Outdoor Dining Recipes from …

Outdoor Dining Recipes from Sam’s Kitchen | Little Ferraro Kitchen

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…

Modern Environmental Design | …

Modern Environmental Design | 2602 Woburn, Legend Homes

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…

The Mixing Tin | Strawberry …

The Mixing Tin | Strawberry Cheesecake Martini

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE MARTINI A mix of sweet, creamy, and fruity, this martini is one of the only cocktails that accurately replicates delicious strawberry…

Under Open Skies: Patio Picks …

Under Open Skies: Patio Picks When the Weather Cooperates

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…

Feasting During the Fourth of …

Feasting During the Fourth of July: Sustainable Edition

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 of the leftovers that you can, whether this means having the same meal over…

Summer Fun Guide | 2026

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!

A Perfect Purple Paradise | …

A Perfect Purple Paradise | Laurel Lavender Farm

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…

New Flexible Event Space …

New Flexible Event Space Highlights Lynden’s Historic Charm | Rübus Events + Gatherings, Inn at Lynden

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 Treat hired RMC Architects to renovate the historic Waples…

Fresh Start at South Whatcom …

Fresh Start at South Whatcom Park | Samish Park

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 summertime staple for sun-loving locals. Back and better than ever, the 26-acre recreation…

Chocolate Zucchini Cake Recipe

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…

A Relaxing Gateway to …

A Relaxing Gateway to Holistic Personal Care | The Wildflower Spa

The Wildflower Spa has fully bloomed on Mount Vernon’s bustling 1st Street after expanding their space and services in 2025. Previously known as…

Italian Pizza, Please | …

Italian Pizza, Please | Pendino, Natalino’s Pizza

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 that makes you want to linger. The name, according to Pendino’s Instagram, was inspired by Silversmith’s Italian great-grandfather, and evokes the…

All Arrows Aim For The …

All Arrows Aim For The Greenhouse | Arrows Aim Greenhouse & Supply Co.

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…

Meet Psychologist Dr. Erika …

Meet Psychologist Dr. Erika Creydt: The Local Girl Running To Be Your Next State Senator

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.” For a candidate running for the Washington…

Clock in at The Office | The …

Clock in at The Office | The Office Tavern

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…

Calling All Beer Lovers! | …

Calling All Beer Lovers! | Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro

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…

Awards Connect Generations of …

Awards Connect Generations of Local Entrepreneurs Youthpreneurs of NW Washington Awards

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…

World Cup Comes to Seattle

Throughout June and July, the largest ever FIFA Men’s World Cup will feature six matches at Lumen Field, a multi-purpose stadium in…

Experience the Food and …

Experience the Food and Farming Culture of NW Washington | Farm to Table Trails

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 for a getaway, the Farm…

Since Time Immemorial | Dan …

Since Time Immemorial | Dan Friday

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…

A Decade in Review for Dirt …

A Decade in Review for Dirt Therapy Nonprofit | Growing Veterans

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 their communities…

The Premier Resort Spa Experience You Deserve | T-Spa, Tulalip Resort Casino