September is a time of natural bounty and abundance here in the Pacific Northwest. From ripe tomatoes at farmers’ markets to fresh seafood to the first harvest of apples, this season is one of celebration and appreciation. In fact, September is officially Eat Local Month in the state of Washington! It’s a time when farmers are honored for their labor and communities gather around shared local food.
In Bellingham and Whatcom County, Eat Local Month has a special history. Sustainable Connections, a local nonprofit, has been informing the community on how to eat local for the last two decades. This year, Sustainable Connections will highlight exceptional farm-to-table restaurants and markets in their Eat Local Month Guide.
Whatcom County is home to a wide range of small farms. They grow flowers, fruits, mushrooms, nuts, and vegetables. They raise animals for grazing, meat, and dairy. They’re the backbone of the agricultural community here, and part of what makes this region so special.
The Whatcom County Farm Tour- September 12, 2026
Of course, Eat Local Month wouldn’t be complete without the Whatcom County Farm Tour. This free, family-friendly event, now in its 19th year, invites folks to get their boots a little muddy while they meet adorable animals, learn from farmers and fishers, invest in their local food system, and visit places they might not otherwise experience. Last year, more than 2,000 people took part in the Farm Tour and generated $52,000 in on-farm sales that went directly to farmers and food providers.
This year, visit Grace Harbor Farms in Custer, a family farm that is known and beloved for their all-natural cream top milk, yogurt, kefir, cultured buttermilk, goat milk, and famously addictive chocolate milk. Meet the animals, explore the farm, and stock up on ultra-fresh dairy delights straight from the source.
Just down the road in Ferndale, make a stop at Wright Brothers Farm, a family-owned vegetable farm rooted in more than a century of Whatcom County farming history. Run by brothers Craig, Chris, and Mark, the farm grows exceptionally fresh, flavorful produce and herbs using sustainable practices. Learn how they carry on the legacy of some of Whatcom County’s earliest organic growers, explore the fields and hoop houses, and leave with a basketful of fresh-picked veggies.
Located in Everson, Bellingham Flower Farm is a magical place to visit on the Farm Tour. Wander their fields of colorful blooms, including a gorgeous assortment of dahlia varieties. Learn about their seed-to-bouquet approach, what makes farm-to-table flowers both special and ethical, and soak up the beauty of their lovingly-tended land. Not to mention, Bellingham Flower Farm grows a variety of fruit, offering apples, pears, blueberries, and raspberries alongside splashy bouquets at their farm stand.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all that September Eat Local Month has to offer. From savoring delectable local ingredients at farm-to-table restaurants to exploring the bounty of markets to visiting the source at local farms, the possibilities are truly endless! To find local food in September and year-round, visit eatlocalfirst.org.
1701 Ellis St., Ste. 221, Bellingham, 360.647.7093, sustainableconnections.org
Photograph by FotoMataio
