Salt & Vine
A Charcuterie Lover’s Paradise When a new artisan cheese, wine and charcuterie shop opens in your neighborhood, you say “Yes!” and go there immediately. Located on 6th Street in Anacortes just off Commercial, Salt & Vine is a…
Stillness in Bloom | Meerkerk Gardens
For more than 60 years, Meerkerk Gardens has been shaped by generations of care, preserving its unique woodland landscape while honoring the vision of those who came before. Tucked among the forests and coastal views of Whidbey Island, the gardens have become a refuge where…
The Mixing Tin: The Black Cat
Sangria in the Rain INGREDIENTS Clear Creek Pear Brandy, Rene Barbier Catalunya Red Blend, lime, orange, pineapple, Sierra Mist, $8 Perhaps the most appealing…
Looking Beyond Just Flavor: Farm to Table in Fairhaven
Lovitt Restaurant The atmosphere of the Lovitt restaurant welcomes you with dim lighting, large farm style furniture, and the smells of fresh sourdough, herbs and spices. Kristen and Norman Six opened the restaurant in March…
Back at Home
Western’s Carver Gym Renovation a Sight to See for Fans After undergoing an extensive and much-needed renovation costing $70 million and spanning two years, Sam Carver Gym at Western Washington University will re-open its doors — just in…
San Juan Log Cabin Retreat
This striking home in the San Juan Islands started as a log cabin. A full overhaul, led by Bellingham interior designer Lisa Staton and client Kristina Gladstein, transformed it to a…
Pro Sports Feature
This set of feature stories appeared in the September 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.
B.C. Wine Tour Feature
This set of feature stories appeared in the September 2017 issue of Bellingham Alive Magazine.
Maximum View, Minimal Incline
Ptarmigan Ridge Don’t let the distance of this hike intimidate you. The best part of the Ptarmigan Ridge at Mount Baker is the fact that, no matter how far you hike, the views are spectacular. Due to its high elevation, about 6,000 feet above sea level, the trail has little incline but keeps hikers close to the action. Mount Baker will seem touchable as…
Butter Chicken Smooths, Soothes Transition to Autumn
With the days getting shorter and the temperatures cooler, this familiar Indian dish will bring just enough heat to take the chill off. It’s also sure to satisfy your palate and leave you feeling full. Although it…
Tips to Make Your Wine Tour Fashionable (and Comfortable)
Anyone who knows me knows I love wine. There’s something about wine-tasting and visiting vineyards that transports me to another place and 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 responsibilities, sharing in a glass that is a universal symbol for…
Not Just a Bakery, Not Just a Boutique
Pies & Such It’s not every day you walk into a shop and find clothing, jewelry, and art alongside decadent desserts. But Pies & Such has done just that in La Conner, and co-owners Jeneé Geoghegan and Mo Jensen couldn’t be happier. Together they keep fresh pies and cakes in the display case and handmade jewelry and colorful clothing on the racks. THE ATMOSPHERE Don’t be surprised…
Family Farm Since 1910
3 Sisters Farm and Market For some of us, knowing where our food comes from is a family tradition. For others, it’s a fairly recent revelation. Either way, there’s no denying the importance of ethical, sustainable agriculture, and supporting local farmers. The Muzzall farm on Whidbey Island has been in the family for more than a century. Edwin and Stella Muzzall…
Fun on Your Feet
ModSock Socks of all shapes and sizes adorn the surfaces of ModSock, including more than 50 cat socks alone. When…
Living Intentionally and Collaboratively
Bellingham Cohousing Coffee hour starts at 10 a.m. each morning. Residents sit quietly in the common house and drink their coffee while catching up with neighbors. Six…
An Artful Approach to Storytelling
Chris Moench It all started with a lump of clay. While Chris Moench hasn’t always been a professional potter, art has always been a strong force in his life and now occupies him as a full-time career. Moench has made a name for himself with his handcrafted Axis of Hope Prayer Wheels. The ornate pieces of art act as storytelling devices, Moench said. For many people, a wheel can bring them peace, harmony, and…
Quirky Play About The Pig War Comes to Life
Only some people are aware of the major dispute between Great Britain and the United States over who had rightful ownership of the San Juan Islands, referred to as The Pig War. The mid-1800s conflict never actually resulted in physical combat, but was instead resolved diplomatically. It is quite likely that just…
The Wilderness in Our Backyard
North Cascades Institute While pursuing his graduate degree in biology at Western Washington University Saul Weisberg worked as a climbing ranger in the North Cascades National Park. As a ranger, Weisberg discovered the beauty of the park so many were still unaware of. In 1986, Weisberg co-founded the North Cascades Institute with a mission to provide education to all…
Celebrating the Sea
Bellingham SeaFeast Festival After a successful maiden voyage in 2016, SeaFeast is returning to Bellingham September 22 and 23 for two days of games, live music, and of course, good eats. The festival celebrates the history and…
Wonder Woman
Kathie Wilson When Bellingham’s Childlife Montessori School opens the doors to its final year this month, Kathie Wilson will begin her 41st year of teaching. Her career in education has come full circle, beginning and ending in Bellingham. After attending Western Washington University, she moved to Seattle and discovered the Montessori Method of education and was quickly certified. To Wilson, the Montessori classroom style is respectful and insightful,…
Bellingham Technical College Turns 60
With career-oriented courses and connections to local industries, Bellingham Technical College has established a considerable foothold among Bellingham’s institutions of higher learning that include Western Washington…
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 then dinner. Some have even gone so far as to suggest we should eat five to six small meals throughout the day. We aren’t ruminants, so do…