ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Best Casino
Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa
Silver: Skagit Valley Casino
Bronze: Swinomish Casino & Lodge
With events, expos and activities, there are always reasons to spend a weekend at the Silver Reef, but they’ve wisely added one more: the Cigar Lounge. It’s the perfect place to gather and relax — a calm oasis among ringing slots and busy card tables. The hotel and spa are world-class, and offer excellent packages for weekends and holidays. And then there’s the food…so much of it, and it’s so good.
4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, 866.383.0777
Best Live Theater
Mount Baker Theatre
Silver: Upfront Theatre
Bronze: Bellingham Theatre Guild
From raucous musicals like Mama Mia! to world-class entertainment acts like Joan Baez, to the orchestral perfection of the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra, the Mount Baker Theatre is a hub of culture in the budding Arts District of downtown Bellingham. The building itself is a local icon, and well worth a visit.
104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080
Best Live Music Venue
Wild Buffalo
Silver: Green Frog
Bronze: Packers Oyster Bar
This venerable local hotspot has seen some ups and downs in recent years, and we sincerely hope it sticks around for a good long while. With excellent local and national acts, great service and a groove-worthy dance floor, it’s the place to get your booty moving.
208 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733
Best Art Gallery
Allied Arts
Silver: Make.Shift
Bronze: Jansen Art Center
Allied Arts is, yes, an excellent gallery. But it’s also a major force in our local arts scene, spearheading education and outreach programs, sponsoring Bellingham’s downtown Art Walk and annual Whatcom Studio Tours, as well as supporting hundreds of local artists by providing regular venues and opportunities. We are lucky to have such an active arts scene, and in large part, we have Allied Arts to thank for it.
1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360. 676.8548
Best Museum
The Lightcatcher
Silver: Spark
Bronze: Museum of Northwest Art
With its elegant curved smoked glass wall and soaring modern interior, The Lightcatcher is a beautiful venue for viewing distinctive works of art. The Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) is an artfully created and designed play space for little ones. And lest we forget, TwoFifty Flora is the perfect lunch spot.
The Lightcatcher,
250 Flora St., Bellingham; Whatcom Museum,
121 Propsect St., Bellingham,
360.778.8930
Best Local Artist
Ben Mann
Silver: Tyree Callahan
Bronze: Graham Schodda
His bright landscapes and whimsical still lifes make Ben a local favorite, which is why his work is on every street corner. Okay, not literally, but many of them. Colorful and appealing, Ben’s work is always in demand. Mambo Italiano in Fairhaven always has a great selection of Ben’s paintings for sale.
PO Box 4284, Bellingham, 360.920.4284
Best Festival
Ski to Sea
Silver: Anacortes Arts Festival
Bronze: Northwest Washington Fair
Bellingham is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true, and Ski to Sea celebrates everything we love about outdoor recreation, from skiing the icy peaks of Mount Baker to gliding across Bellingham Bay in a kayak. It All Ends In Fairhaven is a giant welcome home for the outdoor warriors, and the best street fair of the year.
2227 Queen St. #6, Bellingham, 360.746.8861
FOOD & DRINK
Best Sandwich
Avenue Bread
Silver: Old World Deli
Bronze: Coconut Kenny’s
A great sandwich begins with great ingredients, and no one knows this better than the owners of Avenue Bread. Starting with their excellent bread, they build sandwiches fit for kings and queens. The reuben is especially tender and juicy, and the turkey-cranberry sandwich is a regular favorite.
Various locations, Bellingham, 360.715.3354×1
Best Sushi
Osaka Japanese Restaurant
Silver: Wasabee Sushi
Bronze: Zen Sushi
Great for lunch or dinner, Osaka offers an extensive menu of Japanese specialties, including donburi, tempura, udon and yakisoba, as well as traditional soups and appetizers. But Osaka’s sushi really shines. The fresh, delicious rolls and sashimi are ample and satisfying. Best with a nice warm sake, this is a great place for a spicy tuna roll.
3207 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.6268
Best Bakery
Mount Bakery
Silver: Cupcakes Like It Sweet
Bronze: Pure Bliss Desserts
Bellingham’s sunniest corner, Mount Bakery serves up fresh food and mouthwatering pastries in their sweet, Euro-style cafe. The best breakfast offering is the Belgian waffle, piled high with fruit and whipped cream and a little drizzle of chocolate. The sandwiches, soups and quiches make for a perfect lunch. Pair with one of their house-made teas.
308 W. Champion St., Bellingham, 360.715.2195
Best Steak
The Steakhouse at Silver Reef
Silver: Black Forest Steakhouse
Bronze: Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse
Chef Tom Hull and his team at the Silver Reef have perfected the art of serving a great meal with just the right accompaniments. The menu includes seafood, lamb and other dishes, but steak is Hull’s specialty. He uses local Misty Isle Farms beef, and the improvement in texture and taste over frozen or more distant sources is noticeable. The ambiance is elegant and refined, and the service is absolutely world-class. The Steak House is perfect for a romantic date, a special occasion or an evening of just plain great eating.
4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, 360.383.0777
Best Burger
Boomer’s Drive-In
Silver: Fiamma Burger
Bronze: Five Guys
Do yourself a favor: drive, right now, to Boomers and get a burger, shake and waffle fries. Boomer’s tag line is “Bellingham’s Best Burger” and while there’s hot competition out there, who are we to argue? Not only is Boomer’s delicious, it’s also easy on the wallet: the classic Boomer burger is under $5.
310 N. Samish Way, Bellingham, 360.647.2666
Best Bar & Lounge
Poppe’s 360
Silver: Scotty Brown’s
Bronze: The Temple Bar
One of the best kept secrets in patio dining in Bellingham is Poppe’s 360 excellent outdoor space with fire pits and live music. The drink menu is always impressive, and the food is a fantastic complement to all those great cocktails. With friendly, professional service and top-notch bartenders, Poppe’s 360 is a perennial favorite for good reason.
714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham, 360.746.6476
Best Cocktail
Poppe’s 360
Silver: Redlight Bar
Bronze: Rock and Rye Oyster House
This year in particular, Poppe’s 360 has been working hard on revamping their cocktail menu, and the results are showing. Delving into craft cocktails isn’t for the faint of heart, but bar manager Juli Wavada isn’t daunted. Mixing up her own bitters and simple syrups and delivering great cocktails with a smile, Juli and her team are giving the newer bars a run for their money.
714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham, 360.746.6476
Best coffee
Cruisin’ Coffee
Silver: Woods Coffee
Bronze: Black Drop Coffee House
With 14 locations all over the state, it’s hard not to pass a Cruisin’ Coffee on your morning commute. Our readers recommend cruising the drive-through and picking up a hot beverage of your choice. Not only does Cruisin’ serve rich espresso and coffee drinks, they also serve Spice Hut’s excellent teas. These little huts are well worth a stop.
Various locations in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Anacortes, Bow and Mt. Vernon, 360.738.3789
Best Mexican Restaurant
Jalapeños Family Mexican Restaurant
Silver: Chihuahua’s Mexican Restaurant
Bronze: Lorenzo’s Mexican Restaurant
The original Jalapeños offers waterside dining at the head of the Whatcom Waterway, with views of Lummi Island and Orcas beyond. The Fairhaven location sports a nifty rooftop patio and a downstairs indoor patio, which stays toasty even in the depths of winter. The food is carefully prepared and a great value with gigantic proportions, and the service is reliably friendly and fast. And then there are the drinks — this year, Jalapeños added to their family of margaritas with the Big Papa. Even bigger than the ennormous Big Mama, it’s a surefire one-way street to a night of big fun…and possibly morning-after regrets.
Various locations in Bellingham, 360.671.3099
Best Dessert
Pure Bliss Desserts
Silver: Mallard Ice Cream
Bronze: Cupcakes Like It Sweet
We know it was hard for our readers to sample from all the local shops and bakeries to vote in this category, and we applaud your hard work. Pure Bliss is the brainchild of Andi Vann, and one of the best spots to grab a perfect slice of cake and a cup of tea. The interior is a cute combination of Parisian pink and black, and complements the frosty cakes in the case very nicely. A great place to stop in and grab a little treat or linger over dessert, Pure Bliss is a sweet spot in our downtown. Oh, and just in case you’re looking for a cake for an occasion, yes, they cater.
1424 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.739.1612
Best Happy Hour
Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill
Silver: Poppes’s 360
Bronze: New York Pizza
Earlier this year, our office had a chance to check out Hearthfire’s happy hour, because we kept hearing about it. It did, indeed, live up to its reputation, with great food and drink deals and beautiful sunset views. The service was speedy despite the crowd, and the food was fresh and well prepared. Clearly, our readers agree.
7 Bellwether Way, Bellingham,
360.527.3473
Best Brewery
Kulshan Brewery
Silver: Boundary Bay Brewing
Bronze: Aslan Brewing
Beer experts up and down the West Coast and all over the country laud Kulshan for their perfectly crafted beers. The patio is packed all spring and summer, and the taproom is lively all winter. Food trucks provide excellent fresh snacks while the crew concentrates on brewing and serving rich, balanced, delicious beer.
2238 James St., Bellingham, 360.389.5348
Best Pizza
La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza
Silver: Goat Mountain Pizza
Bronze: Coconut Kenny’s
Thin, toasty crust and artisan ingredients make these pizzas the best in town. The fun interior of stainless steel and exposed beams makes for a perfect casual lunch, and the patio is perfect for a sunset date. La Fiamma also serves cocktails, has a distinctive wine list, an assortment of sandwiches, various pasta dishes and exceptional desserts. Family-friendly, La Fiamma gives little ones raw pizza dough to play with before they dig into the real thing.
200 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham, 360.647.0060
Best Winery
Coach House Cellars
Silver: Mt. Baker Vineyards
Bronze: Dynasty Cellars
Available at Vinostrology, the Bellingham Golf and Country Club and The Black Cat, Couch House Cellars is an area favorite. Coach House started in a garage, and it has grown exponentially since. The owners are currently creating a new tasting room and event space. Coach House offers a merlot, a cabernet sauvignon, a syrah and a chardonnay.
5012 Samish Way, Bellingham, 360.389.0884
Best International Cuisine
Kyoto Steak House
Silver: Il Granaio
Bronze: On Rice Thai Cuisine
Who doesn’t love watching a Japanese chef wield a sharp knife, light a big fire and rhythmically slice-and-dice for your dining pleasure? Lucky for Bellingham, we have Kyoto Steak House, where you can enjoy fresh yakisoba, teriyaki, tempura, kastu and udon. Not only that, they offer fresh sushi as well, giving customers the full complement of Japanese cuisine. You won’t go home hungry.
115 Samish Way, Bellingham, 360.756.0058
Best Take-out
Busara Thai Cuisine
Silver: On Rice Thai Cuisine
Bronze: Best Chopsticks
Lunch and dinner don’t have to mean boring plastic containers or shopping, cooking and dirty dishes. Busara’s fresh menu is extensive and consistently delicious. Perfect for curling up in front of the last few episodes of Mad Men, the curries, noodle dishes and specials are always satisfying.
404 36th St., Bellingham, 360.734.8088
Best Spirit
Bellewood Acres’ Bellewood Distilling
Silver: Chuckanut Bay Distillery
Bronze: Mount Baker Distillery
What was once Bellingham’s premier orchard and farm store is now a full-on distillery as well. Owners Dorie and John Belisle ensure that their distinctive gin, vodka, brandy and liqueurs are of the finest quality. Bellewood creates the only genuinely farm-to-table spirits in Washington State. Bellewood Distilling’s equipment is made in Kentucky by Vendome, and the produce comes from the orchards that surround the distillery.
6140 Guide Meridian Dr., Lynden, 360.318.7720
Best Food Presentation
Pierside Kitchen
Silver: Ciao Thyme
Bronze: The Steakhouse at Silver Reef
Semiahmoo is open and bustling again. The resort has reopened, revamped and created a whole new dining experience — Pierside Kitchen. Under the guidance of Chef Eric Truglas, Pierside’s Northwest specialties include wood-fired pizzas, beautifully seared meat and perfect salmon. Everything is plated so beautifully, it feels like a shame to pick up a fork and dig in. But you have to.
9565 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine, 360.917.3767
Best Food Truck
StrEAT Food
Silver: Highway 542-Go
Bronze: JT’s Smokin BBQ
Offering new twists on old favorites, StrEAT Food is the kind of food truck you end up chasing. The chicken artichoke sandwich, chile verde dog and Homesick Texan taco are all favorites. The owners also operate the Ferry Terminal Cafe out of the Bellingham Ferry Terminal in Fairhaven. Open Wednesday through Saturday, the cafe serves many of the same favorites, and some extra dishes you won’t find on the truck. Two words: shrimp grits.
355 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.770.9052
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Best spa
Chrysalis Inn and Spa
Silver: The Apothecary at
The Majestic Inn & Spa
Bronze: Salon Bellissima
A Chrysalis is a sheltered case from which a butterfly emerges, and this is a great metaphor for how customers feel before and after the amazing spa treatments at the Chrysalis Spa, located in the Chrysalis Hotel. The hotel offers spa packages for guests, but you don’t have to stay at the Chrysalis to enjoy the spa. Treatments include warm stone massage, facials, Swedish massage, hydrating manicures and pedicures, wraps, mud, prenatal care and more. The service is attentive, personal and experienced.
804 10th St., Bellingham, 360.756.1005
Best Men’s Salon
V’s Barbershop
Silver: Kaur Lounge
Bronze: Jake’s Barbershop
Good old-fashioned shaves and haircuts are hard to come by these days, but for men who want a little more than a strip mall experience, there is V’s. Refined and professional, V’s offers excellent service.
414 W. Bakerview Rd. #107, Bellingham, 360.656.6911
Best Mani | Pedi
Jimmy’s Personal Care
Silver: Happy Nails
Bronze: Polished Petite Spa
Bright, funny, sparkly Jimmy is the king of the mani-pedi. His chic and delightful salon and day spa reflects Jimmy’s warm personality. Cuddle up on the orange leather seats, take in the ozone-purified air and grab a complimentary iPad to entertain you while you get a great pedicure.
1327 11th St., Bellingham, 360.933.4268
Best Fitness Center
Bellingham Fitness
Silver: Bellingham Athletic Club
Bronze: Flex Gym
A full-service gym with classes, fitness programs and loads of workout equipment, Bellingham Fitness has been in operation since 2003. Not only do they offer the standard spinning, Zumba, yoga, Pilates and aerobics classes, the staff at Bellingham Fitness also offers personal training, summer camps, nutritional counseling, youth and senior programs. There’s also on-site childcare for busy parents.
1730 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.733.1600
Best Massage Therapist
Lise Waugh
Silver: Christina Alessandra
Bronze: Kerry Gustafson
Specializing in Thai massage, Lise began her career in veterinary medicine before starting her yoga practice. Based on ancient Chinese and Indian techniques, Thai massage is a combination of movement and firm, steady pressure. Thai massage is credited with treating migraines, chronic joint pain, anxiety and more.
1602 Carolina St. #12, Bellingham, 360.393.6327
Best Yoga Studio
Yoga Northwest
Silver: Barre 3
Bronze: 3 Oms Yoga
Specializing in Iyengar Yoga, Yoga Northwest offers many classes for varying levels of ability. The staff is also very inclusive, with classes for those who have mobility issues, or who need to modify their yoga poses for maximum comfort.
1440 10th St, Bellingham, 360.647.0712
Best Personal Trainer
Lenny Olson – Bellingham Fitness
Silver: Tate Norris – Northwest Fitness
Bronze: Hunter Clagett – Bellingham MMA
Not only is Bellingham Fitness our readers’ choice for the best gym in town, in-house trainer Lenny Olson is this year’s first choice for best trainer. Whether you’re interested in a boot camp, weight loss or conditioning, Lenny can help you with all your fitness needs.
1602 Carolina St. #12, Bellingham. 360.393.6327
Best Chiropractor
Dallas Chiropractor Clinic
Silver: Natural Way Chiropractic
Bronze: Brad and Dana Chiropractic
Dr. Jerry Dallas and his crew are masters of the delicate art of spinal manipulation, taking away those nagging backaches and wicked neck cricks. With reasonable rates and a quick scheduling, Dallas can get you in, fix your aches and send you on your way in a flash.
1509 Broadway, Bellingham, 360.733.3775
Best Physical Therapist
CorePhysio
Silver: Bellingham Physical Therapy
Bronze: Lynden Family Physical Therapy
The team at CorePhysio specializes in sports and spine rehabilitation, pelvic health, upper core rehabilitation, women’s health, osteoporosis and balance and they offer real-time ultrasound. They also offer educational outreach in the form of workshops and demonstrations to help those with ongoing issues.
1514 12th St., Suite 103, Bellingham, 360.752.2673
Best OB/GYN
Dr. Lisa Kaepernick, Bellingham OB/GYN
Silver: Dr. Julianne Snell,
Barkley Women’s Health Care
Bronze: Dr. Michael Mallory,
Bellingham OB/GYN
Bellingham OB/GYN tops a lot of lists for excellent care, and Dr. Kaepernick is one of the reasons why. Warm and professional, she treats her patients with respect and kindness.
3200 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, 360.671.4944
Best Pharmacy
Hoagland Pharmacy
Silver: Haggen Food and Pharmacy
Bronze: Healthy Living Center (HLC)
There are occasions when your typical drug store loaded with greeting cards and two-liter bottles of soda isn’t quite enough for your needs. In steps Hoagland, which is well stocked with lots of products for home aid and pharmaceutical use. The knowledgeable pharmacists and helpful staff make Hoagland’s a special place.
2330 Yew St., Bellingham, 360. 734.5413
Best Naturopath
Dr. Emily Sharpe, Natural Health Clinic
Silver: Dr. Holly Levine
Bronze: Dr. Joseph Wessels
Dr. Emily Sharpe is a trusted N.D. who treats the whole patient, not just symptoms. Her specialties include the treatment of fatigue, thyroid problems, allergies and more. On her website, Emily states, “My passion for these specialties is rooted in my personal journey through disease and health.”
1707 F. St., Bellingham, 360.734.1560
Best Dentist
Dr. Faith Bult, DDS
Silver: Dr. Eric Yaremko
Bronze: Dr. Marcus Fairbanks
Faith’s bright smile is a good advertisement for her business. Trusted by patients for her integrity and beloved for her excellent service, Dr. Faith is our readers’ choice for the best this year. She offers treatments for sleep apnea and botox and dermal fillers in addition to all the standard dental services. Whatever your needs, Dr. Bult can take care of you.
405 32nd St., suite 100, Bellingham, 360.715.3333
Best Family Practitioner
Dr. Shannon Billau, DO
Silver: Dr. Miriam Shapiro – Family Health Associates
Bronze: Dr. April Wakefield-Pagels – Family Care Network
Dr. Billau treats each member of the family as her own, with warm, friendly attention. She takes patients’ concerns seriously, and believes in integrated care. She specializes in osteopathic medicine, and treats musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries, and works in women’s health, obstetrical care and dermatology.
3015 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, 360.671.4402
Best Pediatrician
Dr. Monica Mahall – Peacehealth
Silver: Dr. Nancy Bischoff – Peachealth
Bronze: Dr. Steven Wallace – Peacehealth
Peacehealth won all the awards in this category this year, and it’s not hard to see why. With excellent attention to everything from skinned knees to broken bones, Dr. Mahall takes special care of the littlest patients.
4545 Cordata Parkway, Bellingham, 360.738.2200
Best Retirement Facility
The Willows
Silver: Orchard Park Assisted Living
Bronze: Highgate Senior Living
Retirement in our area is an active, engaged time of life, and the Willows offers plenty of programs for retirees who like to move and shake. From geocaching to hikes and more, the Willows offers a program for everyone. They also have a lot of personal care, salon and spa services, guest accommodations and more.
3115 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, 360.671.7077
BEst health food shop
Community Food Co-op
Silver: Terra Organic and Natural Foods
Bronze: Super Supplements
The Community Food-Co-op, with its two locations (downtown and Cordata) is the hub for food-conscious Bellingham. A wonderful source for organic and local produce, whole foods and, yes, coconut oil, the Food Co-op isn’t just a store, it’s also a community resource. The deli has prepared salads and the wine selection is extensive. The Co-op also offers classes and hosts meetings in their annex downtown.
1220 N. Forest, 315 Westerly Rd., Bellingham, 360.734.8158
Best Hair Salon
Salon Bellissima
Silver: Kaur Lounge
Bronze: Studio Galactica
Whether you want to maintain your cut, or you want something completely fresh, the ladies at Salon Bellissima are our readers’ favorites for trimming up your tresses. The staff is professional, well trained and exceptionally talented. They offer waxing and other services, in addition to styling for special occasions.
1215 Old Fairhaven Parkway, Bellingham, 360.715.1052
Best spa
Chrysalis Inn and Spa
Silver: The Apothecary at
The Majestic Inn & Spa
Bronze: Salon Bellissima
A Chrysalis is a sheltered case from which a butterfly emerges, and this is a great metaphor for how customers feel before and after the amazing spa treatments at the Chrysalis Spa, located in the Chrysalis Hotel. The hotel offers spa packages for guests, but you don’t have to stay at the Chrysalis to enjoy the spa. Treatments include warm stone massage, facials, Swedish massage, hydrating manicures and pedicures, wraps, mud, prenatal care and more. The service is attentive, personal and experienced.
804 10th St., Bellingham, 360.756.1005
Best Men’s Salon
V’s Barbershop
Silver: Kaur Lounge
Bronze: Jake’s Barbershop
Good old-fashioned shaves and haircuts are hard to come by these days, but for men who want a little more than a strip mall experience, there is V’s. Refined and professional, V’s offers excellent service.
414 W. Bakerview Rd. #107, Bellingham, 360.656.6911
Best Mani | Pedi
Jimmy’s Personal Care
Silver: Happy Nails
Bronze: Polished Petite Spa
Bright, funny, sparkly Jimmy is the king of the mani-pedi. His chic and delightful salon and day spa reflects Jimmy’s warm personality. Cuddle up on the orange leather seats, take in the ozone-purified air and grab a complimentary iPad to entertain you while you get a great pedicure.
1327 11th St., Bellingham, 360.933.4268
Best Fitness Center
Bellingham Fitness
Silver: Bellingham Athletic Club
Bronze: Flex Gym
A full-service gym with classes, fitness programs and loads of workout equipment, Bellingham Fitness has been in operation since 2003. Not only do they offer the standard spinning, Zumba, yoga, Pilates and aerobics classes, the staff at Bellingham Fitness also offers personal training, summer camps, nutritional counseling, youth and senior programs. There’s also on-site childcare for busy parents.
1730 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.733.1600
Best Massage Therapist
Lise Waugh
Silver: Christina Alessandra
Bronze: Kerry Gustafson
Specializing in Thai massage, Lise began her career in veterinary medicine before starting her yoga practice. Based on ancient Chinese and Indian techniques, Thai massage is a combination of movement and firm, steady pressure. Thai massage is credited with treating migraines, chronic joint pain, anxiety and more.
1602 Carolina St. #12, Bellingham, 360.393.6327
Best Yoga Studio
Yoga Northwest
Silver: Barre 3
Bronze: 3 Oms Yoga
Specializing in Iyengar Yoga, Yoga Northwest offers many classes for varying levels of ability. The staff is also very inclusive, with classes for those who have mobility issues, or who need to modify their yoga poses for maximum comfort.
1440 10th St, Bellingham, 360.647.0712
Best Personal Trainer
Lenny Olson – Bellingham Fitness
Silver: Tate Norris – Northwest Fitness
Bronze: Hunter Clagett – Bellingham MMA
Not only is Bellingham Fitness our readers’ choice for the best gym in town, in-house trainer Lenny Olson is this year’s first choice for best trainer. Whether you’re interested in a boot camp, weight loss or conditioning, Lenny can help you with all your fitness needs.
1602 Carolina St. #12, Bellingham. 360.393.6327
Best Chiropractor
Dallas Chiropractor Clinic
Silver: Natural Way Chiropractic
Bronze: Brad and Dana Chiropractic
Dr. Jerry Dallas and his crew are masters of the delicate art of spinal manipulation, taking away those nagging backaches and wicked neck cricks. With reasonable rates and a quick scheduling, Dallas can get you in, fix your aches and send you on your way in a flash.
1509 Broadway, Bellingham, 360.733.3775
Best Physical Therapist
CorePhysio
Silver: Bellingham Physical Therapy
Bronze: Lynden Family Physical Therapy
The team at CorePhysio specializes in sports and spine rehabilitation, pelvic health, upper core rehabilitation, women’s health, osteoporosis and balance and they offer real-time ultrasound. They also offer educational outreach in the form of workshops and demonstrations to help those with ongoing issues.
1514 12th St., Suite 103, Bellingham, 360.752.2673
Best OB/GYN
Dr. Lisa Kaepernick, Bellingham OB/GYN
Silver: Dr. Julianne Snell,
Barkley Women’s Health Care
Bronze: Dr. Michael Mallory,
Bellingham OB/GYN
Bellingham OB/GYN tops a lot of lists for excellent care, and Dr. Kaepernick is one of the reasons why. Warm and professional, she treats her patients with respect and kindness.
3200 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, 360.671.4944
Best Pharmacy
Hoagland Pharmacy
Silver: Haggen Food and Pharmacy
Bronze: Healthy Living Center (HLC)
There are occasions when your typical drug store loaded with greeting cards and two-liter bottles of soda isn’t quite enough for your needs. In steps Hoagland, which is well stocked with lots of products for home aid and pharmaceutical use. The knowledgeable pharmacists and helpful staff make Hoagland’s a special place.
2330 Yew St., Bellingham, 360. 734.5413
Best Naturopath
Dr. Emily Sharpe, Natural Health Clinic
Silver: Dr. Holly Levine
Bronze: Dr. Joseph Wessels
Dr. Emily Sharpe is a trusted N.D. who treats the whole patient, not just symptoms. Her specialties include the treatment of fatigue, thyroid problems, allergies and more. On her website, Emily states, “My passion for these specialties is rooted in my personal journey through disease and health.”
1707 F. St., Bellingham, 360.734.1560
Best Dentist
Dr. Faith Bult, DDS
Silver: Dr. Eric Yaremko
Bronze: Dr. Marcus Fairbanks
Faith’s bright smile is a good advertisement for her business. Trusted by patients for her integrity and beloved for her excellent service, Dr. Faith is our readers’ choice for the best this year. She offers treatments for sleep apnea and botox and dermal fillers in addition to all the standard dental services. Whatever your needs, Dr. Bult can take care of you.
405 32nd St., suite 100, Bellingham, 360.715.3333
Best Family Practitioner
Dr. Shannon Billau, DO
Silver: Dr. Miriam Shapiro – Family Health Associates
Bronze: Dr. April Wakefield-Pagels – Family Care Network
Dr. Billau treats each member of the family as her own, with warm, friendly attention. She takes patients’ concerns seriously, and believes in integrated care. She specializes in osteopathic medicine, and treats musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries, and works in women’s health, obstetrical care and dermatology.
3015 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, 360.671.4402
Best Pediatrician
Dr. Monica Mahall – Peacehealth
Silver: Dr. Nancy Bischoff – Peachealth
Bronze: Dr. Steven Wallace – Peacehealth
Peacehealth won all the awards in this category this year, and it’s not hard to see why. With excellent attention to everything from skinned knees to broken bones, Dr. Mahall takes special care of the littlest patients.
4545 Cordata Parkway, Bellingham, 360.738.2200
Best Retirement Facility
The Willows
Silver: Orchard Park Assisted Living
Bronze: Highgate Senior Living
Retirement in our area is an active, engaged time of life, and the Willows offers plenty of programs for retirees who like to move and shake. From geocaching to hikes and more, the Willows offers a program for everyone. They also have a lot of personal care, salon and spa services, guest accommodations and more.
3115 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, 360.671.7077
HOME & GARDEN
Best Interior Design
Tanna Edler
Silver: Domistyle Design
Bronze: SVC Interiors
Tanna Edler of Tanna By Design has been awarded the Interior Design Society’s Designer of the Year for 2013 and 2014. Her portfolio includes everything from condo makeovers to extensive restaurant renovations. Tanna’s known for creating interiors with a personal touch.
Yakima, 509.225.9214; Snohomish, 425.737.1193
Best Kitchen and Bath Designer
Domistyle Design
Silver: Dream Maker Bath & Kitchen
Bronze: Builder’s Alliance
For creating a bright, beautiful, functional kitchen, Domistyle begins with great materials — a sampling of their touches includes concrete countertops, fir cabinets, steel tiles and the finest in vent hoods. Whether remodeling or creating a kitchen from scratch, the experienced team at Domistyle can help you create a kitchen or bathroom worth raving about.
5115 E. North St., Bellingham, 360.756.0296
Best Landscaper
GlacierScapes Landscaping
Silver: Windwood Landscape
Bronze: North County Lawn Care
Specializing in a complete landscape service package, GlacierScapes can handle hardscape, softscape, wetland mitigation and more. They can help you set up the perfect patio or create just the right water feature for your back yard. They operate a private nursery with mature ground stock and unique plant materials. Whatever your landscape needs, they can help you.
Bellingham, 360.305.4470
Best Landscaping design
Private Gardens Design
Silver: Borrowed Ground
Bronze: Corion Landscape
Whether you’re sprucing up an entryway or creating a whole new backyard paradise, Private Gardens can help you design and create your dream oasis. Experts at both contemporary landscaping or blending with historical structures, Private Gardens Design can help you realize your dream.
1609 12th St., Suite 100, Bellingham, 360.752.1333
Best Builder
GreenCoast Carpentry
Silver: Moceri Construction
Bronze: Chuckanut Builders
Through careful craftsmanship and careful design, GreenCoast specializes in outbuildings, sheds and retreat houses. Owner Jeff Nelson is dedicated to the principles of sustainability, and he works to minimize the negative affects to the natural world. Lovely and sustainable, GreenCoast’s projects reflect Jeff’s attention to detail and excellence in craftsmanship.
Bellingham, 360.224.6872
Best Nursery
Garden Spot Nursery
Silver: Kent’s Garden and Nursery
Bronze: Joe’s Gardens
The helpful and professional team at Garden Spot is always on hand to help you select just the right pots, plants and seeds for your porch, patio or garden. They carry some of the best selection of flowers, veggies and landscaping materials anywhere, and they are very knowledgeable about soil.
900 Alabama St., Bellingham, 360.676.5480
Best Architect
JWR Design
Silver: RMC Architects
Bronze: Zervas Architects
Jerry Roetcisoender founded JWR in 1997. He has an extensive background in the nuts-and-bolts of building — his father was a contractor in Lynden. The services include consultation, design, permitting, leading to a great finished product on-time and within budget. JWR has several stock plans to choose from, but as with any great architect, they love to innovate and create for clients.
104 Front St., Lynden, 360.354.0333
Best Real Estate Agent
Amy Zender
Silver: Marcy Mjelde
Bronze: Chet & Jess Kenoyer
Amy Zender is a trusted real estate professional who specializes in luxury homes. Though she is based in Bellingham, she represents property from Seattle to Vancouver. She is one of very few licensed professionals through the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.
2111 Rimland Dr., Suite 124, Bellingham, 360.920.4886
Best Hardware Store
Hardware Sales
Silver: Ace Hardware
Bronze: Home Depot
Hardware Sales has been around for more than 50 years. Chock full of all your hardware needs, Hardware Sales also adds incredible personal service and tons of advice from experienced folks who know their homebuilding projects. They also have equipment available for rental.
2034 James St., Bellingham, 360.734.6140
Best Handyman
Tony’s Handyman
Silver: Evan Eidsvik – Integrity Carpentry
Bronze: Chris Pidgeon – Sound Construction
Installing tiles can be a messy, time-consuming task. Repairing a roof can be dangerous and difficult. Tony’s Handy Man can handle those jobs and many others, including landscape maintenance, pressure washing, fireplace tile installation, wood floor installation and more.
Bellingham, 360.224.2257
Best home Decor
Grandiflora Home & Garden
Silver: Greenhouse
Bronze: Fishtrap Creek Interiors
Whether you’re into classic, contemporary or shabby chic, Grandiflora has exactly what you need to spruce up your home, freshen up your patio or brighten your bedroom. Grandiflora has excellent prices and helpful, friendly staff.
719 Grover St., Lynden, 360.318.8454
ROMANCE
Best Date Night
Upfront Theatre
Silver: Pure Bliss Desserts
Bronze: Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill
Owned by local celebrity Ryan Stiles, the Upfront serves up hilarious improv Thursday-Saturday every week. The Upfront also offers a full range of improv classes for those aspiring to take the stage. Laughter is the key to a great date.
1208 Bay St., Bellingham, 360.733.8855
Best Place to Propose
Boulevard Park
Silver: Oyster Dome
Bronze: Semiahmoo Beach
Taylor Dock stretches from The Chrysalis Hotel and Spa along the water to Boulevard Park. Build up your nerve during a romantic stroll and then pop the question at the park by the glittering water with the islands in the distance. Your intended won’t say no.
470 Bayview Dr., Bellingham, 360.778.7100
Best Floral Shop
Belle Flora & Home Interiors
Silver: A New Leaf Flower Shoppe
Bronze: Rebecca’s Flower Shoppe
Family owned and operated since 1945, Belle Flora carries an abundance of tropical exotic flowers as well as fresh cut flowers and fine gifts. They can help with wedding planning, memorial events, home and office design and consultation and personal delivery.
1201 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.734.8854
Best Picnic Spot
Boulevard Park
Silver: Zuanich Point Park
Bronze: Larrabee State Park
Put together some noshes and nibblies and spread a blanket at lovely Boulevard. Great for people-watching, bird-feeding, shore-combing or just plain relaxing, Boulevard makes a delightful picnic spot.
470 Bayview Dr., Bellingham, 360.778.7100
Best Wedding Venue
Lairmont Manor
Silver: Evergreen Gardens
Bronze: Broadway Hall
Romantic and classic, Lairmont not only has a beautiful indoor space for tying the knot, the grounds are lush and perfect for an outdoor wedding, too. There are little spaces for the bride and groom to prepare, and the basement makes an excellent place for getting the bridal party together, or a reception after the ceremony.
405 Fieldston Rd., Bellingham, 360.647.1444
PETS
Best Doggie Daycare
3 Schips and a Girl
Silver: Rover Stay Over
Bronze: Hyline Hotel and Training for Dogs
The 3 Schips and a Girl Canine Lodge is a great, stress-free and comfortable environment for your small dog. 3 Schips also offers daycare by the hour or day, depending on available space.
4775 Aldrich Rd., Bellingham, 360.927.6033
Best Pet Store
Pet Stop
Silver: Walker’s Healthy Pet
Bronze: Clark Feed & Seed
Pet Stop delivers in more than one sense: they are well stocked and very helpful. In addition to excellent customer service, they deliver to your home or work place. The friendly staff will also special order anything they don’t have in stock.
326 36th St. (Sehome Village) Bellingham, 360.738.3663 (360.pet.food.)
Best Vet
Northshore Veterinary Hospital
Silver: Fairhaven Veterinary Hospital
Bronze: Maplewood Animal Hospital
When it comes to your pet’s health, few things are more important than a vet you can trust. Northshore is fully equipped to handle any medical situation and a compassionate staff to keep you and your pet at ease.
1486 Electric Ave., Bellingham, 360.738.6916
Best Dog Trainer
Cedarwoods Canine School
Silver: Thinking Dog by Laura Berger
Bronze: Tails-a-Wagging
Cedarwoods offers boarding, daycare and obedience classes, but there’s another aspect of dog obedience in which they excel: owner education. They work with you and your dog to teach confidence, reduce anxiety and foster great communication between you and your pet. Cedarwoods is number one by our readers for the third year in a row.
6497 Woodlyn Rd., Ferndale, 360.384.6955
Best Groomer
City Dogs Grooming
Silver: Grooming with Love
Bronze: Dog Gone Gorgeous
Owner Lee Ann Kelly has been a pet groomer for more than 20 years. She and her staff take great care of each pet, tending to the pups’ safety and comfort. All dogs receive nail trimming and filing, ear cleaning, a nice bath and brush out with a blow-dryer. They also offer self-wash on Sundays from 10-4 for DIYers.
711 E. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.756.9515
Best Off-Leash Dog Park
Lake Padden
Silver: Bloedel Donovan Park
Bronze: Fairhaven Dog Park
Ducks, open spaces and trails make Padden a puppy paradise, with lots of great smells and places to romp. It’s peaceful and lovely for owners, too.
4882 Samish Way, Bellingham, 360.778.7100
KIDS
Best Toy Store
Fairhaven Toy Garden
Silver: Launching Success Learning Store
Bronze: Yeager’s Sporting Goods
With charming wooden toys, lovely handcrafted instruments and costumes galore, the Fairhaven Toy Garden is a kid’s paradise. The staff is friendly and very helpful, and the toys are very carefully selected to be the best for stimulating imaginations and exercising growing brains. There’s also a great craft corner and a kids’ club with lots of activities.
1147 11th St., Bellingham, 360.714.8552
Best Kids’ Birthday Party
Perch & Play
Silver: Lynden Skateway
Bronze: Birch Bay Water Slides
A bright, clean space, loads of activities and a playground that can’t get rained out, Perch & Play puts together a great party. They have several packages to choose from, and can customize any package with whatever fits your tyke. Best part? A kids’ birthday with all the trimmings? What more could anyone want?
1707 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.393.4925
Best After-School Program
Assumption Catholic School
Silver: The Firs
Bronze: Gabriel’s Art Kids
For many parents, there’s a gap between the end of the school day and the end of the work day. Enter the after-school program, where kids can play, learn or just relax in a safe environment. Assumption is our readers’ choice for their Extended Day Program, which includes movies with popcorn, trips to the park and more.
2116 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, 360.733.6133
Best Childcare
St. Francis Childcare
Silver: The Treehouse Gang
Bronze: Gabriel’s Art Kids
St. Francis is a unique intergenerational childcare and preschool center for Bellingham. The school fosters positive interactions and social relationships, teaches through engaging children in creative play, and fosters confidence in parents with teachers who are attentive to each student. They are currently making plans to move into a new space in January.
3121 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, 360.734.6760
Best Family-Friendly Activity
CreativiTea
Silver: Perch & Play
Bronze: Chuck E. Cheese
Whether you’re creating a handprint in clay or a whole tea set, CreativiTea is a wonderful place to spend time with your family and create beautiful unique gifts and mementos.
1312 11th St., Bellingham, 360.752.1724
SERVICES
Best Financial Advisor
Israel Jacob – Peoples Bank
Silver: Monisha Brandt – Edward Jones
Bronze: Frank Ellars, Edward Jones
Serving Skagit, North Whatcom, Chelan and Douglas counties, Israel is a financial guru at Peoples Bank and our readers’ choice for best financial advisor anywhere. Israel can help you create and meet your financial goals, help with long-term planning and more.
3100 Woburn St., Bellingham, 360.671.7891
Best Place to Work
Peoples Bank
Silver: Poppes 360
Bronze: Faithlife Corporation (formerly Logos Bible Software)
From excellent management to a comprehensive benefits package, Peoples Bank offers a lot to its employees. They rate highly in work-life balance and job security and advancement as well. The employees are dedicated to customer service.
3100 Woburn St., Bellingham, 360.354.4044
Best House Cleaner
Merry Maids
Silver: Abby’s Cleaning Service
Bronze: Victoria’s Cleaning Service
Whether you need a simple spruce-up or a serious thorough cleaning, Merry Maids has the full staff and training to handle all of your cleaning needs. Satisfaction is guaranteed, and the same team will clean your home whenever possible. They offer free consultation, and credit cards are accepted.
895 Texas St., Bellingham, 360.243.0035
Best Tailor
Sew and Sew
Silver: Tommy the Tailor
Bronze: Amy’s Alterations
Offering professional alterations for men’s and women’s clothing, Sew & Sew is a favorite among our readers. The team has more than 35 years of experience. They also have expertise in bridal and formal alterations.
1324 Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.733.5913
Best Mechanic
Bellingham Automotive
Silver: Harmony Motorworks
Bronze: Sterling Automotive
Dependable, reliable and trustworthy Bellingham Automotive has been in operation since 1991. It is a full-service automotive shop with expertise in all foreign and domestic vehicles. They offer 24-hour towing and a 3-year or 36,000-mile warranty on all parts and labor.
4116 Hannegan Rd., Bellingham, 360.676.5200
Best Bank
Whidbey Island Bank/Heritage Bank
Silver: Peoples Bank
Bronze: Whatcom Educational Credit Union
Whidbey Island Bank started in 1960, and has been going strong ever since. With 32 branches in six counties, Whidbey Island Bank represents the best in banking service.
Multiple locations, wibank.com
FASHION & RETAIL
Best Women’s Clothing
Sojourn
Silver: Cheeks
Bronze: Find Your Fashion
From the latest trends to classic style, Sojourn is a favorite for many women in our region. Sojourn’s success lies in owner Peggy’s exquisite taste and her ability to stock labels like Free People, BB Dakota and Jack and Tulle — brands that are hard to find here in Bellingham.
1317 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, 360.671.5704
Best Men’s Clothing
Macy’s
Silver: Gary’s
Bronze: Men’s Warehouse
Macy’s has an extensive selection of menswear, including many styles of business wear, casual wear, high-end labels and lots of basics. Macy’s also offers excellent service, and a wide selection of men’s furnishings.
50 Bellis Fair Parkway, Bellingham, 360.715.6000
Best Sporting Goods Store
Yeager’s Sporting Goods
Silver: REI
Bronze: Big 5 Sporting Goods
Offering brand names in apparel, camping, fishing, hunting, marine and outdoor living, Yeager’s is a favorite stop for the outdoors enthusiast. Not only do they have an extensive inventory of goods for outdoor adventuring, they also have an extensive kitchen collection, including crock pots, ironware, old-fashioned canning supplies and freeze-driers. Yeager’s also has a great selection of toys.
3101 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, 360.733.1080
Best Bookstore
Village Books
Silver: Eclipse Bookstore
Bronze: Barnes & Noble Booksellers
From the best in new fiction and non-fiction to some great bargains on used titles, Village Books is the literary center of Bellingham. The staff also book regular author appearances, host writing groups, foster book discussions and hold book clubs, keeping the literary fires of Bellingham burning. Village Books also runs the Book Expresso, a print-on-demand machine that is a taste of the future.
1200 11th St., Bellingham, 360.392.2665
Best Consignment Shop
Labels Consignment
Silver: Find Your Fashion Again
Bronze: Buffalo Exchange
This regional favorite is a go-to for Bellingham’s fashion-conscious women on a budget. Owner Sage Bishop specializes in stocking gently used designer clothing, shoes, housewares and handbags. It’s a great place to pick up a Calvin Klein dress or a pair of Dirt jeans. There’s also a great range of sizes, and a wide selection of shoes — sometimes even Fluevogs.
3927 Northwest Ave., Bellingham;
2332 James St., Bellingham, 360.676.1210
Best Jewelry
Burton Jewelers
Silver: Ben Bridge
Bronze: Red Barn Jewelry
Operating in Anacortes since 1930, Burton Jewelers is an institution. A true old-fashioned, old-time jeweler with both traditional styles and the latest trends, Burton has everything for the discriminating customer. Philip Burton is the AGS Registered Jeweler on staff, and part of the founding family. Burton will also do custom work and engraving, adding a personal touch to your selection.
620 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, 360.293.6469
Best Appliance Store
Judd and Black
Silver: DeWaard & Bode
Bronze: Best Buy
Our readers know Judd & Black from our Meet the Chef series, wherein a chef takes us through a three-to-five course meal in Judd & Black’s Mount Vernon test kitchen. But if you look around after your amuse bouche, you’ll notice some of the best brand name appliances available: Wolf, Subzero, Bosch and more.
2001 James St., Bellingham, 360.733.7722
Best Shoe Store
Hilton’s Shoes
Silver: 12th Street Shoes
Bronze: Fairhaven Runners
For 90 years, Hilton’s Shoes has been marrying comfort and fashion, offering stylish designs from labels like Dansko and Bjørn that are easy on your feet. The associates at Hilton’s are experts in matching your activities with your footwear for maximum comfort. Though they carry pricier brands, Hilton’s also has excellent sales in the back of the store. There is nothing like having your shoes carefully selected with expert help from friendly staff, and we’re lucky to have Hilton’s doing just that right in downtown Bellingham.
113 W. Magnolia, Bellingham, 360.734.3090
Best Grocery Store
Haggen Food Grocery Store
Silver: Community Food Co-op
Bronze: Fred Meyer
Bellingham’s own neighborhood grocery, Haggen has been an excellent purveyor of groceries for more than 80 years. With almost 20 locations throughout the state, Haggen serves up fresh produce, meat and bread, a wide selection of frozen foods and house-made specialties in the deli. Haggen also offers tons of in-store deals and specials, giveaways and more. Haggen’s Market Street Catering is also an excellent caterer for any event.
Various location throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties.
Best Produce
Joe’s Gardens
Silver: Haggen
Bronze: Youngstocks
On their website, Joe’s Gardens’ motto is “Cultivating flavor while honoring tradition and our community,” and we can’t sum it up any better. Farm-fresh produce fresh-picked and soil-warm, beautiful hanging baskets and excellent vegetable starts for creating your own garden at home are all part of the Joe’s experience.
3110 Taylor Ave., Bellingham, 360.671.7639
Best Auto Dealership
Wilson Motors
Silver: Roger Jobs
Bronze: Northwest Honda
Award-winning Wilson Motors specializes in new and previously owned Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Scion and Nissan vehicles. Wilson boasts friendly and honest salespeople, excellent prices and unparalleled service.
1100 Iowa St., Bellingham, 360.676.0600
Best electronics Store
Best Buy
Silver: Costco
Bronze: TD Curran
Quick, easy and convenient, Best Buy has an excellent selection of appliances, cell phones, computers, video games, televisions, vacuum cleaners, fitness trackers and more. They offer great deals and professional customer service, taking the fear out of making a large purchase. The name brands they carry include Apple, Dell, Samsung and Sony.
4281 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, 360.715.0008
Best Antiques
Penny Lane Antique Mall
Silver: Aladdin’s Antiques
Bronze: Fairhaven Antique Mall
A grand consortium of some of the best antique dealers in the area, Penny Lane is stall-upon-stall of collectables, art and more. If you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind gift or special addition to your antique collection, look no further.
427 West Holly St., Bellingham, 360.671.3301