Magic in the Making
Magic can be found in the unlikeliest of places. A slate-gray blob of clay, a blank white canvas, rich brown wood, or…
Wine Pick of the Month | Chester-Kidder
Chester-Kidder is one of my favorite red blends with plenty to say, but it knows how to keep the conversation interesting. Crafted by Long Shadows Founding Winemaker Gilles Nicault, this Columbia Valley wine brings together Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and classic Bordeaux varieties for a rich, layered pour. Aromas of dark…
The Mixing Tin | Mulled Wine
MULLED WINE ‘Tis the season for steaming drinks in front of a fire with your favorite people with a pot of fragrant, cheerful mulled wine a la Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol!” Originating in ancient cultures, this hot boozy beverage was probably stewed for pleasure, medicine, and…
Art Is All Around | Galleries Near You
In pretty much any Northwest Washington town, you’ll often find yourself near local art. Below, you can find just a few of the galleries that showcase the creative work of our area. Allied Arts of Whatcom County In the heart of downtown Bellingham, we’re surrounded by the creative endeavors of the folks who make the town what it is. For more…
Refresh Your Signature Style | Betty Be Good
THE SHOP Just off I-5 exit 270 in Birch Bay Square, this shop sells select women’s apparel featuring classic on-trend styles—most for under $75. The clothes are modern yet distinctive; many pieces would be just as appropriate at church as they would be on…
8 Great Tastes | Winter 2025
1. Fuel up for a big day with the Barnyard Benedict at Sweet Bay Cafe. The poached eggs are served with bacon or ham on an English muffin, covered in country gravy, with hollandaise and hash browns to boot! 2. MOTO recently opened in Bellingham with its Detroit-style “odd pizza!” We tried the Root Pizza, a mushroom mix pie with olives, onions, and balsamic glaze, and the Black…
Shake Up the Season | Winter Cocktails to Try at Home
Looking for some fun winter cocktails to brighten the season? These recipes are easy to shake up at home with just a few simple ingredients. A quick grocery run covers the basics, while many garnishes…
Creating Waves in the Glassblowing Community | David Wight Glass Art
David Wight, the world’s premier glass wave sculptor, almost drowned at age 11. “My dad was floating down a little offshoot of water from the main river….
Small Step to Bellis Fair is Giant Leap for Local Gaming Store | Cosmic Games
Bellingham’s Cosmic Games is gearing up for a huge expansion! They’re moving from their 4,500-square-foot location on the Guide Meridian to a 12,000-square-foot space at Bellis Fair Mall. Cosmic Games is a staple for local gamers and collectors, thanks to their packed inventory and expertise with trading card games like…
Large Gift Secures Future Funds for BTC Students | Bellingham Technical College Foundation
The Bellingham Technical College (BTC) Foundation recently announced a new endowment that will support Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences students for generations to come. The college is incredibly grateful for this generous bequest, which totaled more than $970,000. The William and Bonita Waters Fishing Scholarship will provide more than $38,000 each year for scholarships for Fisheries…
Light, Warmth, and Joy in Winter’s Night | Winter Celebrations
Winter is a season of contrasts: it’s the darkest, coldest season, representing quiet, solitude, and endings, and it’s also when we come together for festivities around joy, connection, and light. Many winter celebrations pay homage to the struggles of the season while reveling in the human capacity to endure, survive, and counteract them—here are some holidays, traditions, and events that celebrate everything there is to love about winter. Lucia…
Holiday Glam | Beauty Looks That Wow From Day to Night
Between family gatherings, office celebrations, and last-minute gift runs, the holiday season often demands a look that’s both festive and flexible. For women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, the key isn’t chasing trends—it’s embracing looks that feel polished, timeless,…
Green Bean Casserole and Bourbon Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie | Chef Matthew’s Corner, Recipe
Nothing says “I love you” during the holidays quite like Green Bean Casserole served alongside a Bourbon Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie. Both dishes carry a sense of nostalgia and comfort, and every time I make them, holiday or not, it feels like a celebration. Chances are you’ve tried some version of…
Little Unexpected Journeys at New Tavern | Elk St. Tavern
Elk St. Tavern is the new kid on the block and sibling restaurant to Bellingham’s beloved Redlight Kitchen & Bar. We talked to Elk St.’s head chef, Karla Burcham, to bring you an inside look at this new eatery. “The food at Elk St. is inspired by tavern classics,…
Sweet to Savory
Our home is a bounty of rich, flavorful ingredients. This holiday season, elevate your table with these signature recipes that showcase some of the best locally-sourced ingredients in our region. Whether you enjoy sweet or savory, or something in between, we hope you find…
A Journey Through Hair Cutting | Aminah Roe, Midtown Barber
Haircutting is a delicate craft. It takes a person who can connect with their client—someone who knows just how important a fresh cut can be. That’s where Aminah Roe fits into the picture. She’s been cutting hair for more than 10…
A Family Legacy of Giving Back | Indira Rouw
I first met Indira Rouw through my local Buy Nothing group—she’d put out a call for sturdy grocery bags, and my cupboard was overflowing, so I popped over to her downtown Mount Vernon office with my arms full. I expected to have to explain myself to the person at the front desk, but the minute I opened the front door I saw the piles: grocery bags, yes, but also blankets and sleeping bags, which Rouw was collecting for homeless youth….
Trusted Local Jeweler Opens in New Location | Sofie’s Goldmine
Sofie Hynes has been an independent jeweler in Bellingham for around three decades, and her business, Sofie’s Goldmine, operated in a repurposed gas station on State Street for the last 19 years. In late August, Sofie’s moved to a bottom-floor storefront in the Hotel Leo building on Cornwall Avenue. “I felt like it was time to take this opportunity,” says Hynes, whose previous space was scheduled for demolition. “Everyone at the Hotel Leo is…
Same Old World, Brand New Ideas | Old World Deli
In May, Bellingham staple Old World Deli re-opened its doors after a month-long renovation. While it may be the same business inside the same building, Owner Chris Adams is determined to bring a new, more refined approach to the shop. After visiting delis across New York, Los…
Bringing Poetry to the People | Salish Sea Poetry Festival
Bellingham’s poetry scene has been quietly brewing for decades, with writers’ groups, kitchen table readings, open mics, and acclaimed poets making an occasional splash. This Nov. 7–9, the inaugural Salish Sea Poetry Festival hopes to bring poetry front-and-center. The festival is the newest program from…
Since Time Immemorial | Sxwole, or the Reef Net
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…
Give Something with Buy Nothing | Buy Nothing
The Buy Nothing Project first began in Bainbridge Island with two friends, Rebecca Rockefeller and Liesl Clark. After venturing through the Kitsap Peninsula, they were unhappy with the…