Innovative Guidance For …

Innovative Guidance For Inward Journeys | Inside Passage Counseling

Inside Passage Counseling opened its new downtown Bellingham office in July 2025, offering trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy to clients in a beautifully remodeled space. Founder and Executive Director Heather Varnau, MA, LMHC, has practiced therapy under the Inside Passage name for more than 18 years. Varnau and her husband, Co-Owner, and Assistant Director Chris Aiken previously lived on Lopez Island, where Varnau specialized in three-day intensive couples counseling. “Couples would travel to Lopez and do…

A New Temple Amongst …

A New Temple Amongst Bellingham’s Mountains and Waters | Red Cedar Zen Community

Many of us seek peace, composure, and resilience, but it can be hard to find. If you’re looking for some guidance, Bellingham’s friendly neighborhood Zen community is waiting with a warm welcome at their newly- opened temple. Red Cedar Zen Community was founded in 1991 and practices Soto Zen,…

Green Smoothies for Health …

Green Smoothies for Health and Nutrition

Green smoothies are more than just a health trend—they’re a simple, delicious way to boost daily nutrition. Combining leafy greens like spinach or kale with fruits, liquids, and optional superfood boosters, these vibrant drinks provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants in every sip. Ideal for busy mornings or a post-workout pick-me-up, green smoothies can be customized to suit any taste, from tropical sweetness to creamy chocolate or zesty citrus. Easy…

Wine Pick of the Month | …

Wine Pick of the Month | Thomson & Scott Noughty Blanc

THOMSON & SCOTT NOUGHTY NON-ALCOHOLIC BLANC Thomson & Scott Noughty Blanc is a fresh and easygoing non-alcoholic white that’s perfect for light dinners. Made with organic grapes and crafted to keep its character after dealcoholization, it offers crisp citrus and juicy peach notes with a clean, dry finish. Think refreshing orchard fruit with a splash of sunshine. Vegan, low in sugar, and big on flavor,…

Becoming Our Best Selves, One …

Becoming Our Best Selves, One Organic Veggie at a Time | Cosmic Veggies

These days, I’ve found that hope and community are more important than ever, especially considering the current state of our world. Luckily, we’ve got access to a healthy resource in Skagit County that is more reliable and comprehensible than ever. This is Cosmic Veggies, a vegan and gluten-free eatery in downtown Anacortes founded by charismatic,…

From Basement to Bespoke | A …

From Basement to Bespoke | A Whidbey Island Retreat Built for Living Well

Designer: Robin Daly Color & Design Builder: Cascade Custom Homes Photographer: Snowberry Lane Photography When a Whidbey Island couple looked to expand their home’s livable space, their attention turned to what was beneath their feet: a daylight basement and crawlspace with untapped potential. They envisioned more than just additional square footage. It needed to connect the basement to the stunning view and serve as the primary spot for entertaining friends and family….

Community Health Concerns …

Community Health Concerns Through the Ages

For so many of us, health concerns fall into two camps: “worthy of a doctor appointment” and “I’ll probably wonder about this forever.” But even questions that don’t feel urgent deserve answers! Which is why we’ve polled our community for your non-emergency health and wellness questions, sorted them by age range, and solicited answers from some…

8 Great Tastes | January 2026

1. It’s not happenstance that Avenue Bread has three separate locations in Bellingham alone. This popular eatery’s Tofu-ggenue breakfast sandwich is a savory tofu, avocado, red pepper, and caramelized onion delight! 2. The Black Cat’s Fried Chicken and Bacon sandwich is the perfect…

Thai Beef Stir Fry | Chef&#…

Thai Beef Stir Fry | Chef’s Corner

These days, it seems every other news story is talking about the merits (or pitfalls) of the low carb, high fat (LCHF) diet, also commonly referred to as the Keto Diet. So what is it and should you follow it? In a nutshell, the majority of the calories you consume in a day are primarily derived from foods that are low in carbohydrates, which historically have been thought of…

A Monumental Mural of …

A Monumental Mural of Indigenous Meaning | Coast Salish Living Mural

If you were to drive past the alleyway between the new Setting Sun Circle and the Wild Buffalo House of Music on Holly Street, you might catch a glimpse of some wonderful, fresh art. Setting Sun Circle is the Children of the Setting Sun Productions’ (CSSP) new home, a community-minded space that will contain a Salish gallery, a theater, a meditation garden, and much more. The Coast Salish Living Mural…

Sweet Comforts, Whatever the …

Sweet Comforts, Whatever the Weather | Chocolate Necessities

Chocolate Necessities has been handcrafting chocolates and confections for nearly 40 years, but if you haven’t visited their downtown Bellingham location…

Face Your Fears, Save a Life |…

Face Your Fears, Save a Life | What It’s Like to Donate Blood

If you want to go above and beyond with your New Year’s resolutions in 2026, consider adding “saving a life” to the list. The good news is you don’t have to learn CPR or go through years of schooling–it’s as easy as scheduling a blood donation appointment! Don’t think…

The Local Nonprofit …

The Local Nonprofit Nourishing our Community | PNW Plateful

PNW Plateful is a Bellingham-based nonprofit that distributes hundreds of handmade, individually-packaged meals to food banks and partner organizations across Whatcom County each week. Over their five-and-a-half years of operation, they’ve distributed more than 124,000 meals. Founder and Executive Director Sarah Chan is also the chef and entrepreneur behind local catering business, Calypso Kitchen. “I always start telling the story of PNW Plateful by starting with Calypso Kitchen, because it really all centers…

It’s Never Too Late for …

It’s Never Too Late for Fate | Joe Treat

Tucked away amongst the lush green suburbs of Bow, a menagerie of creatures surrounds a picturesque one-story house. A giant spider resides on the roof, while a full-sized horse, elephant, nesting ostrich, kangaroo with a joey in its pouch, alligator, bulldog, and more share the vast, grassy yard. Joe Treat, a 72-year-old semi-retired insurance agent, is the mastermind who brought these critters to life. Treat sold insurance for over 20 years. When it came time to consider retirement, he was…

Experience Sophisticated …

Experience Sophisticated Sustainable Style | Three French Hens

THE SHOP Since 2005, Three French Hens has been a Fairhaven mainstay, selling upscale women’s attire, jewelry, handbags, and select fragrances. Located in the stately historical building that once housed Fairhaven’s first bank, both the shop and the wares inside transmit comfort and welcoming elegance. Owner Parul Bhathella describes their philosophy: “Centering on quality over quantity—each piece is…

We Are All Treaty People

Treaty Day, observed on Jan. 22, is the anniversary of the signing of the Point Elliott Treaty in 1855. While the Treaty is in effect every day of every year, marking this day can provide us with a chance to learn about and reflect on what the…

Making Martinis & …

Making Martinis & Memories | MJ’s Martini Bar

Located in the former Fireside Martini & Wine Bar space, MJ’s Martini Bar rekindles the flame with its own special spark. With upscale eats, specialty cocktails, and a boozy Sunday brunch, this new kid on the block is a must-try in the new year. Co-owned by siblings Maurice Christion and Jenna Hansen, MJ’s maintains a fun, laidback atmosphere. “It’s that kind of vibe where you’re not gonna feel…

Recognizing Artistic Vision …

Recognizing Artistic Vision and Action in Whatcom County | Whatcom County Arts Awards

Last fall, Allied Arts of Whatcom County unveiled their all-new Whatcom County Arts Awards, a program celebrating the individuals and organizations who create or promote the arts in Whatcom County. Scott Ward, president of Allied Arts, gave us insight into the motivation behind the new awards. “From 1978 to 2021, the City of Bellingham celebrated our arts community through the Mayor’s Arts Awards,” he says. “In 2025, the Allied Arts of Whatcom County…

Skagit’s Wellness Sanctuary …

Skagit’s Wellness Sanctuary | Quantum Health Pilates & Yoga Lounge

Quantum Health Pilates & Yoga Lounge has a natural way of drawing people in. With its relaxed environment, it offers visitors of every ability level a place to recharge and nurture their health. More than just a fitness studio, Quantum is a one-stop wellness destination, bringing movement, nutrition, and holistic care together under one roof. “I wanted to create a lifestyle that I could immerse myself in on a daily basis, and…

The Mixing Tin | Casino