When borders divide, communities can choose to sail toward each other. On a weekend in Sept. 2025, a flotilla of boats carrying roughly 100…
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…
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 taught me that,” says Elizabeth. “When…
For the folks at Kona, cycling is not just a sport, it’s a whole global community of riders—or that’s how Shae James, of Kona Bikes, explains it. As she speaks, you can tell that she believes it. The bike manufacturer has many locations, but its global headquarters is right here in Ferndale, where James works as a global branding creative. James moved to Whatcom County with her parents when she was fifteen years old. “I met my…
Local interior designer Patty Koskovich and her husband began building their Anacortes home with a view of the Guemes Channel in 2017. After two years of careful construction, their Coastal Aging in Place home was completed, perfectly planned for comfortable living— now and for years to come. “I call it… my seaside sanctuary,” says Koskovich, who researched and designed the initial plans for the build herself. She…
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…
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…
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…
Talk to me about the most popular trends you see during spring and summer. How do you implement that into your boutique? Summer is all about dresses at Fringe. Since we have such a short time frame of nice weather 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, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge…
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…
