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…
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. But sometimes, we need a little something extra—whether that’s a small freebie, a creative presentation, or even just a kind word. That’s why we’ve polled everyone we know to get the inside scoop on the places that go beyond “service with a smile” to really make their customers’…
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….
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…
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 flavors for their food and drink alike. But after all those…
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 see the path. She got the tattoo 10 years ago, during a time of major transition. According to Winn, labyrinths are all about transition. “There’s only one way in and one way out….
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…
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 mug, and a fistful of whimsical stickers and your husband…
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 Chan— a local food business that specializes in authentic and fusion Asian sauces, seasonings, and side dishes— produced and sold right here in Bellingham. Rika Wong, owner and operator of…
HKP Architects is pleased to announce the completion of an addition and renovation for a residence in La Conner, Washington. The owners of this architecturally designed existing house purchased it several years ago for its views and setting, but parts of the house didn’t quite fit with their lifestyle. They set out to reimagine the upper floor as an age-in-place, functionally appropriate…
France’s Rhone Valley produces some of the most highly coveted (and consequently expensive) wines in the world, so it’s no wonder Washington winemakers have looked to this area for inspiration and to follow the steps of tradition, at times with great success. Alexandria Nicole’s Shephards Mark is one such example, having recently earned the most prestigious (in my opinion) Platinum Award from Great Northwest Wine’s Platinum Wine Competition, wherein only Golds and Double-Golds from the region’s competitions qualify…
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…
Hi there, could you please introduce yourself and Mythologie Candles? I’m Leah McHenry, founder of Mythologie Candles, which was born in Lynden, Washington! We create high-quality, handcrafted candles for lovers of history, fantasy, and mythology. We officially launched in March 2020 during extremely uncertain times, which was very interesting. Despite encountering many obstacles, our little family business exploded almost overnight. It’s been a wild ride and we are excited about…
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 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 compression…
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 January. What is…
This South Hill home bends with the trees above Bellingham Bay as it clings firmly to the steep sandstone bedrock. It’s a place to retire, relax, and have access to the PNW outdoor way of life. All needed amenities on the main floor allow the occupants 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…
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….
