Restaurants that Go Above and Beyond
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…
History, Fantasy, and Everything in Between at Skagit Valley’s New Renaissance Faire | Faire du Well
Clashing swords, roasting turkey legs, magical creatures, and royals holding court. Where can you find all these things in the 21st century? At a renaissance faire, of course! Earlier this summer, Skagit County hosted its first full-weekend renaissance faire, a novel event…
Coffee, Donuts, and Vibes: Maple.Bar
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…
Gene Juarez Gives Bellingham a New Look: Q&A with Gene Juarez Salons and Spas
Katie Trent and Sarah Rorvig are, respectively, the CEO and Salon Director of Gene Juarez Salons and Spas. The company strives to provide expert…
Keenans at the Pier: Bananagram
Ingredients: Novo Fogo Silver Cachaca, creme de banane, fresh lime, pineapple Price: $13 In the deep winter months, everyone reaches for warming spices and…
The Magic in the Messy Middle: Labyrinth Artist Kristen Winn
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 New Chapter in Culinary Arts: Rifugio’s Country Italian Cuisine
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 Passion for Community and an Eye for Special Gifts: Mike and Skye Hill of Hill’s Chevron
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…
Hot Sauces and Heritage Journeys with Buu Chan
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…
HKP Architects: The Skagit Bay Residence Renovation
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 living floor for the two of them. The best parts of the original design were maintained and a…
Wine Pick of the Month: Shepherds Mark by Alexandria Nicole Cellars
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…
Creative Passions Brought to Life: Perry and Carlson
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 ago. The remodel created a live-work concept, giving way to a shop and art gallery in the front, and an art studio…
January Feature: Menopause and Andropause
Immersive Fantasy, Right at Home: Mythologie Candles
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…
The Best Spas for a Little ‘You Time’
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 mellow lighting, fluffy robes, and relaxing music will begin to calm your nervous system as soon as you step inside, and the treatment will take it from there. We’ve rounded up a handful of the best spas Whatcom and Skagit counties have to offer—…
Providing Invaluable Support to Survivors in the Northwest: Allies, a Specialty Boutique
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 garments to breast cancer survivors and other patients. Allies is a Bellingham-based business that began in 2014 when Owner Laura DeWitt realized there were no postmastectomy prosthesis or garment resources for patients north of North Seattle. DeWitt herself is a breast cancer survivor who underwent a bilateral mastectomy in 2009, and she…
How a Dry January Will Set You Up for Success in 2024
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…
South Hill House in the Trees: Bellingham Bay Builders
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…
Since Time Immemorial: Barbara Lewis
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…
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 On Earth has been part of the Whatcom community for just over 15 years…