gothic Goods and Delightfully …

Gothic Goods and Delightfully Dark Vibes in Port Townsend | KALMA

The Victorian Seaport of Port Townsend is the perfect October destination for Whatcom and Skagit spooky-enthusiasts, and not only because stepping off the ferry and into their waterfront downtown feels a bit like time travel. Amongst the historic brick buildings and eclectic storefronts is a new physical location for KALMA, a dark lifestyle brand with philosophical depths…

Theatrical, Botanical Circus …

Theatrical, Botanical Circus Embodies the Wonder of Washington’s Wilderness | Cirque Cadia

The moment you walk into a Pacific Northwest forest, you’ll feel magic in the air. It’s hard not to look under toadstools, inside hollow trunks, or around rocky outcroppings just to see if a curious faerie is there looking back at you. One Bellingham performance company strives to create a world where that flight of fancy comes to life. Cirque Cadia is a performance company founded in 2017 by Director Natale Luma,…

Screamin’ for Fruit Ice …

Screamin’ for Fruit Ice Cream | Scream

Give a shout for Bellingham’s only New Zealand-style ice cream spot! Scream, nestled near the waterfront, offers a taste of the Oceania Islands to the Pacific Northwest, showcasing a dessert bursting with fresh ingredients and…

Discover the Enigma of the …

Discover the Enigma of the Skagit BigFoot Fest | A Celebration of Mystery and Community

This Fall, The Skagit County Fairgrounds in Mount Vernon will once again transform into a vibrant haven for enthusiasts of the elusive Bigfoot and fans of lively community gatherings. The 3rd Annual Skagit BigFoot Fest, scheduled for September 27-29, promises an unforgettable experience, blending local artistry, music, and a touch of mythological allure. “Skagit BigFoot Fest is about being…

A Deliciously Creative …

A Deliciously Creative Pairing | Sweet Art

Down on Railroad Avenue in Bellingham, there’s an unassuming little shop—so little you might miss it if you blink while driving by. But Sweet Art, a chocolate shop…

Seeing the City From All …

Seeing the City From All Angles | 36 Hours in Seattle

For so many of us, Seattle is a medical or entertainment destination—the kind of place you go for a few hours or a day trip. But one of the benefits of spending a whole weekend there is the opportunity to experience more of the city at a slower pace. And…

Prost! Oktoberfest is here! | …

Prost! Oktoberfest is here! | Yes, it starts in September

Picture it: you’re on a game show and made it to the last round. The final question asks you when Oktoberfest, the German folk festival, is celebrated. Your hands start to sweat. You have no more lifelines. You…

Bringing Sustainability (and …

Bringing Sustainability (and Color!) to Activewear | Madrona Wear

Madrona Wear is a local business dedicated to giving your activewear new life and keeping torn-up activewear out of the landfill. The name Madrona comes from the Madrona tree which is a sign of a healthy ecosystem for biologists, which Owner West Persons discovered through years of climbing and being outside. He says of Madrona Wear: “being here in town, it’s kind of a landmark of a healthy town where…

Since Time Immemorial | Hy’…

Since Time Immemorial | Hy’oltse Shirley Bob

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…

Collaborating Through …

Collaborating Through Challenge | Keeping Divorce as Painless as Possible

It’s common to think of divorce in terms of litigation, which often means conflict, court dates, hard feelings, and a great deal of money. There’s also mediation, which still tends to focus on there being a “winner” and a “loser.” However, there’s another option that many…

Beauty Defined by Self-…

Beauty Defined by Self-Expression | Cherry Bomb Esthetics and Tattoo

Cherry Bomb Esthetics and Tattoo is a unique beauty collective in downtown Bellingham. Co-Founders Kelli Morones and Tyleranne Armstrong want to break the industry’s mold of a typical beauty studio experience. Morones and Armstrong met as cohorts in the first graduating class of Bellingham’s Evergreen Beauty…

Outdoor Patio Refresh | TANNA …

Outdoor Patio Refresh | TANNA BY DESIGN

We transformed a drab, outdated outdoor space into a stylish, inviting patio perfect for relaxation, entertainment, and sun-soaking. By creating distinct zones, we maximized functionality and made optimal use of the expansive area….

Ragù Napoletano al Forno

As Summer fades and the evenings turn chilly, fall is a great time to get back to cooking recipes that take time, encouraging us to slow down, and produce rich, indulgent, comforting results. This recipe for Ragù Napoletano from Packer’s Kitchen + Bar is just that: a slow-simmered sauce that’s imbued with a ton of flavor, draped over al…

A Place for Everybody | Gruff …

A Place for Everybody | Gruff Brewing

Gruff Brewing opened in 2016 to the delight of beer enthusiasts all over Whatcom County. The lively taproom and straightforward space have won the hearts of…

Imperial Swine

Jeremiah Leighton grew up in Friday Harbor. He has always been motivated to cook, even from his earliest days getting his first easy bake oven for Christmas when he was three. Outdoor life was always a part of his upbringing: family trips reenacting the French and Indian War, hunting, and raising pigs and sheep with the 4-H club. Cooking on open fire and understanding where your food comes from have always been a part of…

Ways to Get out on the Water

As lucky as we are to live surrounded by water, it can be all too easy to forget to stop looking at it from the land and get out on/in it! Whether you prefer to visit a lake, a river, or the Puget Sound herself, summer is the perfect time to enjoy the cold, clear water our…

An Outdoor Company Created …

An Outdoor Company Created in the Outdoors | Fjällräven

The Shop Located on the edge of downtown Bellingham on West Holly Street is a shop to meet all of your needs, both out in the woods and on your way to work. Fjällräven moved into downtown Bellingham in early spring of this…

Empowering Teens, Enriching …

Empowering Teens, Enriching Communities: Inside Triumph Teen Life Center

Children thrive when their own natural desire to learn and grow is activated. This is something that Silvia Alvarez, founder and executive director of Triumph Teen Life…

Sunny Day Dining | Alfresco …

Sunny Day Dining | Alfresco Restaurants

When grabbing a bite to eat, sometimes all you’re really craving is a place where you can sit outside to enjoy the midsummer heat and smell the faint sea breeze merging with the scents of delicious food emanating from a nearby kitchen….

Braids, Beauty, and Bringing …

Braids, Beauty, and Bringing the Community Together | Miraculous Braidz

Wherever Miracle Jones is, her kids are guaranteed to be within a leg-grabbing distance. As the owner and namesake of Miraculous Braidz, Jones…

Since Time Immemorial | Sqw-…

Since Time Immemorial | Sqw-Qual-Ten Kyle Kinley

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, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to restore our relationship with Mother Earth and with one another. We are grateful for these stories, told in the words of…

Seeing a Problem and Finding …

Seeing a Problem and Finding a Solution | EN Valley Farmer’s Market Founder Jesse Johnson

When longtime gardener and homesteader Jesse Johnson came across a YouTube video about starting a farmers market, she was struck with an idea. Her city, Everson, didn’t have a farmers market, despite being surrounded by farms that sold their wares in Bellingham and Lynden. Johnson asked around, and after receiving positive feedback from her neighbors and other locals she jumped in,…

A Community Cornerstone | …

A Community Cornerstone | ROAM Coffee + Beer

Jutting out at an acute angle on the corner of Broadway and Elm Street, where Bellingham’s Columbia, Lettered Streets, and Cornwall Park neighborhoods meet, is a charming, pitch-roofed black and white building. It’s an oasis in both the geographic and figurative senses: ROAM Coffee + Beer offers all comers not only excellent coffee and a range of tasty food, but also beer, cider, sake, and wine. Owners…

Radicchio Caesar Salad | Leah …

Radicchio Caesar Salad | Leah Brooks from “Genuine Skagit Cooking,” Published by Raspberry Bow Press

Leah Brooks is a cooking enthusiast, cookbook author, and former director of a children’s cooking school in San Francisco. By making cooking…

Staff Picks: Summer Salads

Invited to a picnic or potluck and unsure what to make? Our team put together some of our top picks for crunchy, refreshing, and shareable salads that’ll win over any group of friends! Thai Chicken Salad JENN MIRANDA, OFFICE MANAGER Jenn loves showing off her cooking chops with this show-stopping main course…

Inspiring Creativity | …

Inspiring Creativity | Elisabeth’s Cottage by the Sea

As you approach the Freeland Keystone Building at the corner of Commercial Avenue and Seventh Street in downtown Anacortes, there are signs for all kinds of attractions: Shabby French Market, Elisabeth’s Cottage, Bead Store, Jewelry, Antiques, Vintage, and Furniture. All of these are part of Elisabeth’s Cottage by the Sea, an eclectic business run by Elisabeth and Tom Freeland. The Freelands, originally from Arizona, had visited Anacortes on vacation, but moved there permanently to open their business…

A Riverside Retreat With …

A Riverside Retreat With Contemporary Comforts

This A-frame perched on the bank of the Skagit River seamlessly merges vintage aesthetics with contemporary comforts, thanks to a…

15 Ways To Fall In Love With …

15 Ways To Fall In Love With Where We Live

A Family-Friendly Cabin With …

A Family-Friendly Cabin With Grown-Up Style

This stunning 1,680-SQUARE FOOT, three bedroom, two-bathroom vacation home was built in 2023 for a Snohomish County family to be able to enjoy all year round. Located in the Mount Baker Rim community in Glacier, the cabin provides access to a host of outdoor activities—and the generous porch along the north wall of the property provides a convenient place to drop skis, boots, and any other less-than clean gear. The home’s central feature is the vaulted two-story…

A Local Legacy | Skin Rhythm …

A Local Legacy | Skin Rhythm Spa

If you were to take a look at the Skin Rhythm Spa website, you’d see there are beautiful products to add to your skincare routine: body butters, hand creams, and facial oils, all made with high-quality ingredients, beautifully photographed, and with outstanding customer reviews. What you wouldn’t find is any information about the maker. I wanted to find out more about the mastermind behind this…

So You Wanna Make a T-Shirt | …

So You Wanna Make a T-Shirt | A Visit to Liet Unlimited

Did you know that T-shirts are an American invention? And the printed T-shirt doubly so? Or that the first known example of using a printed T-shirt as an outer garment is in The Wizard of Oz? Or that the term ‘T-shirt’ comes from the novel “This Side of Paradise,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald? Screen-printed T-shirts are embedded in American culture to the extent that everyone owns at least one and…

Style and Comfort | Skagit …

Style and Comfort | Skagit River Boutique

The Shop This upscale women’s clothing boutique has been in its current location in downtown La Conner for nearly 20 years, after its origins just across the street in the 1990s. Janet and Ron Foster started their business after years in the retail industry (Ron at the Bon Marche and Janet at Neiman Marcus), taking over a local souvenir shop called American Peddler. They wanted to offer good-quality clothing using good…

Since Time Immemorial

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…

Sampling the Signature City | …

Sampling the Signature City | 36 Hours in Kirkland, WA

Passing signs for Kirkland on the freeway, you’ve no doubt joked about how good the Costco must be there—but the city is…

The North Sound From the Sky |…

The North Sound From the Sky | Take your sightseeing to new heights

“Fly safe, talk to you soon,” says Jason Douglas, owner of San Juan Airlines, into his green headset as he lands his plane at the Friday Harbor Airport, passing another plane about to take off….

Burgers and Brews

Urban Jungle | JeKa Plants in …

Urban Jungle | JeKa Plants in Mount Vernon

Walking into Jeka Plants in downtown Mount Vernon is like walking into a small, well-organized jungle. Created by sisters Jeanie Topness and Karen Yarber (whose names combine to create the store name), this houseplant shop is lined with shelves holding calathea, cactus, blooming jasmine, tillandsia, and more. A huge jade plant holds court in the middle of the room and a fine old staghorn fern…

Samish Solar Sustainable Home

“Living in this house has shown us that efficiency and comfort actually go hand in hand….The quality of my sleep is so much better now that we live in a well-insulated house that stays cool during hot days and…

It’s No Mirage: Customized …

It’s No Mirage: Customized Spa Care Beyond Relaxation | Little Oasis Wellness Spa

The mom in your life needs a massage. Honestly, everyone in your life probably needs a massage, but I’m willing to bet good money that there’s a mom you know who hasn’t even considered getting body work done, and her body needs it. Enter: Little Oasis Wellness Spa in Fairhaven, a holistic spa where clients can enjoy a relaxing, luxurious atmosphere…

Hyper-Hip, Diverse Market for …

Hyper-Hip, Diverse Market for Young Adults and the Young at Heart | Wonderz Market

If you’re tuned in to happenings in downtown Bellingham, you’ve probably already heard of Wonderz Market. If you’re into curated vintage and thrift, unique handmade clothes and accessories, funky crafts, and indie artists, you’ve probably already been! Fashion-forward crowds have been flocking to these once-a-month markets since they began in February 2023. Wonderz Market grew out of the traveling thrift business of partners and Co-Founders Elijah Ryan and Milton Rosario. As Thrifted Wonderz, they journeyed throughout the PNW, vending…

PAVÉ Jewelry & Design

The Shop In the heart of Mount Vernon lies PAVÉ Jewelry & Design, a tucked-away gem. The sparkling window displays catch the eyes of passersby as they explore the historic downtown streets. Inside, the sleek and modern design gives way to precious stones, jewels, gold, and silver accessories. The full-service shop specializes in the creation of custom pieces, striking consignment, and jewelry maintenance and repair. It’s here that Owner Janey Dodge…

Come Aboard This 100th …

Come Aboard This 100th Birthday Party | Schooner Zodiac Open House

A HOY! One of Bellingham’s oldest ships is turning 100, and you’re invited. The Schooner Zodiac is hosting an open house on May 19 to celebrate the vessel’s centennial birthday. The celebration will be held upstairs of the Bellingham Cruise Terminal and aboard the Zodiac, allowing you to experience…

Since Time Immemorial | …

Since Time Immemorial | Steven Solomon, Sr.

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, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need…

Mexican Cuisine Galore | Find …

Mexican Cuisine Galore | Find your new favorite margarita, taco, and birria places

Whatcom and Skagit counties are known for their abundance of delicious Mexican food restaurants. So much so that even our friends from Canada cross the border to experience our local Mexican cuisine. With Cinco De Mayo coming up, it’s time to find your new favorite taco place. From Blaine to Mount Veron,…

Innovative Sustainability …

Innovative Sustainability from Eastsound’s Newest Inn | The Village Inn at Eastsound

One of the most important parts of any getaway is your temporary home away from home. The new Village Inn at Eastsound, opened in 2023, is a fantastic…

Offering Safety and Function …

Offering Safety and Function to Individuals with Disabilities for Two Decades | Brigadoon Service Dogs

Since opening its doors in August 2004, Bellingham-based nonprofit Brigadoon Service Dogs has placed more than 100 trained service dogs within the Pacific Northwest, aiding and enhancing the lives of their handlers who live with diverse abilities. “Every dog that we place is a Whatcom County success…

A Playful Revolution Rooted …

A Playful Revolution Rooted in Time, Place, and Memory | Matia Kitchen

Matia Kitchen, reopened in March 2023 after the sudden closure of its previous location that January, is the latest evolution of a culinary project that Co-Owners Chef Avery Adams and Operating Manager Drew Downing have…

Living Your Golden Years in …

Living Your Golden Years in the North Sound

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.

Timeless Fashion From This …

Timeless Fashion From This Family Business | Faraways Boutique

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…

Kona Cares | Kona Bikes

For the folks at Kona, cycling is not just a sport, it’s a whole global community of riders—or that’s how Shae James, of Kona Bikes, explains it. As she speaks, you can tell that she believes it. The bike manufacturer has many locations, but its global headquarters is…

Anacortes Coastal Aging in …

Anacortes Coastal Aging in Place | Patty Koskovich of Koskovich Design Group

Local interior designer Patty Koskovich and her husband began building their Anacortes home with a view of the Guemes Channel in 2017. After two years of careful…

Hot Ones is Getting Funky(‘…

Hot Ones is Getting Funky(‘s)!

If you’re a fan of the sauces coming out of Bellingham business Funky’s Hot Sauce Factory, you might want to stock up now, because their sales are about to heat up! Extremely popular YouTube show “Hot Ones” is including Funky’s “Stellar Fuzz” hot sauce as number three (medium-hot) in their lineup of sauces for the 23rd season. The show debuted the first episode of this year on Jan. 25 with actor Sydney Sweeney, who took the heat…

Bringing the Odd Fellows to …

Bringing the Odd Fellows to the Orion

The Orion is known for their eccentric artworks and creative house cocktails. When you first walk in, the dark atmosphere hits you and takes you up to space. It‘s hard to imagine anything could compare to the game tables and free birthday shot, but as you walk farther back in the building, you enter a time warp. The Odd Fellows Temple Room opened on December 15, 2023, adding a calm atmosphere to the bustling…

Chef’s Corner with Chef …

Chef’s Corner with Chef Kelly Stanley | The Great Blue Heron Bar & Grill

Kelly Stanley, Chef de Cuisine at The Great Blue Heron Bar & Grill at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, blends her culinary artistry with a commitment to community and sustainability. After receiving training at Bellingham Technical College, she served several years as Sous Chef at Semiahmoo Resort, Golf & Spa. Stanley’s expertise encompasses a diverse range of cuisines,…

On Top of the Trends | Q&…

On Top of the Trends | Q&A with Rhiannon Troutman from Fringe Boutique

Talk to me about the most popular trends you see during spring and summer. How do you implement that into your boutique? Summer is all about dresses at Fringe. Since we have such a short time frame of nice weather in the PNW, events are always packed into May through September. We sell a lot of dresses to wear to weddings,…

Since Time Immemorial | …

Since Time Immemorial | Sharayah Lane

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…

Beloved Bakery Adds Savory to …

Beloved Bakery Adds Savory to Their Sweets | Barb’s Pies and Pastries

When strolling down Main Street in Ferndale, you might spot a powder-blue bakery sign promising scrumptious treats. Once you step inside,…

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland has been the Scottish Capital since the 15th century. Here you’ll find two distinct UNESCO Heritage sites, Old Town which…

Irish Pubs of the PNW

GETTING READY TO don your brightest green and honor Irish culture? Join the merriment this St. Patrick’s Day by trying out one of the region’s favored local pubs to get a taste of what a true Irish celebration feels like! Whether you’re looking for a good drink, mouthwatering dishes, or a…

Commitment, Collaboration, …

Commitment, Collaboration, and Community

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…

Family Business for Family …

Family Business for Family Business

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 always done landscaping. My mom always said I just liked playing in the dirt. And…

Behind These Walls

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 feature below.

Discover, Learn, Grow

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 Gardeners and…

Since Time Immemorial

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, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need…

Your Skin’s Best Defense …

Your Skin’s Best Defense Against Age

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 goal is to guide her clients toward what they can do from home to make a major difference in the health of their skin, as well as its appearance. What’s the single most important thing a person can do to take care of their…

Drag Me 2 Church

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 p.m.,…

Bayernmoor Cellars Blanc de …

Bayernmoor Cellars Blanc de Pinot Noir Estate Sparkling Wine | 2020 Puget Sound AVA, WA

Stanwood, a burgeoning town west of Interstate 5 and south of Bellingham, is home to the picturesque estate vineyards of Bayernmoor Cellars, an up-and-coming Puget Sound winery. Bringing honor to Washington State’s fourth oldest and second-largest AVA (American Viticultural Area), Bayernmoor Cellars is a humble, family-owned operation producing juice that rivals the…

The Foodie Language of Love | …

The Foodie Language of Love | Bry’s Filipino Cuisine & It’s The Sweet Things

Neither Jennifer Worthley nor Bryan Matamorosa set out to be a chef; it just sort of happened. Coming from different corners of the world—Worthley from Maine and Matamorosa from the Philippines—they both ended up at Bellingham Technical College…

How Does She Feel in That …

How Does She Feel in That Photograph? | Astraea Bridal

In the heart of Mount Vernon’s historic downtown there is a shop selling wedding gowns. That’s nothing new. Bridal boutiques…

TRAVEL | BUDAPEST

Break out your bucket list; it’s time to imagine UNESCO sites in Europe to explore. Whether you can only dream or have the means to go, our ongoing travel series will take you far away from reality into a time when Kings and Queens ruled, family feuds were deadly, and the countryside was filled with…

THE MIXING TIN | REVIVAL …

THE MIXING TIN | REVIVAL LOUNGE

On a chilly winter night, what better way to spend the evening getting cozy than with a drink? Revival Lounge serves up a Lion’s Tail that is the perfect concoction of bourbon, refreshing citrus, and smooth spice, and will have you savoring every sip….

A Midcentury (but Still …

A Midcentury (but Still Modern) Revival in Edgemoor | reachDESIGN llc

The early ’60S house in the Edgemoor Neighborhood had been the client’s family home—it was built for his father’s aunt and her sister, and later the client’s parents had moved in and raised their children there. Now the client was moving back in, along with his wife, and they were ready for a remodel. “They wanted this house to reflect their lifestyle,” says Architect Ric Peterson,…

Q&A with Taylor Mayers, …

Q&A with Taylor Mayers, LMT, CTSS | Vera Massage Studio

Thank you so much for sharing with our readers about your practice! Can you start by telling me a little bit about your massage…

Mangiamo! Italian Cuisine

Lovers to the Stage! | “My …

Lovers to the Stage! | “My Circus Valentine”

Go beyond cards and candies! There’s no better way to feel the love this February than by attending Bellingham Circus Guild’s “My Circus Valentine.” “My Circus Valentine” is an annual circus performance that highlights “our human need for connection and what that means.” It’s been recurring…

White Miso and Sake Salmon …

White Miso and Sake Salmon Cakes: Chef Leon Scott of Northwater

Meet the Chef With a background in a variety of cuisines under his belt, as well as experience with hotel banquets, Banquet Executive Chef and Manager Leon Scott was drawn to Northwater’s culinary program and has now been with the restaurant since August of 2023. He’s already made quite the…

Truly, One of the Happiest …

Truly, One of the Happiest Places on Earth: Happiest Tees on Earth

Photographs by Ellie Coberly The Shop Along Metcalf Street, through the heart of downtown Sedro-Woolley, sits a bright white shop. A twinkling glow from within invites passersby to take…

The Beauty of Ordered Chaos: …

The Beauty of Ordered Chaos: Kathy Bastow

Photograph by Kristen Boehm Art has always been a part of Kathy Bastow’s life. No matter where she is or what she’s doing, she’s always managed to keep her artistic juices flowing. It’s simply a part of who she is. Whether she’s painting, doing collages, constructing pieces of furniture, or creating baskets, Bastow has been actively putting the right side of her brain to work since she was 14, when she…

A Home with History, Artistry,…

A Home with History, Artistry, and Secret Details | Roeder Home

Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood of central Bellingham, surrounded by early-20th century craftsman homes with inviting porches and manicured lawns, is a surprisingly stately house. The Roeder Home, built by Victor Roeder at a cost of $20,000 (that’s nearly $650,000 by 2023 standards)…

Since Time Immemorial | …

Since Time Immemorial | Cyaltsa April Finkbonner

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…

Offering Brightness and Joy …

Offering Brightness and Joy in Dark Times | Soul*drift’s Valentine’s Love Cabaret at Amendment 21

February can be a hard month. All the joy and brightness of the holiday season has passed, and the excitement of the new year is starting to wane (as is your dedication to resolutions, if you’re like most people). Sure, there’s a heart-filled holiday in there, but not everyone wants to spend…

January Feature: Menopause …

January Feature: Menopause and Andropause

5 Winter Getaways to Warm the …

5 Winter Getaways to Warm the Soul

As the days grow short and the weather turns cold here in the Pacific Northwest, a change of scenery can be just the ticket to help lift spirits and brighten up the season. Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or a full-on weekend escape, rest assured there’s a whole world of wintry…

Sexy Pad Thai | Wanida Thai

Since opening its doors in 2015, Wanida Thai has quickly become a go-to bastion of faraway flavor, gaining a loyal customer base and making a name for itself in…

Baer Winery | ‘Star’ 2015 …

Baer Winery | ‘Star’ 2015 Merlot Columbia Valley

Baer Winery was founded in 2000 by father-son team Lance and Les Baer with the intention of producing exceptional quality Bordeaux-style wines. The veteran owned family operation remains true to just that, generating consistently excellent vintages with the assistance of winemaking consultant Erica Orr, who has also consulted…

The Story Behind the North …

The Story Behind the North Sound’s Finest Confections | Forté Chocolate

Experiencing gourmet chocolate can be a life changing experience. Just ask Karen Neugebauer, the founder and master chocolatier behind Forté Chocolate. When she first enrolled in a culinary arts program, she was…

Must-Have Holiday Glam

The holiday party season is upon us. You’ve got places to be, gifts to give, and champagne to drink! While you’re busy hustling from soiree to soiree, you’ll need an outfit that can keep up with you. We’ve put together a classy,…

Q&A with Jen Parker of …

Q&A with Jen Parker of ReImagined

Hello! Please introduce yourself and ReImagined. My name is Jen Parker and I began ReImagined in 2018 as a simple hobby. In 2022, I began working in art as my full-time job. With ReImagined, I purchase wood that has been salvaged from building demolitions in our local area to use as my base. Photograph courtesy of ReImagined Each piece is hand-cut, sanded, and sealed to be weather resistant. Then I move on to priming and painting each piece….

Empowering Women Against …

Empowering Women Against Adversity | YWCA Bellingham

Since its founding in 1907 by prominent Bellingham clubwoman, Frances Larrabee, YWCA Bellingham has gradually evolved into one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations in the North Sound. Dedicated to its mission to ending racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, and freedom for all, the YWCA is…

Holiday Dinner Redo

Blending American Tradition …

Blending American Tradition with Old World Technique: Doc Swinson’s

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…

A Captivating Canine …

A Captivating Canine Collection | Laura Landrum’s “The Dog House”

Looking in from the outside, you might never guess that within the walls of Laura Landrum’s 1993 home hides one of our area’s most charming and unusual niche…

Five Faves: Ways to Give Back

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…

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…

Five Faves | Metaphysical …

Five Faves | Metaphysical Shops

Sacred Cedar Co. A Native-owned and -operated shop on the Swinomish Channel. Here you’ll find body care, intention candles, healing teas, crystals, books, and self-reflection decks to help you reconnect with…

New Location, Hot Off the …

New Location, Hot Off the Press! | Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress

Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress has served the book arts appreciators of Bellingham with their letterpress printmaking, book-binding, and stationery selection since 2004. Now, we can look forward to a second location situated inside the Granary Building! “Downtown Bellingham has been our home for 19 years. It’s…

Intentional Choices for …

Intentional Choices for Positive Change | Sunchea Phou of YaY Novelty

Two local businesses, the Foundation and COF&, have joined forces to bring the city something new: Downtown Bellingham’s first-ever coffee event lounge. The space is the newest addition to Owner Brian Womack’s collective of businesses—and it’s just one small piece of his entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts. It can sometimes be easy to forget that little choices and actions everyday are what build up into lasting change. For Sunchea Phou, an entrepreneur in…

Dynasty Cellars 2022 …

Dynasty Cellars 2022 Sauvignon Blanc | Walla Walla Valley

Sometimes we forget about our very own backyard, living in Washington with such abundant, delicious, vibrant, and varied wine options. But, lest you forget! I am here to remind… Some beautiful iterations are a hop, skip, and a jump…

Building Confidence and …

Building Confidence and Community through Outdoor Recreation | Shifting Gears

Have you ever wanted to learn to kayak or mountain bike, but have no idea where to start? You’re not alone. Breaking into outdoor sports can be daunting, especially for women— but Shifting Gears is dedicated to leveling the playing field. Shifting Gears is a Bellingham based organization that breaks down barriers to accessing outdoor recreation. They offer welcoming, positive programming where women from all walks of life can make their outdoor dreams a reality, whether they involve finding a…

The Makings of an Authentic …

The Makings of an Authentic Island Experience | Stay & Sea Lummi Island

A five minute ferry ride is all it takes to visit Lummi Island, but despite its proximity to Bellingham, this seaside escape feels like a world unto itself. From the quirky arts community to the local farms, fishing traditions, and picturesque sunsets, this island has far more to offer than many realize—…

Wholesome Meals from the …

Wholesome Meals from the Heart of the Valley | The Skagit Table

We all want to eat food that makes us feel our best— but finding the time to prepare nutritious meals is easier said than done. Luckily folks in Mount Vernon can rely on the Skagit Table for fresh, seasonal cooking, whether it be for a catered event or a simple yet nourishing weeknight dinner. “We had a child that had cancer, and for those two years, we were…

Best of the Northwest 2023

Salon Owner Merges High-…

Salon Owner Merges High-Fashion Services with a Hometown Vibe | Willow Collective

The term “Breaking boundaries” doesn’t always come to mind when you’re discussing a hair salon, but for Willow Collective Owner Mary Taylor, breaking boundaries is precisely what she envisioned doing when she opened her salon…

A Vegan Family Kitchen …

A Vegan Family Kitchen Keeping Inclusive Food in Downtown Bham | The Fat Beet

When Talia Sorinsin-Allen and her eldest daughter, Melissa Sorinsin, were looking for a place to have lunch in Bellingham, they faced a familiar problem. “It’s really, really hard for our family to be able to go to restaurants,” Sorinsin-Allen says, explaining that her family has dietary restrictions, especially pertaining to dairy. “[Allergens are] in the sauces, in the breads, and those things are not always labeled.” While driving by the now-closed vegan restaurant,…

Kitchen Tips & Tricks: …

Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Home-Cooked Halloween

Iconic Candy You Can Make Together Halloween doesn’t have to start and end with trick-or-treating. It can be a time…

A Contemporary Wilderness …

A Contemporary Wilderness Retreat in the Shadow of Mount Baker | Bellingham Bay Builders

The Silver Residence stands as a remarkable testament to the integration of contemporary architecture, high-performance buildings, and our connection to the natural world. Nestled in a small meadow next to a picturesque…

There’s No Home Cooking …

There’s No Home Cooking Like Yun’s Home Cooking

Tucked away in a cozy nook in the middle of downtown, Bellingham’s only Korean family restaurant offers something that you would otherwise have to head down to Seattle or up to Vancouver to find authentic home-style Korean cooking. Although most popularly associated with tabletop barbecue grilling, Korean cuisine is…

Spirited Women: Meet the …

Spirited Women: Meet the Women of the North Sound Beverage Industry

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…

September Feature: Unexpected …

September Feature: Unexpected Ingredients

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,…

Feature: Find Your Perfect …

Feature: Find Your Perfect Palette

Embracing the Low-Key …

Embracing the Low-Key Delights of Lopez Island: Edenwild Boutique

On Lopez Island, passing cars salute each other with a one-finger wave, whether or not the drivers know each other. You might not find cell service, but you are likely to strike up conversations with strangers at the coffee shop or karaoke bar. Also, did we mention that you won’t see a single stoplight on the island? This kind of laid-back charm is what sets Lopez apart from neighboring San Juan islands…

Get Fired Up for Summer …

Get Fired Up for Summer Cookouts

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…

From Surviving to Striving, …

From Surviving to Striving, Then Thriving

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 or unstable housing. Now, under the leadership of Executive Director Jason McGill, its impact in Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties only continues to…

Meet the Family Behind …

Meet the Family Behind Whatcom’s Most Exciting New Winery

PERCHED ON A steep, four-acre hillside just south of Canada is a vineyard that’s both family-owned and community-minded. The Delooff and Van Wingerden families transformed what was once a dairy farm into a full-fledged winery, even renovating an old milking parlor into a tasting room—but although the property itself is picturesque, the quality of the wines…

Thriving in the ‘Ham …

Thriving in the ‘Ham with Place-Based Skincare: Good Graces

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…

Whales, Birds, and Beers: On …

Whales, Birds, and Beers: On the Water with San Juan Cruises

E VER NOTICED A boat full of happy people cruising around Bellingham Bay at sunset? Chances are it was a San Juan Cruises…

A Culinary Paradise on Lopez …

A Culinary Paradise on Lopez Island: Haven Kitchen and Bar

THE WORD “HAVEN” brings about feelings of safety, comfort, and respite—and it’s an apt descriptor for Lopez Island’s Haven Kitchen & Bar. This tranquil, nautical-themed restaurant specializes in cuisine both comforting and gourmet, and patrons enjoy their meals alongsidean unparalleled view of the Salish Sea. Haven was established a decade ago by Owners JK and Mariah Honeywell, both of whom are deeply involved in the Lopez community as…

Inspiring Fun Via Fashion: …

Inspiring Fun Via Fashion: Blackberry Lane

The Shop Blackberry Lane’s brick-and-mortar boutique has only been open since 2021, but the venture began in 2018 when Owner Stephanie Bates began selling fun and affordable clothing online. Since then, they’ve grown into a bustling business that’s always got something exciting going on, be it specials, parties, or just another chance to find your new favorite closet staple. The Atmosphere When you walk into Blackberry Lane, it feels like a celebration! Bright white walls and pink…

Building Queer Community: …

Building Queer Community: From Vision to Reality

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 they already serve an important role in Whatcom County, Founder Michelle Harmeier says they’re…

High-Quality Ice Cream All …

High-Quality Ice Cream All Rolled Up

“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,…

Aquatic Adventures

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…

A New Space for Ceramics in …

A New Space for Ceramics in Downtown Ferndale

Tell me about how you first began with pottery. How did you turn your art into a profession? I first started doing pottery in high school. It was required…

Manila Clams Simmered in …

Manila Clams Simmered in White Wine and Harissa

NOTHING SAYS SUMMER quite like fresh seafood, and if you’re craving the flavors of Orcas Island, give this recipe from New Leaf Cafe a go. Chef Andrew Martin’s spin on Manila clams utilizes many of the usual suspects in Italian cooking—white wine, garlic, butter, bread—but the addition of harissa paste makes this…

Finding Identity and Starting …

Finding Identity and Starting Conversations: Remy Coutarel

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. in 2011, exploring aspects of artistic and personal identity in Seattle and Bellingham, and experiencing the naturalization process firsthand, they are ready to start conversations with illustrations and comics. Coutarel grew up in France, where…

Get Cozy in PNW-Inspired …

Get Cozy in PNW-Inspired Clothing | Q&A with Eliza McElroy, Owner of Absideon Apparel

First of all, tell us a bit about you, your background, and how Absideon Apparel came to be! s Photograph by Dani Winters Photography What does the word “absideon” mean, exactly? “We started by googling “cool words,” discovered “absideon,” and fell in love with the meaning of it. Absideon means “to banish negative…

The Man Who Made Waves with …

The Man Who Made Waves with Wood and Glass | Greg Klassen

10 years ago, we wrote about an up-and-coming craftsman who was breaking into the national scene for his fine furniture. In the decade since, Greg Klassen fathered a viral sensation, has sent his artwork to every corner of the globe, and continues to hone his craft and add to his certified body of work. Photo courtesy of Greg Klassen Klassen first began selling his woodwork around 2005…

8 GREAT TASTES

The Chicken Ramen at Setsunai Noodle Bar on Lopez Island is some of the North Sound’s best food. Featuring local ingredients, house-made noodles, and a…

Since Time Immemorial: Lucas …

Since Time Immemorial: Lucas Kinley

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 and with one another. We…

CASCADIA International Women�…

CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival

It’s statistically undeniable: Even in 2023, women are sorely underrepresented in the film industry. A 2022 study by USC Annenberg’s Inclusion Initiative showed that just 9% of directors for the year’s 100 top grossing domestic films were women. Moreover, just 2.7% of directors for these top 100 films were women of color. These numbers alone underline the importance of Bellingham’s CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival, an annual multi-day event that’s dedicated to spotlighting and celebrating films made from a female…

Bringing Unique Luxury to …

Bringing Unique Luxury to Bellingham | Neeter House of Luxury

The Shop Looking out onto the waters of Squalicum Harbor is the newly-opened Neeter House of Luxury. Founder and Owner John Neeter opened the business in November of 2022 with the goal of bringing unique and vintage pieces of jewelry and other high-end items, like designer watches, bags, and knives, out of far-off cities like Seattle and L.A. and into Bellingham. “[Neeter House of Luxury] is a dream that’s recently become a reality. As an established local jeweler…

A21 Flatbread | Chef Rey …

A21 Flatbread | Chef Rey Galang of Amendment 21

Not sure what to serve at happy hour? Take a cue from the folks at Amendment 21, one of our favorite Bellingham cocktail bars, and give this Italian-inspired flatbread a try. It’s refined enough to impress dinner party guests, yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. The dish is also versatile: Toppings…

Connecting Cultures with Art, …

Connecting Cultures with Art, Poetry, and Academia | Q&A with Dr. Sophia Kidd

Dr. Sophia Kidd is an Asia-focused scholar in the humanities, an Associate Research Fellow at Sichuan University, and an Affiliated Researcher at Southwest University. She is the Founder of Nuance Art & Culture and the…

The Sparkly Side of Subdued | …

The Sparkly Side of Subdued | Glitt3r Lyfe

Bellingham might be known as the city of subdued excitement—but if you ask Aireekah Laudert, “subdued” is a relative term. As the “glitter boss” behind the lifestyle and cosmetic glitter business Glitt3r Lyfe, she…

Tools to Elevate Your Cheese …

Tools to Elevate Your Cheese Game

Don’t be intimidated by that 36-month aged Netherlands gouda! There’s a whole world of sophisticated cheeses out there that might seem tricky to get a handle on, but having the right…

Centuries Old Timber Inspires …

Centuries Old Timber Inspires Bellingham Home Design | Skagit Valley Slabhaus

Oftentimes the juxtaposition between two opposites can create a result so masterful that the differences seem to fade. For this 3,395-squarefoot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath new home construction project in Bellingham, the outdoors was brought in and man befriended nature, marrying opposition and creating a design that was not only aesthetically remarkable but a design that told a story. Situated on nearly…

WINE PICK OF THE MONTH : …

WINE PICK OF THE MONTH : Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Chardonnay Alexander Valley, California $18

For four generations Alexander Valley Vineyards has been family owned and operated, creating award-winning, certified sustainable, and organic wines on their picturesque estate. They are located 75 miles north of San Francisco on a property that borders the Russian River, whose fog-inducing cool temperatures make it ideal for growing some luscious chardonnay. You…

Living the Dream: Tamales, …

Living the Dream: Tamales, Brews, and Community | Frelard Tamales and El Sueñito Brewing Company

Frelard Tamales began in 2015 at pop-ups and markets, then opened a walk-up window in 2018, sharing authentic Mexican meals with hungry Seattle crowds. Now, Owners Osbaldo Hernandez and Dennis Ramey…

Jewelry Inspired by Nature | …

Jewelry Inspired by Nature | J and I Design

J and I Design is the creation of Mount Vernon couple Michelle and Jay Barshaw. The Barshaws started their own arts and crafts gallery, The Shop, in Conway in 2013. It featured work by many local artists, as well as their own woodworking and other pieces. Michelle was painting and making jewelry, mostly earrings and bracelets made…

Since Time Immemorial | Dr. …

Since Time Immemorial | Dr. Dakotah Lane

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…

Tamales to Celebrate Culture, …

Tamales to Celebrate Culture, Kindness, and Community | Frelard Tamales and El Sueñito Brewing Company

Frelard Tamales and El Sueñito Brewing Company are officially open in Sunnyland as of this February—and if you haven’t given their offerings a try yet, you’re missing out on something truly delicious….

That Coffee Guy | Alexarc …

That Coffee Guy | Alexarc Mastema of Maniac Coffee Roasting

When I asked Alexarc Mastema to describe himself he simply said, “I’m just that coffee guy around town,” as if he’d never owned two businesses or been a United States Barista Championship judge infamously known…

Mexican Tortilla Soup | Chef …

Mexican Tortilla Soup | Chef Azizi Tookas of Brandywine Kitchen

Not sure what to make for dinner this spring? We suggest whipping up this Mexican tortilla soup, courtesy of Chef Azizi Tookas of Brandywine Kitchen in Bellingham. It’s comforting enough to warm you up on chilly April evenings, but its bright flavors and spicy kick prevent it from becoming too heavy. Best of all, the options for toppings are practically limitless: You can keep things simple with cilantro and tortilla chips, or go wild with cotija cheese, avocado,…

Never Split the Tea Party | D&…

Never Split the Tea Party | D&Tea

Tabletop gaming fans have a new destination to meet, play, and enjoy some tea! Co-owners CEO Travis Peacock and COO Gideon Jones have opened up the first brick-and-mortar location for their tea company, D&Tea. D&Tea was born when Peacock was looking for new avenues to explore after a while of selling Dungeon & Dragons dice…

Forever Homes for Every Pup | …

Forever Homes for Every Pup | The Pittie Project PNW

According to the ASPCA, roughly 390,000 dogs are euthanized in U.S. kill shelters every year—and a substantial portion of these pups fall under the category of “bully breed.” Luckily, there are organizations that help misunderstood dogs find forever homes; here in Bellingham, that organization is the Pittie Project PNW. The Pittie Project PNW is a nonprofit…

Cascades by Train

Whether you go by foot, bike, or car, exploring the PNW is always an adventure – but city-hopping by rail? That’s an entirely different level of luxury. If you’re itching for a springtime escape, we’re here to tell you what you need to know about exploring our corner of the country on Amtrak. This month’s feature covers everything from…

A Fresh Philosophy on Farm-to-…

A Fresh Philosophy on Farm-to-Table | Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar

Sitting on the Swinomish Channel, Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar is a must-visit in La Conner. This cozy, sophisticated eatery is co-owned by General Manager Albie Bjornberg and Chef James…

Adventure Ready Jewelry by a …

Adventure Ready Jewelry by a Local Artisan | Jo Bird Jewelry

The great thing about Sarah Brockman’s jewelry is that her pieces can be worn anywhere: hiking, running, rock climbing, on vacation, or to the dinner table. This versatility is intentional, as Brockman’s own outdoorsy lifestyle fuels her creativity. ”I’ve always been a big adventurer,” she says. “And so I was making things that I could put on and leave on and wear for six months while swimming, hiking, running—all of it.” Photo courtesy of Jo Bird Jewelry As Jo Bird…

A Weekend-Worthy Wellness …

A Weekend-Worthy Wellness Retreat | Salish Lodge and Spa

Imagine enjoying your morning coffee while overlooking a 268-foot-tall waterfall, with no immediate responsibilities save for a massage treatment or two. If you’re overdue for a mountain escape, a visit to the Salish Lodge and Spa might be in order—and, given the proximity to Bellingham, this getaway can be easily accomplished in a weekend. Photo by Cocoa Laney The Salish Lodge is perched on the edge of the iconic Snoqualmie Falls, and its dramatic location will be familiar to fans…

A Sea-to-Plate Love Story | …

A Sea-to-Plate Love Story | Nerka Sea-Frozen Salmon

Salmon – and the ocean that they make their home in—run deep in Tele Aadsen’s blood. Aadsen and her partner, Joel BradyPower, own and operate Nerka SeaFrozen Salmon as fisherfolks who sustainably catch, process, market, and sell wild…

The Gateway to a Sustainable …

The Gateway to a Sustainable Home | GreenCoast Cedarworks

Imagine starting your workday by walking into your shop, “sun angling into the workspace, or rain pattering on the roof, stacks of beautiful cedar stock all…

Staying Two Steps Ahead | …

Staying Two Steps Ahead | 12th Street Shoes

Since 1999, locals have been visiting 12th Street Shoes in Fairhaven for excellent service and a quality shoe selection that ranges from heels to hardcore Alegria work slip-ons. But the business’s vintage hasn’t stopped Owner Jody Proctor, who purchased the store in 2003, from keeping up with the times! Her posts, videos, and giveaways on the store’s various social media accounts have kept customers invested…

Reduce, Reuse, and Tame Those …

Reduce, Reuse, and Tame Those Split Ends | SeaBar

How much effort do you currently put into cleaning up our world’s polluted oceans? On a totally related note, are you satisfied with your hair care routine? Photo by Ben Duyker SeaBar is…

Since Time Immemorial | …

Since Time Immemorial | Santana Rabang

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 and…

Adaptive Recreational Gear …

Adaptive Recreational Gear for All | The AIROW Project

For outdoor recreation enthusiasts, Whatcom County is a national treasure—and the region’s mountains, waters, and trails should be accessible to all. This mentality is the ethos behind the AIROW Project (Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation of Whatcom County), a local nonprofit working to provide adaptive recreation opportunities and gear for individuals with disabilities. AIROW was founded by April Katz, a passionate disability advocate who also provides support and services through her business Adaptive Life…

Food, Family, and Fresh …

Food, Family, and Fresh Tortillas | Mariposa Taqueria

The small elbow that makes up Bow-Edison can seem ethereal to the uninitiated. This rural community contains a bevy of artisanal businesses delivering incredible experiences: Have a whiskey or cider at Terramar, visit one of the galleries, catch a game at the…

Go Green in 2023: Gardening …

Go Green in 2023: Gardening Tips and Trends

PNW residents rejoice: Spring is just around the corner, which means longer days, milder weather, and blossoming gardens galore. Whether you’re rethinking your landscape or simply looking to cultivate a green thumb, this season is the perfect…

Hot Pot is Good for the Soul |…

Hot Pot is Good for the Soul | Soy House

You’d be forgiven for walking into the main entrance of Soy House—a Vietnamese restaurant that’s been a staple in town for almost a decade— instead of the side entrance specifically reserved for hot pot seatings. But once you’re inside, it’s impossible to miss the vibrant decor, warm atmosphere, and enticing aromas of the bubbling dishes. The original Soy House location was opened in 2008 on Bakerview by Tony Nguyen…

Handmade Colombian Artistry …

Handmade Colombian Artistry in Bellingham | PHIA Handmade

Vibrant, intricate, and informed by centuries of tradition—the products sold by PHIA Handmade bring the art of Colombia to Bellingham. Heimy Gonzalez moved to the U.S. in 2021 with her husband, Oscar Quintero, and their three children. They left behind their life in Colombia to follow their dreams, which have taken off as two distinct local businesses: COF&, a Colombian coffee…

Indoor Jungle Springs Up In …

Indoor Jungle Springs Up In Fairhaven | Babygreens

Babygreens originally opened in Downtown Bellingham in April 2018, started by Owner Nick Meza after a lifetime of appreciating what plants can do for a…

The Mixing Tin | Jack’s …

The Mixing Tin | Jack’s Morning Don

Jack’s Morning Don Ingredients: Mezcal, Génépi liqueur, pear brandy, St-Germaine $12 Photo by Cocoa Laney With its delicate color and crisp finish, the Morning Don is a springtime spin on the classic Negroni. Sweet…

A Brief Guide to Gardening …

A Brief Guide to Gardening Apparel

March marks the beginning of longer days, and those longer days herald the return of spring. As your plants and flowers return to their full splendor, why not renew your gardening wardrobe as well? To jump-start your imagination, we’ve curated some functional-yet-fashionable clothing that’s perfect for getting down and dirty in. Dovetail Bandana in Brown Hatch Texture Clothing, $12 Bellingham, 360.733.3351, textureclothing.com Blue Mint Plaid Button-Up Top Betty Be Good, $50 8125 Birch Bay Square St., Ste….

Meet the Birds | Wings Over …

Meet the Birds | Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival

With March coming back around and the seasons on the verge of changing over, spring migration is in swing for the birds of Northwest America! With that comes the return of the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival! The festival, now in its…

The Return of Gourmet Pizza …

The Return of Gourmet Pizza That Outshines the Herd | Goat Mountain Pizza

After several years of hiatus, a community favorite for upscale pizza has returned to Holly Street in Downtown Bellingham. Goat Mountain Pizza, which previously closed in 2019 to make room for the then-expanding Black Sheep, has opened again in the space left behind by…

Ask a Stylist: Trends and …

Ask a Stylist: Trends and Transformations | Q&A with Danielle Nederhood of Salon Bellissima

As anyone who’s ever gotten a pixie cut can tell you, major hair transformations can be emotional. How can a client be certain that they’re ready to take the plunge? I always like to live by the motto, “If not now, when?” I believe everyone needs to shave their head at least once in their life. If you are unsure at all, I always recommend starting with shoulder-length hair or…

Creating Community for Female …

Creating Community for Female Professionals | Her Connection Hub

It’s safe to say that the Connection Breakfasts at Her Connection Hub are unlike any other networking event I’ve ever been to—and not just because all the attendees are women. There are no awkward introductions or forced exchanging of business cards. Rather, participants engage in genuine conversations about their lives as both professionals and as people. “We just really try to provide this container for … all of the other things that make…

Not Just IPAs: Bellingham’…

Not Just IPAs: Bellingham’s New Home for Farmhouse Style Brews | Darach Brewing Company

If you stop into State Street’s newest brewery expecting West Coast classics, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for—but IPAs are just the tip…

Locally Inspired: Fabric Art …

Locally Inspired: Fabric Art by KLT Works | Kristin Loffer Theiss

When Kristin Loffer Theiss started her own business in 2005, she had been looking for a career that would let her use her creativity and would also let her be a parent. She began by making nursery decor, including handmade mobiles, and the fledgling business immediately took off. “I hit…

The North Sound’s Most …

The North Sound’s Most Iconic Eats

Breakfast What: Biscuits and Gravy Where: Old Town Cafe Why: As far as cafes go, Old Town Cafe is basically a church—and breakfast is their religion. Any of their dishes would start your day off right, but the Biscuits and Gravy ($12.75) in particular could tempt us out of bed on even the chilliest of mornings. Accidentally slept…

Ethical Clothes for On-Trend …

Ethical Clothes for On-Trend Tots: The Minted Method

The Shop Parents and caregivers to little ones in Bellingham can trust Minted Method to have stylish, carefully sourced, and durable products that will keep up with life’s thrills and spills. While this storefront only opened in Fairhaven in August 2022, Minted Method has been a bustling online business for more than six years, creating and curating well-made clothes for children ages 0–12….

Steaks, Sips, and Seafood: …

Steaks, Sips, and Seafood: Friday Harbor House

Friday Harbor House restaurant spotlight.

Meet Western’s Most Buzzed-…

Meet Western’s Most Buzzed-About New Playwright | Eryn Elyse McVay

“What the gods gave me” is a new horror play by Eryn Elyse McVay that has only been produced twice: Once at Ohio University, where the playwright is attending grad school, and most recently at Western Washington University, where…

Since Time Immemorial : Cu-se-…

Since Time Immemorial : Cu-se-ma-at Cathy Ballew

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…

Since Time Immemorial: Jason …

Since Time Immemorial: Jason LaClair

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 in a good, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to…

Pacific Northwest Health Perks

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

Recipes for a Balanced …

Recipes for a Balanced Breakfast

Three recipes for healthy breakfasts!

Classic Christmas: On the Town

Cozy Winter Restaurants: A …

Cozy Winter Restaurants: A Regional Round-Up

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…

Sampling the Seasons on San …

Sampling the Seasons on San Juan Island

Duck Soup

European-Style Sips on San …

European-Style Sips on San Juan Island

Madrone Cellars

A Glamping Getaway on San …

A Glamping Getaway on San Juan Island

The Yurts at Lakedale Resort

Orcas Island by the Hour

As the biggest island in the San Juan archipelago, Orcas Island has no shortage of activities to keep you occupied. This 57.3-square-mile oasis offers everything from outdoor recreation to shopping, spas, and delicious farm-to-table food. Best of all, Orcas Island is easily accessible via ferry from Anacortes– so if you haven’t explored the San Juans yet, why wait any longer?

Savor the San Juans Returns …

Savor the San Juans Returns for Its 14th Year

It could be argued that the best way to experience a region is through its food, and there’s no shortage of local bounty in the San Juan Islands. You’re invited to indulge your senses at the 14th annual Savor the San Juans event, back in full force after going virtual in 2020.

A Little Bit of Everything

FERN

Buck Bay Shellfish Farm

Since the early 1940s, Buck Bay Shellfish Farm has been the go-to spot for shellfish on Orcas Island.

Cafe Crawl

According to Encyclopædia Britannica, the first cafe opened in Constantinople in the year 1550. The rise of coffee drinking meant caffeine-lovers needed a place where they could gather in public and enjoy the new buzzy beverage. Over the next decades, cafes spread throughout Europe, becoming nexuses for political discourse, culture, and art. Fast forward a few hundred years, and not much has changed. Cafes still serve as…

20 Local Gifts Under $20

Whether you’re shopping for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day or just want to spread some love to family and friends, these gifts are sure to satisfy without hurting your wallet. Plus, they’re all from retailers in Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan Counties, so you can keep the love local.

A Family Getaway in the Trees

This treetop getaway is a dream come true for adults and children alike.

BONW 2019 Feature: Winner&#…

BONW 2019 Feature: 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! …

International Eats

February’s feature is International Eats! We’ve provided a list of our favorite international cuisine from Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties. Discover your favorites now.

Shaw Island Timber Frame Home

This month’s featured home is this lovely timber frame home on Shaw Island. Check out the pictures of this stunning abode!

Where and Why to Sauna

Sweat out your toxins and your worries at these featured local saunas.

The Bounty and Culture of the …

The Bounty and Culture of the San Juan Islands

Savor the San Juans—a seven-week event featuring farm tours, wine tastings, wine dinners, a beer festival, and two film festivals.

Nurturing the Love of …

Nurturing the Love of Literature

Owner Laura Norris purchased the Griffin Bay Bookstore, a staple in downtown Friday Harbor since 1979, as a way to preserve literary culture on the island.

In the Heart of Coast Salish …

In the Heart of Coast Salish Territory

For more than 24 years, Lee Brooks has been showcasing art from Native artists at his gallery, Arctic Raven Gallery, in downtown Friday Harbor.

Straightforward, Delicious, …

Straightforward, Delicious, Fast Food

Step into this Orcas Island restaurant for breakfast or lunch—fit with homestyle cooking, large portions, bottomless coffee, and a friendly atmosphere.

Turning 100

The iconic Lime Kiln Lighthouse, located within the Lime Kiln State Park, is celebrating 100 years with a centennial event taking place on June 30.

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.

Orcas Island, To Go

Orcas Island was listed on the New York Times’ Best Destinations for 2019. Celebrities are taking notice, including Oprah, who owns a house on Orcas Island.

Five Faves

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.

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.

The Bounty of the Sea

Brady Ryan makes a variety of salt products from the Salish Sea waters. San Juan Island Sea Salt sells their salt products at local farmers markets.

Five Faves

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.

Kitchens + Spaces

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.

‘Water of Life’

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.

Wholesale Seafood in the …

Wholesale Seafood in the North Sound

Our online exclusive this month showcases companies that provide local, fresh wholesale seafood from Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan counties, and Alaska.

Spectacular Seafood

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.

Coffee, Healthy Food, and A …

Coffee, Healthy Food, and A Comfy Place to Wait for the Ferry

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.

Reconnecting with Our Food

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!

Tapping into Your Inner Bird …

Tapping into Your Inner Bird Nerd

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.

Wildland Firefighter Jordan …

Wildland Firefighter Jordan Pollack

Jordan Pollack has been a fearless wildland firefighter across Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish for over 40 years.

Get Out for Thanksgiving …

Get Out for Thanksgiving Dinner

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!

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.

Getting on Island Time

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.

Audra Lawlor

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.

Five Faves

We are highlighting five of our favorite hikes to take during the fall season, from the North Cascades to the San Juan Islands.

Showcasing Jewels of Orcas …

Showcasing Jewels of Orcas Island

Material Wit on Orcas Island is run by Jessie Morrow. Her shop showcases four jewelry collections, clothes, household items, and art.

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.

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.

Insole Giant Makes Big Step

Superfeet is emerging as a leader in footbed technology.

Getting Serious About Sunburn

Stay safe this summer and protect your skin from sunburn by learning about UV radiation.

Finding Elbow Room In a …

Finding Elbow Room In a Bathroom Overhaul

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 “look” to the current century was my clients’ first request. Next, they wanted to brighten the space and gain more room without changing the footprint. Last,…

Finding Sunshine in a (Beer) …

Finding Sunshine in a (Beer) Can | Sip

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.

Final Word | Even If It Ain’…

Final Word | Even If It Ain’t Broke, Fix It!

Humor alert — Loretta reminded me to provide a satire disclaimer. No toes were intentionally stepped on in the writing of this Final Word

Five Faves Stunning Scenic …

Five Faves Stunning Scenic Drives

Have a minute? Looking to take advantage of the long summer days? Just trying to get away? Check out our five favorite scenic drives.

What’s in Our Waters?

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!

Marine Life in Anacortes

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 from seaweed to ocean waves to ocean acidification since the 1970s. Once primarily a field station for Western Washington University, it now has community…

Is Low-Carb the Way to Go?

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…

Five Faves

1. KEENAN’S AT THE PIER One of the…

Restoring Marine Habitat, One …

Restoring Marine Habitat, One Crab Pot at a Time

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…

If Mother America Could Speak

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…

Lasting Image | Kerry Butowicz

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.

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…

Youth Arts Academy Leader …

Youth Arts Academy Leader Has Theater in His Blood

Ian Bivins As executive director Ian Bivins enters the small children’s theater in downtown Bellingham, he takes a moment and looks at the old fold-up chairs, scuffed…

Five Faves Outdoor Sculpture …

Five Faves Outdoor Sculpture Gardens

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 between buildings. (At least one piece even has its own Twitter handle.) The university’s first sculpture was installed in 1960, and the collection has grown to include 36 “interactive” pieces, including the one pictured here—“Skyviewing Sculpture,” by Isamu Noguchi (1969), that allow people to…

Lasting Image | Pat McDonnell

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….

An Aerial Photographer’…

An Aerial Photographer’s Perspective

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…

Hidden Gem

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 from the Whatcom…

Working its way into the …

Working its way into the mainstream

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 that is based on treating the entire body, rather than just the illness….

Out of This World

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…

Don’t come home without a …

Don’t come home without a mammoth, dear!

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…

Lasting Image

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 spend a significant time photographing wildlife. What do you…

Updating with Charm and Style

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…

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…

Good to Grow

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…

French Fundamentals in an …

French Fundamentals in an English-Style Pub

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…

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 laxity, wrinkles, moles, liver spots, excess fat, cellulite, unwanted hair, skin discoloration, and spider veins top the list of complaints. As skin worries grow,…

Hard-to-Kill Plants

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…

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 pond-side summer garden parties. That vision is possible, if you avoid mistakes…

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…

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 part of the earth and its ecosystem is that almost of a rainforest. I imagine birds, vibrant colors, animals, exotic plants, and humidity…

Vinostrology Shines As …

Vinostrology Shines As Downtown Bellingham Wine Bar And Lounge

Wine Bar Extraordinaire Bellingham native Katie Bechkowiak had plenty of experience in the restaurant and wine industries when she began toying with the idea of opening up her own wine bar. Then, while wrapping up a visit to the city’s Bloedel Donovan Park, she hopped in her car and turned on the Oprah Station…

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…

A Full Flavor Experience from …

A Full Flavor Experience from Start to Shop

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 80 varieties of cheese. Each is picked based on season, customer demand and…

Bad Boys in the Garden

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 experts say are the among the worst – invasive, disease-ridden, or just outright annoying – to allow into your garden. How many times…

Platform of Change

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….

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…

FIVE FAVES DOCKS & PIERS

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,…

IMMIGRATION Feature

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 a country of immigrants, our compassion for others less fortunate, and fundamental fairness against legitimate concerns over border security, and the rule of law. The…

The Art of Forgiveness

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…

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 in the confidence that it will always come back around in about nine months. Modern technology can make the seasons somewhat…

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. Recent studies have again been conducted to determine what the connection is between our brain and our gut, and how it affects our health overall. It is not surprising that the…

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 part-time hair-dressing in high school,…

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 Whatcom Museum, where it will enjoy the bustle of Prospect Street and a pleasant patio view of Bellingham’s unfolding waterfront district. The new…

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 new to Shambala will often exclaim “This is actually good!” They…

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…

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. For many of Whatcom County’s residents, it is the unique landscape, endless green spaces, and integrated park system that combine to make it hard to imagine living anywhere else. For Whatcom Land Trust…

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 bonus rooms of middle-class American families of the 1970s in mind. Orange and green walls house an eclectic assortment of artwork, dark disco-era pendant lighting hangs from the ceiling, and pinball and old-school arcade games wrap…

Five Faves: Women’s …

Five Faves: Women’s History Month

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 future generations’ right to vote and run for office. FRIDA (2002) This dramatic biography depicts the bold professional and private life…

From Italy, With Love

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…

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 can play basketball in a dress? What about getting dirty without sacrificing style? Enter Nuu-Muu, the Bellingham-based company that designs athletic dresses. The company has garnered quite a following of hard-core fans they call Teamsters, and believes women can…

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 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…

Slowing Down Over a Glass

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,…

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…

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…

Wellness Centers

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…

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…

Mixing Tin

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…

Take a Hike: Whatcom Falls …

Take a Hike: Whatcom Falls Park

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 miles of wide trails are gravel and the small rolling hills are doable for nearly every level of hiker. Enter the park from one of two locations, at 1401 Electric Avenue or, to get to the…

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 are extremely versatile in the kitchen. From soups and salads to smoothies and stir-fries, these green goddesses have got your back. SAVE…

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…

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 with a Belgian…

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…

Washington’s Olympic Roots …

Washington’s Olympic Roots Embedded in Slopes of Mount Rainier

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 line after a multi-skater pileup? Ohno went on to win more medals (eight) than any winter Olympian in the nation. (He retired after the 2010 Games.) But when it comes to Washington, skiing has the richest tapestry, with Mount Rainier providing the earliest canvas. At 14,411…

Firehouse Glass Gallery

Glassblowing Art When molten glass cools too quickly it explodes. At the Firehouse Glass Gallery in Langley there’s a barrel of discarded blowpipes with leftover nubs of molten glass. A periodic pop pop calls from the barrel, like a gun going off in the glass gallery. To prevent glass creations from exploding, temperature control is key: melting…

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 900 total wineries… and nearly 125 of those are located in the Walla Walla Valley. The Walla Walla Valley has a rich agricultural history, but today’s wine grape industry didn’t really begin taking shape there until the mid-1980s….

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…

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…

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…

The Power of One

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 have all these…

BeachCastle Sweets

Something Sweet for Your Sweet Rule number one when making chocolate treats is to use good quality chocolate. “You can really…

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…

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 pump track is essentially a bike track sculpted from the earth, consisting of dips, rises and quick…

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…

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…

Fall Arts Feature

This feature story appeared in the November 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.

Pottery for Everyone

Orcas Island Pottery THE SHOP Opened in 1945, Orcas Island Pottery lays claim to being the oldest pottery shop in the Pacific Northwest. It’s been owned by two families, has had four generations throw pottery in its studio, and has undergone two remodels — one in 1969 to expand the studio space and again in the 1990s after a kiln fire….

A Weekend of Films

Friday Harbor Film Festival Between 1,400 and 1,500 people are expected to attend the Friday Harbor Film Festival’s fifth annual documentary film festival November 3–5. Festival organizers Lynn Danaher and Karen Palmer founded the festival with an intention to share documentary films that tell relevant stories and encourage positive change. Danaher and Palmer run the festival with four pillars in mind: to entertain, inspire, enlighten, and encourage. Screened films must fit in with the first three pillars, while…

Best of the Northwest 2017

Click below to view the top three businesses in over 120 categories. Congratulations to our 2017 Best Of The Northwest winners!

Endless Possibilities at …

Endless Possibilities at Deception Pass

While it may be one of the busiest Washington parks in the summer, Deception Pass State Park is still accessible and nearly as beautiful throughout the offseason. The second major draw of the park is the variety of landscapes visitors will find. Whether you’re looking to spend a day at the beach, have a picnic on…

More than Quality Pet Food

Bow Wow & Woofs THE SHOP Bow Wow & Woofs is not your ordinary pet store. Instead of the typical run-of-the mill kibble and dog biscuits, you’ll find freezers stocked with raw dog food and fair-trade pet toys. Owner Heather Campbell is committed to keeping her store full of quality foods and responsibly produced pet products. THE ATMOSPHERE The store welcomes visitors with a warm, earthy glow that reflects the owner’s commitment to natural and healthy products for our…

Appease Your Green Thumb

Bayview Farm & Garden Bayview Farm & Garden, in the seaside village of Langley on Whidbey Island, promoted green gardening before the word “green”…

A Clean Dog is a Happy One

Shake & Shine Canine Wash and Deli Shake & Shine Canine Wash and Deli is as close to a day…

Pet Photographer Diane Padys

Diane Padys wasn’t always on track to become a photographer. “Photography was always a passionate hobby of mine from college,” she said. Padys spent a number…

Dog Paddle

Pups rehabilitate in the pool Carrie Lane, owner of K9 Lap of Luxury, was first inspired by the powers of canine hydrotherapy at a pool in Fall City. Lane showed her bull mastiff and was looking for a low-impact way to condition him. While she said she wasn’t even sure if he could swim, after just a few sessions she realized the pool was just what he needed. As a large breed, exercise…

Making Spaying and Neutering …

Making Spaying and Neutering Accessible

WeSNiP Every Thursday morning, cat owners gather in the parking lot of Bellingham’s Salvation Army, and every Thursday morning, the…

Wonder Woman

Avielle Heath The film community in Bellingham is growing, and its success is in no small part thanks to Avielle Heath. She is a producer and organizer working in a chaotic creative world, making sure films see their day in the cinema. Heath started making films after taking an influential film production course at Fairhaven College. She started making short films with her friends and entering local film competitions. She became a volunteer production assistant, where she took on…

Caring for Animals Since 1902

Whatcom Humane Society It was just 1902 when the Whatcom Humane Society began taking care of animals throughout the county. “I’ve always thought it was pretty amazing that, in 1902, a group of committed citizens in our community gathered together to form the Whatcom Humane Society,” executive director Laura Clark said. In the 115 years…

Island with Bustle

San Juan County: San Juan Island Samantha Bryner moved to San Juan Island 44 years ago, and has worked in real estate for more than 30 of those. On her first ferry ride into Friday Harbor she remembers being taken aback by the island’s beauty. “Enchanted. I have to live here,” she remembers thinking. This tends to be a…

Big Island, Small World

San Juan County: Orcas Island Orcas Island, known as the “Gem of the San Juans,” is the largest of the archipelago. It boasts the highest mountains on the islands, most of which are in Moran State Park; waterfalls, and numerous hamlets, with Eastsound the first stop for many tourists. You can…

“Slo-Pez” …

“Slo-Pez” Neighbors Revel in the Rural

San Juan County: Lopez Island When visitors come to Lopez Island, they feel like they’re part of the neighborhood. Known as the “Friendly Isle,” inhabitants wave to…

Watching the Neighborhood Grow

Skagit County: Eaglemont When Denise Hewitt and her husband moved to Eaglemont about 20 years ago there were hardly any other homes. Now, it’s become an established neighborhood. “It’s a great community,” she said. “It started out being…

Where the Forest Meets the Sea

Skagit County: Skyline Courtney Blackston and her family moved into the Skyline neighborhood a year and a half ago, and are happy to call it home. The Blackstons are a military family, and they fell in love with Anacortes for the school district, the downtown amenities, and the…

A Seafarer’s Dream

Skagit County: Shelter Bay Danny Hagen grew up in the Shelter Bay house that he now lives in with a family of his own — his wife, Nicole, and their two little ones, Kaysen and Duncan. The Hagens moved into the neighborhood in 2014 because…

From Summer Vacation to All-…

From Summer Vacation to All-Year Family Fun

Skagit County: North Big Lake North Big Lake was once a summer vacation destination for Margie Holdt and her family, but now it’s home. When Holdt and her late husband began thinking of retirement about 20 years ago, they opted for…

Coal Mines of Bellingham

Bellingham’s neighborhoods have their own character, but some share a feature you can’t even see: a wide network of underground coal mine tunnels. Hundreds of…

A Place to Grow Together

Whatcom County: Columbia The weather is a comfortable middle area, between shedding the last of winter and the opening notes of spring. Residents of the Columbia neighborhood are coming out of hibernation. People are outside jogging, walking…

Neighborhood Police

In November, a string of home break-ins put Bellingham residents on edge. The burglaries followed a pattern: multiple suspects breaking into homes, particularly on sunny…

The Ins and Outs of the Top …

The Ins and Outs of the Top Knot

One of the biggest-trending hair styles I see these days is the “high bun,” popularly known known as the “top knot.” This hairstyle is so quick and simple, you…

2016 Best Of The Northwest …

2016 Best Of The Northwest Winners Announced

Click below to view the top 3 businesses in over 120 categories. Congratulations to our 2016 Best Of The Northwest winners!

A Mermaid’s Treasure

Mystical Mermaid THE SHOP The Mystical Mermaid gift shop in Friday Harbor has been around for more than 25 years, passing through the management of several owners. One thing that hasn’t changed in decades is the eclectic and rare treasures you’ll find inside, as well as the store’s loyal followers. “There are people who stop here first when visiting the island,…

Eco-Friendly Fashions

Cotton, Cotton, Cotton When Gail and Randy Schnee came to the San Juan Islands for a kayaking trip, they weren’t expecting to stay for good. Originally from Orlando, Fla. and tired of hurricanes and bustling crowds, the couple found Washington’s mild climate and Friday Harbor’s small community ideal. They fell in love with Friday Harbor and…

8 Great Mother’s Day …

8 Great Mother’s Day Brunches

San Juan Island Farmers Market

Founded in 1987 by a group of island farmers who wanted a venue to sell their goods directly to the…

Lopez Island Farmers Market

The Lopez Island Farmers Market prides itself as being as local as possible. They adhere to a hierarchy of home-growing when picking vendors: first priority goes to Lopez Island-produced food and products, second to the San Juan Islands,…

Orcas Island Farmers Market

It’s no surprise Orcas Island Farmers Market, like the Lopez Island and San Juan Island farmers markets, values locality. All the food and products are grown and made on Orcas Island. Being on a small island, the market is a big event for locals,…

Stay Calm and Breathe in the …

Stay Calm and Breathe in the Lavender

Pelindaba Lavender Farm THE SHOP Many locals are familiar with the purple fields of Pelindaba Lavender Farm on San Juan Island, but don’t know about its offshoot retail stores. They…

Eating in Season

Local Food Boxes make for a Healthy You and a Healthy Community When spring comes in northwest Washington, there seems to be a communal sigh exhaled across the land. More rain ahead, yes, but the occasional sunny and almost-warm day gives us the glimmer of hope to keep forging ahead. Spring to me means thinking about all of the seasonal food that’s on its way. First in April…

Spring Break Travel Essentials

In just two days, I’ll be headed out of town, taking the redeye to New York City. In between sitting down to write this article and penning the last of my emails,…

Delivering the Goods to Your …

Delivering the Goods to Your Home

Diet-to-Go, ACME Farms and Kitchen, Salt Pepper & Oil It is no secret that current Americans tend to overload their days with endless “to-do lists.” Whether it’s putting in that extra hour at the office, taking the kids from one sporting event to the next, or attempting to keep the house in order, there’s just never enough time. Our…

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…

The Steering Column | My …

The Steering Column | My Traffic Man

The Election That Threatened To Steal Christmas: An Intervention Although about half the voting population felt like they collectively woke up to an empty…

Thanksgiving and Harvest Wines

The fall and harvest season is upon us, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and big, indoor feasts will soon be the order of the day. Trying to pull off a near-flawless menu, especially while coping with family and out-of-town guests, can be a thankless task. So you might be happy to know that choosing wines…

Best of the Northwest 2016

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

Five Minutes to Fresh and …

Five Minutes to Fresh and Fabulous

Raise your hand if you have more than an hour a day to do your makeup? Okay, now if your hand is raised, then use it to keep turning pages because this tutorial is not for you. (You’re an everyday “glamazon,” and I completely admire and respect you for that). As for the rest of us, take heart. It’s possible to look…

The Vegetable that Changed My …

The Vegetable that Changed My Life

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 dampness, there is a certain beauty in the air. And, it’s one of my favorite times of year for food, namely late summer veggies. Local jewels like…

Screen Fever in the San Juans

This Fall, the San Juan Islands will be the Northwest hot spot for film festivals. Orcas Island will host both the Orcas Island Film Festival October 7–10 and the one day Wild and Scenic Film Festival on November 12. Additionally, the Friday Harbor Film Festival on San Juan Island will take place November 4–6. Each festival has its own inspiring theme that will appeal to any movie buff. “We want our films to be compelling stories that encourage people…

Orcas Island Beach House–…

Orcas Island Beach House–Featured Home

This beautiful Orcas Island beach house is an island paradise, nestled among towering evergreens and set right on the water. As with most things Orcas, this home is the perfect balance of architectual distinction and cabin-like…

The Castle of the Strawberry …

The Castle of the Strawberry Kingdom

It would be an exaggeration to say the humble strawberry built Orcas Island, but not much of one — ripe, sweet strawberries have been a huge part of Orcas Island’s history and culture for centuries. The current Strawberry Barreling Building in Olga is a monument to a past industry. Glen Rodenberger was the strawberry king of Orcas. In 1935, he formed The…

The Steering Column: The …

The Steering Column: The Heart Of A Local Champion

There’s a new brand of legends racing to the top at the Deming Speedway this year. They aren’t just breaking track records; they are destroying the myths of self-entitlement and selfishness that too often slows down our youth. These young drivers are amp’d with the spirit of service that keeps them in the lead and mytrafficman.net is proud to sponsor them on and off the track. Tristin Thomas, at 17, drives…

Sea To Storefront

Birch Bay, Chuckanut Bay, Semiahmoo, Drayton Harbor, Larrabee State Park, Point Roberts, and South Birch Point are all public oyster and clam beaches.

False Bay Writer’s Cabin

This stunning San Juan Island beauty is a perfect metaphor for a writer’s personality — open, receptive, and unguarded at times, and closed, private, and introspective at other times. A beautiful example of contemporary architecture, this cabin folds up into a…

Found: Leather

The bags are made from high-quality leather and have a very nice hand-made look about them without looking overly done or too rough hewn. They strike a balance.

Red Wine Body Styles

You see it all the time when sifting through the wine section in search of the perfect bottle to serve with tonight’s meal: “body style.” But what does it mean?

The work of Aaron Loveitt

The single most important thing to understand about Aaron Loveitt’s work is that when you encounter a piece, whether it’s a railing or a public sculpture, it was designed and created for that specific space.

Net Zero House – …

Net Zero House – Featured Home

Sean Haven of Haven Design workshop took on the challenge of designing and building a Net Zero house.

National Alliance on Mental …

National Alliance on Mental Illness

All of us have days that are a little less colorful than others—a case of the blahs, a sense of being stuck in our lives, a rough time in relationships around us, the grind of routine.

Eco-friendly design

Considerations like direction of sunlight, storm runoff, window materials, and flooring are all part of the eco package.

Bay View House – …

Bay View House – Featured Home

Natural textures like wood and stone complement the white walls and countertops.

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 we wake to leave for work and dark once more by the time we return home. For most of us, the colder,…

Portage Creek Wildlife Area

The former dairy farm is now grassland, and the peat mine is gone. Portage Creek Wildlife Area is gradually reverting to wetlands wilderness after years of commercial use.

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.

Legal Care: Turning the law …

Legal Care: Turning the law into a language people can understand

It’s a new year, and it’s time for a new way to think of law. Pop culture portrays great lawyers as an all knowing, strategic creatures capable of destroying insurmountable challenges with nothing short of relentless logic and legal acumen. These mere humans transform into sharks, wolves and other predators that the average citizen would instinctually avoid in the wild for the sake…

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….

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 in over the water — White Rock, B.C. is a great place to spend a little time away. Canada without the rush and bustle of Vancouver, but close enough to home to invest your time in being there rather than getting there,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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 elegance of some serious red and black berry, blueberry, and plum flavor.” Basically, it’s a great red wine without being too…

Underwater Artists

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 Summers; and photographer-turned-conservation advocate, Susan Middleton. On first glance, the sea creatures in their photo – graphs are simple —simply strange and simply beautiful. But what these creatures reveal is anything…

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 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…

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, 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 what seems like forever until my brain…

Shopping and Sharing Life at …

Shopping and Sharing Life at c’est la Vie

The first words that come to mind when walking into Edmonds’ c’est la Vie (pronounced Say La Vee) are colorful, eclectic, and fun. The entry walkway and surrounding walls are artistically lined with quotes that range from the funny to the heartfelt, setting the perfect mood for what you’ll find in the store. “There’s always something unexpected when you come…

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…

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…

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, bright flowering shrub. The name is indirectly related to…

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…

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…

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 just…

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…

Cleavage Etiquette

Hi there. As a single mother of two pre-school kids, I feel compelled to offer some good natured, but badly needed male guidance in my first ever Final Word. But first I…

House in the Field

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…

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 person. She has been educated in ways that make her…

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 way into the annals of Seattle history. His presence immediately warmed the coffee shop, his laugh is head-turning and infectious. He lives up to his hype—friendly, humble,…

Hog Wild for Sustainability

The next time you fail a drug test, you might try to blame it on the BB Ranch prosciutto. Nice…

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 climbing mountains in…

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…

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 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…

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 best, especially looking forward to such a fun and fanciful season. Though a quality…

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 part of the deal. You got to go to Italy, but you had to produce work from the trip.” She made seven paintings, all of which sold upon her return. Realizing…

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…

San Juan Islands Art Museum

Past the ferry landing at Friday Harbor, past the outdoor sculptures and the galleries, past the collage of nature and architecture, is IMA—the first fine art museum on the San Juan Islands. But that’s not the only reason why IMA is turning heads. “The design looks like it belongs in a big city,” said one local resident. Exactly the point, said the team of staff and artists behind IMA.

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 and Smart Growth program manager at Sustainable Connections. She is also…

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 because I did…

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…

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…

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 into large dice • 5 lbs Parsnips • 3.5 quarts of water • 1 tsp nutmeg, ground • 1/2 cup coconut milk • sea salt and pepper Heat the almond oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 10 minutes. Add water and bring…

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 remodeled in the 80s, and the bath was added then—good space, but the…

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 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 skitter beneath driftwood. Empires of sand rise up again and again, despite the unavoidable appetite of the…

Lopez Island Getaway

When architect Don Larkin and his small Eastside architectural firm were asked to design a Lopez Island vacation home on the original foundation of a dilapidated cabin, he and his team drew upon the stunning views and quiet, driftwood-strewn bay below to create a sophisticated seaside escape. A stunning blend of Nantucket-meets-Northwest, this 2,900 square-foot home is surrounded by forestal acreage and hedged in by large plots of rolling farmland. Don positioned the…

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 a beauty professional I completely understand how labels like SPF, UVA, UVB, PA+++ (yes, that’s a real thing) can leave your head spinning. When boiled down, these terms confirm that without a…

Five Faves: Hiking Trails

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 LOOP HIGHWAY On a…

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 on the stock car circuit. Molly Helmuth turns 19 in mid-June. At the age when most girls are trying to…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 hours from Bellingham, this gem…

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…

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 a special evening. Located in the intimate and elegant Chrysalis Inn and Spa,…

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 of traffic in front of him, and race ahead along the shoulder passing the other vehicles. “At that point I started following them and I…

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 — it’s a powerful lobbying group that represents the interests of those in the housing and building communities…

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 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.”…

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…

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…

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….

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, we have retirement communities in our area that offer amenities beyond television reruns and canasta. The Leopold on Cornwall Ave. in downtown Bellingham is…

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…

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 potlucks and run 5Ks. Voted Best Place to Retire many times over by many national publications, Bellingham seems to embody this new feisty spirit of retirement. We are no longer…

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…

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…

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 swirl French toast. For serious…

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 the carriage as if typed into being. Chromatic Typewriter won international acclaim and was the runner-up in the speculative category of the Core77 design…

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 the middle of an intersection, three teenagers were assaulting a young boy. “He looked like about 12 years old, his feet weren’t on the ground, they were throwing him around,” Marlene said. Sherry had her phone out ready to call the police, but her mother feared…

PRIMA BISTRO

A quintessential South Whidbey dining experience in the heart of Langley, Prima Bistro marries gourmet French cuisine and classic Northwest ingredients. Fried Spanish Marcona Almonds arrive steaming hot, glisteningly crisp and in a…

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…

Beauty Magic

The New Year is upon us, and with it the desire to look our best. It would be so nice if we could wave a magic beauty wand, spin around and be ready for the ball. But in reality, we do have magic — it just is found at your local medspa and beauty bar. Wrinkles, loose and blotchy skin and other imperfections…

Keep your skin healthy

The New Year is a beautiful time to re-fresh, re-start, and focus on what really matters. Although I have never been a person to jump on the “resolution” bandwagon, I always love and relish in the…

Corner of Inspiration: Doe Bay

Hugging the tip of Orcas Island, Doe Bay is a quiet place. The center includes houses, cabins, yurts, a hostel, campsites and a lodge. Offering Vinyasa Power yoga, Nidra and Hatha yoga classes, Doe Bay is a perfect place to pack up your mat and get away. The café…

Citrine Health

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 one-stop wellness and health center has been in operation for 20 years. Executive Director Kerri Mallams said, “We changed the name because we also have programs for men.” There are several programs under Citrine’s umbrella —…

VINNY’S

Owner Becky Day welcomes diners to Vinny’s Ristorante in Friday Harbor, mirroring the feel of this warm Italian restaurant. Dishes change monthly and reflect the desire of Chef Daniel Van Hamsersfeld to serve simple, everyday fare. His appetizers of Fior de Latte — a caprese salad — and mushroom…

TOBY’S TAVERN

Overlooking the scenic Penn Cove in the center of old Coupeville, Toby’s Tavern offers diners a dive bar ambiance with a delicious menu of seafood favorites. Their famous bowls of Penn Cove mussels — served by the pound! — come fresh from the adjacent cove, and keep shellfish connoisseurs…

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…

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 everything and yet…

THE FREELAND CAFE

For more than 35 years, The Freeland Cafe’s been serving Whidbey Island locals a dawn-till-dinner menu of American breakfast classics with a mix of Hawaiian flavors. A stack of three savory pancakes stuffed with delicious, sweet blueberries marks a signature favorite among the carb-craving regulars, while a hearty egg breakfast with crisp,…

DUCK SOUP INN

Sitting on the border of the woods at Duck Soup Inn is one of the most delightful dining experiences you’ll likely experience. The outside eating area of this restaurant — located almost midway between Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor on San Juan Island — opened last year and offers tables for dinner as well as a couple of couches for pre-dinner drinks. The meals…

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, Albert? I bet you didn’t date much. And your theories of relativity, including E=mc2? Way too complicated — try the old kids’ joke, “what did the snail say…

Retro Remix – A Styled …

Retro Remix – A Styled Shoot

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 some favorite looks from the past and updated them with a decidedly modern twist. We sourced local clothing and props to create our unique blend of old-world…

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 the fairgrounds only take Canadian cards. pne.ca NORTHWEST WASHINGTON FAIR LYNDEN | AUGUST 11–16 From…

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 confidence that seems to be in control of you, instead…

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…

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 character. Not…

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….

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…

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…

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…

VINNY’S Ristorante

Owner Becky Day welcomes diners to Vinny’s Ristorante in Friday Harbor, mirroring the feel of this warm Italian restaurant. Dishes change monthly and reflect the…

Best of the Northwest 2013

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BEST CASINO Silver Reef Silver: Skagit Valley Casino Bronze: Swinomish If you combine excellent food, great gaming, live national events and a full-service, first-rate spa, you have the makings of a great weekend away that’s right around the corner. 4876 Red River Pedestrian Path, Ferndale, 360.383.0777 BEST LIVE THEATER Mount Baker Theatre Silver: Upfront Theater; Bronze:…

Doe Bay Cafe

Whether you’re heading toward the San Juan Islands or don’t mind taking a trip for an unbelievable meal, be sure to make reservations at the ever-popular Doe Bay Cafe. The cafe is set in the…

Mediterranean Lifestyle: A …

Mediterranean Lifestyle: A Delicious Recipe For Healthy, Happy Living

In Northwest Washington, we have an environment in which we can follow this lifestyle. We have access to a variety of fresh, local foods and farmers who raise animals in healthy environments to provide us with good quality milk, eggs and meat.

Best of the Northwest 2012

We received more than 30,000 votes within 80 categories for this year’s Best of the Northwest.

31 Days of Giveaways

8 Great Tastes | Summer 2025

8 Great Tastes | Summer 2025