Bellingham Alive | March | 2024

Contents

WHETHER YOU’RE EMBARKING on a new build, planning a selective remodel, or just looking for ideas for making your home more livable and fun, our March feature is full of inspirational customizations to make your home work for you.

Photo Courtesy of Kreider Construction

Photo

Every Sunday night is a lively night with Rumors Cabaret’s community drag show, Drag Me 2 Church. The weekly show features performances from local drag artists and fundraises for Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood and Lifelong. Rumors’ charity drag show has survived multiple rebrands and stood the test of time. Read more about how much money the show has raised for local nonprofits and how it has become a community space for the local LGBTQ+ and drag communities.

Giveaway

Each month we give you the opportunity to win a prize from local merchants. You can enter once per day, each day of the month. A winner will be chosen by random draw and notified via submission email. It’s our way of saying thank you for your support and for continuing to help encourage shopping and dining local.

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Go to bellinghamalive.com/ events and submit your event today. Once your event has been approved, it is live.

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Making a House (or an Apartment) a Home

ILIVE IN AN old house—nearly 100 years old, in fact—and while I adore some of the features, like the laundry chute and the art deco HVAC registers, there’s also plenty that needs updating. When we bought our house, my husband and I agreed that we would do as much of the work as we could ourselves, which was why it was so important that any urgent updates be cosmetic rather than structural.

We bought a paint sprayer and repainted the bedrooms upstairs and the living and dining room downstairs (and I learned that I’d rather cut in carefully on the edges with an angled brush than spend hours prepping and taping). We tore out the desk in the galley-style kitchen (man, construction was solid back in those days) and installed an IKEA closet as a pantry for more storage. We even replaced the oversized vanity in our decidedly not-oversized bathroom—well, my husband did most of that, since I was five months pregnant and on pelvic rest due to a recent scare.

Last summer, I built storage benches to create a corner breakfast nook in an area of our kitchen that had previously felt like dead space; I also built new corner cabinets to replace the original built-ins that a previous owner had

torn out, badly, leaving the floors horribly scarred.

I tell you all of this not to brag (okay, maybe a little, but only if you don’t look too closely at the finishing on these projects), but rather to share the unexpected result of all these projects: an increase in confidence and capability that’s carried through to our lives outside our home. And, for me in particular, a creative outlet that not only shows progress much faster than writing but also carries less pressure—after all, it’s not like I’m a carpenter by trade!

If you’re also a homeowner with the itch to make your house feel more yours, check out this month’s feature (p. 44) for a whole host of great ideas! And check out our profile of Marcus Mindlin (p. 22) for a peek behind the (foliage) curtain at the exciting world of landscaping.

And no matter the age or style of your home, you can find beautiful accessories for it at Opal & Oak (p. 36)—I’ve got my eye on the new spring mugs.

However you choose to feather your nest, I hope it brings you joy and teaches you something new about yourself. And if you want a free set of plans for corner bench seating, I’m happy to share mine! t

ANNE GODENHAM Editor In Chief

Notes Contributors

Julie Trimingham

Julie Trimingham is a mother, writer, and nontribal member of the Sacred Lands Conservancy (SacredSea.org), a Lhaq’temish-led non-profit dedicated to protecting Native sovereignty, treaty rights, sacred sites, and the life and waters of Xw’ullemy (the Salish Sea bioregion). Her heart is filled by the work to protect and promote ancestral place-based knowledge so that we can all learn to live here, with one another, and with Mother Earth, in a good way.  p. 20

Mary Kinser

Kolby LaBree

Growing up in Washington state, Mary learned early on that rainy days provided the perfect excuse to curl up with a good story. Mary is now a collection development librarian for Whatcom County Library System, where she gets to spend her days spreading the joy of reading. In her free time, she enjoys travel, board games, long walks, and baking delicious treats. She and her husband share their home with one son, one cat, and far too many books.  p. 23

Kolby LaBree is owner/operator of Bellinghistory Tours with the Good Time Girls, purveyors of guided walking tours and other historical edutainment in Bellingham since 2011. The Good Time Girls are available year-round for private tours and virtual events. See Bellinghistory.com for current offerings!  p. 23

Amberleigh Brownson

Amberleigh Brownson has her finger on the pulse of the food and beverage world and has a broad network of industry professionals and leaders. She is passionate about connecting people to further community support and ethical business endeavors and see shared success for all. Along with being an international wine judge and sommelier, she is also a published author, trained actress, mother, cook, Taekwondo enthusiast, and humanitarian.  p. 84

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Bellingham Alive welcomes comments and feedback for our Letters to the Publisher section. We’d love to hear what you have to say and are open to story ideas about the people, places, and happenings in the North Sound (Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan counties). Let us know what you like, and what you’d like to see in the magazine! Contact our editor at editor@bellinghamalive.com.

I have to tell you, when I get my Bellingham Alive, no matter what I have going on, I drop it immediately to stop and sit down and enjoy reading it. It is so glamorous! Keep up the great work!

— Sylviana G., Lynden

and up-and-coming businesses and personalities to our pages. It is in our mission to provide a resident who has lived here their entire lives something new they didn’t know existed in our little slice of the world. Enjoy, Lisa K., Publisher

Aww, Sylviana, that warms my heart. I am so happy you find such enjoyment within our pages. It is a labor of love from editorial to design and managment to sales. We hope you continue to enjoy us for years to come!

Lisa

K., Publisher

We moved here from the East Coast about eight years ago. In addition to be[ing] my husband’s manager (bernieworrell.com), I was also a real estate agent. If I was a real estate agent here, I would gift every one of my buyers a year’s subscription to your magazine. It would be such a wonderful way, particularly for newcomers, to experience all this area has to offer. I absolutely love your magazine!!! — Judie W. via email

Judie, thank you for the kind words. We strive every issue to bring new

My clients have been enjoying Bellingham Alive at the Salon (Joanna’s Skin Care Salon 1409 Girard St., Bellingham). The Welcome Guide looks great! It has a wealth of information. Not only new clients, but existing clients ask me about the information you are providing in this edition. Where can they get a copy?

Thank you! — Joanna S., Bellingham

Hi Joanna, I am so happy your clients enjoy Bellingham Alive and the 2024 edition of WELCOME Newcomers Guide. You are correct; the information provided is pretty incredible, from elected officials and public school boards to retail and restaurants, we pretty much cover it all. They can find their own copy at a local bank, tourism bureau, real estate office, or the Bellingham Airport terminal. Appreciate you, Lisa K., Publisher

We’ve

Photo by Kenna Johnston and Julia Cronyn

Discover, Learn, Grow

Local Resources for Garden-Lovers This Spring

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM

AS MARCH BRINGS us into spring, gardens all over the North Sound are waking up from their winter slumbers. Nurseries that might have closed for the season are open again, and local destination gardens are coming into bloom. Read on for resources galore, from local businesses to the area’s Master Gardeners and their gorgeous Discovery Garden in Mount Vernon.

Master Gardeners: Community Members, Community Resources

Master Gardeners are volunteers who receive training to become experts on horticulture, usually through a university extension (part of a university dedicated to ongoing education for people not enrolled in that university’s scholarship programs). It’s a point of pride that Washington State University founded the first Master Gardener program in 1973; the concept has now spread to all 50 states, some Canadian provinces, and even outside of North America. The programs exist to meet community demand for education about and assistance with urban horticulture, a need that boomed in the ’60s and ’70s and has remained ever since.

Our local Master Gardeners are trained by and work with WSU Extension in Whatcom, Skagit, and the San Juans. Their mission is to “provide education and mentoring to home gardeners about sound and sustainable,” even “science-based,” gardening. Master Gardener programs are often supported by self-run, non-profit foundations like the Skagit County Master Gardener Foundation and the Master Gardener Foundation of Whatcom County. They host plant sales, educational programs, run plant clinics (particularly helpful to beginners who don’t know the difference between root-bound and overwatered), and sometimes put their skills to work in demonstration gardens, as seen in Mount Vernon’s beautiful Discovery Garden.

Discovery Garden

No exaggeration: the Skagit County WSU Extension Master Gardener Program Discovery Garden is a jewel in Skagit’s crown and a must-visit for its extensive beauty and abundant community resources. There’s no better place to take visiting relatives who enjoy gardening, or to let your little kids run around and delight in the sheer variety of plant life.

The Discovery Garden began in 1994 as plans for a demonstration garden, with smaller themed gardens designed by Master Gardeners within a larger area. From 1996–1998, planting and construction took place, and the original 13 garden “rooms” were created. At this time in 2024, there are 30 garden rooms over 1.5 acres, each with a unique theme that can teach folks about horticulture.

The Discovery Garden has free admission and is open daily from dawn to dusk, with Skagit County Master Gardeners working the garden every Tuesday. Anybody is welcome to go and amble the ADA-accessible paths. Garden themes range from the wide-appealing Easy Care Garden to specific interests like the Japanese Garden, the Succulent Garden, and the Rhododendron Garden. Some areas can be used for events, like the Pavillion, and some gardens are designed for families and kids, like the Children’s Garden and the DIG-IT! School Garden.

In addition to the Discovery Garden, the surrounding area is occupied by six acres of fruit trees (many in stunning examples of espalier) and berries thanks to the Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation orchard, and an additional half-acre of native plants in the Salal Native Plant Garden. Keep an eye out for the Discovery Garden Open House, a summer event where you can explore all eight acres and meet with Master Gardeners and other experts.

Other Resources

There’s no shortage of classes you can find to help you get started or keep going! Check out the Whatcom County Library System events page for low-pressure classes at your local library. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, WeGrow Garden (where you’ll learn from Whatcom County Master Gardeners), and many local plant businesses and nurseries also host workshops.

Christianson’s Nursery

Photo Courtesy of Christianson’s Nursery

Shop and Grow

For the home pro…

Growsource

2200 Division St., Bellingham 360.318.8554, growsource.com

Growsource began back in 1996 with the goals of providing high-quality soil for local growers and turning unused landscaping by-products into soil enhancement. Nowadays they provide all sorts of substrate, starting with rich soil and compost and including barks, gravel, and rock to help with water conservation, weed control, and yard layout. Landscapers and gardeners alike can pick up or order delivery from Growsource to bring their big projects to fruition! They even have a convenient calculator on their website to help you ballpark how much product you’ll need for your landscape.

For the green thumb…

VW’s Home & Garden

8210 Portal Way, Blaine

360.366.3906, vwhomeandgarden.com

Stop in at this spacious family-owned and -operated store in Blaine to shop for a bit of everything—home goods, clothes, decorative garlands and houseplants, annuals, and perennials. Keep up with the seasons with their colorful hanging baskets of flowers in spring and summer, plentiful gourds in fall, and glorious poinsettias and wreaths in winter.

My Garden Nursery

Vander Giessen Nursery

Photo by David Vos

Photo by Kenna Johnston and Julia Cronyn

For the whole family…

Christianson’s Nursery & Greenhouse 15806 Best Rd., Mount Vernon 360.466.3821, christiansonsnursery.com

This well-known Skagit County locale is not just an expansive nursery with greenhouses and roses as far as the eye can see… It’s also a destination for community events! Classes and workshops here can teach you how to grow vegetables, craft with organic materials, forage, and much more. Keep an eye on their calendar for familyfriendly fall festivals, visits from Father Christmas, and their annual Rosy Day Out, a celebration of the rose, coming up in June!

For the outdoors appreciator… Whispers of Nature

220 Fisherman Bay Rd., Lopez Island 360.298.8665, whispersofnatureherbs.com

If you love plants and gardens but have no business attempting to keep them alive yourself, take some time out to visit Whispers of Nature on Lopez Island. This home farm and garden was founded in 2006 by Susie and Nick Teague. Their healing herb garden lines a seven-circuit labyrinth, which is usually open for walking either by yourself or guided by a facilitator by appointment. You can also take some of the garden home in the form of their healing herbal products! t

My Garden Nursery

929 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.366.8406, mygardennursery.com

Garden Spot Nursery

900 Alabama St., Bellingham 360.676.5480, garden-spot.com

Kent’s Garden & Nursery

5428 Northwest Dr., Bellingham 360.384.4433, kentsgardenandnursery.com

Vander Giessen Nursery

401 E. Grover St., Lynden 360.354.3097, vandergiessennursery.com

Plantas Nativa

315 E. Champion St., Bellingham 360.715.9655, plantasnativa.com

Photo courtesy of Christianson’s Nursery

Photo by Kay Torrence Discovery Garden

30th Running of the

Chuckanut 50k

WRITTEN BY MAYA HEINSELMAN

THE 30TH RUNNING of Bellingham’s famed ultramarathon is here, and the race is just as rigorous as ever! On March 16, spectators and runners alike will get to witness yet another year of the Chuckanut 50k. This race is not for the faint of heart—even experienced runners struggle through the middle 30k of the race, which takes them through the Chuckanut Mountain Ridge with a 5,000-foot climb. Ultrarunners from across the country train for months on end until the time comes to line up and see how they fare across this technical route.

Doug McKeever and Richard West founded the Chuckanut 50k in 1993; the event is currently headed by Krissy Moehl. Moehl, a dedicated trail and ultrarunner herself, is an ambassador for Patagonia, an outdoor clothing company that is also a sponsor of the Chuckanut 50k this year. The race is coupled with other organizations as well, including The Conservation Alliance and Toward Zero Waste. The former is dedicated to protecting the wildlife and ecosystems of North America, while the latter works toward reducing the waste accumulated at events like this ultramarathon. One of the ways they’re reducing waste this year is by having runners bring their own reusable water bottles to fill at aid stations instead of giving them disposable cups.

Good luck to those preparing to participate in the 2024 Chuckanut 50k! For those not planning on running the 50k, race coordinators are always looking for volunteers to aid and support the runners! Bellingham, chuckanut50krace.com t

5 Local Dogwalkers

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM

Boulevard Bark

Boulevard Bark goes above and beyond by keeping a Licensed Veterinary Technician on staff. In addition to daily dog walking and pet sitting, they’re able to provide animal nursing services in a pet’s own home. boulevardbark.com

Zazen Spa Extends its Menu with Fenex Coffee

WITH THEIR OPENING day bursting with customers, Fenex Coffee has found a new purpose for their cafe. Originally born from Zazen Spa as an extra amenity, Fenex Coffee has become a gathering space for locals and tourists.

Located near Hotel Bellwether, the chill, laid-back atmosphere allows customers to relax and enjoy a warm cup of coffee. Whether you’re working at a nearby office and in need of a pick-me-up, staying at the hotel, or waiting for a friend at Zazen, Fenex Coffee is there for whatever you need.

Fenex Coffee’s employees are kind, and they’re happy to help you choose from their extensive menu, including hot and cold drinks. Not in the mood for coffee? The menu has smoothies, shakes, Red Bull, Lotus drinks, and much more. If you’re hungry, there are plenty of pastries and sandwiches to fill you up.

According to the owner, Derrick Watson, Fenex Coffee combines quality ingredients with fine customer service rooted in the upscale service provided by Zazen Spa.

Not only is Fenex Coffee a place to relax, but it’s also a space meant to bring the community together through art. By bringing in local artists, authors, and speakers, Watson hopes to make Fenex Coffee not just a cafe, but a community hub. 11 Bellwether Way, Ste. 104, Bellingham, 360.715.1050, facebook.com/FenexCoffee

BRIANA TUVEY

Brianna’s Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Services

If you’re in need of a helping hand in Anacortes, look no further than Brianna! She offers affordable dog walking and drop-in visits to keep your dogs of all sizes happy and exercised! facebook.com/BriannaMeadHemphill

Photo by Ben Groenhout

Goodwill Opens, Community Plans

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNE GODENHAM

ON FEB. 2, Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington—the branch of Goodwill that covers Kitsap, Snohomish, Whatcom, Skagit, and King counties—opened their first new location in almost 10 years at the Crossroads Square complex in Sedro-Woolley, where a Rite Aid used to be.

The new store dedicates most of their large space to a well-organized, modern retail floor while also creating plenty of room for back-of-house staff areas. These include an expansive break room, a training room with computers, and a meditation area for staff wellness.

“A lot of the innovation is actually behind the walls,” says Divisional Vice President of E-Commerce, Retail, and Donations Strategy Brent Frerichs. “We brought in the walls [of the main area] about 30 feet on either side. And we did that with the intentionality of creating [space for] a much better environment for our team.”

Of course, it was also important that the new floorplan designate space for comfortable classrooms in support of Goodwill’s ultimate goal: education and work placement for community members of all ages, stripes, and situations.

“When a student comes to us, they’re not just getting an education,” says Senior VP of Mission Eileen Aparis. “They might be learning English because they’re a new immigrant. They’re getting a wraparound service as well. So if they need interview clothes, they’re getting Goodwill Dollars to go and shop in our stores, if they need to be referred to other services because they need assistance with housing, [that’s the] kind of thing that our case managers work with them [on].”

Evergreen Goodwill also provides students with access to loaner laptops, digital hotspots, and even a mobile classroom—their Digital Equity Bus, affectionately known as DEB. The goal is to remove barriers to success, while working with each community’s unique needs. 506 Crossroads Sq., Sedro-Woolley, 360.767.9030, evergreengoodwill.org t

NW Trail Dogs

If a two-hour, off-leash, off-road hike sounds like what you need for your high-energy pooch, then you’d better get on the waiting list for this popular Bellingham dog walking service! nw-traildogs.com

Calling All Readers!

Whatcom READS

GET YOUR HANDS on the annual Whatcom READS 2024 book selection, “Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk” by local author, Sasha taqwšǝblu LaPointe. Set in the Coast Salish ancestral lands, the story follows LaPointe as she aspires to fill the responsibilities of her great-grandmother, a linguist who helped to persevere the language of Lushootseed, as she resolves to make her way into the world on her terms making a better life for herself and her people.

Combining traditional spiritual practices with Pacific Northwest punk rock aesthetics, “Red Paint’’ won the 2023 Pacific Northwest Book Award and the Washington State Book Award for Creative Nonfiction/Memoir.

Whatcom READS is holding events around the county from March 14 to March 16 with the author to discuss her intersectional autobiography, learn about the craft of creative writing, and answer audience questions at the Mount Baker Theatre. whatcomreads.org AVA BOORN

West Coast Pets

Abigail with West Coast Pets can walk and care for your cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, or even chickens! She also offers dog grooming services by appointment in Fairhaven. westcoast-pets.com

Pet Sitters by the Bay

This family-owned business keeps your house looking lived-in, your dogs happily walked, and your cats enriched with playtime. They’ll even email you pictures of your beloved furry friends while you’re away! baypetsitters.com

Since Time

Immemorial

Noelani Auguston

WRITTEN BY JULIE TRIMINGHAM

PHOTO BY DANI WINTERS PHOTOGRAPHY

SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared home in a good, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to restore our relationship with Mother Earth and with one another. We are grateful for these stories, told in the words of each featured individual.

Noelani Auguston is an enrolled member of Shxwhá:y Village of the Sto:lo Nation, and has family ties with both Lummi and Nooksack. A graduate of the University of Washington, she received her MFA in creative writing with a focus on screenwriting from the Institute of American Indian Arts. She currently works as a screenwriter and producer for Children of the Setting Sun Productions (CSSP).

How would you like to introduce yourself?

Noelani kwen-sná. I7lh chan tolí7 Noxwsá7aq qe Shxwhá:y ilh ta Stol:o qe Kanaka Maoli. I’m the daughter of Andrea Bumatay-Jefferson and Joseph Jefferson Sr. I am the granddaughter of Priscilla Gladstone and Andy Bumatay. I grew up here in Whatcom County on the Nooksack reservation. I live with my husband and three-year-old son.

I’ve heard some introductions in Xwlemi Chosen, the Lummi language, but your introduction sounds different.

Lhéchalosem. It’s a language of Nooksack and the lower Fraser River area.  I’m not fluent at all, but language is part of our culture; it’s important

to speak it. We have only a handful of fluent speakers.

I can imagine that language might also be important to you since you’re a working writer and filmmaker. How did you get your start in all this?

I used to be a kid in elementary school writing poems, little stories, songs. I was also really interested in films and movies. I remember sitting down with a notebook watching movies and writing down all the action, transcribing the dialogue.

What does your writing life look like these days?

At CSSP, I’m like an overall writer. Scripting dramatic projects like The Sound, working on documentaries, storyboarding themes and ideas, characters.

“The Sound” has been getting a lot of attention lately.

Yeah, it’s a dramatic series; we just finished the proof of concept pilot, which we’re hoping will help secure funding for the whole series. I wasn’t at CSSP when the project started—they brought me on after the first draft was done and it felt like it needed a local Salish voice.

What’s it about?

A misfit group of Salish teens travels by canoe through their ancestral waterways, and all the while they come to terms with grief, healing, identity, love, loss. We call it ‘Reservation Dogs meets Euphoria.’ It’s real and raw, dealing with mental health issues—we don’t sugarcoat things. But we also, you know, keep it PG.

Is there a film project that you carry around in your heart and in your dreams, one you’re passionate about making some day?

Yes. It’s my Salish superhero flick. It comes from one of our local legends about X:als the Transformer—he’s a shapeshifter who has the ability to heal conflicts. I thought it would be cool if this transformer power gets pushed into a meek Salish girl who must fight forces that are destroying her homelands. Epic battles with a cool finale in the

Cascades, where rocks and trees and huge ancestral soldiers kind of break out of the mountain form to help our girl superhero.

That sounds fantastic! Is there a teaching of some sort that you hold close, that helps guide you in your work?

There’s a quote from Charene Alexander that really resonates with me: “Storytelling is medicine and it’s healing for our people to be able to share.” As Native people, with the systematic abuse that has happened to us through the generations, when it comes to sharing who we are, it’s like, we have our walls up. But you know, we’re starting to share our stories and share our customs and values with the hope that as people learn about us and the history here, we can all live together in kindness and understanding.

I always like to ask, what do you do for fun or to restore yourself?

I like playing with my kid and really being in the moment with him. Being on the land, outside. We have property out here in Nooksack territory and it’s so nice—we’ve got blueberries, the river’s close by. During the harvest times my husband and I go up into the hills, up past the Falls, and grab cedar, devil’s club, different things.

Anything you’d like to add?

My journey has been something that feels beyond me, like things have just fallen into place when I’ve followed my gut. There’s a spiritual feeling within you when you really connect to the elements, and pray, when you feel your ancestors come to you. It’s like a fire in your belly. I just have to tell any young Native people, any youth out there, that you have to follow those instincts and those passions and those things that give you joy.

Yálh kwómalh ashóy, Noelani! t

Family Business for Family Business

Marcus Mindlin of Dean’s Tree Service

WRITTEN BY NICOLE KIMBERLING | PHOTO BY KRIS GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

MARCUS MINDLIN SMILES a lot.

And not just in a politely professional way. He has the smile of a guy who cares a lot about other people. When I asked him how he joined the arborist trade he explained that it’s just what he’s always done.

“My whole life I’ve always done landscaping. My mom always said I just liked playing in the dirt. And I like design. I want everyone to find that perfect design for their own bubble.”

He went on to talk about landscape and exterior design, describing how he took architecture classes all through high school, eventually teaching the class in his senior year. And after high school he served as an AmeriCorps mentor with the now-defunct Seattle Youth Gardenworks, a program that taught gardening and landscaping to unhoused teens in the Seattle area.

Mindlin’s group flourished to the extent that they not only exhibited at the 2005 Northwest Flower and Garden Show, but also took home that year’s Founder’s Cup—as well as two other top prizes.

“The exhibit was typical of what you can do in an urban vacant lot, lots of plants and flowering vegetables,” he says. “When the kids started they couldn’t identify even one plant. Then they made it so far. It was great.”

In a way, the display was biographical. Mindlin’s paternal grandmother moved to Seattle from Alabama in the ‘40s, when the Central District was redlined. She bought two plots of land, built a house on one, and kept the other free for her extensive garden.

“Because of segregation, people in the Central District didn’t have access to fresh food,” Mindlin explains. “So after my grandmother passed so many people came up to us explaining how her garden had been where they ate

back then. They had that community. You can have a rich life regardless of circumstances and what’s around you if you have that community.”

His maternal grandmother was born in Seattle and therefore had a lot of knowledge of native plants, which she wildcrafted. She sparked within her grandson an inspiration toward self-reliance and lost knowledge that culminated in a move to Bellingham to participate in the homesteading movement with his then-wife and their children.

“When I moved to Bellingham it was like: everything outside, I want to learn how to do.”

Eventually he answered a Craigslist ad placed by an arborist asking for someone to help drag some brush.

“My whole life I’ve always done landscaping. My mom always said I just liked playing in the dirt. And I like design. I want everyone to find that perfect design for their own bubble.”

“I thought, ‘sounds interesting.’ And I lucked into meeting a wonderful, encouraging man.”

That was Dean Bumstead, original owner of Dean’s Tree Service—the man who inspired the logo that remains on Mindlin’s business cards to this day. The two worked together for many years, until Dean’s recent retirement.

“I learned from him—old-school climbing techniques using just ropes. It was like learning a new sport. I love trees,” Mindlin says. “These days I get a lot of calls from people who buy a house that comes with a refrigerator that has a magnet with Dean’s number on it. ‘Rooted in Quality’—that’s the motto.” He gives me another warm trademark grin. “The sellers often leave it there so the new owners know who to call.”

Got trees that need some love? Call Marcus Mindlin! Bellingham, 360.671.4642 t

Book Reviews

WRITTEN BY MARY KINSER

“The Storm We Made”

by Vanessa Chan

Frozen River”

by Ariel Lawhon

In this evocative novel set in British-colonized Malaya, a chance encounter sets off a chain of events that irrevocably alters a family’s life. Housewife Cecily Alcantara is charmed by merchant Bingley Chan when the two meet at a party in 1934. The two grow closer, and eventually Chan reveals his secret: his true name is General Fujiwara, and he is an agent for the Japanese Imperial Army seeking to cast off British rule. Fujiwara persuades Cecily to steal information from her husband’s government employers— information that, years later, leads to a brutal period of Japanese occupation during WWII. Cecily’s children and husband are caught in the net of violence brought on by the war. The two storylines are intertwined as both Cecily’s actions and their effects are slowly revealed. Readers will be riveted by this absorbing story and the questions it asks about loyalty, honor, and the aftermath of war.

It’s winter 1789 in Hallowell, Maine. Midwife Martha Ballard is summoned to the town’s tavern to attend a patient. When she arrives, Martha is surprised to learn she’s been asked to examine a body found frozen in the icy Kennebec River earlier that morning. The dead man is Joshua Burgess, who, along with another man, stands accused of raping a local woman. The rape has not been brought to trial, and Martha is one of the few who seems to believe an assault occurred. Now Burgess has been murdered. It’s obvious to Martha that the rape and the murder are connected, and she slowly realizes that she might be the only one able to push for justice. As in her previous books, author Ariel Lawhon grounds this work in fact, drawing from Martha Ballard’s real-life notes and journals to recreate true events. This is historical fiction done right—immersive and character-rich, a page-turner that’s faithful to the past even as it addresses larger issues that are still relevant today.

Literary Events

March 2, 7:30 p.m.

Timothy Egan

Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.8955, lincolntheatre.org

The Mount Vernon Library Foundation presents Pulitzer Prize and National Book Awardwinning author Timothy Egan! Egan’s books, including “A Fever in the Heartland,” and “The Good Rain,” will be available for purchase at the event courtesy of La Conner’s Seaport Books, and Egan will stick around after his talk and Q&A for some signings!

March 14, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Whatcom READS: Book Discussion with Sasha taqwšǝblu LaPointe Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Hwy., Deming 360.592.2422, wcls.org

Join this year’s Whatcom READS author for a lively discussion of her book, “Red Paint: the Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk.” If you can’t make it to the Deming Library, there are other opportunities to see her live during March! Find them on whatcomreads.org.

March 26, 6–7 p.m.

Soul Jar: Thirty-one Fantastical Tales by Disabled Authors

Village Books, 1200 11th St., Bellingham 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com

If you love sci-fi, you’ll know that disability in the fictional future is often dealt with by a hand-waving, “Oh, we fixed that forever ago” kind of erasure. Meet with three of the authors behind “Soul Jar,” a fiction anthology with disability representation at the forefront, as they speak about the book!

This Month in Bellinghistory

WRITTEN BY KOLBY LABREE OF BELLINGHISTORY TOURS WITH THE GOOD TIME GIRLS

March 2, 1878

“Dan Harris, of ours, started for Cariboo, leading an ox-team, last Thursday morning. For a man who once refused some thirty thousand dollars for his eligibly located real estate on Bellingham Bay, Dan

takes this mundane sphere about as indifferently as any one we know of. He is a considerable sort of a philosopher for all that.”

March 12, 1891

“Frank Logan, the prisoner today sentenced to Walla

Walla penitentiary for five years, applied croton oil to his face to make the appearance of smallpox, hoping to be sent to the hospital, from which he might escape, but a prisoner gave the trick away and Logan leaves for the penitentiary with a sore face…”

March 30, 1911

The husband of Madame Myrtle Baker was busted for selling booze out of her brothel when “French Pete” sauntered out with a bottle of beer on his hip. A wagonload of “bubble juice” was taken from the joint.

“The

SPOTLIGHT MARCH TOP PICKS

‘LOVE LETTERS’: A FILM PREMIERE AND PANEL DISCUSSION WITH CATHARINE R. STIMPSON, ELIZABETH WOOD, AND GRETA SCHILLER

March 8

In celebration of International Women’s Day, CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival is partnering with Western Washington University to host the world premiere of ‘Love Letters,’ “a profound story of love and activism” that follows the relationship between renowned feminist scholar Dr. Catharine R. Stimpson and musicologist Dr. Elizabeth Wood, as well as Wood’s legal battle for custody of her children. A panel discussion with Catharine R. Stimpson, Elizabeth Wood, and Greta Schiller will follow the screening of the 39-minute documentary. 7:30 p.m., WWU Performing Arts Center Mainstage, 516 High St., Bellingham, 360.650.6146

RAISE THE ROOF GALA AND BENEFIT AUCTION— UNMASKING AFFORDABLE HOUSING

March 9

Join co-emcees Kristen Keltz, CEO of Skagit Tourism Bureau, and KAPS Radio DJ Mike Yoeman for a Venetian-carnival themed night of live and silent auctions, dinner, drinks, desserts, and live music and entertainment. Support Habitat for Humanity’s annual

CHUCKANUT 50K

March 16

Our area is well-known for this ultra running race, a technical and tricky course where runners ascend 5,000 feet over the Chuckanut Mountain ridge. This year Chuckanut 50k celebrates its 30th running with special collaborations with K’UL Chocolate and Wander Brewing. If you’re not quite up for the ultra, join racers, friends, and fans for a 3-mile shakeout run the day after at 9 a.m. at Fairhaven Runners. Bellingham chuckanut50krace.com

fundraiser event for affordable housing solutions in Skagit County. Don't forget to wear your best costume! 6 p.m., Swinomish Casino and Lodge, 12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, skagithabitat.com

WHATCOM CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL

March 15–17

Honor the diverse cultures of the Whatcom area with food, song, dance, fine art, and crafts. All are invited to display what makes their culture unique through various creative ventures. The festival’s goal is to bring representation to various cultures by asking participants to create work inspired by their cultural training and background in their selected medium. 12–6 p.m., 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360.676.8548, alliedarts.org

BELLINGHAM ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

March 17

Whether you are marching in the parade or just cheering from the sidelines, adorn yourself in your best shades of green and join in on this community celebration! Connect with friends and neighbors while honoring the Bellingham Fire Department and Police Department. Celebrate all the ways to keep Bellingham green with the parade festivities. 12 p.m., Downtown Bellingham stpatsbham.com

Photo by Ben Groenhoet

BOOGARINS & LEVITATION ROOM

March 1

Get ready to rock psychedelically with Brazilian rock band Boogarins and Los Angeles indie rock band Levitation Room. Boogarins’s music mixes Brazil’s musical history with a modern flare. Levitation Room brings lo-fi aesthetics to fanciful melodies. Come herald the sunny days with friends through groovy songs with groovy people. 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.778.1067, shakedownbellingham.com

WHATCOM READS ART CHALLENGE EXHIBIT

March 1–30

The Whatcom READS Art Challenge encouraged artists from our community to create pieces inspired by this year’s annual, county-wide book club pick, “Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk,” by Sasha taqwšǝblu LaPointe. Alongside featured creators like Jason LaClair and Akiko Victorson, artists of all experiences will show their pieces for the theme of “legacies.” Allied Arts of Whatcom County, 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.8548, alliedarts.org

WHATCOM FARM EXPO

March 2

Farming is a huge part of Whatcom’s local culture and industry. At the eighth annual Farm Expo, anyone interested in our local agriculture can come to see speakers, explore resources, network, and learn. This free event is fun for the whole family, farmers new and experienced, and a great way to grow connections! 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Northwest Washington Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1775 Front St., Lynden, 360.526.2381, whatcomcd.org

WANDER THE TRAILS RUN CLUB

March 6, 13, 20, 27

Wander Brewing, Aspire Adventure Running, and Chuckanut 50k have joined forces to establish this weekly running group. They have distances for all abilities and aim to be a midweek, social run where folks can fit some time on the trails into their busy schedules. After hitting the dirt, hit the bar at Wander! 6 p.m., Wander Brewing, 1807 Dean Ave., Bellingham, 360.647.6152, wanderbrewing.com

17TH ANNUAL COLLABORATIVE PROFESSIONALS OF WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

March 7–9

Collaborative Professionals of Washington (CPW) has chosen Bellingham as the host city of their 17th annual conference, where legal professionals and groups can meet and share knowledge about the burgeoning practice of collaborative law. With panels and speakers on subjects ranging from divorce mortgage planning to collaborative parenting plans, this conference is a great place to get up to date on a more humane form of family law. Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center, 714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham, 360.671.1011, collaborativeprofessionalsofwashington.org

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S GREATEST WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHS

March 9–September 8

Curated by National Geographic’s natural history editor, Kathy Moran, this exhibit showcases the best of National Geographic’s wildlife photography. Explore both the animal kingdom and the evolution of photography over the past 115 years. Additionally, an open exhibition of Pacific Northwest photography, “Get the Shot,” will be run at the same time using the gallery’s digital display. Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher Building, 250 Flora St., Bellingham, 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.org

MIKE ALLEN QUARTET: SWING INTO SPRING

March 13

Get ready to swing into the springtime with Mike Allen, Miles Black, Michael Glynn, and Julian MacDonough as they play a full night of spring-themed classical jazz. With songs like “Spring is Here,” and “You Must Believe in Spring,” there is nothing better than starting the season off with this musical celebration. 6:30–8:30 p.m., FireHouse Arts & Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.510.3031, jazzcenterofbellingham.org

HELL’S BELLES

March 16

This all-female AC/DC tribute band is back to shred up the stage. This is an experience of appreciation of a beloved genre that also rocks hard on its own merit! 8–9:30 p.m. Swinomish Casino & Lodge, 12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, 888.288.8883 swinomishcasinoandlodge.com

Photo Courtesy of Thomas Marriott

Enriching the Local Community for 20 Years

McIntyre Hall Celebrates a Big Anniversary

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNE GODENHAM

MOUNT VERNON’S MCINTYRE Hall is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, commemorating two decades of serving up dazzling musical theater, inspiring dance performances, stunning concerts, and other special events to Skagit County and beyond.

As part of Skagit Valley College, McIntyre Hall is the go-to performance space for the school’s music and theater departments, but they also host Mount Vernon High School’s choir and music departments, as well as other organizations including the Skagit Symphony,

Skagit Valley Chorale, Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, Pacific Northwest Opera, Theater Arts Guild, and Fidalgo Youth Symphony.

In addition to regularly scheduled programming from the above local organizations, the hall’s agenda often includes children’s programs, special events, and touring artists—many of whom are internationally renowned.

All of McIntyre Hall’s performances and events are intended to “enrich, inspire, and entertain,” and for 20 years they’ve been achieving that goal. Here’s to at least 20 more! McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, 360.416.7727, mcintyrehall.org t

RUNNIN O’ THE GREEN 5K & 8K

March 16

Get ready to run, jog, or walk in your best St. Patrick’s Day outfit. Dress head-to-toe in your finest greens or costumes, because it’s time to celebrate Bellingham’s amazing parks with this annual 5K and 8K race. Don’t forget to stick around after the awards ceremony for more festivities like the St. Patrick’s parade. 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.647.5593, cob.org

31ST ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SALE & CELEBRATION

March 16

Whatcom Conservation District invites you to celebrate the coming of spring with this annual sale promoting the conservation of our local native plants! All available plants are graded by their ability to survive year-round, not on aesthetics. These plants are ready to provide your habitat with all their natural benefits. 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry St., Ferndale 360.526.2381, whatcomcd.org

SAM OUTLAW

March 21

Intertwining influences of westernwaltz and desert haze combine to create country with a twist of South California, and its on the way up North. Americana songwriter and producer Sam Outlaw mixes country twang with California pop to fashion his sound. Outlaw brings more to the stage than just his musical talent— he also packs his sets with his witty sense of humor. 8:30 p.m., The Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

TRAVELOGUE: FROM GLACIERS TO RAINFORESTS, ENCOUNTERS WITH THE NATURE OF SOUTHEAST ALASKA

March 21

Christine Smith, owner and operator of Northwest Navigation, presents this travelogue at the Whatcom Museum. Explore the beauty of Tongass National Forest and Glacier Bay National Park through a presentation full of stunning photography and intriguing storytelling. Christine has been a tour guide of the Alaskan wilds for 18 years on the decks of Motor Vessel David B. 7–9 p.m. Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St. Bellingham, 360.778.8930, cob.org

LIVE! San Juan Community Theatre TASTE OF LOVE

March 23

Crave Catering invites you to their special day—a tasting event open to engaged couples, fellow wedding industry experts, and the public! This event is a showcase of services you might need for your or a loved one’s wedding. Crave Catering will be serving up “a delightful array of dishes,” and everyone from florists to photographers will be there to answer questions!

5:30–8:30 p.m., Lairmont Manor, 405 Fieldston Rd., Bellingham 360.223.4900, cravecatering.net

CONCERT SERIES: JASON STOLL

March 23

Jason Stoll is a classical pianist with an international career and a long list of collaborations with various orchestras. In his solo career and performances, his programs can range from “jazzical” (jazzy classics and renditions), to musical exhibitions of Chopin and Liszt, to “Latin Masterworks.” Hear his mastery of the keys at the Jansen Art Center! 7:30 p.m. Jansen Art Center, 311 Front St., Lynden 360.354.3600, jansenartcenter.org

MELODIOUS MELODIOUS NOTES OVER NOTES OVER THE HARBOR THE HARBOR

62ND ANNUAL GEM & MINERAL SHOW

March 23–24

From gems and jewelry to fossils and rocks, here comes the annual gem and mineral show! With activities for children, a raffle, exhibits, food service, and on-going silent auction, get ready to bring your wallet and find treasures. Mount Baker Rock and Gem Club proceeds support third-year Western geology students’ scholarships. Pioneer Pavilion Community Center, 2007 Cherry St., Ferndale, 564.565.0840 mtbakerrockclub.org

HANNEKE CASSEL BAND

March 24

The acoustics of fiddle and guitar blend together just as Scottish tradition and contemporary music do to create the sound of Boston-based fiddler Hanneke Cassel. Influences of tradition from the Isle of Skye and Cape Breton Island meet Americana in a rhythmic, playful execution of masterful fiddling. Cassel uses ingenuity to bring the essence of Scotland to the Northwest. 3 p.m., Littlefield Celtic Center, 1124 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon, 360.416.4934, celticarts.org

APRIL 6, 2024 APRIL 6, 2024 7:30 PM 7:30 PM

ADULTS $25 ADULTS $25 STUDENTS $15 STUDENTS $15

Life Events

THOMAS MARRIOTT QUARTET

March 27

If you’re a local jazz fan, you’ve probably heard of Thomas Marriott. His 14 albums are loved by jazz radio, and he’s spent over 20 seasons with the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. He’s also the founder of Seattle Jazz Fellowship, a non-profit that keeps the art of jazz alive and well in Seattle. Enjoy a night with this local brass powerhouse! 7:30 p.m., FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.510.3031 jazzcenterofbellingham.org

DINNER WITH FRIENDS

March 29–April 14

Karen and Gabe are ready to “grow old and fat” together, but a sudden shock at their dinner party disrupts those plans; their long-term friends, Beth and Tom, are getting divorced. Follow the group as they examine friendship, loyalty, and marriage, bouncing between the present and 12 years before in Martha’s Vineyard. This production is a little saucy, so think twice about bringing the kids. Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham, 360.733.1811 bellinghamtheatreguild.com

OUT OF TOWN

SEATTLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

March 2–17

This festival celebrates the best in global Jewish cinema, featuring events and screenings in person and online. Community engagement will be at the forefront of the festival, with a night of opening festivities on March 2, a “Red Carpet Oscars Party” on March 10, and a silent movie accompanied by a live score to close the festival out on March 17. Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way, Mercer Island, 206.232.7115, sjcc.org

BALLET BC’S “NOW”

March 7–9

Contemporary dance company BALLET BC presents “NOW,” a show featuring three performances choreographed by Micaela Taylor, Crystal Pite, and Out Innerspace’s Tiffany Tregarthen and David Raymond. BALLET BC’s 2023/24 season overall is focused on the power of creation, and “NOW” is full of powerful new works to showcase that theme. 8 p.m., Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton St. Vancouver, 604.665.3050, balletbc.com

EASTER SWING

March 28–March 31

Apparently, Easter and swing dancing go hand-in-hand! Hundreds of folks will be at this West Coast Swing event to dance Easter weekend away. There will be workshops, competitions (where you can win an artisan blown-glass Easter egg trophy), a bar and lounge for those over 21, free photography, and more at this West Coast Swing community celebration! Hyatt Regency Bellevue, 900 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue 425.462.1234, easterswing.org

Skagit Youth Honored at Youth of the Year Awards Dinner

PHOTO COURTESY OF SKAGIT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

The 2019 Youth of the Year Awards Dinner, held in early 2020, was the last event the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County put on before the pandemic shut down in-person gatherings. It’s fitting, then, that the 2024 dinner was their first event since the shut-downs.

As a result of the gap, Skagit Clubs CEO and President Ron McHenry included various honorees from 2020–2022 in addition to the 2023 honorees. Attendees were treated to

speeches from Junior Youths of the Year in between homages to National Service to the Youth Award winners, before the drumroll moment: a speech from each of the two Youth of the Year finalists, Carter Lee Tillman (MVHS) and Gavin Clifton (Sedro Wooley) and then the decision. The winner, Tillman, joins the ranks of young people who’ve been leading their peers as Youth of the Year since 1947.

ANNE GODENHAM

Photo by Maddy Cristall

Northwest UkuleleJam Hall

NORTHWEST UKULELE JAM

March 10

JOHN REISCHMAN & THE JAYBIRDS

March 15

FIDALGO & MOUNT BAKER YOUTH SYMPHONY SPRING GALA

March 16

SKAGIT SYMPHONY LONGING FOR HOME

March 23

OUMOU SANGARE

April 5

NORTHWINDS QUINTET

April 7

PACIFIC NORTHWEST OPERA THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO

April 12-21

LIGHTWIRE THEATER: DINO-LIGHT

April 26

ADONIS PUENTES & THE VOICE OF CUBA

April 27

SKAGIT VALLEY CHORALE CELEBRATING IN SONG

May 4-5

ST. PATRICK’S DAY is on Sunday, March 17 this year and it’s time to plan where you’ll be celebrating. Between Bellingham and Fairhaven, there are multiple places and events where you can celebrate Irish culture. t

FIVE FAVES

5 Places to Celebrate

St. Patrick’s Day

WRITTEN BY SOL VANDEMAN | PHOTO BY ISABELA SHAW

1

Runnin’ O’ the Green 5K

Run through the streets of downtown Bellingham wearing your best green on March 16 at 10 a.m. Registration for the 5K and 8K can be accessed at cob.org and closes on March 13. W. Laurel and Cornwall Ave. Bellingham, 360.778.7000, cob.org

2 Bellingham St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Join the community on the streets of downtown Bellingham for this free and family-friendly event on March 17 at 12 p.m. The parade starts at Waypoint Park and finishes in front of Boundary Bay Brewery. W. Laurel Ave. Bellingham, stpatsbham.com

3 Flattery at Stones Throw Brewery

On March 17, Enjoy Celticinfused music by Flattery, a local Celtic band, at Stones Throw Brewery in Fairhaven from 2–4 p.m. This event is for all ages, and is pet-friendly and free. 1009 Larrabee Ave. Fairhaven, 360.362.5058 stonesthrowbrewery.com

4

Glynn’s Shamrock Pub

Enjoy an ice-cold beer and some pub grub at Glynn’s Shamrock Pub. This local pub is open daily, so the St. Paddy’s fun can last all week! 5309 Guide Meridian Rd., Bellingham 360.398.1702, facebook.com

5

Boundary Bay Brewery

With its in-house tap list and diverse food menu, Boundary Bay Brewery is a great place to celebrate the holiday. Boundary Bay Brewery is also where the awards for Runnin’ O’ the Green are taking place. 1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.647.5593, bbaybrewery.com

For all of your grooming needs, let Wally’s take care of you for any occasion.

Voted Best Men’s Haircut 8 Years in a Row

Wally’s

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND HAS been the Scottish Capital since the 15th century. Here you’ll find two distinct UNESCO Heritage sites, Old Town which includes Edinburgh Castle and New Town, whose neoclassical style dates back to the 18th century and whose infrastructure had an influence on European urban planning.

When coming into Edinburgh you’ll find Edinburgh Castle hard to miss; its massive structure stands on Castle Rock and overlooks Old Town. The fortress was home to Queen Margaret in 1093, who later gained sainthood, then to King Charles I and many other Dukes, Kings, and Queens throughout the centuries. Within the walls you’ll see Edinburgh’s oldest structure, St. Margaret's Chapel, built in the 12th century in honor of Queen Margaret by her son King David I.

Throughout the centuries many buildings and structures were added as the castle changed hands and survived many sieges—26 to be exact—making it the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world. Today it is the headquarters to the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. It also houses the oldest Crown Jewels of Scotland, including the crown, scepter, and sword of state; in the same room you will also find the Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scotland's monarchy, that was seized

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA KARLBERG

by King Edward I in 1296 and brought to England. There, it was built into a new throne at Westminster Abbey, and from then on it was used by the monarchy for coronation ceremonies in England and Great Britain. It was returned home to Scotland in 1996 and remains in the Crown Jewel Room, only to be removed for coronations at Westminster Abbey.

When coming up to the castle you will be on the Royal Mile—this was and is the main thoroughfare to enter the castle. Here you will find many stores and restaurants located in buildings preserved throughout the centuries. One of the restaurants, The Witchery, is located right beside the spot where witches were burned at the stake in the 16th to 18th centuries. The Royal Mile runs from the castle to the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the King has his Scottish residence.

New Town borders Old Town and was built between 1767 and 1850. This part of Edinburgh retains its old-world charm and is the main shopping area, which includes Princess Street and hosts upscale shops, restaurants, chain stores, bars, cocktail lounges, and a spectacular view of Edinburgh Castle.

Events to Plan Around

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, held in August at the entrance to Edinburgh Castle. This event hosts the best military and Scottish bagpipe bands from around the European Nation. It is a battle of the bands, so to speak, and is accompanied by a magnificent light show and ends with fireworks nightly. The stands only hold 8,800 so it is important to prebook your tickets.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Throughout the month of August, Edinburgh hosts performers from around the globe who are on the “fringe” of breaking through; performances are held in bars, alleys, theaters, down the Royal Mile… anywhere they can find a spot. Many performances are free (pass the hat at the end) while others charge a very minimal fee. It is worth the experience—no need to pre book as flyers and booklets are plentiful around New and Old Town.

Things to Do

Arthur’s Seat, located in Holyrood Park, is an ancient volcano and main peak to the group of hills in Edinburgh; take a hike up Arthur’s Seat and get a spectacular view of the palace and city.

Johnnie Walker Flagship Store, located on Princess Street. This eight-floor store is a dream come true for whiskey lovers; from the customized Whiskey Experience to explore the flavors of Scotland to the dining, bars, and retail store, they have it all.

Take a tour of Edinburgh Castle to learn more about the history, sieges, buildings, and gruesome past that many endured during medieval times.

Are you a beer lover? There are many Scottish pubs located in and around the city. Take a self-guided tour and visit many of the oldest pubs in the U.K.. Be sure to try Sheep Heid Inn, the oldest licensed public house, dating back to 1360— the Ye Olde Golf Tavern dates back to 1456, and the White Hart Inn dates back to 1516. t

Photo by Anne Godenham

A Design Dream Realized

Opal & Oak

WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM

The Shop

On Front Street, right next to the big blue windmill that marks the beginning of Lynden’s historic downtown retail area, sparkles a bright home decor shop, the kind of place you just can’t resist popping into.

Owner Hollie Morris says she always wanted to own a shop, but it was only when the perfect storefront opened up and her new husband gave her a nudge that she took the plunge, leaving behind a 20-year career in kitchen design to launch Opal & Oak. Her husband’s encouragement wasn’t just lip service, either; they co-own the store together.

The Atmosphere Morris’s efforts have certainly paid off. Opal & Oak is the definition of inviting: the large front windows cast a warm glow out onto the sidewalk, and the first thing I noticed upon opening the door was how incredible it smelled inside. Not overwhelming, just gently fragrant.

It’s the candles, Morris said when I commented. They perfume the store even without being lit, and I had to credit the selection of scents for not clashing with one another— they all had the same clean, contemporary profile.

Visually, the store is vibrant and cheery, full of bright— but again, not clashing—colors and inviting textures. The product displays are small enough and well enough placed to offer multiple visitors the ability to browse at the same time without feeling crowded.

Photo by Kris Gray Photography

Photo by Anne Godenham

Photo by Anne Godenham Photo by Anne Godenham

Style Savvy Shopper

Key People

Morris and her husband employ two part-time staffers, but everyone’s favorite employee is their infant son, Max. He’s the shop’s unofficial mascot, and has been pretty much since birth.

“A few months after we opened the store [I found out] I was pregnant,” Morris says. “And I was like, ‘Well, God has his plans. So we’re going for it. We just opened a store but here we go.’”

Regular customers love Max (who, I can confirm, is exceptionally cute), and often comment on how much he’s grown since they last saw him. His presence gives the store even more of a community feel.

What You’ll Find

Opal & Oak sells everything from jewelry and scarves to mugs and vases— they even sell houseplants! The selection is eclectic in the best way: a wide range of items with a cohesive style.

“I make sure it’s something that I like or love,” Morris says. “I also have to think of the demographic of the area and what would actually sell. So some things I may not have in my house but I still appreciate and love them.”

Favorites

I expected Morris to hesitate or wring her hands over this one, as so many shop owners do when asked to choose a favorite ‘child,’ but her answer came swiftly.

“My current favorite is actually on that shelf right there in the middle,” she says, pointing to a tall wall of shelving displaying mugs, small cream pitchers, and a coordinating framed print. “I love everything on that shelf. The checkered, the bright colors, the warm kind of spring/summer colors…”

I have to admit that those mugs caught my eye as well, the minute I entered the store, and I had to resist buying one. Clearly, the display is doing its job! 655 Front St., Ste. 6, Lynden 360.778.1760, opalandoakhome.com t

Photo by Anne Godenham

Photo by Kris Gray Photography

Photo by Kris Gray Photography

Photo by Kris Gray Photography

4

1 5 Style Necessities

Rainy Season Picks for Fashion and Function

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM

HAVING THE RIGHT gear for the weather can mean the difference between an enjoyable outing and a total slog. In the rain, it’s important to be both waterproof and somewhat warm. It’s a bonus if you can shake something off then tuck it away until it’s needed again.

3 6 38 BellinghamAlive.com

1 The Freeman Raincoat

Freeman Seattle, $365 713 Broadway E., Seattle 206.327.9932 freemanseattle.com

2 Isle Jacobson Rubber Boots

Walking Mod, $139 707 S. First St., La Conner, 360.399.1888 walkingmod.com

3 prAna Cozy Up Skyland Dress

REI, $89

400 36th St., Bellingham 360.647.8955 rei.com

4 Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Dress

REI, $99

400 36th St., Bellingham 360.647.8955 rei.com

5 Water Resistant Time Teller OPP

Nixon, $100 nixon.com

6 Clear Bubble Umbrella Totes, $45 totes.com

Don’t Wait for Perfection, Follow Your Dream Now

Ellē Nicole Boutique

WRITTEN BY ELLIE COBERLY | PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELLĒ NICOLE

GROOVY, VIBRANT, HAPPY, and funky! These are the words Ell ē Nicole uses to describe her line of colorful and floral loungewear, inspired by her surroundings in the Pacific Northwest. The young entrepreneur has always been inspired by any and all things creative: drawing, painting, and crafting, to name a few.

Ell ē turned away from the traditional “path to college” after graduating from high school in 2021. She started out by running a second hand online thrift shop, hunting for clothes and reselling them. But the itch she had for something more wasn’t fulfilled.

“I wanted to start my own brand where I could evolve, grow, and constantly create; so Ell ē Nicole was born,” she explains.

Social media has played a key role in the boutique’s success, and helps spread the brand to individuals all over the world. The 20-year-old business owner started her brand two years ago and now has a following of over 66,000 on Instagram. Many of her followers are fellow young female entrepreneurs, and she shares that the support she receives from that community is like no other.

“There are so many insanely talented young girls chasing their dreams and starting businesses through social media. It’s really empowering and inspiring, and I am so happy to be a part of that community!” says Ell ē

Though the Ell ē Nicole brand has seen great success, it has faced its fair share of challenges. One of Ell ē ’s best-selling products and first designs was the phrase “worryless,” molded in the shape of a heart

and hand printed onto a comfy hoodie. The design was inspired by the designer’s own struggles and anxieties with overthinking, and served as a reminder to worry less. But of course, it wasn’t long before big-name corporations like Shein stole the design, and even used her photos, to sell it for less than half the original price. After months of selling the hoodie, the knock-offs led her to discontinue it—though she has considered bringing it back someday.

A huge misconception Ell ē faces as a young entrepreneur is the assumption that her dad is a businessman, or her parents helped her start her brand. Though she assures that her parents are her biggest cheerleaders and she very likely gets her entrepreneurial spirit from them, she is solely responsible for every element of Ell ē Nicole.

“I started this thing all on my own with my own money earned from other jobs and have built every aspect of it by myself. [...] it’s frustrating sometimes when people just assume that this isn’t MY business when I have worked so hard to make it my very own,” she says.

One thing she’s learned in her first few years of business is that things rarely go as planned. Last year she was solely printing on apparel, and now she designs her own patterns to print and be manufactured—something she never planned for.

Yet, her biggest goal has remained the same: to open her own storefront. She emphasizes that she not only dreams of showcasing her own art, but also carrying the work of other small businesses, and even hosting workshops and classes.

“My goal would be for the storefront to become a place for the community to gather,” says Ell ē . “A place for the dreamers, if you will!”

You can shop for Ell ē Nicole products online, via Instagram, or from time to time in person. Ell ē periodically has a booth at markets in the Skagit Valley and Whatcom area, including Creative Avenue, Valley Made Market, and the Bellingham Makers Market. Bellingham, shopellenicole.com

Tips from Ell ē Nicole!

• The best way to learn how to do something is to dive head first into it and figure it out as you go. I started my business with a couple hundred dollars and launched with one simple t-shirt design. I could have postponed starting my business for years if I waited for everything to be perfect, but I worked with what I had and am still learning as I go.

• Don’t dilute your vision just to fit into what “everyone likes;” there is a buyer for everything. True passion will always go further than simply creating something for a quick buck. Stay true to yourself and your vision, the right customers will find you and love you.

• Business never goes as planned so skip the business plan! This might be a controversial take, but in our ever-changing world there’s no way to predict the future. Have a general idea of what you want to create and where you want it to go, but be open minded to change. I have given myself and my business the freedom to evolve and in its own time it has grown in ways I would’ve never imagined!

Long story short, skip the business plan, start now, and be YOU! t

“My goal would be for the storefront to become a place for the community to gather,” says Ell ē . “A place for the dreamers, if you will!”

Your Skin’s Best Defense Against Age

Q&A with Alicia Mills of Method Skin Studio

WRITTEN BY JESSAMYN TUTTLE PHOTO COURTESY OF METHOD SKIN STUDIO

ALICIA MILLS OF Method Skin Studio offers skin care through Genesis Salon and aims to provide result-driven healing treatments with exceptional plant-based products. Her goal is to guide her clients toward what they can do from home to make a major difference in the health of their skin, as well as its appearance.

What’s the single most important thing a person can do to take care of their skin for the long term?

Having a daily consistent routine. A simple regimen both morning and night is the best way to not only maintain a healthy skin, but to achieve successful results. The needs of your skin change as you age, and seeking guidance from a licensed professional can help you determine the best products for your skin type and conditions.

At what age should a person start using anti-aging products?

There’s a great rule of thumb that I go by: prevention over correction. With this in mind, your 20s are a great time to incorporate active ingredients that will help maintain a balanced, youthful skin. Your skin is damaged by internal and external factors so preventing your skin at an early age from being compromised is best. If you wait to use products that address aging once you have deep set lines and hyperpigmentation, you’ll find that it takes much longer to reverse those effects.

What would an ideal home regimen for anti-aging skin care look like?

Your #1 most important anti-aging product to own is a broad-spectrum sunscreen of 40 SPF or higher. You can have a 10-step routine of products, and none of them will do you any good unless you are married to a solid daily sunscreen (yes even on cloudy and rainy days in Washington). I prefer a mineralbased formula for the best protection and healing qualities.

Additionally, there are different components to a day vs. night routine, and it’s important to know that recommendations are unique to each person. The morning should look like a gentle cleanse, a toner if desired (something with brighteners/hydrators or even bacteria treatment or prevention), an antioxidant-rich serum like a vitamin C, a moisturizer meant for your skin type and conditions, followed by an SPF.

I’m a firm believer in a double cleanse for the night, which might mean beginning with an oil cleanse to melt makeup and debris, followed by a gel or cream cleanser to clean

your pores. A toner is optional, and then an active serum. An example and main staple to use several times a week at night would be a Retinol product, which is a gold standard in skincare. On opposite nights I might recommend using some Alpha Hydroxy Acids which stimulate the skin, or a hydrating serum to firm/tighten/reduce inflammation. A night cream with vitamins and antioxidants to feed the skin is the perfect item to seal in everything else you’ve layered.

Do you have any favorite products to recommend?

My favorite products come from two different companies, Comfort Zone and Skin Moderne. They are both plant based and exceptional with high quality standards. The combination [of] the two offers solutions for all skin types and concerns.

What professional treatments can help with aging skin? How often should these be done?

My personal favorites that I work with in my treatment room are NanoFusion (a microneedling alternative), Microdermabrasion, Dermaplane, Oxygen Therapy, UltraFusion (a facial ultrasound device), as well as peel services. Overall, monthly professional treatments are always advised so that your provider can accelerate your results. As we age, the processes which keep our skin youthful and help with repair are rapidly slowing, and in-office treatments help stimulate these functions. Using supportive products at home is essential. t

Your Body, Your Baby, Your Birth.

We believe that each birth story is precious; a journey meant to be tenderly held in deep connection with one’s self, loved ones, and a beautiful new life. Here, we co-create your story from beginning to birth.

ANNA DOWLING, MD is an experienced board-certi ed Ob/Gyn who’s been providing women’s healthcare in Bellingham since 2011.

1. Feb31st Wood Eyeglasses Frame, Handmade in Italy, $615 (varies with custom options) Binyon Vision Center

411 E Magnolia St., Bellingham 360.647.2020, binyonvision.com

2. Mushroom Boost with Lion’s Mane 4:1 Extract $27.95 for 60-day supply

Story One Natural Memory Support 2045 Andre Ct., Ferndale 360.778.3420, storyone.shop

3. Amberleigh 2021 Shiraz | $25

GLM Wine Co. 1678 Boblett Street, Blaine, WA 98230 360.332.2097

4. Premium Haircuts

Starting at | $45

Midtown Barber

1504 Iowa St., Bellingham 360.595.7556, midtownbarber.booksy.com @aminahladybarber - Instagram

1

3 4

2

These WallsBEHIND

INNOVATIONS, UPGRADES, AND CUSTOMIZATIONS THAT MAKE YOUR HOME FEEL MORE LIKE YOU.

WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM AND KRISTEN BOEHM

Whether you’re embarking on a new build, planning a selective remodel, or just looking for ideas for making your home more livable and fun, our March feature is full of inspirational customizations to make your home work for you.

PhotoCourtesyofBellinghamBayBuilders

PhotoCourtesyofConceptDesignLLC

PhotoPhotobyEstellaYoungCourtesyofKreiderConstruction

PhotoPhotoCourtesyofHighlineConstruction byLisaKarlberg

While Washington residents are known for our love of the outdoors, our homes are important to us too— maybe all the more so, since they’re the places we often retreat to after a long hike or a day out on the water.

And there’s nothing that makes a home more comfortable than the knowledge that you’ve made it truly yours, whether that’s through customizing every square foot of a new build, remodeling to fit your unique preferences, or decorating in a style that reflects your personality.

Some of our favorite customizations are features built right into the home: structural specificities like a salvaged maple tree as a support beam, hide-away amenities everywhere from the mudroom to the bedroom, and subtle features that make a world of difference like tunnels of sunlight, underlighting, and plentiful outlets.

If you’re looking for ways to make your home seem effortlessly functional and fine-tuned to a T, we’ve got a boatload (or a houseload) of inspiration from local businesses and national trends alike. Take a look into what’s going on behind the walls of 2024’s homes!

Bedroom

Built-in Window Seat

Bedroom seating is often overlooked—a small bench added at the foot of the bed as an afterthought, somewhere to put on your shoes before heading out for the evening. But nothing makes a bedroom feel more like a private oasis than a designated, comfortable place to sit, and for that the gold medal has to go to the window seat. Whether you’re curling up with a book, watching the rain splatter the window, or just pausing for a moment away from the party downstairs, a window seat is the ideal spot. Add some built-in bookshelves, cushions, and a cozy throw and you might never want to leave

Custom Timber Bunkroom

Builder: Bellingham Bay Builders

“With more grandchildren comes the happy need for a bunkroom when the whole family comes to visit. This custom bunk bed installation is a refined bit of furniture designed to fit in with the existing rustic timber work of the home. It includes interesting touches like a built-in ladder and integrated reading lights. Throw in a few blankets and it becomes an amazing fort for a cozy afternoon of stories and hot chocolate.”

Circadian Lighting

You already know that some forms of light aren’t ideal for bedtime (looking at you, LCD phone screens). The blue glow of an iPhone isn’t likely to lull anyone to sleep, but there are other lights that can help your circadian rhythm instead of hurt it. Companies such as Brilli (bebrill.com) make lights that are designed to work with your body’s internal clock, and their intensity and color can be tailored to the time of day. At night, you can bathe your bedroom in warmer, less intense light to help stimulate sleep hormone production.

Photo by Radley Muller Photography

Heated Shower

Building Designer:

Concept Design LLC

PhotocourtesyofConceptDesignLLC

Bathroom

Luxury Toilets

Toilets aren’t often at the top of a homeowner’s list when considering upgrades. A soaking tub is a beautiful sculpture but many of us don’t make as much use of it as we imagine we will. Why not bring that luxury to the toilet instead? Bidets are making a splash in the U.S., with wide range of features (even light shows). Some are even remote-controlled! The Cadillac of toilets is the Japanese brand Toto—they’re expensive, but they’re worth it.

Builder: John Piazza Jr. Construction

While this walk-in shower is lovely to look at, the real beauty lies beneath: there’s under-tile heating running not only across the floor but also up the walls and through the built-in bench. Not only does this dissipate the water faster, making for easier cleanup, but it also means no more chilly encounters with the ceramic tiles to interrupt your warm winter shower!

Builder: Bellingham Bay Builders

Architect: Ross Architecture NW

“While remodeling this home and adding a bathroom, the owners wanted to use an old clawfoot tub, but it was missing its legs. With a little creativity, a few carefully-selected stones, and a stone cutting saw we had a solution that added to the warm ambiance of this new bathroom. The tub now perches on the stones in front of a large window providing a view over the lake, a truly wonderful place to relax in a hot tub of water.”

PhotoCourtesyofBellinghamBayBuilders

Clawfoot Tub Renovation

Hide-away Kitchen Amenities

Designer: Jacqueline Scott of Legacy Kitchen & Bath

Cabinetry: Nickel’s Cabinetry

“This modern kitchen was designed to bring in the soft wood elements of walnut yet add a dramatic influence with black matte cabinetry. The clients wanted to hide away the coffee maker, so we designed a lift cabinet with a slide shelf that disappears into the wall cabinetry during the day. As we age, it gets harder to lift those KitchenAid countertop mixers, so to help in ease of use we added a Rev A Shelf heavy duty mixer lift with a shelf that comes up to counter height when in use, then falls away into the cabinetry when you are done. Both features have electricity

Kitchen

built in behind them, so they are ready to operate when opened.”

Butler’s Pantry

Builder: Kreider Construction

A huge, well-organized pantry is the stuff of kitchen dreams, but if you want to level up even further and you have the space, a butler’s pantry is the move. Even a small butler’s pantry will offer plentiful storage and additional counter space, neatly tucked away from the main kitchen area for functionality and tidiness. This one also contains an extra sink, small appliances,

and even a full-sized refrigerator— leaving the main kitchen counters uncluttered and pristine.

Custom Cabin

Woodfired Pizza Oven

Builder: Bellingham Bay Builders

“Some of the most important features in any home are ones that strive to create a sense of community and togetherness. This custom, terra-cotta, woodfired pizza oven does just that. Installed in a remote island cabin, weekend retreats are planned around intimate gatherings of pizza making and community meals. Just bring wood and toppings!

Photo Courtesy of Kreider Construction

PhotoCourtesyofHighlineConstruction

PhotoCourtesyofBellinghamBayBuilders

the great room, an old maple log salvaged from another building site stands proud, carrying the ridge beam for millennia to come.”

years! Post-pandemic, there’s a focus on bringing people together for quality time and celebrations, and what better way to do that than with a fully-equipped bar in the gathering center of the home? Get creative with your bar’s layout—consider a central placement open on all sides, or a stealthy and multipurpose design.

PhotobyRadleyMullerPhotography

Laundry & Mudroom

HIDE-AWAY LAUNDRY HELPERS

The laundry room is susceptible to clutter, what with all the products, tools, and clothes that end up living there. It’s good to start by building your laundry room with ample storage, but beyond that, consider things like an ironing board that swivels out of sight, or built-in drying racks that fold up against or slide into the wall (check out DryAway!). These little touches will make you feel high-tech and prepared, while still leaving open space in the room.

CRAFT NOOK

The laundry or mudroom is the perfect place to have a little area for clothing alterations, patch-jobs, or even other household crafts. Consider installing a multi-purpose workbench where you can store a sewing kit, buttons, batteries, household tools, wrapping paper for gifts, and other odds and ends in a dedicated area.

MUDROOM WASHING-UP AREAS

A mudroom right off an entrance to the home makes it easy to come in from the elements, remove soiled outer layers, and continue into the house free of debris. For more intense messes, it’s popular to have waterworks in the laundry or mudroom (beyond a washer and dryer hookup). A basin sink provides ample room to rinse or soak clothes. A pet-washing station can save you a lot of work cleaning up after your pets in the long run. Installing a small shower, often nothing more intrusive than a tiled area, drain, and handheld showerhead, also allows you to rinse off those galoshes or work boots first thing.

PhotobyEstellaYoung

PhotobyEstellaYoung

Upgrades for Every Room

Eco-Friendly Building Materials

No matter what part of your home you’re working on, you can make important choices towards longevity and sustainability for the environment. As time goes on, these materials are becoming more and more accessible! Consider opting for post-consumer or recycled materials and energy efficient appliances. Look into the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County’s Built Green program, or Credo Construction’s guide to building green!

Underlighting

Nothing changes the feel of a room as quickly as the lighting, which is exactly why many renters’ first move is

Slate Tile Mural

Builder: Bellingham Bay Builders

Architect: Deborah Todd-Katie Greenmun Building Design Services

Tile Design: Debbie Dickinson

“This home sits upon a hill, surrounded by trees and as you enter and the sunlight filters through the windows, scattering across the mosaic slate tile, it’s as if you never went inside at all. This beautiful custom mural is just one of many nature-inspired design elements of this home and it’s these kind touches that can turn any building into a home that inspires.”

Dramatic Picture Window

Make art from nature—frame the view with a picture window for a serene bathtub backdrop, a soothing first sight when you wake up, or a great place to rest your eyes while you relax on the couch at the end of the day.

Sun Tunnels

These inobtrusive tunnels are a “portal to sunshine,” allowing real daylight to illuminate your living space. Popularized by VELUX, Sun Tunnel tubes are made of reflective aluminum that directs sunlight into even the tightest, darkest spaces in your homes! They’re ideal in cases where skylights aren’t an option, as they can be installed for hundreds rather than thousands of dollars, and can cut through attic spaces and fit around important structures. These aren’t just for the living room—you’d benefit from having more sunlight wherever you spend the most time.

Photo Courtesy of Concept Design LLC

Photo Courtesy of Bellingham Bay Builders

The Time Is Right to Upgrade Your HVAC

One of the hottest topics in Washington home building right now is how to heat—and cool—your home. Although air conditioning was considered an unnecessary luxury in decades past, year after year of record-breaking heat and long summers have caused many property owners to seek AC. King 5 News reported in 2023 that most new builds include AC, and that 44% of homes in Seattle are currently air conditioned.

HVAC systems, which stands for “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning,” are full home systems designed to heat, cool, and improve air quality. They’re made up of a connected network of gadgets and appliances that work together, including thermostats, furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioning, ducts, and so on. 2024 is a great year to upgrade an existing system or install a new one thanks to recent improvements, changes, and incentives, such as:

• Increased air conditioning, furnace, and heat pump efficiency standards.

• A move away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), environment-harming chemicals found in refrigerants. New, HFC-free refrigerants are more eco-friendly and efficient, and work at a broader range of temperatures.

• Electric, energy-efficient, and economical heat pumps that work at lower temperatures than ever before.

• A smart thermostat that acts as a control center for your home’s climate.

They can be controlled manually or remotely with connected tech or your voice, and are popular with homes, businesses, and providers alike!

• Federal and local incentives for purchasing new HVAC components! For an example, head to Puget Sound Energy’s page at pse.com/rebates.

Still have questions? Local providers like Barron Heating & Air Conditioning can help! Check out barronheating. com or call 360.922.3230.

Photo Courtesy of Concept Design LLC

Slimline heating units like this one can be mounted on the ceiling for a more subtle look.

Sneaky Power Placements

As we keep getting more and more tech savvy, it’s important to have convenient and plentiful electrical outlets! But you don’t necessarily want to see them all over the place. Here’s a list of places for outlets where they’ll be out of sight, but always there when you need them.

• Right under or inside kitchen cabinets and counters.

• Inside bathroom drawers.

• Weatherproofed on the exterior of your home (even on the roof if you love to hang holiday lights!).

• In closets, for charging your wireless appliances.

• In the center of a wall where you know you want to put a TV or smartscreen.

• Buy tech-compatible furniture, like sofas with outlets in the arms.

Extra Tip: Don’t forget to include USB ports in your outlets! Trust us, it’ll save you tons on lost power adapters for your phones and gadgets.

PhotobyLisaKarlberg

1 2 3

4 Go Neutral

WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM

Furniture and accessories can be a great way to play with color, but the opposite is also true: keeping smaller items neutral frees you up to paint your walls in bolder colors or even add a fun wallpaper. Neutral colors also enable you to play more with textures and shapes, as these products show.

5

1 Prisma Rug in Natural Stone Ruggable, $339 ruggable.com

2 Magnolia Pendant Anthropologie, $898 anthropologie.com

3

Aston Re-invented Recliner in Epic Cream Greenhouse Home & Design, $2,949 1235 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360.676.1161, greenhousehome.com

4 Don Triangular Wood Coffee Table in Light Brown World Market, $230 worldmarket.com

5 Checkered Knit with Neps Throw Blanket in Dark Tan Target, $30 30 Bellis Fair Pkwy., Bellingham 360.734.0220, target.com

Outside...

Just because your home sits on bedrock, that doesn’t mean you can’t make creative use of the space beneath the first floor. Just ask the owners of this stunning underground sauna, built by Kreider Construction, which incorporates the natural stone into the design, blending it with handcrafted wooden benches and custom lighting to create an incredibly soothing space. Bedrock, take me away!

...and Underneath

Covered Carport

Building Designer: Concept Design LLC

Builder: John Piazza Jr. Construction

If you have the land, why not add a carport to either the main or back entrance, to protect you and your visitors from the unpredictable Washington weather? This one is large enough for a full-sized vehicle to open all four doors and get a wheelchair out without anyone getting wet—and it still manages to fit the aesthetic of the home beautifully. Bonus: the cover stops the driveway from getting too wet, which means less debris sticking to wet boots and getting tracked inside!

Heated Garage and Driveway

Snowy days can be magical, but that feeling doesn’t last when you realize it’s time to dig your way to freedom once again. Nip all that hard work in the bud by including radiant heat in your garage and driveway! Radiant heating systems are installed behind walls, ceilings, and floors. They’re usually either electric or hydronic. They heat a surface directly, rather than pumping hot air, which makes heating up your driveway possible without trying to warm the entire outdoors. Keeping your garage more hospitable also means less time warming up your car and more possibilities for your extra space! You may also consider insulating your garage or installing a mini-split heat pump. Call the experts at CPI Plumbing & Heating, Heating Green, or Janes Radiant Heating for more information!

Photo Courtesy of Concept Design LLC

Pros to Know

We’re pleased to share these select industry professionals with you; they can assist on any and all projects, from small updates to major home remodels. Start on a firm foundation with these pros to know!

The Pros

Devine Countertops | p. 64

Sheri’s Design & Real Estate | p. 64

Bank of the Pacific | p. 65

Whatcom Lawns | p. 65

Jennifer Ryan Design | p. 66

Windsor Plywood | p. 66

Highline Construction | p. 67

Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing | p. 68

A+ Window Washing | p. 68

Options Cabinetry | p. 69

Homeport Design | p. 69

Kent’s Garden & Nursery | p. 70

Vista Materials | p. 70

Western Solar | p. 71

Northwest Fine Furnishings | p. 72

Mt Baker Roofing | p. 72

Alexei Ford Design Build | p. 73

Glass Guru | p. 74

Russell’s Window Coverings | p. 75

DEVINE COUNTERTOPS

Welcome to Devine Countertops, Flooring, and Cabinets! Our team of experienced professionals has over 40 years of combined experience in construction, real estate, and interior finishes. Our top priority is to help our clients make the right choices for their budget, from choosing the perfect colors and textures to creating the ideal space for their kitchen, vanities, new construction, or remodeling projects. We specialize in custom cabinets and manufacturing quartz or granite countertops. We can also provide guidance on the latest design trends and insights into the real estate market, whether you’re looking to sell your home or purchase a used one. Our showrooms are located in Bellingham and Burlington, and we are always ready to serve you.

Bellingham Showroom

4107 Strider Loop Rd, Bellingham Burlington Showroom

360 S Burlington Boulevard, Burlington devinecountertops.com 360.656.5901

SHERI’S DESIGN & REAL ESTATE

As an experienced realtor, interior designer, and former builder I bring knowledge to the table to help buyers and sellers alike. With my many years in the building industry, I have an eye trained to seek things often overlooked that could make or break a potential home. I am passionate about real estate and passionate about helping people reach their goals. When you work with me you will always have someone in your corner advocating for you. I work on a people-first basis and strive to listen to your needs and let that guide us to your best possible outcome. Whether you are purchasing or listing your home, I promise to do all that I can to make the process as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. My goal is to make real estate enjoyable for everyone!

2211 Rimland Dr Suite 124, Bellingham 360.738.7070

sheridavisrealtor.com

sheridavis.realtor@gmail.com

PROS TO KNOW \ REAL ESTATE

BANK OF THE PACIFIC

Everyone Has a Dream

Whether yours is to buy your first home, remodel your existing home, or purchase that “level up” home you’ve been needing, Bank of the Pacific is in the business of dream fulfillment. Our loan officers get to know you and work with you to find the best loan options to fit your circumstances. Not only do you receive fast and accurate responses, but you can also count on us to be there after the loan has closed. This is the advantage of having a relationship with a local, full-service community bank. Stop, call, or visit BankofthePacific.com— you can apply for your loan online or in-person!

Lynden - Bellingham

Burlington - Anacortes 360.734.0544

BankofthePacific.com

SERVICE / PROS TO KNOW

WHATCOM LAWNS

One of the finest lawn care businesses in Whatcom County, Whatcom Lawns has been providing services in landscape maintenance to residential and commercial property owners since 1999.

We have a reputation for delivering these services at a high standard of quality and professionalism. Whatcom lawns, Inc. is owned and operated by Steve and Janine Kruyswijk.

We understand the challenges that landscape maintenance offers in the Pacific Northwest. Whether it concerns lawn care, irrigation system repair, or keeping your lawn healthy, we know how to face these challenges with experience and professionalism. All of us at Whatcom Lawns, Inc. look forward to serving you at your home or office. We promise to deliver the high standard of professionalism our clients have come to expect.

530 E Wiser Lake Rd, Lynden

360.354.5124

whatcomlawns.com

MORTGAGE

LAWN

JENNIFER RYAN DESIGN

Jennifer Ryan Design is a Bellingham based interior design and remodeling company bringing sophisticated whimsy to your most treasured space. Jennifer has an uncanny ability to combine unexpected patterns, colors and textures making your home reflect your distinct personality.

From concept and design to production, Jennifer Ryan Design projects run smoothly and professionally, with a high level of collaboration between clients and subcontractors. Committed to exceeding expectations, Jennifer understands each individual clients’ wants and dreams.

Whether it be a kitchen, bathroom, home gym or office, even your entire home, Jennifer will realize your vision in ways you never imagined. Her hands-on approach assures that all elements are seamlessly executed, and your wishes and goals are met.

See for yourself why clients and design professionals alike rave about Jennifer Ryan Design. Jennifer’s impeccable design, attention to detail and easy work style will Design Your Way Home.

Jennifer Ryan Design 360.319.7092 jennifer@jenniferryandesign.com JenniferRyanDesign.com

WINDSOR PLYWOOD

When plywood is in the name, it’s easy to assume that Windsor sells plywood. Well they do, and a lot of it for that matter, but you’ll find so much more than plywood when you walk through their doors. In fact, Windsor Plywood has been in Bellingham for over 50 years and in that time, they have evolved in to one of the Pacific Northwest’s premium building materials suppliers. Whether you are a professional builder or a true weekend warrior, Windsor will have the expert advice and quality finishing products you expect and deserve. You will find some of the latest trends like live edge lumber and shiplap as well traditional building materials from decking and fencing to lumber and mouldings, as well as the largest selection of domestic and exotic hardwoods in the area. Windsor also has the area’s longest running door shop where they pre-hang interior and exterior doors to your exact needs and offer custom milling and cutting of their products as well as prefinishing in their spray facility.

1208 Iowa St.

Bellingham 360.676.1025

windsorplywood.com

PROS TO KNOW \ LUMBER SUPPLY

Photos by Katheryn Moran

HIGHLINE CONSTRUCTION

Bellingham

360.746.5455

highlinewa.com

Four-time gold winner for Best Builder, Highline Construction consistently ranks at the top for quality customer care and expert level design, building, and excavation services. Founded in 2011 and locally owned and operated, Highline offers not just dependable building services, but also boasts an impressive in-house design team. Having an interior designer, a project designer, and a licensed architect on staff is part of what makes Highline so special. Clients choose Highline for their end-to-end service, knowing Highline’s design and production teams work together seamlessly to deliver on their clients’ unique dreams.

Their respected design-build team has long been known for their large-scale residential remodels and residential additions and new builds. In 2022, they brought on a team of highly experienced equipment operators and

added civil construction/excavation services including site prep, stormwater management, grading and yard expansion, gravel driveways, block walls, and more.

More recent expansion places Highline as a business to lookout for in the commercial and multi-family construction arenas. With the same promise for highquality, comprehensive, and timely service to commercial clients and multi-family housing developers, our community can expect to see an even broader portfolio from Highline in coming years.

Clients have deemed Highline a “firstclass, five-star builder” who is “timely, pleasant, and responsive” resulting in a “fantastic experience from start to finish.”

They do business with a commitment to do right by others – including their customers, their employees, and the community. If you want the best when it comes to a design-build team, call Highline.

BARRON HEATING AC ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING

Home comfort goes WAY beyond just heating and cooling. Choose a company you know and trust for all your home performance needs with Barron Plumbing, the newest division of Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing. Barron’s experienced team of licensed Plumbers offer a wide range of WholeHome™ plumbing installation and services like drain and sewer cleaning, sump pumps, traditional and tankless water heaters, and more. Don’t get caught in hot water—or without! Let Barron keep your home or business safe and comfortable from the pipes on up.

As your Home and Building Performance Experts since 1972, Barron serves both residential and commercial customers in the I5 corridor from Blaine to Marysville, Oak Harbor to Concrete, and the San Juan Islands. At Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing, we stand by Our Mission: Improving Lives™.

barron-plumbing.com

360-685-5182

5100 Pacific Hwy, Ferndale

A+ WINDOW WASHING

A+ Window Washing LLC has been serving Whatcom County since 2013. Leon Nishball and his team provide the highest quality window washing for their clients, with special attention to detail. Whether you choose to have all your windows cleaned or just those special view windows, A+ will make them shine! Our team is ready to do interior and exterior windows to meet their client’s needs.

If you are getting ready for a special event, putting your home on the market or finishing up a new construction project, A+ Windows is your number 1 choice for window cleaning. With over 10 years of experience you can expect quality work and results. A+ Window Washing is also capable of serving your commercial space or storefront with individualized, regularly scheduled cleanings. Business owners can count on A+ to be professional, reliable and timely. Call, text or email today for a free estimate.

360.927.9235

apluswindowswa@gmail.com

LIC# 603297625

PROS TO KNOW \ WINDOW CLEANING

OPTIONS CABINETRY

You’ll find everything you need at Bellingham’s one-stop interior design center Homeport Interiors and Options Cabinetry. Locally owned and operated with our in-house design team offering Interior Design, Kitchen and Bath Design, and Space Planning.

Options Cabinetry is focused on creating beautiful and functional cabinetry for every lifestyle, budget, and dream while providing original custom designs that allow our clients to set themselves apart. Let our designers at and Options Cabinetry help you get started today. No project is ever too big or too small; too long or too short. Whether it’s your home or business, custom design is our specialty, and we can’t wait to help your dream become a reality.

KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN. INTERIOR DESIGN. SPACE PLANNING. FURNITURE DESIGN. CABINETS. CARPET. FURNITURE. KNOBS AND PULLS. HARDWOOD. LUXURY VINYL PLANK. TILE. LAMINATE. COUNTER TOPS AND MORE.

4071 Hannegan Rd., Ste. K, Bellingham 360.746.8759, optionsci.com

FLOORING / PROS TO KNOW

HOMEPORT INTERIORS

You’ll find everything you need at Bellingham’s onestop interior design center Homeport Interiors and Options Cabinetry. Locally owned and operated with our in-house design team offering Interior Design, Kitchen and Bath Design, Furniture & Décor, and Space Planning. HomePort Interiors is focused on creating unique designs while reflecting our client’s personality and lifestyle, by capturing their design dreams and making them a reality. We have a wide selection of choices from eco-friendly carpets, distinctive wood flooring, luxury vinyl and European tile that meet your personalized needs. Our broad selection of custom furnishings allows you to create a beautiful space. Let our designers help you get started today. No project is ever too big or too small; too long or too short. Whether it’s your home or business, custom design is our specialty, and we can’t wait to help your dream become a reality.

KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN. INTERIOR DESIGN. SPACE PLANNING. FURNITURE DESIGN. CABINETS. CARPET. FURNITURE. KNOBS AND PULLS. HARDWOOD. LUXURY VINYL PLANK. TILE. LAMINATE. COUNTER TOPS AND MORE.

4071 Hannegan

KENT’S GARDEN & NURSERY

Experience the ultimate oasis for all your gardening needs at our 5-acre plant nursery on 5428 Northwest Drive! With an unrivaled selection of plants, trees, shrubs, edibles, perennials, and more, we have everything you need to transform your outdoor space. Our extensive selection also includes garden art, planters, water fountains, and more!

Our amazing staff is ready to assist you, whether you’re a beginner, a master gardener, or a professional landscaper. Our experienced team can guide you with your specific needs.

If selecting plants is too overwhelming, we offer plant design services to include an in-home consultation, convenient jobsite delivery and even plantings. We love to make your gardening experience fun and enjoyable and can meet you wherever you are at in your plant journey.

Bring the kids and explore the largest nursery in Whatcom County! Discover why Kent’s has been a trusted source for quality plants for over four decades.

5428 Northwest Drive, Bellingham 360.384.4433

kentsgardenandnursery.com

kentsgarden@gmail.com

VISTA MATERIALS

Vista Materials is your source for landscape supplies!

A part of the Perry Pallet family of companies, our on-site staff has over 50 years of experience in the landscape and gravel products business. We carry a full line of gravel, soil, and compost products, along with natural and colored mulch made from local recycled wood sources and our own scrap pallet processing. This helps divert materials from the waste stream and keep the environment clean.

Vista Materials’ fleet of delivery trucks can haul 1-60 yards (depending on the product). We serve Whatcom & Skagit Counties.

If you need help calculating quantities or choosing products, give us a call or stop by our yard MondaySaturday, 8:00-4:00. We’re just north of the VistaGrandview intersection in Ferndale. Check us out on the web at www.vistamaterialsinc.com where you can view our products, place an order, and schedule a delivery.

6950 Vista Drive, Ferndale 360.366.5239

vistamaterialsinc.com

PROS TO KNOW \ LANDSCAPE SUPPLY

WESTERN SOLAR

4326 Pacific Hwy, Bellingham, WA, 98226

360.746.0859

westernsolarinc.com

Western Solar has come a long way since late 2002, when retired WWU Professor Jack Hardy started the company out of his Bellingham garage. Jack now enjoys his well-deserved retirement, while our team at Western Solar continues to fulfill his vision of serving families and businesses in Whatcom County and beyond.

From early roots in passive solar home design, solar hot water systems, and navigating early solar adoption, our skilled team has established Western Solar as one of the top solar photovoltaic installers in the Pacific Northwest. Panasonic has also thrice named us Residential Installer of the Year for the Northwest region.

Under the leadership of Eric Blatz, Evan Bush, and Brandon Provalenko, Western Solar sets the standard for premierquality solar PV installations delivered with a customer-centered focus on

value. Our team manages the entire process of PV system adoption and integration, including system design and sales, permitting, installation, utility coordination, system monitoring, and post-installation support.

What started out with a few solar panels installed per year now exceeds 8,000, and each year we continue to set another record. With your support over the past 22 years, we have installed solar for thousands of homes and small businesses!

We are also honored to be entrusted with the design and installation of multiple large-scale solar projects for the Nooksack and Lummi Tribes, Samish Indian Nation, King County, local schools and grocers, and other municipalities and nonprofits.

Thank you for joining us on our journey; we’re excited to see what the next 20 years will bring!

NORTHWEST FINE FURNISHINGS

For more than 49 years, Northwest Fine Furnishings has been dedicated to helping its customers turn their house into a home. Let our expertise and large selection of furniture and giftware from trusted brands like Cal Lighting, Stylus, Whittier, Oakcraft, and Sunny Designs, along with our extensive selection of lighting companies, give you the ability to create the look you have always envisioned for your home. From oak and cherry, to maple and pine, we have a wide variety of finishes for all of your wood furniture needs and our wide selection, both contemporary and traditional, offer over 400 fabric options for you to choose from. Add a touch of class and sophistication to your home with our wide selection for all rooms bedroom, living room, dining, office, and more! Visit our impressive showroom today and let’s find the right choices for you!

919 Riverside Dr, Mount Vernon 360.424.8455 nwff.com

MT BAKER ROOFING

Northwest WA’s Premier Roofing Company

At Mt Baker Roofing, we’ve been providing unparalleled service in re-roofing and gutter replacements for over 40 years. Our commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and excellence sets us apart.

Scan the QR Code for a FREE Estimate!

RE-ROOFING

NEW ROOF

GUTTERS

Choose us for experience, expertise, and reliable craftsmanship for your home.

Contractor License: MTBAKBR782KS 360.733.0191

MtBakerRoofing.com

info@mtbakerroofing.com

PROS TO KNOW \ ROOFING

custom home • remodel • commercial • general contractor

ALEXEI FORD DESIGN BUILD

228 E. Maple St., Bellingham

360.220.5452

info@afdesignbuild.com

alexeiforddesign.com

WA State Contractor

License# ALEXEFD792KC

Office hours Mon-Thur 7:30am-5pm

Alexei Ford Design Build is a uniquely creative, design-build firm offering full design and construction services. We excel in residential home design, remodels, and new construction. Our customers frequently reach out to us for our collaborative design capabilities and our ability to work with nontraditional materials and concepts. At our downtown office location, you will find a woodworking and metal fabrication shop that helps us provide our customers with the opportunity to create practically anything they can imagine.

Whether you are a first-time home buyer requiring small repairs to your home, preparing to build your dream home, or needing improvements to your commercial space, we have the resources and know how to efficiently manage your projects.

At AFDB, we aspire to develop positive long-lasting relationships with our customers and industry peers through excellent communication, superior craftsmanship, hard work, and operating with integrity.

Alexei Ford, with his 40 years of personal experience in the building industry, has created stunning custom homes, ionic landmarks, and collaborated with his customers to fulfill their dreams.

Meet the AFDB Team & their Experience.

Alexei- Owner Operator Designer

Travis - Senior Project Manager; 38years

Mike – Senior Estimator/Project Manager; 20years

Heidi – Office Manager; 15 years

Nora- Bookkeeper; 9 years

Rob – Draftsperson; 20 years

Nikole – Draftsperson; 4 years

John -Journeyman/Master Craftsman; 50 years

Darrell – Journeyman Carpenter; 26 years

Mark – Journeyman Carpenter; 26 years

David – Journeyman Carpenter; 38 years

Rudy – Journeyman Carpenter; 25 years

Andy – Journeyman Carpenter; 25 years

Jayme – Journeyman Carpenter; 24 years

Kevin -Painter; 16 years

Mitch – Journeyman Carpenter; 15 years

James – Carpenter/ Landscape/ Manager; 10 years

Adolfo – Journeyman Carpenter; 8 years

Max – Material Coordinator/ Fabricator 5 years

Blake – Carpenter/Tile Specialist; 4 years

TJ – Apprentice Carpenter and Tile; 3 years

Richard – Apprentice Carpenter; 1 year

Design, construction and general contracting in the heart of Bellingham. Let us bring our 412 years of collective enthusiasm to your next project.

THE GLASS GURU

Bellingham

360.927.9395

theglassguru.com

®

Welcome to The Glass Guru of Bellingham, where expertise meets excellence in glass services! Serving Whatcom and Skagit counties, our team takes pride in being your premier destination for all things glass. With a rich history of serving the local community, we have earned a reputation for delivering top-notch craftsmanship and unparalleled customer service. As your trusted neighborhood glass specialists, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your every need, from residential glass repairs and installations to commercial glazing projects.

At The Glass Guru of Bellingham, we understand that each client is unique, which is why we prioritize personalized attention and customized solutions. Our team of

skilled professionals boasts years of collective experience and is committed to exceeding your expectations at every turn. Whether you’re looking to enhance the aesthetics of your home with a stunning new shower enclosure or seeking energy-efficient solutions for your commercial property, we have the knowledge and expertise to bring your vision to life.

We’re more than just your local glass experts – we’re your partners in transforming spaces and creating lasting impressions. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or contractor, we invite you to experience the unparalleled service and craftsmanship that have made us a staple in the Bellingham community. Get to know us, and discover why we’re the go-to destination for all your glass needs!

RUSSELL’S WINDOW COVERINGS

Locally owned and operated for more than 25 years Russell’s Window Coverings has been bringing you a huge range of options, styles, and designs for your home or office.

Russell’s brings to you a vast selection of window treatments perfect for just about any window imaginable. From our classic horizontal blinds to our timeless plantation shutters and motorized shades, we’re sure to have a look and design that meets your specific needs.

Specializing in Hunter Douglas products, which are well known for quality and customization options, we offer a variety of products and outstanding service, ensuring you get the personalized look that suits your lifestyle, décor and budget.

Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss the beautiful options available for your home.

873

360.656.6579

RussellsWindowCoverings@gmail.com

WindowShadesAndShutters.com

Photo by Ava Boorn

Irish Pubs of the PNW

BY MAYA HEINSELMAN

GETTING READY TO don your brightest green and honor Irish culture? Join the merriment this St. Patrick’s Day by trying out one of the region’s favored local pubs to get a taste of what a true Irish celebration feels like! Whether you’re looking for a good drink, mouthwatering dishes, or a little something extra to go along with them, these picks feature everything you could ever want in your festivities this year.

Going for the Guinness

What’s a St. Patrick’s Day celebration without a glass of Guinness? Not something I’d want to be a part of, that’s for sure. But with Uisce, one of Bellingham’s most popular Irish pubs, still in the midst of teasing their reopening, where have you been going to kick back with an ice cold Guinness? If you haven’t found your perfect stout spot yet, try out mine by taking Fairhaven’s infamous flight of stairs down into Archer Ale House. Try the Guinness they so fittingly boast to customers as served exactly as it should be: from a nitrogen tap, to create the perfect two-part pour every single time. While sipping on your Guinness, or another draft beer from their considerable selection, enjoy a classic Irish pub meal. One of my favorites is their Shepherd’s Pie, a dish consisting of braised lamb and vegetables topped with potatoes duchess and white cheddar. A trip to Archer’s is definitely welcome any day of the week!

Borne from Ireland

There’s no need to question how authentic these restaurants are, as they have direct ties to Irish culture, which makes them a perfect place to appreciate St. Patrick’s Day this year!

A’Town Bistro was the brainchild of Owner L.M. Libby, who wanted ti combine the Irish and French foods she grew up with and add her own personal flair. The result is a modern yet rustic restaurant in downtown Anacortes offering all kinds of cuisine. From a French Onion Soup to the New Englandderived Clam Chowder, the menu is a clear depiction of

Archer Ale House

A’Town Bistro

Photo by Catherine Torres

Photo Courtesy of Archer Ale House

Libby’s extensive background. The bistro’s traditional Scotch Egg, a soft poached egg encased in pork sausage on a bed of sauerkraut, pickled red onions, and more, is a fan favorite.

With five restaurants in the greater Seattle area, we’re happy to share that Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub’s northernmost location is in Mount Vernon. Founder and Owner Shawn O’Donnell himself is the grandson of Irish immigrants and has worked hard to preserve the authenticity of his Irish pubs. He has even gone so far as to enlist the help of colloquially named “Irish Johnny,” who was born and raised in Ireland and now works to keep Shawn O’Donnell’s “true to [their] Irish roots.” Their menu features fish and chips, sandwiches, burgers, and Irish Boxties—potato pancakes filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, and more!

More Than a Pub

Some easy-going pubs feature more than just your typical bar scene. No matter what you’re looking for, here are a couple that are sure to exceed your expectations in other surprising ways!

Go to Glynn’s Shamrock Pub in Bellingham to dine, to drink, or to dabble in your fair share of fun activities. Not only do they have a wide array of options on their menu, but Glynn’s also has pool tables, dart boards, poker, and more off the menu. You can stop by for a friendly game or channel your competitive streak against other pub-goers. Glynn’s is a great stop anytime, but keep an eye out for their events during Breast Cancer Awareness Month! They can often be found raising money to support PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center.

If you’re looking for a dependable pub-like setting that’s also family-friendly, look no further. Coming off a brief offseason break, The White Horse Pub in Eastsound is open again this March, just in time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! They have a variety of options for Irish pub food, including delectable Irish Potato Skins topped with Dubliner Irish cheese, and beer options on tap that definitely won’t disappoint, while still maintaining their kid-friendly atmosphere (at least until 9 p.m., that is). After the kids are gone, White Horse Pub hosts other adult-centered events, like frequent late-night karaoke sessions for you to sing your heart out. t

The White Horse Pub

Glynn’s Shamrock Pub

Photo by Briana Tuvey

Photo Courtesy of The White Horse Pub

Photo Courtesy of Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub

Set Sail for a Fresh Experience

Lighthouse Pub

WRITTEN BY SOL VANDEMAN, AVA BOORN, AND BRIANA TUVEY

PHOTO BY AVA BOORN

OVERLOOKING BELLINGHAM

BAY inside Hotel Bellwether, Lighthouse Pub delivers an elevated pub experience in an approachable environment. With its casual vibe and friendly staff, the pub provides a cozy space to enjoy happy hour with an excellent view.

Lighthouse Pub recently unveiled its new pub fare and happy hour menu, developed by Executive Chef Marcello Mazzoleni. With this menu, Mazzoleni wanted to create an experience separate from Lighthouse’s upscale restaurant, for people who want a more informal bar dining experience.

“I look around at what’s going on locally, try to keep things outside the box, and still do everything as fresh as possible and from scratch,” Mazzoleni says about his menu inspiration. “We offer elevated pub fare to enjoy for late lunch or dinner, more than just bar snacks.”

For instance, fresh seafood items on the menu are sourced through a collaboration with the local Lummi tribe fishing and diving fleet. The Wild Gulf Coast Tiger Prawn Cocktail ($27) is a classic prawn cocktail with a twist, made with Asian-infused flavors and a slight spice to spark your palate. The four large prawns, served upright on a plate and topped with foamed horseradish, make for a perfect start to your meal.

Another seafood shareable is the Dungeness Crab Cakes ($27). This dish strikes a nice balance between crab and ‘cake,’ with a slight crunch in every bite. These cakes also come with a smoked chili remoulade, spring salad, and poached apple on the plate.

“We’re always cooking up creative dishes in the kitchen and want people to come in and experience new flavors and seasonal offerings,” Mazzoleni says.

Mazzoleni’s goal is to keep the dishes on the menu simple and fresh while being more elevated than the average pub snacks. For example, he incorporates his love of truffles without breaking the bank with the large Onion Rings ($13), served warm with a smooth truffle emulsion. They are deliciously crunchy with a good balance between breading and onion.

Next, a sizzling skillet is paraded through the pub and the cheesy buttery scent alerts the room to the Shepherd’s Pie ($29). Jam-packed with delicious flavors of lamb, potatoes, vegetables, and gruyere cheese. Each element of the pie shines on its own but they all mesh together to create a perfect bite. The comforting pie is great to fill your hungry belly and big enough to share with friends.

With a love of sandwiches, Mazzoleni was proud to introduce the Pork Belly Grinder ($21) to the menu. The pub main comes with freshly cured bacon, apple

slaw, and apricot mustard on a baguette, for a great blend of flavors in every bite. Need a break from the sandwich? Pause for one of the lightly seasoned french fries that are served on the side.

“We’re proud of our diverse menu celebrating the bounty of the Pacific Northwest and our signature sandwiches,” Mazzoleni says, “For our pork belly grinder sandwich, we make our own bacon and cook it confit, slow-cooked in fat at low temperature which makes it tender and delicious.”

Ending the meal with a crescendo is the New York Cheesecake ($14) with huckleberry, pear compote, and raspberry gelato. Balancing tart with sweet, the fluffy, decadent cheesecake complements every other flavor on the plate.

Overall, the homey atmosphere of the Lighthouse Pub on the Bay has something for all your cravings. 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham, 360.392.3200, hotelbellwether.com t

The Skagit Valley Dumpling Queen

West Coast Dumpling Company

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY LEIGH HELLMAN

ACROSS CULTURES, BORDERS, languages, and histories, there are certain food traditions that seem universal. One such tradition—broadly that of a cooked dough wrapped around a filling—can be found everywhere from Nepal (momo) to Turkey (manti), from India (samosas) to Korea (mandu) to Ecuador (empanadas), and to all of its varieties in China (jiaozi, bao, guo tie, etc.). It’s the dumpling, and it’s now made a local home in the Skagit Valley-based West Coast Dumpling Company.

Running out of a commercial space with an attached commissary kitchen tucked in downtown Sedro-Woolley, West Dumpling Company is the result of a local stay-athome mom’s career journey during COVID. After a few stints with other companies, including the SeaBear Smokehouse in Anacortes, Yuliya Wilson decided that she wanted to start her own business making and selling food from her Eastern European heritage. She searched for a product that would be both feasible to freeze and ship as well as easy and fast to make at home, with an emphasis on capturing the authentic flavors of her family’s home cooking. Ultimately, Wilson settled on dumplings of Polish (pierogi) and Russian (pelmeni and piroshki) food traditions, which can be cooked with butter and/or favorite sauces for a delicious comfort meal.

“I love cooking,” Wilson shares. “But more than cooking, I love sharing the food. Pierogies are family food—we only made them when company was coming over—and now we

get to hear about new family traditions that are being made with our customers and our products.”

In many ways, family is what West Coast Dumpling Company is all about. Wilson came to the U.S. from Eastern Europe on a high school exchange program with Anacortes High School 30 years ago and ended up staying here permanently. She got married and raised a family, all while remaining an active part of her exchange homestay family (her “American family” as she calls them). Her business is family food, and her five employees come from a variety of backgrounds that allow them all to share their cultures, food, music, and languages with each other.

She has also gained family at the farmers markets that she vends at including Bellingham, Skagit Valley, Anacortes, Bellevue, Everett, and Marysville. Outside of markets, West Coast Dumpling Company products are available at Pioneer Marketplace in Sedro-Woolley, SeaBear Smokehouse in Anacortes, Puget Sound Food Hub, both Community Food Co-Ops in Bellingham, as well as other local co-ops around the sound. As the business continues to expand, Wilson hopes to soon gain a license for national sales and be featured in the aisles at Haggen.

Wilson attributes the growing success of West Coast Dumpling Company to its commitment to authentic, homerooted care for both its products and its communities. She also believes that Americans crave truly homemade food across cultural barriers because—over the course of the last several decades—American food culture has lost that aspect of itself.

“Making small differences for a few folks is just as valuable as making large differences,” Wilson asserts about her community-minded business philosophy.

She adds: “I want to see how far I can go with this, because I love the journey so far.” 901 3rd St., Sedro-Woolley, 360.770.8435, westcoastdumplingcompany.square.site t

The Orion Cassiopeia

Ingredients: Peach Vodka, citrus, lemonade, soda, and peach ring

Price: $8 ($0.50 add to orders under $10)

Soar toward the constellations to grab a drink with Cassiopeia, a peach vodka-based cocktail tailored for those with a sweet tooth. A lemon wedge and peach ring adorn the glass for a garnish and an extra treat. You’re in for a treat with this cocktail!

This sparkling lemonade cocktail is as bright as the stars. The carbonation is light, allowing the central peach flavor to be the star of the show. A hint of bitterness balances the sweeter ingredients. Muddled citrus and lemonade add a twist of acidity complementing the peach flavoring of the vodka.

If you aren’t into the burning feel or aftertaste of alcohol, this cocktail is perfect for you with just a whisper of an aftertaste.

Herald in the first blooms of spring with a cocktail that reflects the season. 311 E. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.306.8485, facebook.com/ theorionbar AVA BOORN

Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Organization

WRITTEN BY BRIANA TUVEY

Avery Adams of Matia Kitchen

Honored

by James Beard Awards

WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM

THE 2024 JAMES Beard Award finalists are out, and our region’s own Avery Adams is on the list! Adams, whose Eastsound restaurants are staff favorites on Orcas Island, has been recognized as a Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA) finalist for Matia Kitchen.

Since its founding as a dinner series in 2016, Co-Creators Adams and Drew Downing’s Matia project has been hailed across the region for its fresh take on contemporary cuisine and intentional focus on regenerating “the systems that need healing in our industry.”

In Matia’s new brick-and-mortar space, opened in March 2023, Adams designs dishes that stun both visually and on the palate. Matia’s service includes both an a la carte menu and a ninecourse tasting menu which changes daily. You can always expect a taste of the San Juans via local, seasonal ingredients in playful combinations.

Matia’s new sister restaurant, Monti, occupies the same building and runs side-by-side with Matia. At Monti, Adams re-imagines his unique culinary style “using Mediterranean food as a lens.”

Our Editorial Coordinator recently visited Matia, so keep an eye out for more in-depth coverage of their amazing food and story!

382 Prune Alley, Eastsound, 360.375.4350, matiakitchen.com. t

Lazy Susan for a Productive Space

Place a small lazy Susan inside cabinets to organize bottles, spices, oils, and so on. The lazy Susan, or revolving tray, is an easy alternative to access what you need instead of knocking items down while reaching into your cabinet.

Scattered Spices

Ever have a hard time finding the right spices because your cabinet is full of them scattered about? Use pull-out drawers to conveniently place spices in an easy-to-reach place. Have room on the side of your fridge? Use magnetic shelves for those extra spices. You can take an extra step in your organization by placing your spices in alphabetical order, by spice type, or even by color.

Photo by Ava Boorn

DINING KEY

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to $9

$10–19

$20–29

. . . . . . . $30 or greater Breakfast Brunch Lunch

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinner

. . . . . . . . . Family-Friendly Takeout

Outdoor Seating Reservations

. . . . . . . . . . Happy Hour

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vegan New Review

Menu items and prices are subject to change, so check before you go. See all our restaurant reviews on our Taste tab at bellinghamalive.com * Review provided by restaurant.

WHATCOM

11TH HOUR TEA & COFFEE BAR Tea, Coffee

833 N. State St., Bellingham 360.788.4229, 11thhourteaandcoffeebar.com

11th Hour Tea & Coffee Bar has an extensive menu of drinks around $3–5, with a variety of teas, golden milks, tea lattes, superfood lattes, and a full line of espresso items. The intimate space is cozy and encourages conversation between friends and strangers alike. The energy, menu, and location attract everyone from college students and families to health-minded folks.

Lids Finally Have a Place

ACCOMPLICE American

1232 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.778.2336

If you’ve been to Carnal in downtown Bellingham, you know meat is their forte. For even more protein-forward goodness, head to the restaurant’s burger offshoot, Accomplice, located right next door. Originally created as a destination for casual takeout during the pandemic, the space was remodeled to include a quirky dining area plus variety of sandwiches and house-made sauces.

AMBO ETHIOPIAN CUISINE

Ethiopian

902 N. State St., Bellingham 360.756.1627, amboethiopian.com

If you’ve never had Ethiopian food before, get ready you’re in for a treat. Ambo has something to offer meat eaters and vegans alike, and it’s the best kind of comfort food: Hearty, healthy, and warming on a soul-deep level.

BIG LOVE JUICE American

1144 10th St., Bellingham 360.383.5336, biglovejuice.com

Cold press juices make up the bulk of the menu at Big Love Juice. However, these aren’t your average juices. Big Love Juice uses a hydraulic press, rather than the traditional high-heat methods that eliminate much of the vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. Customers looking for something a little heartier can also pick from a multitude of smoothies, soups, salads, bowls, and loaded toasts.

BLACK SHEEP Mexican

215 W. Holly St., Ste. 101, Bellingham 360.526.2109, blacksheepbellingham.com

Co-owners Charlie Pasquier and Chas Kubis opened Black Sheep with the same approach they took to Goat Mountain Pizza years earlier, with a devotion to scratch-made, fresh ingredients. With

Take those hard-to-find lids for pots, pans, or even storage containers and place them in wall-mounted file organizers. Stick the organizer to the wall or the inside of a cabinet and watch your lid nightmares wash away. These wall file organizers are easy to find at your local office store or online retailer.

Water Bottle Solutions

Give those pesky water bottles a proper place in your kitchen with magazine files. Instead of having your water bottles and lids scatter about cabinets and your house, grab some magazine files and place those extra water bottles horizontally inside them.

homemade tortillas, fresh garnishes, and slowbraised meats, each taco tastes and looks like a small masterpiece just waiting to be demolished.

CAFE VELO Coffeehouse, Deli

120 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.392.0930, cafe-velo.cc

Cafe Velo is a European-inspired cafe with a twist in addition to serving fresh espresso, the cafe also doubles as a bike shop. With plenty of outdoor seating and bike racks customers can bask in the fresh air while enjoying a beverage or sandwich named after one of the owner’s favorite climbs from bicycle racing. This is more than just a place to quickly grab a bite; it’s a place to build community.

CHINUK RESTAURANT Steak, Seafood

714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham 360,392.6520, chinukbellingham.com

Chinuk’s menu contains many specialties, but its biggest attribute is its versatility. The menu features delicious Northwest-inspired cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Located inside the Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham, it’s perfect for a family on the road, a business lunch, or an intimate dinner out.

EVOLVE CHOCOLATE + CAFE* Farm to Table 1200 11th St. (upstairs on the mezzanine), Bellingham, 360.220.1898, evolvefairhaven.com

In September 2018, Chef Christy Fox along with wife Shannon Fox opened their dream cafe within Village Books in Historic Fairhaven. Bringing in locally sourced protein, produce, dairy, coffee and chocolate, the kitchen has become a wonderland of baked goods, savory hot food & locally roasted coffee and house chai!

Shelves in Cabinets

Find some moveable office or locker shelves to maximize the height in your cabinets. You no longer have to struggle to grab plates and bowls, just place the shelves in the cabinets and your organization has just been taken to the next level. These shelves are easy to find and budget-friendly.

Maximize Cabinet Door Space

Have extra measuring cups or other small items lying around? Grab some hooks and stick them to the inside of your cabinet doors to maximize the space—no more digging in messy drawers for the perfect-sized measuring tool. Everything is conveniently placed inside one of your cabinet doors ready for use.

WINE PICK OF THE MONTH

March

Dunham Cellars

Three Legged Red 2021

Washington State

WRITTEN BY AMBERLEIGH BROWNSON

IHAD THE HONOR of hosting renowned Washington state wine family bastions David and John Blair for a first ever father-son wine dinner at a prior restaurant I built in 2019… The results were excellent. Dunham Cellars consistently produces exceptional wines from Walla Walla in Eastern Washington.

Most recently they were awarded two double-gold medals in Great Northwest Wine’s Platinum Awards. They have quite the fan base in Bellingham and the surrounding area, so perhaps many of this column’s readers are already familiar with 29-year-strong Dunham Cellars, making them a perfect fit for the March wine pick.

It’s hard to decide, but the choice is the affordable, and ever-loved backstory-namesake Three Legged Red, a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah: the 2021 vintage. The endearing story of the dog, Port, for which it is named, can be found on the back label.

Made in a repurposed World War II airplane hangar, this wine (and other Dunham Cellars iterations) can be found widely in our area and a comprehensive wine club is available online at dunhamcellars.com.

Tasting Notes: Initial barnyard scents are replaced with dried fruits and cinnamon sticks, the streets of Florence (all the leather and a bit of musk), and raspberry jam. The palate has herbs and savory notes of cardamom, fig, mild cranberry sauce, and a finish of sliced vanilla bean and eucalyptus oil followed by a smooth finish of gentle caramel, green peppercorn, and star anise.

Pairing Suggestion: Escargot, quinoa-raspberry salad, marinated tri-tip, BBQ pork ribs, garlic rotisserie chicken, cherry piet

MEET OUR SOMMELIER

Amberleigh Brownson

Amberleigh Brownson has been a local sommelier and international wine judge in Whatcom county for eight years. She is a fourtime award winner from Wine Spectator for her wine program and wine pairing dinners, and has become an opinion leader in the Washington wine world, particularly in Whatcom County.

FAIRHAVEN POKE Hawaiian

1102 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.922.7494, fairhavenpoke.com

You’ll be taking a personal trip to the islands when you bite into Fairhaven Poke’s poke bowl concoction. The iconic raw fish, doused in a unique blend of sauces, along with a variety of other topping options are piled onto a bed of homemade sushi rice or salad. Customers then garnish their bowls with additional condiments such as furikake, a Japanese nori seasoning.

FAIRHAVEN VILLAGE TACOS

Brazilian, Fusion

1020 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.746.8247, facebook.com/fairhavener

Frequent visitors of Bellingham’s historic Fairhaven district are sure to have noticed the bright red landmark known as the “Fairhaven Village Bus.” You can find delicious Brazilian barbecue treats such as tacos, soups, tamales, and bakery goods.

GRAHAM’S RESTAURANT American

9989 Mount Baker Hwy., Glacier 360.599.9883

Graham’s Restaurant is the classic, rustic stop for a good burger and brew in Glacier, especially for hungry travelers. Built in 1904, the building represents a long-gone era in the Mount Baker wilderness. Connected to an old-timey grocery store, the cabin-like restaurant is made complete by black-andwhite photos of the cast from the 1935 film “Call of the Wild,” starring Clark Gable and Loretta Young, warming their hands over the little stove oven which still sits there today.

GUUD BOWLS American, Ready-to-Heat Bowls

2625 S. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham, 360.510.4880, guudbowls.com

Guud Bowls is unlike most food services because they don’t have a storefront. Every weekday, owners Mike Duncan and Meredith Steven cook and chill bowls of food in a commissary kitchen and hand-deliver anywhere in Whatcom County. Choose from a rotating menu of gluten-free bowls filled with colorful, fresh ingredients. Pop the ready-to-heat bowls in the oven, microwave, or saute in a pan.

LOCUS American, Eclectic

120 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.306.8556, locusofbellingham.com

Ever tried a wine latte? Or a stout with cold brew and Irish cream? How about a smoothie blend of espresso, berries, ice cream, and tahini? These one-of-a-kind creations are all available at Locus, where you’ll find classic and curious offerings of coffee, wine, beer,

Photo by Sharon Beth

and food. Breakfast is available all day, and includes sandwiches, bagels, and wraps.

LORIKEET Tapas Bar

215 W. Holly St., Ste. 101, Bellingham lorikeetbar.com

Designed to feel like a seaside resort bar, the atmosphere at Lorikeet is beachy, relaxing, and transporting. Food offerings rotate daily, but staples include small plates like ceviche and skewers. The extensive cocktail menu features numerous rum- and tequila- based creations.

MILANO’S ITALIAN SEAFOOD Italian, Seafood

1210 11th St., Bellingham 360.599.2863, milanosrestaurantbar.com

Formerly in Glacier, the Milano’s in downtown Fairhaven is your destination for fine Italian dining and seafood. Wine lovers will feel especially at home, as Milano’s boasts the largest wine list in Whatcom County. Despite being a high-end restaurant, it’s also informal. You don’t have to dress up, and everyone is welcome.

NEW MEXICO TAMALE CO. Tex-Mex

4151 Meridian St., Ste. 106, Bellingham, 360.389.8841, nmtamale.com

From flavor-packed handmade food to a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder this Southwest-inspired eatery landed on Yelp’s “Top 100 Places to Eat in 2020” list. 95% of the restaurant’s menu is vegan and 100% of items are gluten-free and lard-free.

THE NORTH FORK BREWERY Eclectic, Bar

6186 Mount Baker Hwy., Deming 360.599.2337

Pizza and beer is a pairing that truly stands the test of time. At Deming’s long-running North Fork Brewery, which opened in December of 1997, the two remain as strong as ever. The North Fork’s brews are made in small batches by their longtime brewer and his custom draft system. The old-style pub feels homey and familiar, with quirky decorations like a glass wall encasing rows and rows of beer bottles. It’s a warm, inviting place to escape the biting temperatures outside.

The finger-licking-good Pork Ribs at B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar, made with sweet chili glaze and miso aioli, make for a filling small plate for only $10 during happy hour.

8 TASTES GREAT

RED GINGER ASIAN CUISINE Asian

1208 E. Maple St. Bellingham, WA 98225

360.306.8629 redgingerbellingham.com

Newly opened this summer, Red Ginger offers traditional authentic asian cuisine at a great price point . Their take on mongoian beef, Seven Flavor Beef, is exceptional. Dine in or take-out, give them a try.

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For a quick snack pull up to Boomer’s Drive-In for Deep Fried Mushrooms , and don’t forget the Special Sauce (added $0.45) for dipping and an extra burst of flavor.

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When the sweet tooth craving starts to call, make your way to Maple. Bar for a treat! We love the signature Maple Donut, but they also have chocolate, blueberry, and lemon to choose from. Better yet, take all the flavors home.

Old Town Cafe has some of the best hotcakes in Bellingham with its Hotcakes Combo , which includes two whole-grain buttermilk hotcakes served with two eggs and choice of meat or vegan alternative.

Horseshoe Cafe has your late-night cravings down with its Sweet Chicken and Waffles, which includes fried chicken breast, house Belgian waffle, whipped butter, and syrup.

Want a savory breakfast full of mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, and pepperjack cheese topped with avocado and sour cream? Look no further than the California Hash Browns at Little Cheerful Cafe

Made with wild-caught Alaskan smoked salmon, the NW Sammie satisfies your Northwest seafood cravings at AB Crepes Get there early as it’s only available before 5 p.m.

Want to add some spice to your palate? The Coconut Chicken Curry at Naan and Brew is deliciously spicy with a hint of coconut to balance it all out. Add some rice for a perfect combination of savory and spicy.

Photo Courtesy of Horseshoe Cafe

Chef’s Corner with Lizzie Wysong, Certified Cheese

Professional and Content Creator

BIO, RECIPES, AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIZZIE WYSONG

DO YOU LOVE charcuterie, cups of tea, and all things “quaint?” If so, you should be following Lizzie Wysong on Instagram! This local Certified Cheese Professional not only provides quality cheeses from all corners of the globe to the hungry mouths of Whatcom county—she also shares her clever recipes, gorgeous teacups, and joyful trivia online. For March, which includes the first day of spring on March 19 and National Cocktail Day on March 24, Wysong shared these fresh, simple recipes that you can easily make at home.

Meet the Chef

Wysong is a tea enthusiast, Certified Cheese Professional, and avid collector of antiques. She lives in her turn-ofthe-last-century home in Blaine, where she enjoys quiet days and peaceful nights. You can find her on Instagram @CuppasAndCurds, where she uses her photography to show off her extensive teacup collection, her cheeseboard exploits, and her love for all things afternoon tea. She’s all about enjoying the finer things in life, and not waiting until special occasions to use the good china or drink the fancy champagne. And in Washington, since almost every day is a rainy day, it’s the perfect excuse to celebrate the small things.

Rhubarb Martini

Ingredients

2 stalks fresh rhubarb, washed and ends trimmed 1 bottle gin*

1 bottle white vermouth

Instructions

• Thinly slice fresh rhubarb (a vegetable peeler works great for this) and divide between two small, airtight containers.

• Pour enough of each alcohol over the rhubarb to submerge, keeping the gin and vermouth separate. Infuse your liquors for at least 48 hours in the fridge.

• Strain and discard rhubarb, then continue to refrigerate alcohol until needed.

• Combine 1.5 oz infused gin and 0.5 oz infused vermouth in a small glass. Garnish with a fresh strip of rhubarb.

*I recommend using a gin that is sharp and contains citrus notes, to balance out the sweet vermouth and fruity rhubarb.

Floral Cheese Balls

Ingredients

1 8-ounce package of soft cheese, such as chèvre Edible flowers*

Instructions

• Divide cheese into 8 equal balls.

• Roll each ball through the flowers until coated.

“I commonly use dried cornflowers and chive blossoms that I grew in my garden...”

Lizzie Wysong

Can be made the day before and kept refrigerated, although I recommend making them the day of. Be sure to remove the cheese from the fridge an hour before serving, which helps temper the cheese and make it more lively on the palate.

*Some edible flowers, such as cornflowers, add a lot of color but no flavor. Chive blossoms will contribute an oniony flavor, and chamomile will impart a faintly apple-y and

sweet note. If you want to punch up the flavor, mix the cheese with fresh herbs or honey before rolling. I commonly use dried cornflowers and chive blossoms that I grew in my garden, but you can find packages of fresh edible flowers at most high end grocery stores. Be sure the flowers are marked as edible, as most flowers from the floral department have been heavily sprayed with pesticides and are not fit for consumption. t

SKAGIT

CHUCKANUT MANOR Pacific Northwest

3056 Chuckanut Dr., Bow 360.766.6191, chuckanutmanor.com

Tucked along Samish Bay, Chuckanut Manor has been serving flavorful Pacific Northwest fare for more than 50 years. Open for lunch and dinner, including a daily happy hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the restaurant is known for its mouthwatering seafood dishes, burgers, steaks, stellar service, and breathtaking views of Samish Bay. The dining room and bar are expansive and feature white tablecloths, nautical decor, and rows of windows that show off the magnificent views. In the summer, guests may also dine on the outdoor patio. While the tablecloths might allude to fancy attire, the vibe is casual and everyone is welcome just as they are.

COA MEXICAN EATERY Mexican

102 S. 10th St., Mount Vernon, 360.840.1938 214 Maple Ave., La Conner, 360.466.0267 coaeatery.com

One bite of a taco or one sip of a margarita and you’re hooked. This eatery offers frequent customer appreciation days, offering 50 percent off food if you pay in cash. Deals and good food what more could you want? Even on a different night, with the choice of fajitas, burritos, chimichangas, or flan, you won’t be disappointed.

FORTUNE MANDARIN Chinese, Mandarin

1617 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon 360.428.1819, fortunemandarin.com

Tea warmed over a candle, delicious drinks with a slight exotic twist, tender and flavorful meat, and vegetables cooked to perfection are expected at this peaceful bar and restaurant with Chinese decor. The owner and staff remember regular patrons, creating a sense of community alongside mouth-watering food.

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. Housed in a structure dating from the 1920s that has survived many incarnations, the restaurant owes its reputation to its remote, quintessentially Pacific Northwest setting. But people don’t dine at The Oyster Bar for its location alone. While oysters are the signature offering, The Oyster Bar offers a variety of other fine-dining choices and is known for its extensive wine cellar.

“I love taking photos of bees at work. They are the one common link to all of life’s existence. This makes their fragile lives the most important to sustain life on this planet.”

PHOTO BY W. SCOOTER

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