A Beginner’s Guide to Wine: How to get into the world of this historical beverage
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…
Culinary Couple Begins New Chapter | Next Chapter Cafe
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 features the best parts of each of their…
Red, White, and Blue Antique Automobiles | Whatcom County Cruising Association
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…
So You’re an Artist… Do You Need New York?
“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 to be seen in New York to have a successful…
Teaching Self-Care | Skagit Alexander Technique
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 I usually describe it is that it helps you learn to do things that you do every day, but with less tension, less pain, less fatigue,” explains Angeline LeLeux, who…
Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
Looking to check out something new around the Pacific Northwest area? Whether a long time resident or fresh to the northwest, we may be able to help you experience something…
Since Time Immemorial | Xwesultun Raven Borsey
Xwesultun Raven Borsey is a graduate student in cultural anthropology at Western Washington University, where as an undergraduate he won the 2024 Outstanding Student…
Behind the Scenes at Water Tank Bakery
Flour poofs into the air, rich with the smell of baking bread. Three people stand around a table of thick wooden butcher block, quickly shaping…
Gathering for a Good Cause | Hotel Bellwether’s Holiday Trees
Last year’s Holiday Trees at Hotel Bellwether was a huge hit, raising more than $10,000 for Skookum Kids. Voting kicked off on Dec. 7 and ran throughout the month, with visitors and guests choosing their favorite trees and wreaths. The top three trees were just a few votes apart—NEKO: A Cat Cafe’s Grinch tree came in first, the Bellingham Bells won second place, and West-Lind Construction was third. For the…
Two Years of Since Time Immemorial
This month marks two years and 20 instances of one of our favorite recurring Bellingham Alive columns: Since Time Immemorial. The wonderful Julie Trimingham began interviewing indigenous community members for Bellingham Alive in late 2022, and those interviews, along with beautiful full-page portraits, have appeared in the magazine’s…
Holiday Recipe Round-Up
Holiday Recipe Roundup It’s fair to say that the tastes of the holidays—mountains of potatoes, cranberry sauce, grandma’s top secret pie recipe, or whatever your seasonal staple may be—are daydream-worthy all year round. To aid you in your holiday cooking journey, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite recipes ranging from appetizer to dessert—plus,…
Sharing Culture and Connection Through Food
Oh poi! This month’s online exclusive takes us inside the kitchen of Seattle Poi Company. Culture, food, and community mash together to create the story of…
Literary Arts in the North Sound
Our September issue is all about the arts, which might at first bring to mind paintings and dance performances—but literature is a huge part of the arts scene too! The North Sound is a hotbed of literary…
Taking the Classroom Outside
Imagine yourself in preschool. You look up to find a canopy of trees overhead. You hear noises of a creek rushing through, wind blowing through the foliage of the trees. Imagine days spent learning about…
WWU QueerCon
I first heard about WWU QueerCon just one day before the event. It was late April, and Bellingham was just starting to really blossom with activity like it does every Spring. I was looking forward to a weekend at home when QueerCon appeared on…
Hiatus Campers
Life partners Erin and Tyler founded Hiatus Campers in 2018 based on their love of adventure. The native Washingtonian UW alums met at the campus climbing gym. Tyler, an Industrial Design graduate, had always loved working with his hands. He spent years commercial fishing in Alaska, which also allowed him to develop his fabrication background through use of specialized equipment. After graduation, Tyler and Erin built their first hard-sided…
The Star Behind The Orion
As you walk down Holly Street toward the bustling streets in downtown Bellingham, you come across a mysterious yet welcoming set of stairs with a large star at the top. It draws you in and takes you…
Beloved Bakery Adds Savory to Their Sweets | Barb’s Pies and Pastries
When strolling down Main Street in Ferndale, you might spot a powder-blue bakery sign promising scrumptious treats. Once you step inside, you’ll likely find the namesakes of Barb’s Pies and Pastries: a vast selection of pies and Owner Barb O’Brine. “I’ve been working in Ferndale longer than I care to tell you,” says O’Brine, who founded the business in 1999. “February was our 25th anniversary, I can’t believe…
Drag Me 2 Church
Sunday nights in downtown Bellingham are usually quiet. After the Friday and Saturday night buzz is over, the streets are still. However, this could not be further from the truth at Rumors Cabaret. Every Sunday at 9:30 p.m., Rumors Cabaret hosts Drag Me 2 Church, a community drag show fundraising for Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood…
Offering Brightness and Joy in Dark Times | Soul*drift’s Valentine’s Love Cabaret at Amendment 21
February can be a hard month. All the joy and brightness of the holiday season has passed, and the excitement of the new year is starting to wane (as is your dedication to resolutions, if…
Wear On Earth You Should Be: Wear On Earth Yarns and ReWear
From star-sprinkled-skies just below your feet to walls lined with colorful yarns and rare finds, it won’t be long before you’re sucked into Wear on Earth Yarns & ReWears. Greeted by funky mannequins, a plethora of globes, and the store’s welcoming owner, shoppers will find themselves feeling right at home. Wear…
Holiday Shopping Guide
Apse Jewelry Studio & Showroom Downtown Bellingham’s coolest jewelry spot with a colorful selection of rings, chains, and hoops. We handcraft all our jewelry in-studio using genuine precious metals and gemstones and design with a genderless focus. 1153 N. State St., Bellingham apse.us Northwest Yarns & Mercantile Located in beautiful downtown Bellingham’s Arts District, Northwest Yarns & Mercantile is the place to find all your fiber arts crafting supplies, kits, and…
Meet the Winemakers of Walla Walla’s Airport Incubators
Kelsey Albro Itämeri of itä wines itawinery.com What are your main goals when it comes to itä, and how would you describe the style of wine you make? At itä wines, I focus entirely on grapes from the eastern side of the…
Skagit Valley Woman Creates the Change She Wants To See: Marla Chapa
When you are unabashedly unafraid to create the waves necessary to produce change, you are a force to be reckoned with. At…
It’s All About the Atmosphere: Raven’s Cup Coffee and Reclamation Candle Company
Are you visiting the relaxing small town of La Conner? Don’t forget to stop by Raven’s Cup Coffee, a local coffee shop that also is an art gallery and a candle shop. …
Steaks, Sips, and Seafood: Friday Harbor House
Friday Harbor House restaurant spotlight.
One Part Clay, All Parts Functional
Blue Water Pottery
The Flavors of Peru
Cafe Rumba
Wearable Works of Art by Women
Bellingham is full of femme creatives, and many of these artists make wearable works of art that can be shown off every day rather than just hung up in your home. Marion Bouquet is one of these women who runs her business, Golden Fern Adornments, making and painting wooden earrings inspired by all things wild. They often feature creatures like serpents and moths, plants…
Designs to Make Your Day
Q&A with Kick Step Design
Fillerfogg to Fill Your Walls
fillerfogg design
Handmade Fly Rods in Homage to Our Rivers
Q&A with Jimmy Watts of Shuksan Rod Co.
Plants and Paninis
Purple Flamingo Cafe
Q&A with Madison McKay, Local Marine Biologist
Madison McKay
Southwest Flavors, Made with Love
New Mexico Tamale Company
A New Chapter for the Fairhaven Village Bus
Fairhaven Village Tacos
Multicultural Recipes
I created my recipe blog, The Little Ferraro Kitchen, nearly 10 years ago to share my love for world cuisine and to share my…
The Perfect Martini Bar
He was a real estate agent and she was an accountant. Neither had any intentions to buy a martini bar, but a decade ago, Becky and JD Merris did exactly that.
Pumpkin Stencils Inspired by Where We Live
Show your local love this Halloween with these locally-inspired pumpkin carving stencils!
Healing Hooves
Animals as Natural Therapy
Skyline Printworks
Q&A with artist Sarah Finger
Working Hard for Washington’s 40th District
Q&A with Representative Debra Lekanoff
Q&A with Gardening Expert Ciscoe Morris
Check out this Q&A for tips on how to make your spring garden flourish.
20 Local Gifts Under $20
Whether you’re shopping for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day or just want to spread some love to family and friends, these gifts are sure to satisfy without hurting your wallet. Plus, they’re all from retailers in Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan Counties, so you can keep the love local.
Confection Perfection
This issue’s feature is “Confection Perfection,” a delectable look at some of the tasty creations from local bakeries and restaurants. Find your favorite and make it at home!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Homemade Pretzels
Homemade pretzels entered my life when my in-laws gifted me a class at the King Arthur Baking School, at the Bread Lab in Skagit Valley. When it was time to decide which exact class, the choice to enroll in the pretzel making course was a no–brainer. The hands–on experience was fun and informative, but best of all it made me realize that making pretzels at home was not only doable, but a must! Once you’ve tasted soft…
SAUK FARM BUCKWHEAT APPLE PANCAKES
Hands down, these are the best gluten-free pancakes around.
Let’s Get Literary
Western’s Jeopardy Magazine Publishes 56th Issue
Bow Wow & Woofs Launches Pet Pantry for Pets in Need
Bow Wow & Woofs offers a pet pantry for owners struggling to feed their pets during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Valley Made Market Goes Virtual
Valley Made Market’s digital platform allows you to continue supporting local, with the same handmade products you know and love.
Why I have a love-hate relationship with HGTV
In an era of ease, the network HGTV is reminding generations of homeowners that housework is possible. Renovation shows are inspiring countless trends and reminding us…
Electric Vehicles for Everyman
Thinking of switching to an electric vehicle? Here’s some words of wisdom from a dealer-trade driver.
Despite Closings, Area Schools Deliver Lunches
With the continuing spread of COVID-19, we’re living in uncertain times. Restaurants and bars are closed, people are working from home, and notably, schools are closed. Not only does this mean K-12 students in Whatcom County are missing out on classes, but it also means many are missing out on meals. Of the 29.8 million students who receive school lunches each day in the U.S., more than 67 percent, or 20.2 million students, receive lunch for free.
Here’s what local schools are doing to make sure no students go hungry:
Embracing the Chaos
Editorial/Marketing Coordinator Anelyse Morris shares her experience growing up as a military child, and how it led her to journalism.
Red roses are a classic Valentine’s Day gift, but they come at a cost.
Roses are red, violets are blue. But as a Valentine, you may want to try something new.
Four-Legged Fitness Hero
Meet the Bellingham cat that has taken the internet by storm, one paw at a time.
Eat, Drink, Read, Repeat with Life Between the Pages
Life Between the Pages—A collaborative book club between Evolve, Village Books, and local bars creates an immersive literary experience.
Big Rock Garden Park
This month’s online exclusive is all about Big Rock Garden Park, an easy, local outing that offers accessible trails and plenty to see.
Private School Breakdown
With schools back in session, we took a closer look at private school options in Whatcom, San Juan, and Skagit counties—from Christian and Catholic schools to non-denominational academies.
Something Delicious
This month’s online exclusive covers one more traveling eatery—not a food truck, but a mobile food tent serving up some cheesy goodness.
Patriotic Parties
Still wondering where to go for the Fourth? In this month’s online exclusive, we highlight the best places around the Sound to watch the fireworks boom.
Lime Time
This month’s online exclusive is a sneak peek at our summer barbecue feature — a grilled margarita shrimp recipe that is sure to wow your guests.
Travel Destinations
April’s Online Exclusive spotlights two additional Travel Destinations: Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, and Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming.
Wholesale Seafood in the North Sound
Our online exclusive this month showcases companies that provide local, fresh wholesale seafood from Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan counties, and Alaska.
‘Thrill of the Hunt,’ But Also Danger
Kara Nelson describes what it’s like to be married to a commercial fisherman. Her husband, Laeth, is gone for extended periods of time for much of the year.
Beyond Clearing the Clutter
Monika Kristofferson shares tools for change to help you clear away the clutter. Learn how to make decisions to organize your home and feel more empowered.
Oh, Christmas Tree
As you are preparing for the holidays, here is a list of local, U-cut Christmas tree farms around Whatcom and Skagit counties.
Wellness Centers
Continuing with our series of wellness centers, we bring you a unique type of therapy: hypnosis. Kelley Woods of the Woods Hypnosis Center shares her view.
Midterm Elections are Coming Nov. 6
It’s midterm elections again, and Bellingham Alive is here to help with tools for registering, ballot drop-offs, and helpful websites. Vote by Nov. 6!
Deception Distilling
In this web exclusive, you can take an inside look into the family-run business in Anacortes, Deception Distilling and get the recipe for Lavender and Lace.
Therapy: Float Tanks, or Sensory Deprivation Tanks
Epsom salt float tanks help relax muscles, pressure on joints, and alleviate stress.
On The Street
Local residents share their thoughts, views, and concerns about Bellingham’s waterfront development project at Waypoint Park.
Working its way into the mainstream
Acupuncture This wellness therapy has become so widespread that people are even taking their dogs in for treatment. But for people, this therapy has been around for…
Bad Boys in the Garden
Pesky Plants to Avoid We gave you the best and easiest plants to grow in your Pacific Northwest garden, but it’s also invaluable to know what not to plant. See our list of what plants experts say are the among the worst…
Wellness Centers
In recent years, health and wellness centers are catering to clients who want far more than feel-good country spas and or challenging exercise adventures. Centers today offer approaches once considered unconventional, but now…
Bellingham Olympian Angeli VanLaanen
Angeli VanLaanen is Bellingham’s lone, home-grown winter Olympian, and after years of traveling and competing on the high-flying, high-pressure world of international freestyle skiing, she is putting down roots where she started. She sounds content, relieved almost, to be watching the 2018…
One-on-one Interview with Paula Poundstone
For a standup comedian, Paula Poundstone asks a lot of questions. She is quirky, inquisitive, and brilliant, all traits evident during her September show…
Let Phoenix Desert and Sun Heat Up Your Winter
Escape the gray and head to sunny Arizona. Nestled in the urban core of the Grand Canyon state discover the bustling city of Greater…
Hometown Pot Shop
Big cities in Washington have seen a boom of new marijuana stores in the last few years. New shops can be found all over Seattle and even Bellingham. But not every store’s goal is to make it big in the big city. Smuggler Brothers in Sedro-Woolley is maintaining a small-town identity in the growing world of marijuana sales. Purchasing Manager Olas Yoho said one of the…
More Than You Can Chew
Did you have breakfast today? How about lunch? Maybe a little snack before dinner? For as long as I can remember, the expectation has always been that you have to eat a “hearty breakfast” to start your day, followed by a light lunch and…
No Dairy? No Problem
One of the greatest tragedies of being lactose intolerant is the inability to enjoy one of the best go-to foods there are—pizza. You can, of course, make your own recipes at home, but there’s nothing that quite compares with going out with friends, ordering a pitcher of beer and a large pie. But thankfully, there are options out there. Sometimes all it takes is asking your server if you can order a pizza without cheese. Other…
The Ins and Outs of the Top Knot
One of the biggest-trending hair styles I see these days is the “high bun,” popularly known known as the “top knot.” This hairstyle is so quick and simple, you can…
Hosting a Houseguest with Style
It’s natural that, because we live in such a stunning place, friends from far and wide would want to visit. But you are past the days of clearing a spot on…
Overcoming Hearing Loss
Student finds community at Western Johanna Urbach isn’t sure when she lost the ability to hear in her right ear. One possible explanation…
Sipping Chocolate Fits to a Tea
Evolve’s Chaicolate good for Easter, Mother’s Day The first rule of comparing sipping chocolate to hot chocolate is…don’t. “It’s incomparable to hot chocolate,” says chocolatier Shannon Fox, co-owner and co-founder of Evolve Chocolate in Bellingham. “It’s an actual preparation of a food product.” The…
Ten Good Places to Watch March Madness
Sure, you could watch the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments from the comfort of your own sofa, but what’s the fun in screaming your fool head off in a quiet house? Go find your tribe – or at least some good pub fare – as you cheer on (or against) teams in the best college sporting event around. The men go from March 14-April 3. The women, with last…
Ways to Spend Time With Your Love This February
February is chock-full of events in our neck of the woods. They serve as a great opportunity for both familiar and new experiences. Take advantage of the fun and spend some extra time with your love…or best friends. 1. Chuckanut Bay Distillery hosts tours and complimentary tastings every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Guests will meet the distiller, take a tour of the facility, and can sample a wide selection of small-batch spirits including…
Detox 101
Detoxification, detox, cleanse…all hot words in the holistic health industry. Who hasn’t done one (or at least thought about doing one) sometime in their life? As a naturopathic health care provider, I’ve come to respect the power of a…
Piedmontese Flat Iron Steak – Lombardi’s
Enjoy with Castello Banfi’s Belnero, Rosso, IGT Ingredients 1 each Flat Iron Loin or 4 each 8oz Piedmontese Flat Iron (can be purchased at piedmontese.com) 4 each Kumato Tomatoes 4 springs Fresh Oregano 4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 tbsp Gray Salt Salt and pepper to coat the steak Process Season the outside of the entire flat iron or each steak until well coated Grill on a hot grill until the desired temperature is achieved (no more than medium is recommended)…
Honey Mascarpone Semi Freddo – Lombardi’s
Ingredients 4 cups cream 1 cup mascarpone 1 cups sugar 1 cup honey 12 egg yolks 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract Process In a mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk the cream and mascarpone into medium peaks Add the honey to the cream and continue to whisk until stiff peaks form Turn the cream out into a large bowl Clean the bowl and whisk attachment then add the egg yolks and sugar-whisk…
Roasted Yellow Pepper Carbonara – Lombardi’s
Enjoy with Banfi’s Chianti Classico, DOCG Ingredients 1 lb Fettuccine 4 ea Yellow Bell Peppers 1 qt Heavy Cream 4 oz Pancetta Salt and pepper to taste Canola Oil or Pomace Olive Oil for coating the pepper Process Pre-heat the oven to 400 Lightly coat each pepper in oil, place on a sheet pan and place in the pre-heated oven Cook the pepper until dark brown on each side, turning frequently to make…
Seared Ahi Carpaccio – Lombardi’s
Enjoy with Banfi’s Pinot Grigio, San Angelo Ingredients lb Ahi Tuna 1 tbsp Kosher Salt 1 tsp Black Pepper 2 oz Arugula Zest from 1 lemon 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 tsp Gray Salt Canola Oil or Pomace Olive Oil for Searing Process Lay the Tuna on a cutting board and pat dry with a…
Italian Eclairs – Lombardi’s
Enjoy with Banfi’s Florus, Moscadello di Montalcino DOC Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted 1/8 tsp salt 1 Tbsp sugar, if used for a dessert 4 eggs at room temperature – very important 1 cup water or milk or ½ and ½ 1/2 cup butter cut into cubes Process Preheat oven to 400 Sift dry ingredients and whisk to blend well In a heavy sauce pan, heat water/milk and butter until all the butter has melted. Bring…
The Accidental Bucketlist
Without guys like Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright and the guys along the defensive line, there would be no Legion of Boom,…
Pacific Fly Fishers
The Shop Does a peaceful yet adventurous day on the river or lake this summer sound appealing to you? Want to try something new with the family? Or, do you live to cast a fly rod? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, try visiting Pacific Fly Fishers located in the ever-growing city of Mill Creek, with easy access to both I-5 and I-405. Pacific Fly Fishers specializes in all things fly fishing and only carries the…
Oops! Landscaping Mistakes
Oh it’s that time of year, time to plant and sow, to weed and cultivate. The sun is getting closer and…
DIY Gurus of Youtube
I remember watching This Old House on lazy weekends, idly plucking at a bowl of popcorn while Bob Vila tears apart the plaster wall of a Victorian with glee. These days, homeowners get most of their renovation knowhow in the great howto library of YouTube. But not all home remodel videos are created equal—some of them are too complicated, some skip important steps, and some are just downright silly. But the best of them are so helpful, they deserve a special mention. One of the superstars of YouTube DIY is Matt Risinger of Austin, Texas. Now, not all of the advice he dispenses works in our cooler, wetter climate, but he does some beautiful work and explains it all very well. Another favorite is Craig Heffernan. Craig specializes in deckbuilding for beginners. More enthusiast than teacher, Kirsten Dirksen takes you through ecohouses and tiny houses loaded with features and information. She’s a great person to turn to for inspiration and ideas, Dirksen’s passion shines through. Going with a contractor is usually a good idea for most large remodel and construction projects. But if you feel like rolling up your sleeves and framing your own tiny house, these folks can help you get started. Or at least get you into enough trouble to keep it interesting. Links: Matt Risinger Craig Heffernan Kirsten Dirksen
Roller Derby Workout
Considering that roller derby is like the world’s roughest crossfit mixed with gladiatoral combat, it follows that these women are in seriously good shape. You can be, too, if you follow their strength training tips and tricks. I’m not a derby girl,…
Barn Raising
Dreaming of a new outbuilding for your property? Find inspiration in the gorgeous equestrian barns constructed by DC Builders in Snohomish County and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Stephanie…
Household Know-How
We’ve rounded up our favorite how-to videos that demonstrate helpful tips and tricks for accomplishing household cleaning and organizing tasks.
Edmonds: The Heart of the Arts
The inspiring landscape, supportive community, and rich artistic history create a lure that draws artists and art enthusiasts to Edmonds. “There’s a power and a presence about being in Edmonds,” said Elizabeth Martin-Calder, interim executive director of Cascadia Art Museum. Since its beginning, the community has supported and encouraged the arts. “If you go way back things sort of started with some of the social clubs in early Edmonds, some of which date back to the early 1900s,”…
Roller Derby Workout
Considering that roller derby is like the world’s roughest crossfit mixed with gladiatoral combat, it follows that these women are in seriously good shape. You can be, too, if you follow their strength training tips and tricks.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Graham Cracker Crumble: 1.5 Cups graham cracker crumb 1/3 Cup of melted butter 1/4 Cup of white sugar In a metal bowl mix the graham and sugar together, slowly add the melted butter and mix thoroughly. Spread the graham mixture out on a lined cookie sheet or sheet pan and bake at 325 for 7…
Sips of the Season featuring Signature Cocktails by Keenan’s at the Pier
Keenan ’s at the Pier and The Chrysalis Inn hosted the inaugural Bellingham Alive Sips of the Season event on the restaurant’s open air patio. Gentle ocean breezes, fun people, and remarkable hors d’ oeuvres and fantastic cocktails made for an unforgettable afternoon. Keenan’s staff members presented appetizers paired with each hand -crafted cocktail. They also demonstrated how to make each cocktail, advising guests to, “Shake it like you mean it” and thoroughly blend cocktail ingredients before pouring the…
The Whale Trail
It began in 2008 with a lost Orca named Springer. Separated from her pod, Springer was starving and swimming close to shore. A group, led by Donna Sandstrom, came together to reunite Springer with her pod, and that effort led to a discussion about whale watching boats and increased…
Gear Gone Wrong
Gear. It’s where a lot of great hikes and camping trips begin. Laying out the bags to fluff in the sun, trips to the camping store for more stove fuel, gathering up the sleeping pads…