Bellingham residents may be familiar with the stories of Jennifer Worthley and Bryan Matamorosa, the culinary couple who own It’s The Sweet Things and Bry’s Filipino Cuisine, respectively. Now they’re embarking on a new venture, this time together. Found on the…
Nestled in the northeastern-most expanse of the Olympic Peninsula, located at the Jefferson County International Airport, is the Port Townsend Aero Museum. One of just nine aviation museums in the state, the Port Townsend Aero Museum first began operations in 2001 with just six donated planes. The publicly-owned nonprofit was founded by Owners Jerry and Peggy Thuotte, retirees from United Airlines and…
Calling the Pacific Northwest home goes hand-in-hand with a perk many of us may take for granted: being just a short trip away from our neighbors to the North. Whether you’re looking for a…
We North Sound residents are extremely fortunate to be spoiled with excellent scenery, culture, and food right in our backyards—but even we still get the travel itch, especially when the weather is wet and cold and the evenings descend too quickly. Luckily, we’re also perfectly…
The waterfront area of Seattle has undergone a huge makeover—it’s not only easier to access but also has a beautiful new park and pedestrian Overlook Walk leading city-goers and tourists directly to Pike Place Market. It’s now a lot easier to navigate, giving foot traffic a leg up in moseying through the city. “It was a big disconnect between downtown…
If you’ve ever looked into staying near SeaTac airport, you’ve probably prioritized proximity and free shuttle service over views or luxury—which…
This Fall, The Skagit County Fairgrounds in Mount Vernon will once again transform into a vibrant haven for enthusiasts of the elusive Bigfoot…
For so many of us, Seattle is a medical or entertainment destination—the kind of place you go for a few hours or a day trip. But one of the benefits of spending a whole weekend there is the opportunity to experience more of the city at a slower pace. And to eat more good things, of course! STAY One of my favorite…
Edinburgh, Scotland has been the Scottish Capital since the 15th century. Here you’ll find two distinct UNESCO Heritage sites, Old Town which includes Edinburgh Castle and New Town, whose neoclassical style dates back to…
Whether you go by foot, bike, or car, exploring the PNW is always an adventure – but city-hopping by rail? That’s an entirely different level of luxury. If you’re itching for a springtime escape, we’re here to tell you what you need to know about exploring our corner of the country on Amtrak. This…
Snowking Aviation
Haunted Road Trip
The Yurts at Lakedale Resort
As the biggest island in the San Juan archipelago, Orcas Island has no shortage of activities to keep you occupied. This 57.3-square-mile oasis offers everything from outdoor recreation to shopping, spas, and delicious farm-to-table food. Best of all, Orcas Island is easily accessible via ferry from Anacortes– so if you haven’t explored the San Juans yet, why wait any longer?
Towns To Transport You
Q&A with Kyleigh Rogers, co-owner of Freedom Vans
The Willows Lodge
Getaway Skagit Valley
Cascade Adventure Vans
Want an affordable mountain vacation home? Share it.
Northwest Washington is all about outdoor recreation. With water to the west, mountains to the east, and plenty of trails, lakes, and forests in between, it’s easy to fill every…
Mt. Baker Skyline Divide Trail
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to appreciate what’s close to home. Lucky for us, northwest Washington offers countless vacation-worthy destinations. From cities that boast world-class cuisine to breathtaking islands filled with beauty and wildlife, our state is rich with wonders both manmade and natural. As inspiration for your next vacation, we’ve taken a look at five destinations within four hours of Bellingham: Kirkland, Friday Harbor, Bainbridge Island, Leavenworth, and Sequim. Each one offers something unique, whether you’re hoping for a relaxing seaside escape, an adventure in the mountains, or a weekend of fine dining, shopping, and spa treatments. Whatever vacation means to you, get out your calendar and start planning.
The 1.5-acre park is home to attractions for the whole family.
Channel your inner adventurer and become a believer with The Bigfoot Adventures.
Favorite Cool-Weather Hikes
Make the most of your autumn, with fun social-distancing activities at these local farms.
Bury the hatchet with Bellingham Axe, Bellingham’s newest axe-throwing venue.
Fill up your week with fall fun! We’ve compiled a guide for seven days of social-distancing friendly activities for you and your whole family to enjoy.
Explore the beautiful cities of British Columbia: take a car, boat, or plane over to Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, and Whistler to experience the magic of our neighbors to the north in this month’s feature “Visit B.C.”
Check out these nearby markets open during the month of November, where you can find fresh produce, local goods, and holiday gift items.
Celebrate the season with some classic autumn activities—Take a hayride, sip some cider, or get lost in a corn maze.
This month’s online exclusive is all about Big Rock Garden Park, an easy, local outing that offers accessible trails and plenty to see.
For this month’s feature, we’re here to help you plan your own weekend wine escape—with a list of overnight wineries only a day’s drive from Bellingham.
Shop around for your favorite Washington wine in our list of 25 must-have Washington wines, as part of our September wine issue.
To the east of Sedro-Woolley, amid Skagit Valley Farmlands, sits Willowbrook Manor—an overnight destination fit with Tea Time events and bike tours.
Fifty years ago this month, Apollo 8 became the first mission to carry men from Earth’s orbit to the moon. But that’s not all. One of its three crewmen, Bill Anders, now a resident of Anacortes, took the photo, “Earthrise,” from the space capsule window. It became one of the most famous…
For those of us who spent time or grew up in the East, a West Coast road trip has this one, can’t-beat-it novelty: seeing the…
If not for the California gold rush, the construction of the first lighthouses on the West Coast would have been far less urgent. The “original…
Bellingham Cider Company In a region dominated by local beers of all kinds, Bellingham Cider Company boldly enters on the leading edge of a brewing renaissance. The restaurant, set to open in February at 205 Prospect St., is nestled next door to Sylvia Center of the Arts and near the Whatcom Museum, where it will enjoy…
In 2018, Seniors and Millennials Will Find Common Ground in New Construction. If we only had a crystal ball. Then we could predict, or at least pretend to predict, the real estate economy and the housing forecast for the coming year. With…
As the leaves turn to russet and golden tones and our thoughts turn to ghosts and witches, fall becomes the perfect time for charging or gassing up the car and taking a good old-fashioned road trip around the byways and scenic routes of our beautiful area. Among the whale-watching viewpoints and mountain vistas are little tiny pieces of history. You have to look closely to find them, but they are there, hidden in the knotweed and brambles of our…
The Pacific Northwest is a dreamscape for outdoor adventures, and Snohomish County is no exception. From the shores of Puget Sound to the craggy heights of the Cascades, the county includes one of the state’s five major stratovolcanoes, Glacier Peak, as well as four river systems — the Skykomish, Snohomish, Sauk, and Stillaguamish Rivers — which carve their courses from alpine forests through farmland to the sea. Bald eagles, salmon, gray whales, migratory birds, the wildlife here is diverse and…
This time of year is perfect for charging or gassing up the car and taking a good old-fashioned road trip around the byways and scenic routes of our…
Welcome aboard the Washington State Ferries. May I have your attention please? The familiar recording issues a pleasant greeting and several instructions as the engines throttle. The Kitsap pulls away from the ferry slip, our view of Anacortes fades into the mist, and we’re sailing west, bound…
Leavenworth is Washington State’s very own Bavarian Village. Here, it’s easy to find German beer and sausage, as well as Christmas charm with the year-round Kris Kringl store. “If you are looking for a quiet romantic experience, like staying at a European-style bed-and-breakfast with wine tasting, we can accommodate that.
The summer is the peak season for visiting Coeur d’Alene and there are many fun family events including a classic car show, arts and crafts festival, farmers markets and outdoor concerts. Look forward to the Taste of Coeur d’Alene, the Street Fair, and Art on the Green at the end of July.
It began in 2008 with a lost Orca named Springer. Separated from her pod, Springer was starving and swimming close to shore. A group, led by Donna Sandstrom,…
Take a ten-hour drive southeast—or a twohour flight—and you’ll find yourself at the famed ski destination, Sun Valley, Idaho. Often thought of as a snowy playground for the elite, Sun Valley is actually a welcome vacation area that caters to many types of budgets and activities. In fact, with its spectacular scenery, abundant trails, appealing shops, excellent food and close proximity to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, it’s a hub for spring, summer, and fall outdoor activities…
What’s old is new again in entertaining, and the new interest in vintage culture brings with it the welcome return of the Airstream. With four businesses under her belt, Angi Soulier is a driven entrepreneur when it comes to pursuing new and creative ventures. Three years ago she and her husband, Jim Soulier, came up with the fabulous idea to remodel old trailers, give…
North End Metro caught up with Ciscoe Morris on a chilly Christmas Eve morning. For those rare few who don’t know him,…
Dave Mauro climbed the steep incline, knowing the end was near. He stepped onto the summit, looked out at the twinkling lights of Nepal and Tibet and said to himself, “Thank you.” It was 3:42 a.m. on May 20, 2013, as he reached the top of Mount Everest. A Bellingham resident, Mauro began climbing mountains in 1992 when he took on Mount Baker. After…
Few experiences rival the enthusiasm children bring to exploring the outdoors— whether they’re climbing rocks, exploring moss covered trees, hunting for seashells on the beach or running along trails.
Celebrating the Women of Boeing Be ready. And always have your shoes on. That’s how Nelda Lee, the first female pilot to fly an F-15 Eagle, explained the success of her 35-year long career in aviation. A spellbound crowd gathered at the Future of Flight Aviation Center in Mukilteo as Lee told the story of growing up on a farm with shoes perpetually tied tight, ready…
The North End’s Best Beaches A day at the beach burns bright in one’s memory. We are drawn to water, because the sea is a master storyteller. Shorebirds squawk and circle. The salt air aches of escape and adventure. Children squeal and giggle over ribbons of slimy seaweed and watch in wonder as small crabs skitter beneath driftwood. Empires of sand rise up again and again, despite the unavoidable appetite of the coming tide. The…
With an annual average snowfall of more than 35 feet, Whistler Blackcomb is famous for the soft powder on its Whistler Winter Wonderland slopes. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of places to play, including heli-skiing packages. Beginners are best starting out at Blackcomb Base, Whistler Village and Whistler Creekside and gradually working their way up to the more advanced slopes.
Saint Edward State Park KIRKLAND Located on a forested bluff overlooking the northern end of Lake Washington, several dirt trails wind around 316 acres of moss-wrapped old growth trees and peekaboo stretches of sand and waterfront. An astonishing 3,000 feet of freshwater…
The new aquatic center in Snohomish is making a splash. The fully equipped facility has something for everyone. More advanced swimmers can take advantage of the 10-lane lap pool set a comfortable 78-80˚F with two 1-meter diving boards, while kids can play…
Among The Village’s shopping and dining options, which include a Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and Massage Green Spa, will be local chef John Howie’s newest restaurant, The Beardslee Alehouse and Wildwood Distillery.
Beneath a brilliant blue sky, an emerald valley of farms, vineyards and orchards rolls out to the horizon of amber…
Keenan’s at the Pier BELLINGHAM After a nice stroll around Boulevard Park and Taylor Dock, a sunset dinner at Keenan’s at the Pier would be the perfect way to spend a special evening. Located in the intimate and elegant Chrysalis Inn and Spa, Keenan’s offers fine food, a full wine…
Five Faves 1. GALBRAITH MOUNTAIN – WHATCOM The granddaddy of all mountain biking destinations, Galbraith has many challenging but rewarding trails. Maintained by volunteers (many of whom you can meet along the trails), Galbraith isn’t just a great place to mountain bike, it’s an excellent model of balance between the interests of developers and cyclists. 2. LAKE PADDEN – WHATCOM Padden is a popular destination…
What’s On Your List? Bucket Lists have made a huge surge in our culture — and somehow it sounds far more appealing than “my list of things…
Hugging the tip of Orcas Island, Doe Bay is a quiet place. The center includes houses, cabins, yurts, a hostel, campsites and a lodge. Offering Vinyasa Power yoga, Nidra and Hatha yoga classes, Doe Bay is a perfect place to pack up your mat and get away. The café…
Quiet and unassuming, Lummi Island isn’t as showy and flashy as some of the other islands in the San Juans, but it has a lot to offer the weekender. The island is named for the nearby Lummi tribe, who called it Skallaham. Today, artists, retirees and young families make up the permanent population, and vacationers swell the ranks in the summer months. In winter, Lummi is a quiet retreat. Getting there From I-5 take Slater Road to…
Some say summer is what keeps them living in Western Washington, while others are diehard fall fans. It’s true, New England is featured across the nation as the place to…
VANCOUVER PNE VANCOUVER AUGUST 16–SEPTEMBER 1 The PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) has been in operation for 101 years, and draws 900,000 visitors during its 17 days. Loaded with cultural demonstrations, performances, rides, fair food and more, the PNE is nonstop fun. Just remember to take cash — the debit machines on the fairgrounds only take Canadian cards. pne.ca NORTHWEST WASHINGTON FAIR LYNDEN | AUGUST 11–16 From cat dioramas…
We are so fortunate for our beautiful, local farms. They feed us with fresh produce — mounds of ripe berries, piles of thick, rich greens, barrels of crisp, sweet apples — and they protect our rolling hills and rural character. Not only do our farmers work hard to grow all this amazing food, they offer their bounty in our local farmers markets, grocery…
SAN JUAN ISLAND San Juan Island teems with life in the summer. Friday Harbor is San Juan’s welcome mat, and a cheery one at that: just up the hill from the ferry landing, shops, restaurants and galleries, Friday Harbor awaits the eager visitor. With 8000 residents, it is the only incorporated town…
Olaf — the lovable snowman in Disney’s Frozen — sings about his affection for summer “Bees will buzz, and kids will blow dandelion fuzz…in summer!” But parents and grandparents aren’t always as thrilled with the extra hours of bored little ones tugging at them for something to do. Those who work during the summer months…
Starting out as an unpromising little sandbar, Granville Island now shines as an example of what a community with chutzpah and vision can achieve in a couple of decades. Vancouver, B.C.’s original name was Granville, so it is fitting that this little island (technically peninsula) has the original name, as it seems to distill all the best things about Vancouver into one place. Granville was once a…
Neon green sea grass and fiery fields of red coral bubble with life. Streams of light dance weightlessly to the sway of a gentle current. Tentacles wrap and release tight circles. Urchins preen and pucker. Mighty mammals travel ancient water routes in search of warmer waters. Life in the ocean is a technicolor masterpiece. Ten years ago, Annie Crawley made…
Check out our 5 favorite Christmas Tree Farms for your festive fir.
On the drive into Anacortes, constant teasing will occur. Just as a glimpse of the beautiful San Juan Islands appears the road meanders, stealing beauty from view. Located on Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is surrounded by water and only accessible by bridge or sea.
Take the plunge and learn about the wonderful world of diving in the Pacific Northwest.
From vegetables and cheese to milk, grass-fed beef, chicken, pork or wine, families are encouraged to see another side of Whatcom County – where the locally grown food is brought to life … and to local plates and palettes.
Make your next getaway to the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort.
Take a quick trip through the charming Leavenworth, a beautiful Bavarian village in Washington.
