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 launched in 2019 by artist AJ Hawkins. Hawkins began KALMA during a time of major change. As a young adult, Hawkins had…

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…

Sharing Culture and …

Sharing Culture and Connection Through Food

Oh poi! This month’s online exclusive takes us inside the kitchen of Seattle Poi Company. Culture, food, and community mash together to create the story of a small business making big waves. By bringing fresh poi to the continental United States, the folks at Seattle Poi Company have made a name for themselves in a variety…

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 fruity flavors. New Zealand-style ice cream,…

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…

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 and art gallery owned by Vivian and Jerry Hruska, doesn’t rely on high visibility. “We have a good customer [base],” Vivian says. “We don’t advertise—[it’s] all word of mouth.” The power of that word-of-mouth reputation, combined…

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….

Fall Arts Guide

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 slam your…

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 about how to…

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 College branch, where they gravitated toward each other due to…

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 dente pasta and oven-baked until…

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 many since then, their focus on brewing a wide variety of brews and beers, while food flowed on the side via local food trucks…

Craft Yourself a Whole New …

Craft Yourself a Whole New Look

If you’re a millennial or younger, you’ll know the common refrain: “They never taught us anything useful in school.” For those of us who missed out on the era of “home ec” (or just need a refresher), Bellingham Makerspace is a fantastic place to brush up on your crafting skills. They’re a non-profit community of creatives and crafters whose goal is to provide “access to tools, tool education, classroom space, and community resources…

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 his way…

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 region is famous for. 1. Take a…

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 year, and they fit right into the outdoorsy hub that Bellingham has become. With a great atmosphere, good long-lasting products, and a welcoming staff, this is the perfect place to spend an afternoon…

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 Center, believes in wholeheartedly and has spent years dedicating her life to. Located in the heart of Mount Vernon, in Skagit Valley, Triumph Teen Life Center has been a sanctuary for area teens since opening its doors…

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 has spent the last four years striking a balance between business owner and mother. Jones began braiding on her dolls when she was 12. Originally from…

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…

Water, Warm Weather, and Wine

Four Nights in Canada’s Okanagan Region If you’re craving a long weekend away this summer but you want to avoid booking flights, it’s always worth remembering that British Columbia is just a border crossing away and has a ton to offer—plus, with the current strength of the…

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…

Taking the Classroom Outside

Imagine yourself in preschool. You look up to find a canopy of trees overhead. You hear noises of a creek rushing through, wind blowing through the foliage of the trees. Imagine days spent learning about what you find, bugs, sticks, flowers, birds, and the changing seasons. This is what outdoor education looks like, but there’s a lot more to it! The first time I learned about outdoor education I was studying elementary education,…

Investigating the Living …

Investigating the Living Legend of the Quarry

Located past Lake Samish but just before Alger, the Lookout Arts Quarry (LAQ) is many things: a rural arts center, an outdoor festival venue, a campground, a community…

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 fun, approachable, and healthy, Leah is changing the way kids (and adults!) see food by weaving seasonal ingredients into flavorful, memorable meals. Leah…

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…

15 Ways To Fall In Love With …

15 Ways To Fall In Love With Where We Live

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…

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…

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 to restore our relationship with Mother Earth and with one another. We are grateful for these stories, told in the words of…

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…

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…

Burgers and Brews

Shepherd’s Pie

SHEPHERD’S PIE IS a classic comfort dish, perfect for exploring new combinations of traditional and modern flavors. Made with your choice of lamb, steak, pork, or turkey (if you are looking for a way to lower your intake of red meats) this dish will surely make you the executive chef of your home. Meet the Chef Incorporating his expertise…

Exciting New Spaces Opening …

Exciting New Spaces Opening at Chuckanut Bay Distillery

The Chuckanut Bay Distillery has become a Bellingham institution, a great place to go for a tasting, a tour, or a fantastic meal at their restaurant, Penny Farthing. But it’s about to become even more of a destination, with three beautiful new spaces opening up in the cavernous downtown building: a cozy speakeasy, a rooftop bar serving Thai food, and a large event space. The second-floor speakeasy opened last month, and the plan…

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…

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 and her mother Beth draw on their vast knowledge…

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…

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, here are…

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,…

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…

The Clean Ocean Movement: …

The Clean Ocean Movement: Global Crisis, Global Solution

IN UNDER A decade of operation, ocean cleanup company 4Ocean has already pulled over 34 million pounds of trash from the world’s oceans and waterways. In honor of Earth Day, we…

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 been working on together since 2016. Now in a new location with an adopted sister restaurant, Monti, under the same roof, Matia is “more Matia than it ever has been.” I traveled to Eastsound…

Rediscover your glow at Our …

Rediscover your glow at Our Premier Medical Spa!

Are you ready to look and feel your best? Look no further than RejuvenationMD® Aesthetic Skin Treatment & Wellness Center where science meets serenity. Our state-of-the-art facility combines the best of both worlds: the soothing ambiance of a luxurious spa with the cutting-edge expertise found in medical clinics. It all began in 2014 when Dr. Tianna Tsitsis, an accomplished Hospitalist and Hospice Physician for Skagit Regional Health and Providence Regional Medical Center for…

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 fashionable clothing, accessories, body care, and home goods year-round, seven days a week. It was founded by Owner Elizabeth Colman-Schermerhorn and her mother, Carol McKinstry, over 22 years ago. The Atmosphere…

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 right here in Ferndale, where James works as a global branding creative. James moved to Whatcom County with her parents when she was fifteen years old. “I…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

Don’t Wait for Perfection, …

Don’t Wait for Perfection, Follow Your Dream Now

GROOVY, VIBRANT, HAPPY, and funky! These are the words Ellē Nicole uses to describe her line of colorful and floral loungewear, inspired by her surroundings in the Pacific Northwest. The young entrepreneur has always been inspired by any and all things creative: drawing, painting, and crafting,…

The Skagit Valley Dumpling …

The Skagit Valley Dumpling Queen

ACROSS CULTURES, BORDERS, languages, and histories, there are certain food traditions that seem universal. One such tradition—broadly that of a cooked dough wrapped around a filling—can be found everywhere from Nepal (momo) to Turkey (manti), from India (samosas) to Korea (mandu) to Ecuador (empanadas), and to all of its varieties in China (jiaozi, bao, guo tie, etc.). It’s the dumpling, and it’s now made…

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland has been the Scottish Capital since the 15th century. Here you’ll find two distinct UNESCO Heritage sites, Old Town which includes Edinburgh Castle and New Town, whose neoclassical style dates back to the 18th century and whose infrastructure had an influence on European urban planning. When coming into Edinburgh you’ll find Edinburgh Castle hard to miss; its massive structure stands…

Set Sail for a Fresh …

Set Sail for a Fresh Experience

OVERLOOKING BELLINGHAM BAY inside Hotel Bellwether, Lighthouse Pub delivers an elevated pub experience in an approachable environment. With its casual vibe and friendly staff, the pub provides a cozy space to enjoy happy hour with an…

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 little something extra to go along with them, these picks feature everything you could ever want in your…

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 event coordinators that combines registration, timing services, race organizing, and a support system. “… we waitfor the last participant, and we cheer people on; it’s not necessarily our job to be cheerleaders, but we enjoy being…

A Design Dream Realized

The Shop On Front Street, right next to the big blue windmill that marks the beginning of Lynden’s historic downtown retail area, sparkles a bright home decor shop, the kind of place you just can’t resist popping into. Owner Hollie Morris says she always wanted…

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…

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 their gorgeous Discovery Garden in Mount Vernon. Master Gardeners: Community…

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…

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….

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…

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 are one of the few brick and mortar retailers…

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…

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 practice and how you came to it? My name is Taylor Mayers and I’ve been a massage therapist for a little over eight years. I went to Spectrum Massage School in Lake Stevens; I did medical massage for about five years and then kind of transitioned into trauma…

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 since 2010 when Producer and Principal Artistic Director Anneka Deacon, a founding member of the Bellingham Circus Guild, had the idea for a Valentine’s Day show—but not…

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…

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 a peek inside. Those who do will be met with Disney-inspired decor, clothing, accessories and encouraging quotes as far as the eye can see. Erica Howard-Cox and her husband James opened the Happiest Tees on Earth shop at the brick and mortar building in…

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…

Restaurants that Go Above and …

Restaurants that Go Above and Beyond

I think we can all agree that going out for coffee or food is already a treat, especially in these times of ever-increasing inflation. But sometimes, we need a little something extra—whether that’s a small freebie, a creative presentation, or even just a…

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 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…

Coffee, Donuts, and Vibes: …

Coffee, Donuts, and Vibes: Maple.Bar

The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Maple. Bar, in Bellingham’s Cordata neighborhood, is the color palette. It’s decidedly groovy, with muted taupes and browns swirling around mellow yellows and pinks, offering a notably different feel from the usual PNW coffee shop. Owner Adam Foy says that’s intentional. “I wanted to be just really different. Different…

Gene Juarez Gives Bellingham …

Gene Juarez Gives Bellingham a New Look: Q&A with Gene Juarez Salons and Spas

Katie Trent and Sarah Rorvig are, respectively, the CEO and Salon Director of Gene Juarez Salons and Spas. The company strives to provide expert treatments, superior products, and a sustainable approach to the beauty industry. In August 2023 they opened a new branch in Bellingham, and they’re excited to join the city’s business network and support local events to help the community thrive. What services…

Keenans at the Pier: …

Keenans at the Pier: Bananagram

Ingredients: Novo Fogo Silver Cachaca, creme de banane, fresh lime, pineapple Price: $13 In the deep winter months, everyone reaches for warming spices and roasty flavors for their food…

The Magic in the Messy Middle:…

The Magic in the Messy Middle: Labyrinth Artist Kristen Winn

On Kristen Winn’s left inner wrist is a teal-blue tattoo of an oval seventh-circuit labyrinth, its lines snaking around and around…

A New Chapter in Culinary …

A New Chapter in Culinary Arts: Rifugio’s Country Italian Cuisine

When Rifugio’s first opened, it was a reflection of a traditional Italian cafe and only served one family-style meal a day. Along with…

A Passion for Community and …

A Passion for Community and an Eye for Special Gifts: Mike and Skye Hill of Hill’s Chevron

The Chevron in Blaine is my frugal husband’s nightmare and my dream. When you pull up to the pump, it’s pretty similar to any other gas station, besides the Sinatra playing and the sign advertising fresh bread. But then you pop into the…

Hot Sauces and Heritage …

Hot Sauces and Heritage Journeys with Buu Chan

Beyond the grocery store aisles, discerning shoppers can find a rotating selection of fresh kimchi (a popular traditional Korean side dish made with salted and fermented vegetables) from Buu Chan— a local food business that specializes in authentic and fusion Asian sauces, seasonings, and side dishes— produced and sold right here in Bellingham. Rika Wong, owner and operator of Buu Chan, LLC, has been working professionally in the food industry since she graduated from…

Wine Pick of the Month: …

Wine Pick of the Month: Shepherds Mark by Alexandria Nicole Cellars

France’s Rhone Valley produces some of the most highly coveted (and consequently expensive) wines in the world, so it’s no wonder Washington winemakers have looked to this area for inspiration and to follow the steps of tradition, at times with great success. Alexandria Nicole’s Shephards Mark is one such example, having recently earned the most prestigious (in my opinion) Platinum Award from Great Northwest Wine’s Platinum Wine…

Creative Passions Brought to …

Creative Passions Brought to Life: Perry and Carlson

Step into this local boutique and art gallery to find yourself transported into a world dreamed up by Owners Christian Carlson and Trina Perry Carlson. With backgrounds in design, the two renovated the historic 1924 Brunet building seven years ago. The remodel created a live-work concept, giving way to a shop and art gallery in the front, and an art studio and living loft in the back. In the…

January Feature: Menopause …

January Feature: Menopause and Andropause

The Best Spas for a Little ‘…

The Best Spas for a Little ‘You Time’

After the stress and chaos of the holiday season, we all need a little self-care, and what better way to unwind than by taking some time out at a spa? The mellow lighting, fluffy robes, and relaxing music will begin to calm your nervous system as soon as you step inside, and the treatment will take it from there. We’ve rounded up…

Providing Invaluable Support …

Providing Invaluable Support to Survivors in the Northwest: Allies, a Specialty Boutique

The Shop Can a service be both niche and necessary? Allies, a Specialty Boutique answers that question with a resounding ‘yes’ by providing mastectomy products and compression garments to breast cancer survivors and other patients. Allies is a…

How a Dry January Will Set …

How a Dry January Will Set You Up for Success in 2024

The New Year is all about rebirth, fresh starts, and setting attainable goals. The key word there is “attainable.” Vision-boarding is all well and good, but every successful plan has a first step and a finish line. If one of your resolutions this year is to drink less alcohol, you’re in luck! You can join people all over the…

Wear On Earth You Should Be: …

Wear On Earth You Should Be: Wear On Earth Yarns and ReWear

From star-sprinkled-skies just below your feet to walls lined with colorful yarns and rare finds, it won’t be long before you’re sucked into Wear on Earth Yarns & ReWears. Greeted by funky mannequins, a plethora of…

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…

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…

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 for Mark…

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 just out to…

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, festive ensemble that will be just as good at keeping you…

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….

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 always looking for new ways to uplift women in need— especially one of Bellingham’s most vulnerable populations:…

Review: The Bistro at Shuksan

I am not a golfer. It’s not that golf doesn’t appeal to me; I just could never quite summon the gumption to take a “swing” at it. Therefore, the Bistro at Shuksan might never have appeared on my…

Gifts Delivered from the …

Gifts Delivered from the Salish Coast: Madrona Gifts

If you’ve ever wanted to send a gift basket to a friend or family member, but didn’t want to go through an impersonal internet business, Madrona Gifts is a perfect solution. Run by Kirsten Lutes, the online shop’s goal is to support local businesses from Whatcom County and the Salish Coast while remaining environmentally responsible. “I’d always…

Holiday Dinner Redo

Huge Community Effort Sends …

Huge Community Effort Sends Thanksgiving Home in a Basket: Thanksgiving Basket Program

Every year, Blaine’s Community Assistance Program (CAP) gives away hundreds of ready-to-cook Thanksgiving meals. For the last two decades, Shirley Tobian has been a vital part of the process. CAP is a non-profit organization that formed as an outreach of Blaine area churches. They receive no funding from the government, are all-volunteer, and run off donations. They serve Blaine,…

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…

Valuing People Always: Hilda&#…

Valuing People Always: Hilda’s Farm

One of the first things people often ask Hilda Sandoval when they find out that she is a farmer is why she, as a woman with a college degree, would choose to do such a difficult and…

Not Just a Boutique, A …

Not Just a Boutique, A Destination: Shelley’s Shack

The Shop Located on State Street in the heart of downtown Sedro-Woolley lives Shelley’s Shack, a charming boutique shop that happens to be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It is, without…

Focus on Northwest Art | Art�…

Focus on Northwest Art | Art’s Alive! in La Conner

The small town of La Conner has been a center for the arts for many years, with its surprising number of galleries and museums. Every November it becomes even more so, when Art’s Alive! makes the town an even greater hotbed…

Since Time Immemorial: Sul ka …

Since Time Immemorial: Sul ka dub | Freddie 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 shared home in a good, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when…

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 their decorated mini-trees in Downtown Mount Vernon. St. Joseph Center, 215 N. 15th St., Mount Vernon, skagitregionalhealth.org/foundation Holiday Giving Store Now in its 20th year, Ferndale’s Holiday Giving…

Holiday Shopping Guide

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

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!…

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…

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…

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…

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….

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 doors in 2022. Situated in the heart of Conway in south Skagit Valley, Willow Collective offers its patrons high-fashion salon and beauty services with a small town feel that is not only professional and on-trend, but welcoming and…

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…

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 for family bonding just as much as the other year-end holidays! Making your own candy corn at home is a great way to get even the little ones interested in helping in the kitchen. Sugar syrup, dried milk, powdered…

Meet the Winemakers of Walla …

Meet the Winemakers of Walla Walla’s Airport Incubators

Kelsey Albro Itämeri of itä wines itawinery.com What are your main goals when it comes to itä, and how would you describe the style of wine you make? At itä wines, I focus entirely on grapes from the eastern side of the Walla Walla Valley, up in the foothills of the…

Because Everyone Deserves …

Because Everyone Deserves Flowers: Poppy and Pomegranate

The Shop It’s difficult to walk out of Poppy & Pomegranate without smiling. Open since April 2023, this floral and gift shop brings a breath of fresh air to Fairhaven’s historic district. Owner Elyse Perron-Evans began Poppy & Pomegranate as a floral service in 2019, offering…

Since Time Immemorial: Sk’…

Since Time Immemorial: Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut/Tokitae

Since Time Immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families havebeen 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…

Keeping the Fires Burning: …

Keeping the Fires Burning: Children of the Setting Sun Productions

Children of the Setting Sun Productions started as a Lummi song and dance troupe, formed by Frank Hillaire. Before his passing, he instructed his descendants to “keep my fires burning,” and today Children of the Setting Sun continues under Executive Director Darrell Hillaire as a production company with all kinds of different projects. While the types of projects are different, the goal remains the same: to…

Wine Pick of the Month: Van …

Wine Pick of the Month: Van Vino Vineyards 2021 Cabernet Franc

I had the tremendous honor of judging Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation’s 8th Annual Pacific Northwest Wine Competition (formerly Bellingham Northwest Wine Competition) this past July in its new location: Walla Walla. The weather was warm and welcoming as I arrived to judge an astounding 557 wines over four days among…

Honey Gels: Chef Kenny …

Honey Gels: Chef Kenny Florczak of The Vault Wine Bar

Among Blaine’s intimate community of distinct businesses and restaurants, The Vault Wine Bar is a stand-out for their focus on charcuterie, locally sourced fine dining, and wine. Their wine list has been described as “a novel,” offering 30 pages of carefully sourced selections (including hard to find regional varieties) at the time of writing. (That’s not even considering their beer, cider, and spirits!) To complement your experience sipping new wines or reveling in…

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 L&L Libations and comes from “a long line of restaurant people.” She loves creating cocktails with floral notes, teas, and fresh fruits and herbs, and while her recipes might be unique, they’re never inaccessible— and this is by design….

Sown Designs

Bellinghams’s strong and vibrant arts community is made up of individuals who put countless hours of love and work into it. One of those people is Shelby Sneva, who fulfills many roles: she’s a fine artist, a craftsperson, a teacher, a dedicated family member, and the entrepreneur behind her leatherworks business, Sown Designs. Sneva is a Western Washington University alumni, where she focused on painting and sculpture, but her penchant for sewing started early and stuck with…

Games and Good Company at …

Games and Good Company at Fairhaven’s Newest Taproom: Corner Taphouse

Whether you’re catching the big game or catching up with friends, you’ll feel right at home at Corner Taphouse. Open since March 2023, its laid-back, friendly atmosphere has made it a quick favorite among folks looking to spend a casual evening on the town in Fairhaven. The taproom is a passion project brought to life by Co-Owners Jim Quick,…

September Feature: Unexpected …

September Feature: Unexpected Ingredients

Apparel for the Everywoman: …

Apparel for the Everywoman: Fringe Boutique

The Shop Whether you’re in the market for handmade gifts, stylish sandals, or even a new pair of favorite jeans, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for at Fringe Boutique. Fringe has been a downtown staple since 2015, but May 2023 marked the store’s biggest evolution yet: a move to a new location. Owner Rhiannon Troutman said her original State Street location felt disconnected from Bellingham’s downtown core, so when a larger corner unit became available…

Meet Your Mushrooms!

We get it– mushrooms aren’t the easiest niche to break into. There’s no fungi food group in that familiar pyramid, and no, they shouldn’t be lumped in with the veggies! When you look into it, the world of mushrooms is expansive, and the range of flavors, sizes, textures, and uses can seem daunting. But don’t be intimidated by species names in Latin or misleading misnomers. With our…

A Weekend in Walla Walla

If you’ve ever been wine tasting, you know that an excellent bottle is a delight in and of itself. In Walla Walla, however, the real magic lies in the stories behind each glass— and you don’t have to be an expert sommelier…

Skagit Valley Woman Creates …

Skagit Valley Woman Creates the Change She Wants To See: Marla Chapa

When you are unabashedly unafraid to create the waves necessary to produce change, you are a force to be reckoned with. At first glance, Marla…

Stumped on Creating: The …

Stumped on Creating: The Stump of Approval

When Madison Stump isn’t teaching first grade at Kendall Elementary School, you can probably find her in her “art shed” experimenting with various fabrics and yarns, working on her next creation for her other job: The Stump of Approval. Back in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was in…

A New Slice of the Sweet Life:…

A New Slice of the Sweet Life: Sugar Mama Cafe

Sugar Mama Cafe might be brand new to Downtown Anacortes, but Owners Natalie and Wendy Clark are aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere that feels like coming home. I sat down with Natalie at Sugar Mama to chat about her hopes for the cafe and try selections from their multifaceted menu. Wendy was in the kitchen that day, and the whole team helped make the visit fantastic. As we started chatting I was sipping a chilled glass of…

Since Time Immemorial: Quatz�…

Since Time Immemorial: Quatz’tenaut Candice Wilson

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…

Feature: Find Your Perfect …

Feature: Find Your Perfect Palette

Since Time Immemorial: Swil …

Since Time Immemorial: Swil Kanim

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…

31 Days of Giveaways

It’s time for 31 Days of Giveaways! Every day in August, enter to win a prize from a local business, plus a chance to win the Grand Prize! Click Here to enter!

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 guide to the local resources you need to make a splash this summer—but appreciating these waters requires looking beyond outdoor recreation alone. Luckily there are endless ways to have fun in the sun while also respecting the culture, ecology, and history of the waterways…

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…

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…

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…

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 is a pro at bringing…

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 an acre of land at the top of Yew Street, this…

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 are continuing their journey in Bellingham. Their new place in Sunnyland is the first sit-down location of…

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 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…

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 as “Bend Over Intensity” for putting his face right down on the counter next to the cup while…

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…

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…

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…

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 salmon. Named after their boat Nerka, which was passed down to them from Brady-Power’s parents, Aadsen and Brady-Power have run their business as second-generation trolling…

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 and coming back for more. After earning her…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 home. “Plants have always been a really great passion and hobby of mine,” he says. “[I love] plants from all perspectives; keeping them…

Top Remodel Trends 2023

March Feature

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…

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 Bar 542. Photo by Jessica Bylin This smaller location is exactly what they needed to reopen Goat Mountain, according to General…

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…

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 of the iceberg at Darach Brewing Company. Their diverse beers will please most palates, with offerings including dark beers and even several guest taps. However, the heart and soul of Darach are their farmhouse ales and wild ferments. Darach (pronounced dar-rock) means “oak”…

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…

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…

Storybook Tea Parties and a …

Storybook Tea Parties and a Real Life Wonderland

White Branches

Mixing Tin: B-Town Kitchen …

Mixing Tin: B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar

B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar

Wear Your Love on Your Sleeve

Designer Diane Williams of Lovelike

Inside the Weekly Wine …

Inside the Weekly Wine Tastings at Semiahmoo Resort

Semiahmoo Sips

STEAKS, SEAFOOD, AND SIPS

When selected with care, drink pairings have the potential to exchange and extend the flavors of an already-delicious meal.

Embracing the Everyday Magic …

Embracing the Everyday Magic of Chocolate

Charmed Chocolat

Since Time Immemorial

Dr. Lexie Tom

Fairhaven’s New Hub for …

Fairhaven’s New Hub for Fashion

Quinn + Foster

Italy in Five Courses

Leader Block Trattoria & Bar

Pacific Northwest Health Perks

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

10 Must-Try Beauty Treatments

Skin and body treatments and what local spas to find them in.

Providing Respite: Art and …

Providing Respite: Art and Connection at Heartful Retreats

Heartful Retreats

Best of the Northwest 2022

It’s that time of year again! After 31 days of voting, 122 local business categories and over Seventy Four Thousand submissions, we are proud to announce your 2022 Best Of The Northwest reader’s choice winners! Congratulations to all 366 of our winning businesses, and a huge and grateful thank you to all our voters. Read below to check it out!

Lovely Liqueurs

If liquors are the backbone of the cocktail world, then liqueurs could be thought of as their sweeter, more playful sibling. Unlike standard liquor, these spirits are high in sugar and often (but not always!) lower in alcohol content as a result. Better yet, the options for flavorings and infusions are practically unlimited– you’ll find liqueurs made with everything from fruit to herbs, nuts, spices, flowers, and even flakes of gold. While today’s liqueurs are mostly used to give complexity…

Home Styling by Season

August Feature

15 Insider Tips a Home Buyer …

15 Insider Tips a Home Buyer Should Know

Home Buyer Tips

Personalized Care with a …

Personalized Care with a Positive Touch

Callahan Wellness

Picnic Possibilities

Picnics are the perfect way to welcome summer’s return, whether you’re watching the sunset with your sweetie or planning an outing with the whole family. You can make yours as adventurous, low-key, spontaneous, or extravagant as you want– really, there’s no right way to have a picnic. You just have to get outside (and bring some snacks)!

Togetherness, Acceptance, and …

Togetherness, Acceptance, and Joy: The Importance of Whatcom Youth Pride

Whatcom Youth Pride

Home Grown

May 2022 Feature

Renovations and Distillations

Chuckanut Bay Distillery Expansion

Couture Weddings & …

Couture Weddings & Events 2022

Couture Weddings 2022

Jewelry to Tell a Story

Copper Canoe Woman

Towns to Transport You

Towns To Transport You

Supporting Women in Business …

Supporting Women in Business from Start to Finish

Whatcom Women in Business

Spring Blossoms

Styled Shoot

Bringing Gourmet Doughnuts to …

Bringing Gourmet Doughnuts to Bellingham

Jo Joe’s Doughnuts

Level Up

Home Upgrades by Room

A Walk on the Wild Side

Because We Matter

Beauty More than Skin Deep

Mae Botanicals

Your Guide to Fine Dining

In honor of our annual restaurant issue, we’ve put together a guide to some of the region’s best fine dining establishments. Their offerings may be diverse, but local ingredients and seasonality are common themes across the board. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just hoping to sample something new, we encourage you to pay each one a visit. Bon appetit!

Local Love Stories

In honor of Valentine’s Day, you’re invited to enjoy three (very different!) love stories as told by people in your neighborhood. Get comfy and grab a cup of something warm– we hope you enjoy these tales as much as we did.

Valentine’s Date Night

If you need an extra dose of style inspiration this Valentine’s Day, our numerous local shops and boutiques should be your first port of call. With their help, we’ve put together three date night looks that are versatile enough to suit any occasion.

Pursuing a Passion for Clay

Crowe Potter

Heart Your Heart

Chances are high that every American has come face to face with heart disease in some form. It’s the number one killer in both the United States and the world, so even if you aren’t personally affected, you probably know someone who…

Heart Health for Four-Legged …

Heart Health for Four-Legged Friends

Q&A with Dr. Brita Kiffney of Northshore Veterinary Hospital

12 Turkey Leftovers

If turkey is on the menu this holiday season, you might find yourself saddled with more leftovers than you know what to do with. In fact, I’m convinced it’s impossible not to end up with (at least) a day’s worth of extra meat. So what’s the best way to use up your bird in the days following Thanksgiving or Christmas?

Best of the Northwest 2021 …

Best of the Northwest 2021 Winners Announced

Click here to view the winners of the Best of the Northwest 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards!

A Year in Cocktails

Interior Trends

Four Designers Speak to Four Trends

Insider’s Guide to the …

Insider’s Guide to the Outdoors

Northwest Washington is all about outdoor recreation. With water to the west, mountains to the east, and plenty of trails, lakes, and forests in between, it’s easy to fill every weekend with a different adventure. In these pages we look at a few ways to get out and…

Four Hours To Fun

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to appreciate what’s close to home. Lucky for us, northwest Washington offers countless vacation-worthy destinations. From cities that boast world-class cuisine to breathtaking islands filled with beauty and wildlife, our state is rich with wonders both manmade and natural. As inspiration for your next vacation, we’ve taken a look at five destinations within four hours of Bellingham: Kirkland, Friday Harbor, Bainbridge Island, Leavenworth, and Sequim. Each one offers something unique, whether you’re hoping for a relaxing seaside escape, an adventure in the mountains, or a weekend of fine dining, shopping, and spa treatments. Whatever vacation means to you, get out your calendar and start planning.

Let’s Taco Bout It

There are few foods more versatile and satisfying than the taco. Corn tortillas make for a great gluten-free entrée, veggie-based fillings mean…

Imagining Spaces

Home is a sanctuary — never has this been more apparent. Spending more time at home means many of us have had to reimagine how our spaces work for us. Whether it’s finding room for a home office, classroom, or workout studio, many of us have already transformed our homes to meet our needs, while others may still have plans to make big changes in…

Enter to Win!

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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 gathering points where people can exchange ideas, meet…

Work It Out

A guide to local gyms

Holiday Shopping Guide

Shop local this holiday season with the Holiday Shopping Guide from our November/December 2020 issue!

Confection Perfection

This issue’s feature is “Confection Perfection,” a delectable look at some of the tasty creations from local bakeries and restaurants. Find your favorite and make it at home!

Best of the Northwest 2020 …

Best of the Northwest 2020 Winners Announced

Click here to view the winners of the Best of the Northwest 2020 Reader’s Choice Awards!

The In-Cider’s Guide

A closer look at Bellingham’s budding cider scene

Summer Fun Bucket List

Nothing makes you dream about the future quite like a government-issued shelter-in-place order. I don’t know about you, but I spent most of my time in self-isolation planning what to do when the quarantine lifted, as well as noting everything I wished I would have done before the pandemic forced us to stay home. My hope is that these pages will inspire you to dream big and then make these dreams…

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…

Lake Neighborhood Guide

Explore the best of Lakeside Living with this month’s feature: a Lake Neighborhood Guide.

Travel B.C.

Explore the beautiful cities of British Columbia: take a car, boat, or plane over to Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, and Whistler to experience the magic of our neighbors to the north in this month’s feature “Visit B.C.”

When Adversity Knocked, We …

When Adversity Knocked, We Answered

The COVID-19 pandemic is rocking our world. Restaurants and bars are shuttered, schools are closed, and our local service industries are suffering badly. The impact from the virus has spared no one. But the threat has not changed our community’s character.

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.

Warm Winter Wears

Cozy up with this season’s sweater trends. Find the perfect winter look from these local boutiques and stores.

See, Make, Play

To help you stay inspired and creative throughout the cozier winter months, we’ve compiled a list of ways to artistically engage all five of the senses.

Weekend Wine Escapes

For this month’s feature, we’re here to help you plan your own weekend wine escape—with a list of overnight wineries only a day’s drive from Bellingham.

Lighting To Linens

For a helping hand in decorating your space, take a look at our list of some of the best one-stop shops in our corner of the Pacific Northwest.

Home Decorating

With the help of four local interior design experts, we bring you the ultimate guide for redecorating your home and take a look at four common decor themes.

Not Her First Rodeo

For some local grass-fed Angus beef, check out Addies Angus Ranch in Mount Vernon—a small, family business run by Nikki Lewis-LeSourd.

Summer BBQ

For our Summer BBQ feature we grilled up some signature barbecue recipes with Bellingham-based chef, Mike Siggers—fit with drink pairing advice, grilling advice, side dishes, vegan options, and more.

Students Have a Say

We took a look at this generation’s college experience through the eyes of four students, each who currently attend or recently graduated nearby colleges.

Urban Living Pros and Cons : …

Urban Living Pros and Cons : Tale of Two Fairhavens

Construction of a five-story building, reminscent of the historic Fairhaven Hotel, is under development, a symbol of Fairhaven district’s growth and future.

Urban Living Pros and Cons : …

Urban Living Pros and Cons : Fairhaven On the Move

Take a look at the rapidly transforming, urban district of Fairhaven and how it became the chic residential and tourist destination it is today.

Urban Living Pros and Cons : …

Urban Living Pros and Cons : Bellingham is Growing

Through the eyes of city planners and local residents, take a look at the future of Bellingham and how Urban Villages might affect its continued growth.

Urban Living Pros and Cons : …

Urban Living Pros and Cons : Status Report

Take a look at this comprehensive plan of Bellingham’s urban village districts, and the pros and cons that come along with each area.

Western State Landmarks

Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons National Park in Wyoming.

Western State Landmarks

Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting the Kenai Fjords National Park and Exit Glacier in Alaska.

Western State Landmarks

Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, the Snake Rive, and Dierkes Lake in Idaho.

Western State Landmarks

Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Zion National Park, Emerald Pool, and Angels Landing in Utah.

Western State Landmarks

Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Antelope Canyon National Park and Lake Powell in Arizona.

Western State Landmarks

Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Joshua Tree National Park and the Oasis of Mara in California.

Western State Landmarks

Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting the Grand Canyon National Park and Havasu Falls in Arizona.

Western State Landmarks

Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting the Hoover Dam, a National Civil Engineering Landmark, in the Black Canyon in Nevada.

A Juggling Act of Faith

Carolyn Roy is the director of Family Promise through Interfaith Coalition. Case managers, volunteers, and employees are helping lift people out of poverty.

More than Hope

The Hope Auction is a fundraiser supoprting Interfaith Coalition programs to help the homeless. Tara Gilligan Reimer is the auction coordinator.

Helping the Homeless

Louis Tabor and Andie Whitewing share their stories of homelessness and how Interfaith Coalition and Family Promise helped in their time of need.

Kitchens + Spaces

The “Spaces” part of this feature gives a look at stunning designs for a variety of rooms. Take a look at these beautiful PNW homes.

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.

Fighting for Orcas and Chinook

This month’s feature brings up questions regarding Governor Jay Inslee’s plan to help chinook salmon and orca whales in the Pacific Northwest.

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.

Keeping Your Mind Sharp

There are many different ways to exercise your brain and keep your mind sharp. Some techniques include coloring, games, and communicating with others.

Plants Offer Options For …

Plants Offer Options For Backyard Medicine Cabinet

These medicinal plants have healing properties. You can look for them in the wild or grow them yourself, like having a backyard medicine cabinet.

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!

Let the Healing Begin

Eugene Leonard is the owner of Anacortes Cannabis. Many of their products have healing properties to help with symptoms such as anxiety or sleeplessness.

Fit Plan for Life

Jenn Bachtel gives a week-by-week summary of her first month with Morgan H Fitness. Morgan Herkert is a registered nurse and personal trainer.

Fit Plan for Life

Jenn Bachtel shares a few favorite recipes, like cold Asian salad and protein bread, as well as substitutions to keep your meals varied and nutritious.

Fit Plan for Life

After having a baby, Jenn Bachtel is working with Morgan Herkert of Morgan H Fitness to change her life through a rigorous nutrition and exercise plan.

Anders’ Earthrise Turns …

Anders’ Earthrise Turns 50

Fifty years ago this month, Apollo 8 became the first mission to carry men from Earth’s orbit to the moon. But that’s not all. One of its…

Jane Goodall

Continuing our Jane Goodall feature, learn about the chimps, the Jane Goodall Institute, and how Goodall is depicted in a Far Side cartoon by Gary Larson.

For Jane Goodall, The Forest …

For Jane Goodall, The Forest Is Home

Primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall talked to a sold-out audience in October through WWU to share her work and efforts to save the planet.

Feathers & Fur

Styled by Lisa Karlberg and photographed by Katheryn Moran, we bring you Feathers & Fur (faux fur!) paired with beautiful clothes from local shops for our annual fashion shoot!

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.

Boat Safety, Rescues, Drugs, …

Boat Safety, Rescues, Drugs, Border Are Challenges For Coast Guard

To help keep boaters, fisherman, and community members safe, the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed in Bellingham, keeps watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Search & Rescue

Whatcom County Search and Rescue Council and their volunteers play a vital role in assisting the Bellingham Police Department and community.

K-9 Unit, Bellingham Police …

K-9 Unit, Bellingham Police Department

Whether they’re tracking a suspect or sniffing for bombs, the Bellingham Police Department K-9 Unit and their handlers are putting their lives on the line to keep the public safe.

Detective, Advocate Fight …

Detective, Advocate Fight Crimes Against Children

Police Detective Pauline Renick fights crimes against children with the help of Children’s Advocacy Center coordinator Gail Tierney.

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!

Brussels Sprout Salad

This Brussels sprout salad from Samantha Ferraro of The Little Ferraro Kitchen will add Thanksgiving Flair if you’re looking for unconventional recipes.

Lau Lau

The Lau Lau is a Hawaiian BBQ dish that may be an unconventional Thanksgiving recipe for many, but it could be the start of a new tradition!

Ginataang Kalabasa

A Filipino cuisine, Ginataang kalabasa is a squash and coconut milk is an unconventional Thanksgiving recipe that will add a splash of color to your table.

Duck!

Instead of turkey, try duck this Thanksgiving! Peter McWilliams of Doe Bay Cafe shares his unconventional Thanksgiving recipe for duck.

The Great Turkey Debate

There’s always debate over how to cook a turkey. Whether it’s injecting vs. bringing, frozen vs. fresh, or roasted vs. fried, we have the pros and cons to help you make a great Thanksgiving meal.

Thanksgiving Flair

Our Thanksgiving Flair Feature this month can help you deign a fall tablescape and decorate your home with pumpkins and more from Pier 1 Imports.

Risk and Reward

Richard Kauffman of Riverhaven Farm is raising high-quality, free-range Thanksgiving turkeys. These small-farm birds are expensive, but certainly worth it.

Truth First, Country Second, …

Truth First, Country Second, Party Third

Midterm elections are right around the corner, and Ken Karlberg shares his thoughts on truth, our country, and political parties.

Small Bites

Here’s a look at local restaurants and bars where you can get a small bite to eat. Check out what’s available and snacks you should try.

Orcas Island Distillery

Here’s a look at the Orcas Island Distillery, which uses isalnd-grown fruits to make their spirits. Read owner Charles West’s story of how he got started.

Valley Shine Distillery

Here’s an inside look into Mount Vernon’s Valley Shine Distillery, where prohibition, bootlegging, and Al Capone are a big part of its history.

Bellewood Acres

Here’s an inside look at Lynden’s Bellewood Acres, where everything they make is grown on their farm. Read a list of their homemade spirits.

The Madrona Bar and Grill

Take a quick inside look at The Madrona Bar and Grill on Orcas Island. We will also share recommendations of home bar essentials.

Spirits

We’re taking a look at distilleries who use local ingredients in their craft cocktails. Also read a bio on Alexine Langdon, bar manager at Hundred North.

Bartender Q & As

We did a Q & A with four local bartenders. Here’s what they had to say about their backgrounds, favorite drinks, joys and challenges.

Audra Lawlor

Audra Lawlor uprooted her fast paced Manhattan Wall Street life to start a fruit preserves company called Girl Meets Dirt on Orcas Island as her Second Act.

Doug Robertson

Doug Robertson spent his first act as an attorney; now his Second Act is working as an adjunct professor at Whatcom Community College.

Russ Kendall

Russ Kendall started out as a documentary photojournalist. Now he is in his Second Act as the owner of Gusto Wood Fired Pizza.

Susan Soltes

Susan Soltes started her second act at 50 years old. She tells her story of how she went from film production to organic blueberry farming.

Vibrant Mount Vernon: Not …

Vibrant Mount Vernon: Not Just for Tulips Any More

Downtown Mount Vernon in Skagit County is best known for the tulip fields, but it is growing with new businesses, events, parks, and more!

107th Year, and Counting

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

Draft-Horse Hitch a Fair …

Draft-Horse Hitch a Fair Spectacle

The eight-horse hitch is a rare performance of eight spectacular draft-horses that will be showcased at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden.

After Months, They’re …

After Months, They’re Ready for Showtime

Lynden Sisters Raise Pigs for Fair One of the more anticipated events in August is the six-day-long Northwest Washington Fair, held in Lynden for more than 100 years. For sisters Becky and Abigail (Abby) Thompson, the fair, both…

The Moo-Wich

The Moo-Wich is the Northwest Washington Fair’s signature treat. This ice cream cookie delight is perfect on a hot day at the Lynden Fairgrounds.

Ice Cream Feature | …

Ice Cream Feature | Snoqualmie Ice Cream

Snoqualmie Ice Cream is an eco-friendly, sustainable ice cream business. Snoqualmie Ice Cream makes quality, consciously crafted, delicious ice creams.

Ice Cream Feature | Edaleen …

Ice Cream Feature | Edaleen Dairy

Edaleen Dairy is a family run business that makes delicious ice cream from the milk of happy cows at their Lynden farm location.

Ice Cream Feature | Lopez …

Ice Cream Feature | Lopez Island Creamery

Take a look behind the scenes at the Lopez Island Creamery, where new and classic ice cream flavors are created at this local Anacortes business.

Ice Cream Feature | Acme Ice …

Ice Cream Feature | Acme Ice Cream

Acme Ice Cream and Rocket Donuts share their secret on how they make their rich, dense, delicious homemade ice cream using local ingredients.

August Ice Cream Main Feature …

August Ice Cream Main Feature | First Scoop

A quick look into the history of ice cream and a list of local ice cream shops in the North Sound that make their own delicious desserts!

Far East Home Comes West

Take an inside look as Ross Grier builds his dream home in Fairhaven by fusing Japanese elements with a Pacific Northwest Washington feel.

Growth Beyond ADU: Handle …

Growth Beyond ADU: Handle with Care

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

On the Street

We wanted to hear from you, area residents and visitors, about plans for Bellingham’s waterfront development, along with the new Waypoint Park, the first phase of the plan. Over the course of a few days in mid-May, we interviewed people on the street and those looking through the fence at the park, which had yet to open. Here’s what you had to say.

Military Tourism

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

Military Bases

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

Hamlet Hotel

Downtown, An Old Space Becomes New Again For Fred and Colleen Schacht, the Hamlet Hotel has been a reclamation project, sentimental journey, and business venture wrapped into one century-old downtown building. The Hamlet isn’t really a hotel but a four-suite Airbnb, where guests check themselves in via cellphone and internet (though the Schachts are just a phone call away). The Hamlet’s location, at 1202 Railroad Ave.,…

Oooh-La-La: Swimming in …

Oooh-La-La: Swimming in Cocktails

The Swim Club cocktail bar in Fairhaven transports customers into a different world and a different time with their unique and authentic atmosphere.

Waterfront Picnic

This milestone is worthy of a celebration — and is picnic-worthy!

Cheers to 10 Years

On paper, starting a Bellingham lifestyle magazine in 2009 looked like a crazy business idea. Like the rest of the country, Bellingham was suffering from a recession. In the fall of 2008, just months earlier, a historic financial meltdown threatened to crash worldwide markets. In early 2009, as fears lingered and the recession stifled local businesses, Lisa Karlberg was undeterred as she started to pitch her idea of…

Best of the Northwest

Bellingham Alive’s Best of the Northwest is both our biggest magazine issue and biggest shindig of year. The Best of the Northwest (BONW) contest, now in its ninth…

An Anacortes Home for the …

An Anacortes Home for the Sunset Years

Here is a quick glimpse inside this beautiful home in Anacortes, with amazing detail to design and even more incredible views.

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…

Bringing the Beauty Home with …

Bringing the Beauty Home with You

Meraki Boutique in Victoria, B.C. offers locally crafted goods and high-quality fashions in the Uptown Shopping Centre.

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 circumstances of birth and social status, not upon one’s merit or character. These were the seeds of discontent that fertilized a…

Real Estate

In Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties of the North Sound, the real estate industry has grown from a decade ago. No wonder, because people are moving here at a rate  not seen since 2010, the last official census. The secret’s out: The North Sound is a great place to live. We’ve got nature in abundance, the coastline, fresh water, snow-capped peaks, islands, arts,…

Above the Boulevard, A Year-…

Above the Boulevard, A Year-Round Beach Home Shines

Faith Ulate grew up in Whatcom County, and long dreamed of having a beach home. So, she and her family lived in Costa Rica for 11 years. But when it came time to move back, she was determined to bring beach life with her. Ulate, a realtor with a passion for turnaround projects, gutted this three-bedroom, two-bath condo…

Getting Through Tears, Sweat, …

Getting Through Tears, Sweat, Heat

As a makeup artist, one of the questions I’m most commonly asked by my clients is: “Will my makeup last all day long?” My answer? “This ain’t my first rodeo.” The bulk of my business happens in the heat…

The Ebb & Flow of a Town

Jennifer Mann sold glue for 35 years. The Californian-born Mann worked for a Connecticut-based company that made adhesives and coatings that cured in a certain spectrum of light, ideal for everything from windshield-crack bonding to dental coatings. Mann moved to Anacortes 14 years ago, but still…

Tiny Homes, Big Voice

Before he became a homeless advocate, Jim Peterson himself lived on the streets. “I have a unique perspective,” he says. “I know what they’re going through.” Peterson, 59, spent 17 years of his life without a home. When he finally was able to find a stable living…

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…

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 finally here. Some novice (and not-so-novice) gardeners may…

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 an English country theme. Going for authenticity, Bartlett salvaged stained glass from a London building that was about to…

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…

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…

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…

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. Just check out, for instance, today’s city halls in the North Sound. Three…

Coast Harbor Towns Feature

For those of us who spent time or grew up in the East, a West Coast road trip has this one, can’t-beat-it novelty: seeing the sun set over the ocean. The following five places — Gig Harbor; Oregon’s Astoria and Cannon Beach; California’s Arcata/ Eureka and Mendocino —…

Lighthouses Feature

If not for the California gold rush, the construction of the first lighthouses on the West Coast would have been far less urgent. The “original eight”—seven on the California coast, one at the mouth of the Columbia River, began sentry duty in the mid-1800s, not long after gold was discovered in 1849 at Sutter’s Mill, an event that triggered a huge influx of fortune-seekers flocking to the coast by land and boat….

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…

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…

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 Italiano opened in 2006, but Laura had the idea a couple of years earlier. Originally from Long Island, N.Y., Laura had worked in…

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…

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…

Best Breakfasts

All of us do it. Some before dawn cracks a new day, while others prefer to wait until mid-morning. There are even those who do it almost at lunchtime. Doesn’t matter what time you do it, breakfast is traditionally the first meal of the day. Croissants in France, Poha in Southern India, Ngwaci in Kenya, Shashukah in Saudi Arabia, Bangers and Mash in England, Medialunas in Argentina,…

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…

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…

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….

Quinn & Foster

Keeping it classic When Garys’ Men’s and Women’s Wear closed in the winter of 2016, the Bellingham community mourned. Gary Lupo and his wife Barbara had run the well-loved store since 1978 (preceded by another owner named Gary, hence “Garys’”). Customers enjoyed memorable service and a large selection of classic clothing and shoes for men and women. Thankfully, Chris Hayward stumbled across Garys’ during their final sale while visiting family in Bellingham. Hayward…

When it Comes to Running: …

When it Comes to Running: Feet First

Skagit Running Company 724 South 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.982.2934 facebook.com/Skagit-Running-Company THE SHOP On a corner at the edge of downtown Mount Vernon sits…

BeachCastle Sweets

Something Sweet for Your Sweet Rule number one when making chocolate treats is to use good quality chocolate. “You can really tell the difference in taste” explained Linda Lewis, owner of BeachCastle Sweets in Anacortes. Lewis sells her chocolates in a handful of local stores and online, but she is also known for her interactive chocolate dipping parties where guests learn about…

Western Washington student …

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

Change skier Breezy Johnson’s status from “Olympic hopeful” to South Korea-bound. In an update to our story in the February edition of Bellingham…

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….

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…

Lynden Dutch Bakery

Beyond inviting visitors in for an afternoon treat or as a stop on their morning commute, Lynden Dutch Bakery caters for events, weddings, and company parties at a reasonable cost.

Alaskan Odysseys

Women in Fishing Find Their Passions, Help Others: Comprising a small group in a large and unforgiving industry that is Alaskan fishing, women persevere through…

Fifty Shades of Purple

I grew up with two brothers in rural upstate New York, so I get that the opposite sex often considers their bodies to be toys or musical instruments to be played. Apparently, male infatuation with flatulation is genetic. My young son, Tyler, is…

Home, Healthy Home

There’s warmth just looking at this yellow cedar home, originally built in 1927 as a single-story, working-class Craftsman. But in addition to adding a second story and master bedroom to their now two-bedroom, three-bath…

From 3-D Printers to gene …

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

From 3-D Printers to gene therapies, medicine is changing like never before Two years ago this month, in a sweeping farewell State of the Union address, President Obama made the startling announcement that the U.S. would drastically ramp up efforts to cure cancer. He compared it to John F. Kennedy’s 1962 “moonshot” challenge — the audacious pledge, spurred by the space race with…

Home and Garden Galore

A Lot of Flowers It is not too bold to say that A Lot of Flowers has become a staple of the Fairhaven community. Since 1985, the store has had a handful of owners and has occupied three different locations — all within old Fairhaven. And, when it first…

Taste Sensation

Why do some things taste better together than others? The tongue, for all its functional importance, is a largely misunderstood, multipurpose muscular organ….

Lake Whatcom Home Gets An …

Lake Whatcom Home Gets An Update

New owners of this home loved its sweeping views of Lake Whatcom and its modern character. But sometimes, even modern needs an update. With a family of five, the house was also due for an expansion, and a bedroom and bathroom was added to produce a total four-bedroom, four-bath lake house. Built in 1996 and remodeled last year, the complete custom renovation generated better flow between…

A Holiday How-to: Host a Wine …

A Holiday How-to: Host a Wine & Cheese Party

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

Comfy & Cozy Feature

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

Adding Easy Glitter Puts a …

Adding Easy Glitter Puts a Shine on the Holidays

While I love creating soft and feminine looks, I’ve never been one for the traditional “girly” stuff. Pink frills and sparkle never captivated me the way it does some. But for whatever reason, once a…

Outdoor Apparel, Innovative …

Outdoor Apparel, Innovative Designs

After growing up in their mother’s retail store in Chelan, Jenna and brother James Wadkins opened Outbound, an apparel store in Fairhaven, about a year and a half ago. The outdoor apparel store differentiates itself from the big names in…

A Film for Forgotten Women

Duo Bringing Discovered Screenplay to Life More than a century ago, a confident young writer named Ella Higginson moved to Bellingham, and her career began to flourish. She became the first poet laureate of Washington state, her work published nationally by journals like McClure’s and Harper’s Monthly. She helped establish Bellingham’s first public library, and made significant contributions to a young Western Washington University. Higginson was the most famous writer in the…

Palatine Passive House

The Palatine Passive House by architect Tiffany Bowie of Malboeuf Bowie Architecture was one of eight homes featured during last year’s Seattle Modern Home Tour in April. Bowie, a certified passive house consultant, fielded questions from tour guests curious about passive construction. “Many people weren’t familiar with the concept of a…

The Original Farm-to-Table

Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar La Conner’s Nell Thorn has been serving locally sourced food before it was trendy. It is one of the original farm-to-table restaurants in the area, thanks to forward-thinking owners, Casey and Susan Schanen. The husband-wife team are natives of Skagit Valley and have extensive food and wine backgrounds. The couple met about 25 years ago at the Wild Iris Inn,…

What’s My Style?

Today, I have many clients confused when trying to explain their “design style,” not wanting to commit to just one, fearing they might end with the wrong result. Combining hints of contemporary with a nod of tradition is a popular request. And, then,…

Direct Destinations Feature

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

Nourishing Roots

It was my first Hopewell Farm carrot that hooked me. I had moved to Bellingham that fall, and bought a two-pound bag of carrots at the farmers market. Sure, they have carrots in Texas — the Lone Star State I hail from — but not carrots like this. The perfect crunch, the earthy sweetness told a story…

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. Orcas Island Pottery is 3.5 miles…

Joie Clothing

“Casual, comfortable, and luxurious” are the three pillars of Joie’s approach to clothing. The designs are inspired by the relaxed Southern California lifestyle and are infused with the sort of sophistication you’d expect to find…

Playing Games, Face to Face

Rook & Rogue Board Game Pub Something new has arrived in downtown Bellingham. It’s not a cafe, not a bar, nor is it a restaurant or gaming lounge. It’s all of those things combined. Rook & Rogue is a board game pub and restaurant, and has all the elements to make you feel at home. Rook &…

More than Meals, an Italian …

More than Meals, an Italian Lifestyle

Ciaò Thyme Ciaò Thyme will take your breath away before you’ve even had your first bite. This “lifestyle brand,” as co-owner Jessica Gillis called it, houses a catering business, lunch time café, event space, cooking classes, take-home prepared frozen meals, and a dinner series. What a mouthful. And, to…

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!

Sedro-Woolley Eatery’s …

Sedro-Woolley Eatery’s Hefty Sandwiches a Meal

The Bullpen Sports Bar & Grill Sedro-Woolley, located just 74 miles north of Seattle, has become a bedroom-community of commuters who travel the I-5 corridor to careers in larger cities. Sedro- Woolley’s rather isolated…

Birch Bay Mansion

This spectacular Birch Bay estate is what dreams are made of: This private 66-acre property consists of a 12,000-square-foot mansion with 1,575 feet of pristine, south-facing and jaw-dropping Georgia Strait shoreline. And…

Racism, Bigotry, and a Mother&…

Racism, Bigotry, and a Mother’s Love

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

Road Trip Yields Dinnertime …

Road Trip Yields Dinnertime Discovery

A couple of things are true about me: 1. Being a mother and a partner has been one of the greatest privileges of my life; 2. I am definitely a homebody. I love the pictures and the beauty that I see on social media of all the amazing places this world has to offer and yet each summer I propose a staycation rather than the hassle of packing, leaving my kitchen, and great produce along with all…

Cheap Thrills, Halloween-Style

Inexpensive Costume Options at Buffalo Exchange, Wise Buys Finding a clever Halloween costume can be a challenge, especially in a hip, creative community like Bellingham. More than just a day to indulge in your sweet tooth, Halloween has become an opportunity to show off your ingenuity….

Renewed History In Store For …

Renewed History In Store For Lynden

Inn at Lynden Downtown Lynden’s renaissance began with a fire. The 2008 blaze, sparked by two teenagers, gutted the historic Lynden Department Store building, the two-story, century-old centerpiece of Front Street, and the city itself. Nine years later, Lynden’s downtown, with the LDS building as anchor,…

Looking Beyond Just Flavor: …

Looking Beyond Just Flavor: Farm to Table in Fairhaven

Lovitt Restaurant The atmosphere of the Lovitt restaurant welcomes you with dim lighting, large farm style furniture, and the smells of fresh sourdough, herbs and spices. Kristen and Norman Six opened the restaurant in March with a commitment to bringing farm-to-table eats to Fairhaven. “We feel like there has been a farm-to-table movement but it hasn’t been accessible. It is good for people and American farms. We are trying to get people to crave” fresh food, Norman said. Lovitt…

San Juan Log Cabin Retreat

This striking home in the San Juan Islands started as a log cabin. A full overhaul, led by Bellingham interior designer Lisa Staton and client Kristina Gladstein, transformed it to a lighter, brighter vacation getaway that fits…

Pro Sports Feature

This set of feature stories appeared in the September 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.

B.C. Wine Tour Feature

This set of feature stories appeared in the September 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.

Butter Chicken Smooths, …

Butter Chicken Smooths, Soothes Transition to Autumn

With the days getting shorter and the temperatures cooler, this familiar Indian dish will bring just enough heat to take the chill off. It’s also sure to satisfy your palate and leave you feeling full. Although it may seem a little labor intensive, the end result is well worth the effort. So, get out your measuring spoons and become the star of your…

Tips to Make Your Wine Tour …

Tips to Make Your Wine Tour Fashionable (and Comfortable)

Anyone who knows me knows I love wine. There’s something about wine-tasting and visiting vineyards that transports me to another place and…

Fun on Your Feet

ModSock Socks of all shapes and sizes adorn the surfaces of ModSock, including more than 50 cat socks alone. When asked what it’s like to run a successful business selling niche items, owner Urania Shaklee said socks aren’t a…

Bellingham Technical College …

Bellingham Technical College Turns 60

With career-oriented courses and connections to local industries, Bellingham Technical College has established a considerable foothold among Bellingham’s institutions of higher learning that include Western Washington University and Whatcom Community College. This year, BTC has even more to celebrate: its 60th anniversary, and a reputation for helping students land employment after graduation — no small task in an economy where debt-ridden college graduates can languish for years before finding a job…

Pizza Features

This set of feature stories appeared in the August 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.

Cannabis Features

This set of feature stories appeared in the August 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.

The Mixing Tin: Anthony’…

The Mixing Tin: Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill

The Waterside Citrus INGREDIENTS Hedge Trimmer gin, fresh lime, fresh grapefruit, a sprig of mint, with soda water, over ice, $8.75 With the summer finally settling in here in the Pacific Northwest, Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill serves up a drink that is sure to bring down your core temperature. When I stopped in, general manager Steve Beringer recommended the Waterside Citrus….

From Craftsman To Clock Tower

Ferndale Landmark It’s hard to believe the clock tower building that looms over Main Street in Ferndale was once a 1920s craftsman…

A Casually Chic Night Out

WHAT TO WEAR The perfect outfit isn’t one that breaks your wallet, nor is it that adorable LBD (Little Black Dress) that has faded into charcoal grey because it’s worn at least four times a month. The most fashionable outfit is one that you feel comfortable and confident in. It’s a plus if…

Cannabis Meets Class

2020 Solutions THE SHOP Any preconceived notion you have for how a marijuana retailer should look would probably be dashed when you…

Life on the Rooftop

The summer is when the best parts of Washington come out to play. There’s nothing quite like rooftop dining during the warmer months. Maybe it’s the skyline views or the general fancy ambiance. Maybe it’s the above-it-all feeling you get as you enjoy food and…

Bright New Light on Seafood

B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar at Four Points by Sheraton is an inspiration of architecture, interior design, and culinary imagination. Early this year, the hotel closed its previous restaurant, Poppe’s 360, and set about construction of…

Feline Fancy

On a small country road near Sedro-Woolley stands a humble building. Aside from the sign, it might be mistaken for a residence. Inside, however, is a luxurious getaway, with rooms that have nearly every amenity. For cats, that is. The Cat Nap Inn bills itself as a “bed and breakfast exclusively for cats.” But it’s more than that. The cat boarding place is replete with enough services to put even the most anxious…

Healthy Pet of Ferndale

On Healthy Pet’s manufacturing floor, chief executive Ted Mischaikov sticks his hand under a small waterfall of orzo-shaped paper pellets, then pokes at the soggy crumbles in his palm. The pellets, used for cat litter, dog litter (yes, that’s a thing) and animal bedding, will be baked dry and hard in…

Border Patrol Dogs

Just yards from the U.S.-Canadian border in Blaine, customs and border dog Greya, on a work break, can’t resist a strip of bush-shaded grass and does what dogs do — gets down to roll, wiggle and shimmy with her feet in the air. Greya is a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, a breed sought…

Special Tag For Pets Is A …

Special Tag For Pets Is A Great Find

If you’re a dog or cat owner, it’s likely you’ll experience — at least once — that eerie, then terrifying, feeling that something’s missing. Namely, your pet. Even more devastating is realizing your lost animal is dependent on medication, or has a condition that only few people know about. A new wearable technology for your adventurous little friend says it can eliminate much of this fear….

Pet Memorial

Even before Bobbie Ruth Langley began her Life Cycle Pet Cremation service, she knew it wouldn’t be enough. “It’s incredibly valuable for people emotionally to memorialize their pet,” Langley said. So each fall for the past two years,…

NorthWest Therapeutic Riding …

NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center

A horse’s neigh sounds in the distance as Julia Bozzo emerges from her house. Bozzo has always loved horses, but when she came to Bellingham, she realized there wasn’t a riding center. So Bozzo started one. It turned out to be much more than just a place to ride horses. The NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center, which provides therapy to people with physical and mental challenges, was built from the…

Heavenly Home

Chili the Chihuahua, curled on her padded dog bed in front of her home’s fireplace, does not stir when two visitors enter. Chili’s age is a best-guess 16. She is partially deaf and blind, with severe respiratory and thyroid problems. She must be carried down stairs several times a day to go outside. Yet, in the twilight of her life, Chili — 5 pounds, 8 ounces of furry defiance — is living large thanks to Old…

Whatcom Therapy Dogs

After Pat Holmes and Chris Monroe registered their therapy dogs, they wondered: Now what? That’s when they decided to start Whatcom Therapy Dogs. This program connects registered therapy dogs and…

Ducks: The New Chickens?

City dwellers can practice urban farming by keeping chickens in their backyards, but that’s not the only poultry option. Some people are now turning to ducks rather than chickens as their domesticated bird…

Mr. Tasty the House Pig

When you think about pets, what images come to mind? Dogs? Cats? Maybe the occasional reptile, rodent, or bird. Why not a potbelly pig? Most folks think pigs don’t belong in the house, but most folks haven’t met Mr. Tasty. When the Damaris family — Robyn, Jason, and their son Dylan, 6 — couldn’t agree on what kind of dog to get, they eventually decided since everybody’s got a dog, why not get…

Canine Concierge

It’s not easy being the official canine concierge of Hotel Bellwether. You’ve got to greet the guests with a happy face and a wagging tail. You’ve got to step up if they need help at the front desk. Sometimes you even need to get your…

You Own a What?

When I told my boyfriend I was allergic to cats and dogs, he researched high and low for some kind of furry pet we could own together. After a few weeks, he found the perfect solution — sugar gliders. They’re a kind of possum native to Australia that can…

Eat Local: Genius Campaign?

Eat Local has become a well-known term that Pacific Northwesterners wear like a badge of honor all throughout our sweet little salty town of Bellingham. At least many people I know, both in and out of the food industry, live by this slogan. These dedicated friends and family shop at farmers markets to access the…

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 spa as your four-legged-friend will experience. Plus, the myriad bath and grooming options, from self-service washes to full-service grooming, makes it easy for pet owners to keep their pooches clean. The Pacific Northwest climate can make keeping pups clean throughout the year a challenge. With rain comes mud and nobody likes a cold shower outside, not…

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…

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…

The Measure Of A Man’s …

The Measure Of A Man’s Life

Ken Takes a Walk in his Dad’s Shoes for Father’s Day I left home at age 17 and was estranged from my dad for more than 20 years of my adult life. The past hasn’t changed, but our relationship is different now if only because I understand better. Take a walk with me. When we come into this world, we have…

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!

Up and Coming

Whatcom County: Sunnyland There’s no such thing as the perfect neighborhood. Everyone has different needs and desires. But for Tina and Kirby White, Sunnyland…

A Stroller’s Paradise

Whatcom County: Lettered Streets With beer, ice cream, and Bellingham Bay just blocks away, the Lettered Streets neighborhood is one of Whatcom County’s most prized for location. Lisa Kaufman, Todd Eastman, and new four-legged companion Zeke have been…

A Place to Grow Up, Then Stay

Whatcom County: Cornwall Park Imagine a block of homes with blooming gardens and the street teeming with children, surrounded by a park. In the 1960s and 70s, this was Marilyn Mastor’s view from her home with her four children and husband. So many children lived in the neighborhood that the mailman at the time, who gave all the children Valentine’s with dimes in them, called the neighborhood “fertile valley.” Parents with same-age children…

A Throwback Era for Families

Semiahmoo is more than just a hot spot for retired couples and vacation homeowners. It’s a community for families. Len and Tara Saunders found their home in Turnberry Wood in 2004 after Len’s job led them to the U.S. from Canada. Tara is part of a three-generation family at Semiahmoo. Tara’s grandmother lived in one of the very first homes in that neighborhood for more than 20 years. Now Tara’s parents live only five houses down from their daughter and…

Neighborhoods We Love: Place …

Neighborhoods We Love: Place with a View

A city’s downtown may shape its identity to outsiders, but it’s a place’s neighborhoods that give it character. If you really want to know a place, visit its residential areas—their homes, parks, landmarks, gathering places. Neighborhoods are the enclaves we come home to each day. Whatcom County’s neighborhoods range from Bellingham’s distinct, park-rich districts to the jaw-dropping view from Ferndale’s Lawson Church Hills neighborhood. In the San Juans,…

The Mixing Tin: The Temple Bar

The Illuminati INGREDIENTS: Jameson, Elderflower liqueur, Drambuie, Genepy des Alpes, Angostura bitters, orange flower water, lemon peel garnish. Served on ice. $11 This month’s cocktail will have you raving like Alex Jones. With the number of sweet cocktails out there today,…

Once Maligned, Rosés Are …

Once Maligned, Rosés Are Here to Stay

As little as 20 years ago, rosé wines from Washington wineries were, more often than not, likely to be a novelty instead of a tasting room standard. But since that time, rosés have really caught on, almost to the point that they’ve practically become fashionable among Washington winemakers and consumers alike. Can rosés continue to grow in popularity and…

Polish Food, PNW Style

Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage If you’re looking for a cozy restaurant with live music serving up European food with a Pacific Northwest flair, look no further than…

A Tasty Part of the Territory

Northwater Comfortable soft blue leather chairs, Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie” playing in the background, a classy atmosphere, light entrees, and vast choices of cocktails and mocktails—that’s what’s to be expected at Northwater. Northwater, a modern restaurant and bar which opened…

A Garden from Scratch

If you think the compacted-soil, rock-hewn, lifeless plot of land on your property could never support a garden, we have a story for you. More than 100 volunteers recently transformed the…

Edgemoor Neighborhood …

Edgemoor Neighborhood Historic Home

Lairmont Manor Historic homes can be a focal point for neighborhoods. In Bellingham, few are more famous than Lairmont Manor, in Fairhaven’s Edgemoor neighborhood. Originally named The Larrabee House, it was designed in 1914 for local power couple Charles and Frances Larrabee by renowned Seattle architect Carl Gould. Gould designed a…

8 Great Tastes | June

Reaching for the Sky

Yoga Brings Peace to Women in Transition In one of the least likely places, the chapel of the Lighthouse Mission, women temporarily forget the harsh realities of their daily struggles while yoga instructor Sarah Willett, face aglow, shares a…

But First, Food

“You cannot cheat with food. You eat food.” —Robb Wolf When I read those words, I had one of those aha! moments because for as long as I have been talking to people about food and what they should and should not eat, it drives me crazy every time I hear someone say, “I cheated” or “you’re cheating.” It’s food. You…

Happiest Girls Are The …

Happiest Girls Are The Prettiest

Pearl Buttons Vintage Style THE SHOP Pearl Buttons Vintage Style in Anacortes sells old Hollywood glamour. The ultra-feminine clothing store is decorated with feathers, drop crystal chandeliers, and ruffled…

Ellensburg Blue

No Two Blues Alike When the Kittitas Indians shared their discovery of blue agate, it was so stunningly beautiful only tribal chiefs were allowed to wear the vibrant mineral. Blue agate was rare enough to require directions for those that sought it. “Walk with the sun over…

Not A Toy Store, A Game Store

Boxes & Bears You might feel like you’re just passing time when playing a game or working on a puzzle, but there are other cognitive functions at work. In many board games, players work on a variety of skills including logic, memory, deduction, math, planning, and sportsmanship. Playing games in a group setting helps strengthen social bonds. Ask anyone who’s ever enjoyed a game of Cards Against Humanity. Historical or fact-based games…

Making Tracks into History

Bellingham Railway Museum The sound of children at play filled the Bellingham Railway Museum, along with the recorded sound of a train engine at full speed. The model trains took up a large majority of the room, as they made a circuit through the miniature landscape, highly…

Actress Kayleigh Finnegan

Not every 8-year-old has to worry about inviting their third-grade teacher to their movie premiere. But for Kayleigh Finnegan, it was a real predicament. “Where do you have to make…

New Possibilities, Same Vibe

The Hub Since 2002, the HUB Community Bike Shop has been catering to Bellingham’s cycle-friendly community. But now, after 15 years, the neighborhood looks very different. New apartment buildings surround the HUB’s location at 903 1/2 North…

Sustainable and Flavorful

Lummi Island Wild Lummi Island Wild is one of few fishing companies to practice the ancient and sustainable practice of salmon reef netting. Reef netting, used in the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years by Native Americans, requires fishers to wait for the fish to come to them rather than the other way around, said Lummi Island…

Sounds of Summer Return

Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series The Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series will be bringing the groove to our summer nights once again starting on June 15. In partnership with the Eldridge Society and Bellingham Parks and Recreation, the free concerts have been a…

Wonder Woman: Melissa Rice

The Curiosity rover has been treading the surface of Mars for more than five years with a team of NASA scientists watching its every move. Part of the elite team of scientists working it is Western Washington University…

Living for Ice and Dust

Mountain Science Prof Who Survived Crevasse Now Leads New Program at Western John All, the founding director of Western Washington University’s new Mountain Environments Research Institute (MERI), says the Cordillera Blanca mountains in Peru is one of the best mountain ranges in the world. “I always go back there because it’s a great place to work,” All says. All’s research…

Hosting a Houseguest with …

Hosting a Houseguest with Style

It’s natural that, because we live in such a stunning place, friends from far and wide would want to visit. But you are past the days of clearing a spot on the floor for the futon or blowing up an inflatable bed for your guests. They are tired, weary of the city, the desert, the suburbs, the hubbub of their daily lives. Help them. They need an infusion of Pacific Northwest green, need to…

Cosmetic Enhancements

If you want to enhance your image, you have more options than ever before. Like any surgery or procedure, there are…

Inner Beauty

won·der noun a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable. It is with great wonder for the remarkable women in our community that has inspired our ongoing series, Wonder Woman, which profiles women who have made an impact in our community. In the following pages, we…

Stylish Clothes Shopping from …

Stylish Clothes Shopping from Home

Personalized Wardrobe Delivered to Your Door Used to be that if you needed a cocktail dress for a wedding, or a new suit for a job interview, you faced a trip to the mall or local boutique. Or you’d have to wade through countless websites with no idea about what will fit or look good. Shopping…

Dog Fashion

We know what you’re thinking: Does a Dog Really Need a Second Coat? In some cases, yes— frail dogs, old ones, skinny, sick, tiny — all can…

5 Beauty Fixes for Northwest …

5 Beauty Fixes for Northwest Weather

Like so many of you, it’s hard for me to imagine calling any other place than the Pacific Northwest my “home.” Its charm and beauty is hard to match, and the picturesque scenery is fulfilling in every sense of the word. But making yourself beautiful? Sometimes it can…

Bike Commuting

Sarah Guenther has heard it all. Even in Bellingham, one of the biggest bike-commuter cities of its size in the nation, people give excuses not to ride to work. But Bellingham made a huge commitment to its pedal-loving citizens with its 2014 Bellingham Biking Master Plan, committing $20 million over 15 years to boost its network to 170 miles of cycling routes in the city,…

Dressing for Northwest Weather

If You Like Craft Beers… and Getting Caught in the Rain! You wake up in the morning, sun’s out, birds chirping. It’s going to be a beautiful day. By lunch, it’s hailing. By the time you get off work, it’s nice and sunny again, so you decide to go out for happy hour. You take a seat on your favorite patio…

Workout Chic

Sweating with Style: What to Do and What to Have Sure, you love running or your 8 a.m. yoga class, but mixing up how you get your daily burn is a fun way to achieve a complete body transformation. Cross-training is in vogue and for good reason: changing up your workouts challenges different muscles in different ways and that helps you become stronger, leaner, and less…

Building a Stylish Bar

Inspired by the relaxed vibe of their favorite pub or intimate lounge, many of my clients are creating a place of their own to entertain. Basements, garages and even hall closets are being turned into trendy residential bars. We have converted larges rooms and small spaces. Here are a some of the key components we included in each design. Seating Bar stools, cozy chairs or a community bench are all necessities as…

How to Redo Your Closet with …

How to Redo Your Closet with Style

One of the most personal, and hidden, spaces in your house, the closet is usually the last feature you consider when it comes to an upgrade. Since you’re really the only one going in there, it’s easy to put off. But in the name of…

Behaving with Style: Etiquette

It seems life has become a lot more casual, but that’s no excuse for forgetting your manners. Arden Clise of Seattle’s Clise Etiquette, an etiquette school specializing in business…

Grow Your Garden with Style

Tired of the same-old, same-old? Molly Maguire of Molly Maguire Landscape Architecture offers some tips on how to turn your garden…

Backyard Entertaining

So you want to throw a stylish backyard party — something classier than a barbeque but not as fancy as a Gatsby bash. As founder…

All Women, All In

Ski to Sea Team Advocates for Women―and a Mountain-Bike Leg Kirsten Jensen has been participating in the Ski to Sea relay race for four years as a part of an all-women’s team. But not just any women’s team. Many of its members are part of Queens of Dirt, a year-round…

Grande Dame

Mount Baker Theatre Celebrates 90th Birthday When you step inside the 90-year-old Mount Baker Theatre building, you are greeted by a Moorish-Spanishstyled interior. Lush red tones adorn the walls, paired with rich dark wood. An opulent chandelier hangs above, surrounding the theater with cascading warm light. Amy Guerra, the marketing director of…

How To Decorate Your Home …

How To Decorate Your Home with Art

Lori Hill In the street markets of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, Lori Hill started intensely collecting art, and has been building her collection ever since….

Rustic & Reclaimed

Bath Renovation Antique wood and a sliding barn door in a bathroom? Say it isn’t so! Yes, that is exactly what we incorporated in this recent remodel and the trend…

Gem on the Water

Lake Samish Row House This distinctive home on the shores of Lake Samish was built in 2010 with rowers in mind. We want to say its curvy roof and contemporary, minimalist design evokes the smooth, effortless air of a rowing team in…

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, with their luggage, before even going to their hotel rooms,” said current…

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…

Chuckanut Ridge Trail (from …

Chuckanut Ridge Trail (from Cleator Road Overlook)

Spring hikes can sometimes mean giving up those spectacular views we are spoiled with in the Pacific Northwest. It can also mean rain, snow, and mud: not the most appealing conditions for a hike. Luckily, Whatcom County still has a…

Radishes: The Crown Jewel of …

Radishes: The Crown Jewel of Spring

Spring has officially sprung in the Pacific Northwest and that makes local food geeks like me giddy for several reasons: Spring Is My Favorite Season For Local Vegetables Fresh, spicy greens, beautiful French breakfast radishes,…

Dance in Bellingham

Open Classes Encourage All-Comers A neighborhood cafe links, window to window, with a wide-open space — symbiotically, a dance studio. At the Firehouse Café, lattes are not the only treats on the menu. Open dance classes are offered in the next room over. Ballet, modern, and contemporary are taught throughout the week. An open dance class is a place for movers of all shapes, sizes, and skill level. All you need is…

Top-Tier Winery

Goose Ridge Vineyard Since opening in 1999, Richland-based Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery has quietly and steadily become a major player in the state’s wine industry. Twenty-two hundred vineyard acres, four statewide tasting rooms, and four distinct labels—with a combined annual production of nearly 75,000 cases—easily place Goose Ridge among Washington’s top-tier wineries. IT STARTS WITH FAMILY Goose Ridge is owned…

Soy House

When Soy House opened a few years ago, you could count the number of Vietnamese restaurants in the area on one hand. Since it opened, it has amassed a reputation for being a solid low-to-mid-price Vietnamese restaurant. Perhaps Vietnamese-fusion would be more accurate. Of…

Encompassing Health at Your …

Encompassing Health at Your Doorstep

Achillea Natural Medicine Dr. Julia Hipp opened the doors of Achillea Natural Medicine in January to bring healthcare to her patients. Literally. Hipp’s clinic is no ordinary natural medicine center. She offers house calls, believing that each patient, no matter their schedule, deserves encompassing healthcare. Beyond providing accessible healthcare, Hipp believes in treating the root of problems rather than merely symptoms. Naturopathic medicine utilizes natural therapies to address the cause rather than the effect of an…

Children’s Songwriter …

Children’s Songwriter Dana Cohenour

As Dana Cohenour’s children’s music class let out, the smiles were in abundance. The students, about 4 to 5 years old, thanked their teacher…

The Bastion of Brewing

Tucked behind a Shell gas station, right before Highway 20 splits south towards Whidbey Island, is Bastion Brewing Company. Weekday lunchtimes…

Bellingham Escape Room …

Bellingham Escape Room Engages Minds

Rebecca Abdelbaki opened Bellingham Escape the first weekend of March with the hope of creating a space for friends, families, and co-workers to socialize while…

Support When Your Teen Needs …

Support When Your Teen Needs It

Oasis Daylight Center & Oasis Teen Shelter When asking for help is difficult, having a steadfast haven for teenagers to visit can be life-changing. “Every day at Oasis is supportive and affirming,” said Katie Lohman, the director of Oasis Daylight Center & Oasis Teen Shelter. Located in an unassuming home on a quiet Mount Vernon street, the Skagit Valley Family YMCA-operated house consists of two facilities: an after-school center called Oasis Daylight Center, and a…

8 Great Mother’s Day …

8 Great Mother’s Day Brunches

Wonder Woman

Noémi Ban Noémi Ban has a story to tell. And tell. And tell. She is a Holocaust survivor who has been sharing her story with audiences since 1995. If living well is the ultimate revenge, Ban…

50 Ways to be a Tourist in …

50 Ways to be a Tourist in Your Own Town.

You don’t have to pack any bags or take vacation days. You might not even have to gas up the car. We’re talking about enjoying your hometown by stepping out as a tourist. Sure,…

Lynden Farmers Market

The Lynden market was originally founded in 2011 with the goal of supporting local artisans and farmers. It usually hosts around 20 vendors, but since vendors are not required to commit to an…

Ferndale Market

The Ferndale Market began in 2007 and has since grown into a market of more than 30 vendors. Each vendor hand-selects their products, whether it’s produce or artisan crafts, to sell to community members. The market also offers an opportunity for youth vendors. On the second Friday of each month, vendors under 18 are allowed to vend for free. The goal is to promote the importance of local, nutrient-rich, produce and supporting the…

Fairhaven Wednesday Market

The Fairhaven market was created just a few years after the downtown Bellingham market and was soon brought under the same management umbrella. Now, visitors can find many of the same vendors found at the downtown market in the intimate atmosphere of the Village Green. Purposely timed for the lunch…

Bellingham Downtown Market

When two Western Washington University students came together in the 1990s, they had no idea that their small idea of a market would sprout into one of the biggest farmers markets in the state. With the help of community…

Sedro-Woolley Farmers Market

Take a mid-week break at the Sedro-Woolley Farmers Market. The pint-sized market is ideal for mid-week stocking-up on local ingredients and for an hour or two of relaxing. Their goal to revitalize the community by offering customers locally produced food and artisan products is being realized with an array of products offered by local vendors. Known For The music. Every week…

Mount Vernon Farmers Market

Going strong for 30 years, the Mount Vernon Farmers Market has been operating since 1987. Today it’s a vibrant event with live music, an array of vendors, and the occasional cooking competition. Known For…

Bow Little Market

The Bow Little Market launched in July 2010 with the motto, “Where the little guy is a big deal.” Held in the Belfast Feed Store, the market caters to smaller farmers and producers trying to get their businesses started, which means new and unusual finds for consumers. They have about 30 vendors to shop from, meaning less congestion when compared to larger markets, perfect for people who want the farmers-market experience without the crowds. Known For Specifically…

Anacortes Farmers Market

The Anacortes Farmers Market has been operating at the Depot since 1989. The market’s goal then holds true today: provide locally produced food and promote…

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 public, the mission of the San Juan Island Farmers Market has remained unchanged for 30 years: “Provide an outlet for agricultural products that are grown, harvested, or processed in San Juan County.” Today, vendors…

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, then the…

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…

Spring Bouquet

Celebrate fickle season with a versatile wine menu There’s an old saying around the Pacific Northwest this time of year: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute.” April is one of those crazy,…

Sips of the Season

Cosmos Bistro and Portteus Winery On March 4, a sold-out crowd at Cosmos Bistro experienced a range of wines from Portteus Winery, paired…

A Prime Dining Experience

Max Dale’s Steak & Chop House In 1951 Max and Pauline Dale wanted to open a burger place within a sophisticated setting. Max Dale’s Steak & Chop House began serving exceptional burgers in a dining room of white-clothed tables and chandeliers overhead. In 1976 the restaurant experienced a severe fire. The insurance claims adjuster, Tony Pickering helped the Dales work through paperwork during rebuilding. Pickering didn’t…

Freezing Cabin

Kitchen Remodel Helps Ease a Drab Winter’s Chill This home, a one-time 1930s beach cabin, got so cold in winter that its owner would routinely flee to Mexico for three months. But after six years of annual escapes, it…

Cheetah-Chic Living

Animal Prints Rev Up a Room It might be safe to say that while keeping the color palette tame on this project, we got wild with the style. Prior to our makeover, we were welcomed with a pet-soiled…

Shaping Up For Spring And …

Shaping Up For Spring And Summer

Spruced Hair and Brow Studio Last summer, Brooke Becnel, along with the help of her loyal stylists, opened Spruced Hair and Brow Studio in Fairhaven. Opening a modern, hip salon was not necessarily Becnel’s plan, but she always knew she wanted to work for herself, and so Spruced was…

A Beloved Bookstore Grows

Pelican Bay Books There are numerous places you can go to find a book: the library, a chain bookstore, an independent bookstore, even a thrift sale if you don’t…

Spotlight Film

Documentaries, directors in focus at Cascadia International Women’s film festival Since high school, Natalie Fedak has had stories she’s wanted to tell. She started off writing screenplays and for the last three years, she’s been producing, editing and directing documentaries. Now one of her documentaries is going to be shown during the first year of one of…

Food Thoughts: the Art of …

Food Thoughts: the Art of Mindful Eating

The other day someone asked me, “Do you eat salad every day?” To which I replied “I do. Don’t you?” I sometimes forget that most people don’t eat a…

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 sell the same wonderful lavender products as their on-site gift store, the Gatehouse Farm Store. Each outlet carries the same high-quality, on-site-grown, harvested, and handcrafted goods, but each store has its own character. Opened in March 2012, the Pelindaba Lavender store in downtown La Conner saves locals a ferry trip…

Carving Beauty Out of The …

Carving Beauty Out of The Ordinary

Tomas Vrba and the Tomas Vrba Studio Every day before he leaves his home in Everett, Tomas Vrba tells his two young children, “Daddy…

Whimsical to Practical …

Whimsical to Practical Jewelry, Gifts, More

Moorea Seal Have you ever walked into a store and thought it must have been designed with you in mind? For me, that store is Moorea Seal, a hidden gem in the heart of Seattle’s Belltown district. Moorea Seal offers a beautifully curated selection of accessories and objects, highlighting handmade items from artists across…

Hearty Pasty Fills the Soul

Good to Go Meat Pies At Good to Go Meat Pies in Everson, you get some history baked in with the shop’s hearty pasties. Owner and founder Holly Bevan-Bumford hung up a picture of her great-grandfather’s confection shop in the dining area. Bevan-Bumford’s grandmother, Audrey, was just a little girl…

Affordable Style, Appealing …

Affordable Style, Appealing Fashion

Apricot Lane Boutique Apricot Lane Boutiques have made their way up to our corner of Washington. The Bellis Fair store opened on Nov. 17 as the first Apricot…

Playing Around

Max Higbee Center helps disabled youth and adults recreate F or more than three decades, the Max Higbee Center has been committed to providing recreational services to developmentally disabled youth and adults. Western Washington University professor Max Higbee, recognizing a recreation gap for developmentally…

Crazy For Kombucha

Flavored, fermented tea is as popular as a home brew, too Kombucha has been everywhere lately, from lining the shelves at your local Fred Meyer, to the Culture Café at Kombucha Town opening in Bellingham’s own historic Herald Building. Haggen even offers kombucha growler fills for the trendy fermented tea. Making your own kombucha has become a popular hobby among people who’d rather do the work themselves rather…

8 Great Tastes | April

Wonder Woman

Emily O’Connor From grant writing and public speaking to dealing with finances and program development, Lydia Place’s executive director Emily O’Connor does it all. “I do a little bit of everything,” O’Connor laughs. And “everything” doesn’t just stop at the workplace. In addition to an all-consuming job, O’Connor is a mother of a six-year-old daughter and a three-and-a-half-year-old son….

Graham Kerr Wants to Leave &#…

Graham Kerr Wants to Leave “Galloping Gourmet” Behind

Graham Kerr isn’t downsizing, he’s actualizing. There’s a difference: Kerr already lives by the notion that we should stop purchasing new things. Instead, give away things we don’t need anymore. It’s an act he’s coined “out-doldrum,” taking an active role in revitalizing your sense of purpose and life by unencumbering it…

Farmhouse Haven

As a vacation home for mostly weekend visits, this house not only looks but feels the part. Homeowners live about an hour away in Canada and say as soon as they walk in, they decompress. A water view, looking…

Gooseberry Point

It started like so many remodeling projects do, with just a kitchen replacement. Then, like that piece of cake you keep evening out in the pan, it grew, morphing into a renovation of the entire house. The owners, new empty-nesters, wanted an open floor plan and effortless transitions between the outdoors and inside. Floor-to-ceiling windows accomplish…

Shelter Bay

Annual visitors to La Conner were in no rush to complete the remodel of this high-bluff waterfront home in Shelter Bay, mulling and tweaking designs on each summer visit over the course of a decade. Dan Nelson of Designs Northwest Architects did a substantial amount of restructuring to modernize what had been a 1970s Northwest contemporary, starting with a stick frame and…

Simply Fabulous Greenfab …

Simply Fabulous Greenfab Prefab

Greenfab is a Seattle-based developer of modern, sustainable, prefabricated homes. In 2010, it made news for installing Washington State’s first prefab,…

Clean and Clear

Laundry Rooms are the Home’s Hidden Hub It’s the forgotten room of the house: the laundry room. At the bottom of creaky stairs in a spooky basement, part…

Lake Samish Garden Remodel

While our Salish Sea coastline gets a lot of deserved attention here, our freshwater lakes are the jewels of Bellingham’s interior. Not only can the views be just as pretty, but playing in the water—warmer than the year-round frigidity of Bellingham Bay—is one of the best things about living lakeside when the weather heats up. This Lake Samish garden remodel, on the heels of a home upgrade, not only improved the space aesthetically, but worked…

Eat, Drink & Entertain

Kitchen Renovation This 1960s-built home hadn’t had a remodel since the 80s, so it was ready for a facelift. My clients enjoy family, cooking, entertaining…

It’s in the Details

When you walk into someone’s house for the first time, what do you notice? Bookshelves? A great backsplash? The way the cabinets complement the room? Detail work or “finish” work is often where homeowners provide their creative expression. The tone and style of fine cabinetry, the shape and style of tile work, the gentle curve of a railing—these are details that draw the eye and bring a room together. There are several ways to integrate or showcase interior details. For…

Wine Festivals Set for State, …

Wine Festivals Set for State, Vancouver

One of the many great things about living in Bellingham and the Whatcom County area is the “small-town feel” the region carries despite its close proximity to two major metropolitan areas. With Vancouver, B.C. to the north and Seattle to the south, Bellinghamsters have a wealth of recreational and cultural choices at their disposal for those wishing to venture out of town for a change…

Meet the Chef – 13moons …

Meet the Chef – 13moons Restaurant at Swinomish Casino and Lodge

On February 9, guests braved the slushy roads to attend our Meet the Chef event. Held in the test kitchen of Mount Vernon’s Judd & Black, we nibbled, sipped, and learned a thing…

Small Plates, Big Taste, New …

Small Plates, Big Taste, New Place

Galloway’s Cocktail Bar Galloway’s Cocktail Bar has taken over the space Daphne’s once held in Fairhaven, across from the village green. The new bar has retained much…

New Bonefish Grill

Tasty Break for Shoppers, Travelers on I-5 Drive As the upscale, fish-scale version of popular partner Outback Steakhouse, the Bonefish…

Portage Creek Wildlife Area

Portage Creek Wildlife Area

Enter a land that is in the process of returning to its primeval origins. 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. Even the foot trails are disappearing. What is emerging is a habitat for migrating…

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…

The Buzz About Barre

As a young child I loved ballet and dreamed about becoming a ballerina. Fast forward to adulthood, and I have found the next best thing. It’s called the Booty Barre® method. I was so inspired by…

A Gallery for Regional Art …

A Gallery for Regional Art Eye-Candy

THE SHOP When Katherine Khile bought the Scott Milo Gallery in 1994, it served the community as a framing shop. They still offer framing services, but the space has grown into much more. The cozy gallery is divided with wall sectionals, creating dedicated spaces for featured artists’ work. This layout also ensures the utmost wall space for hanging paintings and photography. There is something to look at everywhere: framed work covers all eye-level space,…

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…

Sugarfina

Sugarfina is a luxe candy store that caters to adults with a taste for the finer things in life. It recently launched a boutique inside Nordstrom’s Seattle flagship store. Sugarfina’s candy is…

Fairhaven Rug Gallery

Arshia Fathali sat at his desk with Oliver, his 11-year-old canine friend, on his lap. Hand-woven rugs decorate the walls, cover the floors, and even the surface of his desk. It is no wonder that Fathali calls his space a gallery. The Fairhaven Rug Gallery is…

Garden Prep 101

Tips for early spring One of the best things about warmer weather is vibrant, lush flowers and bountiful vegetable gardens….

Spotlight Writer: Holly Barbo

We all have our ways of escape, whether it is in a guilt-inducing TV show, a long jog, or maybe a glass of wine. For artist…

See Skagit Valley Painted …

See Skagit Valley Painted Yellow

La Conner Daffodil Festival Did you know there are more daffodils than tulips in Skagit Valley? The Roozengaarde fields alone feature 450 acres of daffodils and 350 acres of tulips. These yellow beauties are…

White Chocolate Mousse –…

White Chocolate Mousse – 13moons

INGREDIENTS: 20 oz white chocolate chips 2 cup heavy cream 2 Tbsp granulated sugar 10 oz fresh cherries, pitted 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1/3 cup brandy Shaved dark chocolate asdfads DIRECTIONS: Place white chocolate into a double boiler, melt. Add half the heavy cream…

Staging a New Scene

Bellingham Theatre Guild The Bellingham Theatre Guild celebrated a scene change of sorts with a gala to mark the completion of its $1 million renovation in mid-January. The guild is entirely staffed by volunteers, many of whom gathered in the theatre lobby during the event to relish the improvements, which included a new entrance and ticket office, bathroom flooring, upgraded foundation, and an elevator to make the theatre more accessible. Francie Gass, former president of the board, said…

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 self-made chaos makes healthy eating difficult. Food…

Wonder Woman – Barb …

Wonder Woman – Barb Macklow

Bellingham’s Barb Macklow is not your average 82-year-old. She likes to go the distance. Macklow, a runner with a national reputation—she has been featured in Trail Runner and Runner’s World magazines—finished every race but one last year: a 100-miler. She ran 100 miles before, but in a different decade. In her 70s, Macklow ran both the Umstead Ultra 100 in North Carolina and the JFK 50 Mile in Maryland and currently…

8 Great Tastes | March

Designing on the Human Scale

By age 10, Sharon Robinson already knew her career path. After discovering her mother’s Good Housekeeping magazines, she decided to design houses. She grew up in Akron, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in architectural history from Syracuse University and later, her master’s in architecture from the University of Wisconsin. In 1991, after a friend told her about an opening at the architecture firm Zervas Group, Robinson applied and was hired. At 56, she is one of three principals…

Sally’s Secret: Saigon …

Sally’s Secret: Saigon Sally’s

From the outside of the shop on the corner of 11th and McKenzie, you might miss the gem that is Saigon Sally’s. Formerly known as Jimmy’s Vietnamese Sandwich Shop, the restaurant, off the beaten path as…

Sipping Local Spirits: Valley …

Sipping Local Spirits: Valley Shine Distillery

During Prohibition, Ben Lazowski’s grandfather worked as a bootlegger for infamous gangster Al Capone. Young Ben grew up hearing stories of his grandfather’s adventures (with certainly a few misadventures) and exploring secret passageways in this grandfather’s Chicago home. It’s ironic that years of alcohol prohibition could spark a fascination with the stuff decades later. Ben teamed up with his wife Stacey…

Treveri Cellars

Like a fine bottle of sparkling wine, Treveri Cellars, located just east of Yakima, has burst onto the Washington wine scene with style, character, and an understated air of elegance that have made it a Champagne-inspired favorite of many area wine enthusiasts who enjoy bubbles in their glass. Since opening its current, picturesque tasting room facility in 2010,…

Winter Abundance Bowls: Local …

Winter Abundance Bowls: Local Cooking from the Heart

It’s the dead of winter in northwest Washington, but local food can still be found. A brief journey through the whipping winds will lead you to a…

Scandi Butik and Gifts

THE SHOP As with many stores in the Bellingham area, Scandi Butik and Gifts offers many products created by independent and small businesses. A warmly lit corner littered with…

Runners Fly with Style –…

Runners Fly with Style – Oiselle

“Born and raced in Seattle” is the motto prominently announced on a wall in Oiselle’s flagship store in Seattle’s University Village. Founder and CEO Sally Bergesen launched Oiselle (pronounced wa-zell) in 2007. The flagship store opened in July 2015 just two miles away from…

Pretty Simple

Located upstairs from Envy, one of the best hair salons in Mt. Vernon, you know there’s going to be something special in store for you at Pretty Simple. The adorably dressed mannequin greets you at the door and leads you upstairs as you anticipate the treasures to behold. I challenge anyone to leave empty-handed. My first sensory experience as I walked in the shop was the rich, tantalizing scent of locally made, hand-poured, pure soy…

Waste Not Want Not – …

Waste Not Want Not – Gleaners Pantry

As the sun starts to return to our dark Fourth Corner, gardeners get busy planting and readying for their healthy crops. But sometimes those crops pop up a bit healthier than usual, or that plum tree produces kilo after kilo of fresh, amazing, and yet, very ripe plums, or the chard goes a bit wild. This over abundance is where Gleaners Pantry…

Spotlight Artist: Katie …

Spotlight Artist: Katie Johnson

Katie Johnson did not plan on becoming an artist when she started at Western Washington University. Johnson’s work was featured last year in a show at Aslan Brewing Co., but she’s known mostly for the Brewdeck, a 60-piece set of cards featuring portraits of the luminaries of the Bellingham craft beer scene. The name Brewdeck is a play on the phrase “brew deck,” which is the platforms on which brewers stand…

Getting Primed for Primer

There’s a certain decor that is typical of coffee shops in the Pacific Northwest. Usually, the lights are dim, the walls are dark, and the floors are creaky or bare, lending the shop a warm but subdued ambiance. Because this is such a common theme for local coffee shops, the recently opened Primer…

Two Terriers Dog Food Company …

Two Terriers Dog Food Company Takes Its Work Seriously

The Bellingham company is run by two women, Kellie Szirom and Katya Slater-Szirom. Now, they have spread their passion to Whole Foods, one of the premiere outlets for organic foods. In addition, the dog food is also carried at Whatcom Farmers Co-ops, the Haggen in Fairhaven, and Hohl Feed and Seed, as well as through their website. “We are dog lovers, and they are considered part…

Neat Art, Niche Locale: The …

Neat Art, Niche Locale: The Allery

When Kat Houseman describes the Allery as off the beaten path, she means it. The art gallery is, as the name suggests, down an alley off of Magnolia, between Cornwall and Commercial. Just past the drive-thru exit of Peoples Bank, you’ll find the ornate sign that marks the entrance to the far-flung facility for fine arts. The gallery is owned by Houseman and her husband, Corey Urlacher. Both are products of Montana…

Wonder Woman–Mount Vernon …

Wonder Woman–Mount Vernon Mayor Jill Boudreau

It’s hard to imagine a greater sorrow for a mayor than a public shooting. Mayor Jill Boudreau has weathered two major incidents—one in neighboring Burlington at Cascade Mall, and one on December 14 in her own town of Mount…

Whatcom Senior Tour Program …

Whatcom Senior Tour Program Cuba Trip

Since the recent expansion of legal travel to Cuba, Americans have become fascinated by the seemingly “frozen-in-time” island. Picturesque streets full of vibrantly painted buildings, classic cars, and friendly people provide quite the draw for travelers. When news of the change in travel regulations hit, Cheryl Willis,…

50 Ways to Pamper Yourself

Wonder Women: Michele Kä…

Wonder Women: Michele Kämmerer and Janis Walworth

Since March 2016, there has been a massive mobilization of both individuals and corporations speaking out against North Carolina’s now infamous House Bill 2. The…

Down and Dirty with Docs

The Health & Medical …

The Health & Medical Profiles

Bellis Fair’s ULTAmate …

Bellis Fair’s ULTAmate Addition

For the past few months, the space across from Payless ShoeSource and Earthbound Trading Company has been cordoned off, blocked by signs emblazoned with, perhaps slightly vague, promises. “Ulta Beauty, coming Winter 2016.” Until now, beauty aficionados have had to travel south to Marysville…

How Pilates “Found&#…

How Pilates “Found” Me

When I was active duty military I was, in many ways, in the best shape of my life. I could “max” the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with 60 push-ups in 2 minutes, 81 sit-ups in two…

Getting Your Zs: A Good Night&…

Getting Your Zs: A Good Night’s Sleep

Many of us cheat ourselves on a full night’s sleep. Whether you’re up worrying about debt or insurance or elections, your mind is cranking your body into gear, pumping you full of sleep-robbing…

Winter Fashion

Color and texture, luminance and hue, the key elements of great art are also a part of what makes fashion a mood, a reflection, a statement. Join us for an afternoon at the Lightcatcher in living color. Cape Jacket: BCBGMAXAZRIA Macy’s $228 • Lace Top: INC Macy’s $58 • Pants: Alfoni Macy’s $59.50 • Hat Three French Hens…

2016: A Look Back

Powered by Jasper Roberts – Blog

Splurge Wines

Whether it be gift-giving, party-hosting, or just plain old everyday shopping, this is the time of year when many of us pull out all the stops. Holiday gatherings with good friends, good food, and of course, good wines, seem to make the season just a little more special, and if that means going over our…

Guemes Cottage

This peaceful retreat on Guemes Island designed by David Hall (since retired) of HKP Architects draws on Finnish and Scandanavian summer houses for inspiration. Situated on the the north end of Guemes Island with expansive views of Bellingham Bay, this 625 square-foot cabin combines the best of comfort and tranquility Hall worked closely with the owners to ensure that the outdoor patios were integrated seamlessly with the interior. The rectangular floor plan…

Atomic Kitten

THE SHOP Atomic Kitten stands out on Commercial Street, its painted blue bricks contrasting sharply against the surrounding dull red buildings. Guarded by a cartoon kitten, the brightly lit showroom beckons from behind the windows. The store, which opened in July, is home to a collection of vintage furniture from the mid-century Oleniacz compared it to Mad Men and in some ways, it does feel like…

Tsawwassen Outlet Mall

Your holiday shopping just got a little easier, thanks to our neighbors to the north. Tsawwassen Mills Outlet Mall opened in October, and brings to our area many premium stores like Saks Off Fifth, Aritzia, Michael Kors. Built by Ivanhoe Cambridge, it is one of the largest malls in Canada. And…

Being Good, Doing Good

After making a splash in the Whatcom County fashion community, Betty Be Good has expanded into Bellingham proper. If you’re in the market for a cute plaid flannel dress, a new cardigan…

Growing Hope One Sprout at a …

Growing Hope One Sprout at a Time

As of September 2014, there were about 2.7 million American veterans who fought in our recent conflicts. A study conducted by the RAND Corporation found at least 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression. About 50% of these veterans don’t seek help. Emotional vulnerability, access to services, and other problems are barriers for veterans. In 2013, Chris Brown—a…

Bellingham’s Newest …

Bellingham’s Newest Mystery

Two mysteries are brewing in the City of Subdued Excitement: on the corner of Magnolia and Cornwall, an underground resistance scrambles to find the name of the double agent working against it. Meanwhile, after a rickety elevator ride in the Herald building, a group is…

8 Great Tastes | December

Tailor-Made Web-Based Training

In 2011, Western Washington University professors Eric Kean and Kirsten Drickey saw an opportunity to develop and sell training software for volunteer organizations and universities looking to expand their reach. Kean, who teaches math and viola at WWU, had an idea to provide a cheaper alternative to traditional textbooks. Wanting to…

Wonder Woman – Cathy Watson

When Ferndale Councilwoman Cathy Watson was younger, she dreamed of becoming a science writer. After receiving her undergraduate degree in journalism from Ohio State, Watson joined the U.S. Coast Guard working as an electronics technician. The Guard allowed Watson to live in Maryland,…

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 Christmas Tree this year, Christmas is not lost. The town is still abuzz with murmurings of broken hearts and shattered…

8 Great Tastes Oct | Nov

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Artisan Eats at The Mill

Enter The Mill Bistro and Lounge in Lynden and let the warm atmosphere wash over you as the scents of housemade desserts fill your lungs. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with dark wood paneling, dim lighting, and comfortable leather-clad chairs. While classy, the style is not overpowering or intimidating. Although The Mill does make a great spot…

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,…

Hawaii Comes to Fairhaven

The word “aloha” holds a variety of meanings in Hawaiian culture. Aloha could mean “hello,” “goodbye,”or “love.” For the owners of Aloha Poke, this commonly used word defines their way of life as they bring a part of Hawaii to Historic Fairhaven District. When you enter the environment of Aloha Poke, there’s nothing that resembles a tacky Waikiki tourist within the shop….

Broadway Beauty

The beautiful thing about ranch-style houses is the way in which a good designer can open up the interior, build in great storage, and add light and space. Many of these homes have been updated a few times, and sometimes a remodel requires completely rethinking the interior. This was one of those projects. The owners bought this house with remodeling…

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

Meet the Chef

K & L Media teamed up again with the great crew at Judd & Black for our Meet the Chef demonstration dinner on September 8. Chef Matthew Romeo from Lombardi’s Restaurant of Everett and Mill Creek prepared and presented a four-course Italian extravaganza. Whole Foods provided appetizers presented by…

Contemporary Comforts

What is it that turns a house into a home? When a person first walks into their new house, they see the potential. My job as an interior designer is to make them see a “home,” to give them space they can call their own. This is the reason I became a designer. My clients contacted me after purchasing the Edgewater Place condominium…

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 fresh and fabulous even if you are short…

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…

Something Found

THE SHOP This charming space in Historic Fairhaven is packed with whismical vintage goods. Located right on Harris Avenue, the historic setting provides a perfect backdrop to the antique furniture, fun artwork, and bright fabrics. Something Found owners Jamie Schwindt and Helene Fellows keep the store well-organized and pleasing to the eye. Although there are lots of knick-knacks and collectibles, they…

The Steering Column – …

The Steering Column – Rising to the Top: What You Shouldn’t Forget

AFTER 13 YEARS of growing a law practice dedicated to community leadership in legal care for DUI, Auto-Accident Claims, Speeding & Criminal Justice, I know very well that no one gets there alone or single handedly. There is an entire community that has to be involved in community leadership. I’ve also learned that you have to be willing…

Pharmacy with a ‘…

Pharmacy with a ‘Furbish’

Nearly nine months after the Fairhaven Pharmacy closed its doors in 2015, partners Cameron Vail and Scott Ward have breathed new life into the location. The two men are the founders of Current and Furbish, a shop that, quite fittingly, blends new creations with older, updated pieces. “There’s something…

Wonder Woman – Germaine …

Wonder Woman – Germaine Kornegay

There are people who work in community service, volunteer for great causes, advocate for positive change, run for public office, win, and continue their good work toward making our world a better place. But not many of…

Word by Word: The Whatcom …

Word by Word: The Whatcom Literacy Council

Literacy is more than just a useful skill. The United Nations qualifies adult literacy as a basic human right, without which one cannot function in society. “You can’t talk to your neighbors about issues, can’t read the paper, can’t read a bus schedule, or any of these things we often take for…

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…

Inventive Startup: Slingshot …

Inventive Startup: Slingshot NW

Today’s Thomas Edisons will find direction with the help of Northwest Innovation Resource Center’s new strategic partner, Slingshot NW, a marketing platform specifically designed for inventors. The company began in May 2016 with a goal to further the economic climate north of Seattle, said CEO Bryan Brown. Inventions and inventors are not limited to any particular industry….

A Hop and a Skip

Beer enthusiasts may know that Yakima is the home for hops in Washington State (well, in the world, really) but it’s also a fine place to relax for a weekend. These beer stops and shops will have you coming back often to worship in the hops valley that is…

Fresh Oil: The Work of Susan …

Fresh Oil: The Work of Susan Bennerstrom

Susan Bennerstrom’s soft blue eyes come into full focus as oil paint and perspective meet on the prepared canvas. Bold lines, clean forms, light, and shadow emerge. If one is ever fortunate enough to see a pastel or painting by Bennerstrom in person, the piece will instantly…

Figureheads and Flying Jibs–…

Figureheads and Flying Jibs–Tall Ships Visit Whatcom

The Grays Harbor Foundation shares its wealth with Whatcom every few years by sending us two beautiful tall ships—the Lady Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftain. Both ships are majestic as they sail into our humble ports of Bellingham and Birch Bay, and both evoke…

Brewed in Snohomish County

Humans first brewed beer many thousands of years ago. More recently, the last decade has seen dozens of craft breweries open in Snohomish County. Eric Radovich, executive director of the Washington Beer Commission, said that statewide the rate of new brewery…

The Mixing Tin – …

The Mixing Tin – Beardslee Public House’s The Abyss

Beardslee Public House’s The Abyss Ingredients: Läka Gin, maraschino, lemon juice, créme de violette, soda | $11 In December 2015, Distiller and Sommelier Erik Liedholm and Chef John Howie…

Fall Arts Preview: Eight …

Fall Arts Preview: Eight Great North End Events

1. A Spirit Unbound: The Art of Peggy Strong September 9–January 8 | Cascadia Art Museum EIGHTY YEARS AGO, Peggy Strong (1912–1956) first exhibited her artwork at the Seattle Art Museum’s (SAM) Northwest Annual. She was just twenty-four-years-old at the time and had recently survived an automobile accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Yet, despite her physical challenges,…

Frost

Three friends opened a small doughnut shop in Mill Creek Town Center in 2009. Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit and the recipe for a killer Salted Caramel Old Fashioned, the shop quickly gained a devoted following and nationwide acclaim. Frost built its reputation on “evolved” doughnuts: familiar favorites with unexpected flavors and delicious twists, created using high-quality ingredients. Local fans of the sweet treats lined up to taste…

Moontree Asian Tapas

Moontree Asian Tapas boasts an impressive five-star rating average on Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Facebook, so my expectations were reasonably high for my first visit. I’m happy to say that Moontree Asian Tapas doesn’t disappoint. Make a reservation, and expect all you want. Chef Moon Hee and his wife, Jin Hee, opened the restaurant about a year ago. Jin works the front…

A 1940s Camano Island Log …

A 1940s Camano Island Log Cabin Remodel

A classic log cabin on Camano Island’s North Shore offers stunning views of Utsalady Bay and has been in Neil Hampson’s family since the 1940s. Hampson’s grandfather Dr. Russell R. Bradley, an Everett optometrist built the cabin himself. The preface to a 1944 publication of the U.S….

Snohomish Backyard Retreat

Heidi Skievaski and Kryssie Maybay of Sublime Garden Designs transformed a two-acre property that was essentially a blank canvas, a hillside with a few junipers and rhododendron and a sea of lawn, into a backyard retreat with several gardens and distinct areas for entertaining. The property’s former owner was an architect who designed…

Chow Wagon: The Rusty Wagon

Located just outside Lynden, the Rusty Wagon is a novelty stop for the whole family. Customers will be transported back in time right there in the parking lot, which greets hungry patrons with wooden horses, an old stockade, and a carved wooden cowboy settin’ a spell on a bench. Once inside, you’ll find large dining areas and a sports bar. The walls are adorned with wooden old timey signs. Spacious booths line…

Brow Rehab

There’s no denying ’90s nostalgia is in the air with the notable reemergence of baby-doll dresses, Doc Martens, and brown lipstick. Don’t be fooled, though, when it comes to eyebrows. Women are swapping their pencil-thin brows for a more modern, full look. If you are like me and spent the ’90s tweezing your…

The Mixing Tin

The Loft at Latitude Forty-Eight Five’s Strawberry Gin Fizz Ingredients: Gin, strawberry puree, soda water, lemon juice | $6 A sunny summer afternoon calls for two things: a seat with a view and a cold drink. The Loft at latitude Forty Eight Five…

Sips of the Season–Poppe&#…

Sips of the Season–Poppe’s 360

Poppe’s 360 in the Four Points Sheraton was a great location for our summer Sips of the Season event on July 9. Guests enjoyed exceptional food and handcrafted cocktails. Under the direction of Doug Metzger, the kitchen at Chinuk whipped up delicious featured small bites like deviled…

Excy: Spin Your Way to Fitness

Shortly after her fortieth birthday, Bothell resident Michele Mehl took some time to re-evaluate. She was concerned about her health and felt frustrated by a gym membership she…

Wines for Grilling Out

Remember the “good old days” of outdoor barbequing? Assemble a stack of charcoal briquettes in the grill, saturate them with lighter fluid, set it aflame, and, more often than not, burn the food to a crisp. Then serve with your favorite six-pack of domestic beer and Kool-Aid for the kids. Today’s barbequing and…

Joyworks

The Shop Most North Ender’s know the charm of strolling along Snohomish’s First Avenue, and if you haven’t been, you simply must take a few hours to experience the delight. Darling seems to be the rule in Snohomish, and Joyworks fits right in. With seven decked-out windows, the shop runs three store-lengths wide and contains a basement level filled with home decor, upcyled finds, and vintage discoveries — all of which spans more…

Adventurous Brewing

On a perfect Fairhaven Saturday, a group of cyclists walked into Stones Throw Brewery. It was only noon, but the taproom was abuzz with activity. Owner Tony Luciano reached above the bar to pull a handle, TOOOOT TOOOT! The cyclists cheered at the sound, an old train whistle that someone gave Luciano. A passion for beer and outdoor fun inspired…

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 intimacy. The natural wood beams and finishes complement each other, incorporating the context of the surrounding woods while offering expansive views of the water. The stone fireplace and mantel give the main living area a focal point. The…

Fly into Oiselle

“Born and raced in Seattle” is the motto prominently announced on a wall in Oiselle’s flagship store in Seattle’s University Village. Founder…

Warm Comfort

In a nutshell, this home is nestled on two acres overlooking a pond with stunning landscaping. For this design, I…

Garden Gear & Gallery

Gardens hold a special spot in the hearts of many. Tending the young shoots of flowers, vegetables, and other plants, watching them grow, and, eventually, bloom is akin to caring…

Bountiful Berries

If our area has a common signature in the summer, it’s a berry fingerprint. Everywhere you go, every time you enter a store or…

Wonder Woman – Sarri …

Wonder Woman – Sarri Gilman

Author. Marriage and family therapist. Nonprofit champion. Speaker. Teacher. Sarri Gilman’s passion for helping others has led her down countless paths she never predicted she’d take. Although she’s been a licensed family and marriage therapist for 30 years, the work wasn’t something she thought she’d spend her life doing. “I just had a natural curiosity about human behavior and families. I swear…

Welcome Aboard! Washington …

Welcome Aboard! Washington State Ferries

Welcome aboard the Washington State Ferries. May I have your attention please? The familiar recording issues a pleasant greeting and several instructions…

Lake Stevens Community Food …

Lake Stevens Community Food Bank Seeks to Expand

The Lake Stevens Community Food Bank, directed by Anne Anderson and made possible through the efforts of about 100 volunteers, is doing its part to help members of the Lake Stevens…

Berry Beauty

It’s never been a secret, I’m a summer girl through- and-through. To me, just about everything gets better in the summer. The weather is warmer, the colors are richer, senses are heightened, and the flavors are sweeter. As it always seems to go by ever-so-quickly, I find myself trying to savor each sight and bring the inspiration of the season into everything I do—my beauty routine…

Edmonds Underwater Park’…

Edmonds Underwater Park’s Bruce Higgins

On a recent Saturday, Bruce Higgins organized a complex dive at the 27-acre Edmonds Underwater Park at Brackett’s Landing North, where he volunteers to build and maintain the underwater trail system. In 2007, the park’s trail system, which…

Mines and Utopias: A Tour of …

Mines and Utopias: A Tour of Area Ghost Towns

As the leaves turn to russet and golden tones and our thoughts turn to ghosts and witches, fall becomes the perfect time for charging or gassing up…

The Berry Dinner

I remember baking at L.A.’s “it” bakery in 2000 and being sent on an errand to “forage” the very best berries I could get my hands on. I took a wad of cash the chef gave me and headed out on my mission. We needed high quality, fresh berries for creating our seductive summer treats—fresh fruit tarts, fresh fruit scones, fruit bowls, and cakes. I went to the farmers market….

Braised Pork Shanks with …

Braised Pork Shanks with Apple Mirepoix – Crave Catering

Braised Pork Shanks with Apple Mirepoix, by Chef Justin Hawkinson of Crave Catering • 6 skinless pork shanks, trimmed osso buco style • Flour for dredging • Vegetable oil, as needed • 1 lb. each: diced red onion, diced celery, diced carrot, and diced green apple • 3 oz. BelleWood Acres Apple Brandy…

My Garden Nursery

THE SHOP My Garden Nursery offers patrons so much more than plants. From events like the Summer Solstice Soirée and their holiday Ugly Sweater Party, the nursery is about more than just planting and sowing. Customers also get excellent plant advice straight from owners Jenny Gunderson and Bill Raynolds, making My Garden Nursery the go-to garden spot from beginners to…

Z Gallerie

Z Gallerie opened its doors to its 63rd location in Bellevue Square on April 9. The furniture gallery aims to…

Julian MacDonough

At the Majestic on Forest Street on a spring night, jazz flows out of the doorway and vibrates off the walls….

Mount Vernon’s Chicest …

Mount Vernon’s Chicest Newbie

Situated in the heart of historic downtown Mount Vernon, Ryann Michele & Co. is the chicest newbie in the Pacific Northwest. A home decor and clothing boutique run by a mother-daughter duo, Ryann and Michele provide their customers with a stylish variety of clothing, accessories, skin care, and home decor. Imagine visiting a close, well-styled friend: welcoming, warm, and a visual treat, that’s what it’s like in Ryann Michele & Co. These stylish ladies make customers feel…

Cochinita Pibil – Acme …

Cochinita Pibil – Acme Farms + Kitchen

Banana leaf-braised Burk Ridge Farms pork shoulder, achiote-orange sauce, Samish Bay Queso Fresco, avocado, grilled orange, sopes, spiced Haricot Farms beans.

Unity Care Expansion

Unity Care Northwest unveiled plans to open a new health care center in 2018 to meet the growing demand for health care services in our…

Breathing New Life: 3 Oms …

Breathing New Life: 3 Oms Yoga Studio Expansion

It’s the mantra many people associate with yoga: a gentle, slightly vibrating “ommm.” Simply defined, om is the sound of the universe, but Yogic scholars remind us the meaning goes far deeper. In its simplest form, yoga is a series of movements in tune with one’s breath, but as any yoga practitioner can confirm, it is more than that. Bellingham’s 3 Oms Yoga Studio ensures its mission is just as multifaceted as the yoga experience. Back when the studio began,…

Wild Whatcom Receives Grant

Wild Whatcom works to educate children about the natural world, to connect kids to the beauty of our surroundings, and to foster stewardship for future conservationists. What began as a few outings with a group of friends has grown into week-long camps and natural encounters…

Wonder Woman – The …

Wonder Woman – The Network’s Ellen Gray

For outgoing executive director Ellen Gray, the past 19 years of her life have been devoted to advocating for the growing and distribution of organic food. When she began in 1997, she was part of a group of passionate individuals who decided to be proactive…

The Mixing Tin

Bluewater Organic Distilling’s The Salish Sea Ingredients: Bluewater Vodka, housemade elderflower, lime juice, simple syrup, cardamom bitters, basil leaf | $11 Bluewater Organic Distilling’s tasting room and cocktail bar offers refreshing libations to both seafaring adventurers and landlubbers. It is a prime spot to observe the hustle…

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…

Meet Chef Andrew Clarke

Judd & Black Appliance, Acme Farms + Kitchen, and Kulshan Brewing came together with North Sound Life for this installment of Meet the Chef, featuring Chef Andrew Clarke and his assistant Miguel Ryan. Cinco de Mayo isn’t really Mexican Independence Day, but it is the day that Mexico as an unlikely upstart knocked France on its heels and won a key battle in the war for Mexican Independence….

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…

Blackball Taiwanese Desserts

A line of excited customers winds around the tables and chairs to the door. It’s a Saturday afternoon at one of Edmonds’ newest additions, BlackBall Taiwanese Desserts, where patrons eagerly await…

Beardslee Public House

Before the the Beardslee Crossing development broke ground in Bothell, a sequoia tree towered over the property. When Chef John Howie of the Beardslee Public House learned about the tree, he was determined to reclaim its wood and see to it that something of the tree’s former glory…

Amazing Outdoor Adventures

The Pacific Northwest is a dreamscape for outdoor adventures, and Snohomish County is no exception. From the shores of Puget Sound to the craggy heights of the Cascades, the county includes one of the state’s five major stratovolcanoes, Glacier Peak, as well as four river systems — the Skykomish, Snohomish, Sauk, and Stillaguamish Rivers — which carve their courses from alpine forests through farmland to the sea. Bald eagles, salmon, gray…

The Berry Menu – …

The Berry Menu – Delicious Recipes by Local Chefs

No matter how you slice it, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are among summer’s sweetest fruits, especially here in Snohomish County, where there are plentiful opportunities to visit u-pick farms and roadside…

Palatine Passive House

The Palatine Passive House by Architect Tiffany Bowie of Malboeuf Bowie Architecture was one of eight homes featured during the 2016 Seattle Modern Home Tour in April. Bowie, a certified passive house consultant, fielded questions from tour guests curious about passive construction. “Many people weren’t familiar with the concept of a passive house, so it was a great educational opportunity,” Bowie said. Thanks to its efficient design, the 2,700-square-foot urban infill project boasts energy usage…

Stretch and Sip Your Way to …

Stretch and Sip Your Way to Saturday Morning Bliss

Instructor Carly Hayden rewards students who attend her YogaMosa class Saturday mornings at Bluewater Organic Distilling with an extra long savasana, or corpse pose. Savasana is the final relaxation pose of a typical yoga practice. After an hour of stretching, breathing, and balancing, students lie flat on their backs, close their eyes, and scan their bodies for…

Trail Review | Coal Lake

Enjoy a secluded mountain lake without a long trek or climb. The trail to Coal Lake is more of a jaunt to water’s edge and a starting point to explore further. In this neck of the woods, the crowds are sparse, the cedars are old growth, and the water is clear and swimming is encouraged. The hike to the lake may be short, but the road to the trailhead is 4.4 miles of dirt road. Forging such forest…

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.

Traveling Abroad Made Easy at …

Traveling Abroad Made Easy at Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Center

At home in the chic, down-to-earth seaside village of Edmonds is the Travel Center for Rick Steves’ Europe. Approach the building from 4th Avenue, just off Main Street, and you’ll get a sneak peek of the exciting travel possibilities to come with its classic red brick exterior and sculptural stonework. Enter under the watchful gaze of gargoyles. Five steps beyond the cheerful “Open” flag clapping in the breeze and you’re inside a onestop resource center for…

Wonder Woman – Bonnie Hilory

The colossal proportions of Boeing’s Everett Production Facility, where Boeing 747, 777, and 787 Dreamliner jets are assembled, are the stuff of local legend. The largest manufacturing building in the world in terms of volume, it is also the only jumbo jetliner production facility open to the public in the United States, thanks to the Institute of Flight, which is the 501(c)(3) non-profit that operates the Future…

Composer Ron Jones Opens …

Composer Ron Jones Opens SkyMuse Studio

It’s Jones’ vision that led him to a successful life of composing, earning numerous awards, and guest conducting with the London Philharmonic Orchestra this past November.

Boeing Celebrates Centennial

The Centennial is a fine time for children and students to learn about flight and careers in aerospace. “Above and Beyond” is a brand new hands-on exhibit at the Museum of Flight.

Women of Washington Wine – …

Women of Washington Wine – Janis Robinson and Julia Harding

The 2016 winners of the James Beard Award for Beverage Writing, Jancis Robinson and Julia Harding edit The Oxford Companion to Wine. Robinson is one of the foremost wine critics in the world, having authored many guides, books, and articles. Harding is a mentor, critic, and educator who is dedicated to mentoring those interested in wine education. She has received many awards for her work. Robinson took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for our readers: BA: Have you…

Summer Sounds

Lights! Cameras! Action! Coming July 17–30, the Arts Adventure Northwest summer camp will combine classical music sounds with the art of film. Offered by the Peterson Conservatory of Music and Arts in partnership with Cascadia Film Workshop, this summer camp is dedicated to teaching students about music, art, and culture. Students will experience “an explosion of creativity and improvement in skill on whatever instrument or film…

Women of Washington Wine – …

Women of Washington Wine – Anne-Marie Hedges Hedges Estate Winery

As with so many industries, the upper echelons of the wine industry were traditionally reserved for men. The past two decades have brought with them significant change, and the world of wine is becoming more inclusive. Washington wine pioneers like Nina Buty, Mary Derby, Eve-Marie Gilla, and Kay Simon have personally witnessed the shift away from male-only wine events, vineyard management, and seminars. Join us in raising a glass to the women who prune, pick, crush, and bottle some of the best wines in the world right here in Washington…

Pam Kuntz

A short-haired woman stands in the middle of a large, empty room and stares at her reflection in a tall panel of mirrors that cover the wall from end to end. She begins to sway her long limbs gracefully in beat to her slowtempo counting. Other people are spending the day out basking in the abnormally warm weather, while Pam Kuntz spends her time inside the small commissary building teaching young dancers to explore creatively. But…

Wonder Woman

Morgan Paris Lanza, executive director for Bellingham Girls Rock camp, uses music as an avenue to bring young girls together and teach them a fundamental lesson: the practice of self love. Lanza has operated Bellingham Girls Rock camp for the last three years,…

A Home for the Arts

On April 1, the Sylvia Center for the Arts opened its doors to the community for the first time. Curious guests gathered in the upstairs room of the old Cascade Laundry building overlooking downtown through unfinished windows. Strings of temporary lights were hung along the…

Alleycat Bike Shop

THE SHOP Tucked in the Lettered Streets, within the walls of a blue garage lies Alleycat Bike Shop. This neighborhood treasure is Bellingham’s onestop repair shop to restore and renew your bike. Lined with handlebars, accessories, helmets, tires, and other parts, this bicycle workshop has been repairing rides…

Women of Washington Wine – …

Women of Washington Wine – Kay Simon Chinook Wines

As with so many industries, the upper echelons of the wine industry were traditionally reserved for men. The past two decades have brought with them significant…

Women of Washington Wine – …

Women of Washington Wine – Sarah Hedges Goedhart Hedges Estate Winery

As with so many industries, the upper echelons of the wineindustry were traditionally reserved for men. The past two decades have brought with them significant change, and…

Treks & Treats

Just when we thought we’d lose our collective minds, the summer arrived! Bold, sunny, beautiful weather fills up our weekends and beckons us off the couch and into the woods. We’ve selected a few family-friendly treks that are perfect for an afternoon of wheeling around, a picnic and day trip, or a full-on overnight experience. GRAB YOUR HELMET…

Women of Washington Wine – …

Women of Washington Wine – Jody Elsom Elsom Cellars

Jody Elsom grew up in Woodinville, but is quick to point out that at the time, Woodinville was not wine country at all. “It was farmland and horses.” Her interest in wine started when she took a job with a company based in Sonoma and Napa. “I got to…

Women of Washington Wine – …

Women of Washington Wine – Victoria Antilla Sommelier and Wine Director

As with so many industries, the upper echelons of the wine industry were traditionally reserved for men. The past two decades have brought with them significant change, and the world of wine is becoming more inclusive. Washington wine pioneers like Nina Buty, Mary Derby, Eve-Marie Gilla, and Kay Simon have personally witnessed the shift away from male-only wine…

Women of Washington Wine – …

Women of Washington Wine – Marie-Eve Gilla Forgeron Cellars

As with so many industries, the upper echelons of the wine industry were traditionally reserved for men. The past two decades have brought with them significant change, and the world of wine is becoming more inclusive. Washington wine pioneers like Nina Buty, Mary Derby, Eve-Marie Gilla,…

Women of Washington Wine – …

Women of Washington Wine – Nina Buty Buty Wines

As with so many industries, the upper echelons of the wine industry were traditionally reserved for men. The past two decades have brought…

Mid-Century Makeover

Good things do come in small packages! Bringing back the bright was our design goal for this tiny ranch home. Every square foot was important; therefore, scale and proportion played a huge role in this little space. A refreshing paint palette, additional windows, and new cabinets with open shelving proved that minor changes can provide substantial results. It doesn’t take a lot of construction to freshen…

Women of Washington Wine – …

Women of Washington Wine – Mary Derby DaMa Wines

As with so many industries, the upper echelons of the wine industry were traditionally reserved for men. The past two decades have brought with them significant change, and the world of wine is becoming more inclusive. Washington wine pioneers like Nina Buty, Mary Derby,…

Ray of Sunshine

In London, the word “bird” can also mean “gal.” That is what inspired shop owner Adrienne Beard’s new women’s clothing store, The Chipper Bird. “I wanted to incorporate the words bird, joyful, and happy into the name],” Beard said. “I thought…

Trail Review | Wallace Falls

Take to the Woody Trail for a sensational journey up the Wallace River. It’s one of Snohomish County’s premier hiking venues. Bring a lunch and a camera, and prepare for Wallace Falls to entice you to the top, persevering through an elevation gain of some 1,240 feet in 2.75 miles, though many don’t venture…

Community Leadership and the …

Community Leadership and the Spirit of Giving

BY ZIAD YOUSSEF MAKING A CHOICE: Whether it’s your neighborhood, your city, or your country, community leadership requires a community effort and it doesn’t just fall on the shoulders of one candidate, and it surely doesn’t end with one VOTE. Just as proper legal care shouldn’t fall on the shoulders of one lawyer, or one act of lawyering, the…

Distinctive Details

The owners of this Blaine residence wanted the finest in architectural construction as well as the most aesthetically compelling styling possible. The overall result is demonstrated in this beautiful floating staircase. The steel supports were incorporated into the framing. The walls were then added, then the treads. The sturdy, yet graceful stainless steel railing and guard rails were welded together…

Once Upon the Water | …

Once Upon the Water | Washington State Ferries

As long as people have lived in and around Puget Sound, the waterways and sounds that connect us have been busy with marine traffic. The relationship people have to the water here is inextricable. Before first contact, Native Americans navigated the…

Chuck Close Prints, Process, …

Chuck Close Prints, Process, and Collaboration

May 12 – Sept 5 Experience world-renowned artist Chuck Close’s creative and technical processes firsthand as Everett’s Schack Art Center hosts “Chuck Close: Prints, Process, and Collaboration” in its main gallery. Nearly 90 large-scale prints and working proofs will demonstrate the artist’s groundbreaking innovations in printmaking mediums. Exhibition curator, Terrie Sultan, worked alongside Close…

Welcome Aboard! | Washington …

Welcome Aboard! | Washington State Ferries

Welcome aboard the Washington State Ferries. May I have your attention please? The familiar recording issues a pleasant greeting and several instructions as the engines throttle. The Kitsap pulls away from the ferry slip, our view of Anacortes fades into the mist, and we’re sailing west, bound for Lopez Island. Commuters sip coffee and read the day’s newspaper, a pair of sweethearts brave the rain to pose…

Here Comes the Sun

Watch as a slender cigarette boat cuts a brilliant path across the Atlantic leaving a trail of frothy sea foam in its wake. At the bow, a smartly dressed, sunglasses-clad couple laughs and…

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…

Chanterelle Hometown Bistro

At home on Main Street in the quaint waterfront town of Edmonds, the Chanterelle Hometown Bistro is nestled in an historic building that was…

The Vintage Company No. 7

Sandra Chhuon, owner of The Vintage Company No. 7, is sure spoken and wise beyond her 29 years, a vision of passion-driven entrepreneurship with bright red shoes and paint on her skirt. “There’s nothing I own that doesn’t have paint on it,” she confesses. “I can’t control myself sometimes.” When the daily need to paint furniture strikes, Chhuon…

Schooled in Fashion

You can hear the clicking of heels throughout Meadowdale Middle School hallways, and they aren’t your average heels. They are bright yellow, spiked high heels worn by intensive learning teacher Tamara Musser. Once you catch a glimpse of…

Matika Wilbur

Matika Wilbur hit the road in November 2012. The photographer was on a mission: to make portraits of members from each of the federally-recognized tribes in the United States, which numbered 562 at the time. Inspired by…

Mid-century in Medina

An updated landscape is just what this Medina property needed after it underwent a major remodel. Heidi Skievaski of Sublime Garden Design delivered a landscape design and install that complemented the newly renovated mid-century exterior. One of the challenges of a landscape remodel is incorporating existing elements. For example, homeowners desired to keep the giant Empress tree that…

Lombardi’s Italian …

Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar

Executive Chef Matthew Romeo crafts signature, seasonal menus that succeed on presentation, quality, technique, and, most importantly, taste.

Inspired and Inspiring : …

Inspired and Inspiring : Cassie Franklin

Here at North End Metro, we have sought to make women’s stories a regular part of our publication through our “Wonder Woman” column, which honors the achievements and contributions of women in leadership roles throughout Snohomish County. This issue we are pleased to expand that column into a special feature article, which highlights the ways five local women are making…

EATing Well

EAT owner Eric Truglas pointed to the little chalkboard to which the bill was clipped. “L’ardoise,” he said. “The bill is called ‘l’ardoise’ in France, because the order and the check were written on little chalkboards or slates. Truglas greets his customers with…

The Full Monty (Python)

I used to love being male. I didn’t need a great job; I just needed to be the primary breadwinner in the household and all the benefits of prior male-dominated generations were bestowed upon me. Pure magic, it was. As long as I brought home the financial bacon, not much else mattered. I could lose my hair, gain 50 lbs., shower occasionally, shave infrequently, and sit on the couch and…

Gender Confusion Explained: …

Gender Confusion Explained: Loretta puts staplers in “his” place

I love The Donald and the GOP presidential campaign — I feel liberated. Apparently, it is now politically correct to be un-PC. To this I say: “About time.” Those of us with…

Inspired and Inspiring : Dr. …

Inspired and Inspiring : Dr. Elaine Scott

Here at North End Metro, we have sought to make women’s stories a regular part of our publication through our “Wonder Woman” column, which honors the achievements and contributions of women in leadership roles throughout Snohomish County. This issue we are pleased to expand that column into a special feature article, which highlights the ways five local women are making a difference. They are accomplished community…

Essential Connection

Checking email, looking up drug interactions, receiving photos of grandchildren, video conferencing with family, following up with doctors — digital technology is now so woven into our lives, we can’t imagine an hour, much less a whole day, without it. And yet there are so many seniors who have to live without access to the wealth of information and entertainment that the digital world provides. According to the…

The Steering Column – My …

The Steering Column – My Traffic Man

SIX DEGREES OF TROUBLE Part 2: How Big Is Your Problem? WRITTEN BY ZIAD YOUSSEF L ast time we identified that trouble is measured by how difficult it is to identify its source and how much impact it has on your life. The first three degrees were No Trouble At All, Inconvenience, and Brace Yourself. Today, we discuss the last three degrees of trouble, the tornado, depression, and irrelevance: The Tornado: It comes almost out…

A to Z Lunch Guide: J is for …

A to Z Lunch Guide: J is for Jake’s Western Grill

J is for Jake’s Western Grill Barbecue doesn’t get better than Jake’s — smoky, delicious pulled pork or tender brisket —…

Inspired and Inspiring : Inez …

Inspired and Inspiring : Inez Bill

Here at North End Metro, we have sought to make women’s stories a regular part of our publication through our “Wonder Woman” column, which honors the achievements and contributions of women in leadership roles throughout Snohomish County. This issue we are pleased to expand that column into a special feature article, which highlights the ways five local women are making a difference….

Inspired and Inspiring : …

Inspired and Inspiring : Jonalyn Woolf-Ivory

Here at North End Metro, we have sought to make women’s stories a regular part of our publication through our “Wonder Woman” column, which honors the achievements and contributions of women in leadership roles throughout Snohomish County. This issue we are pleased to expand that column…

A to Z Lunch Guide: Z is for …

A to Z Lunch Guide: Z is for Zen Sushi

Z is for Zen Sushi Conveniently located right next to the Regal Barkley Village 16, Zen is a great place for a movie date. Sushi rides right to you on a conveyor belt. The house saki is good, and there’s a full cocktail menu that is worth a gander. Bright colorful lights and mood music make this chic stop in Barkley…

South Hill House

You know what it’s like when you paint your living room, and then the adjoining dining room looks drab, so you paint that, and the next thing you know,…

A to Z Lunch Guide: R is for …

A to Z Lunch Guide: R is for Rifugio’s

R is for Rifugio’s Country Italian Cuisine Deming is the gateway to Mount Baker. It’s also a lovely setting for a great restaurant, Rifugio’s. Brunch and lunch specialties include frittata, a breakfast carbonara, breakfast…

A to Z Lunch Guide : R is for …

A to Z Lunch Guide : R is for Rifugio’s

R is for Rifugio’s Country Italian Cuisine Deming is the gateway to Mount Baker. It’s also a lovely setting for a great restaurant, Rifugio’s. Brunch and lunch specialties include frittata, a breakfast carbonara, breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, and a burger. A nice stop on the way up to the mountain. 5415 Mount Baker Highway, Deming, WA Thurs.–Sun., 10 a.m.–8 p.m. 360.592.2888 ilcafferifugio.com Make sure to…

Cascadia Art Museum presents &…

Cascadia Art Museum presents “Looking Back, Moving Forward”

The Cascadia Art Museum pays tribute to Nellie Cornish and the Cornish College of the Arts, a school whose international legacy spans both visual and performing arts. Produced in partnership with Cornish, the exhibit draws upon the college’s collection, as well as from private collections…

Get Fresh with Spring Veggies

The earlier mornings, the not-so-occasional warm breeze, flower buds popping up, blossoms on trees, it’s spring! The time of year when all…

Top it Yogurt Shoppe

You can see Top It Yogurt Shoppe’s swirled logo from pretty much everywhere in Snohomish’s historic downtown. It calls out to shoppers…

Sassy Babes Boutique

THE SHOP “Rad” and “cozy” are two words Olivia Hanson-Hostetter uses to describe her clothing business Sassy Babes Boutique. “I’d also use the words ‘innovative’ and ‘unique.’” The shop, located in a Chevy 3500…

Small Changes that Make a Big …

Small Changes that Make a Big Difference

Though you probably haven’t convened your family members to hold a climate change summit in your living room, sometimes it can feel inordinately challenging to agree upon and make sustainable decisions at home. Ask anyone who has recently shopped for furnishings, upgraded appliances, or planned a build or remodel. World leaders seem to face…

Framing Issues | The …

Framing Issues | The Photography of Paul Anderson

Every political movement needs a frame, an iconic image, a visual depiction of what threats exist and what is to be saved. Paul Anderson’s photographs are exactly those images — visual reminders of what is at stake for our environment, and why he seeks to protect it. Paul also photographs the Native Americans who are caught in the battle between economic development and the preservation of…

Olympic Ballet Theatre –…

Olympic Ballet Theatre – Directors of Enchantment

There may not be anything so disciplined in the arts as ballet. Ballet mercilessly demands great strength, extreme flexibility, and intense musicality; all the while dancers must convey emotions such as joy, sorrow, passion, and sometimes anger. Whatever happens when the…

Bothell Furniture

THE SHOP Since 1985, Bothell Furniture has been a mainstay in downtown Bothell. Its salespeople have distinguished themselves by their knowledge and expertise. They buy carefully selected individual pieces of furniture rather than container loads of cheap…

Digs

I remember shopping at Digs when it was located on Holly St. in downtown Bellingham. The showroom’s furniture, housewares, decor, and gifts always made me feel a little weak in the knees, as if I might swoon onto a Gus*…

The Coloring Craze

Adults across the world are suddenly going crazy over coloring. This traditional childhood pastime leap-frogged over biographies, histories, and politics to the top of the bestseller lists. Publishers promoted sales by offering a wide, imaginative range of books, some by…

Wonder Woman – Lisa …

Wonder Woman – Lisa Dulude

“She says that she is driven by three factors: the urgent need for action, the ability to create programs and policies that help strengthen communities, and her overall love for nature.”

Housing Hope – Opening …

Housing Hope – Opening Doors, Changing Lives

For ten low-income families, Housing Hope meant the opportunity to work toward building their own homes in Snohomish’s Rose Park neighborhood. Numbering 17 adults and 24 children, the group logged 1,500 hours of…

Maple and Moss

Just off of Snohomish’s bustling First Avenue is a picturesque storefront painted in serene tones of blue and green. Above the door, a sign announces in cheerful cursive and delicate capital letters: Maple + Moss Boutique. Inside, the fashions that owner Kortney Rasmussen carefully curates evoke the quaint exterior with their warm colors, soft draping, and inviting fabrics. But the on-trend styles are youthful and pretty,…

Color Theory

Over the years I have done hundreds of color consults. The basis of all my home designs — whether hanging art, furnishing a room, or doing a remodel — starts, and essentially ends, with color. Most people love color, but they are often overwhelmed by all the possibilities, and thus choose…

Meet the Chef

On February 11, K&L Media and Judd & Black Appliance teamed up for Meet the Chef at Judd & Black Appliance’s test kitchen in Mount Vernon. Our…

Arlington Community Resource …

Arlington Community Resource Center

“Our staff members are incredibly creative and find
ways to help. They care and think with their hearts.”

Salt and Iron, Revisited

One year ago, Edmonds welcomed its first ever oyster bar and steak house. Before Salt & Iron’s grand opening, we reported on its development and interviewed co-owner and executive chef Shubert Ho. We’ve looked forward to reviewing it ever since. Salt & Iron is a study in contrasts, from its high quality offerings from land and sea to the possibilities for varied dining experiences. As a whole, the furnishings have a distinctly Pacific Northwest feel,…

A Contemporary Coastal …

A Contemporary Coastal Landscape

For landscape designer and certified professional horticulturist Heidi Skievaski of Sublime Garden Design, an unsightly curtain drain that skirted a newly constructed high-bank waterfront…

Beach Drive Remodel

As far as remodels are concerned, you might think that the most dramatic transformations are also the most expensive and the most complicated. The waterfront Beach Drive Remodel on Camano…

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…

Bellingham’s Newest …

Bellingham’s Newest Heroine

Whether you are hunting for
a statement piece, a winter coat, a perfectly fitting
sweater, soft comfy t-shirts, jeans, intimates, or
accessories, Heroine has a wide selection of items
for women of all ages.

Leavenworth, WA l …

Leavenworth, WA l Extraordinary Escape

Leavenworth is Washington State’s very own Bavarian Village. Here, it’s easy to find German beer and sausage, as well as Christmas charm with the year-round Kris Kringl store. “If you are looking for a quiet romantic experience, like staying at a European-style bed-and-breakfast with wine tasting, we can accommodate that.

Northwest Modern Luxury Home &…

Northwest Modern Luxury Home – Featured Home

Perhaps the crown jewel of the entertainment space, a glassed-in wine display room showcases a wine library and is conveniently located near the wet bar, an upgrade from the traditional bottom-floor wine cellar.

WONDER WOMAN – Susie …

WONDER WOMAN – Susie Purves

” It takes energy, drive, and determination to run an arts nonprofit, but Purves is clearly up to the task. When asked what her day-to-day schedule is like, she laughed. “I allow the staff to do their jobs. I’m the shepherd.”

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho –…

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – Extraordinary Escapes

The summer is the peak season for visiting Coeur d’Alene and there are many fun family events including a classic car show, arts and crafts festival, farmers markets and outdoor concerts. Look forward to the Taste of Coeur d’Alene, the Street Fair, and Art on the Green at the end of July.

Sundara West B & B &#…

Sundara West B & B – Quick Trip

“We just like to make everything as enjoyable and relaxed, yet elegant, as we can,” Hank said. “All we want is to be
accommodating — plus a little extra. We want to make a memorable experience.”

Outfitting Your Tiny House

Tiny houses make it difficult to squeeze these large appliances into a tiny footprint. Luckily, manufacturers have stepped up and sized down without sacrificing quality.

Eldridge House – …

Eldridge House – Featured Home

The couple set about remodeling, using mostly local artisans. The result? A comfortable, unpretentious, and yet artful home that accommodates family, friends, and even a lovely bald eagle who lurks in the trees above

Bison Bookbinding & …

Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress

Whether it is a blank book, greeting card, or stationery,
everything in the store has a connection to writing.

The Steering Column

To really understand the 6 Degrees of Trouble we explore
the nature of problems in general; or, at least, the difference
between small problems and large problems, and the difference
between those that have little impact and those that have
a large impact.

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.

DiSaronno Sour

next time your work week gets the best of you, head to the Lighthouse and try the DiSarrono Sour.

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.

Via Birch Bay Cafe

Oh is a humble man, but he clearly takes pride in this lovely place that he’s had to build twice. May the waves stay at bay, because this seaside café deserves to stand the test of time.

Bay View House – …

Bay View House – Featured Home

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

The Filling Station

The minds behind Avenue Bread are at it again but are taking a more retro approach to their second venture, The Filling Station.

Snow Goose Books and Frames

THE SHOP Nestled in the tiny town of Stanwood is Snow Goose Books & Frame a 30-year-old shop, where owners and staff members offer knowledgeable and friendly service. They know their neighbors, as well as their neighbors’ interests in literature and taste in art for framing. “We really get to know our customers,” said Kristine Kaufman, co-owner of Snow Goose Books and Frames. “We have a…

The Pilchuck Glass School

A garden of glowing spikes, a ceiling of sea creatures—Dale Chihuly’s influence upon Washington’s art scene is felt in every gallery…

WONDER WOMAN – Dr. Jean …

WONDER WOMAN – Dr. Jean Hernandez

Not long after Dr. Jean Hernandez was named President of Edmonds Community College (ECC) in 2011, she received affirmation in the form of the Honorary Triton Award—Outstanding Administrator Award. “The Triton Award was a very sweet honor, because I had been on campus for just five months when student government awarded it,” Hernandez said. “It validated for me that I was connecting with students and supporting them.” Experience gained during her 34-year…

English High Bank Waterfront …

English High Bank Waterfront Home

The goal was to build a timeless waterfront escape—a vacation home on Camano Island with architectural character and traditional elements. “My clients wanted the home to feel as if it had been lived in before,” said principal architect Dan Nelson of Designs Northwest. Situated on an exceptionally steep bank that…

Cascadia Art Museum

Hummingbirds flit about on bright orange flowers blooming in front of the newly opened Cascadia Art Museum, located in the just renovated mid-century Salish Crossing building near the Edmonds waterfront. What lies inside this reinvigorated icon, which was formerly the Waterfront Antique Store and before that a Safeway, is nothing short of stunning. Lindsey Echelbarger, the museum’s founder and president, worked with his wife, Carolyn Echelbarger,…

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…

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.

Lather & Salt

Tucked — almost squeezed — neatly between Everything Tea and Roger’s Riverview Bistro on Snohomish’s main downtown First Street drag is a delicious bath and body shop.

Whatcom Dispute Resolution …

Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center

My favorite thing about being a part of WDRC is dealing with disputes in an effective and respectable way and making a difference in the community on a daily basis

The Savvy Traveler

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

Judith and Daniel Caldwell’…

Judith and Daniel Caldwell’s Delightful Public Art

From grand public displays like Blue Sky Baskets in White Center to tucked away corners like the humble embeddings of Paw Prints in the downtown Seattle REI to bronze masterpieces on school campuses, the Caldwells help shape and artistically humanize our Northwest landscape.

The Fit School

The fitness model is simple, really. The six-week class meets just twice a week for one hour, which includes 25 minutes of a track workout focused on speed or pacing (your speed/pace), a sequence of drills like high skipping and lunges, three minutes of core strengthening, and a few minutes of stretching.

Snohomish County’s First …

Snohomish County’s First TEDx Event

Twenty-three speakers participated in the daylong event at the Edmonds Center for the Arts. It was the first independently organized TEDx event of its kind, unlike the more than 10,000 TEDx events that have been held in communities worldwide since 2009.

Women Painters of Washington

Six founders started WPW in 1930 in order to bring together extraordinary women painters from across the state to encourage, engage, and foster artistic growth, as well as help these painters overcome hurdles not faced by their fellow male colleagues.

Kama’aina Grindz

The food may attract you, but you’ll stay for the atmosphere. Whether it’s your first time venturing into the eatery, or it’s your regular Friday night date spot, you’ll be greeted like family at Kama’aina Grindz.

Year-Round Yoga Retreats

You’re feeling exhausted, unable to recharge, out of breath, out of energy. One way to gain back those needed moments for yourself is to pack up, feed the cat, kiss your family, and take off.

The Legend of Snohomish Slew

On GroundFrog Day, Snohomish Slew is the frog of honor and serves as the official Frognosticator Extraordinaire. If he croaks, then spring has sprung

Stand Up Paddle Yoga

The feeling of floating on your stand up paddleboard and being surrounded by the elements as you practice yoga is nothing short of awe-inspiring. No matter where you are, whether a pristine lake, at a tropical ocean or even a marina surrounded by boats, you have the water flowing beneath you and the vast sky above.

The Mixing Tin – The …

The Mixing Tin – The Hollywood Tavern’s Woodin Sidecar

The Woodin Sidecar served up at The Hollywood Tavern — an historic tavern adjacent to Woodinville Whiskey Co.’s production facility and tasting room — is a fantastic cocktail to sip this winter.

Winter Biking

Biking is an ideal winter activity both on-road and off-road. It’s great cross-training for avid skiers, and also for those whose knees and back rebel against the idea of carving downhill.

The Key to Eating Well: Meal …

The Key to Eating Well: Meal Planning

The New Year can be a time of fresh beginnings for dietary changes and is a great place to start, but just how do you start eating healthy?

The Adult Coloring Craze

Coloring takes you away from worries and a chattering mind. Some say coloring is a creative venture without the need for artistic flair or skill. Read on to learn more about the current crave.

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.

A Shop Sets Sail

Tucked beneath the South Bay Suites in historic Fairhaven is Bellingham’s newest home decor and gift shop. 1 Paperboat welcomes guests with open doors to Bellingham Bay, creating a new by-the-sea shopping experience. Within its walls, shoppers can find an array of home goods, jewelry, gifts,…

The Road to Recovery, A …

The Road to Recovery, A Reason to Rise

The day that Jackie found out she was pregnant, her world came into focus. She was 21, homeless, and seeing a man who was being tormented by his own demons. Jackie had seen her own recreational drug use begin to spiral out of control, shifting from casual to frequent, finally leading to intravenous use — anything to escape reality. As she…

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…

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Graham Cracker Crumble: 1.5 Cups graham cracker crumb 1/3 Cup of melted butter 1/4 Cup of white sugar In a metal bowl mix…

A Bold New Vision

When traveling between Seattle and Vancouver, Bellingham tends to be the place to stop on the way. We’re striving to be a place that travelers don’t just pass through, but…

Sips of the Season featuring …

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

Keenan ’s at the Pier and The Chrysalis Inn hosted the inaugural Bellingham Alive Sips of the Season event on the restaurant’s open air patio. Gentle ocean breezes, fun people, and remarkable hors d’ oeuvres and fantastic cocktails made for an unforgettable afternoon. Keenan’s staff…

The Buzz About Barre

As a young child I loved ballet and dreamed about becoming a ballerina. Fast forward to adulthood, and I have found the next best thing. It’s called the Booty Barre® method. I was so inspired by this workout that I went…

Tis’ The Season, It’s …

Tis’ The Season, It’s Party Time

It’s that wonderful time of year when party invitations pour in. What does that mean? There will be rivers of mulled hard cider, eggnog and champagne abundantly flowing. Over-indulging in holiday libations may take a toll on your health. The familiar holiday bulge and other health problems may appear. Research indicates that on average we gain approximately five pounds over…

Omega Pizza & Pasta

Since opening its doors in 1996, Omega Pizza & Pasta has filled the bellies and warmed the hearts of Granite Falls regulars as well as customers from throughout the Seattle metro area. A small town, family-friendly restaurant with a down-to-earth atmosphere, this Greek food hub is a hidden gem far off the beaten path. It offers warm, welcoming service and a surprising piece of celebrity charm. For nearly twenty years, owner Barb Petrakopoulos and…

Zinc Art + Interiors

A tray with a glass sake set and sushi rests on a long wooden table. It seems a bit out of place amid the rest of the items artfully arranged on the beautiful, grained surface. There are little boxes with wry sayings emblazoned on their lids,…

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….

Sculpture Northwest Opens …

Sculpture Northwest Opens Gallery

It could be a misnomer to call Sculpture Northwest a sculpture gallery. Yes, they certainly have one in downtown Bellingham on Prospect Avenue, but they are more than that. Under the leadership of George Drake and…

The Whale Trail

It began in 2008 with a lost Orca named Springer. Separated from her pod, Springer was starving and swimming close to shore. A group, led by Donna Sandstrom, came together to reunite Springer with her pod, and that effort led to a discussion about whale watching boats and increased traffic on our marine highways. Sandstrom founded The Whale Trail, a series of sites along the West…

Gear Gone Wrong

Gear. It’s where a lot of great hikes and camping trips begin. Laying out the bags to fluff in the sun, trips to the camping store for more stove fuel, gathering up the sleeping pads and tucking them into tight rolls—all camping begins with gear. Even a simple day hike requires water, snacks, good shoes, lightweight clothing, hats, sunscreen, and more. So while your gear can be an important point of departure for…

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…

The Beautiful Lakedale Resort

Relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy the peace and beauty of Lakedale Resort, a woodland getaway just a short drive from the ferry landing at Friday Harbor. There are so many options of accommodations, so you can tailor your stay to be as outdoorsy—or as pampered—as you want. The hotel is a beautiful timber frame building with an elegant great room, a cozy fireplace,…

The Table’s Herb Dumpling …

The Table’s Herb Dumpling Recipe

Check out this Web Exclusive- The following recipe was omitted from Chef Dave Reera’s Pot Roast at the Meet the Chef event on September 10th, 2015. This is a great Fall or Winter dish to try! Herb Dumplings all purpose flour, 2 cups 1 1/2 tsp of salt 1 1/3 cup of milk 4 Tbsp butter,…

Project Homeless Connect

On July 9, volunteers lined up for Project Homeless Connect, a program in which attendees provide free services to almost 1,000 community members. The recipients received a hot meal, medical care, dental care, child support services, information about Social Security eligibility, and…

Cosmos Bistro

Cosmos Bistro, located in the Herald Building, is destined to become one of Bellingham’s iconic restaurants. Recently opened by Cinnamon Berg, Cosmos Bistro offers guests a relaxing venue filled with good vibes and out-of-this-world…

The Increasingly Popular, …

The Increasingly Popular, Himalayan Dog Chews

What started as a test-the-waters product at a small Bellingham, Washington dog show fair can now be bought at more than 5000 pet product retailers. Friends and Nepali natives Suman Shrestha and Nishes…

The Bravo 369 Flight …

The Bravo 369 Flight Foundation

If your children grow up studying the dramatic U.S.-led mission to deliver planes to Russia through Alaska, you’ll have Whatcom residents Craig Lang and Jeff Geer to thank. In her remarks giving the Bravo 369 Flight Foundation Congressional recognition, U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene read into the record, “I want to recognize the efforts of the project’s…

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…

Hello, Sunshine! Summer …

Hello, Sunshine! Summer Beauty Tips & Tricks

This summer—my, oh my! It feels like this summer started about two months early this year and that beautiful, warm sunshine is continuing to knock it out of the park. As a makeup artist, summer is my busy season and all too often it feels like the sunshine disappears before it even started (I’m sure almost all of you can relate). But this year, I’m taking every moment possible to slow down…

The Root Beer Store

A little more than five years ago, successful entrepreneur and business owner Corey Anderson asked himself, “What do I want to do?” With a few successful businesses holding their…

The Lodge Sports Grille

Whether you’re looking for a cozy corner in which to settle down and watch the game with a beer in hand, or are in search of a lively hub to gather with friends, look no further than The Lodge Sports Grille….

Bon Séjour Home

THE SHOP Step into the welcoming interior of Bon Séjour Home in Bothell’s Country Village, and you will feel right at home. Stylish comfort suffuses the shop, from the color of the walls,…

This Old Shed

For this remodel, my clients wanted to revamp an old shed. Fifty feet from the house, this outbuilding is the perfect…

Amaro Bistro

If you enjoy the familiar Italian flavors of Il Bistro, a long-time Pike Place Market staple, try the owner’s new restaurant in Bothell—Amaro Bistro. When the owner, Nick Wiltz, and the Il Bistro team celebrated their fortieth anniversary last year, he also revealed details about the new…

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…

Salt & Iron

An Edmonds woman exclaims, “Oh yum, an oyster bar is coming!” while walking past the paper-covered windows at 321 Main Street. A poster on the door simply states “Salt & Iron. Oysters. Steaks.” Enough said, really. Edmonds has been without an oyster bar and steak house for…

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….

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…

Fat Pie Pizza

Bellingham has a few great spots that serve up their particular delicious version of the cheese-laden pie. New to the mix, however, is Fat Pie Pizza, a bustling joint that specializes in the infamous Chicago-style crust, as well as the lesser-known Detroit crust. Owner James Swift dreamed up Fat Pie Pizza after holding a few pizza parties for friends at his own house. The house itself has several professional pizza ovens and his chefs made…

Five Faves: Spring Rolls

This issue we take on a journey to discover our favorite places to get spring rolls.

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, cheerful, and warm. He also has a passion for gardening and caring for plants and landscape in the earth-friendliest…

Remarkable Vartanyan Winery

Siberia is, by extremes, a far cry from Whatcom County. It’s a chin-scratcher that a Siberian winemaker by way of Armenia would settle down in this part of the world. Margarita Vartanyan’s story emerges from revolution, international strife, oppression and liberty. In November 1920, the Republic of Armenia was abolished and, under Dictator Joseph Stalin, became the…

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,…

Bringing it Back: The …

Bringing it Back: The Recycled Remodel

One of the features that makes our area so charming is in the way in which we preserve and restore houses and buildings from our past. With the RE Store, Skagit Salvage and antique stores galore, it’s not difficult to find materials for an era-authentic remodel. This was not always the case, but the surge in DIY remodeling coupled with a new environmental sensibility has created a market for used fixtures, lumber and more. Construction companies like A-1 in Bellingham…

Betty Lou’s Downtown …

Betty Lou’s Downtown Emporium

What I first notice when stepping into Betty Lou’s Downtown Emporium, other than the flowing skirts and cozy sweaters, is a feeling of being transported to somewhere calm, mature and a little bit exotic. To my left are displays full of dresses, skirts, sweaters and tops in warm earth tones with occasional bright colors.

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…

Wild Whatcom

Few experiences rival the enthusiasm children bring to exploring the outdoors— whether they’re climbing rocks, exploring moss covered trees, hunting for seashells on the beach or running along trails.

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.

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…

Hitting the pavement with the …

Hitting the pavement with the right fit

Before you hit the pavement running, be sure to choose the best running shoes for your foot type and running gate. This will be the most important decision you will make as a runner, because your running shoes will determine whether or not you will have a good running experience. Here are some key points to consider while shopping for shoes at your favorite specialty running store: Indentify your running profile In order to find the…

A Delight-ful Remodel

Homeowners Delight Green and Michael Newlight hired Craig Burling, owner and general contractor of CB Premier Construction, to build an addition onto the master suite of their creative Chuckanut Drive house. The 850 square foot addition included a bedroom, bathroom and closets, all with electric radiant heat. “The house is 41 years old and we thought the master bath was dated, Delight said. “Also, we wanted more closet space to make…

Garth Stein

Most of the world knows Garth Stein as an author. However, those of us in the Northwest who have had greater opportunity to interact with him also know he is an Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, playwright, awesome dad and excellent cook. His roots run deep in Seattle, and he has spent ample time in our area as both a child and adult….

Trailblazers

Celebrating the Women of Boeing Be ready. And always have your shoes on. That’s how Nelda Lee, the first female…

30-Day Body Blast

You have no excuse not to do this full-body circuit workout! Not only can you do it almost anywhere, but you don’t need any special equipment (just a timer, jump rope and a chair or bench). The entire workout takes about 20 minutes; first warm up with three-to-five…

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…

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…

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….

Pierside Kitchen

There are places we dine because the ambience is lovely, even though the food is questionable. There are restaurants we frequent because the food is great, but the décor is as comfortable and inviting as a carnival ride. And then there is Pierside Kitchen at Semiahmoo Resort — a fine dining restaurant that ought to be on everyone’s list of top five favorite restaurants. The décor is elegant yet inviting, the seasonal cuisine always exceptional and the…

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…

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…

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…

Assembling Your Bucket List

What’s On Your List? Bucket Lists have made a huge surge in our culture — and somehow it sounds far more appealing than “my list of things to do before I expire.” In fact, you can even…

Set Goals, Focus on Change …

Set Goals, Focus on Change and Get Results

As a personal trainer here in Bellingham for the past ten years, I have seen and experienced what does — and does not — work for clients who want to improve their health. Most people come to me with a goal in mind, but have no idea on how to achieve it. Any health-related goal can be achieved by making a…

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 scent of possibility each New Year brings. When…

Meet Chef Michael Buholz

On Nov. 13, K & L Media partnered with Judd & Black Appliance to host Executive Chef Michael Buholz from The Loft at Latitude 48.5. Buholz welcomed the small audience gathered in the showroom’s test kitchen and shared his philosophy on sourcing the best ingredients and serving only made-from-scratch sauces and dressings. As he prepared the four-course meal, Buholz entertained guests with stories from his lifelong love for cooking….

Latkes: Grated Goodness

As fall turns into winter, the scent in the air that tells me it’s holiday time isn’t pine needles, but the hunger-inducing fragrance of potato latkes frying…

MAGDALENAS

Paris, London, New York, Vancouver and Bellingham have them. Little shops where the aromas of sweet and savory crêpes, custom sandwiches and hot soup du jour fill the air. With a formidable selection of crêpes, it’ll take more than one trip to decide which is better, sweet or savory. But at this eatery, it is criminal to pass up the sweet little numbers filled with velvety smooth vanilla-flavored cream cheese, white chocolate and your choice of fresh fruit. A…

Online Exclusive – …

Online Exclusive – Biking

I started out as an avid runner from an early age, from the time my brothers chased me until I became a competitive runner in high school and college. After a series of knee surgeries, I received the news that, at just age 24, I was bone-on-bone with the knee of an 80 year old. My doctor said, “If you want to walk when you are 30, you need to stop all impact sports now.”

Sea to Storefront

Catch, Cook and Chow Down in the North Sound Northwest natives know that our regional treasure isn’t gold, it’s pink. We’re talking salmon, and are we ever rich. We live beside an in land sea with access to an ocean coastline beyond and an…

Best Of The Northwest 2014

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Best Casino Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa Silver: Skagit Valley Casino Bronze: Swinomish Casino & Lodge With events, expos and activities, there are always reasons to spend a weekend at the Silver Reef, but they’ve wisely added one more: the Cigar Lounge. It’s the perfect place to gather and relax — a calm oasis among ringing slots and busy card tables. The hotel and spa are world-class, and offer excellent…

Art through the Senses

SIGHT Visual art in our area is so abundant. Some say it’s the light, some say the views, some say it’s the calm, easygoing lifestyle. For whatever reason, our corner…

Bellingham Tap Trail

Hold on Bellinghamsters, an entirely new way to enjoy beer is a-brewing. Those who thought they knew their way around Bellingham’s beer scene will have to start with a blank slate. From Boundary Bay to Chuckanut Brewery, four Bellingham residents have created the Bellingham Tap Trail — a beer map — as a way for beer-lovers everywhere to navigate the breweries of Bellingham. Shannon Larkin,…

The Cork, The Tap & The …

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

1. North Fork Brewery 6186 Mt. Baker Highway, Deming northforkbrewery.com The home of the Beer Shrine, North Fork was established in 1997 by Sandy and Vicki Savage. Sandy is the former head brewer at Triple Rock Brewery in Berkeley, CA. He…

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…

Vintage Inspiration

Have you ever wondered if you were made for a different era? I sure have. Ever since I was young, vintage styles have always inspired me and I often found myself nostalgic for those simpler days. Today, my Pandora station is riddled with the Rat Pack and Elvis Presley, A-line dresses make me swoon, and winged eyeliner with red lipstick is…

Faye Whitney – Hero

On August 20, 2013 a lifechanging event occurred for dispatcher and supervisor Faye Whitney. With twenty seven years of experience…

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 only do our farmers work hard to grow all this amazing food, they offer their bounty in our local farmers markets, grocery stores,…

Island Getaways

SAN JUAN ISLAND San Juan Island teems with life in the summer. Friday Harbor is San Juan’s welcome mat, and…

Summer Fun Guide

Olaf — the lovable snowman in Disney’s Frozen — sings about his affection for summer “Bees will buzz, and kids will blow dandelion fuzz…in summer!” But parents and grandparents aren’t always as thrilled with the extra hours of bored little ones tugging at them for something to do. Those who…

PeaceHealth Foundation Hosts …

PeaceHealth Foundation Hosts Circle of Care Gala

On June 7th, the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Foundation will celebrate the community’s generosity, spirit and leadership at its bi-annual black-tie gala. PeaceHealth takes great pride in its service and commitment to the people of Whatcom County and beyond, but the not-for-profit doesn’t act alone: doctors, patients, caregivers and the community at large are all a valuable part…

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,…

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.

Backstage At The Bravern

Bellevue’s premiere shopping destination is worth the drive Having seen a list of the shops at The Bravern– Neiman Marcus, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Hermes – I was prepared to be thoroughly intimidated on my first visit to this upscale Bellevue shopping center. It was with some trepidation that I did the hair and makeup thing, dressed UP, took some deep breaths and walked from my hotel to one of the two elegant arrival courts. If…

Toast the Winemakers

Meet the men and women behind the craft of wine making at six Washington wineries…

Mongolian Beef with Oostema Farmstead Wagyu