The food, farming, and fishing culture of Northwest Washington is rich and diverse, and one of the most exciting ways to explore our region’s offerings is by taking a trip on the…
Since Time Immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about…
In December 2016, “Bellingham Alive” published a story about Growing Veterans (GV), a Whatcom-based organization that was being nationally recognized for its powerful veteran-focused agrotherapy program. Veterans often…
Whether you’re looking for a 2 a.m. nightcap or a 10 a.m. cup of joe, Slo Pitch Casino is truly the place to be for food, drinks, and all kinds of fun. People from all walks of life are welcome, just as long as you’re old enough to gamble and drink. Owned and operated by the Gill family, Slo Pitch Casino (previously…
The Claire Theatre has been a pillar of the performing arts community in Lynden for almost four decades. After its recent remodel,…
The moment you walk into Tulalip Resort Casino, you’re immersed in the cultural character and polished amenities that define their regional standard of excellence. The resort is a getaway destination that offers guests a comprehensive premier experience, including 370 luxurious guest rooms and suites, the indoor Oasis Pool, high-end boutique shopping, gaming, a DraftKings Sportsbook, entertainment, restaurants—all of which would be incomplete without the T-Spa. T-Spa is a full-service luxury spa on the hotel tower’s second…
JUGGERNAUT SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY The great white shark on the bottle label represents the resilience of the grapes that go into this wine. According to Juggernaut’s website, growing conditions on the Sonoma Coast frequently feature fog and intense wind, causing the…
Traveling workers, families, adventurers, and staycationers have an exciting new place to stay in Sedro-Woolley. The Kulshan Hotel, which opened in March 2025, is a boutique 49-room hotel with all the modern amenities. It’s already brought a noticeable boost to the city’s travel sphere. The Kulshan Hotel is owned by Skagit locals Brandon and Kate Atkinson. Sedro-Woolley has only one other hotel, the 40-room Three Rivers Inn, which has been around since at least the mid-’90s. There…
From coastal escapes along the Pacific to destination resorts east of the Cascades, Washington’s casinos offer far more than gaming alone. Many have grown into full-scale hospitality destinations, blending thoughtfully designed hotels with standout dining, live entertainment, spas, and plenty of ways to unwind beyond the casino floor. Whether you’re planning a fun night out, a quick overnight stay, or a long weekend getaway, these casinos reflect the character of the communities they call home. Some lean into laid-back coastal…
Happy Birthday Baywood Coffee! This May, this cozy Birch Bay coffee shop celebrates two years of cultivating a community atmosphere by the beach. Owner Antonie Inthavong opened Baywood Coffee in 2024, taking over the former Birch Bay Teriyaki and Chinese Cafe space…
Paul Chiyokten Wagner is an activist, a tribal member of the W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich) Nation, and the Founder of Protectors of the Salish Sea, an Indigenous-led environmental protection organization. But ask him about his spirit, and he will tell you about the night the flute songs came. He used to play electric guitar, deep…
1. Golden, crunchy, and downright addictive, Nicki’s Bella Marina’s Deep-Fried Pickles strike the perfect balance between crisp batter and tangy dill bite. 2. The Asian1 Appetizer Combination delivers a satisfying mix of crispy, savory bites just perfect for sharing. It comes with Golden and satay chicken, egg rolls, prawns, and even has some fries! 3. The Enchilada Combo Plate at Señor Lopez is hearty, comforting, and full of classic Mexican flavors. The enchilada is…
April showers bring May flowers, and here in the Pacific Northwest that also means the beginning of our farming season. Local markets fill with bright greens, sweet peas, tender carrots, and the first real promise of warmer days ahead. This dish is a celebration…
Completion date: August 2025 Location: North Bellingham Engineer: Frame Studio, Inc. Builder: Casali Construction and Remodeling Interior Designer: Alexa Casali with Casali Remodeling Photographer: Melissa Daughters with MKDaughters…
Gently burbling water, swaying underwater plants, and hundreds of fish flashing their colorful scales and fins at you as they swim by. For most, it’s an undeniably captivating view, and one known to help reduce stress. Bellinghamsters have been able to aquarium-gaze at the Marine Life Center, the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, and at other pet shops and businesses in town. But these spaces weren’t designed for truly unplugging, relaxing, and connecting with fish and fellow community members for…
One of the best things about visiting casinos is the wide range of activities that one can indulge in. In addition to restaurants and games, many casinos boast hotels with swimming pools, spas, and gyms. Part of the fun is dressing up for each occasion! You don’t want to end up wearing your gym wear to the slot machines. We’ve taken the liberty of…
Opportunity Council is an organization supporting Whatcom, San Juan, and Island Counties with childcare, early education, employment, financial, and basic needs services. Maple Alley Inn, their hunger-fighting healthy meal program, has been operating since 1987. Maple Alley Inn serves breakfast on Tuesdays and lunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Faith Lutheran Church in Bellingham. That’s also where their community garden is located, which has grown around 1-2 tons of produce since its inception. Maple Alley Inn…
CASINO Jack’s Bar Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, orange bitters, Luxardo cherry The Casino cocktail is a simple but sophisticated drink that anyone can enjoy, whether you are taking your chances at the roulette wheel, having a night out on the town, or cozying up at home. The Casino is a well-balanced cocktail…
Riding a bike is a timeless activity that, for some people, has been part of life for many years. This includes the owner of Birch Bay Bike Shop, John Roy, who solidified his deep passion for biking in high…
Imagine this: you’re lying outside on a blanket in the sun on bright green grass. The temperature is warm, but not too warm, and the sounds of birdcalls and smells of freshly blooming flowers are nourishing your soul. Maybe a book is lying by you, and maybe your emotional-support water bottle is as well. Something important is missing in this beautiful moment, and that is some delicious food!…
Millet Gluten-Free Bakery is Bellingham’s only 100% gluten-free bakery. Open for less than a year, it’s risen in popularity faster than the owners could ever have imagined. The owners, three sisters named Chloe Vogel, Aemilia Vogel, and Clara Dwyer, have been baking their entire lives. The sisters saw a need within the community for a gluten-free bakery,…
When borders divide, communities can choose to sail toward each other. On a weekend in Sept. 2025, a flotilla of boats carrying roughly 100 Americans crossed the Salish Sea from Orcas Island, Washington, to Salt Spring Island, British Columbia—two islands separated by a national border but connected by tides, ferry routes, and the kind of neighborliness that doesn’t require a passport to feel. The gathering was called Hands Across the Water, and it arrived at exactly the right moment, with…
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…
Mother’s Day, as we think of it, was founded in the United States in the early 1900s by Anna Jarvis, the daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis, a community organizer and social…
Sometimes, out of nowhere, your fridge decides to stop working. Or your dryer decides to burst into flames. Or your piano is fine, you just don’t want it anymore, and you don’t know what to do with it. It’s tough to know what…
THE SHOP Nestled among the shops of historic Fairhaven, Serendipity is a venue trading in upscale and vintage consignment clothing. “We like to describe ourselves as an eclectic collection for style lovers of all ages,” Owner Megan Lacki-Cunningham tells…
Location: Lake Whatcom, Bellingham Homeowner: Mark Wheatley Architect: Maggie Bates, A1DesignBuild Builder: A1DesignBuild Interior Designer: Mark Wheatley Photographer: Moment Films When Mark Wheatley approached A1DesignBuild, he…
LONG SHADOWS POET’S LEAP RIESLING Poet’s Leap is one of my go-to Rieslings! It’s a burst of freshness in a glass. Think white flowers, zesty lime, and a…
Maybe it’s something about reentering the ‘20s, but speakeasies have seen a definite resurgence over the past five to 10 years. Thankfully, history isn’t repeating itself entirely, so we aren’t…
During their 2025–2026 season, the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra (BSO) launched BRAVISSIMO!, a brand new community for folks aged 21–39. BRAVISSIMO! was inspired by Seattle…
Editor’s note: This story originally ran with Michelle Schraeder’s last name misspelled as “Schrader.” It has been updated here. Our deepest apologies for this inaccuracy. On a quiet stretch of land near Everson, where Ten Mile Creek winds through marshland and meadow, Ed Stone kneels beside a spring-fed channel surrounded by…
Cooking with Cannabis offers a gentle and customizable way to support relaxation, ease chronic discomfort, and enhance overall well-being. When infused into everyday foods, it allows for steady, predictable effects without smoking—making…
Earth Day happens annually on April 22, and the Pacific Northwest is the perfect place to celebrate, with an abundance of community cleanups, parades, and sustainability events. These events are often…
The fourth annual Skagit Wood Expo and Marketplace is going down at The Skagit County Fairgrounds in lovely Mount Vernon on April 18 and 19. This family-friendly event focuses on locally-sourced wood and lumber, with one-of-a-kind events throughout the weekend. With over 50 local vendors, the artisan marketplace presents the perfect opportunity for visitors to shop unique and affordable wood specimens. From handcrafted…
If you garden west of the Cascades, you already know this truth: rain isn’t possible to fight—you just have to work with it. Western Washington gardens don’t follow the tidy rules found in seed…
Early spring is one of my favorite moments in the kitchen. Winter cooking starts to loosen its grip, the markets brighten up, and seafood takes center stage again. This dish brings together a Louisiana-inspired blackening technique with Pacific Northwest halibut and fresh spring vegetables. Finished simply, it’s clean and balanced. With the addition of a light lemon beurre blanc, it becomes a slightly more elegant plate while still letting the ingredients lead. BLACKENED HALIBUT…
When I first walked into Leila Halbert’s Salon Festa, I was immediately struck by a visual contrast. Her salon is situated in a gray, ordinary-looking building, but the inside is anything but. There are sparkly…
CASSANDRA’S RAPTURE Temple Bar | $14 Ingredients: Mezcal, Genepy, lemon juice, Aperol, Firewater bitters This original cocktail is a perfect spring indulgence! Served up in a coupe glass, Cassandra’s Rapture is a cheerful orange color, delightful, cool, and refreshing. Don’t let its placid appearance fool…
One of the prettiest views you may ever have the privilege to look upon can be found in Agassiz, Canada. Endless rows of tulips as far as the eye can see are rooted in the earth, ranging from ruby red to amethyst purple. Mount Cheam is in the background, towering above the lush treeline and caressing…
Skagit Wild Bird Supply General Manager Tia Melhus, didn’t always like birds. In fact, she only started paying attention to them after being laid…
Not weighed down by restaurant or retainer—a personal chef plans, arrives, cooks, and leaves. Chef Joshua Gatewood, Founder, Owner, and Chef at Nourishing Nomad, has found that it’s the perfect niche for him. Gatewood is a former Marine who used his GI…
“From the Vault: Hard Edge/Soft Ground” is one of three new exhibitions on view at the Whatcom Museum. It brings the museum’s…
Pacific Northwest fans of HGTV’s popular “Fixer to Fabulous” will recognize some familiar faces on an episode from last December. Longtime Whatcom County business Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing appeared on an emotional episode…
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…
After closing down in June 2025, Cloud Mountain Farm Center has been incubating a new future. The Whatcom Land Trust took temporary control of the 20-acre Everson farm in Dec. 2025 with the main goals of conserving the land for agricultural use and finding a new…
When Good Earth Pottery first opened its doors in downtown Fairhaven in 1969, it was a pottery cooperative studio where local ceramicists worked and sold their art through a small gallery. Over time, as the gallery gained a devoted following and required more space, the studio component was removed. Now,…
Last September, La Conner was the latest PNW town to welcome family business Pie Dive Bar into the community. This bar and restaurant combines two great American traditions, defined right in…
1. Samosas are fried, savory pastries that are perfect for a light meal or an on-the-go snack. We love Naan & Brew’s delicious Veggie Samosas, served with a flavor-packed chickpea sauce. 2. If you haven’t been to Hey Dumplin’ in Bellingham yet, this is your sign to check it out! Not only do they have options to suit anyone’s dietary needs, but their Potato Vareniki Dumplings with Charred Garlic Thyme Sauce…
THE SHOP Nestled among the storefronts of La Conner’s quaint downtown, ERTH is a quiet and calming oasis brimming with natural clothing and goods. Owner Stephanie Banaszak opened ERTH in 2023, and the shop represents an opportunity for connection—with the items, with each other, and with the world. “My whole ethos is…
Vashon Island, also known as Vashon-Maury, is a Puget Sound island cradled between Seattle and the Kitsap Peninsula. It’s smaller and more populous than our San Juan Islands, with forested shorelines, small farms, and a range of accommodations to satisfy luxury-lovers and nature fanatics alike….
Last September, Keenan’s at the Pier restaurant at the Chrysalis Inn & Spa in Fairhaven welcomed new Executive Chef Eli Cobb. Cobb was previously at the Majestic Inn & Spa in Anacortes, and comes to Keenan’s with 25 years of experience in…
A new Mexican restaurant has arrived on the scene in Fairhaven, taking over the space previously occupied by Jalapeños. Tacos Guadalajara opened its doors in November 2025 and is owned by Guillermo Rosas, who operates a quick-service taco joint by the same name in Ferndale. Patrons can expect the same authentic flavors at the Fairhaven location, with an expanded menu for the more traditional restaurant setting. Tacos Guadalajara is a…
PEPPER BRIDGE WINERY MERLOT Pepper Bridge Winery Merlot is the kind of wine that feels like a hug in a glass—rich, smooth, and effortlessly inviting. Aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, and a hint of cocoa draw you in, while balanced acidity and silky tannins make every sip glide across the palate. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner, yet polished enough to impress at a dinner party or casual gathering with friends. Flavors of dark fruit…
Embarking on a custom home build comes with so many questions, considerations, and decisions, it can seem as daunting as climbing Mount Everest. How do…
There are few meals more comforting or more closely tied to St. Patrick’s Day than corned beef and cabbage. This version keeps things simple, balanced, and deeply satisfying, with tender brisket, buttery parsley carrots, gently cooked cabbage, and a side of black-eyed peas for warmth and good fortune. These dishes are rooted in tradition, affordable ingredients, and shared tables. They’re straightforward to prepare,…
In an unassuming building downtown, there’s a tireless effort taking place daily on behalf of our region’s most vulnerable children. “I just can’t believe how many people don’t know what exists in…
BLACK & TAN The Den | $10 Ingredients: Pale ale, stout Bellingham has a certain affection for beer cocktails—if you’ve ever enjoyed…
By March, the rainy skies of winter have long overstayed their welcome and we’re ready to bid the colder months adieu. To combat the gloomy weather, we have put together a list of our favorite coffee providers. A visit to these local connoisseurs—from roasteries to drive-thrus—is sure to leave you with a roasty,…
There’s plenty of stressful details to worry about before a wedding, but The Town Seamstress is there to make sure that the dress isn’t one of them. Founded by Master Tailor…
Following the resignation of Executive Director Derek Long, it was with great pleasure that Sustainable Connections announced the appointment of interim leadership for the organization. Jenna Deane and Delaney Skordal began serving as Interim Co-Executive Directors of the organization on Nov. 1, 2025. Before taking on these new leadership roles, Skordal and Deane guided Sustainable Connections as Development Director and Program Director respectively, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the…
“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” — Audre Lorde In the United States, since…
Experience nature’s awakening in beautiful La Conner, as the town welcomes the season of renewal with the 12th Annual Daffodil…
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…
Designer: Christine Coder Design Builder: Moceri Construction Photographer: Kate Rhodes When I arrived at the door, she reached out, smiled, and pulled me inside—an easy, familiar gesture marking my second visit to their waterfront condo in Bellingham. Our initial meeting had been just as warm, a lively exchange of ideas that uncovered a wealth of possibility within the home’s older, compartmentalized layout. Once divided into a few…
After two years of closure due to damage from the devastating Terminal Building fire of December 2023, Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse will soon reopen its doors to the public, ushering in a new era for the beloved and historic Fairhaven institution. Brought back…
THE SHOP When you first set foot into elSage Designs’ brick-and-mortar in downtown Mount Vernon, you may already be planning your next visit. The colorful designs and high-quality art are welcoming and mesmerizing. Phoebe Carpenter Eells, the owner and artist at elSage Designs, began selling her art online around 2010, and went full-time in 2012. In the summer of 2019, elSage expanded to the large space they are in now and have…
From Feb. 23 to Feb. 27, Whatcom County will present its second annual Invasive Species Awareness Week. This is a very important week for Washingtonians, as it emphasizes just how critical the protection of our beautiful state ecosystems are. As stated by the Washington…
1. For a quick and delicious hot lunch, swing by Leaf & Ladle and get yourself a Seasonal Panini. It’s stuffed with thinly sliced apples, a thick layer of ham, and gooey, melted brie cheese. 2. Banh Mi & Bubble Tea might be Bellingham’s favorite food truck, and…
If you came over to my house for dinner, you’d smell the menu before you ever sat down. The sizzle of garlic in olive oil, a handful of freshly chopped herbs, citrus being zested right over the cutting board…These…
A fresh new Japanese dining experience is opening soon in downtown Bellingham courtesy of Bank and Aoi, the husband and wife duo behind the popular Thai Maison…
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of discovering and sharing some of the most memorable restaurants across our region—each one with its own flavor, story, and sense of place. This collection celebrates the passion, creativity, and heart that make dining here such a special occasion. Whether it’s your first date, your forever favorite, or just a friendly night out, these local dining gems set…
Over the years I’ve known a lot of artists. To me they fall into two broad categories: artists who keep studios away from their homes and artists who make their entire home a studio. Patricia and Richard Missler are definitely…
Metalsmithing is an ancient craft dating back to the Bronze Age when artists first began to forge and shape metal. When jewelers practice this ancient artform, they create intricate pieces that reflect their unique artistic vision. Two Whatcom County metalsmith artists, Bobbie Marquette and…
ROMBAUER VINEYARDS 2022 ZINFANDEL The 2022 Rombauer Zinfandel continues the Napa Valley winery’s tradition of bold, fruit-driven reds with broad appeal. This vintage bursts with ripe blackberry, raspberry, and plum, layered with vanilla, licorice, and sweet spice from 10 months of aging in American and French oak. Lush and full-bodied, the wine balances rich fruit with smooth tannins and a hint of pepper on the finish. At 15.9% ABV, it’s generous without being overwhelming, making it…
Sisters Amy and Katie Carson of Bitters Co. have worked closely with craftspeople for over three decades to develop their unique homewares collection. Beyond a direct-to-customer and wholesale business, Bitters…
February may be the shortest month, but it’s easily the sweetest. With Valentine’s Day at the center and the first hints of winter shifting toward spring, it’s the perfect time for a classic timeless steakhouse dish that feels both romantic and achievable at home. Steak Oscar, born in the late 1800s and named for Sweden’s King Oscar II, has long been a symbol of celebration: tender steak layered…
New Year’s Day, 2025. Mt. Baker Wilderness. A backcountry snowboarder reported overdue. As daylight faded, volunteers from Bellingham Mountain Rescue (BMR) worked against the clock to devise a rescue strategy. The shifting elements conspired against them: frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, avalanche hazards, and complex terrain. The snowboarder endured…
I’ve got great news for local bourbon and steak lovers! There’s a new, delicious steakhouse in Mount Vernon—Cask and Cleaver! Bill Constantine, owner of Cask…
LOVE POTION NO. 9 Sip into something seductive this Valentine’s Day with the Love Potion No. 9, a vibrant cocktail blending vodka, peach schnapps, and…
It’s been 16 years since Galentine’s Day first hit the mainstream, thanks to the sitcom “Parks and Recreation.” According to character Leslie Knope, the day before Valentine’s is all about “ladies celebrating ladies” with brunch, heartfelt stories, and…
Updated 2/6/26: After our February 2026 issue went to print, the 37th Legendary Banked Slalom was postponed due to “an unworkable snowpack in the Natural Halfpipe.” We corrected and updated the online version of our article with information about the postponement. Thank you. — The Editorial Department at Bellingham Alive. The 37th Legendary Banked Slalom, originally intended to take place this Feb. 6-8, was postponed and will now…
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…
Over a year has passed since Bellingham’s beloved non-profit creative reuse center and textile workshop, Ragfinery, caught fire in December 2024. After losing a decade’s worth of stock, fixtures, and electronics, Ragfinery successfully raised nearly $40,000 in donations and found a new space on Unity Street in Downtown Bellingham. They opened this new location on Jan. 9, allowing them to provide the community with affordable textile art supplies and job-skills training, keep textile waste out of landfills, and reunite…
Inside Passage Counseling opened its new downtown Bellingham office in July 2025, offering trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy to clients in a beautifully remodeled space. Founder and Executive Director Heather Varnau, MA, LMHC, has practiced therapy under the Inside Passage name for more than 18 years. Varnau and her husband, Co-Owner, and Assistant Director Chris Aiken previously lived on Lopez Island, where Varnau specialized in three-day intensive couples counseling. “Couples…
Many of us seek peace, composure, and resilience, but it can be hard to find. If you’re looking for some guidance, Bellingham’s friendly neighborhood Zen community is waiting with a warm welcome at their newly- opened temple. Red Cedar Zen Community was founded in 1991 and practices Soto Zen, a school of Japanese Buddhism with a focus on meditation and mindfulness in all…
Green smoothies are more than just a health trend—they’re a simple, delicious way to boost daily nutrition. Combining leafy greens like spinach or kale with fruits, liquids, and optional superfood boosters, these vibrant drinks provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants in every sip. Ideal for busy…
THOMSON & SCOTT NOUGHTY NON-ALCOHOLIC BLANC Thomson & Scott Noughty Blanc is a fresh and easygoing non-alcoholic white that’s perfect for light dinners. Made with organic grapes and crafted to keep its character after dealcoholization, it offers crisp citrus and juicy peach notes with a clean, dry finish. Think refreshing orchard fruit with a splash of sunshine. Vegan, low in sugar, and big on…
These days, I’ve found that hope and community are more important than ever, especially considering the current state of our world. Luckily, we’ve got access to a healthy resource in Skagit County that is more reliable and comprehensible than ever. This is Cosmic…
Designer: Robin Daly Color & Design Builder: Cascade Custom Homes Photographer: Snowberry Lane Photography When a Whidbey Island couple looked to expand their home’s livable space, their…
For so many of us, health concerns fall into two camps: “worthy of a doctor appointment” and “I’ll probably wonder about this forever.” But even questions that don’t feel urgent deserve answers! Which is why we’ve polled our community for your non-emergency health and wellness questions, sorted them by age range, and solicited answers from some wonderful regional providers. The result: a wealth of medical…
1. It’s not happenstance that Avenue Bread has three separate locations in Bellingham alone. This popular eatery’s Tofu-ggenue breakfast sandwich is a savory tofu,…
These days, it seems every other news story is talking about the merits (or pitfalls) of the low carb, high fat (LCHF) diet, also commonly referred to as the Keto Diet. So what…
If you were to drive past the alleyway between the new Setting Sun Circle and the Wild Buffalo House of Music on Holly Street, you might catch a glimpse of some wonderful, fresh art. Setting Sun Circle is the Children of the Setting Sun Productions’ (CSSP) new home, a community-minded space that…
Chocolate Necessities has been handcrafting chocolates and confections for nearly 40 years, but if you haven’t visited their downtown Bellingham location recently, it’s worth a trip! Owners Rose Vogel and Michael Howell purchased the…
If you want to go above and beyond with your New Year’s resolutions in 2026, consider adding “saving a life” to the list. The good news is you don’t have to learn CPR or go through years of schooling–it’s as easy as scheduling a blood donation appointment! Don’t think your blood is needed? Think again! Annually, 5 million Americans require a blood transfusion, which amounts to one…
IMMUNE BOOST MULE Bright, zesty, and brimming with wellness perks, the Immune Boost Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. Blending citrus, ginger, and honey, it delivers bold flavor while adding a dose of nutrients…
PNW Plateful is a Bellingham-based nonprofit that distributes hundreds of handmade, individually-packaged meals to food banks and partner organizations across Whatcom County each week. Over their five-and-a-half years of operation, they’ve distributed more than 124,000 meals. Founder and…
Tucked away amongst the lush green suburbs of Bow, a menagerie of creatures surrounds a picturesque one-story house. A giant spider resides on the roof, while a full-sized horse, elephant, nesting ostrich, kangaroo with a joey in its pouch, alligator, bulldog, and more share the vast, grassy yard. Joe Treat, a 72-year-old semi-retired insurance agent, is the mastermind who brought these critters to life. Treat sold…
THE SHOP Since 2005, Three French Hens has been a Fairhaven mainstay, selling upscale women’s attire, jewelry, handbags, and select fragrances. Located in the stately historical building that once housed Fairhaven’s first bank, both the shop and the wares inside transmit comfort and welcoming elegance. Owner Parul Bhathella describes their philosophy: “Centering on quality over quantity—each piece is chosen for its craftsmanship, comfort, and longevity. Many pieces are…
Treaty Day, observed on Jan. 22, is the anniversary of the signing of the Point Elliott Treaty in 1855. While the Treaty is in effect…
Located in the former Fireside Martini & Wine Bar space, MJ’s Martini Bar rekindles the flame with its own special spark. With upscale eats, specialty cocktails, and a boozy Sunday brunch, this new kid on the block is a must-try in the new year. Co-owned by siblings Maurice Christion and Jenna Hansen,…
Last fall, Allied Arts of Whatcom County unveiled their all-new Whatcom County Arts Awards, a program celebrating the individuals and organizations who create or promote the arts in Whatcom County….
Quantum Health Pilates & Yoga Lounge has a natural way of drawing people in. With its relaxed environment, it offers visitors of every ability level a place to recharge and nurture their health. More…
AMBASSADOR WINES OF WASHINGTON 2019 ESTATE ENVOY RED BLEND Several months ago, I was treated to a wine dinner experience at Copperleaf Restaurant &…
If you walk down cozy Commercial Street in Anacortes, also known as “restaurant row,” you’ll see the happy faces of diners entering and exiting the many cafes and restaurants of the beautiful seaside town. Trees, flowers, and outdoor eating areas surround the sidewalk at Tide & Taste, where you’re greeted with a warm smile. Run…
Magic can be found in the unlikeliest of places. A slate-gray blob of clay, a blank white canvas, rich brown wood, or even soft beeswax. These materials carry endless potential and can be made into statues of animals, culturally significant totems, and beautiful, bright landscape paintings. Here are just some of the Northwest’s local artists who’ve unlocked the magic within. Yvonne Buijs-Mancuso Encaustic painting involves mixing color pigment into beeswax and using it as paint. The earliest…
MULLED WINE ‘Tis the season for steaming drinks in front of a fire with your favorite people with a pot of fragrant, cheerful mulled wine a la Dickens’ “A…
In pretty much any Northwest Washington town, you’ll often find yourself near local art. Below, you can find just a few of the galleries that showcase the creative work of our…
THE SHOP Just off I-5 exit 270 in Birch Bay Square, this shop sells select women’s apparel featuring classic on-trend styles—most for under $75. The clothes are modern yet distinctive; many pieces would be just…
1. Fuel up for a big day with the Barnyard Benedict at Sweet Bay Cafe. The poached eggs are served with bacon or ham on an English muffin, covered in country gravy, with hollandaise and hash browns to boot! 2. MOTO recently opened in Bellingham with its Detroit-style “odd pizza!” We tried…
Looking for some fun winter cocktails to brighten the season? These recipes are easy to shake up at home with just a few simple ingredients. A quick grocery run covers the basics, while many garnishes can be found right in the pantry—perfect for adding a personal twist. From sweet to tangy to bold and cozy, there’s something here…
David Wight, the world’s premier glass wave sculptor, almost drowned at age 11. “My dad was floating down a little offshoot of water from the main…
Bellingham’s Cosmic Games is gearing up for a huge expansion! They’re moving from their 4,500-square-foot location on the Guide Meridian to a 12,000-square-foot space at Bellis Fair Mall. Cosmic Games is a staple for local gamers and collectors, thanks to their packed inventory and expertise with trading card games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokemon, video games across platforms, roleplaying and table top games, and related toys, apparel, and accessories….
The Bellingham Technical College (BTC) Foundation recently announced a new endowment that will support Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences students for generations to come. The college is incredibly grateful for this generous bequest, which totaled more than $970,000. The William and Bonita Waters Fishing Scholarship will provide more than $38,000 each year for scholarships for Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences students, as well as nearly $10,000 annually for the Foundation’s Greatest Need Student…
Winter is a season of contrasts: it’s the darkest, coldest season, representing quiet, solitude, and endings, and it’s also when we come together for festivities around joy, connection, and light. Many winter celebrations pay homage to the struggles of the season while reveling in the human capacity to endure, survive, and counteract them—here are some holidays, traditions, and events that celebrate everything there is to love about winter. Lucia Dec. 13 During this Swedish celebration…
Between family gatherings, office celebrations, and last-minute gift runs, the holiday season often demands a look that’s both festive and flexible. For women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, the key isn’t chasing trends—it’s embracing…
Nothing says “I love you” during the holidays quite like Green Bean Casserole served alongside a Bourbon Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie. Both dishes carry a sense of nostalgia and comfort, and every time I make them, holiday or not, it feels like a celebration. Chances are you’ve tried some version of these dishes…
Elk St. Tavern is the new kid on the block and sibling restaurant to Bellingham’s beloved Redlight Kitchen & Bar….
Our home is a bounty of rich, flavorful ingredients. This holiday season, elevate your table with these signature recipes that showcase some of the best locally-sourced…
Haircutting is a delicate craft. It takes a person who can connect with their client—someone who knows just how important a fresh…
I first met Indira Rouw through my local Buy Nothing group—she’d put out a call for sturdy grocery bags, and my cupboard was overflowing, so I popped over…
Sofie Hynes has been an independent jeweler in Bellingham for around three decades, and her business, Sofie’s Goldmine, operated in a repurposed gas station on State Street for the last 19 years. In late August, Sofie’s moved to a bottom-floor storefront in the Hotel Leo building on Cornwall Avenue. “I felt like it was time to take this opportunity,” says Hynes, whose previous space was scheduled for demolition. “Everyone at the Hotel Leo…
In May, Bellingham staple Old World Deli re-opened its doors after a month-long renovation. While it may be the same business inside the same building, Owner Chris Adams is determined to bring a new, more refined approach to the shop. After visiting delis across New York, Los Angeles, and even Japan, he decided it was time to make some changes. “After seeing all that, I was kind of…
Bellingham’s poetry scene has been quietly brewing for decades, with writers’ groups, kitchen table readings, open mics, and acclaimed poets making an occasional splash. This Nov. 7–9, the inaugural Salish Sea Poetry Festival hopes to bring poetry front-and-center. The festival is the newest program from the Whatcom Poetry Series (WPS), which also supports the Sue…
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…
Nestled in the Mount Baker Rim community, Arch House is a beautifully designed two-bedroom, one-bathroom, arched frame cabin. The home was first purchased in 2021 by Erica and Alex Egner, who hoped to create a mountain getaway that could also serve as a vacation rental. They spent the next year and a half designing, renovating, and tailoring the home to their vision. “We’re both designers,” says Erica. “The desire to create and make beautiful things is something we naturally share.”…
Located just south of the Mount Baker Highway in the small town of Acme, the Acme Diner is a true American diner. This must-stop location features a full selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options to satiate your hunger at any time of day. The food is…
If your scalp is haunted by half-hearted hair care, there’s a place in Bellingham where you can go to revive it. Moondog Head Spa & Haunt is the private studio of hairstylist Deirdre Miller. It may share space with the ghosts of the Herald Building, but that’s not why Miller called it a haunt. “I’ve just always been drawn to the macabre,”…
DARK ‘N STORMY The Dark ‘n Stormy is a classic, and the perfect drink to make at home! With only three steps and ingredients including the garnish, it’s also one of the more accessible cocktails to make on a budget. While the exact origin of this cocktail is unknown, it’s likely that sailors were the original enjoyers: the rum combined with the ginger can help to settle queasiness, a perfect refreshing remedy for upset stomachs…
After facing some challenging years, an iconic Skagit County staple is making a comeback as a go-to spot for locals and visitors. Under new ownership, Conway’s Pub and Eatery is being refreshed with a focus on revitalizing the neighborhood atmosphere while preserving the pub’s roots. Long known for its oysters, burgers, and dive bar charm, Conway’s is once again the lively gathering place that patrons enjoyed…
It’s been coined “the easy island” for its bridge access, but Camano has more to offer than its lack of ferry lines. Less…
Downtown Bellingham is becoming somewhat of an art exhibit, featuring works sanctioned and unsanctioned from many local artists and muralists. One artist making his mark on the scene is Ivan Colin,…
Walking into Pure Bliss Desserts, it almost feels like you’ve been transported to another world; elegant and classy interior decor calms the eyes, appearing in various colors of muted and matte pink, white, and black. On the wall to the left of the entrance is their motto, painted in sharp black letters: “From scratch. Small batch. Locally sourced.” The tenets that Pure Bliss Desserts lives…
Anyone looking for even more scares this Halloween season should stop by Bleedingham, Bellingham’s annual horror film festival. From Oct. 24-26, attendees can enjoy horror to the max with fun events happening throughout downtown Bellingham. Run by Gary Washington, Michelle Barklind, and Langley West, Bleedingham has been a passion project since 2012. “We decided, hey, there’s a lot…
1. Indulgence is just a sandwich away with Mount Bakery‘s Jambon Buerre! Dijon mustard, cotto ham, smoked prosciutto, triple cream brie, all complemented by a thick layer of Camargue butter—this is a treat and a half. 2. For a casual and filling…
October is one of my favorite months in the Pacific Northwest, with its shorter days, crisp air, and sudden abundance of earthy roots, winter squash, and apples. It’s the season when food leans into comfort—warm, golden, and a little indulgent. This dish brings it all…
130 Categories. 78,318 Submissions. 1,212,472 Individual Votes. 390 Winners. A 16-Year Tradition. Each October, we bring you the results of our annual Best of the Northwest readers’ choice contest. For the entire month of July,…
130 Categories. 78,318 Submissions. 1,212,472 Individual Votes. 390 Winners. A 16-Year Tradition. Each October, we bring you the results of our annual Best of the Northwest readers’ choice contest. For the entire month of July, readers, fans, followers, clients, friends, and family alike voted for their favorite local businesses. We are proud to feature the top three from each category… here are your 2025 Best of the Northwest winners!
Azzurra gift shop Owner Sasha Leaman didn’t start her career in retail—in fact, she never even worked in a shop before opening…
Indigenous Peoples Day, which falls annually on the second Monday of October, is a chance to celebrate the contributions and living cultures of Indigenous peoples. “Indigenous people” usually refers to a people who are the original inhabitants of a place and whose lifeways, language, and spirituality profoundly connected to their homeland. Here in what we now call Bellingham and the surrounding areas, Indigenous peoples include Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian…
RED SCHOONER VOYAGE 12, Wagner Family of Wine Red Schooner is a distinctive red wine produced by the Wagner family, renowned for their flagship label, Caymus. What sets Red Schooner apart is its unconventional…
Legoe Bay sits on the western side of Lummi Island, the long, low strip of land that Bellinghamsters see when they look across the water from downtown. Being something of an Indoor…
The Shop Sandwiched between Avenue Bread and The Bagelry, Sojourn is the perfect lunch break shopping stop. Sojourn first opened in 1994, when Owner Peggy Platter saw a lack of boutiques in town and an empty…
Thomas Lutz is the craftsman behind Uisce Irish Pub’s 36-foot mahogany bar in Bellingham, the custom dining furniture at the now-defunct Willows Inn, and dozens of bespoke pieces of fine furniture all over the Pacific Northwest. After 32 years living on Lummi Island, he finds it difficult to imagine living anywhere else. Lutz grew up in the New York suburbs and studied engineering at the University of New Hampshire, but he wasn’t settled on what to…
Bellingham residents may be familiar with the stories of Jennifer Worthley and Bryan Matamorosa, the culinary couple who own It’s The Sweet Things and Bry’s Filipino Cuisine, respectively. Now they’re embarking on a new venture, this time together. Found on the second floor of Fairhaven’s Village Books, Next Chapter Cafe…
Since Time Immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by…
Every October, Skagit farms open their gates for the annual Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms, a two-day celebration of agriculture and heritage….
The grounds look like something one might see in Tuscany—creamy stucco buildings topped with terracotta roofs, with the Cascade mountains as a backdrop. The faces…
“It was my happy place,” WildFibers Owner Brooke Jones says, gazing fondly at the colorful skeins of yarn and beautifully-knitted sample garments that surround us. “My birthday trip would be to come to WildFibers by myself, so I could be here for a long time…and at one point, I just asked…
For most, a gas station parking lot may not come to mind when looking for a bite to eat. But Vinny and Ruby La, the owners of Banh Mi & Bubble Tea, are trying to challenge that. They’ve operated their food truck out of…
We show a lot of appreciation for our agriculture around here, and everyone knows fall means fresh apples and pumpkins. But there’s another fall crop thriving in the PNW that’s delicious, nutritious,…
Photographs by Bellingham Media Group Staging by Sandra Hurtley and Solveig Johnson Some homes speak in whispers—of stories long lived and lives well loved. The Shields home, nestled in…
In New Orleans, Mondays have long carried the scent of simmering red beans and woodsmoke—an aroma woven into the rhythm of the week. Red Beans & Rice isn’t just a dish; it’s tradition, brought to Louisiana in the 1700s…
SAZERAC Let’s venture back to the early 1800s in New Orleans, when Antoine Peychaud invented the Sazerac. Peychaud worked in an apothecary where he was known for…
For tens of thousands of years, music has been a gateway for people from all walks of life to get together, bond, and create community. We’re lucky enough to have an orchestra right in Bellingham that embodies these very things. Bellingham Symphony Orchestra (BSO), the resident orchestra of Mount Baker Theatre, has been…
We usually enjoy cocktails in their completed forms, after they’ve been measured, shaken, and poured. But the process is enjoyable in and of itself—hence the hypnotic effect of sitting at a bar and watching a mixologist work their magic! This month, we’re giving…
THE SHOP Tucked into the heart of Lynden’s historic Front Street, Cheeks Jeans Boutique is cozy and welcoming. The racks are thoughtfully curated with women’s clothing for every stage of life—from adorable babywear and fun tween styles to timeless pieces for women of all ages. Alongside denim, you’ll find accessories, select footwear, gifts, and seasonal favorites. In a world dominated by online shopping, Cheeks offers something different: a…
Alexis (Lexi) Hughes, executive director of Burlington Little School (BLS), is serious about play. Passion beams from her face as she shows me around the property, which was a single family home before the school was founded by Bruce Campbell in 1997. “Here at our school, the children do everything through play,” Hughes says, as we start the tour in the…
ALVEARE BEE & BARREL 2022 Alveare is a wonderful winery run by a young couple in Carnation, Washington. This Bordeaux-style red blend pays homage…
Each fall, one of Whatcom County’s most anticipated events brings together community leaders, business owners, and changemakers for an evening of inspiration and impact. The Whatcom Women in Business Annual Awards Celebration, held each September, honors local…
Is there anything more comforting than a dumpling? They’re literally little pillows of sustenance, bursting with flavor and draped in a blanket of sauce. Or, at least, the ones at Hey Dumplin are. On a recent visit, we were blessed with no fewer than five plates of tender dumplings—a variety of the three options: Classic Pelmeni with beef, pork, and veal; Potato Vareniki; and Chicken Pelmeni—in sauces ranging from traditional butter to sweet chili soy. This is…
When more than 500 runners gather at Burlington-Edison High School’s track this September to toe the line for the 48th Annual Skagit Flats Marathon, they’ll be carrying on a tradition that’s been a source of pride in Skagit Valley for nearly five decades. The Skagit Flats Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K—which is scheduled for Sunday, September 14—is one of four races…
On Aug. 1, Pickford Film Center officially opened Pickford on Grand, a long-anticipated expansion just one block from its Bay Street location in downtown Bellingham. The new venue features three additional screening rooms—two 60-seat houses equipped with state-of-the-art 4K laser projection and a 19-seat “jewel box.” “This expansion is about breathing room,” says Marketing Manager Gray Gordon. “We were always having to choose—do we keep a film longer or make space for something new? Now we don’t…
1. Go on, be a little bad! The Sin-namon Roll Blondies from Slice of Heaven Bakery blend cinnamon, frosting, and buttery blondies for a repentance-worthy experience. 2. A homemade feel almost always makes a meal better—hop on over to Netos Market & Bakery for a Quesadilla or…
September marks the return of Sustainable Connections’ September Eat Local Month, where local farmers, chefs, and food enthusiasts get the chance to showcase their talents throughout Whatcom County. To encourage the community to get out and explore, there will be events that shine a light on those who grow, harvest, and prepare food all month long. The fan-favorite Whatcom County Farm Tour…
The Mount Baker Theatre will be hosting a variety of shows throughout their upcoming theatre season, starting with “Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy” on Nov….
Since Time Immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared home in a good, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to restore our relationship with Mother Earth and with one another. We are grateful for these stories, told in the words of each featured…
Do you prefer a red? Or a white? Perhaps a rosé? Picking out the right wine—even answering that initial question—can seem like quite the chore, but the wine connoisseurs around you are eager to help with any question you could possibly have. …
The 2025 Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival is Friday through Sunday, September 5, 6, and 7. There are plenty of activities for all ages, including a parade, food, fun, music, fireworks, and new this year, a drone show! If you like people, food, and fun, then one of the best times to discover all that…
RUM PUNCH If you’re in the mood for a fruity, refreshing drink, rum punch is the one for you! Punch is widely considered to be the first cocktail, from which all other cocktail variations stem, and this version is perfect for a late summer…
One of the most wonderful things about our region is that it offers ways for everyone to enjoy nature, and one fabulous property on San Juan Island is taking that offer a step further: Lakedale Resort makes camping in the woods accessible to…
Ballistic Brew is a travelling coffee trailer with unique drinks, a sense of adventure, and a growing customer base throughout Whatcom County. The Everson-based business was founded in August 2024 by Jillian Ball, with help from husband Kent, daughter Kenzie, and son Burke….
Twice a year, Bellingham Technical College (BTC) presents the community of Whatcom County with the opportunity to enjoy food made by their own culinary students at Café Culinaire. The cafe was started around 20 years ago by Michael Baldwin, a former chef instructor…
Through numerous education and volunteer programs, the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) has been working with local community members to remove barriers and create watersheds for…
Summer is my favorite time of the year for white wine, and my favorite is from Brian Carter Cellars in Woodinville. This Washington winery is known for its…
Since 1973 the Skagit Valley Food Co-op has been bringing local, organic, fair trade, and natural grocery items to the residents of Mount Vernon and beyond. But did you know that this philosophy applies to their wearables selection as well? Climb the stairs to the Co-op’s Mercantile and you can find fashionable soft goods and jewelry that are as gorgeous as…
Long, golden evenings and backyard gatherings are what summer is all about—especially when there’s a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak from Widnor Farms cooking nearby. One of my favorite ways to enjoy the season is cooking outdoors with family, friends, and good music. While my usual go-to is a butter-basted…
Feeling at home in a space is all about satisfying the senses—not only sight and touch, which are the usual focus of interior design advice, but sound, smell, and, yes, even taste! We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to ensure your home is a sensory masterpiece, so you can surround yourself…
Thanks to a grant from Puget Sound Energy’s Green Power Community Support Program, the Community Boating Center (CBC) in Bellingham was able to install a new solar energy system in early May. This project marked a major step forward for CBC’s goal of fully operating on 100% solar-generated electricity, moving away from fossil fuels. Over the next…
When you step into the Sophia Grace Gallery in Ferndale, you’ll feel an immediate sense of curiosity intertwined with fascination. The owner, Dr. Sophia Kidd, greets her guests with a warm welcome, and her passion for art is truly magical—she has always known that she wanted to make her career involve art. When I visited the gallery in June, the exhibit was “Maps…
Vibrant sparkles, radical acceptance, flamboyant creativity, safety in expression, unbridled joy—these are just a few phrases that describe this year’s Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County Trashion Show. The show was created six years ago by Hillary Pritchard, Habitat’s operations manager, as part of Habitat’s annual auction in support of repurposing…
1. Red Star Taco Bar’s Philly CheeseSteak and Korean BBQ Beef tacos bring something new to the table! Pair them with a non-alcoholic Afternoon Colada. 2. Recently opened in the old Little Dog Coffee Co. shack, Full Steam Coffee Co.‘s Avo Turkey Bacon sandwich on ciabatta is a power-packed lunch on the go!…
Did you know Ferndale is home to an internationally-acclaimed whiskey brand? If you answered “no” and want to learn more, keep your curiosity about you when you visit Doc Swinson’s…
The Kiplingcotes Derby originated in 1519 in Britain, earning the title of Britain’s oldest horse race. Now, over 500 years later, this horse derby still takes place annually on the third Thursday of March. The term “derby” itself is widely thought to originate from an Earl of Derby, who started his own horse race almost 300 years after the Kiplingcotes. Since that early use…
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…
Twice a month, the Whatcom County Cruising Association (WCCA) hosts meetings for members at the Cedars RV Resort in Ferndale. These gatherings are an opportunity to meet new and old friends, enjoy good food, and geek out over antique vehicles. “We’re a…
It’s time for 31 Days of Giveaways! Enter to win a prize from a local business every day in August, plus a chance to win the Grand Prize!
Listen, everyone loves a cheese board, but sometimes you just want to break the mold! Boards are a great way to feed a crowd without having to do a ton of cooking; they can also be a beautiful centerpiece for an event and provide an activity for gatherings as people cluster around, assessing their options. And while nobody we know would ever turn their nose up at the usual spread of cheeses and meats, we wanted to get a…
As the summer heat kicks in, we all need a little sweet relief. Thankfully for us, the Puget Sound area knows how to do ice cream. From Blaine to La Conner, here are some of our favorite ice cream shops that will satisfy your sweet tooth….
The art of pastry making is the purest form of self expression for Tobey Layne, owner of Lamination Station LLC. After baking for more than 30 years, he finally started his own business. His passion for baking began in college, after picking up The Italian Baker by Carol Field at a thrift store. During times of stress, he would bake. By the end…
Since before recorded history began, human beings have celebrated their relationships with beautiful adornments. From wedding rings to friendship bracelets, gifts of customized jewelry can add an additional layer of meaning. Megan Nuqul knows this well. Tired of paying for low-quality merchandise that didn’t last, Nuqul undertook the challenge of creating high-quality, simply beautiful jewelry—including permanent jewelry. Permanent jewelry is made with a custom-fit chain that is welded shut using a…
The Pacific Northwest is home to an abundance of ecological and wildlife diversity: the expansive and lush forests of the Olympic Peninsula, the mountainous regions of the North Cascades, and ports, bays, and islands galore. It sometimes feels like you could visit a new beach every day and still have just barely scratched the surface. With June 20 marking the summer solstice, it’s a better time than ever to…
Inside Fairhaven’s historic Sycamore Square building is the studio, gallery, and gift shop of Echo Chernik, a commercial artist known internationally for her powerful Art Nouveau style and over 30 years of work. If you haven’t visited yet, you’re missing out! Echo Chernik…
TOM COLLINS Matthew’s Honest Cocktails: $11.50 Ingredients: 2 ounces gin, ¾ ounces lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup, and 2 ounces club soda From rickety lemonade stands to hitting the town, some things never change, including our love for a sweet and sour citrus beverage….
Children of the Setting Sun Productions (CSSP) is chock-full of kind, educated, friendly individuals who have made it their life mission to advocate for the environment, human rights, and Native history. One of the company’s main goals is to fight for Native communities by working to educate the public. “We’re constantly fighting erasure, there’s no…
Little Squalicum Pier is open to the public for the first time in its history. Stretching 1,248 feet over Bellingham Bay, the pier offers a new perspective for people to view this gorgeous expanse of dark blue…
This year’s Whatcom County Home & Lifestyle Show was even more exciting than usual, thanks to special guests like gardening guru Ciscoe Morris and the twin stars of HGTV’s “Unsellable Houses”—and, of course, we were there too, meeting readers and handing out free magazines! The crowds were full of couples across all age ranges, families with little kids (their tiny hands…
A traditional Lhaq’temish woman raises her hands in thanks and looks out over waters that were once thick with salmon and reef net gear. She blesses the water and wishes protection upon all those who travel past…
Beach days and sun rays are all fun and games until the temperatures really start to kick up. This summer, if you’re looking for a place to escape the heat and enjoy some lovely, live entertainment, look no further than your nearest theatre. Bellingham’s theatre scene has a variety of showings for every taste and type, so get out there, support your neighbors, and enjoy the show! “THE ADDAMS FAMILY” June 4, 7 p.m….
“One great thing about living in the Pacific Northwest,” a local writer said at a recent First Friday, “is that I can visit just about every gallery and studio here. In New York, or other bigger cities, it’s impossible to see everything.” That raises an interesting question—do you need…
Upon entering the Union Block Bistro, you’re immediately greeted by a friendly face. The Union Block Bistro is homey. The interior boasts a variety of colors, from lime green to black to ‘80s-disco-teal; the painted-over brick walls reflect the stories and age of the 1906 building. Although the features of the room are hard, the lighting is softened by the white linen cloth hanging over the long fluorescent lights above….
Have you ever thought of providing local pollination from your own home? Whether you want to hardly lift a finger or go all in and be one with the bees, Northwest Apiary Services makes this possible. Co-Founders Monica Burdette and Karly Kerr are beyond passionate about making beekeeping local, sustainable, and accessible. Every county and city has different sets of rules to…
“I know we give people the gift of time, because we’re experts in putting together the beverage part of people’s special events,” says Boel Laxfoss, owner and operator of Beverages by Boel. Through her beverage catering company, Boel not only provides custom cocktails and mocktails, wine, beer, coffee, hydration stations, all the accouterments like ice, cups, napkins, and portable bars—she bartends, too! Beverages by Boel began in 2008 when Boel gifted…
Elspeth Palmby laughs and looks a little bit uncomfortable when I ask if she’s the owner of Beauty Collective, a small salon tucked back from the sidewalk on Fairhaven’s Harris Avenue. “Technically, yes, I own Beauty Collective—the name,” she says, “but everyone booth-rents and it’s more like a co-op.” Miranda Ridgely, Palmby’s longtime friend and fellow hairstylist, agrees with a smile. The two women worked together at their previous salon, The Hair Art Studio, along with Samantha Hall…
PRODUCER: Niccolo Coturri WINE: High Diving Sparkling 2023 GRAPES: Madeleine Angevine and Siegerrbe from Lopez Island Vineyards We love this wine from our friends at Piquenique and Niccolo Coturri Wines—they’re some of the only natural wines being made in Washington state. Nic and Tess farm this organic vineyard themselves on Lopez Island, using no preservatives or chemicals in the winery and doing everything as sustainably and regeneratively as possible. This wine is sparkly,…
Calling the Pacific Northwest home goes hand-in-hand with a perk many of us may take for granted: being just a short trip away from our neighbors to the North. Whether you’re looking for a picturesque weekend getaway or an…
Farming, specifically on the La Conner land his family has owned for four generations, has always been in Kai Ottesen’s blood. But that doesn’t mean he always planned on being a farmer. “I’d just graduated with a degree in English Literature from the University of Alaska Southeast but had been down here to the farm pretty much every summer of my life,” Ottesen says. “I saw…
May in the Pacific Northwest is a time of abundance—farmers markets overflow with vibrant produce, and the Salish Sea offers some of the freshest seafood imaginable. One of the reasons I fell in…
The universal appeal of line dancing has led to a recent surge in popularity and frequent appearances at local venues. The South Fork Country Kickers combine rural charm with a mix of musical genres, bringing a vibrant energy to the dance floor while providing instruction on how to line dance. For Founder and Lead Instructor Tari Bussard, it’s not just about learning how to dance—it’s about building self-confidence and creating an accepting atmosphere. “I enjoy watching people…
With a nod to the English countryside, this farmhouse design combines old and new, mixing modern pieces and antique furniture with rough-and-ready European elements that everyone is gravitating toward—a ‘hipstoric’ farmhouse with a curated maximalist style. What is ‘hipstoric?’ It’s a recent industry buzzword for a place that’s historic in nature and redesigned to look hipster—or a place that’s totally hipster and designed to look historic. For us, that clearly fits our modern farmhouse vibe with…
The Black Cat is known for its vintage, classy atmosphere and it’s delicious Mexican Street Corn Dip. From red brick walls to stained-glass Tiffany lamps, this is the perfect restaurant for fancy dining in historic Fairhaven. Who knows, maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of the ghost who reportedly roams the halls of the building! Get the night started right with JUXT Taphouse’s Cocktail Flight! Pick any four of their pre-mixed house cocktails, like the Bees Markie or Juxta…
Legoe Bay Reefnetter has been operating for around two years and is a one-man operation run by Kevin Castellanos. Though the menu is short,…
Ever wake up on the weekend and feel a tug to get out of the house and do something fun, but you have no idea what fun thing to do? Sometimes, you can waste a whole beautiful day languishing around trying to figure out a plan. Well, we’re here to help, with 52 ideas for a great day out and about in the North Sound. From pottery painting and picnicking with a book to bar crawls and whale-watching,…
March 3 marked the opening of the new Hallowell Todaro ADHD & Behavioral Health Center in Bellingham. The health center, an offshoot of the larger Seattle location, will initially serve as a place for new client consultations and therapy, with plans to eventually expand to patient and parent coaching. Nick Mabbutt, licensed marriage and…
THE SHOP The beautiful Bellingham National Bank Building on Holly Street has a stylish new tenant: Worn Again Thrift, a curated vintage store that believes secondhand apparel is a gateway to sustainability, community, and self-expression. Worn Again began as a two-person team (Owner Miles Harlow and a co-founder), buying and selling vintage on the road, off porches,…
Strolling through downtown Bellingham, you’ll come across many treasured local haunts. And from May through October, you’ll find yourself face to face with something unique to the summer months: enormous flower baskets hanging from downtown lamp posts. The presence of these vibrant flower baskets is the result of the Adopt a Flower Basket program, a community giving campaign put in place by the Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP)…
A new restaurant has moved into the previous K-Pop Chicken and Beer space in downtown Bellingham, and it’s serving up something that Bellingham’s been missing: dim sum! SOHO Bellingham Asian Kitchen & Bar serves “dim sum, Thai cuisine, and other Asian-inspired dishes in a dynamic fusion,” according to their website. It’s a new venture by married Wanida Thai Owners Surachai (Alex) Teachaakarakasem and Thanisara Tantraporn. The restaurant also has a second-story bar…
Melissa Hatcher, 32, isn’t just the new owner of downtown Fairhaven’s Adored Boutique—she’s a legacy. Since Adored opened in August…
Flowers represent spring, which is associated with new life and motherhood—that’s part of what makes them such a popular gift on Mother’s Day. Here are some great local options for sourcing blooms for your mom this spring,…
Excitement was in the air. Cornhole bags flew across the astroturf field of the Bellingham Sportsplex as players warmed up for the ensuing tournament. That was the scene at the first fundraising cornhole competition hosted by United Way of Whatcom County, a local non-profit, in partnership with Upper Left Cornhole. The competition cost $50 per team of…
Since Time Immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral…
BLACKBERRY JALAPEÑO MARGARITA Red Star Taco Bar: $12 Ingredients: Jalapeño-infused blanco tequila, blackberry jam, lime, and a salt and Tajín-rimmed glass A cold winter’s night, a warm summer’s day, tequila and blackberry have come to say hey. The Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita from Red Star Taco Bar is clean, refreshing, and sharp. In a short crystal glass over ice, the…
Despite the constant flow of travelers passing through the Peace Arch border, the seaside city of Blaine maintains a distinct small-town charm. In the heart of downtown, residents call out greetings to familiar faces as they stroll streets lined with local restaurants, boutiques, and salons. From my seat at the Portal Way Starbucks, I can see boats of all sizes dotting the blue-green waves of the Salish Sea. These sea-faring vessels are indicative of Blaine’s fishing…
The Portal Container Village at Bellingham’s Downtown Waterfront reopens on May 2, bringing with it local seasonal food, shopping, and outdoor fun. Both the Waterfront Bike Park (a.k.a the Pump Track) and its nextdoor neighbor, the Portal, began as experiments to get folks out to the undeveloped waterfront—they opened in 2019 and 2021 respectively. Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden opened with and anchors the Portal, and has become a community gathering space and locus of activity with a packed live…
The team behind EN Valley Farmers Market in Everson has teamed up with the Greater Bellingham Running Club to start the summer farmers market season off with a burst of endorphins. On Sunday, May 4, at 10 a.m., runners of all ages will gather at Everson City Park to traverse a 5k course that’s accessible for strollers and young kids but also provides enough challenge and surface diversity to keep…
The Alexander Technique, which was created by Frederick Matthias Alexander in the late 1800s, is a method for improving posture and movement through self-awareness, with the aim of decreasing pain and increasing mindfulness. “The way…
Confession time: I didn’t always like fish. Being born in cattle country, I didn’t consider fish to be much worth eating and couldn’t understand the residents of the PNW’s obsession with eating seafood—most notably salmon. But after 38 years in Washington State I get it. Salmon is amazing. It feeds everyone from hungry teenagers to orca. It truly is the buffalo of the sea. So what makes a good salmon? According to Ian Kirouac of Lummi Island Wild, it’s…
Beach Cat Brewing’s first location opened in 2020 after Jake Gobeille, owner and director of operations, unexpectedly fell in love with the craft. Now he’s opening a second location at 1010 C Street on Bellingham’s Downtown Waterfront. Gobeille is hoping to open this…
We love Fairhaven’s Skylark’s Cafe for brunch, but this dinner item blew us away: Flat Iron Certified Angus Steak, marinated and sliced to order, with Yukon Gold garlic mashed potatoes, whiskey cream sauce, and seasonal veg! Want something…
Padraic Markle, co-owner of Sweet Bay Cafe and Red Star Taco Bar, is serious about tequila. Behind the bar sits a selection of over 50 tequilas, all made with three essential ingredients: water, yeast, and matured agave. They also have a wide selection of mezcal and agave spirits available. “Six to eight years of Mexican sunshine in a glass,” Markle says, describing the time it takes for agave to mature. The spark for Red Star Taco Bar came while Markle…
We North Sound residents are extremely fortunate to be spoiled with excellent scenery, culture, and food right in our backyards—but even we still get the travel itch, especially when the weather is wet and cold and the evenings descend too quickly. Luckily, we’re also perfectly positioned to head out of town and see new places, with three airports, multiple highways, and various ports within range. So, whether you choose to fly, drive, or cruise, we’ve got a ton of…
April Brews Day kicks off its 25th annual beer-tasting festival on April 26. The event will take place from 4:30-8 p.m. at Bellingham’s Downtown Waterfront on…
In the heart of Skagit Valley, where spring transforms the landscape into a vibrant sea of color, Andrew Miller has carved out a unique space in the region’s storied tulip farming tradition. As the CEO of Tulip Valley Farms, Miller is not only reshaping…
Did you know there’s a Bellingham business that sells its own line of custom-designed mattresses? If you’ve ever stayed a night at the Hotel Bellwether, it’s likely you’ve already slept on one! Northwest Sleep Solutions is a local…
ABEJA “BEEKEEPER’S BLEND” | COLUMBIA VALLEY, WASHINGTON Drinking this wine in April makes perfect sense—spring is in full bloom. A perfect day for me is bringing this wine out to the Semiahmoo Spit right before sunset. The breeze and the…
I started my career in book publishing, working at Bloomsbury in London and publishing my first book over there, but when I moved back to the States I figured I’d have to leave that world behind—the great majority of book publishing is centered around New York City, and…
Whether a special occasion is just around the corner or you’re simply looking for a little self-care, Studio K is a full-service beauty salon equipped…
The waterfront area of Seattle has undergone a huge makeover—it’s not only easier to access but also has a beautiful new park and pedestrian Overlook…
E. Cobb Architects Partners’ eHAB project is a self-sustainable, habitable structure built to endure extreme environments—a conceptual idea turned real. Founder Eric Cobb and his team conceived of eHAB during the economic downturn of the late 2000s. At the…
If you’re headed to see the tulips this month, keep your eyes peeled! Just after you cross the river into West Mount Vernon a charming new bookshop beckons. Inside, the vibes in Little Mountain Books & Botanica are even better: cozy without feeling claustrophobic, and thoughtfully decorated….
The sole technical college in Northwest Washington has received one of its biggest donations yet. Bellingham Technical College (BTC) was gifted $780,000 by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. With the finalization of the donation in December 2024, it’s now being put into effect. Around $300,000 of the gift will fund student scholarships, which some people rely on to put themselves through college and relieve financial stress. “It makes a huge difference,” says Colin…
Two and a half years ago in June, I had my first surf camp experience in Sagres, Portugal, a petite surf town that comes to life in the summer months. I spent the week learning how to surf from incredible instructors at beaches I never would have found on my own. This was the…
The Import Guys storage room is full. Japanese cars and minibikes cover the floor; it’s a squeeze to amble around the building, but you could look for hours. Cars of all colors, varieties, shapes, and sizes sprawl out, and in the corner sits a collection of Japanese video game machines. The “corner of lost…
“I’m not gonna try to revolutionize breakfast,” begins Troy Krajewski, full-time chef and co-owner of Sweet Bay Cafe. “I don’t know that you truly can.” Krajewski wrote the menu for Sweet Bay Cafe with…
People from all over Skagit and Whatcom converged on Mount Vernon’s Riverwalk Plaza on January 31 for the annual Illuminight Winter Walk. Crowds of families and friends lit the winter sky with…
THE SHOP A Bellingham-based one-stop-shop for all things ‘gift,’ Swag is a woman-owned business dedicated to curating quality items fit for celebrating any occasion. Products span a plethora of categories, and Owner Danielle Starr strives to ensure each person who walks in the door can find the perfect item to suit their…
The Pacific Northwest has some of the best restaurants that serve up some of the most breathtaking views of the Salish Sea. Each city and town has its own story of…
THE PENICILLIN COCKTAIL Though getting the sniffles often results in forcing down cherry cough syrup, other natural ingredients are known to have healing properties—such as honey, lemon, and ginger. Enter: the Penicillin Cocktail, a sweet, sour, and smoky alcoholic beverage composed of these enticing herbal flavors! While penicillin…
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…
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is underway, and this year, there’s even more blooms to enjoy! Skagit Acres has become the fifth named farm in the Festival’s official roundup. Skagit Acres is already a South Mount Vernon destination for their…
Looking to check out something new around the Pacific Northwest area? Whether a long time resident or fresh to the northwest, we…
Tunnies Fish & Chips is a great stop for all seafood lovers! Located at the entrance to downtown La Conner, this restaurant offers crispy and tasty snacks for anyone looking for a quick bite. At Tunnies, they serve seafood in a quick-service style: customers order at the walk-up window and get their meal made ready-to-go. The restaurant itself is fairly small, being inside a restored…
A new La-Z-Boy store opened its doors for a soft launch on Jan. 16, followed by a grand opening on Jan. 29. This is the first La-Z-Boy located in Bellingham—previously, the two closest stores were in Ferndale and Mount Vernon. La-Z-Boy, predominantly known for its patented…
Nestled along the Swinomish Channel lies Seaport Books—the only bookstore in La Conner. The location in the Seaport Landing Building gives one the illusion of stepping back in time, with its light mint paint color and white trim that has the aesthetic of the early 20th century. While the building may look antique, the bookstore’s co-founders, Marion Melville and Janna Gage, celebrated its eighth year in 2024….
I didn’t know what to think when I walked into The Pink Dahlia. Was it an aesthetics center? A wellness center? A board-certified gynecologist’s office? Turns out it’s all three. “It’s a place where women can get all of their medical needs met,” Dr. Russo says. “I can help with aesthetics like Botox, medically assisted weight loss, body contouring. But I can also…
Fidalgo Coffee Roasters CEO Darryl Miller loves to talk about two things: coffee and people. I sat down with him at the main roasting facility in Burlington to find out more about this ubiquitous but…
On February 17, 1993, Kent Taylor opened a restaurant in Clarksville, Indiana called Texas Roadhouse, working off the cocktail napkin on which he’d drawn his original vision and rough blueprints. More than 30 years later, the restaurant has…
THE SHOP Bellis Fair has been Bellingham’s one-stop-shopping destination since the late ‘80s, but it wasn’t immune to the national dip in mall traffic that came with the rise of online shopping in the 2000s, followed by the 2020 pandemic. In December 2022, 4th Dimension Properties swept in from the wings to buy Bellis Fair during an auction sale by its defaulted previous owners. These new dark…
Storia Cucina has been serving downtown Bellingham with delicious Italian staples since opening in 2020. The restaurant is known for many things, including…
Check out our March 2025 feature: Inspirational Designs in Kitchen & Bath!
The new headquarters of Dementia Support Northwest, Amy’s Place, is slated to open this spring, adding another vital community hub to Bellis Fair mall. Dementia Support Northwest is a Bellingham-based organization serving Northwestern Washington since 1983. Their…
THE IRISH COFFEE In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, try an Irish coffee (at Uisce, if you’re in Bellingham)! This warm, comforting drink pays homage to its namesake through its rich flavor and Irish whiskey. Irish coffee has a long history; variations of coffee…
Greene’s Corner is a great spot to grab some food and enjoy local events, from live music to open mics—whatever the entertainment, the Korean Fried Chicken Slider…
Whatcom residents have been calling on Nancy Stuart for creative celebration cakes and delicious piles of scraps and frosting—the beloved Lil’ Scrappies—since December 2016, when she started Saltadena Bakery as a cottage food business out of her home kitchen. “I started with mostly weddings,” Stuart says, adding that the Scrappies were a way to use up the scraps from large wedding…
As we peek around the corner into spring weather, it’s the perfect time to replenish your garden with plants “that have evolved and…
KEVIN WHITE 2023 “BLUE LABEL” YAKIMA RED, $20.99 Big Blue is back and we’re so happy! We have been enamored with this Woodinville producer since its inception. Kevin brings the true sense of Rhone Valley-style wines to Washington. This is an annual spring…
If you’ve ever looked into staying near SeaTac airport, you’ve probably prioritized proximity and free shuttle service over views or luxury—which makes sense for an overnight before an early flight. But if you’re planning to…
The Spanish word tinto can mean a deep red color, and is often used in reference to red wine (vino tinto). But in Colombia, everyone knows that tinto means piping hot, inky black coffee. Tinto is made from affordable beans and sipped at cafes with friends or in the kitchen with family—it’s a part of Colombia’s culture and love for coffee. Tinto Coffee brings the spirit of its titular drink to Bellis Fair. It opened in October…
CEO & founder of Mr. Frank’s Kitchen Lisa Postl Russell has always known the value of her products. She’s proud of the legacy she’s built and the six seasoning blends that have sprung from her recreation of the Original Seasoning her father, Frank Postl, came up with—all of Mr. Frank’s Seasonings prioritize flavor and joy right alongside health. “We’re kosher, non-GMO,” she says, “there’s no…
The Bellingham Folk Festival took place over four days from Jan. 23 to Jan. 26. Through sessions, jams, workshops, and concerts, the festival contained 66 events and had something to offer all sorts of folk fans. Some of the more unique events included a yodeling workshop, multiple square dancing workshops, and a Burns supper—a traditional Scottish holiday celebrating Scottish poet Robert Burns. Venues like El Capitan’s and Honey…
There are big changes underway at everyone’s favorite Bellingham science museum, SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention! The popular educational museum is working on a new rotating gallery, due to open in late spring; a major remodel of the space was recently completed by local design-build firm Highline Construction. In a press release earlier this year, the museum announced that the new gallery would “provide the flexibility to…
Since Time Immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared home in a good, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to restore our relationship with Mother Earth and with one another. We are grateful for these stories, told in the words of each featured individual. Na-tak–ul-tan Tino…
Depending on you local chops, you may need no primer whatsoever before reading the following interview. However, if you, like me, haven’t been living in Washington for too long, I’d like you to stop reading this—just for a second! Do me a favor: open up a search browser and find a 1-minute clip from…
We all know Redlight for their friendly bartenders and great cocktails, but the food is also excellent. Whether you’re in the mood for slippery, spicy wontons or a crunchy Fried Chicken Bao, they’ve got what you’re craving. While Burgermaster in Mount Vernon is known for, well,…
Bellingham Aerial and Dance (B.A.D.) opened in late September 2024 and has already created waves in the arts community. The business idea…
Mackenzie Schieck is a one-woman operation at Schieck Spaces, where she offers many different creative services, including interior decorating, prop and food styling, writing, and photography. Given the wide range of services she provides, Schieck says that her business is more of a creative studio, where she can express her creativity through the work she conducts. “People ask me all…
POMEGRANATE MIMOSA (Based on recipes by Sonja Overhiser and The Chunky Chef.) Mimosas originated as Buck’s Fizz, a 50/50 combination of champagne and orange juice invented in 1921 at Buck’s Club in London. The cocktail has a wonderful fizzy taste and is infinitely adaptable—this version combines the citrusy notes of orange juice with tangy pomegranate for a fun spin on the classic! A Few Tips A champagne flute will retain…
It’s here! Check out our February 2025 feature: A Foodie’s Guide.
After years of traveling and cultivating a deep appreciation for food and wine, Bryan Holmes returned to Anacortes seeking to translate his experiences into something he could share with the community. And so, he opened Blackbird Wine & Charcuterie in November 2020. “I want to provide a space where people can build relationships, nurture friendships, and have a shared memory,” he explains. “I’ve always found that gathering, talking, and enjoying nice wine has…
Our client’s Lake Whatcom home was undergoing a major remodel and had a dated kitchen design in need of an update. We had the challenge of combining new elements with the existing cabinetry in a cohesive way. The design called for a dramatic lighted display cabinet with an asymmetrical shelving layout, made to blend seamlessly into the…
COMELUNA ROSSO New all-time favorite! Deep cherry notes come through on the nose, joined by notes of dried bark, earth and hints of cinnamon and licorice. Intense cherry notes on the palate that are balanced by nicely integrated acidity. Earth…
Owner-operator Izzi Rehbein and Chef-Owner Dan Rehbein opened Roe last November with their own capital and concept, hoping to give Bellingham the answer to the question, “Where do you go to get seafood?”…
The San Juan Islands are an understandably popular summer destination for travelers from all over the world, but those of us who live in the North Sound are lucky to have year-round access to their beauty. And I’d argue that the low season—late fall through late spring—is actually the best time to visit. Especially if you, like me, are the kind of traveler who prioritizes food and…
Take your game global this Super Bowl Sunday with a line-up filled with crowd pleasers. These Italian-rooted, Asian inspired, and Hawaiian-style appetizers are sure to score major points with your fans! Add even more international flare by pairing it with some authentic Mexican guacamole and tortilla chips, German Bratwurst bites, and/or Greek bruschetta. The ideas are endless. Hawaiian-Style Mochiko Chicken Ingredients: 2 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut lengthwise into three or four pieces each ¼ cup…
The idea surrounding Black History Month originated in 1915, started by historian and “the father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson; the idea began during the early stages of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History to combat the lack of information regarding the achievements of Black people. The tradition was originally a one-week celebration in 1926 that displayed the contributions of Black Americans, but over time (and after…
Colorful bottles, locally grown plants, and beautiful artwork line the walls of a welcoming new shop in Fairhaven. It might look like any of the bottle shops in Bellingham, but this one is unique; the beverages are non-alcoholic! Bloomhaven is focused on providing non-alcoholic beverages to people in the Bellingham area. The shop is…
In a world where designs of peaceful PNW landmarks are king, Chibi Yeti is a different kind of screen printer. Founded and operated by artists Ahnnawake “Wakey” Nelson and Megan Peeples, this Bellingham-based brand produces unique designs that are cute, creepy, and geeky. Nelson…
Island life may have a reputation for being laid-back, but it can definitely throw residents some curveballs. Dancer Chelsea Sherman moved to Orcas in 2020, just as the island’s established dance company was disbanding. Looking for connection, collaboration, and work opportunity, she set about laying the groundwork for a new dance collective. “I invited a bunch of dancers in the community together and asked if they wanted to…
The rate of homelessness has been rising in Washington State over the last few years, with many people in our immediate community facing these challenges daily. With these numbers increasing each year, there are several groups in the area trying to make a change by providing resources to unhoused…
For many Whatcom residents and visitors, the restaurants at Semiahmoo have been longtime favorites. Now the resort is building on that strong foundation with the addition of three new team members. On a recent visit to Packer’s Kitchen & Bar, we sat down with Executive Chef Debbie Vance, General Manager Andrew Tenis, and Food and Beverage Director John Reagan. All…
The best beauty advice isn’t limited to just women—it’s for all of us! These five timeless tips are worth pursuing to ensure you always look your best! 1. Beauty Rest: Tried and True You probably all know this, but some…
THE CLASSIC MANHATTAN The Manhattan dates back to the latter half of the 1800’s, first making an appearance at the Manhattan Club in New York City, although many have claimed that this recipe has been around much longer. The first written mention of the Manhattan came from the “Olean Democrat” on Sep. 5,…
After the success of its debut, Paper Whale’s Fire & Story is returning for round two! From Jan. 23-25, this all-ages event will illuminate the darkest nights of the year with four artistic wood-burning fires and over 50 unique performers spread across the Bellingham Waterfront. With Fire & Story’s extensive line-up, attendees can expect three curated evenings showcasing a variety of performers, including storytellers, comedians, poets, authors, musicians, fire dancers, glass sculptures, and Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribal members….
Weather you’re harvesting from your own garden or buying at the store, winter-time produce makes for delicious dishes! And there are more options than you might think. For…
Whether you received a new print for the holidays or you’ve had a beloved poster rolled up in the shipping tube for months, let this be the nudge you need to get it framed. I know, I know, custom…
At the end of last year, a project that was two years and $56 million in the making came to a close: the new Mount Vernon Library Commons is officially open to the public! In addition to a new public library with youth services and a great teen room, the mixed-use space includes a community kitchen, a publicly-accessible conference center, and a three-story parking garage that…
The perfect breakfast to accompany a morning meet-up with a friend? The Soft Boiled Egg on Toast and a Cardamom Latte at Cafe Blue! It’s just filling and indulgent enough without being too heavy and distracting you from the conversation. For Peruvian-cuisine enthusiasts,…
No matter who you are or what stage of life you’re in, we all want to look and feel our best. Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a rut or feel boxed in by what you’re ‘supposed to’ wear or do,…
This month marks two years and 20 instances of one of our favorite recurring Bellingham Alive columns: Since Time Immemorial. The wonderful Julie Trimingham began interviewing indigenous community members for Bellingham Alive in late 2022,…
SONDER X SAGE RAT CARBONIC NEBBIOLO Keep the winter celebrations going with this rose-colored stunner! Winemakers Sonder and Sage Rat made their Carbonic Nebbiolo in collaboration here in Washington State, from 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown right here…
The primary goal of this Mount Vernon kitchen remodel was to take the original closed-kitchen layout and turn it into an updated, stylish, and functional open-layout space where the homeowner could host guests and feel connected to the rest of the house. The new design removed the L-shaped dividing wall, opening the floor plan to enhance the kitchen and living spaces. To achieve…
If you live in or near Bellingham, you’ve probably been to the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center; since 1966, many in our community have relied on “St. Joe’s,” as it’s affectionately known, for lifelong care across a wide spectrum of needs. Now, that spectrum is expanding, thanks to a massive, multi-year community effort and more than $400 million in funding—including nearly $100 million in private donations. “For someone in my area of responsibility, you typically can…
According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, girls are dropping out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14; this can be due to factors such as lack of access and social stigma. But team sports have many benefits—development of social skills, increased health, and stress management are just a few. There is a lesser-known team sport that has recently been brought to the forefront: women’s rugby. In July, the US women’s rugby…
Ashley E. Sweeney, “The Irish Girl” Book Signing January 4, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Attend this book signing and release celebration…
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…
Christmas wasn’t quite the same that first year after grandma died. Oh, it was still Christmas in a lot of ways. The tree was there, decorated with many of the same ornaments as last year. Brightly adorned presents abounded and we kids eagerly waited, as usual, to strip them of their shiny…
From step stools at the kitchen counter with his mom to a resume full of Executive Chef positions, Doug Elliott has made a name for himself up and down the Pacific Northwest. This two-time Best of the Northwest Gold Winner brings his passion for food to a new setting, the Peace Arch City Café & Bar in Blaine. Originally from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Elliott developed some tasty skills alongside his gross and fine motor…
On Peace Portal Drive in Blaine there’s a very cozy, very cool salon where the vibe lies in that relaxed happy space between glam and bohemian. The single styling chair faces a big picture window while happy beats float over the bright and funky decor. “Our logo represents us well. It was designed by our friend named KC Lange who owns X Tattoo…
About the appliance Before you start cooking, make sure you get comfortable with your specific model of electric slow cooker or Crock-Pot. The three main components of these appliances are the lid, the inner container (or the crock), and the base. The base produces heat that travels through the crock, trapping steam,…
It’s no secret that Mt. Baker has something to offer to everyone no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you do. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking trips, and stunning, scenic views of snowy mountaintops are what Kulshan is all about. But what could make a great day on Mt. Baker even better?…
During the holiday season we trade in chicken for turkey and socks for stockings, so why not swap out regular beverages for something bubblier? These Washington State bottles are sure to add…
Whether you’re an artist, maker, shopper, or lover of unique gifts, the holiday season always brings out the best and most diverse markets in the region, from the sip and shop artist markets in local Bellingham breweries and cideries to the expansive…
Often referred to as “the town so nice, they named it twice,” Walla Walla is a well-known Eastern Washington destination for wine lovers, but it’s also a culinary destination, and a shopping one—I spent far too…
In the heart of Bellingham, a diverse tapestry of businesses is weaving a narrative of community and compassion. These establishments, from bookstores to breweries, are not only…
Nothing brings warmth back to the frigid winter weather like all things soft and snuggly! Whether you’re curled up by the fire or braving the great outdoors, cozy pieces like these are sure to make the doom and gloom of the colder months a little…
Whatcom County is an area awash with artists, galleries, and art festivals. Yet despite the rich tradition of vibrant art in Coast Salish indigenous communities, local artists…
Jordan Koplowitz and Christy Wyble found success in the Seattle food scene with Blotto, a popular pizza joint named by the New York Times as one of Seattle’s 25 best restaurants. But when the landlord told them the building was going to be sold, Koplowitz and Wyble decided to act on an idea…
The Shop Nestled into the Herald Building is apse, a jewelry store looking to subvert the common idea of “jewelry stores.” Small signage with their cattywampus logo denotes where to look if you want something a little outside the jewelry box. The Atmosphere The interior of apse is a cross between an art gallery and your “Interior Design” Pinterest board. The ceilings would allow a giraffe to fully extend its neck, and…
For the past two years, the City of Bellingham has been working on the Padden Creek 24th to 30th Streets Restoration Project—and Phase 2’s construction just wrapped up. The city has been working to restore Padden Creek for over a decade. The two-mile-long lowland stream flows from Lake Padden to Bellingham Bay through mostly city-owned property and has been altered and negatively impacted due to development. It does not meet Clean Water Act standards for temperature, dissolved oxygen,…
The wonderful thing about this time of year is that it’s full of opportunities to celebrate. No matter your religion or culture there are so many chances to spend time with the people you love, consume delicious things, and send off the year with joy, community, and love! Our Holiday Wish List can help! Check…
Nestled amidst the vibrant wine country of Woodinville, Washington, Bayernmoor Cellars Tasting Room offers a unique and immersive experience for those seeking a taste of excellence. This charming establishment, founded by passionate husband-and-wife duo Kim and Larry Harris, is dedicated to crafting exceptional wines that reflect the rich heritage in the tradition of Burgundy. Kim and Larry’s journey into winemaking began with weekend trips to Napa and Sonoma, where they were captivated by the beauty…
From Skagit-based publisher Raspberry Bow Press, The Revolution Will Be Well Fed features baking recipes for breakfast, snacks, and desserts, as well as essays and history exploring the connections between food, community, and social movements. Author Corrie Locke-Hardy’s recipes are all intended to be scalable and packable, making them easy to bring along to…
Whether you are gift shopping for yourself or a loved one, finding an accessory that is local, sustainable, and unique is always a challenge. Enter: Alyssa Carter, a PNW-based milliner who specializes in creating and teaching others to make one-of-a-kind hats. Carter began her business, Copper Knot Co., in February 2023 after looking for…
Since Time Immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared home in a good, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to restore our relationship with Mother Earth and with one another. We are grateful for these stories, told in the words of each featured individual. Takwiltsa Cheryl…
Holiday Recipe Roundup It’s fair to say that the tastes of the holidays—mountains of potatoes, cranberry sauce, grandma’s top…
A Day Trip to Langley, B.C. Our little corner of the world seems to have everything: mountains, lakes, and coastline; a fabulous arts scene and unparalleled outdoor activities; great seafood and stellar grass-fed beef, plus some of the best vegan food around! But did you know that we’re…
Written And Photographed By: Anne Godenham The Shop Out on Old Highway 99 at the south end of Mount Vernon, surrounded by huge agricultural and manufacturing businesses, there’s a sort of horse-riding mecca. Bony Pony is a one-stop-shop for horse lovers and anyone who…
Blackbird Wine Bar and Charcuterie in Anacortes is a haven for wine and cheese lovers seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. The bar invites patrons to unwind and savor the moment with its warm lighting, tasteful decor, and cozy interior. Owner Bryan Holmes has infused the space with a personal touch, drawing inspiration from his years of travel to create a truly unique ambiance. A carefully curated selection of wines from around the world takes…
*Interview and Photo by Julie Trimingham Since Time Immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared home in a good, life-sustaining…
31 Days of Voting… 127 Business Categories… 77,419 Submissions… 1,006,837 Individual Votes Cast… YOUR 2024 BEST OF THE NORTHWEST RESULTS ARE IN! Check them out below!
Britta Nelson and Rachel McNulty have known each other for decades and share a love of nature. “We’ve been friends since we were three years old. We…
On Guemes Island, life tends to move at its own pace. Apparel company Slow Loris strives to weave the island’s unique vibe into the fabric of their business culture. Nestled on the Skagit County isle, the company offers quality T-shirts with original screen-printed designs that…
Tender, sweet, and spicy, this recipe stars Oostema Farmstead ground Wagyu beef, from cows that are born and raised right here in beautiful Whatcom County! Celebrate the local ingredients that we have access to here in the…
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 a…
The moment you walk into a Pacific Northwest forest, you’ll feel magic in the air. It’s hard not to look under toadstools, inside hollow trunks, or around rocky outcroppings just to see if a curious faerie is there looking back at you. One Bellingham performance company strives to create a world where that flight of fancy comes to life. Cirque Cadia is a performance company founded in 2017 by Director Natale Luma, who…
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 of communities. When was the last time you looked into your breakfast bowl of yogurt and sighed out…
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, also known as real fruit ice cream, is a little different from your typical American ice cream. At Scream, vanilla ice…
This Fall, The Skagit County Fairgrounds in Mount Vernon will once again transform into a vibrant haven for enthusiasts of the elusive Bigfoot and fans of lively community gatherings. The 3rd Annual Skagit BigFoot Fest, scheduled for September 27-29, promises an unforgettable experience, blending local artistry, music, and a touch of mythological allure. “Skagit BigFoot Fest is about being the good in our community,” says Marla Chapa, founder of Skagit BigFoot Fest and…
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…
For so many of us, Seattle is a medical or entertainment destination—the kind of place you go for a few hours or a day trip. But one of the benefits of spending a whole weekend there is the opportunity to experience more of the city at a slower pace. And to eat more good things, of course! STAY One of my favorite neighborhoods to stay in is South Lake Union, and Astra…
Picture it: you’re on a game show and made it to the last round. The final question asks you when Oktoberfest, the German…
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…
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…
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…
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 & eateries. Now, though, Gruff has expanded their craft to the kitchen. With the help of Chef…
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…
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…
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 day cruise. Whether you want to watch some whales (San Juan Safaris),…
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…
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…
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 Los Angeles, she moved to Bellingham to…
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…
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…
When longtime gardener and homesteader Jesse Johnson came across a YouTube video about starting a farmers market, she was struck with an idea. Her city, Everson, didn’t have a farmers market, despite being surrounded by farms that sold their wares in Bellingham and Lynden. Johnson asked around, and after receiving…
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…
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 with permanent residents, and a recovering wilderness. Physically, it’s 61 acres of land that used to…
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 looks forward to helping the community create delicious meals from the bounty of Skagit Valley farm stands. Radicchio Caesar Salad…
Invited to a picnic or potluck and unsure what to make? Our team put together some of our top picks for crunchy, refreshing, and…
If you were to take a look at the Skin Rhythm Spa website, you’d see there are beautiful products to add to your skincare routine: body butters, hand creams, and facial oils, all made with high-quality ingredients, beautifully photographed, and with outstanding customer reviews. What you wouldn’t find is any information about the maker. I wanted to find out more about the mastermind behind this amazing skincare line. Sit back…
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…
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…
Passing signs for Kirkland on the freeway, you’ve no doubt joked about how good the Costco must be there—but the city is so much more than that (and honestly, the Costco is nothing special; you want Issaquah for that). Given its location just across Lake Washington from Seattle, Kirkland is considered…
“Fly safe, talk to you soon,” says Jason Douglas, owner of San Juan Airlines, into his green headset as he lands his plane at the Friday Harbor Airport, passing another plane about to take off. It’s the very same airport the founder of San Juan Airlines, Roy Franklin, built years ago. On an early spring morning in March, as stick season comes to an end and the first blooms appear, a refurbished 1960s…
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…
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 is to open their new rooftop…
The mom in your life needs a massage. Honestly, everyone in your life probably needs a massage, but I’m willing to bet good money that there’s a mom you know who hasn’t even considered getting body work done, and her body needs it….
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. …
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…
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…
One of the most important parts of any getaway is your temporary home away from home. The new Village Inn at Eastsound, opened in 2023, is a fantastic home base for your Orcas Island escape. The Village Inn sits near the entrance to Eastsound’s urban center….
Since opening its doors in August 2004, Bellingham-based nonprofit Brigadoon Service Dogs has placed more than 100 trained service dogs within the Pacific Northwest, aiding and enhancing the lives of their handlers who live with diverse abilities. “Every dog that we place is a Whatcom…
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,…
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…
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…
Whether you’re entering your golden years or have loved ones who are, we’re here to help with resources for aging gracefully in the North Sound.
The Shop Clean, bright, and at the intersection of minimalist aesthetics and maximalist comfort, Faraways Boutique on Orcas Island is a family-owned and -operated business serving locals and visitors alike. Faraways provides fashionable clothing, accessories, body care, and home goods year-round, seven days a week. It was founded by Owner Elizabeth Colman-Schermerhorn and her mother, Carol McKinstry, over 22 years ago. The Atmosphere “I treat everybody like family. My mom…
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…
If you’re a fan of the sauces coming out of Bellingham business Funky’s Hot Sauce Factory, you might want to stock up now, because their sales are about to heat up! Extremely popular YouTube show “Hot Ones” is including Funky’s “Stellar Fuzz” hot sauce as number three (medium-hot) in their lineup of sauces for the 23rd season. The show debuted the first episode of this year on Jan. 25…
The Orion is known for their eccentric artworks and creative house cocktails. When you first walk in, the dark atmosphere hits you and takes you up to space. It‘s hard to imagine anything could compare to the game tables and free birthday shot, but as you walk farther back in the building, you enter a time warp. The Odd Fellows Temple Room opened on December 15, 2023, adding a calm atmosphere…
Kelly Stanley, Chef de Cuisine at The Great Blue Heron Bar & Grill at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, blends her culinary artistry with a commitment to community and sustainability. After receiving training at Bellingham Technical College, she served several years as Sous Chef at Semiahmoo Resort, Golf & Spa. Stanley’s expertise encompasses a diverse range of cuisines, from the delicate intricacies of pastry and desserts to the precise techniques…
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…
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, to name a few. Ellē turned away from the traditional “path to college” after graduating from high school in 2021. She started out by running a second-hand online thrift shop, hunting for…
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…
Edinburgh, Scotland has been the Scottish Capital since the 15th century. Here you’ll find two distinct UNESCO Heritage sites, Old…
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 excellent view. Lighthouse Pub recently unveiled its new pub fare and happy hour menu, developed by Executive Chef Marcello Mazzoleni. With this menu, Mazzoleni wanted to create an experience separate from Lighthouse’s upscale restaurant, for people who want a more informal…
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…
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 there, and we will jump in wherever we are needed,” said Marc. He has been…
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,…
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…
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.
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…
SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared home in a good, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to restore our relationship with Mother Earth and with one another. We are grateful for these stories, told in the words of each featured…
ALICIA MILLS OF Method Skin Studio offers skin care through Genesis Salon and aims to provide result-driven healing treatments with exceptional plant-based products. Her goal is to guide her clients toward what they can do from home to make a major difference in the health of their skin, as well as its appearance. What’s the single most important thing a person can do to take care of their skin for the long term? Having a daily…
Stanwood, a burgeoning town west of Interstate 5 and south of Bellingham, is home to the picturesque estate vineyards of Bayernmoor Cellars, an up-and-coming Puget Sound winery. Bringing honor to Washington State’s fourth oldest and second-largest AVA (American Viticultural Area), Bayernmoor Cellars is a humble, family-owned operation producing juice that rivals the likes of its southern brethren in Willamette Valley. Bayernmoor knocked Great Northwest Wine’s esteemed…
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 who…
Break out your bucket list; it’s time to imagine UNESCO sites in Europe to explore. Whether you can only dream or have the means to go, our ongoing travel series will take you far away from reality into a time when Kings and Queens ruled, family feuds were deadly, and the countryside was filled with castles and forts that protected against invaders. “UNESCO World Heritage is the designation for places on Earth that are of outstanding…
Thank you so much for sharing with our readers about your practice! Can you start by telling me a little bit…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
On Kristen Winn’s left inner wrist is a teal-blue tattoo of an oval seventh-circuit labyrinth, its lines snaking around and around until your eyes almost cross trying to…
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 their Sunday brunch, Rifugio’s now offers more of a unique fine dining experience for its customers….
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 store for a drink or a pack of gum and come back out carrying a stuffed axolotl, a handmade…
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…
France’s Rhone Valley produces some of the most highly coveted (and consequently expensive) wines in the world, so it’s no wonder…
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…
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…
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…
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 world in tackling Dry…
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 globes, and the store’s welcoming owner, shoppers will find themselves feeling right at home. Wear On Earth has been part of the Whatcom community for just over 15 years now. The first six years of its life were spent on…
As the days grow short and the weather turns cold here in the Pacific Northwest, a change of scenery can be just the ticket to help lift spirits and brighten up the season. Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or a full-on weekend escape, rest assured there’s a whole world of wintry options…
Since opening its doors in 2015, Wanida Thai has quickly become a go-to bastion of faraway flavor, gaining a loyal customer base and making a name for itself in the local restaurant scene. To feed the cravings of its foodie fandom even more, the popular eatery opened up a second location just north of downtown Bellingham: Wanida Thai Bistro. Photograph Courtesy of…
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 Ryan Winery (November’s winemaker of Wine Pick of the Month). Wine Spectator has…
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 prove that she could learn to cook– but she found a new passion in the least expected area. “I…
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 warm as it will be at lighting up a room. 1 Reversible Sherpa Coat Eleventh St GOODS, $74 1143…
Hello! Please introduce yourself and ReImagined. My name is Jen Parker and I began ReImagined in 2018 as a simple hobby. In 2022, I began working in art as my full-time job. With ReImagined, I purchase wood that has been salvaged from building demolitions in our local area to use as my base. Photograph courtesy of ReImagined Each piece is hand-cut, sanded, and sealed to be…
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…
I am not a golfer. It’s not that golf doesn’t appeal to me; I just could never quite summon the gumption to take a “swing” at it. Therefore, the Bistro at Shuksan might never have appeared on my radar, if it weren’t for writing this review. Now, I believe it should be on…
If you’ve ever wanted to send a gift basket to a friend or family member, but didn’t want to go through an impersonal internet business, Madrona Gifts is a perfect solution. Run by Kirsten Lutes, the online shop’s goal is to support local businesses from Whatcom County and the Salish Coast while remaining environmentally responsible. “I’d always wanted…
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…
It’s no secret that whiskey holds an iconic place in the heart of American libations culture. But have you ever wondered what actually goes into the process of creating that silky smooth, perfectly balanced sip? According to the team behind Ferndale-based craft whiskey label Doc Swinson’s, it’s (almost) all in the blend— and in the barrel. “People in the United States rarely focus on the blending aspect, which…
One of the first things people often ask Hilda Sandoval when they find out that she is a farmer is why she, as a woman with a college degree, would choose to do such a difficult and physically demanding job. Her answer is always the same: “Because I like…
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 question, a one-stop shop destination…
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 of art than usual. An annual,…
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…
Festival of Trees The Skagit Regional Health Foundation hosts this annual festival that goes to support their life-saving medical programs. Families can…
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…
Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress has served the book arts appreciators of Bellingham with their letterpress printmaking, book-binding, and stationery selection since 2004. Now, we can look forward to a second location situated inside the Granary Building! “Downtown Bellingham has been our home for 19 years. It’s always been part of our mission to build a vibrant and thriving downtown for our community, and we’re proud of our contribution,” says Carly James, who owns and operates Bison with her…
Sometimes we forget about our very own backyard, living in Washington with such abundant, delicious, vibrant, and varied wine options. But, lest you forget! I am here to remind… Some beautiful iterations are a hop, skip, and…
Have you ever wanted to learn to kayak or mountain bike, but have no idea where to start? You’re not alone. Breaking into outdoor sports can be daunting, especially for women— but Shifting Gears is dedicated to leveling the playing field. Shifting Gears is a Bellingham based organization that breaks down barriers to accessing outdoor recreation. They offer welcoming, positive programming where women from all walks of life can make their outdoor dreams a reality,…
A five minute ferry ride is all it takes to visit Lummi Island, but despite its proximity to Bellingham, this seaside escape feels like a world unto itself. From the quirky arts community to the local farms, fishing traditions, and picturesque sunsets, this island has far more to offer than many realize— and nobody knows this better than Ashley and Brittany Swaen. Photo…
We all want to eat food that makes us feel our best— but finding the time to prepare nutritious meals is easier said than done. Luckily folks in Mount Vernon can rely on the Skagit Table for fresh, seasonal cooking, whether it be for a catered event or a simple yet nourishing weeknight dinner. “We had a child that had cancer, and…
127 Categories. 381 Winners. 72,809 submissions. 946,062 individual votes. And your 2023 Best of the Northwest winners are…
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…
When Talia Sorinsin-Allen and her eldest daughter, Melissa Sorinsin, were looking for a place to have lunch in Bellingham, they faced a familiar problem. “It’s really, really hard for our family to be able to go to restaurants,” Sorinsin-Allen says, explaining that her family has dietary restrictions, especially pertaining to dairy. “[Allergens are] in the sauces, in the breads, and those things are not always labeled.” While driving by the now-closed vegan restaurant, Quantum Leaf, the two saw…
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…
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 Blue Mountains— basically from…
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 a-la-carte and full-service floral delivery for all occasions, special and…
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 in a good, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to restore our relationship…
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 “tell our stories from our perspective and…
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…
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 old favorites,…
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…
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…
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…
The Shop Whether you’re in the market for handmade gifts, stylish sandals, or even a new pair of favorite jeans,…
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 guide to fungi,…
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 to appreciate them. Here, you can taste wines made possible by ancient floods and…
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 Chapa’s small frame and brilliant, welcoming smile could deceive you into thinking that she’s not this person. Born and raised in south Texas, Chapa has always been bold. At 44 years old,…
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…
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…
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, lifesustaining way. We live in a time when we need to…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Not sure what to serve at happy hour? Take a cue from the folks at Amendment 21, one of our favorite Bellingham cocktail bars, and give this Italian-inspired flatbread a try. It’s refined enough to impress dinner party guests, yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. The dish is…
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…
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…
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 Frelard Tamales, as well as the taproom and brewery for their new craft beer…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The small elbow that makes up Bow-Edison can seem ethereal to the uninitiated. This rural community contains a bevy of artisanal businesses delivering incredible experiences:…
PNW residents rejoice: Spring is just around the corner, which means longer days, milder weather, and blossoming gardens galore. Whether you’re rethinking your landscape or simply looking to cultivate a green thumb, this season is the perfect time to give your plants some TLC. To gather…
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…
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 alive and caring for them, designing spaces with them, generally appreciating all they do.” Photo by River Porter This passion and a desire to be…
March Feature
With March coming back around and the seasons on the verge of changing over, spring migration is in swing for the birds of Northwest America! With that comes the return of the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival! The festival, now in its 20th year, will take place March 17–19 around the coastal waters of Drayton Harbor, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo. There are tons of activities like guided field trips, speakers, live raptor…
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…
As anyone who’s ever gotten a pixie cut can tell you, major hair transformations can be emotional. How can a client be certain that they’re ready to take the plunge? I always like to live by the motto, “If not now, when?” I believe everyone needs to shave their head at least once in their life. If you are unsure at all, I always recommend starting with shoulder-length…
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…
The Shop Parents and caregivers to little ones in Bellingham can trust Minted Method to have stylish, carefully sourced, and durable products that will keep up with life’s thrills and spills. While this storefront only opened in…
Since Time Immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish (Lummi), Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared home in a good, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to restore our relationship with Mother Earth and with one another. We are grateful for these stories, told in the words of each featured…
White Branches
B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar
Designer Diane Williams of Lovelike
Semiahmoo Sips
When selected with care, drink pairings have the potential to exchange and extend the flavors of an already-delicious meal.
Charmed Chocolat
Dr. Lexie Tom
Quinn + Foster
Leader Block Trattoria & Bar
January 2023 Feature, Keeping your mind and body healthy and active.
Skin and body treatments and what local spas to find them in.
Heartful Retreats
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…
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…
August Feature
Home Buyer Tips
Callahan Wellness
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)!
Whatcom Youth Pride
May 2022 Feature
Chuckanut Bay Distillery Expansion
Couture Weddings 2022
Copper Canoe Woman
Towns To Transport You
Whatcom Women in Business
Styled Shoot
Jo Joe’s Doughnuts
Home Upgrades by Room
Because We Matter
Mae Botanicals
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!
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.
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.
Crowe Potter
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 is. On the bright side, however, there are plenty of ways to prevent heart disease by taking care of this vital organ in your day-to-day life. As 2022 kicks into full swing, we’re bringing you an abundance…
Q&A with Dr. Brita Kiffney of Northshore Veterinary Hospital
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?
View the winners of the Best of the Northwest 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards below!!
A Year in Cocktails
Four Designers Speak to Four Trends
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…
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.
There are few foods more versatile and satisfying than the taco. Corn tortillas make for a great gluten-free entrée, veggie-based fillings mean delicious vegetarian options abound, and toppings create the potential for infinite flavor combinations. Here in the North Sound, we may be far from the southern border, but we’re lucky to have plenty of delicious taco options within…
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…
Click the link below! https://northsoundlife.com/enter-to-win/
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,…
A guide to local gyms
Shop local this holiday season with the Holiday Shopping Guide from our November/December 2020 issue!
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!
View the winners of the Best of the Northwest 2020 Reader’s Choice Awards below!
A closer look at Bellingham’s budding cider scene
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…
Explore the best of Lakeside Living with this month’s feature: a Lake Neighborhood Guide.
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.”
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.
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.
Cozy up with this season’s sweater trends. Find the perfect winter look from these local boutiques and stores.
To help you stay inspired and creative throughout the cozier winter months, we’ve compiled a list of ways to artistically engage all five of the senses.
The results are in. You—readers from Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties—cast more than a total half-million votes in 126 categories for your favorite North Sound businesses, places, and people. From Best Date Night to Best Dentist, you made your choices known. Here they are. Thank you to all our readers and followers for participating and voting, and congratulations to all of the winners! Click below to see the…
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.
For a helping hand in decorating your space, take a look at our list of some of the best one-stop shops in our corner of the Pacific Northwest.
With the help of four local interior design experts, we bring you the ultimate guide for redecorating your home and take a look at four common decor themes.
For some local grass-fed Angus beef, check out Addies Angus Ranch in Mount Vernon—a small, family business run by Nikki Lewis-LeSourd.
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.
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.
Construction of a five-story building, reminscent of the historic Fairhaven Hotel, is under development, a symbol of Fairhaven district’s growth and future.
Take a look at the rapidly transforming, urban district of Fairhaven and how it became the chic residential and tourist destination it is today.
Through the eyes of city planners and local residents, take a look at the future of Bellingham and how Urban Villages might affect its continued growth.
Take a look at this comprehensive plan of Bellingham’s urban village districts, and the pros and cons that come along with each area.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons National Park in Wyoming.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting the Kenai Fjords National Park and Exit Glacier in Alaska.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, the Snake Rive, and Dierkes Lake in Idaho.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Zion National Park, Emerald Pool, and Angels Landing in Utah.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Antelope Canyon National Park and Lake Powell in Arizona.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting Joshua Tree National Park and the Oasis of Mara in California.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting the Grand Canyon National Park and Havasu Falls in Arizona.
Here’s an inside look of everything you need to know about visiting the Hoover Dam, a National Civil Engineering Landmark, in the Black Canyon in Nevada.
Carolyn Roy is the director of Family Promise through Interfaith Coalition. Case managers, volunteers, and employees are helping lift people out of poverty.
The Hope Auction is a fundraiser supoprting Interfaith Coalition programs to help the homeless. Tara Gilligan Reimer is the auction coordinator.
Louis Tabor and Andie Whitewing share their stories of homelessness and how Interfaith Coalition and Family Promise helped in their time of need.
The “Spaces” part of this feature gives a look at stunning designs for a variety of rooms. Take a look at these beautiful PNW homes.
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.
This month’s feature brings up questions regarding Governor Jay Inslee’s plan to help chinook salmon and orca whales in the Pacific Northwest.
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.
There are many different ways to exercise your brain and keep your mind sharp. Some techniques include coloring, games, and communicating with others.
These medicinal plants have healing properties. You can look for them in the wild or grow them yourself, like having a backyard medicine cabinet.
A community garden helps us build community with our neighbors; reconnect with our food, where it comes from, and how it grows; and stay healthy!
Eugene Leonard is the owner of Anacortes Cannabis. Many of their products have healing properties to help with symptoms such as anxiety or sleeplessness.
Jenn Bachtel gives a week-by-week summary of her first month with Morgan H Fitness. Morgan Herkert is a registered nurse and personal trainer.
Jenn Bachtel shares a few favorite recipes, like cold Asian salad and protein bread, as well as substitutions to keep your meals varied and nutritious.
After having a baby, Jenn Bachtel is working with Morgan Herkert of Morgan H Fitness to change her life through a rigorous nutrition and exercise plan.
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 three crewmen, Bill Anders, now a resident of Anacortes, took the photo, “Earthrise,” from the space capsule window. It became…
Continuing our Jane Goodall feature, learn about the chimps, the Jane Goodall Institute, and how Goodall is depicted in a Far Side cartoon by Gary Larson.
Primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall talked to a sold-out audience in October through WWU to share her work and efforts to save the planet.
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!
Jordan Pollack has been a fearless wildland firefighter across Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish for over 40 years.
To help keep boaters, fisherman, and community members safe, the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed in Bellingham, keeps watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Whatcom County Search and Rescue Council and their volunteers play a vital role in assisting the Bellingham Police Department and community.
Whether they’re tracking a suspect or sniffing for bombs, the Bellingham Police Department K-9 Unit and their handlers are putting their lives on the line to keep the public safe.
Police Detective Pauline Renick fights crimes against children with the help of Children’s Advocacy Center coordinator Gail Tierney.
If you’re looking for a night out for Thanksgiving dinner, we have a list of local restaurants open next Thursday in Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties!
This Brussels sprout salad from Samantha Ferraro of The Little Ferraro Kitchen will add Thanksgiving Flair if you’re looking for unconventional recipes.
The Lau Lau is a Hawaiian BBQ dish that may be an unconventional Thanksgiving recipe for many, but it could be the start of a new tradition!
A Filipino cuisine, Ginataang kalabasa is a squash and coconut milk is an unconventional Thanksgiving recipe that will add a splash of color to your table.
Instead of turkey, try duck this Thanksgiving! Peter McWilliams of Doe Bay Cafe shares his unconventional Thanksgiving recipe for duck.
There’s always debate over how to cook a turkey. Whether it’s injecting vs. bringing, frozen vs. fresh, or roasted vs. fried, we have the pros and cons to help you make a great Thanksgiving meal.
Our Thanksgiving Flair Feature this month can help you deign a fall tablescape and decorate your home with pumpkins and more from Pier 1 Imports.
Richard Kauffman of Riverhaven Farm is raising high-quality, free-range Thanksgiving turkeys. These small-farm birds are expensive, but certainly worth it.
Midterm elections are right around the corner, and Ken Karlberg shares his thoughts on truth, our country, and political parties.
Here’s a look at local restaurants and bars where you can get a small bite to eat. Check out what’s available and snacks you should try.
Here’s a look at the Orcas Island Distillery, which uses isalnd-grown fruits to make their spirits. Read owner Charles West’s story of how he got started.
Here’s an inside look into Mount Vernon’s Valley Shine Distillery, where prohibition, bootlegging, and Al Capone are a big part of its history.
Here’s an inside look at Lynden’s Bellewood Acres, where everything they make is grown on their farm. Read a list of their homemade spirits.
Take a quick inside look at The Madrona Bar and Grill on Orcas Island. We will also share recommendations of home bar essentials.
We’re taking a look at distilleries who use local ingredients in their craft cocktails. Also read a bio on Alexine Langdon, bar manager at Hundred North.
We did a Q & A with four local bartenders. Here’s what they had to say about their backgrounds, favorite drinks, joys and challenges.
Audra Lawlor uprooted her fast paced Manhattan Wall Street life to start a fruit preserves company called Girl Meets Dirt on Orcas Island as her Second Act.
Doug Robertson spent his first act as an attorney; now his Second Act is working as an adjunct professor at Whatcom Community College.
Russ Kendall started out as a documentary photojournalist. Now he is in his Second Act as the owner of Gusto Wood Fired Pizza.
Susan Soltes started her second act at 50 years old. She tells her story of how she went from film production to organic blueberry farming.
Downtown Mount Vernon in Skagit County is best known for the tulip fields, but it is growing with new businesses, events, parks, and more!
The Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden celebrates its 107th year and still maintaining its agricultural roots from when it began in 1911.
The eight-horse hitch is a rare performance of eight spectacular draft-horses that will be showcased at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden.
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 say, is the best week of the entire year. It’s not elephant ears or rides like the whirling Gravitron that draw Becky, 14, and Abby, 11, to the fair, set for Aug. 13–18 this year. It’s the animals. Over the…
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.
Snoqualmie Ice Cream is an eco-friendly, sustainable ice cream business. Snoqualmie Ice Cream makes quality, consciously crafted, delicious ice creams.
Edaleen Dairy is a family run business that makes delicious ice cream from the milk of happy cows at their Lynden farm location.
Take a look behind the scenes at the Lopez Island Creamery, where new and classic ice cream flavors are created at this local Anacortes business.
Acme Ice Cream and Rocket Donuts share their secret on how they make their rich, dense, delicious homemade ice cream using local ingredients.
A quick look into the history of ice cream and a list of local ice cream shops in the North Sound that make their own delicious desserts!
Take an inside look as Ross Grier builds his dream home in Fairhaven by fusing Japanese elements with a Pacific Northwest Washington feel.
Growth is inevitable. The North Sound region is increasing in population and infrastructure. How is this growth affecting our quality of life?
We wanted to hear from you, area residents and visitors, about plans for Bellingham’s waterfront development, along with the new Waypoint Park, the first phase of the plan. Over the course of a few days in mid-May, we interviewed people on the street and those looking through the fence at the park, which had yet to open. Here’s what you had to say.
Take a tour of a few Washington State Parks and learn about the military history in this area, from the early 1800s to WWII.
A behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island.
Downtown, An Old Space Becomes New Again For Fred and Colleen Schacht, the Hamlet Hotel has been a reclamation project, sentimental journey, and business venture wrapped into one century-old downtown building. The Hamlet isn’t really a hotel but a four-suite Airbnb, where guests check themselves in via cellphone and internet (though the Schachts are just a phone call away). The Hamlet’s location, at 1202 Railroad Ave., makes it stand out — few hotel options exist downtown — even as it…
The Swim Club cocktail bar in Fairhaven transports customers into a different world and a different time with their unique and authentic atmosphere.
This milestone is worthy of a celebration — and is picnic-worthy!
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…
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 year, has readers vote for their favorites for everything from…
Here is a quick glimpse inside this beautiful home in Anacortes, with amazing detail to design and even more incredible views.
Bryan Dealing yells, “Stand by! Let it go! Twenty-six feet!” and then, splash! The diver, with his hand gripping the weighted rope that leads into the sea below him, steps off from the back of the boat into the cloudy, dark waters of Everett’s Port Gardner. It’s the middle of February. While not raining, the wind blows hard across the chilling water and the boat deck offers little protection. Fully covered in…
Meraki Boutique in Victoria, B.C. offers locally crafted goods and high-quality fashions in the Uptown Shopping Centre.
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…
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,…
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 overlooking Bellingham’s Boulevard Park. Then she led its transformation to an airy living…
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 of summer, so I’ve had a lot of practice getting this art down to a science. Whether it’s for a graduation, wedding, photo shoot, or other event, there are a few tricks you…
Jennifer Mann sold glue for 35 years. The Californian-born Mann worked for a Connecticut-based company that made adhesives and coatings…
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…
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…
Your shovel and spade have been collecting dust in the shed all winter. They’ve been itching to hit the soil for months now, and spring is finally here. Some novice (and not-so-novice) gardeners may be wondering what to plant in their often damp, rarely sunny Pacific Northwest gardens. We’re here to help. In general, go with what’s native to…
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…
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…
Hydration ‘Tis that glorious time of year here in the Pacific Northwest in western Washington, where the rain is constant and everything is oh-so-sopping wet. This is the point of the year where I start to lose it. I comfort myself with the thought that I am in…
Twin Sisters Creamery The Twin Sisters Creamery and cheese shop is big, bright, and airy, not exactly what you’d expect…
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…
For those of us who spent time or grew up in the East, a West Coast road trip has this one, can’t-beat-it novelty: seeing the sun set over the ocean. The following five places — Gig Harbor; Oregon’s Astoria and Cannon Beach; California’s Arcata/ Eureka and Mendocino — are notable destinations for that reason and more. But getting there should be at least half the fun. Successful planning for a spring road trip has a few common elements. Consider…
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…
When Does the Failure to Act Become a Moral Issue? Only a handful of issues divide our country like immigration. The debate pits our heritage as a country of immigrants, our compassion for others less fortunate, and fundamental fairness against legitimate concerns over border security, and the rule of law. The merits of…
Shambala Bakery and Bistro If someone offered you a slice of non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan bread, what would you expect it to taste like? You might guess flavorless cardboard. If you’re eating bread from Shambala Bakery and Bistro in Mount Vernon, you’d be absolutely wrong. Customers new…
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 ceramics wholesaling in the Seattle area when…
As a Bellingham native, professional painter Ben Mann has spent much of his life capturing the whimsy of the Pacific Northwest. His paintings are bold with color, yet soft with their overall simplicity. It is hard to imagine the toughest art critic not breaking a smile after taking in one of Mann’s…
In 2018, Seniors and Millennials Will Find Common Ground in New Construction. If we only had a crystal ball. Then we could predict, or at least pretend to predict, the real estate economy and the housing forecast for the coming year. With no crystal…
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…
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)…
Glassblowing Art When molten glass cools too quickly it explodes. At the Firehouse Glass Gallery in Langley there’s a barrel…
In Whatcom, San Juan, and Skagit counties, Northwest Harvest works with a total 21 food banks, feeding more than 245,000 families.
Colleen Haggerty lay on the precipice of sleep. The same scene that had visited her countless times before would visit again. She was in a car, sometimes driving, sometimes not. It was dark and raining. Out of the darkness comes a…
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…
Skagit Running Company 724 South 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.982.2934 facebook.com/Skagit-Running-Company THE SHOP On a corner at the edge of downtown Mount Vernon sits Skagit Running Company. Operating since 2001, the store has become a go-to in the lives of numerous runners in Skagit County for good reason: They care about runners’ feet. Skagit Running Company’s…
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…
Change skier Breezy Johnson’s status from “Olympic hopeful” to South Korea-bound. In an update to our story in the February edition of Bellingham Alive (p. 68), the Western Washington University sophomore, who grew up in Victor, Idaho – and has yet to ski Mount Baker, Western’s “home” mountain – has been named to the 2018 U.S. Olympic team that will compete in Pyeongchang, South Korea, when the Games run Feb. 8-25. (The February magazine went to press before…
Many parents may remember Nancy Reagan’s anti-drug slogan, “Just say ‘No’ to drugs”, or the anti-drug campaign that used a frying pan and eggs to highlight the effect of drugs on the brain. The messages were simple and catchy. Neither slogan, however, gave parents the full scope of tools to address the risks of drug abuse with their kids. And that is because the physical effect of drug abuse on the human brain was not yet fully understood, especially for dangerously addictive opioids.
Derek Long grew up in a one-stoplight town in Ohio before pursuing a career in business and economics. Much like the Pacific Northwest, Long’s hometown barely saw the sun. However, it wasn’t until after earning his degree from the University of…
Bellingham’s New Pump Track Is a Hit With just a push or two of a pedal, riders weave up, down and around, gathering speed and harnessing it to tackle the next turn or incline. On Bellingham’s very first pump track, inertia is the name of the game, one that can be played by both four year-olds and Olympians. A pump track is essentially a bike track sculpted from the earth,…
Beyond inviting visitors in for an afternoon treat or as a stop on their morning commute, Lynden Dutch Bakery caters for events, weddings, and company parties at a reasonable cost.
Women in Fishing Find Their Passions, Help Others: Comprising a small group in a large and unforgiving industry that is Alaskan fishing,…
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…
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 home (plus basement apartment), the client wanted a house…
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…
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…
Why do some things taste better together than others? The tongue, for all its functional importance, is a largely misunderstood, multipurpose muscular organ. We use it to speak, mock others, whistle, and eat. Arguably, the tongue’s most important daily task is the…
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…
This feature story appeared in the December 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.
This feature story appeared in the December 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.
While I love creating soft and feminine looks, I’ve never been one for the traditional “girly” stuff. Pink frills and sparkle never captivated me the way it does some. But for whatever reason, once a year around the holidays, it never fails: I crave glitter. Maybe it’s the season, or…
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…
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…
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…
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, where both worked. The pair teamed up to establish Cafe Flats, a small bistro…
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…
This feature story appeared in the November 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.
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…
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 from Eastsound on a…
“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 on the streets of Paris. The name Joie translates to…
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…
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 top it off, the husband-wife team, Jessica and Mataio Gillis, fill…
Click below to view the top three businesses in over 120 categories. Congratulations to our 2017 Best Of The Northwest winners!
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…
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 that’s just the beginning….
This feature story appeared in the October 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.
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…
Inexpensive Costume Options at Buffalo Exchange, Wise Buys Finding a clever Halloween costume can be a challenge, especially in a hip,…
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, appears reborn. On a day in late August, the newly christened Waples Mercentile Building, on the corner of Front and Fifth streets, is buzzing with guests in…
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…
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…
This set of feature stories appeared in the September 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.
This set of feature stories appeared in the September 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.
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…
Anyone who knows me knows I love wine. There’s something about wine-tasting and visiting vineyards that transports me to another place and time. Even if I’m only at a winery 10 minutes up the road, I find myself temporarily in Napa, or Tuscany, or the Columbia Gorge — I’m on a mental vacation from my…
ModSock Socks of all shapes and sizes adorn the surfaces of ModSock, including more than 50 cat socks alone. When asked what it’s like to run a successful business selling niche items, owner Urania Shaklee said socks aren’t a niche, they’re a need. ModSock thrives selling solely socks because anyone can be a potential customer, Shaklee said. The value of socks comes from their utilitarianism as…
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…
This set of feature stories appeared in the August 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.
This set of feature stories appeared in the August 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.
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…
Ferndale Landmark It’s hard to believe the clock tower building that looms over Main Street in Ferndale was once a 1920s…
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 it’s versatile. Clothing that works well as office attire can also…
2020 Solutions THE SHOP Any preconceived notion you have for how a marijuana retailer should look would probably be dashed when you enter 2020 Solutions on Meridian. The store, one of three 2020 Solutions in Bellingham, is expansive, well-lit, and clean. Merchandise lines the walls that sit behind the counters. Large screens display the menu of marijuana strains currently available, which rotate according to what is in season….
The summer is when the best parts of Washington come out to play. There’s nothing quite like rooftop dining during the warmer months. Maybe it’s the skyline views or the general fancy ambiance. Maybe it’s the above-it-all feeling you get as you enjoy food and drink. Or maybe it’s because food has been known to taste better when you’re high. Whatever the case may be, rooftop dining is fun, classy, and a little bit magical. Here are…
B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar at Four Points by Sheraton is an inspiration of architecture, interior design, and culinary imagination. Early this year, the hotel closed its previous restaurant, Poppe’s 360, and set about construction of this bright new and more…
On a small country road near Sedro-Woolley stands a humble building. Aside from the sign, it might be mistaken for a residence….
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 the next step, which also sanitizes the product. Mischaikov explains how the entire pellet — not just the ends — absorbs moisture. When kitty has to go, the last…
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 for law enforcement work because of their smarts, confidence, and hardworking nature. But 51-pound Greya has something else, says her U.S. Customs and…
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. MyEndlessID Pet is a tag small enough to fit on a collar,…
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, Langley has held the Floating Lantern Pet Memorial, set for Sept. 10 this year at Bloedel Donovan Park….
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 ground up in 1993. Bozzo runs it with the…
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…
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…
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 of choice. Benefits to raising traditional barnyard animals in a suburban (or urban) settings include self-sufficiency and the ability to connect with your roots. Also, watching any baby birds grow up before your eyes can be a fun…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Shake & Shine Canine Wash and Deli Shake & Shine Canine Wash and Deli is as close to a day spa as your four-legged-friend…
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…
Whatcom Humane Society It was just 1902 when the Whatcom Humane Society began taking care of animals throughout the county. “I’ve always thought it was pretty amazing that, in 1902, a group of committed citizens in our community gathered together to form the Whatcom Humane Society,” executive director Laura Clark said. In the 115 years since its inception, the organization has grown to be a…
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…
Whatcom County: Sunnyland There’s no such thing as the perfect neighborhood. Everyone has different needs and desires. But for Tina and Kirby White, Sunnyland has it all. Sunnyland is where they live, work, and play. A few blocks away from their home is their restaurant, Homeskillet. It’s a breakfast and brunch place…
Whatcom County: Lettered Streets With beer, ice cream, and Bellingham Bay just blocks away, the Lettered Streets neighborhood is one of Whatcom County’s most prized for location. Lisa Kaufman, Todd Eastman, and new four-legged companion Zeke have been enjoying their quaint Lettered Streets house and yard since 2003. It was Bellingham’s accessibility to the outdoors that brought them here, Kaufman said. The couple lived on Bellingham’s outskirts for a year before…
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…
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…
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…
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, it can be easy to overlook a drink like the Illuminati, which would be a shame. It’s sweet at first but this is a bit tempered…
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…
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 Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage in La Conner. Jennifer Ferry grew up in Pittsburgh cooking alongside her Polish grandmother, Anelia. Babcia Anelia taught Ferry how to prepare traditional Polish dishes from scratch. She’s the reason Ferry’s potato and cheese pierogies are perfectly crisp on the…
Northwater Comfortable soft blue leather chairs, Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie” playing in the background, a classy atmosphere, light entrees, and vast choices of cocktails and mocktails—that’s what’s to be expected at Northwater. Northwater, a modern restaurant and bar which opened in late March, is part of the Holiday Inn and Suites hotel, across from the Bellingham airport. From…
If you think the compacted-soil, rock-hewn, lifeless plot of land on your property could never support a garden, we have a story for you. More than 100 volunteers recently transformed the empty gravel lot across from the Bellingham Food Bank into a garden in a massive project that included installing a six-foot wood and wire mesh deer fence, 32 raised beds, and a market stand to sell produce. Oh, and they did it in one day. It’s the new…
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…
Yoga Brings Peace to Women in Transition In one of the least likely places, the chapel of the Lighthouse Mission, women temporarily forget the harsh realities of their daily struggles while yoga instructor Sarah Willett, face aglow, shares a different set of life skills—ones that involve stretches, breathing, and expansion. While there are no lithe bodies dressed in Lululemon active wear here, yoga instructors have been doing their community time (usually funded by grants)…
“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 can’t “cheat” on food. Ten years ago, I woke up one morning and came to the realization that I…
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 tablecloths. The lovely turn-of-the-century-style dressing rooms are complete with plush seats and dressing tables. Don’t be…
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….
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…
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…
Not every 8-year-old has to worry about inviting their third-grade teacher to their movie premiere. But for Kayleigh Finnegan, it was a real predicament. “Where do you have to make sure you end up the next day?” her father, Brian Finnegan asked. “School,” Kayleigh said. While she started acting in 2015, Brian said she’s been with the Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth since she was 4 years old. “There’s a pretty strong…
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 State St., and Kyle Morris said it’s a different view than the one he saw when he first founded the HUB….
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 Wild president Keith Carpenter. A net is suspended between two platforms over an artificial…
Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series The Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series will be bringing the groove to our summer nights once again starting on June 15. In partnership with the Eldridge Society and Bellingham Parks and Recreation, the free concerts have been a Bellingham summer staple for more than 20 years, said concert coordinator…
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…
Mountain Science Prof Who Survived Crevasse Now Leads New Program at Western John All, the founding director of Western Washington University’s new Mountain Environments Research Institute (MERI), says the Cordillera Blanca mountains in Peru is one of the best mountain ranges in the world. “I always go back there because it’s a great place to work,” All says. All’s research has taken him…
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…
If you want to enhance your image, you have more options than ever before. Like any surgery or procedure, there are always risks involved. But cosmetic enhancements have become easier, less expensive, and more mainstream…
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…
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…
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 get cold. But your standard Labrador retriever, the one who can’t pass a puddle without treating it like his own personal playground? In that case, maybe the coat’s more for you,…
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…
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…
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 when an ominous cloud rolls in, then…
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 tired. Afraid you’ll enter a workout unprepared? You have to have a multi-purpose wardrobe…
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…
One of the most personal, and hidden, spaces in your house, the closet is usually the last feature you consider when it comes…
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…
Tired of the same-old, same-old? Molly Maguire of Molly Maguire Landscape Architecture offers some tips on how to turn your garden and backyard into a thing of beauty — and make it helpful for the environment too: Marry form and function. Spend the extra time and…
So you want to throw a stylish backyard party — something classier than a barbeque but not as fancy as a Gatsby bash. As founder of SKB Events (skbevent.com), Sarah Brand has seen her share of elegant outdoor shindigs in 11 years of producing domestic and international social functions. We asked Brand to give her advice on holding backyard parties in the North Sound’s great outdoors,…
Ski to Sea Team Advocates for Women―and a Mountain-Bike Leg Kirsten Jensen has been participating in the Ski to Sea relay race for four years as a part of an all-women’s team. But not just any women’s team. Many of its members are part of Queens of Dirt, a year-round mountain bike and cyclocross race team. For Ski to Sea, the team is called Jack’s Bicycle Center. Most of the women are in their…
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 Mount Baker Theatre, says stepping inside of the theater is almost like you’ve stepped inside of a ship. And just like a ship takes you…
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. Hill, residing in a home in Bellingham with perfect views of Mt. Baker and Lake Whatcom, is a local artist who works mostly with oil paintings. Her work is on display in Banner Bank, the Art Market in Fairhaven, and in exhibits. “Art…
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 has exploded. The juxtaposition of materials and finishes in homes today is exhilarating. As a…
Lake Samish Row House This distinctive home on the shores of Lake Samish was built in 2010 with rowers in mind. We want to say its curvy roof and contemporary, minimalist design evokes the smooth, effortless air of a rowing team in sync. But like the sport itself, looks can be deceiving. Bellingham Bay Builders and the Cirrus Design Group, with the owner’s…
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…
Cotton, Cotton, Cotton When Gail and Randy Schnee came to the San Juan Islands for a kayaking trip, they weren’t expecting to stay for good. Originally from Orlando, Fla. and tired of hurricanes and bustling crowds, the couple found Washington’s mild climate and Friday Harbor’s small community ideal. They fell in love with Friday Harbor and immediately began looking at small businesses they could run successfully without any experience. In Florida, Gail had…
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:…
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, the cutest baby…
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,…
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 and operated by…
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 course, one can order pho, the Vietnamese staple that involves dipping noodles in soup. There are several varieties of soup, gluten-free noodles, and even a smaller kids’ option. But again, pho…
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….
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 and ran to their parents. Cohenour happily says goodbye to her students. “See you guys next time!” Cohenour is a nationally recognized children’s songwriter and performer who has released six…
Tucked behind a Shell gas station, right before Highway 20 splits south towards Whidbey Island, is Bastion Brewing Company. Weekday lunchtimes draw the local working crowds. Visit in the evening and you’ll find the barstools…
Rebecca Abdelbaki opened Bellingham Escape the first weekend of March with the hope of creating a space for friends, families, and co-workers to socialize while exercising their minds. Escape rooms are adventure games where a team of participants have a set time to “escape”…
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…
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 has gotten the best of the Nazis. At 94, she is a great-grandmother and still has a twinkle. On a winter morning, she’s sitting in her living room, warm and snug in her beige-white house banked with a cushion of new snow…
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,…
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 entire season, the market shifts each week. The market was founded by the non-profit Christian-based conservation…
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…
The Fairhaven market was created just a few years after the downtown Bellingham market and was soon brought under the same management umbrella. Now, visitors can find many of the same vendors found at the downtown market in the intimate atmosphere of the Village Green. Purposely timed for the lunch break, stop in for a well-earned lunch and a grassy seat in the sun. The market also hosts a summer concert series featuring free, local talent. Known For…
When two Western Washington University students came together in the 1990s, they had no idea that their small idea of a market would sprout into one of the biggest farmers markets in the state. With the help of community member Del Lowry, the group worked together to bring vendors and farmers…
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…
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 The strong sense of community. Market-goers are loyal and vendors are especially friendly. It’s so popular and community-oriented…
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…
The Anacortes Farmers Market has been operating at the Depot since 1989. The market’s goal then holds true today: provide…
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 offer an array of…
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 state of Washington. This ensures a truly local…
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,…
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, capricious months where the calendar says spring, but the weather doesn’t always agree. Hail, windstorms, the possibility…
Cosmos Bistro and Portteus Winery On March 4, a sold-out crowd at Cosmos Bistro experienced a range of wines from Portteus Winery, paired with out-of-this-world small plates created by Cosmos owner Cinnamon Berg, during Bellingham Alive magazine’s Spring Sips…
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…
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 was time…
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 off-white carpet with poorly placed furniture. My…
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…
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 mind rummaging. But a used bookstore is special—a kind of book sanctuary favored…
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…
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…
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…
Tomas Vrba and the Tomas Vrba Studio Every day before he leaves his home in Everett, Tomas Vrba tells his two young children, “Daddy is going to play.” A professional large scale sculptor, Vrba makes his living carving tree stumps into things of beauty. He hopes his children follow their own dreams and realize that a conventional path in life isn’t a necessary rite of passage. Raised in Slovakia, Vrba grew up a…
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…
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 when her father owned the confection shop, called Cook’s Candy Shop, located in downtown Detroit. Bevan-Bumford learned how to bake apple pies and work with pastries from her grandmother. Years…
Apricot Lane Boutique Apricot Lane Boutiques have made their way up to our corner of Washington. The Bellis Fair store opened on Nov. 17 as the first Apricot Lane in the state, said owner Michelle Alke. While…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 toward Point Roberts and White Rock, helps. With a farmhouse type design by Haven Design Workshop and touches like interior sliding barn doors, the home is functional and easy to…
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…
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…
Greenfab is a Seattle-based developer of modern, sustainable, prefabricated homes. In 2010, it made news for installing Washington State’s first prefab, modular home to earn LEED Platinum certification….
Laundry Rooms are the Home’s Hidden Hub It’s the forgotten room of the house: the laundry room. At the bottom of creaky stairs in a spooky basement, part of the mudroom or tucked in a closet, it’s not a room that’s usually…
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,…
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 and sports—not necessarily in that order. During our first consult, we discussed their desire to redesign with some traditional…
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…
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…
On February 9, guests braved the slushy roads to attend our Meet the Chef event. Held in the test kitchen…
Galloway’s Cocktail Bar Galloway’s Cocktail Bar has taken over the space Daphne’s once held in Fairhaven, across from the village green. The new bar has retained much of Daphne’s old-fashioned feel but without the feminine vibe. The small space is dark and romantic with intimate booths perfect for a date night with that special…
Tasty Break for Shoppers, Travelers on I-5 Drive As the upscale, fish-scale version of popular partner Outback Steakhouse, the Bonefish Grill is well-positioned to meet the appetites of shop- and traffic-weary consumers along the Marysville-Smokey Point retail corridor on I-5. About midway between Seattle and Bellingham,…
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…
Local Food Boxes make for a Healthy You and a Healthy Community When spring comes in northwest Washington, there seems to be a communal sigh exhaled across the land. More rain ahead, yes, but the occasional sunny and almost-warm day gives us the glimmer of hope to keep forging ahead. Spring to me means thinking about all of the…
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 from being a student to a certified instructor. Booty Barre was created by fitness expert…
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…
In just two days, I’ll be headed out of town, taking the redeye to New York City. In between sitting down to write this article and penning the last of my emails, I’ve been frantically running around trying to pack and figure how I’m going to fit my entire bathroom cupboard into my carry-on. I’ve never been a good packer (Don’t believe me? Just ask my husband!). As a planner, I always want to have options and be prepared…
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 packaged in beautiful, brightly colored boxes and ribbons, which makes for…
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…
Tips for early spring One of the best things about warmer weather is vibrant, lush flowers and bountiful vegetable gardens. As with the case of…
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 and author Holly Barbo it is writing fantasy and thriller novels that keep her sane in what can seem, especially lately, like an upsidedown world. Her passion for writing started to pick up after the recession hit and the family furniture store fell on harder times. Becoming an…
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 a sight to see against a backdrop of deep green-blue rolling…
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…
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 that…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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 to begin distilling as a hobby in 2010. The couple spent two- and-half years…
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, the state’s only…
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 few meccas of local bounty that are well worth the effort. What better way to celebrate the month…
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 assorted beachthemed gifts eases the bone-deep Bellingham chill outside, while just a few steps away is a shrine dedicated to a…
“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 its headquarters. This is a homegrown, local company fittingly named after the French word for bird. Oiselle wants women to soar. It specializes in athletic wear and strives to help women boost…
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,…
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…
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 to brew. The Brewdeck was distributed by the Bellingham…
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….
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…
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…
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 Vernon. Not only is there the worry for public safety, this one is personal—Mayor Boudreau worked closely…
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, tour coordinator for the senior tour program, said Bellingham Senior Activity Center members’ interest was piqued. “Cuba captures a moment…
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 outcry has been far-reaching and is evidence of a changing climate toward transgender individuals. When a transgender person walks out of the bathroom, their identity doesn’t go away. Transgender individuals still experience a number of challenges in a number…
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…
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 minutes, and could run in formation for five miles in my polished black boots. I could carry a rucksack and an M16 over miles of hiking…
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 adrenaline, and keeping you from a nice, peaceful rest. What do we do when we can’t sleep? Reach for the nearest hand-held electronic device, pop on the TV, or click on the light on the nightstand, scrambling our circadian rhythms and confusing our bodies with artificial…
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…
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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 anticipated budget, why not? Certainly there are plenty of solid, value-priced wines to be had. But the holidays practically demand that you…
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…
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…
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 it’s waiting for us, right over the border. Built in…
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 to complement your outfit, or a nice sweater to beat the Bellingham winter, then Betty is your girl. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a refresher piece, a brand new look built from the ground up,…
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 U.S. Marine veteran—sought to change the path of those exposed to stress…
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 left with just 60 minutes to understand…
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…
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…
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…
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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 for a dinner date or a ladies’…
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,…
The word “aloha” holds a variety of meanings in Hawaiian culture. Aloha could mean “hello,” “goodbye,”or “love.” For the owners of Aloha Poke, this commonly used word defines their way of life as they bring a part of Hawaii to Historic Fairhaven District. When you enter the environment of Aloha Poke, there’s nothing that resembles a tacky Waikiki tourist within the shop. Owners David Jacobsen and Mark Ishijima, who were…
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…
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…
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 that had been built…
Raise your hand if you have more than an hour a day to do your makeup? Okay, now if your hand is raised,…
The end of summer and journey into fall is a bittersweet time in Northwest Washington. It’s easy to yearn nostalgic for long summer days, but through the falling leaves and impending dampness, there is a certain beauty in the air. And, it’s one of my favorite times of year for food, namely late summer veggies. Local jewels like beets, carrots, onions, potatoes are in their prime, and tasty favorites like tomatoes and…
THE SHOP This charming space in Historic Fairhaven is packed with whismical vintage goods. Located right on Harris Avenue, the historic setting provides a perfect backdrop to the antique furniture, fun artwork, and bright fabrics. Something Found owners Jamie Schwindt and Helene Fellows keep the store well-organized and pleasing to the eye. Although there are lots of knick-knacks and collectibles, they are charmingly displayed. Jazzy music plays to top off the vintage vibe. “We’ve…
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…
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…
There are people who work in community service, volunteer for great causes, advocate for positive change, run for public office,…
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…
This Fall, the San Juan Islands will be the Northwest hot spot for film festivals. Orcas Island will host both the Orcas Island Film Festival October 7–10 and the one day Wild and Scenic Film Festival on November 12. Additionally, the Friday Harbor Film Festival on San Juan Island will take place November 4–6. Each festival has its own inspiring theme that will appeal to any movie buff. “We want our films to be compelling stories that encourage people to…
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…
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. >
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…
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…
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…
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 openings is approaching one per week. “It’s the craft beer revolution,” he said, “I don’t know how else to describe it. And we’re still…
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 opened Wildwood Spirits Co. adjacent to the Beardslee Public House, which they co-own. You…
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, by her thirtieth birthday, Strong would earn recognition for being…
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…
Moontree Asian Tapas boasts an impressive five-star rating average on Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Facebook, so my expectations were reasonably high…
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…
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 and built the home, which features intriguing shapes and angles. The home offers sweeping views of the entire landscape, with large floor-to-ceiling windows in…
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…
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 brows into oblivion, don’t lose heart. Here are some tips and tricks for getting…
The Loft at Latitude Forty-Eight Five’s Strawberry Gin Fizz Ingredients: Gin, strawberry puree, soda water, lemon juice | $6 A sunny summer afternoon calls for two things: a seat with a view and a cold drink. The Loft at latitude Forty Eight Five delivers on both accounts. With indoor seating encompassed with large windows…
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 eggs, steak sandwiches, and rice paper salmon rolls. Guests mingled while mixologist Tiffany Matthewson created four…
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 paid for but wasn’t using. She struggled to achieve her fitness goals because of her busy schedule and a commitment to spending quality time with family and friends. Inspiration…
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…
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…
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…
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…
“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 its headquarters. This is a homegrown, local company fittingly named after the French word for bird. Oiselle wants women to soar. It specializes in athletic wear and strives…
In a nutshell, this home is nestled on two acres overlooking a pond with stunning landscaping. For this design, I wanted to bring all the elements of the outdoors inside. I did this by using soft robin egg blue on the walls to mirror the sky, along with wood elements found in nature. By building with textures and fabrics these three rooms are all different yet build on one another. The end result is a…
Gardens hold a special spot in the hearts of many. Tending the young shoots of flowers, vegetables, and other plants,…
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 head out for the farmers market, bright, cheery, sweet berries are there to greet you. In this issue, we explore the farms and folks of our number one crop and dive into a little history. So grab a handful of…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 consists of a network of 2.5 miles of trails, was named for Higgins. Saturday’s dive consisted of Higgins and his team of volunteers relocating industrial tires from nearby Marina Beach to…
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 car and taking a good old-fashioned road trip around the byways and scenic routes of our beautiful area. Among the whale-watching viewpoints and mountain vistas are…
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,…
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 •…
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…
Z Gallerie opened its doors to its 63rd location in Bellevue Square on April 9. The furniture gallery aims to bring fashion forward decor to customers at an accessible price point, said public relations manager Gordon Andahl. “We want to make sure we are…
At the Majestic on Forest Street on a spring night, jazz flows out of the doorway and vibrates off the walls. On the stage are a pianist, a trumpet player, and a drummer. The instruments harmonize, echo, repeat. Members in the audience range in age, gender, and background, but they all have the same glowing expression on their faces. In the very back of the jazz band is a…
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…
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 Northwest unveiled plans to open a new health care center in 2018 to meet the growing demand for health care services in…
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…
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 on a regular basis, introducing hundreds of kids to the woods, ocean, and creeks of our beautiful area. On April 25, Governor Jay Inslee was in Bellingham to…
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…
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 and bustle at the Port of Everett Marina —…
It would be an exaggeration to say the humble strawberry built Orcas Island, but not much of one — ripe, sweet strawberries have been a huge part of Orcas Island’s history and culture for centuries. The current Strawberry Barreling Building in Olga is a monument to a past industry. Glen Rodenberger was the strawberry king of Orcas. In 1935, he formed The Orcas Island…
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. We tend to celebrate it with bad nachos and cheap tequila, but thanks…
There’s a new brand of legends racing to the top at the Deming Speedway this year. They aren’t just breaking track records; they are destroying the myths of self-entitlement and selfishness that too often slows down our youth. These young drivers are amp’d with the spirit of service that keeps them in the lead and mytrafficman.net is proud to sponsor them on and off the…
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…
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…
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,…
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 stands. We asked local culinary talents for their favorite berry recipes. Some of these dishes you can…
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…
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…
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…
Birch Bay, Chuckanut Bay, Semiahmoo, Drayton Harbor, Larrabee State Park, Point Roberts, and South Birch Point are all public oyster and clam beaches.
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 European travel. The…
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…
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.
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.
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…
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 expression they choose,” said Sharyn Peterson, the conservatory founder…
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…
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…
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, and was first introduced to the…
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 ceiling, lighting up booths filled with unique local art. Children danced together, enjoying boisterous tunes while their parents looked on sipping locally brewed beer and wine. “We didn’t know if anyone was going…
THE SHOP Tucked in the Lettered Streets, within the walls of a blue garage lies Alleycat Bike Shop. This neighborhood treasure…
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,…
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 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…
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 AND GET PEDDLIN’! DAY TRIPPING Packing the panniers with lunch and having a picnic is one of the great joys of…
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 harvest and bottle. One day we sat on the porch overlooking the fields drinking wine…
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…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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 past the middle falls overlook. It’s a family friendly hike and good for all ages. The river and falls pound…
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…
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…
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 straits and sounds of the Salish Sea in cedar…
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…
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…
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 cavorts,…
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 on time. I don’t know about you, but the last time…
At home on Main Street in the quaint waterfront town of Edmonds, the Chanterelle Hometown Bistro is nestled in an historic building that was once the first hardware store in town. Owned and managed by husband and…
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…
You can hear the clicking of heels throughout Meadowdale Middle School hallways, and they aren’t your average heels. They are bright yellow, spiked high heels worn by intensive learning teacher Tamara Musser. Once you catch a glimpse of her, you may think she took a wrong turn on her way to a Paris…
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 a dream she had in the mountains of Peru and funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign, Wilbur inaugurated Project 562 by visiting 13…
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 functioned as the focal…
Executive Chef Matthew Romeo crafts signature, seasonal menus that succeed on presentation, quality, technique, and, most importantly, taste.
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,…
EAT owner Eric Truglas pointed to the little chalkboard to which the bill was clipped. “L’ardoise,” he said. “The bill is called ‘l’ardoise’ in France, because the order and the check were written on little chalkboards or slates. Truglas greets his customers with a friendly handshake and a wide smile, the satisfied smile of someone who knows he’s onto something big. His enthusiasm is infectious. “Twenty-seven days. We worked in here day and night for…
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…
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 a sense of humor and broken “check…
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,…
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 Pew Internet and American Life Project, almost half of all Americans…
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…
J is for Jake’s Western Grill Barbecue doesn’t get better than Jake’s — smoky, delicious pulled pork or tender brisket — whatever you choose, be sure to make it here. Not…
Here at North End Metro, we have sought to make women’s stories a regular part of our publication through our…
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…
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 a favorite for the date night crowd. Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10…
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, the kitchen,…
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…
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,…
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…
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 of us Pacific Northwesterners breathe a tiny sigh of relief; we made it through…
You can see Top It Yogurt Shoppe’s swirled logo from pretty much everywhere in Snohomish’s historic downtown. It calls out to shoppers looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, and it does not disappoint. Once inside, it’s so bright and breezy that you’ll be feeling sunny regardless of the weather. Owner Sheri Lobaito’s warm greeting and friendly demeanor also helps. Top…
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,…
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 similar challenges in agreeing upon how…
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…
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 curtain rises and breaks the thin veil between reality and fiction, you will find yourself in the throes of enchantment. Based in Snohomish County, the Olympic Ballet Theatre does just that—enchants audiences with three shows a…
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 imports, and they pride themselves not only on their relationships with customers, relationships that sometimes span generations, but also with furniture designers, builders, and manufacturers. THE ATMOSHPERE A down-to-earth showroom where either music hums in the background or a…
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* bed upholstered in tweed and dressed in a DwellStudio duvet. Modern design does that to me. So it pained me when I heard that after five…
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 well known illustrators. In 2013, Scottish illustrator Johanna Basford published The Secret Garden. Her initial printing of 16,000 books blew up to more than two million. Some think…
“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.”
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…
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…
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 to do nothing. And then they are forever unhappy with their white walls….
On February 11, K&L Media and Judd & Black Appliance teamed up for Meet the Chef at Judd & Black Appliance’s test kitchen in Mount Vernon. Our special guests were Chef Justin Hawkinson of Crave Catering and Distiller John Belisle of BelleWood Acres. Located just north of…
“Our staff members are incredibly creative and find
ways to help. They care and think with their hearts.”
One year ago, Edmonds welcomed its first ever oyster bar and steak house. Before Salt & Iron’s grand opening, we reported…
For landscape designer and certified professional horticulturist Heidi Skievaski of Sublime Garden Design, an unsightly curtain drain that skirted…
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 Island, executed by principal architect Dan Nelson of Designs Northwest Architects, proves these misconceptions wrong. The resulting transformation was so complete that neighbors believed it to be a newly constructed home, yet the remodel was cost effective and, at times, surprisingly simple. “Most of…
This stunning San Juan Island beauty is a perfect metaphor for a writer’s personality — open, receptive, and unguarded at times, and closed, private, and introspective at other times. A beautiful example of contemporary architecture, this cabin folds up into a neat little package, or opens up to a big, expansive view. The interior is thoughtfully designed to…
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 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.
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.
” 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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
The couple set about remodeling, using mostly local artisans. The result? A comfortable, unpretentious, and yet artful home that accommodates family, friends, and even a lovely bald eagle who lurks in the trees above
Whether it is a blank book, greeting card, or stationery,
everything in the store has a connection to writing.
To really understand the 6 Degrees of Trouble we explore
the nature of problems in general; or, at least, the difference
between small problems and large problems, and the difference
between those that have little impact and those that have
a large impact.
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.
next time your work week gets the best of you, head to the Lighthouse and try the DiSarrono Sour.
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 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.
Sean Haven of Haven Design workshop took on the challenge of designing and building a Net Zero house.
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.
Considerations like direction of sunlight, storm runoff, window materials, and flooring are all part of the eco package.
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.
Natural textures like wood and stone complement the white walls and countertops.
The minds behind Avenue Bread are at it again but are taking a more retro approach to their second venture, The Filling Station.
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…
A garden of glowing spikes, a ceiling of sea creatures—Dale Chihuly’s influence upon Washington’s art scene is felt in every gallery walk and at every art…
Not long after Dr. Jean Hernandez was named President of Edmonds Community College (ECC) in 2011, she received affirmation in the form of the…
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…
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…
Winter in the Pacific Northwest. The near-constant cloud cover brings the sky low and drapes the landscape in shadows. Often it’s dark when we wake to leave for work and dark once more…
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.
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.
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 selection of handbags and purses is equally impressive, with a similar emphasis on quality, style, and practicality.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On GroundFrog Day, Snohomish Slew is the frog of honor and serves as the official Frognosticator Extraordinaire. If he croaks, then spring has sprung
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 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.
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 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?
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.
There are numerous kinds of apparatuses used in aerial acts, some of the most popular being hoop, hammock, rope, and silks.
Accounts differ, deities get in the mix, but according to most sources, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as we understand it began with the Shennong, a demigod known as the Divine Herdsman.
When reading labels, we should not only be reading our ingredient lists but learning about them.
Tucked beneath the South Bay Suites in historic Fairhaven is Bellingham’s newest home decor and gift shop. 1 Paperboat welcomes guests with open doors to Bellingham Bay, creating a new by-the-sea shopping experience. Within its walls, shoppers can find an array of home goods, jewelry, gifts, and clothing….
The day that Jackie found out she was pregnant, her world came into focus. She was 21, homeless, and seeing a man who was being tormented by his own demons. Jackie had seen her own recreational drug use begin to spiral out of control, shifting from casual to frequent, finally leading to intravenous use — anything to escape reality. As she described, “I was using anything I could get my hands on.”…
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,…
Graham Cracker Crumble: 1.5 Cups graham cracker crumb 1/3 Cup of melted butter 1/4 Cup of white sugar In a metal…
When traveling between Seattle and Vancouver, Bellingham tends to be the place to stop on the way. We’re striving to be a place that travelers don’t just pass through, but decide to stay and visit for a weekend. The Downtown Bellingham Partnership is one of the leading forces making downtown a place for…
Keenan ’s at the Pier and The Chrysalis Inn hosted the inaugural Bellingham Alive Sips of the Season event on the restaurant’s open air patio. Gentle ocean breezes, fun people, and remarkable hors d’ oeuvres and fantastic cocktails made for an unforgettable afternoon. Keenan’s staff members presented appetizers paired with each hand -crafted cocktail. They also demonstrated how to make each cocktail, advising guests…
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 from being a student to a certified instructor. Booty Barre was created by fitness expert Tracey Mallet in 2009. It has grown from…
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…
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 her close-knit team…
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, sumptuous scented candles in unusual fragrances, design books, and even specialty pencils for those who take…
Anyone who lives in Bellingham knows the open, inviting, independent bookstore Village Books and its next-door neighbor, the gift shop Paper Dreams. Village Books is an anchor in the community, functioning as more than just a retail space. It is a gathering place that embodies what Bellingham is about: partnerships, community- building, and being locally focused….
It could be a misnomer to call Sculpture Northwest a sculpture gallery. Yes, they certainly have one in downtown Bellingham on…
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…
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,…
The results are in! Our readers have voted on their favorite businesses, services, restaurants, stores, spas and more, from Blaine to Anacortes. Looking for the go-to places to get the perfect haircut or find the best dentist? Look no further. Arts & Entertainment BEST CASINO- Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa Silver: Skagit Valley Casino Bronze: Swinomish Casino and Lodge From casual to fine dining, from slot machines and one-armed bandits to blackjack tables, the Silver Reef is…
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, and a lovely adjoining dining room. The owners request that guests be 16…
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…
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 other necessary services throughout the day. Jessica Gaitan, the community engagement coordinator…
Cosmos Bistro, located in the Herald Building, is destined to become one of Bellingham’s iconic restaurants. Recently opened by Cinnamon Berg, Cosmos Bistro offers guests a relaxing venue filled with good vibes and out-of-this-world cuisine. Berg, the genius executive chef and culinary mastermind behind the menu’s eclectic breakfast,…
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 Shrestha founded the Himalayan Corporation when they discovered how much dogs love munching on the traditional hard Nepali yak cheese, chhurpi. Despite a dog’s obsession with the taste, cheese isn’t normally good for…
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…
Reds Trust 2012 Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla- trustcellars.com If you like light red wines like Merlot and Pinot Noir, you might enjoy a dive into the deeper, bolder flavor of a Cabernet Franc. The makers of Trust Cabernet Franc describe it as having “refined tannins, spicy aromas, vanilla with peppery accents, violet nuances and an understated elegance of some serious red and black berry, blueberry, and plum flavor.” Basically, it’s a great red wine without being too heavy. Established by Cardinal…
This summer—my, oh my! It feels like this summer started about two months early this year and that beautiful, warm sunshine is…
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 own, Corey decided to do something that brought…
Whether you’re looking for a cozy corner in which to settle down and watch the game with a beer in hand, or are…
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, a refreshing robin’s egg blue, to the artful arrangement of decorative tables and shelves, which sport a cheerful assortment of home…
For this remodel, my clients wanted to revamp an old shed. Fifty feet from the house, this outbuilding is the perfect place to create a space to entertain friends, have sleep-overs, watch movies, play games, have snacks, make music, and exercise. My clients wanted to maintain the integrity of the original foundation and have it look as if it were an extension of their home all on a conservative budget. They have four children: a sixteen-year-old son, thirteen-year…
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 restaurant, which was set to open in November 2014. Though Bothell may seem an unlikely location for Wiltz’s latest venture, he has been a resident of the quiet, understated…
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…
An Edmonds woman exclaims, “Oh yum, an oyster bar is coming!” while walking past the paper-covered windows at 321 Main Street. A poster…
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…
Built to blend unobtrusively with its landscape, yet maximize views and interior space, the House in the Field takes the lines of a traditional ranch house and explodes them into beautiful angles and fascinating forms. Natural materials and an earthy palette complement the open land surrounding the house.
Bellingham has a few great spots that serve up their particular delicious version of the cheese-laden pie. New to the mix, however, is Fat Pie Pizza, a bustling joint that specializes in the infamous Chicago-style crust, as well as the…
This issue we take on a journey to discover our favorite places to get spring rolls.
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 way possible….
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…
Find a corner, spruce it up Perhaps you need a spot for yoga, or a place to sit and read in the sun. Maybe you like to knit by the fire or watch the rain as you write in your journal. Whatever your interests, if you feel the need for a little corner of your own, we have…
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…
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.
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…
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.
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.
The impulse to restore old furniture, to find value in the discarded, to resurrect the rusted out, to elevate trash into functionality, maybe even art—is a passionate one. In the old days, the dumpster-divers and junk men were seen as goofy guys in crumbling trucks, typified by Fred Sanford on the hit TV show Sanford and Son.
As a young boy, age 5 or 6, I used to play in the local woods where the soil was mostly clay…
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…
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…
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…
Celebrating the Women of Boeing Be ready. And always have your shoes on. That’s how Nelda Lee, the first female pilot to fly an F-15…
You have no excuse not to do this full-body circuit workout! Not only can you do it almost anywhere, but…
Spring Parsnip soup with sauted rosemary apples and fried leeks (Vegan) Serves 8+ Soup Ingredients: • 1/2 cup almond oil • 3 onions peeled and cut into large dice • 5 lbs Parsnips • 3.5 quarts of water • 1 tsp nutmeg, ground • 1/2 cup coconut milk • sea salt and pepper Heat the almond oil in a large stock…
Our master bath remodel had been a long time coming. It started in my head when we bought our 1920s Tudor in Bellingham 13 years ago. The unfinished attic had been remodeled in the 80s, and the bath was added then—good space, but the dark wallpaper, phone booth-sized shower and graying linoleum floors were showing their age. Fast-forward a decade and we were finally ready to gut the existing bath and start…
If you aren’t intimidated by all of the acronyms associated with sunscreen, then my floppy straw hat is off to you. Even as…
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…
It’s not much of a secret that I enjoy traveling long distances on foot — I’ve through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail twice. I love the way miles accumulate and push you forward, the way the sheer volume inspires you to press on for just a few more miles or hours. It is a…
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…
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:…
What’s On Your List? Bucket Lists have made a huge surge in our culture — and somehow it sounds far more appealing than “my list of things to do before I expire.” In fact, you can even create small lists, such as a Bucket List for your 20s, 30s, or a Bucket List before you get married and have kids. The idea is to look at the finality of something, not necessarily just your life, and create a conglomeration…
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…
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 looking forward to each New Year, one of my favorite things is to take a step-back and reflect on my goals; not just…
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…
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 in oil. Hot, crispy, onion-y, this savory potato pancake is the featured item at Hanukkah dinners and parties, and the focus of latke-eating contests. Before the New World potato made its way across the Atlantic a few hundred years ago, cheese or…
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…
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.”
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 intricate network of rivers to the east. Whether you choose…
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…
SIGHT Visual art in our area is so abundant. Some say it’s the light, some say the views, some say it’s the calm, easygoing lifestyle. For whatever reason, our corner of the Northwest has become a gathering place for visual artists. We celebrate the filmmakers,…
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, Mindy Overlin, Scott Pelton and Brian Seales created Bellingham Tap Trail (BTT) as a part of Taps, Caps and…
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…
This year for our style feature, we were inspired by the ornate ironwork, rich woodwork and majestic atmosphere of Lairmont Manor. Taking a cue from the Lairmont’s vintage charm, we gathered some favorite looks from the past and updated them with a decidedly modern twist. We sourced local clothing and props to create our unique blend of old-world charm and the latest…
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 my cosmetic staple. The 1950s are my thing. Although…
On August 20, 2013 a lifechanging event occurred for dispatcher and supervisor Faye Whitney. With twenty seven years of experience working…
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…
SAN JUAN ISLAND San Juan Island teems with life in the summer. Friday Harbor is San Juan’s welcome mat, and a cheery one at that: just up the hill from the ferry landing, shops, restaurants and galleries, Friday Harbor awaits the eager visitor. With 8000 residents, it is the only incorporated town in the San Juans. An artists’…
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…
On June 7th, the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Foundation will celebrate the community’s generosity, spirit and leadership at its bi-annual black-tie gala. PeaceHealth takes great pride in its service and commitment to the people of Whatcom County and beyond, but the not-for-profit doesn’t act alone: doctors, patients, caregivers and the community at large are all a valuable part of the PeaceHealth family. Together they contribute resources…
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BEST CASINO Silver Reef Silver: Skagit Valley Casino Bronze: Swinomish If you combine excellent food, great gaming, live…
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.
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 –…
Meet the men and women behind the craft of wine making at six Washington wineries…
