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…
Situated within the Whatcom Museum’s walls lives an exhibition titled “Vivid Victorian: Whatcom County Fashions from 1860–1900.” This showcase contains dresses and photographs from the Victorian era. As the women who wore these dresses were all from Whatcom County, it gives guests an intimate view of the time period like…
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…
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…
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,…
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, Owner, and Artist Kendra Russo decided to start Found & Foraged Fibers seven years ago. Russo’s products are made by eco-printing, which “transfers the pigment of leaves, flowers, bark, and berries into vibrant, long-lasting designs on natural fabrics.” This method embodies the epitome…
When you’re not headed to one of the many waterfront patios, beer gardens, or other outdoor restaurant options in the…
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…
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 rich base that…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Founder and Ceramicist Leeann Fox started Arrows Aim Greenhouse Supply & Co. with just a website in 2020. Fox built a mobile greenhouse soon afterward,…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
Throughout June and July, the largest ever FIFA Men’s World Cup will feature six matches at Lumen Field, a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood. This is a special opportunity for the Emerald City, as Seattle is one of just 16 selected host cities across North…
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 to Table Trails have something for everyone. The Farm to Table Trails…
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. Kwul…
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…
