2017 North Sound Life Guest Book

HOME TO 11 BEST OF THE NORTHWEST WINNERS

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Power Couple: Wine and Cheese of Washington State We profile several Washington wines and local cheeses for this feature about the world’s great power couple — wine and cheese.

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CONTENTS FEATURES

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See & Do

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Wineries

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Annual events from around the North Sound for Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties.

Our suggestions for making the most out of your visit to the North Sound, from whale watching to the best golf courses, and everything in between.

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Calendar

90 Years of the Mount Baker Theatre

A look back at the rich past of Bellingham’s historic landmark and what’s to come in the future.

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Power Couple: Wine and Cheese of Washington State

We profile several Washington wines and local cheeses for this feature about the world’s great power couple — wine and cheese.

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Welcome Aboard!

Washington State Ferries To celebrate the 65th anniversary of Washington State Ferries, we set sail on the Kitsap and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour with the crew.

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A New Draw to the San Juan Islands An up-close look at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art.

If wine tasting in on your vacation agenda, visit our five favorites for a taste—or two.

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Dining Guide

When you’re hungry, you’ll know where to go and what’s offered at area restaurants that serve up everything from just-caught seafood to international fare.

Golf Courses If you’re looking to tee it up, you have a number of options. Some of Washington’s most beautiful and challenging golf courses are right here in the North Sound.

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Great Brews

With the explosion of local breweries, brew pubs and craft beer, this is the place to be for sipping suds. Visitors will enjoy a variety of beer and beer-themed festivals in the region.

Shop Local

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Fashion Shoot

Parting Shot

Check out how style and art blend at this year’s fashion shoot at Bellingham’s Lightcatcher Museum. Then take in the shops, boutiques, and galleries featured from San Juan Island to Skagit to Whatcom counties.

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Stewart Island at Dawn

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Shopping Destinations From traditional to outlet malls, specialty, local and big-box stores, shopping here is a pleasure.

Eat & Drink

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Visitors have a wide range of food and restaurant choices. Seafood? Local organic produce? Asian? A good burger? It’s all here.

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ON THE COVER: EAT Restaurant and Bar — Beef Bourguignon. Photo by Diane Padys.

WHATCOM | SKAGIT | SAN JUAN northsoundlife.com

Guestbook 2017 3

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Where we call home

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W

elcome to the North Sound, where we call home! As you’re out and about exploring our beautiful area, look around and see what we see — mountains on one side, ocean views on the other, not to mention the surrounding lakes, trails, and beautiful greenery.

Within 30 minutes we can be snowboarding on Mount Baker or out on a sailboat exploring the San Juan Islands…it is no wonder we love to call this place home.

While you are here, there are a few things you won’t want to miss. Are you a beer drinker? The Bellingham metro area was ranked the snobbiest place in the country when it comes to beer by Priceonomics in June 2015. We have multiple award-winning craft breweries within miles of each other — my favorites are Kulshan Brewing Company, Boundary Bay Brewery, and Chuckanut Brewery.

The village of Fairhaven, with its art galleries, quaint shops, and great dining, offers a unique urban shopping experience that you won’t want to miss. Do you like the seaside? Head to Birch Bay, where we’ve got a large public beach, water slides, clam digging, great restaurants, and paddle boarding. All of these make for a wonderful experience.

Whatever you do, don’t forget whale watching — we are surrounded by the immense beauty of the San Juan Islands and the orcas, otters, seals and other marine life that inhabits our shores and waters. An orca sighting is an experience that will last a lifetime.

If you’re looking for antiques and art galleries, there are quite a few options. La Conner is one of my favorites spots, a quaint town located along the Swinomish Channel in Skagit Valley. It is a great destination, with wonderful dining and shopping opportunities. Around the corner from La Conner is Anacortes, the gateway to the San Juan Islands. Take a leisurely stroll through the city core, which houses many boutiques, gift shops, restaurants, and galleries. There are also many large regional events throughout the year, like the Anacortes Arts Festival in August, which draws hundreds of artisans and thousands of visitors. Catch the ferry and check out the islands — each has its own flavor and style. One last note…if you’re here in April, be sure to check out the annual world-renowned Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.

As you can see, the adventures our area offers are numerous…just get out and explore! The friendliness of the people will astonish you — it’s why so many people from around the globe come to visit, and end up staying. Whether for a few nights or a decade, welcome home to the North Sound.

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CONTRIBUTORS Kristoffer Arestol | Lisa Dills Diane Padys | Jill D. Twist

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CONTRIBUTORS Kristoffer Arestol Kristoffer has worked as a photographer for about 10 years now.

He has worked in portrait, landscape, food, wedding, and editorial photography.

After living in central California for 3 years, he decided he belonged in Washington. Since moving back home he is always trying to spend time traveling to new places in the area and enjoying the simple things about the PNW. His two children Elin (4 years) and Maddox (9 years) keep him inspired and full of life.  p. 22

Lisa Dills Lisa Dills is a lifelong Skagitonian who enjoys exploring with her camera in hand and capturing images that reflect the beauty that surrounds us.  p. 40

Diane Padys Diane has spent a career making beautiful things more beautiful with her photography. She has lived in San Francisco, Milan, New York, and Seattle, photographing food, fashion, and other fabulous subjects. She now resides in Bellingham, doing commercial photography and environmental portraiture. In addition, she lends her expertise to the advisory board for Bellingham Technical College’s culinary arts program.  p. 68

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BELLINGHAM

2017 Down by the bay.

Come eat and play.

SEPTEMBER 22 & 23 Commercial Fishing Activities Salmon BBQ Grilling Championships Seafood Galore Family Fun & Entertainment

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CALENDAR

JANUARY WHATCOM January 1: Resolution Run-Walk; Padden Polar Plunge

SAN JUAN January 28: Orcas Island 25K Race SKAGIT All Month: Skagit Eagle Festival

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FEBRUARY WHATCOM February 20: Bite of Blaine February 16–25: Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival SAN JUAN February 4: Orcas Island 50K Race SKAGIT February 6: Mardi Gras in Concrete

MARCH WHATCOM March 17: Running o’ the Green March 18: Ladies of Laughter: Funny and Fabulous March 13–24: Bellingham Children’s Film Festival SAN JUAN March 25: Funhouse Science Fair SKAGIT All Month: La Conner Daffodil Festival

Visit Western City Center in the Herald Building for all your WWU gear, Alumni Association membership, and information about the university.

Join us for these Bellingham events throughout the year:

• Downtown Art Walk • Commercial Street Night Market • Downtown Trick or Treat

CALENDAR

APRIL WHATCOM April 1: Birch Bay Road Race April 23: Dirty Dan Harris Festival SAN JUAN April 22: Bill Yarlott Annual Fishing Derby SKAGIT April 7–8: Spring Garage Sale All Month: Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

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MAY WHATCOM May 18–21: Back2Bellingham May 28: Ski-To-Sea; Fairhaven Festival SAN JUAN May 5–7: Orcas Island Bird and Wildlife Festival May 27: Orcas Island Pet Parade SKAGIT June 3–4: Waterfront Festival

JUNE WHATCOM June 24: Padden Triathlon SAN JUAN June 17–18: Three Lakes Triathlon and Marathon SKAGIT June 25–July 4: Loggerodeo

JULY WHATCOM July 9: Bellingham Pride July 14–15: Northwest Raspberry Festival SAN JUAN July 4: Lopez Island Old-Fashioned Parade; Eastsound Fourth Of July Fireworks Display SKAGIT July 21–23: 35th Annual Concrete Vintage (aircraft) Fly-In

AUGUST WHATCOM August 5: Bellingham Kid’s Fest August 5–6: Drayton Harbor Days August 6: Bellingham Youth Triathlon August 14–19: Northwest Washington Fair SAN JUAN August 16–19: San Juan County Fair, Eastsound Fly-In and Antique Car Show August 10–13: Doe Bay Fest

SEPTEMBER WHATCOM September 24: Bellingham Bay Marathon SAN JUAN September 3: Steve Braun Memorial Triathlon SKAGIT September 30: Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Pitch

SKAGIT August 4–6: Anacortes Arts Festival August 9–12: Skagit County Fair

Guestbook 2017 15

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OCTOBER WHATCOM October 7: Run like a Girl All month long: DOCtober SAN JUAN Through November: Savor the San Juans October 6–9: Orcas Island Film Festival SKAGIT October 21: Brew on the Slough

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

WHATCOM November 24: Fairhaven Holiday Festival November 17–December 24: Holiday Festival of the Arts

WHATCOM December 2: Holiday Harbor Lights December 31: Ring of Fire and Hope

SAN JUAN November 24–January 1: Holiday celebrations on the San Juans SKAGIT November 23: Turkey Trot

SAN JUAN December 1: Island Lights Festival December 16: Lighted Boat Parade and Santa’s Arrival SKAGIT Select Dates in December: The Lights of Christmas

Guestbook 2017 17

90 YEARS OF THE

Mount Baker Theatre WRITTEN BY FRANCES BADGETT

T

he tower is as iconic to Bellingham as the white peaks of Mount Baker. The brilliant marquee flashes some of the best names in the performing arts. One step inside, and the Spanish-revival Moorish jewel box of a theater opens up to reveal a beautiful chandelier, enormous seating capacity, and a world-class stage.

Originally conceived as a movie palace and tour destination for vaudeville, the Mount Baker Theatre was an exciting addition to downtown when it was built in 1927. The debut movie was the silent movie Slide, Kelly, Slide, a live dance troupe, and color film clips of scenic places from around the world. The classic Wurlitzer organ, which is still in use, accompanied silent movies for dazzled audiences. 1927 was a big year in film — Alfred Hitchcock released The Pleasure Garden, his directorial debut; Fritz Lang released Metropolis; Al Jolson brought voice to the screen in The Jazz Singer. The last of the great movie palaces on the West Coast, the MBT tapped and hummed with the ballads and dance numbers of vaudeville. “Fox Theaters built the theater knowing that talkies were coming,” said Brad Burdick, the MBT’s executive director. Burdick was recently honored with the Coyote Award for Arts Leadership from Arts Northwest. Burdick has been with the MBT for nineteen years. “From the mid-1920s to the mid-1940s, the big movie producers — Fox, Paramount, Orpheum — built these transitional theaters. They were versatile, because they could be a movie palace but they had a performing arts stage, too.” The reason, Burdick said, “They weren’t sure talkies were going to work.” There was a genuine fear people would hate movies with sound.

Architect Robert “R.C.” Reamer designed the Mount Baker Theatre and the Bellingham Towers (formerly The Bellingham Hotel) across the street. Burdick reported that a steam tunnel from the boiler under the Mount Baker’s stage to the basement of the Bellingham Towers still exists. Reamer was known at the time for the Old Faithful Inn, a lodge he designed for Yellowstone National Park. With its balance of stately lodge and intimate cabin, the Old Faithful set the aesthetic stage for our own Mount Baker Theatre.

Reamer also designed the rustic Lake Quinault Lodge on the Olympic Peninsula and the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. Reamer worked with Norwegian interior designer Gustav Llijestrom, who gave the 5th Avenue and Mount Baker Theatres their unique and stunning interiors. While the 5th Avenue is supposed to represent a great Chinese palace, the Mount Baker Theatre was to be seen as a giant Spanish galleon. “A lot of these movie palaces had themes,” Burdick said. “Spanish galleons, Chinese palaces,

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Guestbook 2017 19

© Damian Vines Photography

Egyptian monuments.” Culturally, the elegant, intricate interiors were spaces wherein regular working folk could be transported into a place of luxury and opulence, and yet still enjoy a good slapstick vaudeville act. That connection between the working class and the opulence of the wealthy — particularly during the Great Depression — was profound for audiences.

The building itself is not only a monument to the past, but to the commitment our region has shown in keeping this theater intact and preserved. Many of the large decorative beams, columns, ceiling details (including the dome), and grills on either side of the stage are made of intricately carved and painted plaster. In his documentary The Mount Baker Theatre, Lanny Little, local artist and historian, credits brothers Andrew and John Anderson as the craftsmen who molded, shaped, and painted all of those details. Little created his documentary as a gift to the Mount Baker Theatre staff and patrons in honor of its 90th Birthday In 1983, the MBT was at a crossroads. A Canadian developer was considering breaking it into a multiplex. The citizens of Bellingham came together and convinced the city to donate a considerable amount of money to purchase the theater and restore it, rather than breaking it up. The county also kicked in some money, and citizens raised the rest. This began a partnership that exists to this day. “Those first few

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years, they weren’t sure what to do with it. They went through all this work to preserve it, and then it was like ‘Now what?’ They showed dollar movies. And then we began to program live performances.” What the programming board discovered was that Bellingham and its environs were hungry for Broadway shows, live music, and dance performances. “People in Bellingham understand and appreciate the arts.”

The future for the Mount Baker Theatre is bright. Not only is the strong desire to preserve and maintain this important landmark still alive in our community, the audiences for the theater are growing, diversifying, and expanding. “We’re really becoming a regional presence,” Burdick said. The Mount Baker Theatre’s reputation as a venue, the reliability of the audiences to show for performances, and the professional management of the staff makes the theater desirable to acts coming through town. Some acts rent the theater for performances, and the MBT programs some shows through larger promoters. Forty percent of their audience comes from outside Whatcom, so the theater is a mainstay even beyond Bellingham. The Mount Baker Theatre has come a long way from the days of vaudeville animal acts and performances

by The Gumm Sisters — the youngest a rising star we all know as Judy Garland. Now a regional asset hosting world-class talent in a beautifully preserved historic building, the Mount Baker Theatre will continue to be the heart of live performance in downtown Bellingham. 

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WINE AND CHEESE OF WASHINGTON STATE WRITTEN BY FRANCES BADGETT PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTOFFER ARESTOL

Guestbook 2017 23

LA CHANTERELLE 2012 SYRAH Bellingham

LOST RIVER 2012 LATE HARVEST SEMILLON

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GRAMERCY CELLARS 2012 CABERNET SAUVIGNON “LOWER EAST” Walla Walla

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Mazama

LONG SHADOWS 2013 CHARDONNAY “DANCE” Walla Walla

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ATAVUS VINEYARD ANALEMMA SPARKLING BLANC DE NOIR Columbia Gorge

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BUTY 2012 WHITE SAVAGE GRACE 2014 GRÜNER VELTLINER

Walla Walla

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Walla Walla

TRUST 2012 CABERNET FRANC Walla Walla

SAMSON ESTATES ORO

TRANCHE 2014 PINK PAPE ROSÉ

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Whatcom County

Walla Walla

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Guestbook 2017 25

1. TRUST 2012 CABERNET FRANC

Reds

Walla Walla trustcellars.com

If you like light red wines like Merlot and Pinot Noir, you might enjoy a dive into the deeper, bolder flavor of a Cabernet Franc.

The makers of Trust Cabernet Franc describe it as having “refined tannins, spicy aromas, vanilla with peppery accents, violet nuances, and an understated elegance of some serious red and black berry, blueberry, and plum flavor.” Basically, it’s a great red wine without being too heavy. Established by Cardinal Richlieu in France in the 17th century, Cabernet Franc is happiest in sandy, fast-draining soil and the grapes ripen earlier than other reds. According to DNA testing from the 1990s, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc is planted widely throughout Europe. The first Cabernet Franc was cultivated in the 1970s, and the first varietal was produced in 1990. Though it was slow to catch on, it is now the fourth most widely planted grape in Washington State.

2. LA CHANTERELLE 2012 SYRAH Bellingham lachanterellewine.com

Syrah (also known as Shiraz) is a rich, deep red wine that has lots of strong tannins and peppery notes. La Chanterelle creates a powerful Syrah with great balance. This charmer hails from Bellingham’s own Lettered Streets Neighborhood. Donatas Pocus and Lotte Freeman have created a distinctive red of superior quality. Their description of their Syrah: “La Chanterelle 2012 SYRAH is full-in-proportion Washington State red. The nose is filled with earth, wild flowers, and a fruit labored palate. The back lingers with leather, red currants, and tobacco tones that amuse your throat without you realizing what’s happened. It’s fresh. It’s naughty.” We like our wines naughty.

3. GRAMERCY CELLARS 2012 CABERNET SAUVIGNON “LOWER EAST” Walla Walla gramercycellars.com

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the great reds. Strong, complex, deep, a great Cabernet can make or break a good dinner. Because the tannins are strong, Cabs make excellent wines for collecting.

Born in the 17th Century as a combination of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker Greg Harrington passed the Master Sommelier test in 1996 at the age of 26, then went on to serve as the head of wine programs all over the country. In 2005, he founded Gramercy Cellars to create wines of depth and character. His Cabernet Sauvignon “Lower East” is certainly a lovely, complex wine.

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4. LONG SHADOWS 2013 CHARDONNAY “DANCE”

Whites

Walla Walla longshadows.com

Chardonnay is one of the most popular wines in the U.S., and the primary component of champagne. It’s the most widely planted grape in the world, with an affinity for chalky soil, like its native Burgundy in France. It’s considered one of the easier wine grapes to cultivate, as it is relatively flexible about conditions. A fairly mutable grape, Chardonnay gets a lot of flavor from processing. When produced in steel, it’s a crisp, light wine. When aged in oak, it deepens and becomes richer, denser, creamier. Chardonnay Dance is a complex Chardonnay from the team at Long Shadows, a consortium of vintners in Walla Walla that was casked in 50 percent new, 50 percent year-old oak barrels to draw out the wine’s intrinsic complexity. The richer, deeper Chardonnay is bottled as “Dance,” while the lighter version is bottled as “Nine Hats.”

5. SAVAGE GRACE 2014 GRÜNER VELTLINER Walla Walla savagegracewines.com

The winemakers at Savage Grace describe the Grüner Veltliner as: “Our first release of this Austrian varietal. This Grüner Veltliner is made from grapes grown at Underwood Mountain Vineyards, located alongside the Columbia River Gorge in WA. The grapes were whole cluster pressed and then fermented in a combination of neutral barrels and stainless steel, with 50 percent undergoing native fermentation to enhance complexity. This is a great food pairing wine, offering flavors of citrus fruit, honey, and wet stone.” Though we can’t vouch for the wet stone (it’s been a while since we’ve sucked on gravel) this is a warm, creamy white.

6. BUTY 2012 WHITE Walla Walla Valley butywinery.com

White blends are on the ascendancy as winemakers sort through the right combination of grapes to make a truly fine wine. Buty’s 2012 White is a clean, crisp wine that has a great balance between acid and creamy tones. The winemaker says of it: “Sémillon dominates our classic white blend. The sand, silt-loam filled soils, and cooler temperatures of Spring Creek Vineyard in the Yakima Valley nurture our sauvignon bringing bright acidity to the blend. Muscadelle from Lonesome Spring River Ranch is responsible for the florals in this verve-filled wine. A portion of the wine is lees aged in mature oak and the balance aged in a concrete tank. Forty barrels produced.” White blends used to be considered the leftover grapes from better wines, but they are gaining in both reputation and popularity.

Guestbook 2017 27

Sparkling

7. ATAVUS VINEYARD ANALEMMA SPARKLING BLANC DE NOIR Columbia Gorge analemmawines.com

Blanc de Noirs are white wines made from black grapes, and Blanc de Noir wines are made the same way champagne is created in France. So basically, they’re French champagne without actually being from the designated champagne region. And, as with their sister rosé, they are being taken seriously these days by contest judges, collectors, and consumers. This one also happens to have great tasting notes: “The nose has just a hint of strawberries, cherry blossoms, and citrus peel. The palate immediately fills your mouth with bubbles and has a smooth creamy texture. There are hints of almond flavors, along with toasty warm notes of freshly baked biscuits.” Biscuits!

Rosé 8. TRANCHE 2014 PINK PAPE ROSÉ Walla Walla tranchecellars.com

Don’t call it a comeback, rosé has been here for years. But it seems that with a little crafting and some focus and attention, rosé has gone from marginalized and ridiculed to the centerpiece of the wine industry.

Pretty in pink, rosé has been mansplained at and condescended to for decades, but she is finding her voice and earning serious respect for her complexity. This particular rosé is a Chateauneuf de Pape blend that the winemakers describe as having “delicate aromas of rose petal, white peach and nectarine, with lifted notes of sweet pink grapefruit and lemon zest. The wine is fresh and lively upon entry, with bright mountain berry flavors complemented by wet river rock minerality. Driving acidity and citrus qualities provide focus and direction, drawing out the palate to a mouthwatering finish.” Vintners are getting serious about a wine when they mention stones and river rocks and moss. Well done, rosé.

Dessert

SPECIAL THANKS

9. SAMSON ESTATES ORO Whatcom County samsonestates.com

We selected the wines for this feature with considerable counsel and aid from Seifert and Jones Wine Merchants in downtown Bellingham.

All of the wines are from Washington State. We also sourced cheese from local individual creameries, including Appel Farms, Samish Bay, and Golden Glen Creamery. Many thanks to the creameries and to Ted Seifert at Seifert and Jones for their participation.

Dessert wines can be overly sweet, cloying, overpowering, or just plain perfumy. Samson Estates managed to create a dessert wine that is worthy of sipping on its own, or poured over your favorite dessert. Oro is Italian for gold, and the experience of drinking the Samson Oro is that of sipping liquid gold. Bright, delicious, mellow, and balanced, the Oro complements fruits, cheeses, and chocolate in equal measure.

It’s not a surprise that this nutty, rich wine has won so many awards.

10. LOST RIVER 2012 LATE HARVEST SEMILLON Mazama lostriverwinery.com

As with Chardonnay, Semillon is relatively easy to cultivate, making it a popular introductory grape for wineries that are getting established.

The Semillon is a key grape in making dessert wines like sauternes. Primarily grown in California to blend with Sauvignon to make Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon stands on its own as a slightly sweet dry dessert wine. According to the winemaker: “This wine exhibits notes of honey, blood orange, and toasted oak. This is an excellent wine paired with mushroom appetizers and rich seafood like sea scallops and crab.”

Guestbook 2017 29

APPEL FARMS

ACME FARMS

Whatcom County, thecheesefarm.net Gouda, Smoked Gouda, Herbed Gouda, and Maasdammer

Whatcom County, acmefarmsandkitchen.com Petit Brie

Whatcom County has a lot of Gouda, as Ruth Appel, manager of the Appel Cheese Shop, will attest. The Raw Milk Aged Gouda is a hard cheese with a more delicate flavor than the smoked Gouda. The Garden Herb Gouda has a nice balance of herb and cheese. The Maasdammer is milder than Gouda, and has a texture more akin to Swiss Cheese.

This excellent Brie is creamy, buttery, and slightly nutty. A really lovely cheese that is a standout among local cheeses.

GOTHBERG FARMS Bow, gothbergfarms.com Chèvre

Who doesn’t love goats? Chèvre is a must-have on any cheese plate. It is a flaky, light, but very complex cheese. This local variety is particularly smooth.

SAMISH BAY CHEESE Skagit County, samishbay.com Ladysmith

A delicate, semi-soft cheese, Ladysmith is their distinctive house blend, made with nasturtiums and arugula to create a beautiful, creamy, and delicate cheese. Perfect with a light white wine, this cheese is as delicious as it is beautiful.

GOLDEN GLEN CREAMERY Bow, goldenglencreamery.com Clove, Caraway, and Cardamom Gouda

Beautifully veined with a deep herbal profile, this Gouda is excellent with fig, hazelnuts, or other rich, earthy flavors. An unusual, and yet wholly successful combination of flavors create a distinctive cheese.

River Cheddar

Cheddar is often dismissed as a sandwich cheese, but this gorgeous, locally produced cheddar is full of warmth and depth.

FRANCE Tomme de Savoie

One of the most distinctive cheeses out there, Tomme de Savoie is both earthy and rich, yet light enough for appetizers and snacks. Each Tomme is named for the village in which it is produced. Savoie is a particularly tasty location.

ITALY ambrosifoodusa.com Gorgonzola Piccante

An artful Gorgonzola with lovely and striking veins of blue, this fine aged cheese is both strong and powerful. This baby blue is a perfect complement to the more delicate cheeses on your cheese plate.

Tomme de Savoie

Petit Brie

Smoked Gouda

Maasdammer Herbed Gouda Caraway and Cardamom Gouda

Samish Bay Ladysmith

Welcome to the area’s newest full service hotel, Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham.

Located just steps from the Bellingham International Airport, this upscale hotel offers easy access to downtown Bellingham, Bellis Fair Mall, the waterfront and WWU. Modern & innovative, providing everything the discerning traveler requires. Experience our luxurious suites, onsite fitness center, sauna, steam room and an indoor mineral pool. Flexible meeting space is available, from ballroom to boardroom, we have it all!

HolidayInn.com/BellinghamWA 360.746.6844

Inside Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham, you’ll find northwater, a contemporary, comfortable restaurant and bar where you can enjoy Pacific NW cuisine at its finest. Our culinary team uses locally sourced products and fashions them into memorable, creative

northH2o.com 360.398.6191

delights. Experience a regionally inspired menu with tantalizing options and chef specials in an inviting atmosphere. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour at northwater.

Patio dining available seasonally.

Welcome Aboard!

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WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES WRITTEN BY FRANCES BADGETT AND KAITY TEER

W

elcome 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 for Lopez Island.

Commuters sip coffee and read the day’s newspaper, a pair of sweethearts brave the rain to pose for selfies against the railing of the passenger deck, weekenders chase after toddlers while managing backpacks and snacks, and a few lone travelers pass the time by picking at the pieces of the puzzles arranged on tables between booths. After all, cell phone service is sometimes spotty out here. Of course, just as many passengers opt to remain in their vehicles parked on the car deck, dozing with their seats reclined or listening to a podcast or the radio. Nearby, a school bus transports children eager for the adventure of a field trip.

Perhaps few modes of public transportation inspire more delight than travel by ferry, fewer still attract tourists. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries Division is iconic, appearing frequently in television shows or movies set in the Puget Sound. It is the largest ferry system in the nation and an integral part of the state’s transit operations, offering goods and services to nearby islands and serving as a tourism gateway to the San Juan Islands, Olympic Peninsula, and British Columbia.

To celebrate the ferry system’s 65th anniversary, we got a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse at the operations aboard the Kitsap, meeting the captain and crew and touring the pilothouse and the engine room below deck. We’re eager to  share with our readers what we learned.

Guestbook 2017 33

Photo Courtesy © Washington State Ferries

Once Upon the Water A HISTORY OF THE WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES

A

s long as people have lived in and around Puget Sound, the waterways and sounds that connect us have been busy with marine traffic. The relationship people have to the water here is inextricable. Before first contact, Native Americans navigated the straits and sounds of the Salish Sea in cedar canoes. With the first settlers — mostly traders with the Hudson’s Bay Trading Company — came ferries and schooners that zipped from Olympia and points south to Alaska. They became known as the Mosquito Fleet, traversing the coast picking up and dropping off passengers, goods, and mail. Our ferries today still follow many of the traditional trade routes that have been in place for thousands of years.

Timeline 12,000–8,000 BCE

Paleo-Indians enter the Pacific Northwest. The Salish Sea is a common trade route among islands, connecting tribes and fishing camps from what is now Olympia to Makah country in northern coastal Canada. Tribes used sturdy, seagoing cedar canoes.

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The first ferries to enter the Sound arrived in the 1830s.

The Beaver and the Otter were commissioned and run by the Hudson’s Bay Trading Company, and primarily for the fur trade with Canada. In 1888, the Beaver crashed on rocks just offshore at what is now Stanley Park, and pieces of the wreckage are still housed in the Vancouver Maritime Museum.

As the Fraser Valley boomed with gold and Bellingham became the home base for prospectors, ferry service up and down the Fraser River to Bellingham picked up. The ferry system took on historical significance when, in 1860, a 14-year-old slave named Charles Mitchell stowed away on a ferry to escape into Canada. Mitchell was seized by

1830s

The very beginning of the Mosquito Fleet — the collection of steamers and schooners that operated as ferries in the Puget Sound.

1850s

The first ferries arrive in Puget Sound, regular ferry service begins.

1851

The schooner Exact brought passengers to Alkai Point, the first settlement which is now Seattle. Olympia becomes first settled town in Pacific Northwest.

1917

The Carlisle II is built in Bellingham. The Carlisle II is still in service between Bremerton and Port Orchard.

authorities four miles outside Victoria and kept aboard in “close confinement.” The black community of Victoria prepared to welcome Mitchell, and a Canadian judge ruled that in British waters, the young man should be granted freedom. He was eventually taken into custody by Canadian officials who brought him to Canada to live out his days as a free man. There are reports he returned to Maryland to find his family after the Civil War, but there is no real documentation of what happened to him after his successful escape.

BY THE NUMBERS

23.9

Last year, 23.9 million people rode the ferries.

20

Twenty ferry terminals are served by ten routes.

1935

A strike forces Kitsap County Transportation Company out of business. The Puget Sound Navigation Company becomes commonly known as the Black Ball Line.

3

Three orca pods are regularly seen from San Juan Islands ferries during summer months (pods J, K, and L).

1,332 The miles of shoreline along Puget Sound.

8

The Gold Rush years were full of tales and stories of storms and ghosts. As the ferries churned through the Sound, two major ferry companies emerged: the Puget Sound Navigation Company and the Kitsap County Transportation Company. In 1935, the Puget Sound Navigation Company put the Kitsap County Transportation Company out of business, and in 1951, what we think of as the Washington State Ferries was formed. The fleet was expanded in the 1950s and 1960s.

The next big expansion happened in 1997 with the arrival of the Jumbo Mark II-class vessels, Tacoma, Puyallup, and Wenatchee, each of which carries 2,500 passengers and  202 vehicles.

Mosquito Fleet splits into Puget Sound Navigation Company and the Kitsap County Transportation Company.

WSDOT Ferries Division employs more than 1,800 people.

23

The total number of autopassenger ferries in the WSDOT fleet.

Paddle, paddle, George E. Starr, How we wonder where you are. Leaves Seattle at half past ten.

Gets to Bellingham, God knows when.

1929

1,800

The number of counties in which the ferry system operates.

6,000

10.2

The number of cyclists who ferry their bicycles to Bainbridge Island each year for the Chilly Hilly bike race.

Each year the ferry system carries 10.2 million vehicles total.

6

The busiest route, Seattle/Bainbridge Island, sees 6 million riders annually.

1951

4

Four engines power the Jumbo Mark II Class, Jumbo Class, and Super Class vessels.

1977

State of Washington buys out Puget Sound Navigation and creates the Washington State Ferries.

The Washington State Department of Transportation forms out of the Toll Bridge Commission and the Highway Commission.

1953

2014

Washington State commissions the first Evergreen class ferry to carry 87 vehicles and 983 passengers.

The year Chief Engineer Maureen McGarrity and oilers Ashley Hansen and Elizabeth Adams made history by becoming the first ever all-female engine room crew.

Guestbook 2017 35

Orcas Island

2

The San Juan Islands

Sidney B.C.

San Juan Island

Shaw Island

1

Lopez Island

Anacortes

Burlington

La Conner

Mt. Vernon

Oak Harbor

Coupeville 3 Port Townsend

Sequim Port Angeles

Langley

Clinton Olympic National Park

4

Port Ludlow

Mukilteo Port Gamble

Quilcene

Edmonds

6

Kingston

Washington State Ferries

Bainbridge Island Bremerton

7

5

Seattle

Fauntleroy Southworth KEY Ferry Port Ferry Route Road

8

Vashon

Vashon Island

Tahlequah 10 Point Defiance Tacoma

Annual ridership and vehicle statistics provided by WSDOT Ferries Division, based on 2015 statistics.

10 Terrific Routes 1

Anacortes — Sidney, B.C.

This seasonal route transports international travelers to Canada’s Vancouver Island.

Sidney-by-the-Sea is a charming British beachside town.

6

Annual Ridership: 120,269 Annual Vehicles Carried: 41,861 Crossing Time: Variable

2

Anacortes — San Juan Islands You’ll want to make a vehicle reservation, especially if you’re traveling during peak summer holidays. Check the schedule carefully, too, depending on which of the four islands is your destination.

Annual Ridership: 1,974,239 Annual Vehicles Carried: 909,195 Crossing Time: Variable

3

Port Townsend — Coupeville

7 8

Annual Ridership: 787,391 Annual Vehicles Carried: 362,203 Crossing Time: 35 minutes

4

Clinton is located on the south part of Whidbey Island, the largest island in the Puget Sound. Visitors look forward to the island’s ample sunshine and sandy beaches.

5

This route’s claim to fame is that it’s the busiest, transporting the most passengers each year of any route.

Annual Ridership: 6,361,927 Annual Vehicles Carried: 1,957,700 Crossing Time: 35 minutes

Seattle — Bremerton

Lots to see on this route, whether you’re peeping waterfront homes or enjoying views of the Olympic Range.

Annual Ridership: 2,659,813 Annual Vehicles Carried: 670,688 Crossing Time: 60 minutes

Fauntleroy — Vashon — Southworth

There are no traffic lights on the sometimes overlooked Vashon Island. We think this crossing is one to add to your list, if you haven’t made the trip yet.

Annual Ridership: 2,925,008 Annual Vehicles Carried: 1,722,982 Crossing Time: 20 minutes to Vashon, 40 minutes to Southworth

9

Annual Ridership: 4,113,029 Annual Vehicles Carried: 2,237,947 Crossing Time: 20 minutes

Seattle — Bainbridge Island

Edmonds’ downtown waterfront is an idyllic place for setting sail. Enjoy a nice lunch or shop while you wait. Kingston is a popular gateway to the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas.

Annual Ridership: 4,103,307 Annual Vehicles Carried: 2,124,721 Crossing Time: 30 minutes

Port Townsend is worth the trek. Tourists flock to see the Victorian architecture and shop for antiques in this maritime town.

Mukilteo — Clinton

Edmonds — Kingston

Southworth — Vashon

The Southworth terminus offers access to the Kitsap Peninsula and Port Orchard, an historic town with galleries and antique stores.

Annual Ridership: 174,990 Annual Vehicles Carried: 88,114 Crossing Time: 40 minutes

10

Point Defiance — Tahlequah This quick trip links Vashon Island with Tacoma. All sorts of urban destinations, including the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium are located nearby.

Annual Ridership: 768,574 Annual Vehicles Carried: 450,258 Crossing Time: 15 minutes

Guestbook 2017 37

Notes from the Pilothouse MEET CAPTAIN DOUG SOWDON

C

aptain Doug Sowdon’s career with the WSDOT Ferries Division set sail in 1977, when he took a summer job aboard a ferry to support himself during college. He recalled loving the ferry ride to his family’s property on Lopez Island while growing up, so he figured he’d enjoy the work.

He was right. The summer job was so enjoyable that he left the first “suit and tie” job he landed after graduation in order to return to life on the water. Eventually he worked his way “up through the hawsepipe,” from the cabin to the pilothouse, a process that can take more than a decade. “It’s a good job,” he said.

(Captain Sowdon told us that the hawsepipe refers to a pipe in the bow section of a ship through which the anchor chain passes. The phrase “through the hawsepipe” refers to officers who do not attend a maritime academy, but rather, like Sowdon, climb the ranks while accumulating sea time and passing qualifying courses and examinations.)

Sowdon met his wife, Betsy Carroll, while working on the ferry. They met as deckhands and both worked their way up together. Carroll was the third woman in Washington State to achieve the rank of ferryboat captain.

Now retired, she wrote a graphic novel, Course Made Good, about her career in the maritime industry. When asked how many women captains currently work in the ferry system, Sowdon answered, “Not enough.” It takes time to rise through the ranks, and Sowdon said there just aren’t that many women in line. Though, he pointed to Port Captain Beth Stowell, the first female port captain, and expressed hope that her example would inspire others.

Ferry captains are called upon to do everything from commanding a vessel and ensuring passenger safety to taking courses on new electronic navigational equipment to attending ribbon cuttings, as when the Anacortes/Sidney,

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B.C. route re-opens each spring. They also are responsible for leading the crew, as Sowdon is for the crew of the No. 3 Anacortes vessel, though the crew re-bids for assignments for each season’s schedule. When Sowdon’s crew joined us in the pilothouse, his leadership skills shined.

“The crew is a lot of fun. I like the people,” Sowdon said.

“What you may not know is that there is a lot that has to go right in order for this boat to work. We do checks every morning, and every job is important. The engine crew does all kinds of amazing things to keep us going.”

Even as he expressed admiration for his crew’s expertise, he told cautionary tales of good-natured teasing, especially when asked to teach us a bit of nautical jargon. Don’t fall for it if another crewmember asks you to head below deck and ask the chief engineer for “relative bearing grease.” Spoiler: it doesn’t exist. A relative bearing is a navigational term that describes another boat or ship’s position relative to the ferry. Similarly, it is not advisable to attempt to gather a “fog sample,” even if you’re handed a garbage bag along with the serious request.

Captain Sowdon invited us to watch the ferry land at Lopez Island from the vantage point of the pilothouse. It’s one of his favorite parts of the job. “It’s fun landing the boat,” he said. “If you’ve done a few thousand of those, the experience loses only a little glimmer. But it gets exciting in the wind or if some other challenge.”

Even though it was an ordinary landing without any special challenges, it was indeed exciting to watch the landing alongside the captain, enjoying the front row view from the  pilothouse.

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A New Draw to the San Juan Islands WRITTEN BY JILL D. TWIST | PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA DILLS

T

he San Juan Islands Museum of Art — known as IMA — features internationally recognized local, regional, and national artists. For the previous decade, IMA has attracted award-winning artists from the U.S. and beyond to exhibit in whatever space it temporarily called home. In 2015, IMA moved into an ultra-modern home of its own. Of note is its 20-foot high glass atrium and interior gallery space with world-class art to rival that of any city’s art scene.

Past the ferry landing at Friday Harbor, past the outdoor sculptures and the galleries, past the collage of nature and architecture, is IMA — the first fine art museum on the San Juan Islands. But that’s not the only reason why IMA is turning heads. “The design looks like it belongs in a big city,” says one resident. Exactly the point.

The repurposed emergency medical building has all the drama of a show-stopping art venue, without the costly add-ons common in other museums. Instead of a café or gift shop, resources were spent erecting the east-facing glass atrium at the front of IMA. With streams of ever-changing natural light, the glass surface acts like a two-story tall painting of the surrounding scenery.

But the drama doesn’t stop there. The interior space transforms with each show. Shifting walls and changing colors might be common practice for larger art museums, but at IMA, even small changes have a big effect. And considering that IMA does not own a permanent collection, the only constant element at this museum will be its reinvention.

IMA brings big-name artists to the island. IMA has featured the marine photography of Susan Middleton, who has also recently been featured at the Lightcatcher in Bellingham, the beautiful works of Francisco Goya, and the fascinating work of Ai Weiwei.

But even big names and a cool building can’t change IMA’s small-town heart. With free admission every day, IMA brings fine art to more than art lovers and collectors.

Perfect for our rainy fall days or taking a break from kayaking and sailing, IMA is also a place to discover new artists, from the local artist whose studio is deep in the woods, to the artist that emerges out of IMA’s workshops. In short, IMA is an important art space in the San Juan Islands. 

SEE&DO

WHETHER YOU PREFER TO SCALE A VOLCANO OR PADDLE IN A QUIET COVE, STROLL ALONG THE WATER OR BARREL DOWN A MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL, OUR AREA OFFERS EXPLORATION OF EVERY KIND, FROM THE CAUTIOUS TO THE INTREPID.

WHATCOM | SKAGIT | SAN JUAN

WHATCOM FALLS PARK Outdoor lovers will enjoy the range of sights at Whatcom Falls Park. Trails wind through dense forests over creeks to reveal tranquil pools complete with waterfalls.

There are 241 acres to explore, so you’ll never get bored.

1401 Electric Ave., Bellingham 360.778.7000, wta.org

MOUNT BAKER A great visit for any time of year, at 10,781 feet, Mount Baker is the third tallest summit in Washington. The active, glaciated volcano regularly garners the most snowfall of any mountain in the country, making for exciting snow sports. When the snow melts, hit the Mount Baker trails for hiking and biking, or find a place alongside a river for the perfect fishing spot.

Mt. Baker Hwy., Whatcom County mt-baker.com

DECEPTION PASS Deception Pass is the most visited state park in Washington, and the bridge is a big reason. At 1,487 feet long, the bridge over the strait between Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island is a sight to behold.

Deception Pass offers sweeping views of Skagit Bay and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Multiple trails in the park allow for hours of hiking between trees and along beach front, where you’ll discover hidden coves and incredible cliffside views.

ŠAshley Hiruko

41020 SR 20, Oak Harbor 360.675.3767

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Whale Watching Tours From Bellingham • Fully narrated whale watching tours in the scenic San Juan Islands

(Guaranteed whale sightings or your next cruise is 1/2 off)

• Experienced wildlife guides on-board each cruise • Tours include a free, freshly prepared lunch served on-board • Deluxe tour vessels with indoor and outdoor seating on two levels • Full bar with a selection of Northwest beers, wines and cocktails • Committed to responsible whale watching since 1987

Bellingham Cruise Terminal • 355 harris avenue #104, Bellingham

360-738-8099 • whales.Com

Cracked Crab Dinner Cruise Bellingham’s premier waterfront dining experience. Cruise Chuckanut Bay while enjoying Dungeness Crab and other delicacies.

Additional Cruises also Available!

Bellingham Bay BREWers Cruise

unWINEd on the Bay

LaConner Deception Pass

Sucia Island Picnic Cruise

KAYAKING TOURS Sea kayaking is the best way to get up and personal with our Pacific marine life and take in some incredible views of harbor seals, bald eagles, starfish, and maybe even a whale or two. There are a handful of Skagit County tour groups who serve all levels of kayakers with various trips available.

Anacortes anacortes.org/play/kayaking

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FAIRHAVEN HISTORICAL DISTRICT This nine-acre neighborhood on the south side of Bellingham offers a quaint visit with a lot of character. Founded in the 19th century, the district’s six square blocks contains art galleries, antique shops, clothing stores, boutiques, restaurants, and some great independent bookstores.

SHOPPING ON SAN JUAN ISLAND From rare antique finds to unique artisan jewelry, San Juan Island is a shopper’s paradise.

You’re sure to find new treasures for your home or the perfect gift for that special someone.

The chamber of commerce keeps up-to-date information on all the local businesses and can help suggest the right stores for you.

165 1st St., Friday Harbor 360.378.5240, sanjuanisland.org

Guestbook 2017 47

TULIP TOWN Gardeners will bask in Tulip Town’s selection of bulbs. Stop by in the spring to view fields of vibrant tulips and daffodils. It’s a memorable sight.

15002 Bradshaw Rd., Mount Vernon 360.424.8152, tuliptown.com

WHALE WATCHING Grab your binoculars and head out to the Salish Sea, where you will not only experience the awe of the orca whale but also abundant wildlife throughout your cruise.

Offered by a variety of tour operators.

See page 45 & 51

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WHATCOM COUNTY MOUNT BAKER THEATRE This national historic landmark has been staging some of the best live performances in the North Puget Sound region since 1927.

104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com SPARK MUSEUM OF ELECTRICAL INVENTION With interactive exhibits featuring the most important and innovative electrical inventions spanning four centuries, the SPARK museum is an educational experience for the whole family.

1312 Bay St., Bellingham 360.738.3886, sparkmuseum.org PICKFORD FILM CENTER More than movies! Pickford Film Center is Downtown Bellingham’s only non-profit independent cinema, open 365 days a year, and always playing the best indie, foreign, documentary films, world class performing arts in HD, and year round special events, film festivals, and unique, diverse film series.

1318 Bay St., Bellingham 360.738.0735, pickfordfilmcenter.org CAMEL SAFARI Hop on a camel or take a Segway tour of the farm, which has beautiful views of the Mount Baker foothills. A fun and educational way to get up close and personal with some pretty exotic critters.

BELLINGHAM’S HISTORIC

MOUNT BAKER THEATRE

5435 Sand Rd., Bellingham 800.836.4036, camelsafari.com WHATCOM MUSEUM Whatcom Museum showcases local, regional, and national artists. Located in the Old City Hall, the historical displays and Pacific Northwest design are a worthy day trip.

Old City Hall: 4390 Y Rd., Bellingham 360.778.8930 Lightcatcher: 250 Flora St., Bellingham 360.778.8930 GOOD TIME GIRLS

BEST of the

NORTH

WEST

Best Live Theatre

BEST of the

2016

217 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.305.3172, thebureaubellingham.com

BOOK NOW, ARRIVE INSPIRED 2016

Offering both a Holly Street Tour and a Sin & Gin Tour, the Good Time Girls, headquartered at the Bureau of Historical Investigation, can take you on a walking tour of Bellingham’s less savory past.

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

Best Live Music Venue

Superior Service

SILVER

Guestbook 2017 49

SILVER REEF HOTEL CASINO SPA

surrounding area on this amazing tour aboard the “Island Whaler.”

Enjoy the thrill of the fast jet boat through Deception Pass with a knowledgeable interpreter.

Feeling lucky? Try your hand at the many gaming offerings at Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa. For those who prefer dining and spa treatments, the resort is home to the Silver Reef Steak House, and has relaxing spa facilities.

5596 SR 20, Anacortes 888.909.8687, deceptionpasstours.com

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 360.383.0777, silverreefcasino.com

LANG’S HORSE AND PONY FARM

BIRCH BAY WATERSLIDES

Enjoy a relaxed family outing atop a horse in Mount Vernon. Lang’s also offers classes and other events in addition to trails rides by appointment.

Family fun! Offering nine waterslides, a pool, hot tub and kiddie pool area. Heated water makes it comfortable on cloudy days and the ability to bring in your own food and drinks make it a perfect family friendly option. Open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day.

21463 Little Mountain Rd., Mount Vernon 360.424.7630, comeride.com

4874 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd., Blaine 360.371.7500, birchbaywaterslides.net

ROOZENGAARDE DISPLAY GARDEN

UPTOWN ART Uptown Art is your premiere paint studio. The studio provides handson art instruction, paint supplies, canvases, aprons — everything you need to have a great time and create your masterpiece. Meet, drink, and paint happy at Uptown Art! 23 Bellwether Way, Ste. 101, Bellingham 360.733.1471, uptownart.com SAN JUAN CRUISES - WHALE WATCHING, DINNER AND SPECIALTY CRUISES. Since 1987 San Juan Cruises have been operating fully narrated whale whatching cruises thru the San Juan Islands. Come experience the beauty of nature on one of our spectacular vessels which offers indoor & outdoor seating all while enjoying an included lunch and open bar.

Dinner and specialty cruises available.

Departures from Bellingham Cruise Terminal 360.378.8099, whales.com

SKAGIT COUNTY MUSEUM OF NORTHWEST ART Explore the art of the Northwest at MoNA, a museum which collects and exhibits art from around the Northwest in an effort to connect people with diverse cultures and environments.

121 1st St., La Conner 360.466.4446, monamuseum.org SKAGIT COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Take a tour of Skagit Valley’s vibrant past at the Skagit County Historical Museum. Rotating exhibits and events keep history interesting for all ages.

501 S. 4th St., La Conner 360.466.3365, skagitcounty.net/museum

The spring tulip season is definitely the time to visit Roozengaarde, but their flowers and floral arrangements are available for purchase every day of the year.

15867 Beaver Marsh Rd., Mount Vernon 360.424.8531, tulips.com HERITAGE FLIGHT MUSEUM Founded by Apollo 8 astronaut Maj. General William Anders, the Heritage Flight Museum contains an excellent collection of memorabilia, artifacts, and aircraft from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. 15053 Crosswind Dr., Burlington 360.424.5151, heritageflight.org OUTER ISLAND EXCURSIONS – WHALE WATCH TOURS & FISHING CHARTERS Enjoy scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and fishing in the San Juan Islands and beyond! With the fastest whale watching vessels in the area, we can bring you to the whales faster and spend more time with them.

Whale sightings are guaranteed!

Departures from Bellingham & Anacortes 360.376.3711, outerislandx.com

SAN JUAN ISLANDS SAN JUAN ISLAND MUSEUM OF ART A recently opened visual arts museum in a beautifully designed building of modern glass and steel designed by architect Richard Hobbs. Look for sculptural works in the atrium and paintings in interior galleries.

540 Spring St., Friday Harbor 360.370.5050, sjima.org THE WHALE MUSEUM

DECEPTION PASS JET BOAT TOURS

When it opened in 1979, the Whale Museum became the first museum in the country devoted to a specific species living in the wild. You can help the museum’s mission to support the whales by becoming a member, adopting one of your own, or making a donation.

Deception Pass is one of the most visited and photographed attractions in Washington. Learn about Deception Pass, the bridge, and

62 1st St., Friday Harbor 360.378.4710, whalemuseum.org

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Guaranteed Whales!

Whale watching tours departing daily from Anacortes and Bellingham. Fishing and private charters also available.

360.376.3711 outerislandx.com

50% OFF WHALE WATCHING

Buy 1 ticket get 2nd half off of equal or lesser value.

Promo code: BOGO

NINE FAVES

GOLF COURSES

SEMIAHMOO GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 8720 Semiahmoo Pkwy., Blaine 360.371.7015, semiahmoogolf.com 7,005 | par 72 | slope 138

AVALON GOLF LINKS 19345 Kelleher Rd., Burlington 360.757.1900, avalonlinks.com 6,837 | par 72 | slope 132

NORTH BELLINGHAM GOLF COURSE 205 W. Smith Rd., Bellingham 360.398.8300, northbellinghamgolf.com 6,816 | par 72 | slope 136

LAKE PADDEN GOLF COURSE 4882 Samish Way, Bellingham 360.738.7400, lakepaddengolf.com 6,575 | par 72 | slope 127

EAGLEMONT GOLF COURSE 4800 Eaglemont Dr., Mt Vernon 360.424.0800, eaglemontgolf.com

CAMEL ENCOUNTERS | SEGWAY TOURS

Conquer your bucket list and make memories you will treasure for a lifetime.

Explore the unique history and anatomy of these gentle giants.

Get up-close and personal to pet, feed and photograph our camels, including our adorable babies. Tour our certified organic farm atop an off-road capable Segway. Experience it all with the spectacular backdrop of Mt. Baker and its foothills.

1-800-836-4036 www.camelsafari.com

5435 Sand Road, Bellingham, WA Take exit 255 Sunset/Mt. Baker Hwy

7,006 | par 72 | slope 149

SUDDEN VALLEY GOLF COURSE

Follow us on Pinterest!

4 Clubhouse Cir., Bellingham 360.734.6435, suddenvalleygolfcourse.com 6,553 | par 72 | slope 130

SHUKSAN GOLF CLUB 1500 East Axton Rd., Bellingham 360.398.8888, shuksangolf.com 6,737 | par 72 | slope 136

LOOMIS TRAIL GOLF CLUB 4342 Loomis Trail Rd., Blaine 360.332.8138, semiahmoogolf.com/loomis_trail 7,131 | par 72 | slope 142

SAN JUAN GOLF & TENNIS CLUB 806 Golf Course Rd., Friday Harbor 360.378.2254, sjgolfclub.com 6,694 | par 72 | slope 127

pinterest.com/northsoundlife

Guestbook 2017 53

SHOP LOCAL OUR AREA OFFERS EVERYTHING FOR SHOPPERS FROM MAINSTREAM FASHION TO UNIQUE WORKS OF ART. INDULGE YOURSELF, TREAT A FRIEND, AND BRING HOME A KEEPSAKE.

WHATCOM | SKAGIT | SAN JUAN

Jacket: BCBGMAXAZRIA Macy’s $228 Top: INC Macy’s $58 Hat: Three French Hens $60 Necklace: Uno de 50 Three French Hens $715

Photography: Tania Shepard, Azzura Photography Location: Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher, Bellingham Model: Emily Bylin Hair: Jennilyn Michel and Megan Walker, The Beauty Institute Makeup: Willa Crank and Portia Newman, Northwest Makeup Styling: Lisa Karlberg

Dress: Margaret OLeary Margaretoleary.com $268 / Knitted Vest: Margaret OLeary Margaretoleary.com $245 / Shoes: Vince Camuto Macy’s $119 Necklace: Kendra Scott Nordstrom $120 / Bracelet: Uno de 50 Three French Hens $459 / Earrings: Thalia Sodi $16.50 / Ring: Uno de 50 Three French Hens $165

Red bag: Three French Hens $198

/ Black bag: Lodis 1 Paper Boat $298 / Sandal: Topshop Randy Tie Back Nordstrom $100

Dress: Ted Baker Nordstrom $279 / Shoes: Sam Edelman Nordstrom $169.95 Necklace: Betty Be Good $16.50 / Bracelet: Nordstrom $36 / Earrings: Uno de 50 Three French Hens $145

Dress: Ted Baker Nordstrom $295 / Jacket: Joseph Ribkoff Three French Hens $296 Boots: Sam Edelman Nordstrom $190 / Necklace: Nordstrom $58 / Bracelet: Brighton 1 Paper Boat $74

Shirt: Rachel Roy Macy’s $89 / Skirt: Komarov Burkett's / Jacket: Joseph Ribkoff Three French Hens $258 / Necklace: Ficklesticks Three French Hens $92

60 Shoes: NorthSoundLife.com BC Mi Shoes $80

Shopping Destinations WHATCOM WHEN SHOPPING IN WHATCOM COUNTY, EVERY DESIRE CAN BE MET.

Birch Bay Square rconveniently located near the U.S.-Canadian border, is one of the newest malls in Whatcom County and features well-known outlets such as Bass shoes, Van Heusen and Vitamin World, among others. If you work up an appetite while shopping, you’ll find dining options like Bob’s Burgers and Woods Coffee.

If you seek a traditional mall, then visit Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham, where you can find a collection of brand name stores all under one roof.

Downtown Bellingham is an urban dweller’s oasis and is home to several wellestablished shops that have been around for decades, but new shops open often and keep downtown fresh and current.

Fairhaven has that old town ambience and a sophisticated charm where you can find upper scale boutiques and one-of-a-kind items.

Lynden is Dutch in feel and home to various strip malls and little hidden gems.

SKAGIT WHEN SHOPPING IN SKAGIT COUNTY, THERE ARE AN ARRAY OF OPTIONS TO SATISFY ANY SHOPPER’S WISH LIST.

Whether unique specialty stores, name-brand stores, or the local mom-and-pop shop, you can find it in Skagit County.

Burlington will be where shoppers can find name brands, either at the traditional Cascade Mall, or popular outlets, many of which can be found at The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington, a haven for bargain-seekers.

Downtown Mt. Vernon has an eight-block area where retail shops are sprinkled.

Shoppers can find items from jewelry to books, and everything in between.

La Conner has a beautiful and newly updated boardwalk where you can find exceptional items such as fine art, clothing, jewelry, and home décor.

In Anacortes shoppers come for the antiques. There are more than 50 antique dealers in one massive 25,000 square-foot space. There are also other delightfully charming shops that sell books, clothes, and other goods.

SAN JUAN IF ISLAND HOPPING AND SHOPPING IS PREFERRED, THEN THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS WILL BE TO YOUR LIKING.

There are clothing shops on the islands, but the main offerings are handcrafted items, art, and keepsakes.

Friday Harbor on San Juan Island has great galleries, specialty stores, and gift shops, where shoppers can find a rare piece of jewelry or a unique memento.

Lopez Island has a little village filled with a mixture of shops, galleries, and eateries where shoppers can purchase local wine, locally made ice cream, and find a rare piece of art.

Orcas Island offers lots of art-oriented shops and galleries where pottery, sculptures, paintings, and blown glass can be found.

Dress: Colors After 5 Fashion $288 Earrings: INC Macy's $26.50

/ Bracelet: INC Macy's $29.50 / Shoes: Nina After 5 Fashion

HOME FURNISHINGS GRANDIFLORA HOME & GARDEN Trisha Brink and La Von Vander Werff, the sisters also known as the Grandiflora Girls, own and operate Grandiflora along with their mother, Jan Stremler. Grandiflora carries the best seasonal décor around and offers visitors abundant inspiration for home and garden projects.

719 Grover St., Lynden 360.318.8854, grandiflorahomeandgarden.com GRETCHEN’S KITCHEN Gretchen’s is more than just a kitchen store — though it is an excellent one. It is a culinary hub in Mount Vernon, hosting cooking classes, tastings, and more. Passion for cooking drives Gretchen’s to carry the finest in cookware, with brands like Henckels, Le Creuset, Emile Henry, OXO, and many more.

509 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.8747, gretchenskitchen.com

much more! Proudly offering Orijen & Acana Pet Food! For cats too!

8115 Birch Bay Square St., Ste. 111, Blaine 360.332.3647 THE C SHOP The C Shop is a must-see candy store, bakery, café, and pizzeria for summertime visits to picturesque Birch Bay. Housed in a charming yellow storefront, The C Shop is the stuff of beachside family memories, specializing in goods that start with “C” or rhyme with “sea.”

4825 Alderson Rd., Blaine 360.371.2070, thecshop.com EARTHENWORKS Whether you’re in the market for glass, woodwork, leather goods, fine art, or ceramics, Earthenworks is your first stop for beautiful gallery-quality products. Owners Don and Cynthia nurture the careers of more than 100 local and regional artists. Stop in and enjoy the beautiful handcrafted items.

713 1st St., La Conner 360.466.4422, earthenworksgallery.com

RE-FEATHER YOUR NEST When you enter Re-Feather Your Nest, you might not even realize it’s a consignment shop. Loaded with classic, upscale home décor, contemporary art, and fine accessories, it’s a fine boutique that is reminiscent of a Paris apartment.

121-A Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon, 360.755.3126 909 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, 360.899.4327 re-featheryournest.com

EVERYBODY’S STORE Everybody’s Store, Whatcom County’s turn-of-the-century general store in the Mt. Baker foothills, on Hwy 9 in Van Zandt, just three minutes south of Deming, is famous for its fresh organic garden, local bounty of cheeses, fine wines, fresh organic produce and satisfying deli sandwiches. Go discover “where upscale meets downhome!”

5465 Potter Rd., Deming 360.592.2297, everybodys.com

ORCAS WORKSHOP Orcas Workshop specializes in handcrafted, live-edge wooden tables, chairs, benches, and more. Working with salvaged and sustainable woods, they create beautiful artisan products that are designed, harvested, and crafted right on Orcas Island.

THE MARKET AT BIRCH BAY

226 North Beach Rd., Eastsound (Orcas) 360.376.9700, orcasworkshop.com

8135 Birch Bay Square St., Blaine 360.366.0330

SEMPRE ITALIANO

MIKE’S DOLLAR PLUS

With a name that translates to “always Italian,” you can expect to find authentic Italian ceramics in this bright, colorful store, including exquisite hand-painted serving dishes and pottery.

Mike’s Dollar Plus sells all of your convenience needs at a low price every day. Come in and find what you are looking for today.

104 South First St., La Conner 360.466.1013, sempreitaliano.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS

We believe that great food is for everyone! With that in mind, The Market at Birch Bay has the mission to provide our customers with fresh, flavorful and local foods. Great food is for everyone!

8115 Birch Bay Square St., Ste. 116, Blaine 360.656.5201 NAIL MASTERS

BOW WOW & WOOFS

Nail Masters is a full-service beauty salon with great customer service. Nail Masters does anything you are looking for and more, and has plenty of beauty products as well. Come in today!

Bow Wow & Woofs…where every dog is special.. is your local 1 stop shop for Grain Free Kibble, Raw Foods, Healthy Treats and so

8115 Birch Bay Square St., Blaine 360.366.5626

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NASTY JACK’S ANTIQUES Founded in 1972 by partners “Nasty” Jack Wilkins and “Diamond” Jim Rey, Nasty Jack’s is a required stop for antique hounds and collectors. Chock full of old Life magazines, furniture, collectables, and more, Nasty Jack’s is a fun treasure chest of great finds.

103 Morris St., La Conner 360.466.3209, nastyjacksantiques.com OTION: THE SOAP BAR Otion: The Soap Bar offers in-store crafting for people of all ages.

Their Crafter’s Corner is fun & easy to use. Create your own custom soap, lip balm, bath bombs, or nail polish. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

301 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.676.1030, otionsoap.com

Largest yarn shop north of Seattle Lots of free parking & easy to find Knitting & Crocheting since 2007

SAN JUAN ISLAND CHEESE This wine, beer, and cheese specialty shop hosts tastings and events throughout the year, including cider and cheese nights, art and cheese nights, and more. San Juan Cheese is a great place to stop in and grab the makings of a picnic or have a seat (indoor and outdoor seating available) and order from their menu.

155 Nichols St., Friday Harbor, 360.370.5115, sjicheese.com

360­756­9992, 1780 Iowa St., B'ham, appleyarns.com SOJOURN One of Bellingham’s most established boutiques for women, Sojourn has built its reputation on offering the latest fashion trends in clothing, jewelry, and handbags here since 1994.

1317 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.671.5704, sojournbellingham.com THIRD PLANET In the heart of downtown Bellingham, Third Planet offers handmade glassware, jewelry, crystals, incense, eclectic gifts, and more.

200 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.778.3765, cityseeker.com VITAMIN WORLD Vitamin World is the place for vitamins, supplements and nutrition from the source — we are health and wellness enthusiasts. Discover the best nutrition the world has to offer, here, at Vitamin World.

8115 Birch Bay Square St., Ste. 105, Blaine 360.366.5083

Fine Northwest Art for Home and Garden, Unique Gifts, Jewelry and Custom Framing 700 Chuckanut Drive N., Bellingham, WA

360.734.4885 www.chuckanutbaygallery.com

Open Monday – Saturday 10-5:30, Sunday 11-5:30

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APPAREL 1 PAPERBOAT The store where enjoyable home goods, gift, and clothing come together in a fun, relaxed, and comfortable place to shop. We’ve sailed in with favorites, Brighton and Glassybaby along with specialty gifts for the beach and nautical fan. Located in the historic Fairhaven district, we invite you to drop anchor for a visit soon!

1134 10th St., Bellingham 360.656.6588, 1paperboat.com AFTER FIVE FASHION We are a boutique specializing in women’s designer clothing for that special occasion in your life. Whether it is for weddings, galas, anniversaries, cruises, or proms visit us in store or at afterfivefashion.com.

8115 Birch Bay Square St., Ste. 118, Blaine 360.746.8591, afterfivefashion.com APRICOT LANE BOUTIQUE

EMBELLISH If you’re in the market for jewelry, artisanal bath products, fine casual clothing, handbags, accessories, and more, Embellish is the place for you. An elegant boutique for women right in the heart of Mount Vernon, Embellish is a great place to gather gifts for others or a little treat for yourself.

221 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.3373, embellish.bigcartel.com FRINGE BOUTIQUE A mix of clothing, accessories, jewelry, gifts, and home décor, Fringe values infusing every corner of life with beauty.

1147 N. State St., Bellingham 360.312.4067, wearfringe.com HANES BRANDS Hanes Brands is a socially responsible manufacturer and marketer of leading everyday basic apparel under some of the world’s strongest apparel brands. This includes L’eggs, Hanes, Bali, and Playtex at Birch Bay Square.

Located conveniently in Bellis Fair Mall, Apricot Lane is locally owned and carries a great selection of clothing, accessories, and gifts that are always in style and affordable.

8125 Birch Bay Square St., Ste. 204, Blaine 360.366.2202

One Bellis Fair Pkwy., Ste. 208, Bellingham 360.393.4806, apricotlaneboutique.com

HOUSE OF STYLE

BASS G.H.Bass & Co., was born in Maine in 1876, the brainchild of George Henry Bass — a man on a simple mission to “make the very best shoe.” We stand as proof positive that a true original is always in demand.

8125 Birch Bay Square St., Ste. 207, Blaine 360.366.1428 BETTY BE GOOD

A style sanctuary for the modern woman. Curated beautiful and unique clothing, premium denim, accessories, gifts and beauty boutique coupled with a full service hair salon, to complete your look and serve all of your styling needs.

510 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.419.9672, houseofstylemv.com LABELS WOMEN'S CONSIGNMENT SHOP Locally owned since 2004 Labels is the ultimate treasure hunt!

Clothing, accessories, and home decor. Voted BEST consignment shop in Whatcom County 2010–2016.

Betty Be Good offers handpicked, boutique styles for the frugal fashionista. Everything in the curated collection is under $60 excluding outerwear, so we know you’ll find a whole new wardrobe or just one special style without breaking the bank!

3927 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.1210 2332 James St., Bellingham, 360.738.0333 labelsconsignment.com

8125 Birch Bay Square St., Ste. 201, Blaine 360.441.7691, shopbettybegood.com

MI SHOES

BLUE HORIZON Bellingham’s finest venue for women’s fashion and formal wear. Blue Horizon has been based in the Fairhaven district of Bellingham,Washington since1995.We strive to bring together an eclectic collection of fashionable, functional,and elegant clothing for modern women. Sizes 0–18 1302 12th St., Bellingham 360.734.7803, bluehorizonclothing.com

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Be prepared to swoon over a stunning collection of boots, shoes, heels, and sandals by Frye, Bed Stu, Seychelles, Blowfish, and more, on display in a dreamy, chandelier-lit showroom. Complete your look with any number of incredible accessories, including purses, sunglasses, and jewelry.

1315 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.715.2046, mymishoes.com OLGA’S Breezy linens, fine cottons, and fresh prints in sea-scrubbed tones, Olga’s specializes in easy fabrics and soft silhouettes. Not only does

Olga’s carry CP Shades, Vince, Pendleton, and more, they also have a distinctive collection of fine jewelry, accessories, and home furnishings.

h

109 N. Beach Rd., Eastsound (Orcas Island) 360.376.5863, olgasonorcas.com PRETTY SIMPLE BOUTIQUE Pretty Simple is a hidden GEM that has something for everyone and is within walking distance to Skagit Valley College. Not only do we carry a variety of women’s apparel, accessories, and gifts but our customer service makes you excited to share your experience and come back again. Family owned and operated, we invite you to visit soon.

We are located above Envy Hair Salon, next to Louis Auto Glass in Mount Vernon’s busiest and faster growing area in the County.

every girls dream shoe closet ... and more!

1705 E. College Way, Ste. C, Mount Vernon 360.588.4318, prettysimpleboutique.com THREE FRENCH HENS Three French Hens is one of Fairhaven’s favorite boutiques. Our unique gifts, home decor for your home, and hand picked distinctive apparel create an original shopping experience with a French flair.

1100 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.756.1047, threefrenchhens.net 1315 RAILROAD AVE

Bellingham. WA

mymishoes.com

UPSTAGE BOUTIQUE AND MEN’S STORE Clothing retailers often focus on women, and Upstage does include women in their shop. But they also have fine men’s clothing and

HOURS MON SAT 10-6pm SUN 11-4pm

Expect the Unexpected Van Heusen • Bass • LEGGS • The Market at Birch Bay • SUBWAY Bob's Burger & Brew • Jack In The Box • Woods Coffee • NEXUS After Five Fashion • Anytime Fitness • Vitamin World • Nail Masters Mike's Dollar Store Plus • Northwest Make Up • Farmers Insurance Birch Bay Tax & Accounting • Windermere Real Estate Northwest Veterinary • Betty Be Good • Bow Wow & Woofs

Shop. Dine. Explore.

Exit 270 off I-5 in Blaine, WA • BirchBaySquare.com

15 mins from Semiahmoo Resort • 15 mins from Bellingham • 10 mins from US-Canada Border

furnishings — a combination that is becoming increasingly rare for a boutique. They carry brands like Columbia, Woolrich, Life is Good, and more.

FRIDAY HARBOR GALLERY

520 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.283.9888, upstageboutique.com

Formerly known as Gallery 9, Friday Harbor Gallery opened in April 2015 to offer island art, framing, and collectibles. The gallery represents Northwest Islands Artists from Orcas, San Juan, Lopez, and Whidbey islands.

ART GALLERIES

60 First St., Friday Harbor 360.378.9193, northwestislandsartgifts.com

ARTWOOD GALLERY

JANSEN ART CENTER

Located in the heart of downtown Fairhaven, Artwood Gallery showcases a rotating, juried collection of work from a cooperative comprising more than 90 local fine woodworkers. Here, you’ll find beautiful hand-crafted furniture and one-of-a-kind pieces of functional art.

Located in Downtown Lynden, the Jansen Art Center houses six art studios, gallery spaces, the Firehall Café, and the Gallery Shop.

Visitors are invited to explore the exhibits, take an art class or workshop, and enjoy music in the Piano Lounge.

1000 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.647.1628, artwoodgallery.com

321 Front St., Lynden 360.354.3600, jansenartcenter.org LA CONNER QUILT AND TEXTILE MUSEUM

CHIMERA GALLERY The Chimera is a cooperative of artists of various media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and pottery. The museum is a lovely encapsulation of the creative spirit of Lopez, whose artists draw on the natural beauty around them for inspiration. It’s the perfect place to pick up a memento of your island adventures.

Our area’s history is directly tied to the quilts women created for their homes. Ceremonial, decorative, utilitarian — this lovely museum housed appropriately in a Victorian house — explores the history of quilts and quilting. There are regular exhibits, some of which are contemporary. The museum also hosts workshops and get-togethers for quilters and those who want to learn the art of quilting.

214 Lopez Rd., Lopez Island 360.486.3265, chimeragallery.com

703 S. Second St., La Conner 360.466.4288., laconnerquilts.org

DOUG BISON’S BLACKFISH GALLERY

MUSEUM OF NORTHWEST ART

Blackfish was the name the Native Americans gave to the orca whale.

Orcas remain an important part of Indian culture in the Northwest, and this gallery is a tribute to tribal art and culture. Full of handcarved wooden items, bronzes, paintings, and more, Blackfish showcases established contemporary Northwest artists.

With regular exhibits on local and regional artists, a lively events calendar, and regular classes and demonstrations, the Museum of Northwest Art is more of an artistic hub than just a gallery. MoNA is also dedicated to arts education and early enrichment for youngsters, creating the next generation of artists and art appreciators.

101 N. 1st St., La Conner 360.399.1042, bisonblackfishgallery.com

121 S. First St., La Conner 360.466.4466, monamuseum.org

EXPRESSIONS FINE ART GALLERY

SAN JUAN ISLANDS MUSEUM OF ART

Specializing in glass art, jewelry, paintings, bronze sculpture, pottery, lighting, woodcraft, and more, Expressions is a distinctive collection of fine Northwest art. Established in 2014 by Shannon and Stan O’Neil, Expressions grew out of Stan’s own interest in glass blowing. He created a community of artists who now call Expressions their home.

The San Juan Islands Museum of Art opened with great fanfare and anticipation in 2014. Given the quality of the exhibits, the deep connection between the works displayed and the culture of the San Juan Islands, and the educational and community benefits that it bestows, the fanfare is warranted. The “small museum with big plans” is well worth a visit for the building alone — a contemporary masterpiece.

705 1st St., La Conner 360.466.1911, expressionsfineartgallery.com

540 Spring St., Friday Harbor 360.370.5050, sjma.org

FISHBOY

SCOTT MILO GALLERY

Enter the dreamworld of bad boy Fishboy, who creates fanciful bird-men and cat-people with such delicacy and skill. Dreamlike and haunting, his paintings are labeled as folk art, but as with many things Fishboy, they transcend labels.

Located in Downtown Anacortes, Scott Milo Gallery has been brining exceptional art, knowledge and service to the area for 20 years.

Featuring regional artists and rotating exhibits throughout the year.

617 Virginia St., Bellingham, fishboygallery.com

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420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.293.6938, scottmilo.com

Great experiences come in small islands

ANACORTES, WA - Relax and enjoy a getaway to Fidalgo Island. With mild temperatures, lush forest lands to explore, and water that surrounds, staying here is a great way to spend your vacation. Visit by car, ferry, plane or boat.

Experience amazing restaurants, shopping in historic downtown, nature viewing, water his adventures, luxurious spas and so much more!

anacortes.org

First Friday Art Walk (Year Round) Farmer’s Market (May - October) Vintage Show (April & October) Spring Wine Festival + Quilt Walk (April) Waterfront Festival (June) Arts Festival + Outdoor Concerts (August) (October) Bier on the Pier (Oc Coastal Christmas Celebrations (December)

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EAT & DRINK

OUR AREA BOASTS JAMES BEARD AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANTS AND SWEET NOSTALGIC DINERS, FRESH SEAFOOD AND GRASS-FED BEEF. WITH OUR BOUNTY OF PRODUCE FROM LOCAL ORGANIC FARMS, THERE IS SOMETHING ON EVERY MENU TO PLEASE EVEN THE MOST DISCERNING DINER.

WHATCOM | SKAGIT | SAN JUAN

INFUSION CUISINE Photo By Diane Padys

Located in Lynden, Infusion Cuisine offers a variety of fare for the finicky and the undecided. Choose among Mexican, Italian, and Asian dishes.

If you’re looking for comfort food prepared with a delicate touch, try their sweet and savory Curry with Shrimp.

WINERIES & TASTINGS COACH HOUSE CELLARS With their focus on small lot production and special attention to detail, Coach House creates some of the finest wines in our region.

Enjoy these small lot wines at their tasting room in Fairhaven.

1319 11th St., Fairhaven (tasting room) 360.306.8794, coachhousecellars.com

TULIP VALLEY VINEYARD & ORCHARD Located in the Skagit Valley come taste the best ciders and wines in the region and take a stroll through the vineyard’s art gallery.

16163 State Route 536, Mount Vernon 360.428.6894, tulipvalley.net

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TASTING ROOM 1319 11th St., Bellingham | ph. 360.306.8794 | Hours: 10a-7p M-Th, 10a-9p Fri-Sat, 10a-6p Sun

The Northwest ‘s Destination Distillery

DYNASTY CELLARS A small, family-owned local winery with winemaking roots going back generations.

Specializing in award winning big bold red wines; great now, good for aging. White, rosé and dessert wines also available. Friendly atmosphere, centrally located in town. Parties and special events are welcome.

2169 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.220.4111, dynastycellarswine.com

BELLEWOOD ACRES DISTILLERY We are Washington’s first true “Farm to Glass” distillery. We are proud to be growers, with the historical knowledge and tradition of creating fine spirits from our fruit. We offer you a unique old world tasting experience. Come in today to enjoy a taste and join us on a tour! While on the tour we will share how we grow, harvest, ferment, distill and ENJOY our premium spirits.

Vodka • Gin • Brandy • Liqueurs BelleWood makes world class spirits from apples grown on our farm.

We are one of the few traditional artisan distillers in North America.

Visit our stills, taste our exceptional spirits, eat at our country cafe!

6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden, WA 98264 360-318-7720 | www.bellewooddistilling.com

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You deserve to experience BelleWood. Join us today!

6410 Guide Meridian Rd., Lynden 360.318.7720, bellewoodfarms.com bellewooddistilling.com

MASQUERADE WINERY Offering an excellent selection of award winning red and white wines, Masquerade owners Bill and Jennifer operates a friendly tasting room, wine club and hold special events.

3950 Hammer Dr., Ste. 101, Bellingham 360.220.7072, masqueradewines.com

Iced Tea for a refreshing sip or treat yourself to a Raspberry Champagne Cocktail.

AVENUE BREAD Bakery & Café

DINING KEY ______________up to $9 ____________$10–19 ___________$20–29 _________$30 or greater _____________Breakfast ____________ Brunch _____________Lunch _____________Dinner _____________Family-Friendly

Downtown Cafe: 1313 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, 2301 James St., Bellingham 2020 Humboldt St., Bellingham 444 Front St., Lynden 360.715.3354, avenuebread.com

CHUCKANUT LOBBY BAR American Bistro

4040 Northwest Ave., Bellingham 360.714.9600, springhillbellingham.com

Avenue Bread is the neighborhood café and bakery that creates community around authentic eats for the people of Bellingham and its visitors who want an elevated experience for the mind, body, and soul in an era of increasingly conscious consumption.

Located off exit 257 on Northwest Avenue and inside the SpringHill Suites Hotel, Chuckanut Lobby Bar is open seven days a week, offering nightly dining options as well as a range of local wines and beers on tap. Daily happy hour 4 p.m.–6 p.m.

_____________Takeout _____________Outdoor Seating ____________Reservations ____________Happy Hour

WHATCOM ANTHONY'S AT SQUALICUM HARBOR Seafood

25 Bellwether Way, Bellingham 360.647.5588, anthonys.com Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor is located just off the I-5 corridor on Squalicum Harbor in Bellwether on the Bay and offers an impressive view of the sunset year round. Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor is also located near Zuanich Park, a bayside park near many pleasure yachts and fishing vessels.

ANTHONY'S HEARTHFIRE GRILL Steak House & Seafood

7 Bellwether Way, Bellingham 360.527.3473, anthonys.com Located on Squalicum Harbor in Bellwether on the Bay, Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill ~ Squalicum Harbor offers guests spectacular views of the San Juan Islands. Offering guests premier Northwest designer beef and fresh Northwest seafood, this high-energy restaurant specializes in hearthfire cooking.

BAYOU ON BAY Cajun/Creole

1300 Bay St., Bellingham 360.752.2968, bayouonbay.com

COSMOS BISTRO American Bistro, Comfort Food

1151 N. State St., Bellingham 360.255.0244, bellinghamcosmosbistro.com

Bayou On Bay serves a wide variety of classic Cajun/Creole dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boy sandwiches, and hush puppies, to name a few. A house-made remoulade, which accompanies many of the dishes, is worth the trip alone. The bar offers an extensive list of drink options. Bayou on Bay is a must for foodies as well as people just looking for a satisfying meal.

Bellingham’s best local and seasonal comfort food is always made in-house from scratch at their historic Herald Building location. From pork adobo, Mama’s meatloaf, and awardwinning burgers, to the many vegetarian and gluten free options, Cosmos Bistro offers something for everyone.

D’ANNA’S CAFE ITALIANO Italian

BELLEWOOD ACRES: DISTILLERY CAFE & FARM American

1317 N. State St., Bellingham 360.714.0188, dannascafeitaliano.com

6140 Guide Meridian Rd., Lynden 360.318.7720, bellewoodfarms.com

If you’re looking for good Italian food without having to resort to a national chain, D’Anna’s may be the place for you. The emphasis here is on the food, not the frills. The restaurant stands out in many ways, but D’Anna’s delicious, homemade pasta is what really makes it special.

Your visit to Bellewood Acres is the total destination experience. Join us to sip awardwinning spirits distilled from our own specialty apples. Enjoy incredible country cooking, unique rustic giftables, and specialty u-pick apples every fall while gazing upon the intrigue of magnificent Mt. Baker.

Bellewood — it’s on your bucket list! Y’all come visit now.

DIRTY DAN HARRIS Steakhouse

1211 11th St., Bellingham 360.676.1087, dirtydanharris.com

BRANDYWINE KITCHEN Regional NW

The “dirt” on Dirty Dan Harris? In a word: excellent. The steakhouse provides warm, friendly waitstaff, quaint historic surroundings, and superb food. Perhaps the best reflection on the restaurant is owner Kathy Papadakis’ waitstaff. Most have worked here for years — and it shows in their enthusiasm for your dining experience. The filet mignon is Dirty Dan’s signature entree. You won’t be disappointed. Leave room for dessert, however, because the selections are dangerously good.

1317 Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.1071, brandywinekitchen.com Named for the decadent heirloom tomatoes grown on their farm, the owners source much of their ingredients locally and hold the “from seed to plate” philosophy. The menu offers vegetarian and gluten-free options (like ricePanko Fish and Chips), and includes beer from both Boundary Bay and Chuckanut breweries.

Try the Quinoa-Salmon Cakes with red pepper aioli or a BLT with Hempler’s bacon and maple-tomato relish. Don’t miss the Hibiscus

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EAT French

1200 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360.306.3917, 4u2eat.com The combination of fresh, local produce, fish, meat, and spirits combine beautifully with classic French cooking at this chic and tasty restaurant. The atmosphere is urban charm, and the service is unparalleled.

FILLING STATION American

1138 Finnegan Way, Bellingham 360.715.1839, fillingstationnw.com The 1950s vibe resonates within the walls of this all-American burger joint. From the antique gas pump to the car memorabilia lining the restaurant, The Filling Station is Fairhaven’s newest go-to spot to satisfy your hunger. With names like The Chevy Pickup, The Mustang, and the Thunderbird, the menu provides different burger selections along with appetizers like Dip Sticks (deep-fried zucchini strips), Hot Rod (footlong hot dog), or the Junkyard (classic, onion, and tire fries).

THE FORK AT AGATE BAY Eclectic

2530 N. Shore Rd., Bellingham 360.733.1126, theforkatagatebay.com As unassuming as they come, The Fork at Agate Bay is a quiet retreat of fine food and wine only a short drive down the east side of Lake Whatcom. Be careful not to be fooled by its quaint exterior; inside you’ll discover a surprisingly upscale atmosphere warmed by a welcoming and rustic charm. Opened in June 2009, it has gained recognition as one of Bellingham’s best restaurants, emerging as a favorite for food connoisseurs. From a simple yet elegant egg breakfast to wild-mushroomstuffed chicken, the menu is a delightful and modern take on the classics.

GREAT BLUE HERON GRILL American

8720 Semiahmoo Pkwy., Blaine 360.371.5745, semiahmoo.com A decidedly delicious 19th Hole. Serving farm fresh and traditional country club fare.

Enjoy seasonal patio dining overlooking the 18th fairway or choose indoor seating by the big picture windows. They are open to the public everyday.

KEENAN'S AT THE PIER Northwest, American & Seafood

804 10th St., Bellingham 360.392.5510, thechrysalisinn.com Casual yet elegant. Keenan’s at the Pier, located inside the Chrysalis Inn & Spa in Fairhaven, features fresh, local cuisine and a full bar. Keenan’s executive chef and his culinary staff highlight the beauty and style of the Pacific Northwest with fresh ingredients that are seasonal and regionally sourced. Enjoy Bellingham Bay views from every table where breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner are served daily. Brunch on Sundays. Reservations are highly recommended.

THE LOFT Northwest, American & Seafood

1801 Roeder Ave., Bellingham 360.306.5668, theloftbellingham.com In a world of freeze-dried and processed pre-packaged foods, The Loft strives to be the exception. From the fresh, locally caught salmon and halibut, to the cage-free organic eggs, they believe the ingredients make the dish. Their dressings, sauces, and seasoning are all from scratch, with original recipes using fresh, local, organic products as often as the seasons allow.

NorthSoundLife.com

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 866.383.0777, silverreefcasino.com Contemporary cuisine from the Far East serving all your favorites such as honey walnut prawns, General Tso’s Chicken, and more!

PIERSIDE KITCHEN American & French Regional Cuisine

9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy., Blaine 360.318.2090, semiahmoo.com Regionally inspired cuisine that is healthy, creative, and seasonal, utilizing Washington’s unique and beautiful coast. Stimulation of the senses, creative innovation, ritual of the table, and the alliance between the chefs and the farmers — look forward to all this and more.

PIZZANINI AT SILVER REEF Italian

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 866.383.0777, silverreefcasino.com Your home for delicious woodstone pizza and great sandwiches!

RED RIVER CAFE American

MAGDALENAS Crêperie, European

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 866.383.0777, silverreefcasino.com

1200 10th St., Ste. 103, Bellingham 360.483.8569, magdalenascreperie.com

A truly outstanding experience. Serving a variety of delicious cuisine from a diverse menu.

Paris, London, New York, Vancouver, and Bellingham have them. Little shops where the aromas of sweet and savory crêpes, custom sandwiches, and hot soup du jour fill the air.

With a formidable selection of crêpes, it’ll take more than one trip to decide which is better, sweet or savory. But at this eatery, it is criminal to pass up the sweet little numbers filled with velvety smooth vanilla-flavored cream cheese, white chocolate, and your choice of fresh fruit.

A crêpe option for every crêpe crave.

PACKERS OYSTER BAR American Gastro Pub & Sports Bar

9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy., Blaine 360.318.2090, semiahmoo.com A sports bar/gastro pub where you can meet with friends to watch your favorite team or just enjoy the serene view of Semiahmoo Bay while sipping on seasonal, hand-crafted cocktails, local brews and enjoying shareable pub favorites.

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PANASIA AT SILVER REEF Asian

SLO PITCH SPORTS GRILL & CASINO American

3720 Meridian St., Bellingham 360.733.2255, slopitchcasino.com The Slo Pitch Sports Grill and Casino is conveniently located off exit 256. Featuring great burgers, chicken wings, a variety of salads, sandwiches, and more in a family-friendly setting. With 20 HDTVs, poker room, pit games, huge pull tab bar, pool table, trivia, there is so much to do.

THE STEAK HOUSE AT SILVER REEF Seafood Fine Dining Steak House

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 866.383.0777, silverreefcasino.com Enjoy elegant dining in an intimate atmosphere. Our multiple award-winning steak

VIKING FOOD FIRESIDE MARTINI BAR Far from the crowd, yet...close in. Relax in a cozy, intimate atmosphere and savor a crafted cocktail, a lovely wine or a local brew. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are lively and attentive.

Live music on weekends features local talent. Food offerings include small plates to share, grilled sandwiches, wraps, salads and flatbreads. Patio when weather allows. Easy parking.

416 W Bakerview Rd 360-738-1000 firesidemartini.com Mon-Thurs 11:30a.m.-10p.m.

Fri-Sat 11:30a.m.-11p.m.+

We deliver fresh, local, and unique food from over 52 restaurants to the hungry people of Bellingham!

Featuring restaurants like Bob’s Burgers and Brew, Cafe Akroteri, El Albanil, AB Crepes, and The Showdown/The Racket.

OrderVikingFood.com

house/wine room offers specially selected, naturally aged prime steaks for maximum tenderness and flavor.

WOODS COFFEE Coffee Shop

8130 Birch Bay Square St., Blaine 360.393.4761, woodscoffee.com Enjoy handcrafted coffee, and made fresh daily food and pastries, in a comfortable atmosphere. Make Woods Coffee your last stop before you head to Canada, or your first stop as you enter the U.S. Dine-in or drive-thru.

GALLOWAY’S COCKTAIL BAR

SKAGIT

Nestled in the heart of Fairhaven, Galloway’s deco era cocktail bar features a craft cocktail menu that reflects our love of gin, fine wines, and select microbrews. Gather at Galloway’s Cocktail Bar for a drink or two. Enjoy tasty, savory bites and be tempted by local dessert artistry. Open daily, with cocktails, shaken, stirred, and poured from 3:00 on.

1200 10th St Suite #102 Bellingham, WA 98225 gallowayscocktail.bar 360.756.2795

13 MOONS AT SWINOMISH CASINO & LODGE Seafood/Steak

12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes 360.588.3800, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com Located within the casino, situated on the waterfront offering an elegant lodge atmosphere. The chef ’s hands-on approach offers hand-picked fresh seafood from the region. Alder wood flavored meats and the freshest flavors of the northwest. Open daily from 4 p.m.

ANTHONY'S AT CAP SANTE MARINA Seafood

1207 Q Ave., Anacortes 360.588.0333, anthonys.com Anthony’s at Cap Sante is located in the heart of downtown Anacortes at the Port of Anacortes Cap Sante Marina. The restaurant has a scenic waterfront setting ideal for viewing the activities of the commercial fishing fleet as well as recreational boating. It has two outside decks; one of which is covered, has a fireplace, and is ideal for year-round outdoor dining.

CALICO CUPBOARD American

JAKE’S WESTERN GRILL Come see us in Lynden--just a 15 minute scenic drive north of Bellingham. We serve heaping portions with a southern flair!

In-house smoked BBQ , ribs, steak, burgers, chicken, salads and more. Dine-in or take-out. ½ price appetizers and drink specials Monday – Friday from 3-6 p.m.

8114 Guide Meridian, Lynden 360.354.5588 jakeswesterngrill.com Open everyday 11 a.m.– Close

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901 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, 360.293.7315 720 S. 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4451 121-B Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon, 360.336.3107 calicocupboardcafe.com Since 1981, Calico Cupboard has been serving the purest, most heart-healthy, and high-quality ingredients. Made with freshly milled, organically-grown, whole grain and unbleached flour, the cafe aims to promote its local farmers and gratify your body in the process. Sit down for breakfast or lunch, or just order from the bakery and grab an espresso to go. From cream puffs to eclairs to gluten-free berry crisp to cinnamon rolls — the bakery more than satisfies your sweet tooth. On weekend mornings, there may be a wait. However, the food is worth it — with options ranging from omelets to hashes to focaccia sandwiches to burgers. Calico Cupboard will leave you full, but feeling homey, healthy, and happy.

ZEN SUSHI & BAR

GIUSEPPE’S AL PORTO

Discover your Zen when you experience the art and freshness of hand crafted sushi selections offer right to you on conveyor belt. Made to order specialties & full service cocktails cater to every taste imagined. Price per plate, Sushi of the day, Happy Hour drinks, and friendly service assure your experience is a memorable one.

Step into the charm of Italy and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine with spectacular views of Squalicum Marina at Bellingham Bay. Dine inside or outside on our waterfront patio with Al Tramonto, our three course dinner for $20 daily from 4:00pm – 6:00pm.

Open Daily 11:30am – 10pm Happy Hour 3pm-6pm, Early Dining Specials 3pm-6pm

3001 Cinema Pl. 360.734.7888 zensushibellingham.com Sun–Thurs 11am–10pm Fri– Sat 11am–11pm

THE BLACK CAT FRENCH CABARET Enjoy great food and drinks 7 days a week while taking in the best views of Fairhaven and Bellingham Bay. Under new ownership since 2014, The Black Cat offers a cozy gastropub experience with 11 beer taps, a full selection of top quality liquors and wine. Located on the 3rd Floor in the historic Sycamore Building.

Lunch: Mon. - Sat.: 11am - 3pm Dinner: 3pm - 11pm Happy Hour: Sun. - Thurs.: 3pm - 6pm & 9pm - close Brunch on Sundays

1200 Harris Ave, Ste 310 Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-6136 blackcatbellingham.com

21 Bellwether Way, Bellingham Marina 360.714.8412

CALLE Mexican

517 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.5566, maketacosgreatagain.com Calle has generated quite the attention with a write up in Sunset magazine. Known for their take on Street Tacos — with six meat fillings to choose from and handmade corn tortillas — but that’s certainly not the only mouthwatering option. Try the Carne Asada, Posole, or Tortas to name just a few menu options.

The Spicy Mango Margarita, made with fresh mango and jalepeno, is fast becoming a customer favorite. With 60+ tequilas and mescals to sample, there’s always another reason to visit again.

COA MEXICAN EATERY Mexican

102 S. 10th St., Mount Vernon, 360.840.1938 214 Maple Ave., La Conner, 360.466.0267 coaeatery.com One way to reel customers in is to offer dollar tacos on Tuesdays and $5 margaritas on Fridays. That’s just the start. One bite of a taco or one sip of a margarita and you’re hooked. Even on a different night, with the

choice of fajitas, burritos, chimichangas, or flan, you won’t be disappointed. Fan favorites include the fish tacos with local grilled fish and spicy mango Pico de Gallo, carne asada burrito seasoned to perfection, and tres enchiladas with an addictive green crema sauce. COA Mexican Eatery also offers the last Monday of every month as customer appreciation day, where customers get 50 percent off food. Deals and good food — what more could you want?

IL GRANAIO Italian

100 E. Montgomery St., Ste. 110, Mount Vernon 360.419.0674, granaio.com Chef Alberto Candivi arrives at Il Granaio in downtown every morning to make the day’s pastas by hand, sculpting basic ingredients into the building blocks for lavish, rich Italian dishes served throughout the day. Il Granaio is a practice in the intricacies of cuisine, displaying the best flavors Italian food has to offer. With more than 30 items on the entrée menu. The wine menu is expansive, and the beer menu features several local craft brews. Their grappa selection does the Italian cordial the justice it deserves.

NICKI'S BELLA MARINA Nicki’s Bella Marina offers up some of Bellingham’s best fish and chips, legendary gourmet burgers and outstanding local micro brews. The fish is hand cut, up to three times a day, covered in tempura batter and cooked to order, making it a favorite among local fisherman. The burgers are pure comfort food made with 100% USD ground chuck steak and cooked to perfection. Nicki’s has been serving hungry customers and pleasing crowds with sweeping bay views from the deck since 1992.

LOGO

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BEST of the

2016

2615 S. Harbor Loop Dr. Bellingham 360.332.2505 nickisbellamarina.com

NORTH

WEST

SILVER

NELL THORN Seafood

116 S. 1st St., La Conner 360.466.4261, nellthorn.com This small-town gem, located in the heart of La Conner, brings in tourists and locals alike.

They boast well-prepared and locally sourced fresh seafood as well as an extensive wine and beer list. The charming and cozy pub atmosphere, homemade soups, and generous portions make for a great special occasion or romantic evening. Try the polenta cakes with cured black olive and roasted garlic tomato sauce — you won’t be disappointed.

THE OYSTER BAR Seafood

2578 Chuckanut Dr., Bow 360.766.6185, theoysterbar.net The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive is perched among towering conifers above the oyster beds. Chef Justin Gordon, has an abundance of knowledge about oysters — both local and imported — and reveals a passion for working with this native shellfish. While oysters are the signature offering, The Oyster

Bar offers a variety of other fine-dining choices and is known in the Pacific Northwest for its extensive wine cellar.

RAILROAD MARKET Coffee shop

122 S. Spruce St., Burlington 360.982.2133 Quick, convenient, and local: whether you’re looking for a cup of fresh roasted coffee, homemade pastry or grabbing a sandwich on the run, Railroad Market has you covered. Find hundreds of specialty beers you can enjoy in a family-friendly environment or take it to go for a special occasion.

EAT RESTAURANT & BAR

SECRET COVE Waterfront Seafood

209 T Ave., Anacortes 360.982.2008, secretcoveanacortes@gmail.com Waterfront restaurant with large selection of salads, sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips, steaks, and seafood! Great happy hour seven days a week with outdoor seating. Family-friendly outside patio overlooking Guemes Channel. Open daily at 11:30 a.m.

Come to EAT Restaurant and Bar to meet us, and indulge your passion for food, wine, delicious cocktails, and pastries.

Share kitchen stories, listen to hautes cuisine anecdote, learn a few tricks, have fun, listen to some good tunes and laugh with us.

1200 Cornwall Ave. Bellingham, WA 360.306.3917, 4u2eat.com

Monday–Saturday: 4pm–9pm Brunch Sat–Sun: 9am–2pm Happy Hour: 4pm–6pm

Providing a Truly Northwest Dining Experience is Our Pleasure

R E S T A U R A N T S At Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham 25 Bellwether Way • 360-647-5588 At Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes 1207 Q Avenue • 360-588-0333

On the Bellingham and Anacortes Waterfronts.

At Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham 7 Bellwether Way • 360-527-3473

www.anthonys.com

Guestbook 2017 77

SEEDS BISTRO Regional NW

623 Morris St., La Conner 360.466.3280, seedsbistro.com Seeds Bistro in La Conner offers simple dishes that highlight the fresh, exciting ingredients found throughout the Pacific Northwest. The menu features local selections rotated with the seasons. The whole family can enjoy Seeds offerings — comfort foods satisfy children’s desires while more intricate food items appease fastidious palates.

SKAGIT RIVER BREWERY American

THE OYSTER BAR Offering the Pacific Northwest’s premier dining experience.

The intimate, multitiered dining rooms offer stunning views of the San Juan Islands from every seat. The seasonally inspired menu features a variety of fresh seafood, steak, and vegetarian dishes with locally sourced produce and an award-winning wine list to pair.

Lunch Daily 11:30am-4pm | Dinner Daily 4-10pm 2578 Chuckanut Dr. Bow, WA 98232 360.766.6185 www.theoysterbar.net

404 S. 3rd St., Mount Vernon 360.336.2884, skagitbrew.com Quality does not end with our brewery. Skagit River Brewery and Pub provides a nice selection of foods to complement any drink you enjoy.

From the Chelan cherry wood we use to smoke our ribs to the madefrom-scratch pizza dough, we take pride in everything we offer!

TRAIN WRECK BAR & GRILL American

427 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington 360.755.0582, trainwreckbar.com Looking for something different? Date night or a place to hang out with friends? Enjoy local food, local beer, and tasty cocktails at Train Wreck Bar & Grill. With everything made in house, you’ll be sure to enjoy a delicious meal that you won’t forget!

TRUMPETER PUBLIC HOUSE Casual, Fine Dining

416 Myrtle St., Mount Vernon 360.588.4515, trumpeterpublichouse.com

COA MEXICAN EATERY Whether you want to try a fresh spin on one of your favorite Mexican dishes or adventure into some new flavors, COA Mexican Eatery is the place for you. We have daily specials such as $1 tacos on Tuesday and $5 margaritas on Friday.

The last Monday of each month is Customer Appreciation Day, where you can get 50% off if you pay cash.

102 South 10th Street, Mt. Vernon 360.840.1938 214 Maple Ave, La Conner 360.466.0267 coaeatery.com

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The Trumpeter is an ideal combination of high-end, fine dining, and English pub fare. Try traditional pub selections like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, or more unique choices like pork tenderloin complimented with an apricot-honey glaze or crab mac & cheese with a creamy Gruyere sauce and wild-caught crab. Additionally, the Trumpeter looks to accommodate all tastes with our gluten free dishes, and option to make any dish gluten free. Of course, a gastro pub isn’t complete without beer and Trumpeter completes the dining experience with 18 taps of local and European brews. There’s also a fine selection of wines and other drink choices.

SAN JUAN DOE BAY CAFÉ American/Seafood

107 Doe Bay Rd., Orcas Island 360.376.2291, doebay.com Whether you’re heading toward the San Juan Islands or don’t mind taking a trip for an unbelievable meal, be sure to make reservations at the ever-popular Doe Bay Café. Owners Joe and Maureen Brotherton have stuck to their philosophy of taking good care of their visitors by

FRIDA'S

LA TRIVIATA

Frida’s cuisine blends classical Mexican dishes with new regional favorites. The result is authenticity and flavor found in chef-owned restaurants throughout Mexico. Our family welcomes you to Frida’s. Join us for our daily Happy Hour from 2-5 pm, Margaritas from $5.00, Well drinks $4.00, Bottled Beer $3.00 and Food from $3.95

La Traviata embodies the rich and colorful culture of Italy.

The foods they serve will surely encompass the flavors that made Italian dishes truly stand out. Join us for daily Happy Hour from 2-5 pm - Glass of Wine $5.00, Well drinks $4.00, Bottled Beer $3.00 and Food from $5.95

416 Commercial Ave, Anacortes 360.299.2120 fridasgourmet.com Happy Hour 2-5

EST. 1995

BELLINGHAM  LYNDEN

Voted Bellingham’s Best Sandwich for the last 15 years

201 E. Morris St, La Conner 360.466.0555 latraviataitaliano.com Happy Hour 2-5

Breakfast

Lunch

and More

Breakfast Sandwiches

Award Winning Sandwiches

True Artisan Breads

Handcrafted Baked Goods

Gourmet Soups & Salads

Great Local Coffee

Eggs Benedicts, Omelettes..

Quality Local Ingredients

Suppers in Lynden

Downtown Café Our Original Café 1313 Railroad Ave

James St Café Our Flagship Café 2301 James St

Fairhaven Café In Picturesque Fairhaven 1135 11th St

Lynden Café Our Newest Café 444 Front St

The Filling Station Our Burger Joint 1138 Finnegan Way In Fairhaven

Avenue Bread 360.715.3354

Come try our sister restaurant in Fairhaven

Our BLT & T

Great buns = great burgers!

providing world-class seafood and vegetarian dishes. Choose from breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections such as Huevos Rancheros with free range, organic over-easy eggs with black beans on griddled corn tortillas, Goat Cheese French Toast, or the Pan Roasted Troller Point King Salmon.

TOBY’S TAVERN Seafood

8 Front St., Coupeville 360.678.4222, tobysuds.com Overlooking the scenic Penn Cove in the center of old Coupeville, Toby’s Tavern offers diners a dive bar ambience with a delicious menu of seafood favorites. Their famous bowls of Penn Cove mussels — served by the pound! — come fresh from the adjacent cove, and keep shellfish connoisseurs clamoring for a regular fix. Steamed and soaked in a scrumptious mix of simple seasonings, wine, and juices, Toby’s robust offering of mussels makes for a memorable visit. Fish and chips arrive hot, deliciously flakey, and generous in size, with sides of sweet coleslaw and fries deserving mention for their merit. For those waiting among the weekend crowd of regulars, a giant chocolaty brownie will drive your mind insane, and keep your appetite satisfied before the main course earns its way into the dining room.

VINNY’S Seafood

165 West St., Friday Harbor 360.378.1934, vinnysfridayharbor.com Ciao! Vinny’s welcomes diners to their Friday Harbor Ristorante, mirroring the feel of this warm Italian restaurant. Dishes change monthly and reflect the desire to serve simple, gourmet Pacific Northwest seafood, and modern comfort Italian.

Appetizers of Fior de Latte — a caprese salad — and mushroom medley (mushrooms with a Marsala demi-glace and cambozola cheese) are perfect for sharing and leave space for a summery Capellini Mediterranea (prawns and clams in a light white wine and olive oil sauce). As well as a good selection of pastas, Vinny’s has seafood and meat entrées, many of them traditional favorites like Veal Marsala and Chicken Picatta. The cocktail list includes old favorites and some fun offerings like the Crantini and a rhubarb margarita. Top off a meal with crème brûlée — a light, room-temperature custard topped with a layer of burnt sugar.

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GREAT

BREWS

The following craft beer selections have made it past our taste test and into our top eight. Step out and give them a try; you won’t be disappointed.

1 2 3 4

The Brewers Select California Common from Wander Brewing is a beautiful steam beer with a great amber color and crisp-creamy texture. wanderbrewing.com Skagit’s own Farmstrong Brewing has a great pilsner worth trying — the Cold Beer Pilsner. Great for summer afternoons, it’s crisp and refreshing. farmstrongbrewing.com Chuckanut Brewery’s Köӧlsch is a fruity, effervescent, friendly beer, and Chuckanut Brewery’s is no exception.

Approachable, versatile, and delicious, it’s a great accompaniment to sausage or pizza. chuckanutbrewery andkitchen.com Island Hoppin’ Brewery crafts some excellent brews, and the Old Madrona Imperial Red is no exception. This is a great beer to greet you after a ferry ride. islandhoppinbrewery.com

5 6 7 8

Anacortes Brewery and Rockfish Grill Tulip Festival Ale is not just for tip-toeing through the tulips, but also for enjoying an afternoon picnic or watching the tourists pose. anacortesrockfish.com New kid Structures Brewing has a great flagship beer, Fuzz. Soft, aromatic, and dark, this is a perfect beer for a quiet afternoon. structuresbrewing.com The Nitro Coffee Chocolate Stout from Gruff Brewing Company is a must-drink. Dark, rich, and full of depth, this beer is a champ. gruff-brewing.com Fairhaven Stones Throw Brewery’s drinks rotate on a regular basis, but if you’re lucky enough to catch the Liquid Sunshine Lager, you are, indeed, in luck. stonesthrowbrewco.com

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