Bellingham Alive | June July | 2024

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Ferndale 1860 Main St Forks 131 Calawah Way

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Port Angeles - Sixth Street 227 E Sixth Street

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Sequim Avenue 333 North Sequim Avenue

Sequim Village 1201 W Washington Street

Silverdale 3035 NW Bucklin Hill Road

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15 Ways to Fall in Love With Where We Live

It’s all too easy to take this wonderful region for granted, especially when we forget to make the most of everything that Northwest Washington has to offer. On our 15th anniversary, we’ve got 15 ways to revitalize your relationship with where we live and remind you of your one true love: the North Sound.

by

Photo

Dani Winters Photography

Photo by Anne Godenham

Photo by Nicole Kimberling

Photo by

Godenham

Online Exclusive

I was looking forward to a weekend at home when QueerCon appeared on my Instagram feed. A queer-focused fiction media convention at Western Washington University? As a fairly recent transplant to the area, I wasn’t sure if this was a new event or maybe something only open to students—but that wasn’t the case! To my surprise and delight, Queer Con was in its eighth year in 2024, a fully developed, one-day event boasting over 100 vendors, guest speakers and panels, shows, games, and more! WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTEN

Giveaway

JUNE GIVEAWAY: $50 GIFT CARD TO NELL THORN WATERFRONT BISTRO & BAR

BOEHM

EVENTS CALENDAR

JULY GIVEAWAY: $50 GIFT CARD TO DISTRICT BREWING

In honor of Father’s Day, take Dad for a gourmet burger and a frosty brew with our June/July giveaway: a $50 gift card to Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar AND a $50 gift card to District Brewing. Celebrate the summer with delicious, locally-sourced food and great craft beer!

APRIL WINNER: SUZANNE SMITH

Be sure to check out our events calendar. If you have an event that you would like our readers to know about, bellinghamalive.com offers an events calendar where viewers can search by day, venue, event type, or city. Go to bellinghamalive.com/events and submit your event today. Once your event has been approved by our editorial staff, it is live.

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BellinghamAlive

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360.483.4576 x4

My husband Ken always tells people when describing me: “If you look at a gear shift, there’s a neutral, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, but no reverse.” It never crossed my mind Bellingham Alive wouldn’t be successful, and here we are 15 years later.

—Lisa Karlberg, President | Publisher

A Look Back at 15 Years

THERE ARE PIVOTAL moments in a person’s life, whether it is personal or professional, where you take a step back and just absorb all that has been accomplished. This is one of those times. My husband Ken and I started Bellingham Alive 15 years ago and launched our first issue in June of 2009; there were a lot of people back then that thought we were crazy! After all, we were in the midst of a recession. My theory was: if we could launch the magazine and make it work then it would be a mainstay in our community for years to come, and here we are!

At that time, it was just Ken, me, a part-time editor, and a couple of interns. When the first issue arrived we were so excited, held a launch party, but it looked different in hand than we had envisioned, so we went through a complete redesign and have gone through four to date to ensure we stay current.

Ken and I often laugh at the early years—it was not easy. I had my youngest still in high school and I made a commitment to him I wouldn’t move him again until he graduated, and Ken had accepted a role with what was at that time Barron, Smith, Daughert, so he could be closer to his mom. We commuted from the Seattle area for a year and a half until we could make the move.

We ran the company from what we affectionately refer to as our “sardine box:” it was 700 square feet and housed the entire staff. Print day was extremely amusing, as we were still figuring out the timing of it all, there were many months we didn’t finish

until 1 a.m. On these days Ken and I had an air mattress in the closet, when the staff left, Ken and I would just sleep there, always afraid the staff would come in the next day and we’d still be sleeping! Oh my gosh, I can happily say we are way beyond that point…lol.

Over the years, we have gone through changes as we continue to evolve and grow, but our mission remains the same: “To be a positive voice in our communities that helps grow awareness of the personalities, businesses, and areas we serve.” We strive every issue to uphold this mission, and to give you, our reader, a glimpse into the beautiful area where we live with current and engaging content. Our hope is that whether you have lived here your entire life or are just moving to the area, you will learn something new.

So, here we are 15 years later! We produce three publications: Bellingham Alive, Welcome Newcomers Guide, and the NSLife Guestbook; we have won multiple national awards in editorial and design; and our staff is now 10+ full-time employees and 2–4 part-time interns at any given time. We speak to over 750,000 readers every issue from San Juan Islands, Skagit County, and Whatcom County, as well as visiting tourists.

The excitement the entire staff feels in producing our beautiful publications is undeniable; we love what we do, and we couldn’t do it without you. So, THANK YOU, both readers and advertising partners—you are appreciated beyond words.

Here’s to another 15 years! t

LISA KARLBERG President/Publisher

Banking built

BECU was built by (and for) people who live here, just like you. We’re member-owned and member-led, and all PNW residents—from Spokane to Portland to the Puget Sound—are welcome to apply.

Kolby LaBree

Leah Foster

Leah Foster is the owner of Pumped Bellingham, Bellingham’s Premier refill store offering sustainable home and self-care goods by the ounce, helping you eliminate single-use plastic waste. Pumped also offers low-waste living consultations, home delivery, quarterly fix-it fairs, and workshops on a variety of awesome topics. When not working, she is hanging out with her kids, Oli and Sofia, her family, and the cool friends she has made since moving to Bellingham in 2018.  p. 48

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. 25

Emma Radosevich

As a child, Emma developed a love of literature by reading chapter books with her dad; she made sure he got every character’s voice just right. She still appreciates a great narrator. Emma is a Collection Development Librarian for Whatcom County Library System, where she gets to work with fellow book lovers. When she’s not working, she likes walking on Bellingham trails while listening to an audiobook or NPR podcast.  p. 25

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. 28

PUBLICATIONS

Bellingham Alive

NSL Guestbook

Welcome Newcomers Guide

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Lisa Karlberg

OFFICE MANAGEMENT

Jenn Miranda

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Anne Godenham

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Kristen Boehm

ART AND GRAPHICS MANAGER

Brandee Simons

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Estella Young

SALES & DIGITAL CONTENT SPECIALIST

Rebecca Lehman

WRITERS

Jessamyn Tuttle | Nicole Kimberling

Maya Heinselman | Amberleigh Brownson

CONTRIBUTORS

Julie Trimingham | Leah Foster

Emma Radosevich | Kolby LaBree

Robin Daly | Greg Robinson

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

Sydney Sprouse | Ava Boorn

Briana Tuvey

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Michael Roe | Kelley Denman

Kristy Gessner

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Megan Gonzales

CONTACT US

INQUIRIES & SUBSCRIPTIONS

jenn@bellinghamalive.com

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ADVERTISING

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EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

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COVER

Brandee Simons

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 love your magazine! We look forward to getting it and trying out the restaurants inside!

—Janna B., Bellingham

Janna, we love our foodie readers! There are so many amazing bars and restaurants throughout the area to discover, we appreciate you looking to Bellingham Alive to fill your calendar with new places to try.

Lisa K.

I just love Bellingham Alive! I am always amazed at how even your ads are all local companies and products right here at home to try, and of course the editorial is so local, what a community asset!

—Margeret H., Bellingham

Margeret, you hit the nail on the head. We have been providing local, joyful content for 15 years, doing our best to promote our local communities with

editorial and advertising partners our readers can support and explore. Thank you for doing your part to support local!

Lisa K.

I had no idea Bellingham Alive covered Skagit as well! I was at the Dr. office with nothing else to read and imagine my surprise! Love it, now I’m out searching for back issues to catch myself up!

—Joany P., Mount Vernon

Yes Joany, we have been covering Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan Counties since the very first issue in 2009, Skagit and San Juan Counties offer such beauty and a wide variety of personalitites and businesses to cover throughout the year. Call the office, we can get you as many back issues as you like. Enjoy!

Lisa K.

“Are you struggling to find the perfect furniture for your home? Our team of expert designers are here to help. We provide personalized design services to help you create a space that reflects your style and fits your budget. Come by Samuel’s today to schedule your consultation”

Bob & Lori Dodge Owners, Samuel’s Furniture

Voted BEST PLACE TO BUY FURNITURE 9 Years in a Row

Lisa

What makes you love where we live?

“We are in the absolutely perfect location! Not only does it offer limitless access to snow sports, trail sports, and water sports, you also have amazing dining and cultural options. And don’t even get me started on the people! So genuine and welcoming to all.”

"I love getting to learn about all the stories behind the people, businesses, and events we cover. Our diversity, cultures, and arts make where we live magical!”

"We enjoy sailing in the San Juan Islands, appreciating Washington State’s diverse landscapes. From deserts and volcanoes to rainforests and mountainous valleys, the state offers a variety of climates, allowing us to explore and appreciate each area’s beauty."

"I love the lookout at California Creek in Blaine, with the train trestle and the sunset shining on the water, almost always an eagle soaring overhead. Truly love the PNW!"

"I love our micro-climates. Within a few miles in all directions I could get to the ocean, mountains, a big city, forests, or even desert if I was so inclined.”

"I love Bellingham because of the beautiful trails, the natural landscape, and the culture."

“I’m big on water—the views, the swimming opportunities, the sound of a rushing river… One of my favorite things about living in the North Sound is the proximity to lakes, rivers, and coastline."

"Having grown up in a flat and barren area surrounded by fields of corn, I LOVE all of the enormous and various types of trees and multiple nature focused parks that Bellingham has to offer."

“I love where I live because of all the beauty that surrounds us. The scenery is breathtaking, and I love all of the seasons that we get here in Bellingham.”

Rebecca Lehman Sales & Digital Content Specialist

"I love how accessible green spaces are in Bellingham. The expansive network of local parks and urban trails makes it easy for everyone to get outside."

Kristy Gessner

Account Executive

Karlberg

Publisher

Kelley Denman

Account Executive

Jenn Miranda

Office Manager

Anne Godenham Editor in Chief

Kristen Boehm

Editorial Coordinator

Estella Young

Senior Graphic Designer Art & Graphics Manager

Brandee Simons

Account Executive

Michael Roe

Vote online at

15th Annual Presented by: Casino, Live Theater, Art Gallery, Museum, Festival, Spa, Fitness Center, Yoga Studio, Pharmacy, Dentist, Eye Care, New Restaurant, Bakery, Steak, Happy Hour, Cocktail, Coffee Shop, Sushi, Chef, Breakfast, Wedding Venue, Golf Course, Consignment, Makeup Shop, Local Artisan, Bookstore, Craft Store, Produce, Childcare, Baby Store, Summer Camp, Doggie Daycare, Boarding Kennel, Veterinarian, Builder, Roofing Company, Bank, Mechanic, Lodging, Florist, Photographer, Tattoo Shop, Attorney, Place to Work, And More!

Businesses from Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties are eligible. Winners announced in our October print issue and online in a special “Winners Announced” feature. Digital feature released Oct. 15. To vote online, go to BellinghamAlive.com

Like us on Facebook for the most up-todate notifications. Nominate your favorite businesses in over 120 categories.

by Briana Tuvey

Photo

The North Sound

Fat the Friday Harbor Airport, passing another plane about to take off. It’s the very same airport the founder of San Juan Airlines, Roy Franklin, built years ago.

stick season comes to an end and the first blooms appear, a refurbished 1960s plane rolls down the Bellingham Airport runway, en route to explore the splendor of the San Juan Islands.

of Puget Sound, claim a different kind of magic. From islands still blanketed in snow to the various lighthouses nestled against the rocky shores and wildlife of the sea, sky, and land gracing the landscape, each tour is bound to be different—and full of views you can’t get anywhere else.

In 2017, Douglas’s three decades of recreational passion for piloting culminated in what he describes as a momentary lapse of reason: purchasing San Juan Airlines and taking his passion for flying into a profitable adventure for all those without a fear of heights.

“When you charter an airplane, it's kind of like getting an Uber. They don't ask you how many people; they ask if you want an Uber or an Uber XL,” says Douglas.

The airline has two sizes of planes: one that fits three passengers with baggage, or one that fits five passengers with baggage.

Photo by Ava Boorn

Photo by Ava Boorn

Photo by Briana Tuvey

Life San Juan Airlines

it happens to be… You just tell us what you want to do,” says Douglas.

It’s a story that Douglas’s fleet of sky ferries provides to the residents of the islands every day. Patrons wishing to experience just an ounce of nature’s magic are in excellent hands when taking to the sky with the experienced pilots of San Juan Airlines.

Douglas has had his pilot's license for 32 years and an interest in flying since he was a kid. He even owns his plane, which he uses for recreation as well as his commute to Bellingham airport from his home on the islands. Airplanes are a labor of love, expresses Douglas, like owning a classic car.

"I think it's an experience that a lot of people never get a chance to see or do, and it's unique. We got a small family environment [where you’re] able to get in a small airplane and actually talk to your pilot and not just sit in the back," Douglas says.

More ways to see the region from above

Go down south to Snohomish Balloon Ride and pop into one of their many hot air balloons for an epic view from the sky. These nine-story balloons are great for celebrations, proposals, or just to check it off your bucket list. You can choose a private ride or a shared one, which includes 2-10 passengers. Go for sunset, sunrise, or personalize your own ride to fit your needs.

If you aren't a fan of flying or just want something more active, there are many scenic hikes in and around Whatcom County.

Get a great view of Mount Baker with the Heliotrope Trail. This 5.5-mile round-trip trail will take you up 1,400 feet in elevation bringing you great views of the cascades. It's a great hike for those looking for a challenge.

Another great trail is the Oyster Dome. Starting from the Samish Overlook, this hike gains 1,050 feet in elevation over the 5-mile round-trip trail. After traveling through the forest, you will emerge to see a beautiful view of the surrounding areas. Take a trip to the Sehome Arboretum. This area contains six miles of trails with an elevation gain of 325 feet. Whether you want to use the short path or take your time with longer trails, the observation tower will give you beautiful views of Bellingham Bay and the surrounding mountains. t

Photo by Briana Tuvey

Photo by Briana Tuvey

Behind the Scenes With Skagit’s Artists

20th Annual NW Art Beat Studio Tour

ASTUDIO TOUR IS the North Sound’s favorite way to get to know local artists! The NW Art Beat Studio Tour is a 20-year-strong tradition in Skagit County, organized by the non-profit organization Skagit Artists. Skagit Artists organizes, promotes, and nurtures our artists by creating exhibitions and networking opportunities. They believe that Skagit Valley can and should be a cultural destination for worldly travelers, with visual arts at the helm.

The NW Art Beat Studio Tour is juried, free, and self-guided. Using the map you find at nwartbeat.com, you’ll be able to explore studios all over Skagit County on July 20 and 21, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m both days. The studios are all in Skagit, but the artists might also be based in Island, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties, meaning you get to meet a wider diversity of creatives!

Some artists regularly featured over the years include Steve Bryant, Nicolette Harrington, Ron King, and Maria Wickwire. Bryant (driftwoodandiron.com) creates unique garden and home art from driftwood, found glass, and recycled and new metals. Harrington (known as Wingshadow Studios) creates stunning naturescapes with oil paints, framed in local timber by her husband. King (ronking.com) uses a process he calls “stratomorphic rendering” to alter photos into abstract and mysterious artwork. Wickwire (mariawickwire.com) creates intriguing ceramic sculptures of feminine forms and the stories behind them.

In addition to NW Art Beat in the summer, Skagits Artists also has an annual Juried Show in the fall, and Art Bash in the spring. Head to their website to learn more about supporting Skagit artists! nwartbeat.com

KRISTEN BOEHM

A Beautiful Day in… West Mount Vernon

WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM

Saturday in the park

Start with coffee and a bagel from Valley Grind and take a walk through Edgewater Park. If you’re lucky, there might be a plant or crafts fair, and if not there’s always the Skagit River to visit!

A Community That Cares

FOURTH OF JULY fireworks can be a thing of real beauty, but perhaps even more beautiful is what happens the next day in Birch Bay: 80-200 people coming together to clean up the detritus left on beaches from the previous night’s displays. This isn’t something that any one person or organization started—it just happens because the community cares.

The effort is supported by a collaboration of various organizations: the Whatcom County Health Department provides three to four giant dumpsters; the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Work Crew helps to collect the bags and piles of trash and get them into the dumpsters; and Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM), and local businesses and organizations help round up volunteers—BBWARM also provides them with supplies and snacks.

These combined efforts make a huge difference, removing literal tons of garbage from Whatcom County’s coastline. In 2023, volunteers removed 11,140 pounds of trash (the most ever collected), preventing potential damage to wildlife and the environment. And that’s not the end of it. Many volunteers keep the work going throughout the following week, as more garbage piles up on the evening of the fifth. To join the cleanup, sign up on the Chamber’s website or simply show up ready to work on July 5! birchbaychamber.com

ANNE GODENHAM

Browse for treasures

What West Mount Vernon shopping lacks in volume, it makes up for with charm and warmth: Encore Books and Again Thrift are both lovely stores with friendly staff, definitely worth a visit.

Photo Courtesy of Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce

Photo courtesy of NW Art Beat Studio Tour

A Delicious Bounty Coming to Bellingham’s Granary Building

WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM

PHOTO COURTESY OF MERCATO DELLE BONTA

IF YOU’VE EVER visited Italy, you’re probably missing the meals you had on a regular basis. As delicious as the food here in the PNW is—nobody beats our seafood, for example—there are some things that are just hard to replace.

Julia Tzortzatos and Francesco Di Vito understand the craving. The couple moved to Bellingham from New York in 2018 and knew immediately that they wanted to open a business that could bring a bit of Italy to the area. And so, the idea for Mercato delle Bonta was born.

The market (Mercato delle Bonta means ‘market of goodness’ in Italian) will serve Bellinghamsters from the waterfront Granary building; at the time of writing the goal is to open in late spring. Di Vito is originally from Milan, Italy, while Tzortzatos was born and raised in Astoria, New York, and the food will be influenced by both locations.

“Francesco and I want to create something that feels like a mix of Italy and New York,” says Tzortzatos. “We embrace our ethnic backgrounds when we think about the food we will make.”

The menu will offer ready-made and take-and-bake dishes including focaccia, frittatas, lasagna, spanakopita, stuffed peppers, and tiramisu. They’ll also sell fresh scones and deli sandwiches, as well as a range of imported and local food products.

“We are happy to continue to be part of the growth of Bellingham,” says Tzortzatos. “Our hope is to create a space that people will enjoy the atmosphere and food!”t

Shake things up

Grab a handmade shake (my favorite is blackberry, made with fresh berries) and a classic burger or hot dog at The Net Drive-In just be prepared for a line!

Spruce up your home

Officials Work Toward Public Safety with Policies and New Public Safety Response Center

THE OPIOID CRISIS continues to rage across the U.S., and our region is no exception: in 2023, King5 News reported that Washington State had seen the most significant year-over-year increase in drug overdose deaths in the entire country.

Our elected officials are working to fight this crisis, despite being up against a huge, multifaceted challenge. In February, the City of Bellingham announced an executive order by Mayor Kim Lund to “take immediate additional actions to address the fentanyl crisis, especially focusing on the safety and well-being of downtown.” This included opening a hub for first responders near the Commercial Street parking garage, to improve response times for medical emergencies downtown.

The Downtown Public Safety Office houses members of the Bellingham Fire Department’s Community Paramedic Program and members of the Whatcom Ground Level Response and Coordinated Engagement (GRACE) program during the workweek. Having these folks centralized in a downtown location will cut down on response times and hopefully increase successful deescalations and lives saved.

On April 10, County Executive Satpal Singh Sidhu followed suit, issuing his own executive order that includes “more than three dozen actions to bolster and expand efforts around prevention, intervention, treatment, aftercare, and coordination.”

The two-year plan will involve the collaboration of Whatcom’s Health and Community Services Department with the county’s Emergency Medical Services and Sheriff’s Office, among others.

As Sidhu said in his statement: “Our local response alone cannot solve the fentanyl crisis… We need more help from our partners in state and federal government, and I have hope that they too are beginning to better understand this need.”

ANNE GODENHAM

The west side is a haven for gardeners and DIYers, with Salazar’s Nursery offering beautiful plants and landscaping materials and Skagit Building Salvage selling everything from vintage bathtubs to mannequins.

Grab dinner to go

If you’re lucky enough not to have dinner plans, take advantage of the opportunity to grab some delicious barbecue from Kelley’s BBQ & Catering. You can even order ahead on their website!

Hiatus Campers

Life partners Erin and Tyler founded Hiatus Campers in 2018 based on their love of adventure. The native Washingtonian UW alums met at the campus climbing gym. Tyler, an Industrial Design graduate, had always loved working with his hands. He spent years commercial fishing in Alaska, which also allowed him to develop his fabrication background through use of specialized equipment. After graduation, Tyler and Erin built their first hardsided pop-up camper and traveled across North America, living out of it full time. They received a lot of interest on the road. After returning to Washington, they decided to pursue building campers full-time and started Hiatus out of a barn in Issaquah, which they converted into a tailored shop. Entrepreneurial Erin led the charge on developing the business and marketing their name online. There was a major hole in the market for a lightweight product that could withstand the PNW weather. Erin and Tyler give a big thank you to all of their wonderful customers and everyone who helped along the way to bring Hiatus to life!

After 1.5 years of R&D and building prototypes, they finally landed on the Hiatus model and received a patent on their design. The first few rigs hit the road just months before the pandemic started. Due to major supply chain issues and limited marketing opportunities, the pandemic nearly ended the company. Fortunately, the outdoor industry was thriving and the young company was able to stay afloat through sacrifices and perseverance. Hiatus was one of the first US companies to make a pop-top on a canopy style camper and the only one to offer a fully hard-sided option.

In 2022 the company moved to Bellingham and set up shop on Marine Drive. They were drawn in by the marine industry, large outdoor community, and friendly people. After investing in CNC equipment, they expanded their production capacity to meet increased demand. In addition, Hiatus recently adopted a 4 day work week so that their hardworking employees can pursue their adventures too!

Hiatus is driven to help folks further their connection with the outdoors by creating a product that can push the boundaries of adventure, without sacrificing comfort. They always look for ways to improve their product, while maintaining high quality. By delivering a product that can take you anywhere, Hiatus strives to support folks in developing their respect and appreciation for the great outdoors.

Hiatus’ unique pop-top is fully hard-sided, insulated, waterproof, and windproof. In less than 15 seconds you can pop up your tiny home anywhere. The mechanism unfolds in one motion, via external struts, making the process super easy. Not only will you be protected from the elements, you’ll get a restful night of sleep, even on the side of the road. They build for any standard pickup bed and any bed length. The base weighs between 450-550lbs depending on truck size. With numerous upgradable features, such as awnings, windows, and electronics, campers are highly customizable. As a small business, they really enjoy the relationships they build and take pride in their ability to tackle custom projects that most mass producers won’t. Hiatus believes travel isn’t a one size fits all solution and they love helping bring someone’s dream rig to life! hiatuscampers. com, Instagram @hiatuscampers, Facebook Hiatus Campers

Photo Courtesy of Hiatus Campers

Photo Courtesy of Hiatus Campers

Book Reviews

WRITTEN BY EMMA RADOSEVICH

by Sasha taq

blu LaPointe

Sasha taqʷš�blu LaPointe’s debut memoir, “Red Paint,” was all about healing. Her new book, “Thunder Song,” is all about embracing contradiction—about both charting a new path and staying rooted. These carefully crafted, multi-layered essays explore themes that are dear to LaPointe’s heart: her queer and indigenous identity, activism, and family history.

LaPointe dives into personal experience with the clear-eyed perspective of someone who has healed from trauma. In “First Salmon Ceremony,” she writes about happy memories smoking salmon with her family, years of eating vegan to fit in with her white punk friends, and the peace she found in decolonizing her diet. In “Basket Woman” she weaves together multiple story elements—her years as a teenage runaway, Coast Salish tales passed down by her grandmother, and a red dress hanging from a tree in her Tacoma neighborhood—to spread awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

The essay format gives LaPointe space to lean into complexity and let her writing shine. “Thunder Song” is her best yet.

"Splinters:

Another Kind of Love Story"

by Leslie Jamison

June 5, 1890

After the birth of her first child, Leslie Jamison finds that home is no longer a place she wants to be. She pushes her daughter’s stroller through art museums to avoid spending time with her husband, whose coldness has become unbearable. “Splinters: Another Kind of Love Story” is about divorce, motherhood, and the loneliness of becoming a single mother.

There are many love stories within “Splinters.” Jamison reflects on her whirlwind romance with her ex-husband and past relationships that were defined by her addiction. She tries to find new love post-divorce. But the true love in this story is Jamison’s growing love for her daughter, for her art, and for herself.

Like her essay collections, Leslie Jamison’s newest book is heart-wrenchingly vulnerable and introspective. Without another subject to orbit besides her own feelings, “Splinters” feels less grounded than Jamison’s past work. But her prose is so good it doesn’t matter. Jamison will floor you with her precise, perfect sentences that capture human emotions in all their messy glory.

Literary Events

June 5, 6–7 p.m.

Dr. Joe Gaydos, Current Affairs with the Salish Current Village Books, 1200 11th St., Bellingham 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com

The new and exciting speaker series Current Affairs is having its first installment with The Salish Current & Village Books! Join Dr. Joe Gaydos, a respected science director for the SeaDoc Society and resident on Orcas Island, who will be sharing on “Fish Tales, a Drone, and Science Denialism.”

June 28–29

Chuckanut Writers Conference

Sehome High School, 2700 Bill McDonald Pkwy, Bellingham, 360.671.2626 chuckaanutwritersconference.com

The Chuckanut Writers Conference is coming back in-person this year, with speakers including Erica Bauermeister, Rena Priest, and even former Bellingham Alive Editor in Chief Becky Mandelbaum! The 2024 theme is “Return to your senses,” moving writers off screen and grounding them back into the sensory experience of a live event. Time to awaken the senses and immerse yourself in the writer's world

July 22, 7–8 p.m.

Book Club at the Library

Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St. Anacortes, 360.293.1910, anacorteswa.gov

Anacortes Public Library is having their monthly Book Club at the Library! For the month of July the book of choice is “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus. The Book Club is a fun way to get involved with the community and is open to all who want to jump into reading.

This Month in Bellinghistory

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

The Bellingham Bay Express reported: “A lodging house on Maple Street has been an annoyance to the neighbors for some time past owing to the lodgers getting in a ‘keg’ and having a big time. Marshal Sevier warned them and last night everything was quiet.”

July 1, 1905

The White City resort at Silver Beach announced the opening of a new “chute-the-chutes” attraction at Lake Whatcom, a large water slide one would descend in a small boat.

July 9, 1886

“The money sent out of Whatcom County for tobacco last year amounted to $16,000, which leads it to remark that if we must destroy our minds and bodies by using the weed, let us establish a tobacco factory here and prepare our own dogleg. Tobacco does well in our soil.”

"Thunder Song: Essays"

Sampling the Signature City

36 Hours in Kirkland, WA

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNE

GODENHAM

PASSING SIGNS FOR Kirkland on the freeway, you've no doubt joked about how good the Costco must be there—but the city is so much more than that (and honestly, the Costco is nothing special; you want Issaquah for that).

Given its location just across Lake Washington from Seattle, Kirkland is considered by many to be a suburb of the larger city; in fact, Kirkland has a reputation for being its own community, where residents not only live but also work and play. That last part explains why there’s so much green space, even despite the population boom that Google has brought to the area, and why everything I ate during my brief trip was well above par.

Stay

Looking at the stately red brick building that blends so seamlessly into the edges of downtown, you’d never guess that The Heathman Hotel was built in 2007. The hotel has a real sense of belonging, an almost vintage feel that’s belied only by the contemporary functionality of the rooms.

“We're very engaged with the Kirkland chamber,” says Food and Beverage Manager Courtney Smith. “They have a ton of pride in their home. And so the fact that The Heathman feels like it was always part of Kirkland is really pretty impactful.”

I stayed at The Heathman for two nights with my husband and two-year-old son, and every single staff member we encountered was friendly, helpful, and kind. The room was perfectly appointed (the balcony, with its sturdy railing, was a bonus for a kid who loves to be outside), the beds were comfortable, and the water pressure in the shower was amazing. Add to that the ability to park our car with the hotel valet and walk everywhere for the entire weekend—we were very happy customers.

Dine

We had brunch on our first morning at the hotel restaurant, Hearth, and my husband faced a rare dilemma: there were too many dishes he wanted to try on the menu. Usually I’m the one who struggles to decide, but when Shrimp and Grits are an option I never hesitate—these were exceptional, with tender wild gulf prawns and a flavorful harissa butter sauce. My husband wound up choosing the PNW Scramble, which came layered generously with smoked salmon and accompanied by crusty parmesan potatoes. Chef Edison Mays has a background in fine dining, and it shows in the food at Hearth.

Our dinners were much less fancy but no less delicious. The first night, we satisfied our constant craving for raw fish at Big Fish Sushi (the little one had an Eel and Avocado Roll), and the next night we indulged in rich roti dipped in Beef Rendang and tried to steal the noodles from our son’s Mee Goreng at Reunion Malaysian Cafe + Kitchen

Of course, we also had to try Lady Yum’s famous macarons—the $5 special of a glass of bubbly and a single macaron was a no-brainer, though I also couldn’t resist ordering a few more, for taste-test purposes. They were all exceptional, but my favorite was the Apricot Honey Cardamom.

Breakfast on our last day was an overorder (no regrets) of incredible pastries from Kirkland Bakery, including one of the best Almond Croissants I’ve ever eaten. And we couldn’t resist fitting in one last meal on our way out of town: on Smith’s recommendation, we picked up burgers and fries from Coastline Burgers, and I can report that the buns really are that good.

Play

Besides eating, we spent most of our time enjoying the beautiful outdoor spaces Kirkland has to offer.

The Heathman is right between two wonderful parks: Marina Park, on the shore of Lake Washington, includes a beach, a harbor, and a pretty gazebo, and Peter Kirk Park squeezes a baseball field, a pool, a huge playground, and an impressive amount of rolling lawn into a surprisingly compact space. We also stopped by The Whole Cat and Caboodle to look through the window at the beautiful fluffy kitties. t

Since Time Immemorial

WITH JULIE TRIMINGHAM | PHOTO BY BRANDEE SIMONS

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.

Skwetslatse’ mot Tammy Woodrich is a traditional Nooksack storyteller. She has worked internationally to bring Indigenous and Native knowledge and perspectives to school curricula. Along with her daughter Skwetslatse’elhot Si’li’xw’tunawt Angela Letoi, she has founded the non-profit organization Healing Through Hope, the mission of which is which is “mending hearts, lifting spirits, and building connections to create space for love and laughter.” Tammy and Angela are currently working on a children’s book based on the Blue Jay story that was gifted to Angela by a Nooksack elder.

Skwetslatse’ mot Tammy: I grew up next to the river, but the river’s changed, it’s not there now. We had a shack over the track, a cabin that was rolled down from upriver from an encampment for the logging industry. Rolled on logs all the way down to where it sat. Four rooms made out of cedar logs that were interlocked. It was put down there in 1876 by my great-great-grandfather. My grandpa grew up there and my dad grew up there. I grew up there. Angela was born and she went home from the hospital to that house. The house burned down, but that’s another story.

Skwetslatse’elhot Si’li’xw’tunawt Angela: Every story comes with another story.

In our ways, a person is given a name to be recognized by our ancestors. When I was gifted my name, Angela became my name too, because she's following in my footsteps. She's my blood, she’s my child, she’s the storyteller. We became the same name.

At any kind of gathering, if she's called to the floor, I go with her. Because we carry the same name. The “mot” at the end of her name means mother, and the “elhot” on mine means daughter.

So when we got the call to do this interview, Angela came with me.

Since we've had our Indian names, it's been like, we don't even really have to talk. It’s a connection. Like I could think, "I wonder if mom needs blah blah blah" and then my phone will ring and it’s Mom calling to answer my question.

I've always told Angela, you have all your ancestors with you. They’ll give you strength to be truthful in storytelling and honoring the stories.

We don't have to do much now when we're up there telling stories: It's just the spirit telling us what to do. We’re just willing to listen to the whispers.

Everybody's hungry right now. Hungry for this spirit quest. For that connection to Mother Earth.

A connection with the land.

My dad used to bring us for rides. Little did I know that it was a training. We'd go up to the mountains, we were hunting for deer, or looking for blackberries, or gathering wood for our wood stove. Different trips for different reasons. But every single time we went up to the woods, there would be a plant and dad would say, “Oh, you know this here can cure pinkeye,” or he’d pull he’d pull up a root and say, “Chop it off right here, put it in tea for your lungs,” or “You can't eat that berry. It's poisonous.” We were getting an education and didn't even know it.

We have to listen to what the land is telling us in order for us to get the medicines that we want. We learn by listening.

My grandma used to tell a story about a skunk getting picked on by the kids until it died, and then the kids played hot potato with its stinkbag. One boy went back to his grandfather and told him what happened. His grandfather said, “You disrespected Skunk, so now he will haunt you for the rest of your life. You’ll see him everywhere.” That’s why there's so many skunks on the river. But these days, now, you can't tell kids that version.

It’s too harsh.

Grandma was just telling us to be nice to animals. But I created a whole new story about Skunk, how he’s conceited and gets fooled by reflections in the water. The lesson is: you can’t always believe what you see.

All the stories have lessons.

Th’oxiya—Basket Woman—who eats bad children. The story teaches that you better listen, you better do what you’re told. Or, sometimes Basket Woman is told to explain why there are so many mosquitos on the river. The mosquitos are the ashes from when Basket Woman was pushed into the fire.

A lot of our stories explain things, but there’s a spiritual part, too. Like once I walked into the woods with one of my daughters and said, “I'm gonna tell you how Crow got his voice.” Pretty soon a crow comes over and gets on the tree. He's talking kaw kaw kaw and I hadn't even started the story yet! My daughter said, “How did you do that?” I said, “I don't know. I never did it before.” Crow went back and forth and back and forth on the tree until the story was done, and then he left. That right there was something that made it spiritually alive to me. Mom, of course, knows about the spiritual part of it. I get to learn by walking behind her.

It’s our way of life. Tl’o Stam Sta’a. It is what it is. t

Investigating the Living Legend of the Quarry Lookout Arts

Quarry

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM | PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOOKOUT ARTS QUARRY

LOCATED PAST LAKE Samish but just before Alger, the Lookout Arts Quarry (LAQ) is many things: a rural arts center, an outdoor festival venue, a campground, a community with permanent residents, and a recovering wilderness. Physically, it’s 61 acres of land that used to be an industrial rock quarry.

LAQ Founder, Board Member, and Lead of the Site Committee Islando Sparks and Board Member and Lead of the Production Committee Nora Hughes answered our questions about this local legend of a site, starting with: how did an industrial rock quarry become an idyllic nature retreat for artists, campers, and festival goers?

Founding

A group of circus and performance artists were fresh off a win in Bellingham’s circus policies and “seeking a gentrification-proof plan for an intentional community of artists and performers.” The old rock quarry that popped up for sale “seemed way too cool to pass up.” Before purchasing the property, the group “rented the site and threw an offroad soapbox derby festival, which would eventually become Sh’Bang!, a now-iconic Northwest festival.”

“The long-term goal [was] building a sustainable, thriving arts-centered community,” they say. “Many years later, LAQ has grown as an organization and is still guided by the same vision of being a peaceful forest retreat with studio spaces and stages, hosting a variety of innovative and inspiring events, grounded in a strong sense of community, equity, and inclusion.”

Wilderness Recovery

“We started with a trashy post-industrial mining site, and the land we steward has come a long way … Since its purchase in 2007, LAQ has been in a process of restoration and stewardship in accordance with the guiding principles of permaculture,” Hughes and Sparks say. LAQ stewardship is “guided by a whole-systems-thinking,” and includes planting native and biodiverse flora, removing invasives, maintaining a wetland viewing trail and a bird sanctuary, cultivating grazing gardens, wild harvesting, and working with fisheries/habitat specialists.

The land is home to wetlands, ponds, a river, a secondgrowth conifer forest, nature trails, and plenty of large rocks. Where there once was a deep pitted scar in the landscape from the quarry proper, there is now an 80-foot-deep rainwater lake “used for swimming and aquatic performances.”

Creativity, Community, and Celebration

LAQ hosts residents, WWOOFer and Artist in Residency programs, campers, and special events.

“Developments for human use at LAQ incorporate natural and structural strategies which limit unnecessary waste, improve the ecosystem, and allow humans to exist in relative balance with their environment,” say Hughes and Sparks.

There are five performance stages, including “an amphitheater cedar stage, a forested saloon stage, a floating dock stage, [and] a ship stage,” as well as thematic art buildings, artist studios, kinetic sculptures, and “an independent publishing studio housed out of a 50-foot semi trailer”—plus room for camping.

For the 2024 festival season, LAQ started with their in-house event, Tropism, on May 25-26 and will end with Sh’Bang! on Aug. 30-Sept. 1. LAQ will also be hosting the Salish Sea Butoh dance collective, Social Ecology Summit, multi-day acro yoga event Acro Campout, School for Comedy Beasts, Cascade Dance Party, and music festivals Bigfoot Campout and Whalien/ Acorn Fest. There will also be a series of craft workshops by LAQ resident Sulai Lopez. Traveling circuses Shoestring Circus and UP UP UP Inc. are part of the LAQ community, and those circus roots remain at the heart of LAQ’s vision.

“Some of our favorite things about living at a circus arts homestead are seeing the expressions and processes of LAQ’s creative community,” Hughes and Sparkes share. “On any evening there could be a hair hanger dangling from an aerial rig while a clown belts out opera, a death metal speakeasy forest concert, or a 50-foot paper-cut snake being puppeteered by dancers.” 246 Old Hwy. 99 N., Bellingham, lookoutarts.com t

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1Tulip Valley Winery

This family-owned and -operated winery serves award-winning wines and hard ciders with locally-sourced and estate-grown fruit, crushed and crafted to perfection on-site surrounded by tulip fields and views of Mount Baker. 16163 State Rte., Mount Vernon, 360.428.6894, tulipvalley.net

BY SYD SPROUSE

LOOKING FOR A fun way to get out into the community and do some wine tastings with friends and family? Try these five wineries spanning from Orcas Island to SedroWoolley! Come enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest while relaxing with locally sourced and hand crafted sips at any of these beautiful locations. t

WRITTEN

PHOTO BY DANI WINTERS PHOTOGRAPHY

2

Eagle Haven Winery

Looking for a family- and dogfriendly tasting room? Eagle Haven Winery, established in 2004, is situated in the upper Skagit Valley and uses locallysourced fruit. Come try their artisan selection with a tasting. 8233 Sims Rd., Sedro-Woolley, 360.856.6248 eaglehavenwinery.com

3

Welcome Road Winery

Stop in at Welcome Road Winery and invite your friends, family, and dogs to enjoy the traditionally French-crafted wine made with locallysourced grapes. Reserve the French ski lodge-inspired space for your next event or stop in for a tasting flight. 300 W. Champion St., Bellingham, welcomeroadwinery.com

4

Orcas Island Winery

Established in 2011 and sitting on 16 acres is the first and only winery on Orcas Island. Orcas Island Winery has 10 locally produced award winning and crafted wines. Enjoy these beautiful tastes with the immaculate view. 2371 Crow Valley Rd., Eastsound orcasislandwinery.com

5

Dynasty Cellars

Dynasty Cellars is an all-seasons winery with generations of history in wine making. Their tasting rooms are fueled with locally sourced wines creating delicious sips to their friendly atmosphere while enjoying the indoor and outdoor seating. 2169 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, 360.220.4111 dynastycellars.com

SPOTLIGHT MAY TOP PICKS

NORTHWEST TUNE-UP 2024

July 12–14

The Northwest Tune-Up festival is a community-forward annual event that aims to bring folks together around some of the Northwest’s cultural touchstones—mountain biking, music, art, and beer. There’ll be free bike demos, kids’ events, races on the pump track, and live music over the whole weekend. Grab a cider, beer, or kombucha off the tap and watch artists create pieces inspired by the PNW. Bellingham Waterfront, Granary Ave., Bellingham, nwtuneup.com

SAN JUAN ISLAND ARTISTS STUDIO TOUR

June 1–2

Embark on this self-guided tour of the artists of San Juan Island! This tour has been going strong since 1991, and this year you can visit 23 studios all over the island to see the behind-thescenes processes of 66 local artists. To further entice you, each studio is offering the chance at a door prize—simply fill out a raffle form for the chance to win! 10 a.m.-5 p.m., San Juan Island, sanjuanislandartists.com

87TH ANNUAL BERRY DAIRY DAYS

June 14–16

All weekend long, join Historic Downtown Burlington in their annual Berry Dairy Days festival, almost a century-old tradition! Berry Dairy Days is all about celebrating the region’s traditions, agriculture, and community. There’s tons to see and do, including a grand parade on Saturday, vendors, music, lawnmower races, a cornhole tournament, and more. We suggest hitting the strawberry shortcake booth first! Downtown Historic Burlington, 520 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington, berrydairydays.com

PRIDE IN BELLINGHAM

July 6–7

Pride IN Bellingham is a celebration in the heart of Bellingham that brings individuals, families, businesses, and local organizations together to love and support our queer community! On July 6, join PFLAG Bellingham for a Pride Family Picnic, then head to the Depot Market Square for an all-ages Pride Dance party! On July 7, join or watch the parade before partying at the festival in downtown Bellingham. Bellingham, prideinbellingham.com

2024 NORTHWEST RASPBERRY FESTIVAL

July 19–20

This is the 26th year of the Northwest Raspberry Festival, Lynden’s biggest free community party! The Raspberry Festival celebrates the PNW as a world leader in producing raspberries. What started as a sidewalk sale is now an entire weekend of fun, with a street fair, food court, live music and entertainment, a beer garden and raspberry wine and spirit tasting, a kids’ scavenger hunt, and more! Front St., Lynden, 360.354.5995, lynden.org

Photo by Eric Mickelson

WHATCOM YOUTH PRIDE

June 1

Whatcom Youth Pride is a kid-focused, empowering event for LGBTQIA+ youth and their friends! It begins with a youth Pride parade through some Bellingham thoroughfares, with the community cheering the kids on from the sidewalks. After the parade, there is an all-ages festival at the high school from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m with live performances! 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.6675, whatcomyouthpride.com

BATTLE BY THE BORDER

June 1

Battle by the Border returns for its oneday, two-round disc golf tournament in Blaine! Both pro and amateur divisions are available for registration. The tournament makes use of the Blaine Disc Golf Course in scenic Lincoln Park, just minutes from the Canadian border. With this 18 hole course, disc golfers will be flying frisbees all day. Come watch or participate in this fun event hosted by the Whatcom Disc Golf Club. 9 a.m., Lincoln Park., 1800 H St., Blaine, whatcomdiscgolfclub.com

LYNDEN FARMERS DAY PARADE

June 1

Come out and watch one of the oldest running parades in the area, the Lynden Farmers Day Parade! Set up a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy some time in the sun with friends and neighbors. This community event is free to attend and celebrates the agriculture of Whatcom County. Parade participants include horses, cars, bands, tractors, trucks, and more! 10:30 a.m., Front St. and 10th St., Lynden, lynden.org

ON SCREEN: “WHEN BACKWARDS IS FORWARDS”

June 6

The Orcas Center is showcasing “When Backwards is Forwards,” a debut film by Orcas High School alum Ella James BigBee, on the Center Stage Screen. The film follows her father on a journey back through “the repressed emotions of childhood.” The film features wilderness cinematography, internal conversations made external, and a story of fear and self-love. A producer and directors Q&A will follow the screening! 7 p.m., Orcas Center, 917 Mt. Baker Rd., Eastsound, 360.378.2281, orcascenter.org

SHOESTRING CIRCUS

June 7–23

Spend a night in awe watching the Shoestring Circus. Head to their classic red and white striped tent, returning to Bellingham in June after a sold-out run last season, to enjoy jaw dropping skills and stories from talented performers. With both matinee and evening performances of their all-new show available, this is a perfect family-friendly show to enjoy this summer. The Big Top by the Waterfront Pump Track, Granary Ave., Bellingham, 253.303.2886, shoestringcircus.com

BLAST FROM THE PAST 2024: 1974

June 7–9

Celebrate 1974 with Sedro-Woolley’s three-day street festival, Blast from the Past! The theme this year is “Vintage 1974,” and you can expect vintage vendors, Friends of the Library Book Sale, live music, the exciting Blast of Color 5K/Bubble Fun Run on Saturday, and a car show on Sunday! Metcalf St. and Woodworth St., Sedro-Woolley, sedro-woolley.com

EUPHORIA

June 8

Hosted by local drag king Dizzy Phoria and made by trans people for trans people, this drag show creates a safe, joyful environment for trans drag performers and folks to come together and create community. June is the Pride edition of Euphoria, which occurs roughly quarterly at the Blue Room in Downtown Bellingham, so come decked out in your best rainbow attire! All are welcome. 9 p.m., The Blue Room, 202 E. Holly St., Ste. 301-401, Bellingham, 425.289.9258, blueroombham.com

WANDER TO WANDER 1K

June 8

Support the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center with this fun run that’s extra fun! It starts at the WDRC office with donuts, wanders along a .62 mile route, then finishes up at Wander Brewing with an included pint of beer (or root beer), food trucks, and fanfare. Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join in! 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, 206 Prospect St., Bellingham, 360.676.0122, whatcomdrc.org

BSO PRESENTS: SYMPHONIC DANCES

June 9

This is the “exhilarating” final performance capping the 2023-2024 season from the Bellingham Symphonic Orchestra. As part of this special finale, the first composition will be played, in part, by the composer himself! Kinan Azmeh will be performing the improvised clarinet for his piece, “Suite for Improvisor and Orchestra.” The second half will be a “grandiose and energetic” performance of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances, Op. 45.” 3 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

Photo by David Vitz

Fun on the Fourth

WRITTEN BY MAYA HEINSELMAN | PHOTO BY JOEY WINKLER

FIREWORKS, PARADES, AND parties, oh my! The Fourth of July is right around the corner and, boy, there are plenty of ways for you to celebrate right here in Whatcom County!

Go big or go home with the Port of Bellingham as they organize the largest fireworks display in all of Whatcom County at Zuanich Point Park. Come just for the show, or spend your time leading up to it by filling up on food from local vendors, grabbing a drink at the beer garden, or enjoying activities for the whole family with Allied Arts and Bellingham Circus Guild.

If a classic parade is more your style, check out Blaine’s Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration. Not only are they hosting their renowned Grand Parade, but they’re also putting on their annual car show, a library book sale, and Plover Ferry rides. As you’re enjoying the festivities, also take a stroll around the street fair offering everything from edible delights to handmade crafts all day long!

For a bit of laid-back fun, listen to live music by Mary Ellen Lykins and the CC Adams Band at Elizabeth Park. The rock and blues atmosphere of these bands are the perfect addition to any summer night, including when celebrating the 4th. And if you like to celebrate with a team, help cheer on our collegiate baseball team, the Bellingham Bells, as they play against the Bend Elks at Joe Martin Field! t

COMMERCIAL STREET BLOCK PARTY

June 14, July 19

The Commercial Street Block Party is back for Summer 2024! Join the 1300 block of Commercial Street for all-ages fun with vendors, games, music, food, and programming. The Commercial Street Block Party is organized by Mo Green and Daija Heyward of 2BB Productions, an events organization focusing on Black-led events in Bellingham. June 14 will celebrate Juneteenth, while July 19 will center Pride! Commercial St., Bellingham, instagram. com/2bbproductions

CHUNKY BLANKET WORKSHOP

June 14

Take blanket making to another level at this exciting workshop. Learn to make soft, chunky blankets with Chunky Chic Crafts. No experience is needed and all materials will be provided at the event, including a free drink. Leave with new skills and a cozy blanket to snuggle up with. 5-8 p.m., Farmstrong Brewing Co., 110 Stewart Rd., Mount Vernon, 360.873.8852, chunkychiccrafts.com

THREE LAKES TRIATHLON AND LAKEDALE MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, AND 10K

June 15

Swim, bike, and run (and run, and run) through the gorgeous wilderness of San Juan Island. These are two great, long standing events that joined forces last year in 2023, and now occur on the same day. In addition to the marathon, half marathon, 10k, and olympic triathlon, there is also a sprint triathlon, team relay options for the triathlon and the sprint, and a kids’ triathlon! Food trucks, music, and awards turn this athletic event into fun for the whole family. 7:30 a.m., Lakedale Resort, 4313 Roche Harbor Rd., Friday Harbor, 360.378.2350, lakedale.com

Photo by Jon Brunk

BIRCH BAY KITE FESTIVAL 2024

June 22–23

Come out and enjoy a day on the shores of Birch Bay State Park! This family-friendly event draws in local and faraway kite lovers for a day of simple pleasures. It’s the perfect opportunity to teach your kids to fly a kite, and the sky will be filled with kites of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Typically, this event has entertainment and activities (including making your own kite!) for the whole family. Birch Bay State Park, 7290 Birch Bay Dr., Blaine, birchbaywa.org

PIPPIN

June 14–30

The Bellingham Theatre Guild is performing “Pippin,” with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Roger O. Hirson. This is an updated and circus-inspired version of the show that won four Tony Awards in 2013, including Best Musical Revival. It follows the journey of young prince Pippin in his search for greatness, which he looks for in battlefields, lovers, and political power. Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham, bellinghamtheatreguild.com

DISCOVER THE DISPLAY GARDENS OPEN HOUSE

June 29

The Skagit County WSU Master Gardeners Discovery Garden, The Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation, and the Salal Native Plant Garden are all in one location, constituting eight acres of botanical wonderland. At this open house, talk with volunteers and Master Gardeners, get advice on your plants, get your tools sharpened, shop plants, and explore! 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 16650 WA-536, Mount Vernon, 360.395.2367, skagitmg.org

Photo Courtesy of Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Rec. District

LOWDOWN BRASS BAND

June 21

LowDown Brass Band is booming into Bellingham this June.

LowDown uses horns, drums, and vocals to create their sound, which takes the best from Chicago and New Orleans styles of hip-hop, soul, funk, ska, and rock. They’re powerful but precise, and reviews have said it’s impossible not to dance when they’re using a tuba to keep the beat. 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo House of Music, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.com

PADDEN TRIATHLON

June 22

The City of Bellingham hosts this triathlon and makes sure it’s open to all experience levels. They provide a short or a long course and the option of competing as an individual or on a relay team, making it perfect as a first or 15th triathlon! Enjoy some sun, get your blood pumping, or cheer on your favorite athlete. 8:30 a.m., Lake Padden West Entrance, 4882 S. Samish Way, Bellingham, 360.778.7000, cob.org

FARMER FIELD DAY AT CLOUD MOUNTAIN

June 23

Farmers of all skill levels are welcome at Cloud Mountain Farm Center’s summer Farmer Field Day. It’s a free event and an excellent opportunity to meet fellow growers and build your skills. Arrive early for the farm tour, followed by a lesson on earwigs, a demonstration on an alternative to plastic mulch, and a half-hour of designated networking time. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Cloud Mountain Farm Center, 6906 Goodwin Rd., Everson, 360.966.5859, cloudmountainfarmcenter.org

PEOPLES BANK FOURTH OF JULY SPECTACULAR

July 4

Bellingham’s annual Fourth of July celebration is an all-evening community jamboree! On the water at Squalicum Harbor, there’ll be a beer garden open from 12-10 p.m., local food vendors, live music, and interactive activities thanks to Inner Child Studios and the Bellingham Circus Guild. At 2 p.m., artists from Allied Arts will lead familyfriendly art projects and games! Finally, the fireworks will light up the sky at 10:30 p.m. for everyone to enjoy. 12-10:30 p.m., Zuanich Point Park, 2600 N. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham, 360.676.2500, bellingham.com

LAKE WHATCOM TRIATHLON

July 13

Swimming on Lake Whatcom, biking along Northshore Drive, and running along the gorgeous forested trails of Whatcom Falls Park. If that sounds like a good time to you, you’d better register for the Lake Whatcom Triathlon! There’s an olympic and sprint race, as well as an aquabike race and a Splash and Dash for the kids! 7 a.m., Bloedel Donovan Park, 2114 Electric Ave., Bellingham, 360.339.4788, lakewhatcomtriathlon.com

Photo By Corbin Hudacek

Photo Courtesy of LowDown Brass Band

FAIRHAVEN CHICKEN FESTIVAL

July 6

This year will mark the third annual Fairhaven Chicken Festival! Full of fun and chicken-themed everything, including a raffle, carnival games, vendors, and more. With live entertainment and lots of activities, this event is a great way to be outside and engage in some lighthearted silliness. So put on your best chicken themed outfit and enjoy the free seed corn (popcorn)! 12-4 p.m., Fairhaven Village Green, 1207 10th St., Bellingham, 360.366.8246, enjoyfairhaven.com

JAM ON THE RIVER

July 13

Get ready to boogie down at Jam on the River, a festival by the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce at Centennial Riverwalk Park. This annual party features live music all day, local food trucks, vendors, and a beer garden for those age 21 and up. You couldn’t ask for a better excuse to get outside this summer! 12-8 p.m., Centennial Riverwalk Park, 19551969 Main St., Ferndale, 360.384.3042, ferndale-chamber.com

ORCAS ISLAND CIDER & MEAD FESTIVAL

July 13

Drink and be merry this summer at the Orcas Island Cider & Mead Festival, benefitting Orcas Island Historical Museums! You’ll be able to taste and learn about mead and cider from all over the Pacific Northwest, all while enjoying live music and munching down on food from the nearby Orcas Island Farmers Market. Meet other passionate drinkers and drinkmakers, and don’t forget to take a bottle or two home with you! 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Village Green, Eastsound, 360.376.2677, orcasislandciderfest.org

TOUR DE WHATCOM

July 20

Enjoy Whatcom County’s beautiful views from atop your bike! Tour de Whatcom is a social ride (not a race) with a course that cruises you around Whatcom’s gorgeous landscapes: mountain, lake, valley, river, farmland, and beach! The longest route is the Century Ride (100 miles), while the shortest is 22 miles. Ride by yourself or with a friend, then hit the after party at Boundary Bay! 7:30 a.m., Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, 360.746.8861, tourdewhatcom.com

ART IN ACTION

July 20

The Ferndale Arts Commission is putting on Art in Action, an event that hopes to bridge the gap between local artists and the public. Artists will set up their own stations and demonstrate techniques, work on projects, or perform. Attendees can meet artists and will hopefully gain insight to the artist’s creativity and workflow. Everything from digital art to acoustic music will be represented! 1-5 p.m., Pioneer Pavilion Community Center, 2007 Cherry St., Ferndale, cityofferndale.org

INTRODUCTION TO SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATION

July 20

Scientific illustration is a vaunted and storied practice where human creativity and artistry meets scientific observation and explanation. Learn from the best this July with this workshop at Whatcom Museum, taught by Madison Mayfield. Mayfield is a

natural history artist, taxidermist, art educator, and ornithology collections manager at Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle. The cost of this workshop includes the day’s museum admission and all materials needed, so students can take them home after and keep practicing! 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Lightcatcher Building Studio at Whatcom Museum, 250 Flora St., Bellingham, 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.com

LIVE COMEDY: PAULA POUNDSTONE

July 20

Enjoy some laughs on a night out at the Lincoln Theatre! Paula Poundstone is a hilarious comedian that has been featured in multiple comedy specials on HBO, hosts her own podcast, and often has shows across the country. Her comedy is known for being observational and spontaneous, making every show unique! 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon, 360.336.8955, lincolntheatre.org

ANACORTES ARTS FESTIVAL: ARTS AT THE DEPOT OPENING NIGHT

July 27

Arts at the Depot, also known as the Anacortes Arts Festival Fine Art Show, is a juried museum-quality exhibition of regional works featuring both 2D and 3D mediums. While the Anacortes Arts Festival proper won’t be until Aug. 2-4, July 27 is the Fine Art Show Opening Night and Artist Reception! Get a first look at the art, rub elbows with artists, and get excited for the rest of the festival. 5-8 p.m., Depot Arts Center, 611 R Ave., Anacortes, anacortesartsfestival.com

ORCA ACTION MONTH BEACH CLEAN-UP

June 15

Did you know June is Orca Action Month? This Washingtonian observance, coordinated by the Orca Salmon Alliance, is all about learning about, protecting, and celebrating the orcas of the Salish Sea. Friends of the San Juans is hosting an Orca Action Month Beach Clean-Up on Orcas Island. It’s a free event where participants will remove beach waste while learning about Southern Resident orcas and the impact of pollution on them. Eastsound Water Front Park, Eastsound, 360.378.2319, sanjuans.org

Wildbird Charity’s Inaugural Spring Banquet & Auction

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTEN

Wildbird Charity’s first ever Spring Banquet & Auction was a gorgeous evening on Bellingham’s waterfront, with food by Crave Catering and live music by The Talbott Brothers. Wildbird Charity is a primarily volunteer-led and -run nonprofit that sources, bags, and delivers nearly 1000 bags of food each week across 27 schools in Whatcom County. Wildbird raised $40,000 dollars at their Spring Banquet and gained volunteers and monthly givers. These folks are especially important to the cause, according to Executive Director Mark Moder, as Wildbird requires 20-25 volunteers every week and relies on a steady budget from monthly giving, “the life blood of a nonprofit.” wilbirdcharity.org

BOEHM

Photo by Jessamyn Tuttle

Style and Comfort

Skagit River Boutique

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JESSAMYN TUTTLE

The Shop

This upscale women’s clothing boutique has been in its current location in downtown La Conner for nearly 20 years, after its origins just across the street in the 1990s. Janet and Ron Foster started their business after years in the retail industry (Ron at the Bon Marche and Janet at Neiman Marcus), taking over a local souvenir shop called American Peddler. They wanted to offer good-quality clothing using good retailing principles, and gradually replaced the stock with what Janet calls “upper moderate” women’s clothing. In 2004 they moved across the street (“in a snow blizzard!”) to their current location. Since then they have become a shopping destination for both tourists and locals, including regular customers who drive down from Canada or up from Seattle.

Atmosphere

Located in an old meat market building along the La Conner waterfront, the outside of the shop looks rustic but the inside is anything but. Although the space is small, the high ceiling makes it feel airy, and it’s full of bright colors that make it a delight to walk through and fabrics that demand to be touched. Janet’s paintings and quilts adorn the walls, along with translucent Japanese umbrellas, flowers, and knickknacks. Every rack features a sample outfit that pulls together all the different patterns and colors into a coordinated look.

What You’ll Find

Primarily women’s clothing, ranging from dresses to sportswear, and accessories including purses, jewelry, and scarves (although there are a few men’s wallets for the husbands who drift inside). Most of the clothing is designed to appeal to women 30 and up, with soft fabrics (the shop doesn’t carry anything made of wool), art-inspired patterns, and forgiving cuts. The Fosters choose clothing lines that are comfortable, appealing, and wear well. They may not have every size in every item, but they try to have a selection of many different types of styles and looks. They bring in new items constantly to remain current and seasonal, and make sure to respond to what’s selling well. There’s also a cozy sale room in the back of the shop with great deals.

Key People

Janet and Ron run the business and make buying trips to Portland and Seattle, and they have four year-round employees who keep the shop running, create new displays, and make customers feel warmly welcomed. “They do a wonderful job; we’ve been extremely fortunate,” says Janet. “I’m very proud of all of them.”

Favorites

Janet loves clothing from Nic + Zoe, a stylish and comfortable brand which is one of their best selling lines, and Vine Street Apparel, which she says is popular with all ages and body types: “It fits everybody easily…it makes everybody happy.”

Skagit River Boutique is open every day of the year except for New Year’s Day and Christmas. 622 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.5554 t

So You Wanna Make a T-Shirt

A Visit to Liet Unlimited

WRITTEN

AND PHOTOGRAPHED

BY NICOLE KIMBERLING

DID YOU KNOW that T-shirts are an American invention? And the printed T-shirt doubly so? Or that the first known example of using a printed T-shirt as an outer garment is in The Wizard of Oz? Or that the term 'T-shirt’ comes from the novel “This Side of Paradise,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald?

Screen-printed T-shirts are embedded in American culture to the extent that everyone owns at least one and many of us will, at some point, want to have a custom run made for a team or a business or even a family reunion. But how does that process even begin?

My suggestion would be to take a drive down to Roeder Avenue in Bellingham to talk with Becky Kurle at Liet Unlimited. Nestled in a pretty new building between Waypoint Park and the marina, with a beautiful view of the bay, Kurle and her business partner Taylor James have been ubiquitously

influencing Bellingham’s style for 16 years. The current Hardware Sales merchandise? They designed and printed it. The 2024 Ski to Sea design? That’s Liet Unlimited too. And those are just the ones that Kurle designed. The business also serves as a production facility for major local and regional companies.

“I can go anywhere in town and see a shirt that we made,” says James. “Usually, four or five of them. SSC, the Food Co-op. So many mountain bike companies…”

At Liet you can either bring your own logo or speak with Kurle about what you’d like to have made. Both the consultation and most design services are complimentary with your print order. After that, you choose your T-shirt style from sample garments they have on-site.

Yes, you read that correctly: you can touch, examine, and thoroughly scrutinize these shirts before you pay to have a hundred of them made.

The vetting process for these is rigorous. After getting a sample, James prints a design on it and then washes it 30 times to see if the garment holds up.

“We won’t let our customers buy a T-shirt that is poor quality,” Kurle adds. “Because Taylor and I test the shirts out, I can trust that I’m recommending the best-quality garments to meet our customer’s needs.”

Once you’ve finalized the design and chosen your T-shirt style, your order goes in the queue—as of this writing, turnaround time is about six to eight weeks—and that’s it. It’s that simple. Liet will print as few as 12 or as many as 3000 shirts right here in town—possibly on equipment that was manufactured right here in the Pacific Northwest.

Kurle and James met at Whatcom Community College. Each wanted to start their own clothing line, Starliet Unlimited and Liet Unlimited respectively. When James got the opportunity to purchase a Seattlemade Printa 770, the pair sold everything (including their beloved mountain bikes), bought the machine, put it in the kitchen of their home, and started producing shirts for local companies immediately.

“We focus on controlling the cost of production so that we can manufacture the T-shirts at a price point that is resellable for our customers,” James says.

“Screen printed T-shirts give people a way to show their identity in a way that others recognize as well as support their favorite brands. As a marketing tool they [are] a must-have item,” Kurle adds. “We make marketing and brand development quick and easy so that its within reach of small, local, and independent businesses… just like us.” 1225 Roeder Ave., Ste. 104, Bellingham, 360.620.1101, lietunlimited.comt

A Local Legacy

Skin Rhythm Spa

WRITTEN BY LEAH FOSTER

IF YOU WERE to take a look at the Skin Rhythm Spa website, you’d see there are beautiful products to add to your skincare routine: body butters, hand creams, and facial oils, all made with high-quality ingredients, beautifully photographed, and with outstanding customer reviews. What you wouldn’t find is any information about the maker. I wanted to find out

more about the mastermind behind this amazing skincare line. Sit back to learn more about owner Portia Kors and her inspiration behind Skin Rhythm Spa.

Among other careers, Kors has been an esthetician for 16 years, working from Atlanta to Nevada, until she returned here to Bellingham, where she grew up. Now, with the help of her 6-year-old daughter, Kors is focused on making the best products using highquality ingredients. Her products are all-natural, organic, and contain only essential oils or phthalate-free fragrance oils. Her botanical line includes ingredients she forages herself.

When asked what her rock star products are, Kors does not hesitate: the Glow Getter and the Hand Cream. Glow Getter is a high-quality skin oil made with hand-foraged calendula. It’s perfect for evening out fine lines and hyperpigmentation, and gives your skin a beautiful glow. The Glow Getter can be used in the morning or at night, before starting your normal skincare routine. The Hand Cream is superhydrating and penetrates the skin instead of sitting on top, leaving your skin silky and soft.

Kors currently works as an esthetician, raises her daughter, owns Skin Rhythm Spa, and manufactures all of her own products. As a business owner myself I am well aware of how much work running a small business is. I asked Portia what the impetus was behind starting a business. Her response? She wants to be able to leave a legacy for her daughter and show her just what it means to work hard. Kors’ daughter, Naomi, helps with all aspects of the business. She helps set up and break down at markets, sell products, and is even Kors’ number one product tester. Even at 6-and-a-half years old, Naomi can spot the difference in the quality of different oils and gives Kors feedback on what needs improving.

It’s not just a legacy for her daughter, though. Kors wants to collaborate with and help build up small businesses in our community. To me, that’s what this is all about. She sources products locally whenever possible and participates in local markets—she has met some of her favorite local organizations this way, including Applied Digital Imaging, Thrifted Wonderz, and Two BB Productions. Kors is always looking for more opportunities to collaborate and invites anyone with ideas to reach out.

Skin Rhythm products can be found at Screaming Eve (in Bellingham or Burlington), Her Connection Hub, and Black Arts Love in Seattle. Kors also creates products exclusively for The Chrysalis and ships nationwide from www.skinrhythmspa.com. t

Photo Courtesy of Skin Rhythm Spa

1. Face à Face Paris “Kaledo 3” in color 2045 | $533 Binyon Vision Center 411 E. Magnolia Street, Bellingham binyonvision.com

2. International, US, and military flags | prices vary Obsessed With Flags & Gifts 314 E. Holly Street, Bellingham 360.647.0807

3. Private Wellness Party (In Lounge or Your Venue!) Price Varies (Botox, IV Therapy, Wellness Shots) Peak Hydration IV Therapy & Wellness Lounge 1216 Bay St., Bellingham 360.526.2125, peakhydrationlounge.com

4. Summer Glow 8oz. Candle | $25 Haven + May 6900 Hannegan Road Unit 104, Lynden havenandmay.com

5. 20% Off Massage and Facial booked on the same day 7 Elements Wellness Spa 7714 Birch Bay Drive, Ste 1, Birch Bay 360.922.0091

6. Premium Craft Cannabislocally grown Om Ask your local budtender for Om Cannabis omharvest.com

7. Mountain/Water laser cut earrings | $23 Statement Apparel 2945 Newmarket St., Ste. 107, Bellingham 360.734.9595, statement-apparel.com

8. Subscribe to Bellingham Alive magazine, 15 year Special, 1 year $15, 2 year $25 Bellingham Alive BellinghamAlive.com, Code, LOCAL 360.483.4576

Stay Safe in the Sun

M

ODERN SKINCARE IS all about protection! The skin is your body’s biggest organ, and it works hard! Constantly regenerating cells, blocking invaders, and really just holding it all together. The best way to repay your skin is to shelter and guard it against harmful UV rays—after all, sun damage speeds and deepens the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation changes, uneven texture, and loss of skin tone. Look and feel good with these products to keep your skin happy and healthy!

KRISTEN BOEHM

1 Natural Sunscreen Zinc Oxide Lotion Stick

MW Soapworks, $14.50 1310 Commercial St., Bellingham mwsoapworks.com

2 Baggu Packable Sun Hat

Brazen Shop + Studio, $36 1319 Cornwall Ave., Ste. 101, Bellingham 541.719.8427 brazenshopandstudio.com

3 Carve Designs Izzy Sunshirt REI, $68 400 36th St., Bellingham 360.647.8955 rei.com

4

Tifosi Optics Smirk in Aqua Shimmer and Rose Mirror

Skagit Cycle Center, $55 1620 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.588.8776 skagitcyclecenter.com

5 Le Prodige UPF 50+ Ballerina Dress Coolibar, $228 coolibar.com

Love is a verb; you’ve gotta do it every day, or the feeling can be subsumed by the daily distractions of life. And that’s true not just of relationships, but also of the great love of so many of our lives: the North Sound. It’s all too easy to take this wonderful region for granted, especially when we forget to make the most of everything that Northwest Washington has to offer. That’s what we’re here for, to remind you of your true love and give you some ideas of ways to revitalize your relationship with where we live!

Whatcom Falls | Photo by Dani Winters

Photography

to with 15 ways Fall in Love Where We Live

Written by Anne Godenham

and Kristen Boehm

Enjoy our Agri-“Culture”

WASHINGTON STATE HAS over 15 million acres of farmland, according to the Washington State Department of Commerce. We’re among the top berry producers in the country, and almost 90% of our 30,000plus farms are classified as small. Connect with your friends and neighbors and learn to appreciate our natural resources via our agricultural core!

The Whatcom Farm Expo is an annual info fair, free to attend and chock-full of resources for everybody. It’s perfect, whether you’re interested in backyard chickens or want to network about tractors—or just want to learn more about our farming culture.

Our land provides food, medicine, crafting materials, and more. Washington Food and Farm Finder from Eat Local First is a fantastic tool for finding all sorts of fresh and locally grown products. Cloud Mountain Farm Center is an educational farm in Whatcom that offers various workshops and events. Viva Farms in Skagit is a farm incubator with tons of resources for fledgling farmers and a network of small farms that you can explore.

Every summer, the North Sound is bursting with juicy berries and festivals celebrating them! The Northwest Raspberry Festival in Lynden, Berry Dairy Days in Burlington, and tons of u-pick farms are eager to share the bounty with you.

Our coastal areas and the San Juans are particularly known for their shellfish farming. Taylor Shellfish Farms and Westcott Bay Shellfish Co. are gems of the industry!

Cloud Mountain Farm Center | Photo by Jaime Del Pizzo

Try on Something Different

THE LOCAL STYLE starts at PNWpractical, then expands outwards in all sorts of directions. Influences range from cool college kids, alternative artistic expression, outdoor enthusiasts, farm-ready threads, island life, indigenous culture, and more.

There’s so much shopping in Bellingham! Downtown, check out Third Planet Boutique for colorful and comfy picks, or Brazen Shop + Studio for artisan goods and an eclectic vintage clothing selection. Fairhaven’s Three French Hens and Quinn + Foster are excellent destinations for elevated classics.

Plug into current trends at Aura Threadz in Anacortes, where you can find vintage and upcycled pieces (plus, it shares its space with a sick skate shop, Trinity Skate). Mount Vernon’s elSage boutique is dedicated to “quality, unique, independently made goods,” including clothes that feature their own PNW-centric graphics. Although many know Perry and Carlson as a destination art gallery and home goods boutique, you may not yet know that they carry a small selection of sustainable fashion! And for all your hiking and weather-surviving needs, Walking Mod has got you covered head to toe with stylish picks from leading outdoor clothing brands.

If you’re in the San Juans, you can’t miss Deer Hazel in Friday Harbor. Their relaxed space offers everything for the PNW-lifer, from activewear to chic apparel to handmade jewelry.

While you’re there, source some extremely comfy and Seattlemanufactured articles of clothing that you’re never

fully dressed without— underwear from local business Tush and Bush

Over on Orcas Island, visit our friends at Faraways Boutique to shop their elegant staples!

We’d be remiss not to boast about our astounding local jewelry artisans. Copper Canoe Woman is a contemporary Indigenous jewelry brand, founded by Vina Brown and based out of Lummi.

PHIA Handmade is the home of Heimy Gonzalez’s intricately handmade beadwork jewelry, plus a selection of seasonal fashions and Colombian Wayuu bags.

elSage | Photo by Sara Welch

NOW THIS ONE’S a no-brainer! Washington state is known around the globe for its connection to and appreciation of the nature around us. We have three national parks (Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park), thousands of mountains, the famous San Juan Islands archipelago, miles and miles of valley, river, and coastline, not to mention forests, wetlands, ocean, and our very own inland Salish Sea. Our climate ranges from hot and dry to cold and wet, and our surroundings support a dense and diverse range of flora and fauna. There’s so much to learn, see, explore, and experience, how could you not fall in love?

You know Washington summers are all about those lake days! Lake Whatcom is big enough for all of us, so we’ll see you at Bloedel Donovan Park Lake Padden Park is the perfect place for a picnic, an easy trail walk, or some pick-up games on its sports courts. Bay View State Park on Padilla Bay will give you a classic Washington beach experience, with rocky shores, a view of the San Juans, and cabins and camping. For slightly more secluded lakes, find Whistle Lake on Fidalgo Island or put in the effort to get up to Fragrance Lake off Chuckanut Drive.

A local pastime for all ages and activity levels, foraging for wild-grown foods and herbs is one of the most natureconnected hobbies you can have—if you’re doing it well. Start by learning how to be a good steward of the land! Local outdoor educators like Northwest Natura and Firecraft Northwest can teach you the dos and don’ts, and how to identify something tasty from less savory imposters. Once you’ve got that under your belt, get started by hunting for mushrooms and blackberries from spring to fall. The mushrooms in particular are popular. We grow all sorts of tasty fungi, from common turkey tails to coveted morels.

If you can learn about our salmon, orcas, and our interconnected waterways without falling in love, we’d be really surprised. Find salmon runs and learn all about their ecology through the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, clean up some litter with Salish Sea Conservation, and get involved with the Sacred Lands Conservancy, a.k.a. Sacred Sea, to fight for the rights of our resident orcas.

Larrabee State Park

Go Wine Tasting

‘estate wines’).

NO NEED TO go all the way to the Willamette Valley to taste great PNW wines—we have some wonderful wineries and tasting rooms right here in the North Sound!

While our area may not have a high saturation of vineyards and tasting rooms, there are more than you might think, and what we lack in quantity we make up for with quality. Whatcom County boasts some wonderful wineries that use grapes grown on their own land (the results are known as

Samson Estates Winery in Everson offers tastings onsite at their vineyard, either indoors or out on the patio overlooking the grounds. Vartanyan Estate Winery’s lovely blue-siding-clad tasting room in Bellingham offers pours of their boutique wines, produced according to Margarita Vartanyan’s family secrets of the trade. And while Lagom Vineyards is still working on getting their onsite tasting room up and running, you can order their wines for local pickup or rent out the property for events on a limited basis.

Pamper Yourself

WHERE YOU LIVE can play a big role in loving yourself and feeling good in your body. Our area is big on holistic and sustainable beauty, often with a focus on local ingredients and an integrated mind-body approach. You don’t have to book a treatment to treat yourself right! Visit MW Soapworks in downtown Bellingham to shop handcrafted soaps and selfcare. Skin Rhythm Spa deals in deeply nourishing and moisturizing products, and Fern & Fog Apothecary will help you feel good inside and out with skincare, teas, and tinctures. You’ve probably heard of Island Thyme, the little farm-and-apothecary that made it big. You can visit their showroom on Orcas Island to find the perfect fullservice lineup for your skin. And

Both Skagit Cellars and Skagit Crest Vineyard & Winery have tasting rooms on La Conner’s main strip, but Skagit Crest also offers private tastings of their estate wines by appointment at their Sedro Wooley vineyard. Bertelsen Winery also invites oenophiles to taste their wines onsite at their beautiful Mount Vernon winery.

In Eastsound, The Orcas Project tasting room offers visitors a chance not only to taste delicious local wines from smallbatch winemakers but also to learn more about the local artists contracted to design the labels—it makes for a very special visit.

don’t forget about handmade. la conner! From their boutique on La Conner’s waterfront thoroughfare, you can find their elegant and “clean ingredient” products for skin, hair, grooming, and more.

When you do feel like being taken care of, there’s no shortage of luxurious experiences waiting for you. Kara’s Beauty Barn offers a wide variety of spa and beauty treatments in a rustic, peaceful setting (with some treatments even taking place in the open air). The Apothecary Spa and Still Life Massage and Float both offer classic spa treatments and sensory-resetting floats. Little Oasis Wellness Spa and Vera Massage Studio focus on bodywork to improve your physical and mental health. Pure Skin + Wellness Spa, Zazen Salon Spa, and Salon Bellissima can also help you look your best with hair salon services.

We’re lucky to live in an area that’s conscious of the environmental impact of selfcare. To find good-for-you products in bulk and sustainable packaging, all you have to do is visit the Community Food Co-op, Skagit Valley Food Co-op, or refill stores like Pumped Bellingham

Photo by Bella Corona

Have a Foodie-Worthy Restaurant Experience

Duck Soup | Photo by Cocoa Laney

SOME OF THE best food in the North Sound is a love letter to our region’s bounty: fresh produce from Skagit Valley, oysters and salmon from our fresh- and saltwater resources, grass-fed cattle from the green fields of the San Juan Islands…we are truly blessed, and our local chefs know it. If it’s been a while since you’ve eaten out or tried a new restaurant, let this be a reminder to get out there!

One of the best ways to experience a range of dishes at a time is with a food tour. While we may not have as many official tour companies as a bigger area like Seattle, it’s easier than you might think to do your own self-guided tour! Visit Skagit Valley has designed an experience called the Skagit Food Trail, which lists a bunch of great places to sample everything the valley has to offer. And in Whatcom County, Eat Local Month partners with 19 restaurants to put on a Restaurant Week (September 24-30) where chefs create special menu items to celebrate our local resources.

Is there anywhere more classic for a date night than a great restaurant? There are way too many awesome spots to list them all here, but some of our recent date night go-tos in Bellingham are Bar Cicotti, Fujisan Sushi, Rock and Rye Oyster House, and The Admiralty Lounge. Farther north, we love Smokestack Diner in Everson and Drayton Harbor Oyster Company in Blaine. Down in Anacortes, A’Town Bistro and Adrift are both laid-back restaurants with fabulous food, and Burlington’s Train Wreck Bar & Grill is 21+ so there’s no risk of your date being interrupted by noisy kids. And if quiet is something you like in a restaurant (and you’re located on San Juan Island), Duck Soup is nestled in the woods outside Friday Harbor and offers a stunning array of locally-sourced dishes.

Going beyond a date night to celebrate something special? We tend to specialize in ‘delicious casual’ around here, but when we do fancy, you can bet it’s done right. Nell Thorne Waterfront Bistro & Bar in La Conner serves up exceptional Contemporary American cuisine with a stunning view of the channel; The Oyster & Thistle Restaurant is another wonderful La Conner choice. In Ferndale, Leader Block Trattoria & Bar is the go-to spot for excellent Italian food. And on Orcas Island, Matia Kitchen serves an incredible nine-course tasting menu with optional pairings that’ll have you thinking back to your dinner for months to come.

Drink In the View

WHAT’S BETTER THAN a delicious cocktail (or mocktail) after a long day of work or play? A delicious drink with a stunning water view! Here in northwest Washington, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to views, but nothing beats watching the water lap at the shore while you sip.

One of the best views in Anacortes, far from the center of town, is at the aptlynamed Secret Cove, which overlooks a perfect little inlet surrounded by evergreens and lovely homes. Plus, the cocktails are delicious, the vibe is mellow, and the happy hour is a great deal. And La Conner’s boardwalk hosts a plethora of options for drinks with a view, from La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib House to La Conner Pub & Eatery

Less secret but no less beautiful is Chuckanut Drive, which winds its way along the water between Bow and Fairhaven. On the south end, Chuckanut Manor Seafood & Grill serves up classic cocktails and ice cream in the summer, and a little farther north, The Oyster Bar pours from a stunning wine list (and serves cocktails too) in an upscale dining room. Reached Fairhaven? Get your sweeping bay views at The Black Cat, which serves up classic food and drinks with a twist.

The San Juan Islands are rife with water views, and beer lovers can drink theirs with a pint of local brew at Cease & Desist, in Friday Harbor. Over on Orcas, Buck Bay Shellfish Farm serves wine at the water’s edge (along with, of course, plump local oysters and a range of seafood). And Lopez Island has Haven Kitchen & Bar, with a patio right up against the sound for your viewing pleasure.

Secret Cove | Photo by Aaron Jensen

Be a Fiend for the beans

IF THERE’S ONE thing we in the Pacific Northwest love drinking as much as beer, it’s coffee. We can be extremely picky about everything from the beans and the roasting process to which alternative milk we prefer in it. Luckily for us, we have an almost infinite number of options, from hip, remotework-friendly coffee shops to cute drive-through huts.

Bellinghamsters are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to coffee shops: Camber Coffee, Makeworth Coffee Roasters, and Narrative Coffee serve up delicious coffee with a side of serious style, while cafes like Lettered Streets Coffeehouse and 11th Hour Tea and Coffee Bar bring the cozy vibes. And that’s just to name a few!

Headed somewhere and need your coffee quickly? Pull on through to the window at Brewed Awakening or Zoom Zoom in Bellingham, both of which serve great bites with their brews. Down in Skagit County, Whidbey Coffee has a few locations, all of which are reliably great, and Mount Vernon’s West Side is served by a handful of drivethroughs, our favorite of which is Cruser Coffee—they’ll even add avocado to your breakfast sandwich.

If you like your coffee like we like our cocktails—with a view—check out The Railway Cafe in Blaine. It’s right by the harbor and the coffee and food have been earning rave reviews since it opened. Or grab a cold brew from Pegasus Pie Co. in downtown Mount Vernon—they use coffee from Dorothea Coffee’s new roastery, just down the street—and take a stroll along the riverwalk.

Lettered Streets Coffeehouse | Photo by Dani Winters Photography

Move Your Body

WE’RE AN ACTIVE bunch up here in the top left corner of the U.S.—whether it’s gym time or social hikes, we’re usually finding joyful ways to move our bodies, especially if it involves being outside or connecting with ourselves.

Of course we love yoga! There are fantastic classes of all intensities and forms at studios in our area. For something mellow like Yin, Iyengar, Hatha, or even chair yoga, try Riverwalk Yoga Studio in Mount Vernon, Crescent Moon Yoga in La Conner, Inspire Studio in Bellingham, or Whatcom Lotus Yoga in Ferndale. Bellingham has the highest concentration of yoga studios, many of which offer hot and/or Vinyasa flow yoga classes; check out Flux Power Yoga, Elements Hot Yoga, and Bellingham Yoga Collective—there’s also a Lynden Yoga Collective. And for our San Juan Island readers, you can get your yoga on at Island Soul Studio or Altar Movement Studio in Friday Harbor. Is there any movement more naturally joyful than dance? Whether you want to tap out a ditty or learn to twerk, options abound. Skagitonians can find their rhythm at Skagit Valley Academy of Dance in Mount Vernon or Fidalgo Danceworks in Anacortes, while Bellinghamsters have Unique Technique Dance Studio, Opus Performing Arts, and The Dance Studio—and Dancing for Joy has campuses in both Bellingham and Lynden. There’s also Day-to-Day Dance up in Blaine, and Salish Sea Ballet in Friday Harbor teaches adult ballet classes. And if this photo inspires you to try belly dancing, take a class at Unique Technique or Whatcom Community College from Rachel Belly Dances! The area is full of friendly hiking and biking groups for people of all ages and abilities—check out Facebook and MeetUp for ad hoc or smaller groups. The Skagit Bicycle Club meets in various locations around the county for rides at a range of endurance and skill levels. If you’ve always wanted to try mountain biking but haven’t felt comfortable striking out on your own, Bellingham-based instructional organizations March Northwest, Intrinsic Flow, and Radical Roots MTB will teach you everything you need to know to ride the mountain safely and skillfully.

TRAVELING IS ONE of the surefire ways to make you realize how much you love home. Beyond our backyards, but still just hours away, are thriving metropolitan destinations like Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, and because where we live is so beautiful the journey is part of the joy.

The Amtrak Cascades train runs between Vancouver, BC and Eugene, OR, stopping at Seattle, Portland, and a handful of smaller cities along the way. The train seats are comfortable, the conductors are friendly, and the views as it trundles along the water are unparalleled—it’s a wonderful way to travel, especially with kids.

Speaking of views, the ferry is a wonderful way to get around and the views are almost unmatched—we say ‘almost’ because seaplanes and other small aircraft are also an option. Kenmore Air flies seaplanes between Seattle and Victoria, BC, and Bellingham’s

own San Juan Airlines flies regularly between Anacortes or Bellingham and the San Juan Islands and also between Bellingham and Point Roberts. Plus, they offer scenic tours of the islands from the air (check out p.16 for more on that)!

Driving isn’t always the most comfortable option (especially when you have to go through Seattle’s notorious traffic), but it affords you a lot of flexibility. You can pull off the freeway here and there, try a new coffee place or stop at a silly roadside attraction (world’s largest prairie dog, anyone?), and when you get where you’re going you’ve already got your transportation sorted. That said, for big cities like Seattle or Vancouver, it can be frustrating and expensive to have to park, so we recommend the train.

Take a Day or Weekend Trip

IT’S NEVER TOO late to learn something new, and our region has a ton of options for those of us who are passionate about lifelong learning. Whether you’re interested in speaking Japanese, crafting something beautiful, or making your own cheese, there’s a class for that!

Our local higher education institutions, including Whatcom Community College and Skagit Valley College, offer a range of continuing education classes in everything from art to social media marketing, and there are a number of private instruction centers to check out too.

If you’ve ever wanted to kindle (or rekindle) your connection to visual art, northwest Washington is a fantastic place to do so. We’re big on art here, likely inspired by all the natural beauty that surrounds us. Check out the rotating classes at Tri-Dee Arts in Mount Vernon, Jansen Art Center in Lynden, BellinghamART in downtown Bellingham, and Art Center at Buxton’s in Anacortes.

For burgeoning chefs, the Community Food Co-op in Bellingham offers a wonderful selection of cooking classes— some are even taught by the head chefs of local restaurants. In Mount Vernon, The Skagit Table runs two classes a month on how to make dishes like fresh fish ceviche, and King Arthur Flour’s Baking School in Burlington will teach you everything you could ever wish to learn about sweet and savory bakes.

Get out on the water

WHILE LOOKING

AT the water from the land is always a treat, looking at the land from the water can give you a whole new perspective on things! Here are some of our favorite ways to take advantage of the North Sound’s stunning waters. There’s nothing like being right up on—or even in—the water, chilly as it may be much of the year.

From Birch Bay’s annual New Years Polar Bear Plunge to wetsuit-enabled stand-up paddleboarding, many of our neighbors get out there year-round, but summer is definitely the most inviting time. Why not get out on a kayak with Dragonfly Kayak Tours or rent a pedal boat or stand-up paddle board from Bloedel Boat Rentals at Lake Whatcom.

Prefer to stay dry and eat something delicious while observing the beauty of the water? Why not take a lunch or dinner cruise with San Juan Cruises? Dine on cracked crab while the coastline slips by, or eat lasagne while watching the whales play in the waves. Or if you’re happy packing your own lunch, see Deception Pass from below on a one-hour guided ride with Deception Pass Tours.

If you’re up for a day trip, there’s nothing like a ferry ride through the San Juan Islands! Hop on at the Anacortes terminal and ride through Lopez, Shaw, and Orcas Islands before disembarking for lunch in Friday Harbor, then grab a direct ferry back.

Dragonfly Kayak Tours | Photo courtesy of Dragonfly Kayak Tours

TO TRULY APPRECIATE

living where we do, we have to know our past, cherish our ways of life, and build our future together.

The North Sound is the ancestral home of the Coast Salish peoples, including Lummi, Nooksack, Samish, Upper Skagit, and Swinomish groups. If you don’t already, get to know our Indigenous culture and living history!

Children of the Setting Sun Productions is a local organization that creates documentaries, podcasts, and other projects telling Indigenous stories. In Bellingham, everyone can attend the Coast Salish Day celebration in May. It comes at the end of the annual Gathering of the Eagles mini canoe paddle through the Salish Sea,

organized by local Sul ka dub Freddie Lane.

For those that love to learn through observation, we have plenty of museums showcasing PNW history.

The Orcas Island Historical Museums, both the Eastsound Museum and the Crow Valley School Museum, allow you to walk through well-preserved history. The Whatcom Museum aims to serve as “a regional destination for cultural experiences rooted in art, nature, and northwest history.”

The Skagit County Historical Museum loves all things Skagit, which can

be seen through their Skagit Legacy exhibit. We have a few culturefocused festivals and events. It’s always good to check with Western Washington University to see if they’ve got any events planned!

The Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival encourages folks to share food, art, and stories from their cultures. Annual celebrations and commemorative dates like Pride, Juneteenth, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day have events throughout the counties, so there’s probably one near you!

Nourish our cultural roots

Steven Solomon, Sr. | Photo by Dani Winters Photography

Express, create, and appreciate with our arts scene

LIVE MUSIC, THEATER, dance, 2D and 3D creations—the arts are how people express and communicate their passions. We’re absolutely steeped in creativity here! Whether you’d prefer to work in your own studio or create a group project, there’s no way you won’t feel a bit more in love after exploring your artistic side.

Bellingham loves the performing arts! Be amazed by our talented circus folks from the Bellingham Circus Guild and troupe Cirque Cadia Take in some live shows, or act in them yourself,

with the Bellingham Theatre Guild, Anacortes Community Theatre, San Juan Community Theatre, or one of our other many performing arts groups.

Get into our strong grunge and alternative music scenes at The Wild Buffalo, The Shakedown, and Make.Shift Art Space

Maybe you’d like to get your hands dirty? We have a little romance going on with ceramics—find classes and studio memberships at Burnish Clay Studio, MUD Ceramics Studio, or Baker Creek Ceramic Studio (or paint some pre-fab pottery at CreativiTea).

Get all the craft and arts supplies you need at Dakota Art Store or Art & Happiness in Bellingham, and Tri-Dee Arts in Mount Vernon.

Artist collectives like Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Skagit Artists, and Orcas Island Artworks bring our artists together! They run galleries, art shows, markets, and events like the Holiday Festival of the Arts and NW Art Beat Studio Tour

Other events like the Noisy Waters Mural Festival, run by local arts organization Paper Whale, and the Procession of the Species Anacortes are community-uniting events that everyone can join in on.

We adore visiting the Jansen Art Center, the Alchemy Art Center, and the Museum of Northwest Art for their galleries, classes, talks, and performances. The San Juan Islands Museum of Art, Arctic Raven Gallery, Forest Ceramic Gallery, and many more are dedicated to arts appreciation.

Bellingham Circus Guild | Photo by Lisa Elliott

FROM LOCAL LIBRARIES to independent bookstores, we love to read! You can catch us listening to audiobooks while we kayak around Lake Padden or reading a paperback in Marine Park— but our region is also home to a ton of local authors and aspiring writers, and our literary community is thriving.

There are so many opportunities here to discover your new favorite author. Everyone’s favorite literary hub, Village Books and Paper Dreams, not only sells published work and promotes local writers at their Fairhaven and Lynden locations, but they also host readings and open mic nights and partner with Whatcom Community College to run the Chuckanut Writers workshop series. Our local librarians are also a wonderful resource—we’re lucky enough to have two fabulous librarians, Mary Kinser and Emma Radosevich, write our book reviews, and they’re almost entirely responsible for our towering TBR stacks. And then there’s the organic, universe-guided way to find new faves: wandering the aisles of a great used bookstore like C. L. Easton Books or Encore Books in Mount Vernon or Henderson Books in Bellingham.

For the writers among us, you can deepen your connection to your craft and meet like-minded peers at local conferences and writing retreats. The Chuckanut Writers Conference is held every June and brings authors and writing experts from all over the country to Bellingham for attendees to learn and connect. For more focused, small-group work, the Doe Bay Writers Retreat on Orcas Island hosts poets, screenwriters, memoirists, novelists, and even screenwriters for workshops and collaboration. And for those who need

Engage with the literary community

solitude in beautiful surroundings to make progress on a project, the very prestigious Hedgebrook Writer-in-Residence Program is held in nearby Langley.

Local publications, publishers and other literary organizations like Chanticleer Book

Reviews, Raspberry Bow Press, Bellingham Review, Igneus Press, Skagit Valley Writers, and Whatcom Writers and Publishers are open to local engagement! These are great ways to stay tapped into the local scene, to attend events and workshops, and to connect with other literature lovers.

Paper Dreams | Photo courtesy of Paper Dreams

Fall in Love like a librarian: Join in with Whatcom READS

READ THE BOOK. Join the conversation. That’s the tagline for Whatcom READS, Northwest Washington’s premier annual literary event presented by all the public and academic libraries in Bellingham and Whatcom County along with community partner Village Books.

Simply put, Whatcom READS encourages everyone to read and discuss the same book. It’s a perfect fit for our community of readers, writers and adventurers because Whatcom READS nurtures curiosity, discovery and engagement. Sounds like falling in love to us!

The literary partnership has been gently nudging our community toward conversation, reflection and creation for going on 17 years. That’s right: 17 years of reading together and coming together to share our thoughts, to listen to others, to create and to learn.

It all begins with the book. A committee of booksellers and library staff compare community members’ suggested titles against a set of criteria – chiefly, connection to this area, timeliness of themes, program potential and an author who can visit for spring events. We then read the books to make the selection. In the 2023-2024 season, our community read “Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk’’ by Sasha taqwšǝblu Lapointe. Next up: Erica Bauermeister’s “No Two Persons.” You can see the full list of 17 titles and suggest a title for future seasons at whatcomreads.org.

During the year, Bellingham and Whatcom County neighbors discuss the selected book with groups and explore its themes at lively gatherings leading up to the author’s visit, which is typically in March. Writers respond to a prompt suggested by the book. Visual artists create work inspired by the writing.

Getting involved with our local literary community is a terrific way to fall in love with where we live. Join us at whatcomreads.org, or ask about Whatcom READS at any local library or Village Books.

Mary Vermillion, WCLS Community Relations Manager

Photo by Jamie Del Pizzo

A Family-Friendly Cabin With Grown-Up Style

WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM AND GREG ROBINSON |

THIS STUNNING

1,680-SQUAREFOOT, threebedroom, two-bathroom vacation home was built in 2023 for a Snohomish County family to be able to enjoy all year round. Located in the Mount Baker Rim community in Glacier, the cabin provides access to a host of outdoor activities—and the generous porch along the north wall of the property provides a convenient place to drop skis, boots, and any other less-thanclean gear. The home’s central feature is the vaulted two-story living space with a partial loft ...

...Continued on pg. 72

PHOTOS BY JAMIE DEL PIZZO

Home Featured Home

This dramatic space is framed by a double-height timber and glass wall, which required some sophisticated engineering and detailing. The resulting effect is one of harmony with the home’s surroundings, showcasing the fir and cedar forest to residents inside during the day and casting a warm, inviting glow out into the trees in the evenings.t

Project Details:

Architect: Greg Robinson Architect

Builder: Welcome Construction

Engineer: Eclipse Engineering

A Riverside Retreat With Contemporary Comforts

WRITTEN BY ROBIN DALY | PHOTOS BY BLIND HAT PRODUCTIONS

THIS A-FRAME PERCHED on the bank of the Skagit River seamlessly merges vintage aesthetics with contemporary comforts, thanks to a renovation completed in 2023 that has breathed new life into the late 1970s-era full-time residence. The biggest transformations were realized by expanding the house by six feet to enlarge the kitchen, entryway, main floor bathroom, and laundry areas, while also improving the upstairs primary bath nestled in the eaves. Throughout the renovation, the aim was to retain the original spirit while enhancing functionality. An original petrified wood fireplace anchors the living room, adding incredible texture, and inspiring the extensive use of natural stone countertops in the kitchen and dining area.

The kitchen expansion significantly improves flow and functionality. Meanwhile, modern materials and amenities blend seamlessly with the home's

Project Details:

Contractor: John Piazza Jr.

Construction & Remodel Homes

Interior Designer: Robin Daly

Color & Design

Architect: Mark Christ

original character. The upgraded floating staircase, reminiscent of mid-century design, serves as an elegant focal point connecting the different levels of the house with grace.

Beyond the kitchen and primary bath, the remodel extends to other areas such as the main floor bath, entryway, and utility space, enhancing overall functionality and roominess. Colorful local artwork adds warmth and personality, creating an inviting ambiance perfect for entertaining.

As the sun sets over the Skagit River, casting a warm glow on the renovated A-frame, the blend of old-world charm and modern comfort is unmistakable. This sanctuary by the river offers a seamless integration of vintage aesthetics and contemporary functionality. With expanded spaces and updated amenities, it provides a welcoming retreat where the homeowners and their guests can enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. t

Inspiring Creativity

Elisabeth’s Cottage by the Sea

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JESSAMYN TUTTLE

AS YOU APPROACH the Freeland Keystone Building at the corner of Commercial Avenue and Seventh Street in downtown Anacortes, there are signs for all kinds of attractions: Shabby French Market, Elisabeth’s Cottage, Bead Store, Jewelry, Antiques, Vintage, and Furniture. All of these are part of Elisabeth’s Cottage by the Sea, an eclectic business run by Elisabeth and Tom Freeland.

The Freelands, originally from Arizona, had visited Anacortes on vacation, but moved there permanently to open their business 20 years ago. They had been selling their handmade jewelry on the gem show circuit, but wanted to settle down so their kids could attend school.

They started with just two small rooms, but now the business takes up much of the building and, in addition to jewelry, contains antiques, new and used goods, furniture, and home décor, plus an entire bead store. Their location in the heart of downtown Anacortes draws in both locals and tourists, although looking in from the street you’d never guess how far back the shop goes, or how much there is to see inside. The store has multiple rooms, including a Beach Room and a Cabin and Lake Room, and downstairs is the Shabby French Market, filled with vintage, antiques, furniture, and new gift items.

“We have a great mix,” says Tom. “Anybody that’s into antiques loves our store, and then anybody that normally wouldn’t go into antique stores loves our store.”

The pride of their shop is a gigantic carved turquoise, set in a mirrored case, which the Freelands claim to be the largest piece of carved turquoise in the world.

“I grew up in the turquoise business,” says Tom. “That’s why you see so much turquoise in here.”

He learned to work with turquoise from his father, and has passed his knowledge on to his sons Nick and Tommy as well. Nick makes a lot of the turquoise jewelry sold in the shop.

“When Nick first started driving we said you’re going to have to make rings for us for gas money,” laughs Elisabeth.

The bead store, which they opened nine years ago, has its own storefront connected to the rest of the shop and is well supplied with everything a beader could possibly want. The combination of the bead store and jewelry shop works well, as people come in for supplies, advice, and inspiration.

“We inspire a lot of creativity,” says Tom. “They see finished pieces and it inspires them and then they want to go home and make something.”

Elisabeth mixes their own line of chalk paint that she uses to refinish old furniture pieces, and the shop carries products like stamps, moulds, and Re-Design by Prima. They also plan to offer classes in the future.

“A lot of people will come in to buy paint to paint furniture and then the other products go along with it,” she says. “So Tom’s right, we have tons of people that come in to be creative.”

The shop is open every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays. 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, 360.588.1890, elisabethscottagebythesea.com t

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Finishing Touches for Your Patio or Balcony

DURING THE LONG summer days, there’s nothing better than being outside as often and for as long as we can. And what better place to get fresh air than at your own home, with easy access to snacks! Here are some great finishing touches to make your patio or balcony more inviting than any outdoor bar.

ANNE

GODENHAM

1 Steel and Wicker Loveseat at home, $400 1001 E. Sunset Dr., Bellingham 360.937.0007 athome.com

Locally Owned and Operated Climate Controlled Fob Access 7AM-7PM 7 Days per Week No Deposits or Fees Mention this Ad to Recieve 10% Off for

!

2

Outdoor String Lights Target, $15 199 Cascade Mall Dr., Burlington 360.757.3737 target.com

3 Dashney Wall Planter Ashley Furniture, $50 24 Bellis Fair Pkwy., Bellingham 360.768.2050 ashleyfurniture.com

4 Outdoor Ceiling Fan Chuckanut Lighting, $869 938 Fountain St., Burlington 360.757.2195 chuckanutlighting.com

5 Square Sun Shade Sail Canopy Bed Bath & Beyond, $109 bedbathandbeyond.com

Staff Picks: Summer Salads

PHOTOGRAPHED BY DANI WINTERS PHOTOGRAPHY

INVITED TO A picnic or potluck and unsure what to make? Our team put together some of our top picks for crunchy, refreshing, and shareable salads that’ll win over any group of friends!

Thai Chicken Salad

JENN MIRANDA, OFFICE MANAGER

Jenn loves showing off her cooking chops with this show-stopping main course salad! It brings the Euro-Asian fusion flair to your picnic with toothsome vermicelli and tangy green olives. Marinate 1-2 chicken breasts in your favorite Thai marinade or dressing and roast in a Dutch oven for 1 hour, stirring halfway through for even flavor. Once done, shred chicken and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

To make the salad, combine:

• Shredded Thai chicken

• Lettuce

• Cherry tomatoes

• Chopped green olives

• Cooked vermicelli (bean thread) noodles

Toss until evenly mixed, sprinkle with mandarin oranges and wonton strips, and dress with Annie's brand toasted sesame dressing.

Italian Pasta Salad

MEGAN GONZALES, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Juicy Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Summer Salad

KRISTEN BOEHM, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Even though this fruit-forward salad is simple and clean, the flavors are big. Sweet watermelon and refreshing cucumber, cooling mint and lemony cilantro, and a burst of salty-creamy in every bite thanks to the feta. Kristen particularly loves that there’s no need to faff about with a dressing—the juicy ingredients have got that covered all by themselves.

In a large bowl, toss together:

• Sweet Gem and Tango lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces

• 1 personal/mini watermelon, or ½ full-sized watermelon, cubed (I like to do big chunky cubes. Cutting the watermelon thicker or bigger and with less open surface area will retain juice for longer and provide a very satisfying bite!)

• Cucumber, in quarter-inch slices

• Feta

• Fresh cilantro and mint, julienned (To julienne fresh leafy herbs, stack the leaves up to a reasonable thickness, then roll up the stack. You will have a thick little cylinder or tube of herbs. Then, finely chop up the tube. When the chopped leaves unroll again, you will have julienned strips of flavorful herbs!)

Megan’s pasta salad is filling, acidically bright, and fantastic for Mediterranean cuisine lovers. Add some chickpeas or thickly sliced salami of your choice for additional protein.

Combine the below ingredients in a large bowl and toss with your favorite Italian dressing.

• Cooked and cooled pasta

• Black olives

• Capers

• Pepperoncini

• Grape tomatoes

• Diced vino rosso cheese

Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

ESTELLA YOUNG, SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Stella’s recipe is just like her: hearty, healthy, and happy. This Waldorfinspired salad can be made with pantry staples for a quick mom snack or an impromptu family picnic!

Throw together:

• A hefty handful of spinach

• Half of a thinly sliced apple

• Half of a thinly sliced avocado

• One sliced hard boiled egg

• Some walnuts, measured with your heart

Drizzle it all with poppyseed dressing—Stella’s favorite is Briannas

Home Style Rich Poppy Seed Salad Dressing—then toss and enjoy!

Deconstructed Caesar Salad

KELLEY DENMAN, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Summer Berry Salad

REBECCA LEHMAN, SALES AND DIGITAL CONTENT SPECIALIST

An elegant salad that would be perfect for romantic al fresco dining, or paired with a jammy chilled red! Rebecca’s salad will make you slow down and appreciate the finer things in life.

In a large bowl, mix together:

• 3 cups spring greens, chopped and washed

• ½ cup honey-roasted pistachios, chopped

• 1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries

• ½ cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese

For the vinaigrette, combine:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• ½ cup dark Raspberry Balsamic vinegar from Drizzle Olive Oil and Vinegar Tasting Room in Bellingham

• 2 teaspoon white vinegar

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon salt

Combine and serve.

Kelley’s deconstructed Caesar brings the flavor and the crunch, and it looks so beautiful on the plate that nobody will ever have to know just how easy it is to put together!

Make your dressing by combining:

• 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 2-3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 ½ teaspoons anchovy paste

• 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard

• 4 cloves of crushed garlic

• 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice

• Cracked pepper and salt

On a platter, lay out parmesan crisps (Kelley likes Perfectly Crisp Bakery Parmesan Cheese Crisps) and place whole Romaine leaves (washed and dried) on top. Spread your Caesar dressing on each leaf and top with a sprinkle of capers and another grind or two of fresh-cracked pepper.

Anne’s Favorite Dijon Vinaigrette

ANNE

GODENHAM, EDITOR IN CHIEF

I put this on everything from Greek salads to spring greens—it’s even great as a dip for crudité! As I’ve made it more and more, I’ve learned to eyeball and taste rather than measuring (I usually use more vinegar/lemon juice and less oil than the recipe calls for), but these measurements are a good place to start.

In a pint jar with a screwable lid, combine:

• 1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1½ tablespoon red wine vinegar

• Juice of half a lemon

• Kosher salt

• Fresh-ground pepper

Add ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil and one clove of garlic, peeled and crushed, close the lid, and shake to emulsify. Let the garlic marinate for half an hour, then remove it and dress your salad!

COA Mexican Eatery & Tequileria

Cadillac

Ingredients: Los Altos reposado tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, orange liqueur, fresh orang | Price: $17

AS COA’S CADILLAC was placed in front of me, I was instantly awestruck. A stemmed glass was topped with mouthwatering fruit slices, a Grandeza shooter of orange liqueur, and a single orchid blossom to give the drink a bit of flourish. The first taste of this premium margarita undoubtedly met my already high expectations. The tangy Tajín rimming the glass perfectly combined with the sweetness of the lime and orange flavors right off the bat, along with a bite of tequila following just after. The orange liqueur slowly sank into the rest of the drink, complimenting the citrusy notes already in action and adding a slightly bitter zest to the mix, while smoothing out the drink so each sip became one cohesive masterpiece. The next time you’re craving an invigorating summer drink, this one will surely quench your thirst! COA Mexican Eatery & Tequileria, 1065 E. Sunset Dr., Bellingham, 360.526.2108 MAYA HEINSELMAN

Look Ahead at the Amenities

Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Picnic Preparations

Food and Values Made for Sharing

Bella Ciao & Nacho Problems

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNE GODENHAM

JABRIEL DONAHUE HAS wanted to open a pizza place for years, so when the opportunity presented itself to start a casual restaurant specializing in tavern pizza (a shareable pie with a thin, almost cracker-like crust), he was ready.

The nachos were a little less planned.

“While we were looking into this space,” Donahue says, gesturing around the high-ceilinged room, “the landlord…said ‘well, we really have two adjoining spaces…’”

The previous tenant had used both spaces, with the same kitchen serving both, and while he hadn’t planned on opening two restaurants Donahue couldn’t deny that he was intrigued. He asked for a few days to “chew it over.” Later that night, he and his girlfriend were watching Last Week Tonight, a show that does critical deep dives into common topics. John Oliver, the host, was talking about how Subway restaurants are easy to start because of the low overhead—all you need is an oven and some refrigeration.

Research the location you’re headed to before you fully plan your menu. If you’re headed to a park that has grills, you’ll know you can bring cold hotdogs, patties, and marshmallows for hot and fresh-cooked food!

Refreshing Snack Picks

On a hot and sunny day, foods that are light, crisp, or juicy hit the tongue and the tummy just right! We recommend melon, celery, cucumber, grapes—all of these things have a high water content and bright flavors. For something a bit more robust that still won’t weigh you down too much, pack some charcuterie!

Photo by Maya Heinselman

Hydrate in Style

Want to surprise and delight your picnic companions? Nothing is as easy to elevate as your drinks. Instead of plain water, infuse it with some herbs and fruit! Bring a pitcher of cold-brew or iced tea that you prepped the day before. Or, if your picnic is the boozy kind, why not pack some mason jar cocktails? As long as it’s legal, of course.

“So as we’re sitting there watching this, my girlfriend turns to me and she goes, ‘You know what else [takes] very little overhead to produce and uses the exact same infrastructure as pizza? Nachos.’ I got up and called my business partner.”

And so, in March, Donahue and his business partner opened both Bella Ciao and Nacho Problems, two eateries that share the same kitchen. Bella Ciao is more of a restaurant or pub, serving large tavern pies cut into small squares for sharing to customers of all ages, while Nacho Problems focuses on the over-21 set, pouring tap cocktails like the dangerously drinkable Airport Margarita alongside enormous piles of layered nachos.

Both menus play with creative flavor profiles: on a recent visit, I tried the Elote Nachos and the Butter Chicken Pizza, both of which paid homage to their inspiration without fully mimicking it (and were delicious, as was the Spicy Sausage Pizza). And the two venues share more than a kitchen— despite their differing vibes and decor, they’re both founded on the concept of meeting a community need for a reset in this part of Bellingham.

“A lot of people have kind of forgotten about this half of Railroad,” Donahue says. “What’s fun about being part of the business community down here is that everybody who’s really over on this half of it is really passionate about [revitalizing the area].” 1425 & 1427 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, bellaciao.bar, nachoproblematic.com t

Picking the Right Basket

Everyone loves the traditional wicker-and-linen basket, and it’s still a fantastic choice for packing your picnic! However, if you’re planning on bringing delicate foods or being outside for a long time before you eat, opt for an insulated carrier. This could be a cooler or a thickwalled, sealable tote. It’ll work way better than ice-packs alone.

Less Mess, Less Litter

To help make cleanup after your picnic as complete and easy as possible, try to pack mostly handheld foods (meaning no need for utensils, disposable or otherwise). Bring washable dishcloths instead of napkins and paper towels. But most importantly, take the time to be good stewards of whatever nature you just enjoyed your picnic in!

Radicchio Caesar Salad

Leah Brooks from “Genuine Skagit Cooking,” Published by Raspberry Bow Press

RECIPE BY LEAH BROOKS | PHOTO BY CHARITY BURGGRAAF | COURTESY OF GENUINE SKAGIT VALLEY

LEAH BROOKS IS a cooking enthusiast, cookbook author, and former director of a children’s cooking school in San Francisco. By making cooking fun, approachable, and healthy, Leah is changing the way kids (and adults!) see food by weaving seasonal ingredients into flavorful, memorable meals. Leah looks forward to helping the community create delicious meals from the bounty of Skagit Valley farm stands. t

Radicchio Caesar Salad

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

For the dressing:

¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon), plus more as needed

2 garlic cloves, minced

6 anchovy fillets, minced, plus more to taste

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Pinch of ground cayenne pepper

Freshly ground black pepper

1 large egg yolk or 1 tablespoon mayonnaise*

¼ cup neutral oil (such as grapeseed, avocado, or canola), plus more as needed**

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed

Kosher salt

For the breadcrumbs:

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter

2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

½ cup breadcrumbs (from 1 loaf wheat bread) or panko

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the salad:

1 head radicchio (such as Lusia, Rosalba, or Castelfranco), torn into bite-size pieces

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Skagit grown ingredient options: Waxwing Farm radicchio, Water Tank Bakery Skagit Wheat Batard bread, Rare Breed Preservation Project eggs

Instructions

• To make the dressing, in a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, anchovy, mustard, cayenne, black pepper, and egg yolk until thoroughly combined.

• In a measuring cup, mix the oils and then slowly pour it into the bowl while whisking to emulsify.

• Dip a radicchio leaf into the dressing to taste and add salt if needed (the anchovy may provide enough salt), as well as additional black pepper, lemon juice, or olive oil as needed.

Transfer the dressing to a container and set both the dressing and the bowl aside.

• To make the breadcrumbs, in a medium sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter along with the olive oil.

• Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

• Transfer the breadcrumbs to a plate and add a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.

To assemble the salad, add the radicchio to the large bowl, along with ¼ cup of the dressing, half of the breadcrumbs, and the parmesan.

• Toss until all the leaves are coated in the dressing.

• Check for seasoning, adding more salt, black pepper, and/or lemon juice until it tastes incredible.

• Serve with additional parmesan, breadcrumbs, and black pepper on top.

Notes

*If you aren’t comfortable with eating raw egg yolk, replace it with 1 tablespoon of mayo.

**Replacing some of the olive oil with a neutral oil makes it more compatible with the bitterness of the radicchio. If you’re using romaine lettuce instead, replace the neutral oil with additional olive oil.

“As an effort to eat seasonally during the winter months, I experimented with replacing the traditional romaine lettuce in a Caesar with radicchio from Waxwing Farm. Turns out, radicchio Caesars are delicious! Using the Skagit wheat bread from Water Tank Bakery makes a nutritious, flavorful, and crunchy topping for the salad.”

—Leah Brooks

Open Daily at 7am • Downtown Mount Vernon

A Community Cornerstone

ROAM Coffee + Beer

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNE GODENHAM

JUTTING OUT AT an acute angle on the corner of Broadway and Elm Street, where Bellingham’s Columbia, Lettered Streets, and Cornwall Park neighborhoods meet, is a charming, pitch-roofed black and white building. It’s an oasis in both the geographic and figurative senses: ROAM Coffee + Beer offers all comers not only excellent coffee and a range of tasty food, but also beer, cider, sake, and wine.

Owners Colleen and Chad Kuehl have run Wander Brewing for a decade, so they know a thing or two about running a small business in the food and beverage industry. As coffee-lovers, the addition of another type of brew to their repertoire was a natural next step.

“The decision was ultimately made the day we saw the ROAM property come available,” Colleen says. “There was a need in the neighborhood, and the space was perfect as it was originally designed and built as a coffee shop 25 years ago.”

Perfect is exactly how ROAM feels, especially on a sunny spring day when visitors can take advantage of the variety of outdoor seating and spaces the location offers: from Adirondacks around a firepit in the shade to picnic tables on the small lawn in full sun. The interior is equally inviting: soothing blues and bare wood accentuate a high-ceilinged space that's perfect for a quiet conversation with a friend or a few hours of remote work.

And then there’s the food and drink. If you’ve tried Wander’s brews, you know the Kuehls make a mean craft beer, and the taps at ROAM serve nine of them in addition to wine, ‘beermosas,’ and a rotating draft cider or kombucha. The coffee is organic and roasted locally, and pairs perfectly with the range of pastries on offer (on a recent visit, I was advised by the general manager to nab the last Marionberry Oat Scone, which was

tender and delicious). For patrons looking for something a bit more substantial, there are also three kinds of grilled cheese sandwiches on the menu, breakfast burritos from local food truck Luchadora Burger, and a seasonal salad that changes weekly.

The Kuehls started ROAM with the goal of creating a community hub for the surrounding neighborhoods, and it’s clear that they’ve achieved that goal: during the half hour that I spent sipping my Iced Oat Milk Latte and nibbling on a Pesto Parmesan Twist at an outdoor table there was a steady stream of people meeting friends on the lawn, walking up to the to-go window,

and pulling into the small parking lot at the wide end of the triangular lot. At 2 p.m. on a Friday, ROAM was about half full—I can only imagine how busy it must get on a Saturday afternoon. When I ask her what her favorite thing is about ROAM, Colleen’s answer reflects my experience:

“Being at the literal intersection of multiple neighborhoods and observing the many ways our community utilizes the space,” she says. “That, and the drive/pedal/walk thru window and outdoor space to relax in!” 1205 Washington St., Bellingham, 360.671.3089, wanderbrewing.com/ roam-coffee-beer t

DINING KEY

.

. . . . . under $20

$20–34

$35–49

$50 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

ASHURI BAKLAVA AND CAFE Turkish

103 Grand Ave., Bellingham 360.318.3030, ashuri.co

Ashuri Baklava and Cafe is introducing Bellingham residents to the traditional Turkish coffeehouse experience strong coffee, decadent pastries, and a place to enjoy good company. The owners, brothers Kristofer and Lukas Konutgan, were both born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. They opened the shop as a way to create a space that felt a bit like home.

AVENUE BREAD & DELI Deli

1313 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 1135 11th St., Bellingham 2301 James St., Bellingham 444 Front St., Lynden 360.715.3354, avenuebread.com

With several convenient locations in Bellingham and a location in Lynden, Avenue Bread is a favorite lunch spot for many. Fresh ingredients make these sandwiches unusually good the bread is made by their bakers, and the vegetables and meat are all of the highest quality. Avenue Bread also offers some of the freshest, tastiest breakfast sandwiches around.

BANTER AFTER HOURS American, Craft Cocktails, Vegan 114 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.788.4849, banterhospitality.com

If you want to feel like you’re on a sunny beach vacation without leaving Bellingham, After Hours is the place to be! The casual, cheeky atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great space to spend the evening trying out some unique, flavorful food and creative cocktails.

BAR CICOTTI Italian

202 Grand Ave., Bellingham 360.656.6802, barcicotti.com

The inspiration for Bar Cicotti comes from traditional Italian bars, which specialize in espresso by day and booze by night. If you’re looking to unwind in style, you’re invited to share snacks and bottle of wine with friends in Bar Cicotti’s chic courtyard.

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.

CAMBER COFFEE Coffeehouse, American

221 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.656.5343, cambercoffee.com

Camber is more than just a coffee shop. Customers can order at the counter for a quicker bite, or enjoy table service for the restaurant experience. Throughout the day, customers will find a full menu for breakfast (or brunch, depending on your wake-up time), lunch, and dinner. The food is best described as “new American comfort.”

D’ANNA’S CAFE ITALIANO Italian

1319 N. State St., Bellingham 360.714.0188, dannascafeitaliano.com

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

DRAYTON HARBOR OYSTER COMPANY

Seafood, Regional NW

685 Peace Portal Dr., Blaine 360.656.5958, draytonharboroysters.com

A board inside Drayton Harbor Oyster Company tracks when the last oyster delivery was made and how long it takes the oysters to get from the ocean to the kitchen. The record? 13 minutes. This level of freshness means oysters so good that people come from all over the globe to taste them. The intimate, casual setting will make you feel like you’re at a friend’s house.

FIAMMA BURGER American

1309 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.733.7374, fiammaburger.com

One word speaks volumes about Fiamma Burger: variety. With a multitude of patty types and more than 20 menu options, there are endless possibilities for a burger masterpiece. All burgers are served on a fresh-baked bun, with crisp lettuce and all the usual fixings. You can even get a “burger in a bowl,” served without the bread. Spice it up with chipotle ketchup, spicy mustard, or curry mayo, then cool it down with a beer or milkshake.

FIRESIDE MARTINI & WINE BAR

Eclectic, Bar

416 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.738.1000, firesidemartini.com

Fireside is out to make a name for itself. Their menu changes on an almost daily basis and uses only fresh, local ingredients. Cocktails are based on in-house infusions of spirits, a collection found only at Fireside, and their beer options range from local to obscure to international.

GREAT BLUE HERON GRILL American

8720 Semiahmoo Pkwy Blaine, WA 98230 360.371.7015, semiahmoogolf.com/ great-blue-heron-grill

Located at Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club, and open to the public, offering casual fare in a comfortable setting with views of the golf course. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner made with locallysourced ingredients, plus wine, beer, cocktails, and more! Check our website for special events and weekly dining specials.

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, their team cooks and chills 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.

JALAPEÑOS MEXICAN GRILL Mexican

1007 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.656.6600

501 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.671.3099

2945 Newmarket Pl., Bellingham 360.778.2041, jalapenos-wa.com

Jalapeños Mexican Grill lures you in with promises of a cheap lunch special, but after looking at the menu, you won’t stop there. There’s a variety of flavored mojitos and margaritas, and the “Big Mama” alone is proof that Jalapeños doesn’t play around with their drinks. The glasses are huge, and the drinks are good to the last drop.

JUXT TAPHOUSE American

119 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.656.5223, juxttaphouse.com

JUXT’s unique 28-tap draft system allows for a rotating selection of locally sourced beer, wine, cider, cold brew, and cocktails. Because cocktails are mixed and ready on-request, JUXT can deliver something unfound in other bars: cocktail flights. The food menu is also large and varied, with options to satisfy any palate or hunger level. True to the bar’s spirit, it juxtaposes fine dining items with pub-friendly comfort foods like nachos, burgers, and poutine.

KEENAN’S AT THE PIER

Northwest, American & Seafood

804 10th St., Bellingham 360.392.5510, keenansatthepier.com

Located inside the Chrysalis Inn & Spa in Fairhaven, Keenan’s at the Pier features fresh, local cuisine and a full bar. Keenan’s highlights the beauty and style of the Pacific Northwest with fresh ingredients that are seasonal and regionally sourced. Enjoy Bellingham Bay views from every table. Reservations are highly recommended.

KURUKURU SUSHI Japanese, Sushi

11 Bellwether Way, Bellingham 360.392.8224, kurukurubellingham.com

KuruKuru Sushi, which translates to “go around Sushi,” offers not only a good meal, but a good experience as well. Along with the more traditional sushi, delicious lightly tempura-fried sushi also makes its way around the conveyor belt. If you don’t see something you like, the chefs behind the counter will gladly make something for you.

LITTLE CHEERFUL

American

133 E. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.738.8824

Little Cheerful is a bustling breakfast spot, ideal for customers looking to enjoy a mouthwatering meal over conversation or a newspaper. The cafe has maintained its popularity through the growth of breakfast cafes in the area. Their menu includes something for everyone, whether you are gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or an omnivore and if you are craving eggs benedict, Little Cheerful is definitely for you.

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

MAPLE.BAR Coffee Shop

4252 Cordata Parkway, Bellingham 360.441.5440 | www.maple.bar

Head to Maple.Bar for a cozy-yet-cool atmosphere, great coffee, and perfectly-sized donuts. Try the Maple.Bar Signature latte, a maple latte with a deep, authentic flavor and no hint of sickly sweetness. If you really want to go all out, add one of their eponymous Maple Bars, or choose another flavor of donut—they’re all small, almost beignet-sized, squares of fluffy deliciousness.

MI MEXICO Mexican

241 Telegraph Rd., Bellingham 360.647.0073, mimexicobellingham.com

Mi Mexico’s reputation as one of the local favorites among Mexican food lovers is well deserved. The experience starts with a warm, friendly, professional waitstaff in an enjoyable, upbeat atmosphere. From there, Mi Mexico separates itself from the competition with a choice of traditional and non-traditional Mexican dishes, all made with the freshest of ingredients available. From your first bite of Mi Mexico’s homemade salsa to the last bite of your main entree or dessert, you will already be planning your next visit.

There’s no better restaurant to indulge in a dozen oysters (and take in an amazing view) than The Oyster Bar, on Chuckanut Drive. If you’re lucky, they’ll have Kumamotos or Shugokus on the menu!

2 3

The Pad Prikhing from Thai Maison is a go-to: fresh and spicy, with perfectlybalanced flavors.

TASTES GREAT

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 best walking-around snack in downtown Mount Vernon is a still-warm Blueberry Peach Hand Pie from Pegasus Pie Co.

5 7 8 4 1

The Store in Anacortes sells a bunch of delicious muffins, but one favorite is the Dutch Delight, made with oatmeal, coconut, pecans, and raisins.

6

Looking for a refreshing sweet treat? Try the Sherbet Float from Acme Valley Ice Cream—lemon raspberry ice cream with orange soda poured over the top.

Prefer something boozy? The Maxwell’s Silver Hammer at Pepper Sisters will slake your thirst with fresh blood orange juice, Bulleit bourbon, simple syrup, and a squeeze of lemon and lime.

If you love a Greek salad but are in the mood for pizza, Zeeks Pizza has you covered with their Greek Pizza: tomato, red onion, green peppers, kalamata olives, and feta on an olive oil base.

Whidbey Bagel Factory’s Ham Egg & Cheese Bagel is the perfect breakfast sandwich, with applewoodsmoked ham, scrambled egg, and cheddar—we love it on a Salt & Pepper Bagel!

Photo by Anne Godenham

WINE PICK OF THE MONTH

Welcome Road Winery 2021

Sémillon, Rattlesnake Hills, WA

DOWNTOWN BELLINGHAM IS home to a welcoming tasting room with wines made from certifiedsustainable grapes: Leigh McMillan and Kristen Dorrity’s Welcome Road Winery. The owners fell in love with French wine while traveling in France, and Leigh decided to become a winemaker.

Sémillon (sem-me-yon) is one of Leigh’s favorite varietals. Originating from Bordeaux, it’s normally blended but is gaining more popularity as a single varietal. Welcome Road’s Sémillon is fermented solely in stainless steel and sees no oak.

You can find out more about Welcome Road and their wine club, Roadies, at welcomeroadwinery.com.

Tasting Notes: Concentrated sweet hibiscus, candied pineapple, and fresh basil cover subtle minerality on the nose followed by a palate of rhubarb, honeycomb, and lychee with chamomile making a brief appearance, leaving luscious citrus tracks on the finish.

Pairing Suggestion: Citrus vinaigrette spring salad, lox bagel, sushi, lamb gyros, sunchoke-cardamom puree, lemon custard, New York Cheesecake.

Photo by Sharon Beth

Flora Jane 2021 Pinot Noir, EolaAmity Hills, OR

CO-OWNERS COURTNEY AND Johnny Brose run this boutique winery in the Willamette Valley; their first vintage was in 2020 and they produce about 300 cases per year. When COVID hit and historic fires affected many vineyards with smoke taint, they stayed true to their word and kept their grape contracts.

“Vineyard relationships are very important to us,” Johnny says. But he’s transparent about the 2020 vintage, recommending consumers “drink it now—don’t wait,” as smoke taint intensifies over time.

This 2021 Pinot Noir vintage is 100% clone 115, fermented 30% whole cluster, and aged in 30% new French oak for 16 months. Learn more about Flora Jane at florajanewine.com.

Tasting Notes: Dried gardenias, cherry Slurpee, rose hips, red licorice, red rose bouquet, and a hint of bergamot precede a sweeter palate with balanced minerality on the forefront with dried maraschinos, potpourri, ripe blackberries, and red plum flesh on the palate. Finishes with mild nutmeg and sage.

Pairing Suggestion: Wilted brownbutter spinach, steamed mussels, kalecabbage slaw, roasted rack of lamb, mushroom ravioli, bread pudding with cherry compote.

SKAGIT

SWINOMISH SPORTS BAR & GRILL American 12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, 888.288.8883, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com

Located along the waterfront of Anacortes, this is not your run-of-the-mill sports bar. While you can go the more classic bar-food route, this restaurant offers Italian, barbeque, seafood, Southern, among many other cuisine styles. Find the latest lines, watch the race, or grab a beer and grub as you watch every play, pass, and score.

TACOS & TEQUILA Mexican

5984 North Darrk Ln, Bow, 877.275.2448

Fuel your play at The Skagit Casino & Resort’s in-house restaurant, where they cook up everything from Birria Tacos to Shrimp Ceviche. Complete your meal with a Guava Cooler (made with house tequila and Bundaberg guava soda) or other signature cocktail at their walk-up margarita bar!

TERRAMAR BREWSTILLERY

Craft Brewery and Pizza

5712 Gilkey Ave., Edison, 360.399.6222 terramarcraft.com

Producing thoughtfully crafted, small-batch beer, cider, spirits, and pizza from farmed and foraged ingredients of Skagit Valley. The brewery taproom is all ages and dog-friendly. The distillery’s “Speakeasy” is 21+ and highlights Terramar’s spirits in creative cocktails. Patio dining surrounded by views of Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains.

THE

UNION TAVERN LOCAL 902 American 902 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.873.8245, theuniontavern-local902.com

Patrons can get the perfect-size dish in a flavor profile to satisfy any craving. With plenty of beers on rotation, there’s the basics plus a surprise or two. Cocktails are another highlight you won’t find Red Bull vodkas or overly sweetened Mai Tais here. The staff uses fresh juice, quality spirits, and house-made sours and grenadine. Staffers are encouraged to create their own cocktails, and the tastiest concoctions get a place on the menu.

VAGABOND STATION Southern

2120 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.421.4227, vagabondtrailerfood.com

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.

Vagabond Station is known for its mostly Southern-style menu with a few curveballs. Dig into a prime rib sandwich, a meat-lover’s dream that is difficult to find in this day of well-done meat. Try a bowl of Vagabond Chili, the Santa Fe cornbread, or a wiscuit biscuit dough cooked in a waffle maker. Of course, there’s crispy fried chicken and waffles, and their signature sandwich, the Yard Bird: chicken, cheddar cheese, and gravy piled onto a fresh, fluffy biscuit.

ISLAND COUNTIES

CAPTAIN WHIDBEY INN American

2072 Captain Whidbey Inn Rd., Coupeville 360.678.4097, captainwhidbey.com

The entire menu features down-to-earth items that are reasonably priced, locally sourced, and well-balanced. While the inn does serve as a special-occasion spot, folks dressed in shorts and a T-shirt are also welcomed. Built in 1907, Captain Whidbey Inn is a historical gem.

DOE BAY CAFÉ American

107 Doe Bay Rd., Olga 360.376.8059, doebay.com

Whether you’re heading toward the San Juan Islands or don’t mind taking a trip for an unbelievable meal, be sure to make reservations at the ever-popular Doe Bay Café. This iconic cafe has stuck to its mission of providing world-class seafood and vegetarian dishes.

FRIDAY HARBOR HOUSE Regional NW

130 West St., #101 Friday Harbor 360.378.8455, fridayharborhouse.com

It’s hard to beat the view of the ferry landing, marina, and San Juan Channel from Friday Harbor House the hotel and restaurant provide a sweeping panorama of water and sky. In addition to the delicious food menu, Friday Harbor House is one of the few island restaurants to offer a full bar at brunch every day of the week.

INN AT LANGLEY American

400 First St., Langley, 360.221.3033, innatlangley.com

If beauty were a taste, this would be it. As a guest, you’re taken on a mouth-watering culinary journey through a multi-course tasting menu. Not only is the meal a delight for the taste buds, but there are also surprises at each turn, whether it’s the presentation or the accoutrements. Each guest is served as if they are the only one in the dining room. The menu is prix fixe, with an additional charge for wine pairing. Dinner here is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.

TOBY’S TAVERN Seafood

8 NW Front St., Coupeville, 360.678.4222, tobysuds.com

Overlooking the scenic Penn Cove in the center of old Coupeville, Toby’s Tavern offers diners a dive bar ambience with a delicious menu of seafood favorites. Steamed and soaked in a scrumptious mix of simple seasonings, wine, and juices, Toby’s robust offering of mussels makes for a memorable visit.

Nickis Bar and Grill on the waterfront in Bellingham serving award winning, hand dipped, tempura style fish & chips. Build your own burger featuring our handcrafted USDA chuck patties and fresh baked buns.

“AND ABOVE ALL, WATCH WITH GLITTERING EYES THE WHOLE WORLD AROUND YOU BECAUSE THE GREATEST SECRETS ARE ALWAYS HIDDEN IN THE MOST UNLIKELY PLACES. THOSE WHO DON’T BELIEVE IN MAGIC WILL NEVER FIND IT.”

-ROALD DAHL

Photo by Syd Sprouse

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!