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 called Faire du Well. Organized by the Washington Shakespearean Festival (WSF), it took over Skagit County Fairgrounds from June 13–14, much to the excitement of local ren faire fans. The…
Skagit Valley contains some of the most diverse landscapes in Washington State. From rolling hills to dense forests, lakes, and fields stretching as far as the eye can see, to quaint villages, abandoned rustic barns, ocean-side sunsets, and mom-and-pop diners. This is a place full of inspiration,…
GULP HABLO ORANGE With its offbeat, quirky label, Gulp Hablo Orange is an eye-catching, bold-flavored wine that is sure to stand out on anyone’s wine rack. Crafted in the heart of Spain in biodynamic vineyards with chalky clay soils by Bodegas Parra Jimenez, Gulp Hablo offers vinophiles and casual tasters a beautiful blend of equal parts Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc, a common combination for the white wines of the La Mancha region. In this case, due…
1. The Drive-In Style Cheeseburger at Structures Brewing lives up to the hype. Crispy-edged beef, melty American cheese, onion, pickle, and house sauce on a soft bun that is seriously satisfying. 2. A stop at Storia Cucina always turns into a full meal. The Pappardelle Bolognese is comforting, delicious, and finished with a generous snowfall of Parmesan. 3. Oyster & Thistle’s O&T Clams with smoked tomatoes, pickled peppers, capers, and lemon offer bold,…
THE SHOP Sustainable fashion and a deep-rooted love for nature and the health of our planet go hand-in-hand. Passion for sustainability and everything green is why Founder,…
When you’re not headed to one of the many waterfront patios, beer gardens, or other outdoor restaurant options in the North Sound this summer, consider hosting! Samantha Ferraro, beloved home chef of Bellingham-based Little Ferraro Kitchen, has a wonderful outdoor kitchen and loves sharing meals with friends and family under blue skies. She’s shared a few of her favorite al fresco dining recipes with us, perfect for planning the menu of your next backyard bash, park…
Designer: Jake Evans, Legend Homes Builder: Legend Homes Interior designer: Nicole Miller, Legend Homes Photographer: John Trax This is a 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 2000-square-foot home. And it makes all of its own energy! Sold earlier this year for $825,000 in the Sunnyland neighborhood of Bellingham, this net zero home was designed and built by Legend Homes of Bellingham, formerly TC Legend Homes. The floor plan was carefully designed to accommodate many ways of living. At first…
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE MARTINI A mix of sweet, creamy, and fruity, this martini is one of the only cocktails that accurately replicates delicious strawberry cheesecake. The vanilla, simple, and cream create a…
Here in Northwest Washington, outdoor dining isn’t reserved for certain or special occasions. It’s simply how we like to eat whenever the weather cooperates. You know the feeling—someone checks the forecast, the temperature climbs a few degrees, and suddenly dinner plans shift toward anywhere with a table outside. Some evenings call for waterfront views and boats drifting through the harbor. Other times it’s a hillside patio along Chuckanut Drive or a quiet table among vineyard rows in the Skagit. What…
The feasting of Fourth of July has become its own beast, known worldwide. The sheer amount of hamburgers, fruit, potato salads, hot dogs, and chocolate chip cookies eaten on this day is practically unimaginable. While this is the day to go ham on all of these foods, it’s important to make sure that you’re eating all…
Get ready to make the most of the season with our Summer Fun Guide, packed with exciting community events, local adventures, family activities, and more. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation, live entertainment, delicious eats, or hidden gems to explore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all summer long. Dive in and start planning your best summer today!
The sun is high in the blue sky as you walk toward row after row of healthy purple buds bursting with fresh and comforting floral scents. Bees have gathered in abundance around these rich blooms that belong to over 2,200 lavender plants, which you can tell have been tended to with much love. Lush, green trees tower overhead on the six acres, providing some relief from the sun….
Last November, the Inn at Lynden unveiled its three newly renovated gathering spaces: the Waples Room, the Edson Room, and Rübus. Situated on the Inn’s lower level, Rübus is now the Inn’s largest meeting space, perfect for special events and memory-making of all sorts. The Inn at Lynden opened in 2015 after Owners Jeff and Deb McClure and Matt and Teri…
Samish Park reopened after two summers of restoration and repairs. The southern Whatcom County park was closed in May 2024 due to the reconstruction of the North Lake Samish Bridge. After the bridge work was completed, other areas of the park were also treated to restoration. The park reopened last November, re-establishing access to one of the only public beaches on Lake Samish and reviving a…
There are many delicious vegetables in season during the warmer months, including carrots, lettuce, cucumber, and zucchini. We recently made a delectable chocolate zucchini cake from my grandma’s recipe that is the perfect summer sweet treat! This cake is moist and oh-so-rich, and pairs well with strawberries and a glass of red…
The Wildflower Spa has fully bloomed on Mount Vernon’s bustling 1st Street after expanding their space and services in 2025. Previously known as Bare Boutique, this spa provides healing experiences in more ways than one. Master Esthetician and Founder Hana LaMay’s 19-year- and-counting career as an esthetician began in the med spa arena, where she realized she gravitated towards a holistic approach to skincare. She opened Bare Boutique in 2012 as…
Bellingham gained a new pizza and craft cocktail bar this May—Pendino, founded by one of Makeworth Coffee’s original co-owners, Corey Silversmith. This spot promises Neapolitan pizza paired with late-night energy…
Founder and Ceramicist Leeann Fox started Arrows Aim Greenhouse Supply & Co. with just a website in 2020. Fox built a mobile greenhouse soon afterward, which is now the PNW’s longest-running mobile plant shop, according to their website. In 2025, they opened their first brick-and-mortar in downtown Mount Vernon after six years of significant growth. The small team at Arrows Aim is composed of houseplant lovers who are passionate about sustainability, with business practices that…
Paid political advertisement. The views expressed are those of the advertiser and do not reflect the views or endorsement of K & L Media, Bellingham Alive Magazine, its staff, or its ownership. Third-generation Blaine resident, clinical psychologist, elected Blaine School Board Director, mother of three, small business owner—yet Dr. Erika Creydt tends to open conversations the same way: “Hi, I’m Erika, and I’m your neighbor.”…
While upscale dining is on the rise, The Office Tavern stands out as a casual gathering place designed for returning visitors rather than turning tables. Just off Burlington’s Fairhaven Avenue, this 21-and-over establishment captures the easygoing vibe of a…
This story was edited on June 9 to correct errors made by Bellingham Alive staff. There was not a change in ownership at Boundary Bay Brewing Company, and Madison Pugmire and Connor Cottrill are not married. Bellingham Alive apologizes deeply for the error. Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro lived on Railroad Avenue in Bellingham until late September…
Last year, three local teens were the recipients of the first-ever Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards. More than just offering a financial boon, the awards recognized their efforts, boosted their confidence, and inducted them into our community’s network of small business pioneers. The Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards were created by three Bellingham-based men…
Throughout June and July, the largest ever FIFA Men’s World Cup will feature six matches at Lumen Field, a multi-purpose stadium…
The food, farming, and fishing culture of Northwest Washington is rich and diverse, and one of the most exciting ways to explore our region’s offerings is by taking a trip on the Farm to Table Trails. Whether you’re a local hoping to learn more about your backyard or a visitor coming to the area…
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 the words of each featured individual….
In December 2016, “Bellingham Alive” published a story about Growing Veterans (GV), a Whatcom-based organization that was being nationally recognized for its powerful veteran-focused agrotherapy program. Veterans often struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, social isolation, and long-term injuries when they return from duty. Growing Veterans creates an environment where they work shoulder-to-shoulder with other veterans and civilians to farm food that then goes back into…
