Two Island Nations, One Salish Sea | Hands Across the Water

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….

Hot Pot is Good for the Soul | Soy House

You’d be forgiven for walking into the main entrance of Soy House—a Vietnamese restaurant that’s been a staple in town for almost a decade— instead of the side entrance specifically reserved for hot pot seatings. But once you’re inside, it’s impossible to miss the vibrant decor, warm atmosphere, and enticing aromas of the bubbling dishes.  The original Soy House location was opened in 2008 on Bakerview by Tony…

The Mixing Tin | Jack’s Morning Don

Jack’s Morning Don Ingredients: Mezcal, Génépi liqueur, pear brandy, St-Germaine $12 Photo by Cocoa Laney With its delicate color and crisp finish, the Morning Don is a springtime spin on the classic Negroni. Sweet pear notes combine with a smoky undertone from the Mezcal, resulting in a…

A Brief Guide to Gardening Apparel

March marks the beginning of longer days, and those longer days herald the return of spring. As your plants and flowers return to their full splendor, why not renew your gardening wardrobe as well? To jump-start your imagination, we’ve curated some functional-yet-fashionable clothing that’s perfect for getting down and dirty…

Creating Community for Female Professionals | Her Connection Hub

It’s safe to say that the Connection Breakfasts at Her Connection Hub are unlike any other networking event I’ve ever been to—and not just because all the attendees are women. There are no awkward introductions or forced exchanging of business cards. Rather, participants engage in…

Locally Inspired: Fabric Art by KLT Works | Kristin Loffer Theiss

When Kristin Loffer Theiss started her own business in 2005, she had been looking for a career that would let her use…

The North Sound’s Most Iconic Eats

Breakfast What: Biscuits and Gravy  Where: Old Town Cafe  Why: As far as cafes go, Old Town Cafe is basically a church—and breakfast is their religion. Any of their dishes would start your day off right, but the Biscuits and Gravy ($12.75) in particular could tempt us out of bed on even the chilliest of mornings. Accidentally slept in? We have good news for you: Old…

Meet Western’s Most Buzzed-About New Playwright | Eryn Elyse McVay

“What the gods gave me” is a new horror play by Eryn Elyse McVay that has only been produced twice: Once at Ohio University, where the playwright is attending grad school, and most recently at Western Washington University, where…