Bellingham Alive|June & July|2023

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Contents

48

Aquatic Adventures

From its rivers and lakes to the Salish Sea, the North Sound’s waterways are one-of-a-kind. That’s why, in honor of summer’s arrival, we’ve rounded up a variety of ways you can appreciate them. This month’s feature covers everything from outdoor recreation to aquatic life and even a few of our favorite swimming spots. In other words, it’s everything you need to have fun in the sun this season (and hopefully learn a thing or two along the way!).

Photo by Christian Martin

FIRST FRIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN BELLINGHAM

“Every first Friday of the month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Bellingham community gathers to showcase what’s new downtown. You are in for a treat as First Fridays unlock access to galleries, artist demonstrations, late-night shopping, drink, and food specials with all-day happy hours oh my!” To learn more about First Fridays in Downtown Bellingham, read the full article by Tayler Robertson at bellinghamalive.com.

EVENTS CALENDAR

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.

BE IN THE KNOW

Sign up for our free entertainment e-newsletter to get the latest on upcoming events and more! bellinghamalive.com

If you haven’t discovered La Conner’s Walking Mod boutique yet, you may be having a hard time finding unique, lifestyle-focused pieces from your favorite outdoor brands. That’s definitely how Owner Eleanor Harbord felt before she founded Walking Mod in 2014.

Today’s article, written and photographed by Kristen Boehm, introduces you to Eleanor Harbord, owner of Walking Mod. We discuss topics like the shop itself, the atmosphere, what you can expect to find, and more.

When I asked Alexarc Mastema to describe himself he simply said, “I’m just that coffee guy around town,” as if he’d never owned two businesses or been a United States Barista Championship judge infamously known as “Bend Over Intensity” for putting his face right down on the counter next to the cup while judging.

Read all about Alexarc Mastema and his unique coffee shop in an article written by Nicole Kimberling with photos by Pat Beggan.

Photo by Kristen Boehm

Photo by Eliot Wells

Photo by Pat Beggan

See what banking is like when people come first. All Pacific NW residents are eligible to join.

Members Michael F., Matt N., & Christa S.

Summer by the Salish Sea

WHAT’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP to the waters of the North Sound? Living where we do, it’s impossible to not have some sort of connection to the lakes, rivers, and bays that surround us. Whether your passion lies in ecology, outdoor recreation, or seafood, these waterways dictate our way of life in more ways than one— which is why we’re bringing you an entire feature about them.

Perhaps you’re passionate about paddleboarding, or diving, or maybe you’re hoping to take up sea kayaking this summer. After all, outdoor recreation is one of the (many) reasons why people choose to live here. We’re even lucky enough to have resources like the Community Boating Center (p. 62) to ensure that everyone— regardless of finances or skill level— has the opportunity to get out and play on the bay.

For others, this connection to water has nothing to do with physical activity. Water is the inspiration behind lots of local art,

both decorative and functional. In this issue we spoke to Greg Klassen (p. 72), who is known for his River Tables that combine wood and blue glass for a water-like effect. But Klassen is just the beginning: From painters like Nicki Lang to glassblowers like David Wight, countless local artists make work about these waterways.

For our Indigenous community members, the North Sound’s waterways represent countless years of tradition, history, and stewardship. As the folks at Sacred Lands Conservancy put it, “Water is life. We can’t survive without fresh water to drink, without the salmon that depend on healthy rivers and a healthy Salish Sea.” (p. 51).

Others see the water as synonymous with tranquility and freedom. Tori Ayres (p. 54), the founder of Dragonfly Kayak Tours, started a whole business based on the inner peace she feels when kayaking, whereas Melissa Longfellow (p. 55) views water as a tool to inspire fluid movement during her SUP yoga classes.

Even in my personal life, I’ve watched my friends develop and nurture their own unique relationships to the waters that surround us. One friend plunges into the bay from Taylor Dock to mark her major life milestones. Another lives full-time on their sailboat in Squalicum Harbor. As for me? I moved to Washington all the way from Alabama to be near the water. I’d never visited Whatcom County in person prior to that move, but photos of the Bellingham Bay told me everything I needed to know— and now, years later, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Maybe that’s why, even beyond this issue, I can’t help but notice how many Bellingham Alive articles feature water as a key theme. In May 2022, we wrote about Eleanor Hines, who works with RE Sources as the North Sound Baykeeper to protect the health of our waters. We also interviewed Rena Priest

during her tenure as Washington State Poet Laureate in that very same issue. Her current writing focuses on the beaches and salmon of the Pacific Northwest. (Missed that issue? It’s available to read online at bellinghamalive.com!)

Whether we’re talking about seafood-centric restaurants (“Steaks, Seafood, and Sips,” February 2023), local fisherman (Nerka Sea-Frozen Salmon, April 2023), or even festivals (Bellingham SeaFeast, September 2022), it’s rare to open a copy of Bellingham Alive without finding at least one article that relates to our waters. With that in mind, it only makes sense that this year’s summer issue is fully devoted to the North Sound’s rivers, lakes, and the Salish Sea.

On behalf of the whole team at Bellingham Alive, we hope you make the very most of the sunshine this season. My personal hope is that you learn something new in this issue, whether that be a fact about our community or simply a new restaurant to try— and if you have something you’d like to see us cover, you can always reach me at editor@ bellinghamalive.com. 

Warmly,

COCOA LANEY Editor In Chief

Discover style and performance with Thermador, from sleek refrigerators to powerful ranges, our selection of Thermador appliances has everything you need to create a dream kitchen.

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Sandra Hurtley

Sandra Hurtley has always loved art and design she designed her first bedroom when she was seven! She completed the design program at Heritage School of Interior Design in Portland, Oregon in 2008. She started Positive Space Staging + Design in 2010 and expanded into Whatcom County where she grew up in late 2018. Her work is currently focused on residential interior design and real estate staging projects. positivespaceinc.com  p. 68

Mary Kinser

Growing up in Washington state, Mary learned early on that rainy days provided the perfect excuse to curl up with a good story. Mary is now a collection development librarian for Whatcom County Library System, where she gets to spend her days spreading the joy of reading. In her free time, she enjoys travel, board games, long walks, and baking delicious treats. She and her husband share their home with one son, one cat, and far too many books.  p. 25

Kolby LaBree

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

Andrew Martin

Martin’s culinary repertoire includes locales such as the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel (California), the Ritz-Carlton Club Aspen Highlands (Colorado), Little Nell Colorado Ski Resort (Colorado), and Pazzo Ristorante (Oregon). He now cooks up locally sourced, seasonally inspired cuisine at New Leaf Cafe on Orcas Island.  p. 92

Photo by Alfonso Arnold

Vote for the Best of the Northwest

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,

Vote online at BellinghamAlive.com

Nominate your favorite businesses in over 120 categories.

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

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14th Annual Presented by:

PUBLICATIONS

Bellingham Alive

NSL Guestbook

Welcome Newcomers Guide

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Lisa Karlberg

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Cocoa Laney

ART DIRECTOR

Dean Davidson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Amberleigh Brownson

Kelley Denman | Michael Roe

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Erin James

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Kristen Boehm

MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR

George Murray

WRITERS

Julie Trimingham | Jessamyn Tuttle

CONTRIBUTORS

Judd M. Greenwood | Sandra Hurtley

Mary Kinser | Kolby LaBree | Denise Lones

Andrew Martin

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Tayler Robertson

OFFICE MANAGEMENT

Jenn Miranda

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Megan Gonzales

CORPORATE OFFICE

360.483.4576

I simply love your magazine. As a hairdresser for eight years, it’s how I kept in touch with my community. I’m still finding new events every month to try!

Mattie Y., Maple Falls

BITE ON A BUDGET

Bellingham Alive welcomes comments and feedback for our Letters to the Editor 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, and 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.

Thank you so much Mattie, we love bringing attention to local events being held in our beautiful part of the state, espescially this time of year when it’s so gorgeous outside. Enjoy! - Lisa

K., Publisher

Such delicious eats in this issue!

Tanna E. (Tanna by Design), Yakima Hi Tanna, I completely agree! We have so many amazing restaurants to try , the list keeps getting longer as new restaurants continue to pop up to enhance our choices. Keep reading, we love to introduce our readers to them! -Lisa

K., Publisher

My first career was photography, and your photography is exceptionally fine!

Sylvania G., Lynden

Sylvania, thank you for the kind words. We try hard every issue to make sure our readers get the best in editorial, design, and photography. After all, who doesn’t love pretty photos. -Lisa

K., Publisher.

I love getting the magazine in the mail and reading the Since Time Immemorial series. It was great to see Dr. Lane featured for his work at the Lummi Tribal Health Clinic. He’s doing great work there. I started my cancer journey at this clinic and I feel like they’ve gone above and beyond to help me. I feel so fortunate to be able to access their services and thank you to Dr. Morgan who has been with me every step of the way.

Alyssa M.

Alyssa, thank you so much for sharing a part of your journey. We are grateful to be able to bring this series to our readers. We wish you continued progress on your cancer treatments and hope you are in full remission soon! - Lisa K., Publisher.

“We are proud to have been awarded BEST FURNITURE STORE the last 8 years in a row! What truly sets us apart is our great team and their dedication to making sure every customer receives exceptional customer care from start to finish.”

Bob & Lori Dodge

Owners, Samuel’s Furniture

Megan A. Barnes

206.383.4407 meganbarnes@windermere.com

Kelley Denman

What is your role at the magazine?

So, my job as a business and marketing strategist at K&L Media is to help the magazine become the ultimate guide to PNW living. That’s where I come in— I work with advertisers to create campaigns that really speak to our readers. Whether it’s print ads in our beautifully designed magazine, crafting sponsored content, or supporting events, my goal is to make sure K&L Media is the go-to source for all things PNW lifestyle.

What is your background?

I’ve got a BA in journalism and communications, and an MS in digital analytics, but that doesn’t mean I’m all stuffy and corporate. I’ve worked in marketing and sales for years, selling everything from toys to travel packages to publications. I’ve managed digital sales teams at Seattle Weekly and served as managing editor of the Bellingham Business Journal, but my real passion is helping businesses build their brand by teaching businesses how to extend their reach and their brand’s influence.

What are you most looking forward to working on at K&L Media?

Honestly, I’m excited to be a part of a magazine that’s all about celebrating the best of the PNW lifestyle, from the food and wine to the shopping and travel. Our audience is amazing and they love to have fun in the PNW, and I can’t wait to help connect them with advertisers who really get them. Whether it’s through print advertising, community outreach, or killer events, I’m all about making sure K&L Media is the ultimate guide to PNW living.

What do you like to do outside of your job?

Sail, view art, travel, yoga, take care of my loved ones, shop, and other various things! 

“I do my best for the clients I work with and our community.”

Northwest Youth Services 22

Bellingham Queer Collective 26

Five Faves: Summer Festivals 34

Life

Summer Camps for Every Kid

Summer Camps for Every Kid

WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED in earnest, which means that school’s out for the season and, for better or worse, kids have a lot of time on their hands. Hoping to help your kids get the most out of their break? Summer camps are a surefire way to keep them social, active, and challenged. There are plenty of camps to choose from locally, but if you need a bit of guidance to get started, we’ve put together a round-up of some of our very favorites.

For the Outdoors Lovers

Wild Whatcom is a port of call for all community members who want to get better acquainted with the nature that surrounds us and yes, this includes the littlest among us. Their three-day camps are aimed at grades 1–3, whereas older kiddos (up to grade 8) have several of five-day camps to choose from. Camp themes vary by age group, but topics include everything from marine life to the art of stealth, storytelling and nature connection, and even wilderness survival.

Dragonfly Kayak Tours offers their Happy Orcas

Adventure Camp at Larrabee State Park during the summer months. This day camp is a great way for little ones to get acquainted with all the adventures that the Salish Sea has to offer, from tidepooling to snorkeling and (of course) kayaking. Kids will also participate in arts and crafts and learn how to be good environmental stewards. (P.S.: You can learn more about what Dragonfly has to offer grown-ups on p. 54!)

Camp Fire Samish has been around since 1910, and they offer a wide variety of both day camps and sleepaway camps through their Camp Kirby programming. Camps take place on the 47 acres of forest, grasslands, and beach that spread 1 ½ miles along beautiful Padilla Bay. Given this unparalleled

access to the wilderness, it’s no surprise that activities tend to be nature-centric, with a focus on both providing an outdoor living experience and helping youth to build resilience and self-confidence.

Last but not least, Vamos Outdoors Project provides not just outdoor recreation opportunities but mentorship and academic programs. They have a priority of service for Latine, migrant, multilingual, newcomer, and low-income families, and while programming is year-round, their summer activities include instruction in everything from boating to backpacking. Best of all, programming is free of cost to participants and includes necessary gear, food, and even transportation.

For the Athletes

If your kiddo is looking for new ways to get active this summer, Whatcom YMCA is a great place to start. They offer sports camps and clinics in everything from track and field to basketball, soccer, and even a multi-sport day camp. Not so much into sports? Perhaps Adventure Camps are more up your kid’s alley. These field-based day camps take place at outdoor locations across the country; for example, the Trail Blazer Adventure Camps get kids out and about on local trails for four days of hiking, exploration, and play.

Up-and-coming soccer players can get excited about Whatcom FC Rangers’ Junior Rangers Summer Program, which provides an approachable introduction to competitive soccer for players born between 2015 and 2011. Whatcom Sports and Recreation also holds youth soccer camps at the Bellingham Sportsplex not just during the summer but during all school break periods.

The Bellingham Bells Baseball Club has several day camps throughout the summer, including a beginner’s camp in June and a softball camp in July. Basketball players will want to check out iHOOP Training for their all-levels day camps throughout June and July. Skagit Valley College is also holding camps for grades 2–9 in June and August through the Cardinal Summer Basketball program.

Courtesy of Wild Whatcom

Wild Whatcom

But camp options aren’t limited to team sports. North Coast Gymnastics Academy holds four-day camps all throughout the summer for aspiring gymnasts, whereas Mount Baker Gymnastics holds classes and camps for kids in Skagit County. Additionally, VITAL Climbing Gym in Downtown Bellingham has four-day summer camps for climbers ages 6–12 in June, July, and August.

For the Budding Scientists

Tech-minded young ones will find their community at Bellingham + Skagit Coding + Robotics Club camps, which combine intro coding, STEM, and robotics with outside sports and activities. In 2023, they’re offering camps in not just one but three locations to serve families across both Whatcom and Skagit counties.

In the summer months, Whatcom Community College gives grade schoolers a taste of higher ed with their Kids’ College and Teen Programs. Classes cover a variety of subjects, though many are geared towards STEM and technology.

... continued on next page

Photos courtesy of the Spark Museuum

The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention

The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention has a “choose-your-own-adventure” day camp for kids ages 8–12. Sessions occur in mid-July, and both programs culminate in campers building their own physical game using basic coding and simple circuits.

Nestled in the foothills of the North Cascades, Camp Saturna is ideal for groups of junior scientists who want more hands-on opportunities. Their environmental education camps are specialized for kids grades 5–8, with curriculum covering topics such as local and regional geology, ecosystem relationships, forest succession, natural resource management, and much more.

For the Artistically Inclined Creative-minded kids are sure to feel right at home at the Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, which has been offering instruction in performing and visual arts since 2006. Topics for this summer’s week-long day camps include Junior Comedy Camp, Disney Dance and Drama, and Camp LarraBAAY: Broadway Hits. Unique Technique Studios and Dancing 4 Joy also offer day camps specifically geared towards young dancers.

Kids with big imaginations will be also well-suited to summer camps at Majestic Adventures. They’ll be offering day

camps for 10 weeks throughout the summer of 2023, and each one is centered around a different fantasy “quest” that allows kids to be the heroes of their own adventure. The Whatcom Museum’s week-long summer day camps are also adventure-oriented, and we’re especially excited about their Cinematic Swashbucklers camp this August. The program takes inspiration from famous films and guides kids in developing a trailer for their very own movie.

For visual artists, Inner Child Studio has a range of oneand two-day camps for kids, including a summer art camp. For something even longer, Gabriel’s Art Kids holds weeklong camps during school breaks. Pace Atelier Art Studio also has summer art camps for kids and teens, and participants can experiment with mediums ranging from painting to ceramics, mixed media, and much more.

Last but certainly not least, Bellingham Girls Rock Camp (BGRC) uses music as a method to empower girls and queer youth ages 8–17. During this week-long day camp, kids learn instruments, attend workshops, form bands, write songs, and even perform them at the camp’s conclusion. But BGRC is about more than just music alone: Attendees also gain tools for self-expression, critical thinking skills, and leadership skills.

Courtesy of Camp Fire Samish

Photos by Susan Hemingson

Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth Camp Fire Samish

The Trailer Holding Cookies and Conversations

GIRLnDOG

IFYOU EVER see a shiny silver 1954 Shasta trailer with teal accents and a confetti chandelier to make it pop, follow it! A line will most likely be outside of it, so don’t hesitate grab some delicious cookies from GIRLnDOG.

Not Your Average Battle of the Bands

Bellingham Festival of Music

THE BELLINGHAM FESTIVAL of Music has been bringing worldclass classical musicians to Western Washington since 1993. If you still haven’t heard of it, this is the year to get excited!

“This year marks a lot of change,” says Erika Block, the executive director of the Festival of Music. “Last year, our Founder and Music Director [Conductor Michael Palmer] stepped down, so we’re left with the first opportunity ever to name a new conductor.”

To fill this role, the Festival has selected five guests lauded conductors from around the globe who will each lead a performance during this year’s Festival. They’ll get the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Festival’s orchestra, which is made up of visiting musicians

Bucket List: Outdoor Happy Hours

WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY

from esteemed symphonies all over North America, and rehearse the pieces of music they’ve chosen. Each conductor also invited a soloist to perform during their concerts.

“Conductors really set the tone for the kind of music you hear, the kind of soloists you get to see. … You’ll get five completely different experiences with each conductor,” says Block. “It will be fascinating to see from concert to concert what [each conductor] loves, what they feel like is the best representation of an ideal concert.”

The orchestral pieces chosen by the conductors range in style from modern and edgy, to fairy-tale inspired ballets, to satirical Russian Revolution-era compositions. You can read all about the guest conductors and their selections on the Festival’s website, where you can also look into their year-round work to keep classical music alive and well in Bellingham. Concert Hall, Western Washington University Performing Arts Center, 516 High St., Bellingham, 360.201.6621, bellinghamfestival.org

KRISTEN BOEHM

Chuckanut Manor Seafood & Grill

If views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands aren’t tempting enough, then the happy hour deals (including 25% off appetizers) from 2–5 p.m.

Tuesday-Sunday are sure to do the trick. Chuckanut Manor’s main dining room leans upscale, but their outdoor deck is perfect for any occasion.

The unique name is a homage to the relationship between Owner Meredith Grieb and her late beloved black lab, Abe.

“Abe will most likely be the best dog I will ever have in my life, and I wanted to make that a legacy,” Grieb says.

Abe also lends his name to a cookie that consists of toffee, coconut, oats, K’UL milk chocolate, and dark chocolate chips, and it is the No. 1 cookie sold.

To get your chocolate fix, try the K’UL Cookie, a triple chocolate cookie made with local K’UL Chocolate and sprinkled with San Juan Island sea salt. It’s perfect for sweet and salty lovers. Other current flavors are chocolate chip, ginger spice, and gluten-free peanut butter chocolate.

Grieb believes it is essential to build relationships and support other businesses in the area.

“That’s one of the reasons I am happy to be back in the area to launch for the second time, because I think that most of us are watching out for each other,” says Grieb.

Grab your pals for a good brew and a few cookies! You can usually find GIRLnDOG at Wander Brewing, or check them out online to stay updated on the next pop-up. Bellingham, girlndog. com, @girl.n.dog

TAYLER ROBERTSON

Bar Cicotti

When warm weather hits, there’s no better way to wind down than Bar Cicotti’s daily happy hour. This chic Italianstyle bar is located in the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building and even has use of its courtyard. Sit back, enjoy a spritz, and bask in the glow of a summer sunset.

Courtesy of Bellingham Festival of Music

Cloud Mountain Farm Center’s Community-Led Workshops

WHETHER YOU’RE

LOOKING to learn about natural dyes, ferment foods, or even weave baskets from willows, Cloud Mountain Farm Center’s new Community-Led Workshops can provide you with the knowledge you need. Their goal is to impart farm- and garden-based skills in a supportive, empowering environment, all with the help of expert community members.

“Cloud Mountain specializes in fruit production education; we knew we needed the diverse expertise of our community to offer a comprehensive workshop series,” says Communications and Events Coordinator Annika Sampson. “Participants benefit from the knowledge and experience of a wide variety of leaders in their fields, which include garden planning, basketry, herbalism, livestock processing, beekeeping, and more.”

Most workshops are suitable for beginners, as the primary prerequisites are enthusiasm and curiosity. Moreover, not every workshop is centered around traditional skills: Sampson says she’s personally looking forward

The Majestic Inn and Spa

to courses that involve transforming plants into art, like “Wear Flowers: Crowns and Floral Wearables for Everyone” (Aug. 19).

“The harvests of farming aren’t necessarily always food joy, beauty, delight, and empowerment are all important, too,” she continues.

Participating instructors include but are not limited to Chef Curtis Pritz and the team at Alluvial Farms, Sonia Wollin of Living Earth Herbs, Chef Ona Lee Weatherford of Clara’s Canning, Nai’a LeDain of Bud & Bloom Botanicals, and many more. The first round of Community-Led Workshops will run through fall of 2023, and those interested can find a full roster of courses online.

“We’re hopeful these workshops will broaden the scope of on-farm education, get more people excited about participating in and strengthening the local food system, and give instructors a platform to share their passions,” says Sampson. 6906 Goodwin Rd., Everson, 360.966.5859, cloudmountainfarmcenter.org

COCOA LANEY

Between the cocktails, the ambiance, and the happy hour discounts, there’s plenty to love about The Majestic in Anacortes. Oh yeah, and did we mention the rooftop bar?! All in all, this historic hotel is well-suited for both casual drinks with friends and special-occasion staycations.

ENTER-TO-WIN Monthly Giveaway

EACH MONTH, WE give you the opportunity to win a prize from local merchants. You can enter once per day on bellinghamalive.com. A winner will be chosen by random draw, and notified via email and/or phone. It’s our way of saying thank you for your support and for continuing to help encourage shopping and dining local. Below are the Enter-To-Win prizes for June and July.

The Madrona Institute Issues Climate Leadership Award

AFTER DEDICATING 28 years to public policy leadership, Paula Sardinas has been awarded the prestigious David Giuliani Climate Leadership Award from the Madrona Institute.

Sardinas recently served as the coalition builder for Pete Buttigieg, Joe Biden, and the Washington State Presidential campaigns. She now works as the founder, president, and CEO of FMS Global Strategies LLC, a nonprofit empowering young BIPOC women to use their voice in spaces where they cannot due to intersectionality and structural racism.

The Madrona Institute is an organization that works with youth to study and discuss the ecology of the San Juan Islands. They recognize people who make extraordinary efforts to help advance climate action locally and regionally.

TAYLER ROBERTSON

Keenan’s at the Pier

Keenan’s at the Pier is located within the Chrysalis Inn and Spa, but as with the Majestic, you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy happy hour (daily from 3–6 p.m.). Their menu is always innovative, local, and fresh, and that sunset panorama over Taylor Dock… well, let’s just say it’s hard to beat.

Artivem Mead Co.

If cocktails aren’t your tipple, how about a glass of mead instead? Artivem Mead Co.’s location in the Granary Building puts it right on the water, meaning you can enjoy $2 off your glass Thursday–Saturday (and all day Sunday) while taking in up-close views of the Bellingham Bay.

Courtesy of Cloud Mountain Farm Center

Westside Pizza, Blaine

Chuckanut Bay Distillery

From Surviving to Striving, then Thriving Northwest Youth Services

WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTHWEST YOUTH SERVICES

WE ALL DREAM of building a community where everyone can belong, especially the most vulnerable among us and Northwest Youth Services (NWYS) has been working to make that dream a reality since 1976. What began as a foster program has blossomed into a multifaceted organization that provides a range of social services for 13- to 24-year-olds experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. Now, under the leadership of Executive Director Jason McGill, its impact in Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties only continues to grow.

Breaking Cycles, Building Resilience

It might be easy to look at homelessness as the result of a bad decision or two, but McGill says that the reality is more nuanced. Many NWYS clients are trapped in a cycle of generational homelessness and since young people become

conditioned to the environments they grow up in, breaking out of that cycle is extremely difficult.

“If you’re born into homelessness, your survival skills are kicking in. ... You’re trying to make decisions to get to the next day,” McGill Says. “Our job is to paint a picture of: What do you actually want to become? Let’s tap back into those dreams from when you were a kid. Because you can actually do this but let’s do it in partnership, so you can achieve them.”

Of course, the first step of getting out of survival mode is finding stable housing. In addition to the PAD, which is a shortterm shelter for youth ages 13–17, NWYS has a Transitional Living Program, a Rapid Rehousing program, and even provides rental assistance to youth ages 18–24 who are behind on housing payments.

“We also serve Skagit County, and we just purchased a property down there,” McGill says. “So we’re doing a lot of purchasing right now. … At some point we had to make a decision [about] our future, and our future is in ownership to build equity for young people.”

But beyond meeting these basic needs, NWYS’ goal is to help youth build lifelong resiliency and autonomy. This also means putting a stop to the generational cycles that lead kids to become homeless in the first place.

“It’s not just housing. It’s not just jobs,” McGill says. “It’s the whole package of partnering with young people and creating a pathway out of poverty with them, for them.”

McGill notes that Whatcom County’s size and numerous social services make it an ideal place for putting an end to youth homelessness. In fact, these unique conditions were an incentive for him to move from Seattle in 2021 to join NWYS in the first place.

“I did feel like Whatcom County was a community that was primed and destined to actually end youth and young adult homelessness,” he says. “Not functioning zero I’m talking about literally ending, because we have the resources up here to do it.”

NWYS Programming

One of McGill’s first tasks with NWYS was to establish one singular program, Bloom, that encompasses previously disparate services like housing, behavioral services, employment and education services, outreach, and teen court.

“It’s called Bloom because you blossom out of the soil with community,” McGill says. “Now, we have sites that offer different services.”

Another important Bloom program is Queer Youth Services (QYS), which provides education and advocacy for queer youth, their loved ones, and community providers. According to the Trevor Project, 28% of LGBTQ+ youth reported experiencing homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives, and these rates are even higher for transgender youth.

“That’s another reason why young people become homeless because they’re fleeing a violent situation, whether physically or mentally,” McGill says. “That’s why QYS is important; it’s mainly to build community for young people who have shared identity, so they can see: Oh, snap, I can do

this. I can be successful, I can dream and really embrace my healing. Because I deserve to be me.”

This kind of representation and advocacy is also important for BIPOC folks. Black and Brown kids are overrepresented among youth facing homelessness even in a predominately white city like Bellingham and so McGill makes a conscious effort to ensure that NWYS staff members are as diverse as the community they work with.

Additionally, in a study reported on by The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 70% of youth who have experienced homelessness reported facing mental health difficulties. NWYS’ behavioral health services go beyond simply treating immediate symptoms or prescribing medication; rather, they take a holistic, trauma-informed perspective. This Whole Person Care Approach promotes resilience, thereby helping young people to thrive despite their diagnosis because, as McGill underlines, “their diagnosis is not them.”

Investing in a Stronger Community

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed to the point of apathy when it comes to systemic issues like homelessness. However, McGill invites people to look inward and reflect on the kind of community they want to live in years down the road. Many of us desire a community where

everyone can belong but how do we move in that direction? According to McGill, the first steps involve unpacking our own individual biases and habits.

“We have to bring it back to ourselves and figure out how [to] break down fear,” he says. “If I’m just walking by someone who visibly presents as someone who’s experiencing homelessness, whether young person or adult, where’s my fear within that? And how can I start to see them as a human first, and not as their situation?”

NWYS provides a platform for these kinds of questions and conversations through their community book club, Healing Pages. And, for those who want

to take their involvement a step further, the organization is always accepting volunteer applications and donations. You can learn more about or on social media @nwyouthservices.

“We want to be intentional in this, because we understand that when people donate or invest, they’re trusting us to make the right decision with those resources,” McGill says. “So you’re investing again into a young person’s healing journey, which is super important not just for that young person, but for the wellness of our entire community.”

1020 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.734.9862, nwys.org 

Best

Romantic Comedy

by Curtis Sittenfeld

Book Reviews

WRITTEN BY MARY KINSER

AS A WRITER for late-night comedy show “The Night Owls,” Sally’s career is pretty much her life, and she’s okay with it. Between working long hours and catering to celebrity ego, there’s little time for romance, which Sally figures is fine, since she’s had her share of heartbreak. When musician Noah Brewster turns up to guest host the show, Sally proposes a sketch playing on relationships between high-powered women and basic dorky guys, noting that the reverse an average woman and an ultra-famous man rarely happens. Sparks fly as Noah and Sally work closely on the piece; yet Sally pulls away. Fast forward a few years and the pair reconnects during COVID lockdown. Blending relatable characters and witty dialogue with a peek into the world of sketch comedy, Sittenfeld delivers a readable page-turner that’s light yet memorable. This one’s a winner for your summer beach bag.

Literary Events

June 2–3

Orcas Island Lit Fest

Orcas Center, 917 Mount Baker Rd., Eastsound, 360.376.2281, oilf.org

This year, the Orcas Island Lit Fest is featuring guests like Pulitzer Prizewinning author Gilbert King and Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, author of bestselling story collection “Friday Black.”

June 12 and 26, 6–8 p.m.

Silent Book Club

Ponderosa Beer and Books, 1225 Roeder Ave., Bellingham, 564.209.7028

ponderosabeerandbooks.com

Much Ado About Nada

by Uzma Jalaluddin

CANADIAN AUTHOR UZMA Jalaluddin is known for contemporary romances that recast classic stories with fresh, modern settings and people. Her latest novel, “Much Ado About Nada,” is no exception. Inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion, Jalaluddin takes the Regency comedy of manners into the Muslim community in a glitzy Toronto suburb. Nada and Baz have a complicated history dating back to childhood. As adults, they’d just as soon stay far away from one another. However, Nada’s best friend just became engaged to Baz’s brother, bringing the two into contact for the first time in years. Now Nada and Baz are forced together in ways neither of them want, even as they try to keep their past a secret from ever-curious family and friends. Lively and fun, this sparkling book delivers not only on the romance front but also as a story of a woman coming into her own. Prepare to fly through this delightful enemies-to-lovers read, and then immediately share it with all your romance-loving friends.

This low-pressure book club is perfect for introverts who’d like to pencil in some book-based socializing. Every other Monday, arrive at 6 p.m. to quietly read novels for an hour, then chat about your books after!

June 7 and July 5, 6–8 p.m

Greene’s Corner Story Lantern

Greene’s Corner, 2208 James St., Bellingham 360.306.8137, greenescorner.com

This open mic event encourages the community to bring and read their stories aloud. These can be stories of your own creation, ones that deeply affected you, or important items with a tale attached.

This Month in Bellinghistory

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

June 12, 1889

The viaduct over the Whatcom Creek Estuary connecting the towns of Whatcom and Sehome was completed. Known today as Holly Street, much of the tidelands that surrounded the creek have since been filled in.

June 18, 1950

The Mount Baker Theatre advertised that on Father’s Day, dads would be admitted free and given a free cigar courtesy of the Horseshoe Smoke Shop.

July 11, 1891

The Bellingham Bay Express reported on a three-legged chicken exhibited at a store on Holly Street: “The third [leg] is tacked on behind and is about as useful as some of the office-holders that our political leaders see fit to appoint at times.”

July 24, 1930

A group of boys swimming at Squalicum Beach learned a freight car did not make a good bath house, as their clothing was some distance up the track when they returned.

Building Queer

Community: From Vision to Reality

Bellingham Queer Collective

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED

BY COCOA LANEY

PRIDE MONTH MAY only come once a year but the Bellingham Queer Collective (BQC) celebrates community and togetherness for the LGBTQ+ folks year-round. The social group has only recently gained nonprofit status in Washington State, and while they already serve an important role in Whatcom County, Founder Michelle Harmeier says they’re just getting started.

Harmeier is a former educator, and in addition to her work with BQC, she also serves on the board of Northwest Youth Services and Pride IN Bellingham Committee. She and her partner intentionally chose to retire in Bellingham for its climate, nature access, and friendliness towards LGBTQ+ individuals. However, she found that making connections namely with other queer folks proved harder than expected, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

“We said, let’s just start to try to socialize and find people in the community,” Harmeier says. “So we hosted a movie event and invited the LGBTQ+ community to come to the Mount Baker Theatre to view a documentary film that was connected to the same questions we were asking.”

That film was “Ahead of the Curve,” a documentary about lesbian culture, the founding of Curve Magazine, and how queer communities connect and gather in the digital age. The screening, which took place Nov. 5, 2022, was a major success and all 125 tickets sold out.

Harmeier says the event was also a “visioning opportunity” on a broader scale, as all attendees were asked to write feedback about the kind of queer community they’d like to create. Discussions continued in a Facebook group that eventually became Bellingham Queer Collective. BQC is now 700+ people strong as of April 2023, and members come from all walks of life.

“We have people in their 20s all the way to people in their 70s in this community, and all different kinds of queeridentified people: trans, cis, as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual,” Harmeier says. “We also wanted to be very intentional about including people of color, and making sure that they are invited and welcomed in a county that’s about 85% white.”

Since its founding, BQC has organized and promoted a variety of queer-friendly, intergenerational events in Bellingham, including weekly shows at the Pickford Film Center and outings to existing events at Mount Baker Theatre. They’ve also partnered with Wild Whatcom for queer nature walks, organized an LGBTQ+ film screening in partnership with CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival, and even hosted a formal winter Glitter Ball at the Mount Baker Theatre.

“Several members came to me [at the Glitter Ball] and said, ‘I didn’t go to my school prom, because I didn’t feel like I could go with a same-sex partner. … This felt like the prom we never had,’” Harmeier says. “Those are the moments where I feel like, yes, we’re having an impact and there is a need here.”

Most gatherings are centered around Downtown Bellingham, and participating in BQC events is also a way to support the downtown corridor’s economic health and vibrancy.

“The idea is creating social opportunities for people to network, gather, feel support, and then also to promote queer-owned and queerfriendly businesses,” Harmeier says.

Looking ahead, the BQC’s aims extend beyond meet-ups alone Harmeier says they’re in the early stages of creating a brick-and-mortar community center in Downtown Bellingham. Such a space would also provide educational, medical, and health resources and referrals.

“I feel like it’s our job, as the elder queers in this community, to create structures and systems of support so that our younger generations can flourish and thrive,” Harmeier says. “It’s important that Bellingham community members that are not part of the queer community realize that LGBTQ+ people don’t always feel safe in Whatcom County, and there is no safe space downtown that isn’t monetized.”

To learn more, contribute, or get involved, head online or visit the Bellingham Queer Collective group on Facebook. Bellingham, bellinghamqueercollective.org

Whales, Birds, and Beers: On the Water with San Juan Cruises

WRITTEN BY JESSAMYN TUTTLE

EVER NOTICED A boat full of happy people cruising around Bellingham Bay at sunset? Chances are it was a San Juan Cruises outing.

Founded in 1987 by Drew Schmidt, the company started out as Gray Line Cruises, doing tours out of Semiahmoo. In 1989 they moved to the Bellingham Ferry Terminal in Fairhaven, continuing their tours to San Juan Island but also serving as a passenger ferry to Victoria. When passport laws changed in 2009, making international travel much more difficult, they had to drop their Canadian trips.

“They did a big pivot,” says General Manager Bob Boroughs. Now, with four boats in their fleet, San Juan Cruises specializes in whale watching, plus a variety of short cruises around the islands including a bird watching tour and weekly wine and beer cruises. They also offer charter tours for a wide range of groups.

Whale watching is their most popular cruise, scheduled every day through the summer. “It’s our most comprehensive experience,” says Boroughs. “It’s the biggest draw for natives and tourists.”

With a naturalist on board as well as an informed captain, it’s also the most educational. “We typically see three different types of whales,” says Boroughs. Humpbacks, gray whales, and orcas can all make an appearance, plus the occasional

smaller minke whale. The captains avoid bothering the Southern Resident orca population, instead visiting the transient orcas that pass through our local waters.

San Juan Cruises whale watching trips have a 95% success rate for sightings, says Boroughs. On the rare occasion that a tour produces no whale sightings, passengers receive a halfoff coupon for a future trip, no expiration date.

For the bird watching cruises, which also have a naturalist on board, the biggest draw is the tufted puffin population on Smith Island. The high season for these birds is July, but there are huge numbers of seabirds to be found throughout the summer.

The Brewers Cruise is also a very popular outing. A short Wednesday evening cruise featuring several local breweries, it’s ideal for pre-wedding parties or a great way to entertain out of town guests before going out to dinner. A similar cruise for wine lovers is held on Thursdays, each one with a different wine theme, and snacks to match.

All San Juan Cruises tours are built around a meal or snacks, with the exception of their Friday Harbor cruise which allows three hours for lunch excursions in the town. A day trip to Sucia Island includes a picnic, and the recently added cruises out of La Conner to Deception Pass include a fresh cracked crab meal. All food is prepared by San Juan Cruises staff, on site in the boat galleys.

Because of the size of their boats, San Juan Cruises provide a great on-the-water experience, especially for people who have never been on a smaller boat before. It’s more intimate than a ferry but large enough to not be scary. “It’s an accessible boat experience,” says Boroughs. And if you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing Bellingham from the water, it’s not something to miss out on. 355 Harris Ave., Ste. 104, Bellingham, 800.443.4552, whales.com 

Courtesy of San Juan Cruises

Courtesy of San Juan Cruises

Photo by Jessamyn Tuttle

Since Time Immemorial

Lucas Kinley

INTERVIEW BY JULIE TRIMINGHAM

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 (Lummi), 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.

Chexanexwh Lucas Kinley is a Lummi tribal fisherman. He is also an elected member of Lummi Nation’s Fisheries and Natural Resources Commission, which oversees openings, regulations, species management, and negotiations pertaining to Treatyguaranteed rights to fish, hunt, and gather in traditional Lhaq’temish (Lummi) territory.

How did you come to be a fisherman?

My family has always fished, and we’ve always fished as a family.

What does that look like?

Depends on which fish we’re going after. We have specific roles we try to stick to, but everyone can typically do each other’s job when needed. Let’s say you’re on the purse seiner, going after salmon. So, like I’d be running the boat, finding the fish, figuring out where to set the net. Brother would be running our purse winch and the boom winches. Dave would be the guy who runs around and helps out where it’s needed. Mom would be on the drum which would haul the net in, and Joe would be in the power skiff which tows the other end on the net.

You’ve got other boats, too?

So the boats I own are the Golden Eagle and the Silver Bullet. Mom owns the Salish Sea, which is the purse seiner we all fish salmon on. My brother’s boat is the Tah-Mahs II, named after my mom. Our family also owns the only tribal reef net gear over on Lummi Island.

You built your own boats from scratch, didn’t you?

Yes, more or less— with help from my parents, and Pat Pitsch who started All American Marine on our family property.

Which I find amazing. I find fishermen amazing because you need to know how to do so many very different things.

Yeah, I guess you have to kind of be a jack of all trades. You gotta know about boat maintenance, gear maintenance, how to read tides and weather, you gotta

understand the fish, know where they are, where they might be going. Then there’s always the business aspect.

What’s the hardest part for you?

Probably time management, ‘cause a lot happens pretty quick, there’s always multiple things going on. Like right now we’re fishing crab, but we’re also getting ready for a prawn opening, which means making sure that all that gear is good to go, and we’re on standby for various long line (halibut) openings. We need to make sure our gear, bait, boats, everything is ready to go for these other openings while still making sure we’re crabbing up to our full potential.

Could you walk us through a year in fish?

January, February, we could be crabbing. Halibut fisheries, which are usually short little openings here and there, typically start in March. Come April, May, we will be doing prawns and halibut while also gearing up for crab, which usually starts at the end of June, beginning of July. Then as you get into June, July, August, we’re typically getting ready for salmon, doing boat maintenance, nets, whatever else. August, September, hopefully, depending on the year, we’re chasing some kind of salmon, sockeye or pinks, and also doing crab openers in between. Hopefully, come October, there will be chum salmon and potentially more crab. Then November is when we start back up on our winter crab season.

And where does all this happen?

All through the San Juans, in our traditional territory. I also spend some winters down in the San Francisco area chasing Dungeness crab. In past years, I’ve gone to Alaska to gill net in the Bristol Bay region when the fishing was slow here.

Why is it sometimes slow?

You know, salmon used to be one of our biggest income sources. It isn’t anymore because of habitat loss, water quality, the way the rivers have been managed and whatnot. Right here used to be the salmon capital of the world, and now we’re fishing only one to two percent of what the salmon stock used to be.

Why are you still fishing for salmon if it’s not providing for you the way it used to?

Because it’s who we are. We’re Salmon People. We fish for salmon, whether or not we catch anything. The running joke is that we’ve branched off to different areas

like crabbing and prawns to pay for our salmon habit. We go into Alaska to chase fish, and we’ll go crabbing down south in the winter, just so we can chase salmon here at home.

The 1855 Point Elliott Treaty guarantees you the right to fish for salmon as long as the mountain stands and the rivers flow. Since the Treaty is recognized as the supreme law of the land, doesn’t it seem like the US government should be ensuring sufficient wild salmon runs so that you can fish at your usual and accustomed levels as well as in your usual and accustomed places?

Yes. Plain and simple.

How does it feel to you when you’re chasing salmon?

I don’t know how to describe it. Out on the water in the islands, that’s our ancestral home grounds. So many village sites and reef net sites. Doing what my family has always done. It just always feels like home.

Hy’shqe, Luke.

Julie Trimingham is grateful to make her home on traditional Lhaq’temish territory, and to work for the Sacred Lands Conservancy (SacredSea.org), an Indigenous-led 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the life, culture, and sanctity of the Salish Sea. 

Photo by Cocoa Laney

Finding Identity and Starting Conversations

Remy Coutarel

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM | IMAGE COURTESY OF REMY COUTAREL

REMY COUTAREL, A FrancoAmerican artist who has lived in Bellingham since 2017, believes that art can be used to open dialogues. After moving to the U.S. in 2011, exploring aspects of artistic and personal identity in Seattle and Bellingham, and experiencing the naturalization process firsthand, they are ready to start conversations with illustrations and comics.

Coutarel grew up in France, where comics have persisted as an important cultural institution since the early 20th century (think “TinTin”). French and Belgium comics are referred to as bande dessinee, and sometimes called “the ninth art.”

“The bande dessinee comics are huge. I think [in the U.S.] there’s an

idea that comics or cartoons are made for the younger crowd, whereas in France, they’re just for everyone,” explains Coutarel. “It’s not only about superheroes; you can talk about everything, anything.”

Coutarel was always passionate about meeting people and telling stories, and learned to draw while studying graphic design in France. Upon arriving in Seattle in 2011, they found underground comics and zines via artistic hubs like Cafe Racer and Fantagraphics. In the small publishing scene, artists would meet, share, create, and publish their stories together.

Seattle’s expressive comics influenced Coutarel’s style and stoked a desire to collaborate and create meaningful art. After moving to Bellingham in 2017, they focused on illustration. Amongst professional projects and teaching at Gabriel’s Art Kids, they also began work on personal projects like QART.

QART acts as a free art gallery accessible to anyone with a smartphone. At five different locations around Bellingham, people can find one of Coutarel’s QR codes, scan them, and observe an illustration integrated with the world in front of them. The artist hopes that these illustrations provoke thought, offer a chance to shift perspective, and encourage curiosity about the community around viewers.

Coutarel is also working on a large comics project called Immigration Stories. It came about after their own experiences gaining American citizenship in 2019.

“I’m from France and I’m white, so even though I experienced immigration, I didn’t experience it with as much hardship or complexity as some others,” they say. “I don’t want to [seem] as though I’m a representation of that, but more to use my experience to understand that there’s so many stories to be told here, and I would like to share in the conversation.”

The artist found the naturalization process to be convoluted, with hardto-navigate forms, stressful meetings and tests, and extremely high stakes. Becoming an American citizen also came with many questions about identity. While some think it might boil down to “what language do you dream in,” or “what nationality do you feel like,” the lived experience is harder to detangle. Coutarel also observed this in other people who were immigrating. The desire to demystify the process of immigration while giving individuals a platform to share their unique stories and identities lead to the Immigration Stories project.

“I want to share who they are, not define them like, ‘Oh, you are an immigrant from this country, and that probably means this,’” they say. “All that means is that they are themselves and this is part of their stories, and their story is so much more complex than that. This is what I wanted to share with this project.”

Immigration Stories will be longform comics posted in increments on both Coutarel’s website and the platform Webtoons. While they will be free and accessible to everyone, readers can support the project via donations or Patreon membership. To learn more and take part in the conversation around immigration, visit their site and feel free to send in your feedback!

“Making art is starting conversation,” says Coutarel. “So going back and forth, it should be part of the process. … Sometimes the conversation is maybe not what you wanted to say, but starting the conversation and having it is what’s important, right?” Bellingham, remycoutarel.com 

“I think [in the U.S.] there’s an idea that comics or cartoons are made for the younger crowd, whereas in France, they’re just for everyone.”

Remy Coutarel

B e s t F i t n e s s C e n t e r

Thank

Wally’s Barber Shop 314 E. Holly St. #100 Bellingham, 360.647.0807

C h e c k p u t o u r n e w A p p

w i t h w o r k o u t s ,

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a p p y o u ’ l l e v e r n e e d !

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C l a s s i c C l i p p e r C u t S k i n F a d e

B e a r d T r i m s & M o r e !

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L o c a t e d I n s i d e F i t n e s s E v o l u t i o n

B o o k O n l i n e

m i d t o w n b a r b e r . b o o k s y . c o m

Summer Festivals

WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIC MICKELSON

1 Northwest Tune-Up Festival

Bikes, beers, and good music seriously, what’s not to love about the Northwest Tune-Up Festival? The second-annual event (July 14–16) will feature new headlining artists including Galactic and the Crystal Method, plus bike races and a beer garden with 24 breweries from around the region. Bellingham, nwtuneup.com

FIVE FAVES

2

Anacortes Pride

Speaking of returning festivals, you can celebrate Pride with members and allies of the LBGTQ+ community in Anacortes on June 17. First established in 2022, the nowannual event kicks off with a parade and closes with a family picnic at Causland Park. Anacortes, anacortespride.org

3

Birch Bay Kite Festival

Bring the whole crew to this kid-friendly kite celebration, happening June 24–25!

In addition to crafts and kite demos, families can look forward to a vendor fair, live entertainment by Whatcom County fan favorite Michael Dayvid. Birch Bay, birchbaywa.org

4 Lummi Stommish Water Festival

The Stommish Festival began in 1946 as a way to honor Lummi Nation members in World War II. Now, it’s a multi-day festival (June 22–25) complete with canoe races, athletics events, music, food, and other cultural happenings.

5 Berry Dairy Days

Head to Burlington for one of the oldest annual festivals in Skagit County! Berry Dairy Days celebrates Burlington’s fruitful agricultural and farming community with their 86th anniversary event. From June 16-18, enjoy a vendor fair, parade, various events, and their traditional appreciation for strawberry shortcake! Burlington, berrydairydays.com

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2 3x rewards points applies to Dining, Entertainment, Home Improvement, and Streaming purchases. All other categories receive 1x rewards points.

A2019 STUDY PUBLISHED by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a quarter of Americans are without primary care providers (PCPs).

While the reasons may vary, going without a doctor who really knows you and your health history is less than ideal — not only for your health, but for your wallet.

In Whatcom County, PeaceHealth and its providers strive to provide excellent routine and specialty care for patients, whether it’s at Bellingham’s PeaceHealth Medical Group or another clinical practice in the area.

The Importance of Being Seen

Dr. Garrett Jeffery, a PeaceHealth Family Medicine physician in Whatcom County, says that primary care acts as a “home base” for medical needs.

“This is where someone can receive a really broad swath of their care,” he says. “Primary care providers provide a very comprehensive approach to healthcare. They get to know you, and often can reduce delays in diagnosis of disease and, even more importantly, prevention of disease. It’s really the most bang for your buck if you’re accessing the healthcare system.”

Dr. Dawn Hutchison, a PeaceHealth Internal Medicine physician in Whatcom County, agrees. A doctor who knows you and your health concerns over an extended period of time, she says, can help you stay up-to-date on routine screenings for cancer, diabetes, mental health, and cardiovascular disease, as well as the management of other medical issues.

When a patient is diagnosed with a new health condition, a patient’s treatment benefits from a doctor who knows the history of the illness in that patient, as well as a solid foundation of knowledge on numerous chronic health conditions.

“We can help people manage their diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, thyroid disease as well as help with behavioral health issues, or those challenged by addiction,” says Dr. Hutchison.

When patients choose to frequent urgent or emergency care for both preventative and acute care needs (that may or

PeaceHealth on the Importance of Having a Primary Care Physician

WRITTEN BY MATT BENOIT

may not be resulting from non-routine management of their issues), the results are not just taxing on the healthcare system, but on that patient’s pocketbook.

For those who have insurance, co-pays from a PCP can be less expensive than an Urgent or Emergency Care provider.

A PCP can provide a referral for specialty care, which some insurances require.

“In general, the healthcare system is switching to more comprehensive care and population-based care,” Dr. Jeffery says. “We’re building support networks not just to see you during the visit, but also that can have additional resources dedicated to assist patients that have limitations improving their health within traditional office visits.”

Where to Look

Dr. Jeffery notes that over the next decade, according to a recent report, a shortage of between 34,000 and 129,000 physicians may be possible nationwide.

Dr. Jeffery says Whatcom County ranks seventh in Washington for the number of physicians per capita, which is quite good for an area of its population size. While there are shortages affecting access to care, PeaceHealth is working to ensure access to care in our communities.

“We have been extremely resilient in this community,” he says. “We have a great physician community and we’re very robust.” If you currently don’t have a primary care physician, Dr. Hutchinson says visiting peacehealth.org is a great place to start looking. Primary care clinics that are accepting new patients list their clinicians on their web page.

Clicking on a particular physician can reveal their education, the insurances they accept and recent patient comments. Simply call the clinic to schedule an appointment.

“We’re all here for our entire community,” says Dr. Jeffery. “We’re really engaged in providing care for every single individual we can reach and establish a relationship with.” This feature originally appeared in WhatcomTalk and has been edited for length

Dr. Garrett Jeffery

Dr. Dawn Hutchison

Photo by Erin James

Inspiring Fun Via Fashion

Blackberry Lane

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIN JAMES

The Shop

Blackberry Lane’s brick-and-mortar boutique has only been open since 2021, but the venture began in 2018 when Owner Stephanie Bates began selling fun and affordable clothing online. Since then, they’ve grown into a bustling business that’s always got something exciting going on, be it specials, parties, or just another chance to find your new favorite closet staple.

The Atmosphere

When you walk into Blackberry Lane, it feels like a celebration! Bright white walls and pink floors, eye-catching decorations, and colorful clothes give the shop a cheerful vibe. Bates and her employees are always ready and willing to help you find what you’re looking for, especially since putting together outfits is Bates’ specialty.

“I call it my superpower,” she says. “Anyone could walk in, and I can pick out an outfit that will look fantastic on them. It’s just so fun to see them be like, ‘Oh my gosh, I look so good in this!’”

The store even has a Selfie Room for customers to snap some glamor shots (which can get you 10% off on Selfie Saturday). It’s the perfect way to express the self-confidence that Bates knows can come with an awesome new fit.

Key People

Bates is a wife, mom of soon-to-be nine kids, and started Blackberry Lane to help people feel confident again. While managing a coffee shop in Anacortes for 10 years, she fell into a routine of wearing the same “frumpy” clothes everyday. After buying a new shirt and leaning back into self-care, she felt reinvigorated.

“My whole demeanor just completely changed over this one shirt, and that kind of sparked the whole thing with Blackberry. I wanted to help people feel better about themselves through clothing, and it’s really crazy how therapeutic it can be.”

It began on Facebook, where a majority of her business is still conducted. You can join the Blackberry Lane VIP Group on Facebook for exclusive access to new products, secret sales, and giveaways!

What You’ll Find

Everything in the boutique is picked out with Bates’ super eye for fashion. Uplifting graphic tees, staple denim, PNW inspired pieces, dresses, accessories, shoes women’s clothes of all types can be found here in sizes small through 3X. You’ll also find kids’ clothes, self-care, and home goods. Almost everything is $40 or under, as something Bates finds extremely important is to keep her shop accessible and affordable.

Favorites

Bates loves zhuzhed-up basics! Leah’s Leopard Jumpsuit is easy to wear but makes a big impact with its bold pattern and open back. The Cora Cut Out Bodysuit turns a simple leotard into a statement piece with an exposed shoulder on one side and a stylish cut out on the other. Bates also showed us a flowy sheer kimono that can be layered on top of any summer outfit for a touch of whimsy and some light sun protection.

Of course, Bates’ favorite part of the business is the impact she can make with something as simple as a new shirt.

“This place has become way more than just a boutique. I have customers that send me messages telling me how much I’ve changed their life by allowing them to feel good about themselves, just by providing them that opportunity,” she says. “It’s just crazy what impact this little tiny business has had on our community.”

616 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, 360.399.7652, shopblackberrylane.com 

“I call it my superpower. Anyone could walk in, and I can pick out an outfit that will look fantastic on them.

It’s just so fun to see them be like, ‘Oh my gosh, I look so good in this!’”

Stephanie Bates, owner of Blackberry Lane

Thriving in the ‘Ham with Place-Based Skincare

Good Graces

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM | PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOOD GRACES

IF YOU’VE BEEN shopping the local makers scene for natural skincare over the last few years, you’ve probably seen Good Graces. It was founded in 2019 by Saragrace Wyckoff, who runs her business on three tenets: education, sustainability, and collaboration.

Wyckoff herself is an educator, and credits her Montessori training for giving her the tools to pursue the Good Graces journey. Montessori teaches about the heart-hand connection– something important to her, as someone who has always loved to make things and share them with loved ones. That training also awakened an intrinsic love of botany.

“I’ve been on a self-led discovery for the past decade or so,” Wyckoff says. “My family lives in the woods … we have a plethora and abundance of native habitat that’s life-giving and beautiful.”

While nurturing this connection to PNW ecology, she’s learned to cultivate plants that have beneficial properties and are deer resistant (like lavender and

rosemary, which grow to be woody). She also grows one of her favorite herbs, the calendula flower, which adorns her logo and is well known in herbal medicine to help heal the skin.

She spoke about the resinous cottonwood bud, which “grow like weeds around here,” and can be collected and infused to become balmof-Gilead when they’re knocked from the trees in windy Novembers. She infuses herbs using a slow, natural method, where they’re steeped in oil under the natural light and heat of the sun for weeks, which “allows the release of the good stuff.”

When the business began, Wyckoff made mostly salves and soaps, the latter of which she creates from scratch using lye, water, plant-derived oils (barring palm oil, which Good Graces no longer uses), and any other ingredients called for by the recipe. She uses food-grade ingredients like walnut shells or sea salt as exfoliants, carrot juice and flowers for colorant, moisturizing butters, clarifying clays, and only biodegradable

essential oils for their properties and scents. Over time, she’s expanded to create muscle rubs, lip balms, lotions, salt soaks, essential oil perfumes, and soy wax candles. Every product is vegan, and all her packaging is biodegradable, reusable, or recyclable.

She also finds great importance in the social connections she forms through her business, and collaborating with other local artisans and womenowned businesses. Local artist Joshua Bowens designed her logo, and local crystal artist Mindful Living Studios provides crystals for her candles. Early on, she became part of Whatcom Art Market, and loves the cooperative nature of the organization.

“One of the ways I collaborate with other artists in town is through my participation in the Whatcom Art Market, because it’s a co-op. We all work the co-op, we all take turns taking shifts,” says Wyckoff. “Through that network of local artists, my business was able to take off pretty quickly. I learned so many things from them, [and gained] the social support system of a group of artists.”

If you’d like to connect, collaborate, or learn with Wyckoff, she’s thrilled to be a vendor at the Bellingham Farmers Market this season where you can see her in person and pick up online orders for no extra charge. Bellingham, goodgracessoaps.myshopify.com 

PAINTED PEACE STUDIOS

MORE THAN JUST ART POLES!

STUDIO TOUR | JUNE 24, JULY 15, AUGUST 12, 11AM-3PM

Stephanie Burgess, Artist and Owner

(Please contact for address) steph@paintedpeace.com, 360-920-3064, paintedpeace.com

Instagram and Pinterest: @painted_peace Facebook: facebook.com/paintedpeacebystephanieburgess

Get Cozy in PNW-Inspired Clothing

Q&A with Eliza McElroy, Owner of Absideon Apparel

INTERVIEWED BY COCOA LANEY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY DANI WINTERS PHOTOGRAPHY

First of all, tell us a bit about you, your background, and how Absideon Apparel came to be!

I’m a PNW native born in Bellingham, named after Eliza Island. I am an outdoor, dog, and beer lover and enjoy having fun and spreading kindness as much as possible. We are now in Birch Bay and love having the ocean so close to us and having access to the beach and wildlife here.

I had been working in the lumber industry when the pandemic hit and because of my autoimmune disease, I ended up at home. After looking for temporary work in 2020 and finding nothing that struck my interest, my husband encouraged me to start a business.

What does the word “absideon” mean, exactly? We started by googling “cool words,” discovered “absideon,” and fell in love with the meaning of it. Absideon means “to banish negative thoughts.”

In just a few adjectives, how would you describe the Absideon Apparel brand?

Cozy, soft, minimal, unisex, unique, and inspired by the woods.

Where do you find inspiration for these creations? Could you give us some insight into your process for designing and making clothing?

I get inspired by PNW nature, animals, and random songs that pop in my head. When I get an idea it’s typically pretty clear in my mind what I want to do. While creating designs, I try to keep it in our branding aesthetic: Blacks, browns, greens, and earthy tones will always be featured.

You can typically find me sipping a local beer, next to a cedar wick candle, jamming to the Gorillaz while I draw on Procreate, Canva, and Cricut. We’ve also broadened our horizons to embroidery and DTF printing as well.

Tell us a bit about your materials. How do you choose where to source things like fabrics, leather, et cetera?

I am so picky with my materials. Texture, quality, and earthfriendly practices will always be my criteria on where I choose to source from. It’s important to me that I carry sizeinclusive, eco-friendly, buttery soft [clothes] that will always feel good. I buy mostly from Bella+Canvas because of their fair trade practices and appreciate that all the fabrics are made in the U.S.A.

How do custom orders work?

Simply reach out via Instagram or email to get a quote going. I can create logos, do embroidery, full-color printing, and vinyl work. Coming from the lumber world, I actually love the design and quoting process with my customers and am happy to help your vision come to fruition. There are no minimums and we love the sense of community we get from providing these custom orders.

Where can readers find Absideon Apparel products?

Rooted by the Bay, a local coffee shop in Birch Bay, carries a small selection of our line. We sell online at absideonapparel. com, and other than that, we do tons of markets around the county. Birch Bay, absideonapparel.com, @absideonapparel 

SHOP LOCAL

1. Get Summer Ready with a Foot Spa - $16.99

Bella Rose Boutique

1134 10th St., Bellingham luvbellarose.com, 360.746.8163

2. Portrait Mode Wig by Raquel - $405

Sunset Beauty Supply 1225 E. Sunset Drive, #150 Bellingham (360) 738-0359 www.sunsetbeautysupply.com

3. Cinnamon Creamed Honey | $17.99

Marie’s Bees mariesbees.com

4. Balayage | Starting at $175 Quaint Little Salon 3rd Street., Ferndale 360.224.3723, bryanwahl.com

5. 14k Yellow Gold Solitaire | 1 Carrot Oval Cut Diamond $3450

Profess 1153 N. State St., Bellingham, profess.love, hello@profess.love

6. Just Hydrate 500ml | 1000ml| $75, $125

Peak Hydration IV Therapy & Wellness Lounge 1216 Bay St., Bellingham 360.526.2125, peakhydrationlounge.com

7. Amberleigh 2021 Shiraz $25

GLM Wine Co. www.glmwine.com 1678 Boblett Street, Blaine, WA 98230 360-332-2097

8. Subscription to Bellingham

Alive magazine | 1 year $25, 2 year $40

Bellingham Alive BellinghamAlive.com, 360.483.4576

Mermaid Chic

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED

BY COCOA LANEY

THE SEASON OF sundresses is finally upon us! In addition to being adorable, sundresses are a cinch to style as long as you follow a simple formula: Add sunglasses, sandals, and statement earrings, and you’re guaranteed to make an impression. We paired this ruffle hem dress with ocean-inspired earrings for classy-yet-beachy vibes. If mermaids were real, they’d probably dress like this. 

1

Kaleos Wailiki Sunglasses

$180, Eyes on Fremont

1303 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.647.0421, eyesonfremont.com

2

Jazzola Earrings

$54, Sojourn

1317 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, 360.671.5704, sojournbellingham.com

3

Lush Victoria Dress

$68, Adored Boutique

913 Harris Ave., Bellingham, shopadoredboutique.com

4

Caracol Cross-body Bag

$34, Seasons Boutique 1201 11th Ave., Ste. 100, Bellingham, 360.671.1744, seasons5.wixsite.com/fairhaven

5

Marjory Tumbled Nappa

Ivory Sandals

$140, 12th Street Shoes

1204 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.733.2066, 12thstreetshoes.com

Woodwork by John Trax

Photography by James Weaver

Aquatic Adventures

WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY AND KRISTEN BOEHM

WHETHER YOU’RE KAYAKING the San Juan Islands, rafting the Skagit River, or doing yoga on a paddleboard at Lake Padden, our region’s waters have something to offer everyone. That’s why we’re bringing you a guide to the local resources you need to make a splash this summer but appreciating these waters requires looking beyond outdoor recreation alone. Luckily there are endless ways to have fun in the sun while also respecting the culture, ecology, and history of the waterways that make the North Sound so special. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Geography Crash Course: Bays, Rivers, and Lakes

Bays of the Salish Sea

Have you ever wondered what to call the waters that lie just beyond our shorelines? What North Sound residents often refer to as “the bay” actually encompasses a variety of bodies of water, each with its own name.

The northernmost is Semiahmoo Bay, which is the southeastern section of Boundary Bay and extends north of the border into British Columbia. It’s named for the Semiahmoo First Nation and, after many years of cannery operations, is now home to Semiahmoo Resort and Spa. Semiahmoo Bay feeds into Drayton Harbor in Blaine, which is separated from the bay by the Semiahmoo Spit.

Below Semiahmoo Bay is Birch Bay, which shares its name with a state park and the census-designated place of the same name. Birch Bay State Park boasts 8,255 feet of saltwater shoreline, as well as 14,923 feet of freshwater shoreline on Terrell Creek. It’s a popular pick for camping, boating, picnics, fishing, and hard shell clamming (as Birch Bay is abundant in Dungeness crab). Below Birch Bay is Lummi Bay, which is located off Lummi Nation and also encompasses the communities of Sandy Point and Neptune Beach.

Lummi Bay lies above Bellingham Bay, which extends from Lummi Peninsula to Clark’s Point and borders the city of Bellingham. The city’s waterfront was an industrial site for more than a century, but this era ended with the closing of the Georgia-Pacific mill in 2007. Now, the City and Port of Bellingham are working to clean up the 12 toxic waste sites left behind. Each is in a different stage of cleanup, but the ultimate goal is to transform the waterfront into a space that’s both accessible to the community and a safe habitat for flora and fauna to thrive. To learn more about the cleanup sites, visit re-sources.org.

South of Bellingham Bay is the three-mile-long Chuckanut Bay, which originated during the formation of the Chuckanut Mountains that border it. It features a variety of scenic spots including Clark’s Point and Teddy Bear Cove. Below Chuckanut Bay is tiny Pleasant Bay, then Samish Bay, which can be admired from scenic spots like Larrabee State Park, Clayton Beach, and the Oyster Dome lookout. Fun fact: Samish Bay is known for its oysters. In fact, it’s the site of the first-ever Pacific oysters, which have populated the waters since 1919 after being thrown from a cargo ship.

Continuing south into Skagit County, you’ll come across Padilla Bay, a shallow body of water that features exposed mudflats at low tide. This bay features the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, which protects 11,966 acres of diverse wetlands. It contains one of the largest beds of eelgrass in the contiguous United States, plus wildlife crabs, eagles, shorebirds, fish (including salmon), and even mammals such as river otters and seals. Last but not least is the Skagit Bay, which is connected to Padilla Bay by the Swinomish Channel. It’s emptied into by the Skagit River and is surrounded by Whidbey, Fidalgo, and Camano islands.

Rivers and Lakes To Know

If saltwater isn’t quite your jam, never fear: You also have plenty of options for recreation when it comes to freshwater. The North Sound is home to a variety of rivers, streams, lakes so many, in fact, that we could never name them all but we can give you a quick guide to some of the most notable ones.

The Nooksack River originates in the Mount Baker Wilderness and begins in earnest at the merging of three forks the North, Middle, and South Forks near the city of Deming. The scenic North Fork is especially notable, as it gathers icy runoff from the East Nooksack Glacier.

Further south is the Skagit River, which begins in British Columbia and flows into the Puget Sound via the Skagit Bay. Along the way, it enters and exits through notable recreation spots such as Ross Lake and Diablo Lake (both of which feature boat-in campsites). It’s also joined by its major tributaries, the Sauk River and Cascade River, near Marblemount. Like the Nooksack River, the Skagit River is a popular spot for tubing, kayaking, and rafting.

Whatcom County is home to a whopping 113 lakes, and perhaps the most notable is Lake Whatcom. It provides drinking water to more than 100,000 residents of Bellingham and the surrounding county. Lake Whatcom is also home to summertime spots like Bloedel Donovan Park and Lake Whatcom Park, where its (relatively) warm waters offer endless opportunities for recreation. Just south of Bellingham is Lake Samish, which also features a swimming area and is another popular spot for boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Other popular lakes serve as hiking destinations in the Chuckanut Mountains, including Fragrance Lake, Lost Lake, and Pine and Cedar Lakes. (Speaking of mountains, hikers and backpackers will find a variety of lakes in the Mount Baker wilderness, though these will likely be too chilly for swimming.) Lake Padden and Squires Lake are surrounded by trails that make them ideal for family hikes, and Silver Lake and Baker Lake are classic picks for fishing, boating, and camping.

Skagit County has 119 lakes, and Lake Erie (near Anacortes), Lake Shannon (near Concrete), Cranberry Lake (near Deception Pass), and the aptly-named Big Lake (near Mount Vernon) are all ideal for boating and fishing. Clear Lake Beach is a popular spot for families in the summer months, and Lake Campbell (located at the base of Mount Erie) is an underrated spot for swimming.

We’d also be remiss not to mention some of the lakes of the San Juans: The lakes at Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island, Mountain Lake and Cascade Lake on Orcas Island, and Hummel Lake on Lopez Island are just a few of our favorites.

Waters of the North Sound, Yesterday and Today

When speaking about our region’s waterways, it’s important to acknowledge the Coast Salish peoples who have been stewarding them since time immemorial. The following words are courtesy of the Sacred Lands Conservancy, an Indigenousled 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the life, culture, and sanctity of the Salish Sea.

AFEW HUNDRED YEARS ago, when European ships pulled into what is now called Bellingham Bay, the men aboard couldn’t see the land for all the trees; the trees were so big, the forests so thick. Fish were so plentiful you could walk across their backs. We’ve always said, “When the tide is out, the table is set,” meaning, at low tide, there are clams, crab, oysters, so much food to be harvested! The waters and the lands have always provided for us.

In our Lhaq’temish language, Xwlemi chosen, there is no word for famine. We never went hungry. All of our villages were right on the water. The waterways of the Salish Sea connected us with one another, and with our traditional fishing, hunting, and gathering places. The waters connected us, the waters provided for us. Our songs, stories, culture, and spirituality are of and in this place. We are one with all the life here, with the waters, with the rocks, with the fish, the whales, the eagles.

Water is life. We can’t survive without fresh water to drink, without the salmon that depend on healthy rivers and a healthy Salish Sea.

Right now, our waters are threatened by pollution, by large industrial projects, by marine vessel traffic. The Salish Sea has become crowded, dirty, noisy and this affects the health of all our relations who live underwater. Salmon runs are threatened, our resident orca population is endangered. Our fishermen are hurting, economically and spiritually. We are a fishing people. We can’t survive without fish, without salmon.

The Point Elliott Treaty that we signed with other tribes and the United States government in 1855 promises that we

have rights to fish, hunt, and gather in our traditional territory for as long as the mountain still stands and the river flows. This promise is meaningless if there is nothing left to fish, hunt, and gather. The Treaty is the supreme law of the land. It’s up to all of us, tribal and U.S. citizens, to uphold the Treaty promises. This means we all need to work together to ensure the health and vitality of the Salish Sea and all the rivers that feed it.

We have always been in reciprocal relation with this place. We know that Mother Earth provides for us, so we take care of her the best we can. Take only what is needed. Never take the first, nor the last, of whatever you may be harvesting. Give thanks. Be generous. These are lessons of this place. We encourage all who now make their homes here, and those who may be visiting, to also be in such a relationship with this place.

We live in such a beautiful part of the world! Enjoy it! But as you recreate upon the waters, or on the islands, in the forest, on the mountain, please take time to learn the history of this place. We have been here since time immemorial; our history is long. We have learned good teachings about how to live here, and we welcome the chance to share these teachings. The history of the past couple hundred years is brutal, but acknowledging the truth of history allows us all to learn from it, heal, and move forward into the future in a good way.

Learn about this place, about the finned, the winged, the four-legged creatures, about the trees, the rocks, the waters. How might you be kind and generous, how might you caretake, and be thankful? How might you treat this place as if it were your dearly beloved?

To learn more about the Sacred Lands Conservancy and their work, visit sacredsea.org.

You can also find this month’s installment of Since Time Immemorial, a recurring series spotlighting community members whose families have been here since time immemorial, on p. 30.

Eight Favorite Freshwater Swimming Holes

PARKS AND POPULAR beaches (think Bloedel-Donovan on Lake Whatcom, or Marine Park in Fairhaven) might be the most obvious picks for cooling down on a hot summer’s day. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more rustic, we have a few suggestions for you.

Pixie Falls

Where: Whatcom Falls Park, 1401 Electric Ave., Bellingham

Why: This spot is a true hidden gem in Whatcom Falls. To get there, enter the park from the corner of Woburn and Iowa streets. Walk up the tall flight of steps, then continue down until you spot a side trail to your right. Take this trail until you come across a fence and a dirt embankment; once you descend the embankment, you’ll find yourself at Pixie Falls.

Baker Hot Springs

Where: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Why: If you prefer soaking to swimming, then Mount Baker Hot Springs might be up your alley. These two geothermal pools are accessible from a 0.6-mile out-and-back trail in the Mount Baker wilderness, and directions can be found on alltrails.com. Be forewarned: There are no amenities here, but if you’re not looking for luxury, the rustic atmosphere adds to the springs’ charm.

Toad Lake

Where: Bellingham (public access at the end of Toad Lake Road)

Why: This lesser-known lake (also known as Emerald Lake) tends to be popular among the student crowds and is located just five miles outside of Bellingham proper. It features a public dock that’s perfect for lounging, plus a rope swing for thrill-seeking swimmers.

Racehorse Falls

Where: Deming

Why: Racehorse Falls is accessible via a 0.6-mile out-andback-trail (which, we should note, was ranked by alltrails. com as “moderately challenging”). The area allegedly gets its name from a small cave on the edge of the falls that resembles a horse head. While the scenery alone is worth the jaunt, the pool below the lower waterfall is an idyllic swimming hole in the summer months.

Racehorse Falls

Lake Whatcom Park

Where: 3220 N. Shore Rd., Bellingham

Why: Bloedel-Donovan is always a favorite when it comes to lake days, but if you’d prefer to experience a more low-key side of Lake Whatcom, head down the Hertz Trail (a.k.a. North Lake Whatcom Trail). You’ll come across several quiet beaches close to the trailhead.

Fragrance Lake

Where: Chuckanut Drive (accessible from a trailhead directly across from the entrance to Larrabee State Park)

Why: Don’t forget about the mountains when planning a day by the water! The Chuckanuts are home to several unique mountain lakes, but you’ll have to hike to reach them. You can work up a sweat, cool off with a quick dip, and descend back down to Chuckanut Drive. (Fragrance Lake isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but is our favorite spot because of the downed tree that doubles as a makeshift dock.)

Mountain Lake

Where: Moran State Park, Orcas Island

Why: Orcas Island features several lakes worth exploring, but Mountain Lake is the largest. It’s located 900 feet up Mount Constitution, and we love it for several reasons: First, the hike to get there is one of Orcas’ very best. Second, there is a small island smack-dab in the middle of the lake that’s fun to swim to and explore. Third, it’s home to one of the most fun rope swings in all of the North Sound!

Whistle Lake

Where: Anacortes

Why: Just three miles south of Anacortes is Whistle Lake, a classic summertime spot for families. It’s encircled by a 3.7-mile loop that’s well-suited for easy hikes and brisk jogs alike. In addition to swimming, the calm waters are ideal for paddleboarding and even cliff jumping at the lake’s south end.

Bonus saltwater beaches: If you find yourself on San Juan Island, Granny’s Cove is a stunning sandy beach featuring panoramic ocean views and warmer-than-usual water. Prefer something on the mainland? You can swim at Locust Beach and Clayton Beach near Bellingham, but be warned: The waters here aren’t quite as warm. Finally, Sunset Beach is our favorite spot for swimming on Lummi Island, and its west-facing location makes it ideal for you guessed it sunset watching.

Mountain Lake

Sunset Beach

Water Sports Round-Up

Kayaking

Whether you prefer the lake, river, or the bay, kayaking is one of the most popular ways to explore the waters of the North Sound. You’ve likely gathered by now that there are quite a few waterways to explore; to get you started, the Port of Bellingham even has a Whatcom Water Trails map. It highlights 22 water trails in the county and is accessible at bellingham.org.

The San Juan Islands and Skagit and Whatcom county’s shorelines also fall within the Cascadia Marine Trail, which is a water trail spanning the length and width of the Puget Sound. It’s one of just 16 National Millennium Trails, or trails considered nationally significant at the turn of the century. Though the trail is not yet complete, the goal of the Washington Waterway Trail Association (WWTA) is to establish camping areas every five to eight miles for the safety of “human- and wind-powered boaters” and yes, this includes kayaks!

You can purchase your very own kayak from Yeager’s Sporting Goods or rent from places including Bloedel Boat Rentals, Bellingham’s Community Boating Center, or Blue Otter Outfitters in Anacortes. Alternatively, if you’d like to try your hand at sea kayaking, you can take a how-to course from the Community Boating Center.

For a day of adventure, take a guided tour from companies like Anacortes Kayak Tours (Anacortes), San Juan Island Outfitters (San Juan Island), or Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures (Bellingham). The latter two companies even offer nighttime bioluminescence tours!

Spotlight on Dragonfly Kayak Tours

Even before founding Dragonfly Kayak Tours, Tori Ayres knew she could find refuge on the water. She began kayaking with her uncle in New Hampshire when she was just a child, and in the years that followed, getting on the water provided solace amid life’s ups and downs. After a divorce, Ayres had the opportunity to reshape her life in a big way and, once again, she found her answer on the water.

“I had gone to Europe for a few months, and when I was there, I discovered this kayak touring business in Portugal,” Ayres says. “I was like, ‘Huh, that’s a great business model.’ So I … started doing some research on what it would take to start one. I knew I didn’t want to be landlocked anymore.”

Ayres moved to Bellingham in 2016 and immediately felt a sense of belonging. She started Dragonfly Kayak Tours just one year later, then led her first official tour in 2018. Dragonfly Kayak Tours focuses on small groups of up to 12 people, and while the main offerings are half-day trips, day trips, and bioluminescence trips, they also run a kids’ camp and occasional overnight excursions.

Ayres focuses her business on the waters surrounding Bellingham, and some favorite spots for sea kayaking include Larrabee State Park, Dogfish Point, and Chuckanut Island. Her client range is diverse, encompassing everyone from children with their grandparents to a bachelor party and everyone in between. (She even offers customized tours to those who request them!) Kayakers also don’t need extensive experience to participate: Ayres even offers courses in the basics, and tour participants wear life jackets for the duration of the trip.

While her solo kayaking endeavors inspired a sense of peace, Ayres says that the Dragonfly group tours lean towards a different atmosphere. Being out on the water often brings out a playful, adventurous side of her customers or, in other words, a sense of freedom that’s not always accessible in dayto-day life.

“I’ve had people sing sea shanties,” Ayres says. “People just get out there and they have fun. They’re not stressed. They’re not thinking about anything else. If I have a smaller group, you do feel more Zen calmness, [but] I see more playfulness than anything.” Bellingham, 360.453.7036, dragonflykayaktours.com

Photo by Alicia Jean Photography

Dragonfly Kayak Tours

Spotlight on SUP Yoga with FLUX Power Yoga

The idea of doing a headstand on dry land is intimidating enough but Melissa Longfellow goes a step further by taking her practice to the water. As an instructor with FLUX Power Yoga, she offers SUP Yoga classes on Lake Padden during the summer and no, you don’t have to be a paddle or yoga pro to participate.

Longfellow moved to the West Coast to become a surfer in San Diego, and she’s been teaching yoga for more than 20 years. She saw SUP yoga as a way to unite these two big passions, so when she was presented with the opportunity to become a certified teacher, she jumped at the opportunity.

10 years later, Longfellow is used to getting questions about the practice. The most common one: “Will I fall in?” Yes, she says, it’s possible but it can be avoided by skipping more balance-oriented poses like crow and headstands. Plus, yoga SUP boards are sturdier than you think: They’re longer, wider, and more stable than their traditional counterparts (though you do need to pay special attention to your center of gravity).

Students don’t have to have previous yoga or paddleboard experience; in fact, they don’t even need to know how to swim. Longfellow supplies the boards to all students and sets them up on a line before classes begin. She even brings students to their spot via a “taxi ride” on her own board, meaning that no paddle experience is necessary, and life jackets are readily available and attached to each board’s front end via bungee cord.

But the most unique thing about SUP yoga isn’t the board or even the yoga it’s the water itself. It’s rare to have such close contact with the elements in a yoga class; plus, Longfellows says the water’s nature tends to inspire more fluid movement.

“The difference between doing yoga on a flat, sturdy ground and on water is that you are forced to bring your attention to that fluid feeling,” Longfellow says. “And if you stiffen up and get rigid, then you’re gonna go in the water. But if you stay fluid, the joints will absorb that motion. It really brings you present to the element of water.” 1140 10th St., Ste. 101, Bellingham, fluxpoweryoga.com

Paddleboarding

Here’s a fun fact: While canoes were invented long ago in the Arctic to be used as hunting vessels, paddleboards originated in Hawaii, and their popularity didn’t take off until the 20th century. While kayakers sit down and operate their vessel with a double-bladed paddle, stand-up paddleboards (or SUPs) are propelled with a single-blade paddle. Kayaks have the advantage when it comes to stability, but SUPs are more portable and some of them are even inflatable!

Most places that rent kayaks also rent SUPs, and we’d also be remiss not to mention Lakewood on Lake Whatcom. Students, alumni, and faculty members at Western Washington University are all eligible for discounted rentals on water crafts from SUPs to sailboats. You can also rent or buy your very own SUP from Kite Paddle Surf at Squalicum Harbor. (Thrill seekers take note: If paddleboarding isn’t extreme enough for you, they also specialize in kitesurfing, windsurfing, and more!)

Photos by Brandon Sawaya

FLUX Power Yoga

Rivers and Rafting

When we think of water-based outdoor recreation, the lakes and bay might come to mind first but don’t forget about our region’s rivers. Some might opt for a leisurely float in some of the Skagit or Nooksack’s calmer waters, but for folks who prefer a bit of adventure, both rivers have whitewater rapids that can be experienced with the help of a trained guide.

A note: It should go without saying, but while it may be a safe bet to go paddleboarding alone, you don’t want to do the same on a raft. Whitewater rafting is dangerous, and it’s imperative to go with an experienced and certified professional.

The Nooksack is rated as having Class III rapids, whereas the Upper Skagit River has easier Class II rapids as well as Class III. Companies like Triad River Tours can guide you through these waters safely, as their certified guides receive extensive training and operate tours using state-of-theart equipment. The Glacier-based company Wild and Scenic River Tours also offers excursions on the Nooksack River.

If you want an adventure on the river but would prefer to skip the rapids, Triad also has more laid-back scenic tours. Their company Skagit River Guide Service offers Skagit River Eagle Tours, outings that are centered around bald eagle sightings, as well as photography tours during bald eagle migration season. Skagit River Tours specializes in small-group tours of the Upper and Lower Skagit River, as well as private charters out of La Conner, on a fast-moving SJX Jet boat. Additionally, if you’d prefer a laid-back lake tour, the North Cascades Institute has several options for cruises along Diablo Lake (which flows in and out of the Skagit River).

Courtesy of Triad River Tours

Photo by Kapil Kapre

Photo by Jack McLeod

Triad River Tours

Skagit River Guide Service

North Cascades Institute

Spotlight on Whitewater Rafting with Triad River Tours

TRIAD RIVER TOURS has bases in both Seattle and Bellingham, and their experienced guides lead rafting tours on several rivers in Washington State, including the Skagit and Nooksack rivers. It was founded by Luke Baugh, who has more than two decades of experience as a whitewater raft guide. His approach to whitewater rafting places a heavy focus on sustainability, safety, leave-no-trace ethics, and genuine immersion in the nature that surrounds us.

“When it comes to rafting, instead of bringing a bunch of amenities that make people feel like they never left home, I advocate for a more legitimate experience with nature,” he says.

From the very beginning, Baugh took his role as a guide very seriously. He says that while the industry in those early days was largely populated by “adrenaline junkies,” his need to provide for his young daughter kept him grounded. Now, he says rafting has become more of a recreational, naturefocused experience.

“If a human being is a part of nature, and our suffering comes from being separated from that, it would make sense that when we bring someone back into rhythm [with nature] … they would be healthier,” Baugh says. “So, in theory, the whole company is built on health.”

In regards to the Skagit River, Triad offers a Class II-III whitewater rafting tour that’s appropriate for beginnerand intermediate-level rafters. Running from June through September, Baugh says it’s a great introductory trip for new rafters.

They also offer scenic rafting tours on the Skagit River, including a bald eagle viewing tour that drifts through eight miles of bald eagle sanctuary. Rafters on this tour can also

expect to learn about salmon and eagle migrations, plus the roles they play within the river’s intricate ecology.

Safety is also a core focus of every tour, as Washington’s rivers can be dangerous without proper expertise. Thus, in addition to receiving advanced medical training, every Triad River Tours lead guide is SRT-1 (Swiftwater Rescue) trained and certified by the Swiftwater Safety Institute. They also make sure to invest in top-rated equipment.

Baugh says that the safety protocol talks at the beginning of their trips are also meant to bring riders to a place of feeling like they’re on the same team. Ideally, they create a foundation of collaboration and teamwork that lasts throughout the tour.

“You can see people that, if they’re with their family or their spouse, are … so busy, so [they] don’t spend much time together,’” Baugh says. “And then here you are and you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, this person’s actually depending on me,’ and you learn how to paddle and participate as a team through the rapids and it’s a wonderful experience.”

Baugh also expresses his respect for the Salish peoples who have stewarded these waters, including the rivers, for generations. Overall, he believes that ethical and sustainable nature contact such as being surrounded by mountains, the smells and sounds of the forest, or just getting splashed in the face with glacier water can bring people closer to the earth, to the region’s histories, and to each other.

“People used to go on multi-day expeditions with me, and then I drop them off at their hotel and they’d be like, ‘Oh, yeah, we got to catch a flight. Back to reality,’” he says. “And I always thought that we have it backwards that’s not reality. This is reality.” Bellingham, 360.510.1243, triadrivertours.com

Courtesy of Triad River Tours

Diving

While there’s plenty of fun to be had on the water, don’t overlook the adventures that lie beneath the surface. The Salish Sea is a treat for divers of all stripes, from snorkelers to scuba divers and even free divers (who, unlike scuba divers, do not use a breathing apparatus).

Gone Diving in Bellingham is Whatcom County’s top resource for everything from gear to lessons, whereas Anacortes Diving is a full-service diving center in Skagit offering gear, classes, and even diving trips to locales as close as Vancouver Island or as far-flung as Indonesia.

Spotlight on Gone Diving

WE MIGHT NOT have the Bahamas’ crystal-blue waters or Australia’s coral reefs, but Diver Sigrid Williams says that the depths of our bay are more interesting than some might assume. Moreover, while it’s exciting to spot aquatic life, octopi aren’t the only things worth observing in the Salish Sea.

“From walls, to pinnacles, to islands, to kelp forests, or even eelgrass, we have a lot of biodiversity,” Williams says. “Most new divers care about seeing the big things giant Pacific octopus, wolf eels, et cetera but as you do more and more dives, you start to notice all the small things, like the grunt sculpins hiding between rocks, the tiny nudibranchs munching away, and the barnacles feeding.”

Williams is an employee of Gone Diving, which has been Bellingham’s No. 1 diving resource for more than 15 years. It’s a full-service shop offering everything from retail to repairs, gear maintenance, professional training, classes, travel advice, and much more. “Diving,” in this case, encompasses everything from scuba diving to free diving, snorkeling, and hopefully in the near future even mermaid classes.

“Diving is like no other experience I have ever had. It is probably the closest you’ll get to being in space,” says Williams. “The feeling of weightlessly gliding through the water with no outside distraction, just being able to be completely present in the moment and enjoy a world that the majority of the population will never get to see or experience. It can be one of the most peaceful and tranquil feelings.”

Additionally, Williams notes that diving is a much more versatile sport than some might imagine. The technologicallyadvanced gear we have available in 2023 means that just about any body of water can be explored at any time of year, whether that be in the Bahamas or Antartica. (Locally speaking, Williams is a big fan of diving sites near the San Juan Islands, Keystone on Whidbey Island, and Skyline Wall in Anacortes.)

Want to get started on your own diving journey? The first step is to give the folks at Gone Diving a call. Once they know your goals, they can support you in getting the requisite gear, training, and certifications. Additionally, Gone Diving hosts a once-monthly meetup where new and seasoned divers alike can build community. 1740 Iowa St., Bellingham, 360.738.2042, gonediving.org

A note: If the opportunity to see sea creatures is more appealing than the act of diving, then bring the whole family to the Marine Life Center at Squalicum Harbor. This freeadmission attraction lets you get up close and personal with local marine life (including an octopus!), and they even feature a touch tank.

Courtesy of Gone Diving

Gone Diving

“Diving is like no other experience I have ever had. It is probably the closest you’ll get to being in space”

Bellingham (and Beyond) by Boat

IN WHATCOM COUNTY, the Port of Bellingham manages three main public boat launches: Squalicum Harbor (in Bellingham, accessible year-round), Blaine Harbor (just south of Canada, accessible year-round), and Fairhaven (Bellingham, available April-October and best suited for smaller vessels). There’s also a boat ramp in Larrabee State Park, plus freshwater launches at popular spots like Baker Lake, Lake Whatcom, and Lake Samish.

Top marinas and boat launches to know in Skagit County include La Conner Marina (open year-round), Mount Vernon’s Twin Bridges Marina (which, according to its website, is “the first full-service indoor heated dry stack marina in the state of Washington”), Anacortes Marina (which is within walking distance of Downtown Anacortes), and the Swinomish Channel Boat Launch

For those hoping to connect with fellow boat enthusiasts, the Port of Bellingham (portofbellingham.com) has a comprehensive list of local boating organizations on its website. These include the Bellingham Yacht Club (byc. org), Squalicum Yacht Club (squalicumyc.org), and Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron (boatingisfun.org). Outside of Bellingham, check out the Swinomish Yacht Club in La Conner (swinomishyachtclub.org), plus Anacortes Yacht Club and Freedom Boat Club in Anacortes (anacortesyachtclub.com, freedomboatclub.com).

Charter or Buy: A Quick Boating Guide

If you’re looking to explore our waterways by boat, the North Sound is home to several charter companies worth considering. (For a comprehensive list, check out portofbellingham.com!).

We love San Juan Cruises because they offer far more than just charters. Customers can join a sunset crab dinner cruise, island sightseeing voyages, and of course whale watching excursions (you can read even more about them on p. 29).

History buffs can take a ride on the historic MV Plover Ferry, which is Washington’s oldest foot passenger ferry. It

even offers kids the opportunity to steer the ship and become “captain for a day.” Speaking of history, there are more than a few reasons to take a ride on the classic, 160-foot Schooner Zodiac: You can rent a private charter for weddings or events, or join in on public excursions including brunch events, afternoon adventure sails, and even occasions like Mother’s Day or July 4.

Want to explore the San Juan Islands by sail? Sail the San Juans bills itself as “the premier crewed sailing charters in the San Juan Islands,” and they offer two options for excursions: a private charter (in which groups of up to six receive the exclusive treatment) or a cruise (in which customers reserve a stateroom for two, and the other cabins are filled by the company).

If you want to go the totally retro route, Schooners North specializes in day, overnight, and multi-day charters aboard traditionally gaff-rigged vessels (and yes, they totally look like pirate ships). Additionally, you can get up close and personal with orcas by taking a whale watching tour through Outer Island Excursions (departing from both Anacortes and Orcas Island).

Gato Verde Adventure Sailing is unique in that their customized small-group charters (from 1.5 hours to seven days, limited to up to six people) also include hands-on sailing instruction, natural and social history, and environmental stewardship. They also have options for whale watching tours. Fun fact: The Gato Verde catamaran is also the first wind electric hybrid charter boat on the West Coast!

If you’re looking to make a more permanent investment, would-be boat owners have more than a few options in the area. In addition to charters, NW Explorations and Bellhaven Yacht Sales and Charters offer brokerage services for those who are looking to own, not rent.

Bellingham Yachts has more than 39 years of experience, and their lineup includes high-end brands like Sabre, Back Cove, and Cutwater yachts. Cardinal Yacht Sales in Bellingham also specializes in buying, selling, and repairing boats. Anacortes residents have options including Pacific Marine Sales and West Yachts, whereas La Connerites can look to La Conner Yacht Sales (they’ve been providing the community with yacht brokerage services since 1971!).

Five Tips for Staying Safe on the Bay

Wear a wetsuit.

According to Bryan Rust, the Community Boating Center’s executive director, the bay doesn’t get above 55 degrees, even during the hottest days of summer meaning that hypothermia is always a risk. Humans can suffer severe health consequences after just 20–30 minutes of immersion in cold water, which is why it’s important to take precautions (like wearing a wetsuit).

Make a pre-departure checklist. If you’re going out on the water, you’re going to want to make sure that you have all the right tools. Make a predeparture checklist that encompasses everything from food and water to flotation devices, and check it twice before heading out.

Check the weather before you go. Part of being water-savvy means being weather-aware, so you should always check conditions before heading out on the bay. (Hint: boatingcenter.org/ weather has a great list of resources for monitoring wind, current, and weather conditions.)

Make your location and plans known. Don’t go out on the water without making a check-in plan with friends and family and moreover, don’t go out alone unless you are confident in your skills.

If you’re not feeling 100% certain of your skills, take a course!

The Community Boating Center offers courses and skill tests for a variety of water crafts, so if your sailing knowhow isn’t up to scratch just yet, you can (and should) learn from the pros.

Courtesy of Trevor Andrews Photography

Spotlight on the Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center

IF YOU’RE HOPING to dive into sailing or kayaking this summer, but don’t know where to begin, the Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center (CBC) might be the resource you’ve been looking for. The nonprofit’s aim is to make small-boat recreation both accessible and inclusive; in fact, they provided more than $10,000 in scholarships, and $60,000 worth of community enrichment programs in 2022 alone.

The CBC performs a variety of functions within the community, including renting out boats like sailboats, dinghies, and keelboats, as well as paddle boards, rowboats, and kayaks. They also teach everything from beginner lessons in sailing and kayaking to advanced skill clinics for sailboat racing, kayak rescues and recoveries, navigation, and more.

Every program includes a heavy emphasis on cold-water safety, as temperatures below 55 degrees are dangerous to the human body, and the bay never gets above that threshold (even on hot summer days!). The ultimate aim is to give folks the support they need to get on the water safely and with confidence. All in all, Executive Director Bryan Rust says the CBC operates from a “holistic water-minded approach.”

“We’re not exclusively teaching sailing lessons or kayaking lessons; we’re trying to create opportunities where you can gain a connection to the sea and develop skills on different watercraft,” he says. “It would be ideal if the folks in our community can recognize the conditional variables that make a certain watercraft more or less appropriate.”

Moreover, regularly scheduled programming like rentals, paddle excursions, and lessons provide revenue for what Rust calls the CBC’s “mission work.” The organization is partnered with about 15 local organizations that serve a variety of underrepresented

demographics, including people with physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities; people experiencing homelessness; veterans; and children in the foster system.

For example, in 2022, the CBC partnered with Vamos Outdoors Project to deliver summer camps and afterschool activities to 81 children from Latine and English Language-Learning families. They also hosted weekly Wild Women Paddle events, where femaleidentifying community members could sign up for a free group paddle (with equipment included). This kind of programming aims to eliminate physical and emotional barriers to outdoor recreation access, thereby helping all community members feel welcome on the water.

“No matter who you are, if you want to do what we’re doing and you can’t pay the bill, we got you,” Rust says. “So that’s one barrier. But identifying certain demographics that will thrive in a unique space, like the Wild Women Paddles, is critical for effectively defeating the emotional barriers to accessing therapeutic recreation in Bellingham.”

Other community events include an annual Pride Paddle, Halloween

Paddle, and the Lighted Boat Parade. In 2022, the CBC even put on “Beats on the Bay,”, a floating concert aboard the Schooner Zodiac with music from the Sweater Weather Spring Band.

Last (but certainly not least), Rust notes that there’s no sense in connecting people to the water without “telling the deeper story” of our region’s ecology, as well as how to preserve it. This is why the CBC aims to incorporate environmental education into all of its programming. They also regularly participate in community science and stewardship efforts with local environmental organizations like RE Sources and Surfrider.

All of this work is partially funded through programming like rentals and classes so if you support the CBC this summer, you know your dollars are in good hands. As its programming expands, the organization is also looking to upgrade its facilities via the construction of a brand-new building. Information on what’s to come, as well as how to donate or volunteer, can be found online or on Instagram @communityboatingcenter. 555 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.714.8891, boatingcenter. org

Courtesy of PC Trevor Andrews Photography

Protecting Our Waters

WHATCOM CREEK ORIGINATES from Lake Whatcom

and flows west for 4.3 miles before reaching Bellingham Bay. It’s fed by four other streams, and its waters spread into 7.7 square miles of Whatcom County. The creek even supports salmon runs for coho, chum, and Chinook salmon.

Where Whatcom Creek meets Bellingham Bay, it forms an estuary. Despite all of the vital wildlife that grows in the brackish waters of estuaries, and the salmon that use estuaries as gateways to freshwater streams, parts of the Whatcom Creek Estuary became the Holly Street Landfill in the early 1900s. This landfill on Holly Street in Bellingham’s Old Town district grew to 13 acres of solid waste over roughly a century of use by private and municipal owners, and parts were eventually paved over.

Thankfully, in 2005, efforts to restore the Whatcom Creek Estuary began. 12,400 tons of waste were removed, habitats were restored, and measures to control pollution and waste seeping into the creek were put in place. This restoration was completed thanks to the combined efforts of 14 different federal, tribal, state, and local governments under the Bellingham Bay Demonstration Pilot project, which began in 1996.

Protecting our waters is a crucial, urgent matter that requires steady, consistent effort. Each and every one of us holds a personal responsibility to minimize our impact and contribute to recovery. Here are some organizations with the information and tools to help you help our life-giving waters.

Sacred Lands Conservancy

Sacred Lands Conservancy, doing business as Sacred Sea, is an Indigenous-led non-profit that promotes using ancestral knowledge and practices to protect, restore, and revitalize life in and around the Salish Sea. They focus not only on the waters and creatures that live therein, but also on Indigenous culture and sacred sites by spreading awareness of historical stewardship in the region by native peoples. One project towards this goal is the campaign to bring home Sk’aliCh’elhtenaut (also known as Lolita and Tokitae), an orca who was taken from the Southern Resident Killer Whale L-pod in 1970. Sacred Sea also produces events, art, and even a podcast that promotes the cultures and indigenized stewardship of the Salish Sea, which you can find at sacredsea.org.

Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) NSEA is a non-profit determined to reverse the decline of salmon runs in Whatcom County. They’re community-based in that their mission revolves around educating and engaging residents to power ecological recovery and protection. At their website, n-sea.org, you can learn more about salmon and their habitats, join a work party, and see how NSEA’s restoration efforts have positively impacted rivers and creeks.

RE Sources

This Bellingham-based nonprofit is all about region-wide impact enacted by people given “practical ways to make a real difference.” RE Sources advocates for science-based, climate-aware law and policy, aims to educate adults and the next generation on environmental stewardship, and puts people to work reducing harmful pollution, waste, and habitat degradation. Head to re-sources.org to join the 10,000+ residents who have taken action with RE Sources.

Sustainable Connections

Sustainable Connections wants communities around the North Sound and beyond to thrive, with a focus on growth and positive development. This nonprofit takes stock of what we need to move forward: power and voice to marginalized communities, investment in local businesses and movements, and clean and protected environments. Their efforts to protect our ecosystems include clean energy initiatives, green building programs, and spotlighting other community efforts to protect the creatures and waters of the Salish Sea. Find all of this and more at sustainableconnections.org.

Photo by Joshua DeJong

Courtesy of NSEA

Aquatic Life

THE NORTH SOUND area is home to extremely rich, diverse aquatic ecosystems. We’re the northernmost region of Puget Sound, which pushes into Washington State from the inland Salish Sea and is the nation’s second largest estuary by shoreline. (Chesapeake Bay on the East Coast has us beat, with a watershed that stretches through six states!) Estuaries usually occur where salty and freshwater meet, often where rivers let out into the sea, creating a brackish water.

This means that, very near to all of us, we have freshwater and saltwater wildlife, as well as organisms that thrive in the nutrient-rich and delicately balanced brackish water environments. With thousands of miles of shoreline, wetlands, lakes, and rivers, it’s no surprise our area is home to a truly boggling amount of plants and animals!

Salmon

These fresh to salt waterways are exactly what supports some of Northwestern Washington’s most famous wildlife salmon. The many rivers that are part of this watershed are the spawning grounds for the anadromous Pacific salmon, which include the species Chinook, coho, pink, sockeye, and chum. They similarly support steelhead trout, which are cousins of salmon within the family salmonidae. Being anadromous means that these fish lay their eggs in freshwater rivers, where the young hatch, grow, and eventually travel downstream to the sea for their adulthood. When it’s time, the fish return back to the rivers from whence they came to start the cycle all over again. These annual pilgrimages are known as salmon runs. They have always been, and continue to be, a vital part of the PNW’s ecosystem and ways of life.

Unfortunately, salmon runs in Washington have been noticeably troubled for over 100 years. In 1875, the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries reported to Congress that salmon were threatened by overfishing, dams, and habitat

degradation, and in 1894 on the reduction of salmon in the Columbia River.

Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) recognizes that things have only gotten tougher for salmon as time marches on, which is why they’ve dedicated their efforts to protecting and preserving salmon habitats. Read more about them on p. 63.

Open Water Wonders

The cetaceans of the Salish Sea and Puget Sound are many things: vital to the balance of the sea, icons in the cultures of the Pacific Northwest, and always breathtaking to catch sight of. There are more species of whales and dolphins around here than you might think, including Pacific white-sided dolphins, humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, and dall’s porpoises, but perhaps the most recognizable of marine mammals for many Washingtonians will be the orca.

Also known as killer whales or qwe ‘lhol mechen, meaning “our relations below the waves” in the Lummi language, orcas are the largest type of dolphin and top predators within their ecosystems. In our waters, they are divided into resident and transient orcas. The transient orcas are more likely to come and go from inner Washington waters, travel in groups of two to six, and hunt other marine mammals like harbor seals, smaller dolphins, and whales. Our resident orcas, also known as Southern Resident Killer Whales, have truly localized and feed only on salmon, primarily the large Chinook. These resident orcas live in three pods, named J, K, and L, which have matriarchal social systems.

Our resident orcas are also endangered. Already struggling due to dwindling salmon and human effects on their habitats, their numbers were slashed when many of them were captured for large aquarium shows in the late 1960s. To learn more about our oceanic neighbors, visit wildorca.org or thewhaletrail.org!

Nearshore Creatures

The Magic of Bioluminescence

IF YOU’VE EVER been on the bay past dark, you might have encountered bioluminescence thousands of tiny, fluorescent “sparks” that illuminate the water as it moves. While the phenomenon might feel like something out of a Disney movie, it’s rooted in biology: The ethereal glow comes from tiny plankton.

Teddy Bear Cove is a popular spot for seeking out bioluminescence, but it can get rowdy during the summer months. That’s why taking an official tour can be helpful, as guides can get you after-hours access to lesscrowded spots. Organizations like Moondance Sea Kayak, Outdoor Odysseys, Discovery Sea Kayaks, and the Community Boating Center also offer bioluminescence tours throughout the summer.

Harbor seals

These adorable fellas are familiar to shoreline junkies, as they’re sightable year-round from the coasts of the Salish Sea. Adults are between 5 to 6 feet in length, and 245–300 pounds. They generally are bluegray with darker speckles, and they spend time in the water eating up to 10% of their body weight per day, or wriggling about on rocky shores while they rest.

Tidepooling

Tidepooling is an awesome way to turn a hike into a little marine biology learning excursion! When the tides go out, natural pools are left in rocky outcroppings and basins, and inside of these protective underwater valleys are bursts of life. Check the tides at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association website, then head out to Rosario Head in Deception Pass State Park to see small fish, crabs, urchins, sea stars, and more.

Clam digging

Clam digging can be a fun family day trip with a tasty end result. Around our inland sea shores, you’ll find native littleneck clams, Manila clams, butter clams, and horse clams, among some others! Before you head out to the shorelines at Birch Bay State Park, make sure you have your license, as everybody over the age of 15 in Washington needs a license to fish and dig clams.

Oyster farms

The shellfish farms in our area encourage the growth of clams and oysters in their habitats, then harvest them for locals and beyond to enjoy. Where once the endemic Olympia oysters were overfished and their numbers decimated, now Eastern and Pacific oysters are bountiful and important parts of our aquaculture!

To enjoy these little Puget Sound gems, you can visit Taylor Shellfish Farms locations in Seattle and Bow, or Drayton Harbor Oyster Co. in Blaine.

In 2022, participants in the CBC’s excursions even collected samples of the glowing plankton for use in a research project at Western Washington University. Despite how beloved these tiny plankton might be amongst Bellinghamsters, we’re still learning about their biology!

Some viewing tips: Bioluminescence is most visible well after dark during the summer months, namely July through September. While it’s easiest to spot on a new moon (meaning less light pollution), Tori Ayres of Dragonfly Kayak Tours says bioluminescence can be visible even when the moon is full.

Photo by Dean Davidson

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We recognize and appreciate the good will of our clients, the beauty and abundance of our Pacific Northwest home, the camaraderie and friendship of our coworkers, and the

opportunity to express ourselves creatively through our craft.

We strive to reduce our environmental impact through conscientious business practices, thoughtful design, and building with respect for our limited resources.

We pursue our work because it brings us joy and satisfaction.

For a complete list of our Guiding Principles visit our website.

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Modern Lux Design Comes to Semiahmoo

Muirfield

WRITTEN BY SANDRA HURTLEY AND DENISE LONES PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHEILA SAY PHOTOGRAPHY

MUIRFIELD IS AN exclusive gated community of only 10 exquisite custom one- and two-story luxury homes situated in beautiful Semiahmoo. The homes sit in a natural setting, with over 40% of the development being open natural space with expansive privacy buffers.

The developer Denise Lones is a new construction expert and both a judge and mentor with the National Association of Home Builders. She has spent the past two decades touring and judging thousands of new homes and is passionate about floor plan flow, interior design, and the functional elements of a home.

Every home was personally designed by Lones with her five critical elements for a winning plan:

1) Take floor plan flow and testing into consideration. Start with a floor plan that maximizes the space and provides visual flow to the home, and don’t be afraid of using ceiling height to add dimension and interest to the home. Never build a home from just a two-dimensional floor plan. Lones

believes in collaboration, and she works with local design firm JWR Design in Lynden because of their ability to make the types of changes she always requires on every plan.

2) First impressions are key.

Windows are an essential part of the winning recipe for any home, as they can bring the outdoors in, provide drama, and extend visual space. Never scrimp on window design or size! Every home designed by Lones has her signature window package included. Her bold, beautiful windows are custommade by Westeck Windows and Doors, a Canadian company with a local office in Bellingham.

3) Kitchens should be functional.

After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home! Lones’ father was a chef, and she is very opinionated about how a kitchen functions from both a cooking and entertaining perspective. Her cabinets are custom made and she thoroughly enjoys collaborating with Will from HighCraft Cabinets in Ferndale.

4) Design detail elements matter.

A floor-to-ceiling fireplace with a commanding presence can add one of those details, or a floating staircase that is lit from underneath to cascade light onto a wall of stone can take your breath away. A master bath with floor to ceiling tile and a luxury soaking bath with a backlit shelf can add the right element to wow a buyer. Attention to every architectural detail is key to making a home spectacular, and that is what today’s buyer wants.

5) Buyer demographic analysis is critical. You must pay attention to the buyer demographic and give them what they want. The luxury home buyer wants quality construction, high-end appliances, dramatic great room spaces, top-of-the-line finishing, spa-like bathrooms, smart home features, and the ability to customize some important elements of the home.

Every home at Muirfield incorporated these elements and you can see them on display in the homes. Each home was custom designed with soaring high ceilings, panoramic windows, and beautifully flowing open-concept floor plans. Each home is complete with customized high-end finishes, and no two home’s interiors are finished alike.

Buyers are given six custom curated design styles to help them discover their natural design personality. From there, each buyer is guided through a personal design experience to customize their home to suit their design and living needs. Homeowners end up with a home that was personalized for them, and each buyer receives their dream palette of textures and finishes.

It takes a team of experts to create this type of exceptional product, and Lones believes in collaboration with experts. It all starts with the development design; Lones believes that Engineer Craig Parkinson from Cascade Engineering Group was instrumental in this regard. Tim Wiersma and Bud Ammons from Everkept Construction head up Muirfield’s building team. Lones also had JWR Design bring her concepts to life, and then she worked closely with Markie Nelson for interior design and Sandra Hurtley for model home styling.

“We put so much thought into each piece and the overall result is a very sophisticated yet casual living space that perfectly reflects the Semiahmoo lifestyle.”

Sandra Hurtley

“It was important to Denise to custom design the furniture to match the space and the style of the home,” says Hurtley. “The opportunity to collaborate with Markie and Denise was really a dream come true. We put so much thought into each piece and the overall result is a very sophisticated yet casual living space that perfectly reflects the Semiahmoo lifestyle.”

Homes range in size from 1,947 to 3,400 square feet. For more information or to see the model, visit muirfieldsemiahmoo.com.

Developer: Kosmos Developments LLC

Builder: Everkept Construction

Lead conceptual development creator: Denise Lones

Engineering: Cascade Engineering Group

Home design: JWR Design

Interior design: Markie Nelson

Interior stylist: Sandra Hurtley 

The Man Who Made Waves with Wood and Glass

Greg Klassen

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREG KLASSEN

10 YEARS AGO, we wrote about an up-and-coming craftsman who was breaking into the national scene for his fine furniture. In the decade since, Greg Klassen fathered a viral sensation, has sent his artwork to every corner of the globe, and continues to hone his craft and add to his certified body of work.

Klassen first began selling his woodwork around 2005 from a booth at the Bellingham Farmers Market. At his day job he salvaged wood scraps to create furnishings, and the success he found there encouraged him to pursue more training. He studied at fine furniture programs in California and Sweden, then founded his business in 2008. Around 2011, he crafted his first River Table, the style that would swiftly come to define the thesis of his body of work.

“The negative space and the handcut glass all kind of came together,” he says, recounting his experimentation. “I went straight from making one or two to making 10, 15 pieces.”

Klassen’s art is made with fresh and reclaimed wood slabs or logs. After carefully fitting the pieces together to form elegantly winding negative spaces, he hand-cuts and inlays his signature blue glass, creating rivers throughout the piece. Klassen remains focused on crafting these one-of-a-kind pieces, but has branched out to new inspirations.

“I continue to experiment and try new things. I’ve gone from rivers to lakes, to coastlines, shorelines, and waterfalls,” he says.

Beyond his River Collection, he created an Archipelago series, where burly wood peeks up through the glass to create islands, and his Meander series, which leaves the negative space between wood pieces empty. He thinks he may be up to around 300 Greg Klassen originals.

When we first spoke to him in 2013, he was exhibiting in national craft shows and gaining acclaim. Shortly after, in 2014, Klassen’s work was featured on popular art and culture blog Colossal and took off on social sites like Reddit. His River Collection inspired a massive boom of similar-looking furnishings, and his success has taken his pieces all over the world.

“When I started my business, I thought at best I might ship something out of state once or twice a year,” says Klassen.

“Now I’ve shipped all over the U.S., Canada, Virgin Islands … Europe, Asia, a royal palace in Saudi Arabia, a remote island off the east coast of Africa … I never possibly could have imagined that.”

The Klassen family will occasionally pile into a vehicle and hand-deliver pieces to customers. These road trips are opportunities for Klassen to gain inspiration from the varied biomes of the country.

“Last year we did a really fun RV road trip that was a delivery and install in Tennessee, [then drove on to] Florida,” says Klassen, who also notes that the family have visited 31 national parks. “We do all sorts of fun adventures, but when we come back to Whatcom County,

we’re always thrilled to be here. We usually think it’s the most beautiful spot on our whole trips.”

Moving forward, Klassen will continue to create his pieces inspired by the movement of woodgrain and waterways. His love for nature in the PNW and passion for his craft have even led him to cofound a sawmill in Lynden called Slab Farm. It will allow him to sustainably source Whatcom County lumber for local artisans to use in their own projects.

Follow Klassen’s work, his efforts with Charity: Water, and his daily life as an artisan on his website and his Instagram, where you can find him @gregklassen___. Everson, gregklassen.com 

“I continue to experiment and try new things. I’ve gone from rivers to lakes, to coastlines, shorelines, and waterfalls.”

Greg Klassen

A New Space for Ceramics in Downtown Ferndale

Jesse Hughs of Uncle Jesse’s Pottery

INTERVIEWED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY COCOA LANEY

Tell me about how you first began with pottery. How did you turn your art into a profession?

I first started doing pottery in high school. It was required to take at least one year of fine arts credits in order to graduate, and the ceramics class was the most hands-on. I had no idea I would fall in love with it and pursue it after high school. I bought my own wheel and kiln and built a small shop in my parents’ backyard. What started as a hobby then turned into my part-time small business for seven years and is now my full-time career.

Could you describe your style as a potter?

I’m definitely a functional artist I enjoy creating pieces that folks enjoy using. I never get tired of hearing about people having their favorite coffee mugs they use every morning and other stories like that.

What was the first piece of pottery you made that you felt truly proud of? Additionally, what are some of your all-time favorite creations?

One of my first pieces I am proud of is an oversized cereal bowl I made in high school. It helped my passion to grow by creating something I thought was practical and useful. Additionally, one of my most memorable pieces is the twohandled jug that serves as my logo image. It really attests to

my style and old-fashioned ways, and I love the challenge it created due to the difficulty of curving the neck in and the narrowness of the spout.

How would you describe the atmosphere of your new brick-and-mortar space in Downtown Ferndale?

I’d describe it as laid-back and inviting. The front is set up for the retail space with pieces on display, while the rest of the space is where I create my art. I wanted to create a space that does more than just sell pottery; by combining the gallery with my studio, I hope to add a meaningful connection to my art. The workspace is also visible from the retail section, so anyone can watch the process in person.

What do you think the new space will bring to the Ferndale community at large?

Overall, I hope it brings more people together. People of all ages and backgrounds can find pieces or colors of pottery they can connect over, so I am hopeful the business will spark conversations and relationships.

What are some of your goals going forward?

I want to continue experimenting with new piece types, glaze combinations and shape styles. There are so many throwing techniques to learn, and I love learning from other potters and artists. I also hope to connect the community to pottery through an interactive storefront.

Last but not least why “Uncle Jesse”?

Around 2017, I was asked if I were to make a business out of this, what would I name it? I decided on “Uncle Jesse’s Pottery,” with Uncle Jesse from “The Dukes of Hazzard” in mind. I have an old soul, and I love to display that style in my work. I thought it would be a fun correlation. Sorry “Full House” fans! (And yes, I am actually an uncle, in case you were wondering!) 5679 3rd Ave., Ferndale, unclejessespottery.com 

Tools for Beating the Heat

WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY

IF THE PAST few years have taught us anything, it’s that you can never be too prepared when it comes to impending summer heat. From the bare essentials (hello, portable air conditioners!) to stylish touches like outdoor umbrellas and even pitchers for serving up your favorite chilled drink, now is the time to stock up on the tools that will help you stay cool no matter the temperature. 

1

Teal Auto Tilt Umbrella

Wilson’s Furniture, call for pricing 5080 Pacific Hwy., Ferndale, 360.384.8900, wilsonhomefurnishings.com

2

True Zoo Parad-Ice Fish Ice Cube Tray Target, $16 target.com

3

LG 7,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

DeWaard & Bode, $500 3944 Meridian St., Bellingham, 360.733.5900, dewaardandbode. com

4 Herb Imprinted Pitcher Petals & Blooms, $40 petalsandbloomsdecor.com

5

Lurella Mini Fan Lurella, $16 lurellacosmetics.com

Q&As with Local Real Estate Agents

In this ever-changing world of real estate, it can be confusing and downright frustrating trying to figure out the best timing, value, and home for your family. On the following pages, local real estate agents share what makes them unique and offer valuable insight to help guide you on your path to first-time ownership, moving into, or moving around the area.

MARCUS METZ

Q. What do you offer that other [brokers] may not?

A. There’s much more to picking a home than just the house: What kind of events do you enjoy? What kinds of food do you like? It’s important to get to know my clients so I can place them where they’ll have the best quality of life! I also have a background in city planning, and work on an investment-focused team.

JEFF STRAND

Q. Is there a specific local market you specialize in?

A. No, not really, and I believe knowledge of a broader market is better for my clients. I’m a fifth generation resident of Whatcom County. I’ve helped first time and repeat buyers purchase and sell homes ranging in price, size and location, living here or moving here from larger cities. The move to working from home over the last few years has changed the idea of what a “local market” is. Buyers are more open to multiple neighborhoods rather than one specific location if the home fits their needs. I want to be knowledgeable of many areas and provide my clients with the best possible service I can.

DANI COLITO

Q.What can clients expect when working with you?

A. Clients can expect the “Nordstrom experience” when working with me. I have a plan and system for every step in the process. I also have the support of a team behind me, and my clients know there will always be someone to help them if I’m unavailable. I set expectations, I’m extremely organized, knowledgeable in the market and have my client’s best interest at heart when it comes to negotiations. My clients can be at ease and rest assured I will get the job done for them.

Q.What area of our real estate market would you call your “sweet spot”?

A. My sweet spot is working with growing families, and all the challenges that come with it. Moving up, downsizing, investing and possibly dealing with difficult life changes. Being a mom with two kids, I understand the challenges that go along with that, and am extremely empathetic to my client’s journey as we navigate the constant changes in their lives.

Dani Colito eXp Realty | Bellingham, Washington danicolitohomes.com

360.510.9399

Dani@danicolitohomes.com

“Working with Marcus on the sale of my airplane hangar was great - he quickly found a buyer at well above market value and handled everything between for a quick close!” - David D.

“Continuously going above and beyond the realtor call of duty”  Dani Colito

“I used Jeff from Queen Anne Real Estate as my agent. This is my 5th home purchase and Jeff was the best agent I’ve had, by far! Taking care of the details large and small. If you’re ever in need of the best agent in the Northwest, contact Jeff. You won’t regret it!” - Steve M.

TAMMY WALKER & NIKKI WESEL

“Guardians of the Tri-Counties for over 50 years”

Q. What are your clients saying about you?

A. We love client feedback, so we’ll let our recent reviews speak for themselves:

• “Smooth and painless. They kept me abreast at every turn.”

• “Everyone was terrific… Our closing could not have gone smoother. I recommend them without hesitation!”

• “Love this team! So knowledgeable, helpful, and always there to answer questions when you need them!”

Q. How do you make use of new technology

A. To ensure transaction security and accessibility we utilize Qualia, our secure one-stop-shop portal for closing, where clients can track closing milestones, review/e-sign documents, and directly message their team. Closers can enlist services from Remote Online Notary (RON) platforms so, where possible, clients can notarize from home. Our website’s Quote tool is also available for instant fee estimates anytime, anywhere.

Guardian Northwest Title & Escrow: Whatcom 3800 Byron Avenue #140, Bellingham 360.594.3111, gnwtitle.com whatcom@gnwtitle.com

JENNIFER EDDLEMAN

“Every residential transaction involves people going through life changes.  A compassionate, client-focused agent eases the challenges of the transition.”

Q.What should your clients know about working with you?

A. Clients can count on me to guide them through the process and provide candid, honest advice delivered with patience, compassion and a sense of humor. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) I especially enjoy helping seniors, and the families who love them, through all of the steps of the sometimes emotional and overwhelming process of a real estate transaction.

Q. What are your interests outside of work?

A. Gardening is a passion of mine.  Community involvement is very important to me as well. I’m a certified Master Gardener volunteer with the WSU Skagit County Master Gardener program, and I also serve on the Burlington Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and do some volunteer work with the Burlington Chamber of Commerce.

Jennifer Eddleman, Realtor® /SRES Windermere Real

Estate,

Skagit Valley 1030 E. College Way, Mount Vernon 360.333.4048

jenneddleman@windermere.com

Summer Cookouts 84

Admiralty Lounge 91

Chef’s Corner: New Leaf Cafe 92

Taste

Cryo Rolls

Photo by Cocoa Laney

Get Fired Up for Summer Cookouts

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM

SUMMERTIME IS HERE don’t miss it, break out the brisket! Jokes aside, there’s no denying that summer is prime time for BBQ chefs and appreciators alike. While you can grab delicious barbecue from restaurants all around the North Sound, these warmer months are the best opportunity for home cooks to get out in the yard and try their hand at using fire and smoke to sizzle up some tasty, home-cooked meals.

We got together with Gary Vander Giessen, BBQ judge and cook with decades of experience under his belt, to chat about BBQ, the tools of the trade, and the keys to a good cookout.

Local Joints for Your BBQ Fix

No time to do it yourself? Burnt the entire rack of ribs? Weather raining on your open-flame parade? No worries, these businesses serve up hot ‘n’ ready BBQ all year round.

Homeschool BBQ, Bellingham

Homeschool opened in early 2023, filling the funky hole left in Bellingham’s heart by HomeSkillet. They lovingly infuse our PNW scene with flavors from all over. (I particularly implore you to try their Cajun Boiled Peanuts for $6, a snack near and dear to my heart.)

Brando’s BBQ, Bow

Classic outfit serves pulled pork, brisket, chicken, ribs, and even hot dogs for the kids. For a less traditional plate, try the Loaded BBQ Sundae ($16.99), which dares to combine baked beans, mashed potatoes, mac ’n’ cheese, slaw, and your choice of meat into one dish.

Q&A with Gary Vander Giessen of Gary’s BBQ Supplies

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your business?

Okay, my name is Gary Vander Giessen. I own and operate Gary’s BBQ Supplies, which used to be in Lynden, but I have a shop in Ferndale now. It’s a warehouse, I’m open by appointment, and I sell Yoder Smokers exclusively, as well as rubs and sauces, smoking pellets, and other tools.

Why did you choose Yoder Smokers?

Yoder Smokers are manufactured in Hutchinson, Kansas. All of the parts are manufactured in the United States, including the electronics, which is extremely rare. Yoders were named the Best Pellet Grill of the Year by People Magazine just recently, and they’re extremely robust.

I really like [that every part is manufactured in the U.S.], because I try to support U.S. businesses with everything I carry. My pellets are made by Cookinpellets, and are 100% species wood, so if it says black cherry it’s 100% black cherry, et cetera.

We saw that you’re a barbecue judge! What, in your opinion, makes a great barbecue dish? Well, judging is done with taste, texture, and appearance; there’s those three points. Scoring in the PNWBA [Pacific Northwest BBQ Association] is done on a scale of 1–9. They call me Mr. 8! So, 6 is a bad score, 1 is a disqualification, and 9 would be perfect.

Texture, different things like ribs have different things that they look for. People say they like fall-off-the-bone ribs, and that is not acceptable in the PNWBA, because ribs that fall off the bones are technically overdone.

Flavor, of course, that’s always subjective. Some people like a little bit more salt or a little sweeter, so that’s a

Double Barrel BBQ, SedroWoolley

Serving dry-rubbed and slow-smoked meats since 2002, Double Barrel BBQ restaurant represents southern pitstyle BBQ at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A small order of their 4-hour smoked, pork loin Baby Back Ribs runs for $17.99.

Big Stick BBQ, Bellingham

From food truck to brick-and-mortar, Big Stick BBQ folds extra flavor into their dishes with touches like rosemary potato buns, house-made jalapeno jelly, and brie cheese (The Rissa, $14). The menu is worth investigating, but so is their drink selection enjoy local beer, cider, wine, and tasty non-alcoholic drinks.

JT’s Smokin’ BBQ & Catering, Bellingham

Vander Giessen said he turns his car around on a dime if he passes by JT’s food truck! Their BBQ bowls are infamous. For just $11, you can get a bowl of layered baked beans, meat, and slaw or mac ‘n’ cheese and meat for a filling and delicious meal.

Photo by Kristen Boehm

bit more difficult to judge. And appearance it’s like art, one person likes a little bit more pink, some people like brown.

What does a beginner barbecue chef need to get started?

Well, really, you don’t need the best of the best to get great results. I can make great smoked salmon in a cardboard box! Use what you have and what you can afford, and study. The best way to get started is to gain experience through doing it. And talk to people! You can join the PNWBA, and … they are a wonderful group of people, they do a lot for charity, and they love to share their wealth of knowledge with others.

I’d recommend a Yoder Smoker, of course. But I used a Brickmann, which is a very inexpensive cooker, for 20 years! It was a pain in the butt, because you have to constantly tend the fire. Every 15 minutes, you want to be checking your temperatures, and with a less expensive smoker like that, you have trouble keeping your temperatures even.

The key to good barbecue really is being able to control your temperatures. You’re trying to keep it at one constant temperature the whole

time. And a light amount of smoke! You want what they call the “thin blue line,” and that would be just a thin blue wisp of smoke. You don’t want clouds of white or black smoke, all that means is that you don’t have the correct fuel-air mixture.

What would be a good dish for a first timer to make?

I would say pork butts, although it depends on how much time you have. If you want to do ribs, you can do ribs; that’s about a four hour cook. But the most forgiving would be an eight hour minimum cook, and that would be pork butts. [Find the recipe for Vander Giessen’s Smoked Sangria Pork Butt on his website!]

What makes BBQ such a great summertime activity?

You know, when you barbecue typically, you have your family there, right? So, when you have your family over and you’re cooking for them … you’re gathering outside around the fire or near the BBQ, and it creates that atmosphere. The smell, the smoke, the anticipation of the food, preparing the meat, that can all be a community and family event. Gary’s BBQ Supplies, Lynden, 360.223.1009, garysbbqgrills. com 

A Culinary Paradise on Lopez Island

Haven Kitchen & Bar

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY COCOA LANEY

THE WORD “HAVEN” brings about feelings of safety, comfort, and respite and it’s an apt descriptor for Lopez Island’s Haven Kitchen & Bar. This tranquil, nautical-themed restaurant specializes in cuisine both comforting and gourmet, and patrons enjoy their meals alongside an unparalleled view of the Salish Sea.

Haven was established a decade ago by Owners JK and Mariah Honeywell, both of whom are deeply involved in the Lopez community as business owners, parents, and even volunteer firefighters. But before they became residents, JK’s family vacationed on Lopez for 60 years or, as Mariah puts it, “ever since his Grandma Phyllis piled the six Honeywell kids in the car and took them camping that first year.” Grandma Phyllis’ weekly cooking ritual with JK was also responsible for his love of cooking.

“The rules were simple: Grandma would pay for any groceries needed for the weekly dinner, and they would cook something difficult,” Mariah says. “They would … spend the evening talking about food, cooking, and drinking much better wine than he could afford in his twenties.”

Now the Honeywells strive to apply that same sense of comfort to their restaurant, and the result is an ambiance that Mariah says is meant to make you feel at home (or at your grandmother’s house). Haven has upgraded locations twice in 10 years, but some things have remained the same: JK is the chef and runs back of house, whereas Mariah manages the front of house, serves tables, and shakes up cocktails, “just as it’s been since the beginning.”

The menu at Haven stays mostly consistent, though they offer weekly specials to keep things fresh, and certain items rotate depending on the season. The Honeywells build their menu around dishes that speak to them, and they aren’t afraid of getting creative when the opportunity arises.

“We try to support our local fisherman, foragers and farmers as much as we can; we make things in-house,” Mariah says. “Sometimes we get some great meat or produce and build a new recipe around it, sometimes they are family recipes that have been around for years. Sometimes my dad makes a dish and texts me a picture saying, ‘I think this would be great at Haven.’”

Our meal began with perfectly golden-crisp Dungeness Crab Cakes ($25) and my personal favorite Mushrooms and Toast ($16). The latter featured buttery foraged mushrooms, crostini, and a jammy egg tied together with a sprinkle of Hawaiian volcanic sea salt.

We also sampled three cocktails during our visit: the Rosemary Maple Bourbon Sour ($12), Spicy Mezcalita ($12), and the Arugula Martini ($14). While I loved the subtle kick

of the Mezcalita, the unique flavor and peppery bite of the Arugula Martini stood out the most.

Moving on to main courses, the Gamberoni Linguine ($32) consisted of fresh pasta, spot prawns, and mari nated tomatoes. These heavier flavors were perfectly balanced by a bright and fresh basil pesto. However, the star of the show was the Miso Ginger Halibut ($36). The halibut’s panko crust per fectly contrasted with its flaky, nearbuttery flesh, and a shiitake mushroom broth added additional umami without overpowering the delicate flavors of the fish and bok choy.

All in all, dinner at Haven was the cherry on top of our alreadyidyllic stay on Lopez so if you’re headed to the San Juan Islands this summer, make sure to pay the Honeywells a visit.

“Come dressed up for a special occasion and watch the sun set over the water, or pop into the bar to have a quick drink and a pizza,” invites Mariah. “We welcome everyone.” 9 Old Post Rd., Lopez Island, 360.468.3272, lopezhaven.com 

Bringing Nautical Charm to Downtown Bellingham

Admiralty Lounge

WRITTEN BY TAYLER ROBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHED BY COCOA LANEY

IF YOU PASS by the Mount Baker Theatre, you may ask yourself, what happened to the bar next door?

Replacing Snowy River Cocktail Lounge is the Admiralty Lounge, a nautical-themed bar with a mouthwatering menu that ranges from a savory tomato-based seafood soup called the Fisherman’s Stew to the Harvest Plate consisting of leafy gai lan, bok choy, smoky grilled squash, and sweet potatoes. All in all, Admiralty Lounge reflects the nautical nature of Bellingham and the waters of Puget Sound.

But before officially opening the bar in March 2023, Admiralty sat on Owner Jabriel Donohue’s mind for a decade.

“An old buddy of mine and I had talked about doing a bar called Holdfast, and then somebody else beat us to it, but the notion of having a little cocktail lounge in the back of it called the Admiralty Lounge as the fancy portion has always stuck around,” Donohue says.

Luckily, Donohue was presented with an opportunity to purchase a spot in Downtown Bellingham.

“We looked at it and it was such a beautiful space and it had so much potential that we decided to go for it,” says Donohue. “I grew up here. I grew up partly on the water. My dad and I lived on his sailboat for quite a while in the

‘80s and there’s something about the nautical nature of Puget Sound that just felt right.”

With Donohue’s youth being spent on and around the San Juan Islands, he knew he wanted a menu that reflected the culture and history of the region.

“They [sailors and people in the navy] would often set up farms about every week on their voyages. So, we think about them getting out to sea and sailing for months and months, and that just wasn’t the case,” says Donohue. “They couldn’t keep provisions that regularly, so they would just bounce off of coasts.”

That’s why customers can taste vegetarian options, seafood options, and meat options.

You’re in good hands regarding drinks, as Donohue acted as the president of the Oregon Bartender’s Guild in the early part of the 2010s before moving back to Bellingham. He works with his general manager to create potent and refreshing drinks with names that fit the theme, like The Sailor’s Delight, made with Grey Goose Strawberry, lemongrass, bitter orange, and Cremant (a sparkling wine).

Focusing solely on creating delicious meals and drinks, the menu is straightforward but promising.

“We’re starting a little simple with this we have a pretty extensive cocktail background, but we don’t want to come in and just terrify people,” says Donohue. “Right now, we’re just focused on being delicious, on brand if you will, with our themes and just as good as we can make it.”

If you are at Mount Baker Theatre, don’t hesitate to pop into Admiralty next door. Donohue suggests getting the “iconic” Imperial Swine, a succulent deep-fried porchetta paired with roasted potatoes and tangy sauerkraut. Pair it with the Wellerman, a Jamaican rum-fronted drink with a hint of lime and lemongrass. Perfect for an opening act! 100 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, theadmiraltylounge.com 

Manila Clams

Simmered in White Wine and Harissa

NOTHING SAYS SUMMER quite like fresh seafood, and if you’re craving the flavors of Orcas Island, give this recipe from New Leaf Cafe a go. Chef Andrew Martin’s spin on Manila clams utilizes many of the usual suspects in Italian cooking white wine, garlic, butter, bread but the addition of harissa paste makes this dish oneof-a-kind. Harissa is a hot North African red pepper paste used to add a spicy kick to all manner of dishes and yes, it goes especially well with seafood.

Meet the Chef

Martin’s culinary roots reach back to another seaside location, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in California, then mountainside to the Ritz-Carlton Club Aspen Highlands in Colorado. Before arriving on Orcas Island, he also honed his skills at the ultra-exclusive five-star, five-diamond Little Nell Colorado ski resort and at Kimpton’s Hotel Vintage Plaza and Pazzo Ristorante in Portland before becoming executive chef at Dolce in Missoula, Montana.

Now, Chef Martin is a perfect fit at New Leaf as he understands the importance of local culture and the relevance and seasonality of local food. He puts a marvelous regional spin on his specialty of Northern Italian cuisine, balancing flavors and textures and incorporating local ingredients for a delicious brunch menu and a new evening lounge menu that has been pleasing locals and Outlook Inn guests alike.

When asked how he’s settling into island life, Chef Andrew says, “Becoming part of this community and New Leaf has been an absolute pleasure. I feel fortunate to do what I love while establishing deep roots on Orcas Island.”

Ingredients

1 pound washed fresh Manila clams

2 or 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

½ cup dry white wine, additional if needed

3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

1 tablespoon harissa chili paste

2 scallions, with greens sliced very thin at a bias

Crusty baguette sliced about 1 inch thick at a bias for a longer cut, then oiled and toasted or grilled

Chef’s insider trick: Use the spicy Mina brand harissa paste. Mild works well if mixed with two parts harissa and one part sambal chili paste.

Instructions

• Toast the garlic chips in olive oil over medium heat.

• Just as the garlic starts to brown, remove the pan from heat and add the clams.

• Toss the clams in the garlic and oil, off the heat, to coat evenly. While off the heat add the wine, harissa, 2 tablespoons of the cold butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper. (Go light on the salt to start, as the clams may be on the salty side themselves. Adding everything while off the heat will reduce splattering and “flare ups” that will affect the flavor of the broth.)

• Cover and return to medium heat.

• Cook covered until the clams open, about 3 minutes.

• Continue to cook uncovered until the broth is thick and rich. Add additional butter to speed up thickening if you’d like, or wine to thin.

Check for seasoning, then add additional harissa if you would like it spicier.

• Serve in a large bowl with the scallions as garnish and the grilled baguette for dipping. 

Chef Andrew Martin of New Leaf Cafe

RECIPE AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEW LEAF CAFE

DINING KEY

up to $9

$10–19

$20–29

$30 or greater

B-TOWN KITCHEN AND RAW BAR

Seafood, American

714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham

360.392.6520, btownkitchen.com

If fresh shellfish is your gastronomic highlight, you’re in the right place at B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar. Items from the Small Plates menu make terrific appetizers or adult-beverage-worthy snacks. The heated patio provides an urban vibe suited for parties or gatherings.

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.

Menu items and prices are subject to change, so check before you go. See all our restaurant reviews on our Eat and Drink tab at bellinghamalive.com

Local restaurants need you now more than ever! However, due to COVID-19, some restaurants may be temporarily closed. Remember to call ahead or check online for delivery and pick-up options.

* Review provided by restaurant.

WHATCOM

ACCOMPLICE American

1232 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.778.2336

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

ANTHONY’S HEARTHFIRE GRILL

Steak, Seafood

7 Bellwether Way, Bellingham

360.527.3473, anthonys.com

The Hearthfire menu speaks to the everyday eater, not just the special occasion treat of Anthony’s. Seasonal items, such as peaches or huckleberries in the summer, complement salads, entrees, and drinks. Steaks, seafood, and items on the Woodfire rotisserie round out the selections.

BANTAM American, Southern

1327 Railroad Ave., Bellingham

360.788.4507, bantambellingham.com

A bantam is a type of small chicken. At Bellingham’s newest southern-inspired chicken rotisserie, you get what the name promises. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken has breading that’s thick, crispy, and somehow not greasy at all. While the downstairs is family-friendly, the upstairs is reserved for those 21 and older.

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.

BLACK PEARL ASIAN FUSION Asian Fusion

1317 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.746.2030, blackpearlasianfusion.com

Bellingham has an abundance of Asianinspired restaurants; the trick is to find one that stands out like the Black Pearl. With all the available extras, it is almost impossible to get the same flavor twice. The pho is clean and refreshing with a variety of different meats to try and sauces to add as extra seasoning.

SMALL BATCH, HAND CRAFTED WASHINGTON WINES

THE BLACK CAT American

Tucked away in the heart of Fairhaven, this cocktails and American fusion eats on the third floor of the Sycamore Square building. Come for happy hour and stay for the delicious food

Named for the farm where they began growing their decadent heirloom tomatoes, Brandywine locally, upholding their “from seed to plate” philosophy. The menu offers vegetarian and gluten-free options and a rotating selection of

CHIHUAHUA MEXICAN RESTAURANT

5694 Third Ave., Ferndale

chihuahuamexicanrestaurant.com

Dine in at one of the largest Mexican restaurants in Washington and experience the authentic cuisine derived from decades of dedication to excellent food. Using family recipes passed down for generations, Chihuahua Mexican Restaurant will not only leave you full, but also deeply satisfied.

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

American

414 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.366.8752, fatshack.com

Fat Shack offers a variety of burgers, wings, and their specialty: densely packed sandwiches. The typical “fat” sandwich is some combination of grilled steak and fried chicken, along with cheese and a host of sides, all pressed inside a fresh hoagie roll. It is not for the meek, or for someone looking for a salad bar. Along with its unapologetic embrace of deep-fried food, Fat Shack serves up some

surprises. Its hamburgers are hand-pressed, hand-seasoned, and never frozen.

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.

THE FILLING STATION American

1138 Finnegan Way, Bellingham

360.715.1839

716 Alabama St., Bellingham

360.746.2079, fillingstationnw.com

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

INFUSION CUISINE

Italian, Mexican, Chinese

6912 Hannegan Rd., Lynden

360.778.1726, infusioncuisine.com

Infusion Cuisine has a menu that features a little bit of everything. The three most popular types of cuisine are Italian, Asian, and Mexican, and all the dishes on Infusion Cuisine’s menu fit into one of these categories. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s something for everyone at Infusion Cuisine.

JACK NIEMANN’S BLACK FOREST

STEAKHOUSE German, Steak

638 Peace Portal Dr., Blaine

360.306.8342

Black Forest Steakhouse offers a versatile dining experience. It’s fancy enough for special occasions, anniversaries, and graduation celebrations, but it’s also a place you’ll want to go to any day. Black Forest cooks their steaks different than most other steakhouses: They broil them in a 1,600-degree oven, leaving the meat tender and flavorful.

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.

Culinary Events

Tour Spain with Tapas

June 12, 6:30–9 p.m.

If you can’t catch a plane to Spain this summer, then this foodie event is your next best bet. Frances Jones and Brian Kenney of Nomad Charcuterie and Wine will be serving up a variety of Spanish tapas (think patatas bravas or figs with chorizo), plus charcuterie and cheese, at this one-night-only class on cuisine, culture, and seasonality.

Downtown Co-op Connections Building

405 E. Holly St., Bellingham

Widnor Farms Dinners

June 17, July 15, July 22

Farm-to-table doesn’t get any more literal than this! Head to Widnor Farms and enjoy a meal of farm-raised meats and garden grown veggies prepared by Chef Josh VanHine. The event takes place at a long, communal dining table under the shelter of lighted willow trees, and it’s been called the “ultimate date night” by past attendees.

Widnor Farms

1858 W. Badger Rd., Custer

Schooner Zodiac

Fourth of July

Fireworks Dinner Sail

July 4, 6:45–11 p.m.

Want a bit of adventure this 4th of July? Then embarking on the Schooner Zodiac may be up your alley. Get out on the water and enjoy views of Eliza, Lumma, and Portage islands, then fire off a salute from the ship’s cannon to mark the holiday. Afterwards, enjoy the view with a drink by your side as you await a pork rib dinner, plus a variety of seasonal salads and sides.

Bellingham Cruise Terminal

355 Harris Ave., Bellingham

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.

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 tempurafried 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.

LEADER BLOCK TRATTORIA & BAR Italian

2026 Main St., Ferndale

360.306.8998, leaderblock.com

Leader Block pairs their extensive wine list with an Italian, from-scratch menu that emphasizes flavors of the region. This upscale menu makes it a perfect spot for a date or special occasion, while the friendly Ferndale atmosphere and kids’ menu keep it appropriate for family dinners as well.

LOMBARDI’S Italian

21 Bellwether Way, Ste. 112, Bellingham 360.714.8412, lombardisitalian.com

This waterfront bistro pairs classic Italian eats with a standout wine list and idyllic views of the Squalicum Harbor. Their menu features ingredients both local and imported, with items like sauces, dressings, and desserts made inhouse from scratch. Keep an eye out for events including wine dinners and monthly wine club meetings.

LORENZO’S Mexican

902 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley

360.856.6810, lorenzosmexicanrestaurant.com

Lorenzo’s was established in 2006 with the goal of bringing an authentic Mexican restaurant to the communities of Bellingham, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and customers are always made to feel at home.

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.

THE MILL AT SEVENTH French

655 Front St., Lynden

360.778.2760

The Mill is the type of place where one could spend a full afternoon grazing on cheeses, sipping cocktails, and enjoying a good book. The bistro-like atmosphere gives the restaurant a European vibe without losing the welcoming small-town service of Lynden. The menu is full of bistro plates like fresh salads, paninis, soups, and, of course, meats and cheeses.

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.

NICKI’S BAR AND GRILL/ NICKI’S BELLA

MARINA American, Seafood

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

Harborside visitors can grab a bite at Nicki’s Bar and Grill or rent out the floor above, Nicki’s Bella Marina, for private events with spectacular views of Bellingham Bay. Once you’ve had a chance to check out the water, take your first glance at the large menu. The

Meet the Family Behind Whatcom’s Most Exciting New Winery Van Vino Winery

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY COCOA LANEY

PERCHED ON A steep, four-acre hillside just south of Canada is a vineyard that’s both familyowned and community-minded. The Delooff and Van Wingerden families transformed what was once a dairy farm into a full-fledged winery, even renovating an old milking parlor into a tasting room but although the property itself is picturesque, the quality of the wines is what makes Van Vino Winery truly memorable.

Van Vino started as a hobby for Dave Van Wingerden, who established the vineyard between the upper and lower greenhouses of Pacific Growers (which he also owns). While the first batch of wine was “mediocre at best,” the product started to improve once his daughter and son-in-law, Barb Delooff and Winemaker Zach Delooff, came on board.

“Learning to make wine has been a challenge. With no schooling or experience, I learned the basics from a family friend who made wine in his garage for his friends and family,” Zach says. “I have learned a lot through trial

and error. We have had some wines that didn’t turn out and then others that have turned out astonishingly well.”

Despite the lack of experience, it became clear that Zach’s combination of drive and raw talent was a recipe for success and what began as a hobby quickly blossomed into a fullfledged business.

Van Wingerden initially asked Cloud Mountain Farm Center to recommend grapes that would thrive in Blaine’s unique climate, and so many of Van Vino’s wines are made with estategrown fruit. Other popular grapes (such as merlot and grenache) don’t grow well west of the Cascades, so Delooff sources them from Red Mountain.

“Our climate is quite like that of France, Germany, and Austria, so we grow varietals that originated and do well in those countries,” says Zach. “Our most popular varieties that we grow are pinot noir, sauvignon blanc and Madeleine Angevine from France, Zweigelt and Gruner Veltliner from Austria, and Siegerrebe from Germany.”

Zach hopes to increase this focus on estate-grown wine, noting that quality fruit usually translates to superior wine. Right now he’s most proud of Van Vino’s pinot noir, which also happens to be one of the winery’s most popular bottles. Pinot noir is a difficult grape to grow and requires more time to ripen when compared to other grapes at the vineyard; however, if this year’s crop is balanced, Zach says the grape has “serious potential.”

Other standout bottles include the estate-grown Madeleine Angevine, which is citrusy, lightly floral, and perfect for a summer picnic. In terms of whites, I was also a big fan of the bright, crisp Gruner Veltliner as well as the chardonnay, which was lightly oaky without being heavy. As far as reds go, both the Red Mountain-grown malbec and merlot were fruity, balanced, and surprisingly complex.

Van Vino’s tasting room is currently only open by appointment, but Zach hopes to change this in the near future. In the meantime, however, their wines are available online and at the Green Barn, Appel Farms, and Herb Niemann’s Steakhouse in Everson.

“Our main goal for 2023 is to get name recognition and wines into stores and restaurants,” Zach says. “Equally as important to that is continuing to learn and grow in the art of winemaking and make better wines each year. … You are never done learning when it comes to winemaking and growing grapes.” Blaine, vanvinovineyard.com 

Dish Foundation Serves Up Savory Sweets

Amongst Hearts Of Gold

THE SUN IS shining at “The Portal” Container Village on the Bellingham waterfront. As the staff at Our Kitchen sets up for the day the smell of coffee and baked goods is in the air. Delicious pastries, pretzels, and cookies as well as savory treats such as hot dogs and quesadillas are served up fresh. Our Kitchen doesn’t only offer great food and a smile, but also opportunities. Founded in 2022 by Suzanne Taylor, Our Kitchen works with the organization Dish Foundation to provide on-the-job

training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“The work we are doing is transforming lives which creates a ripple effect supporting the local economy and providing gainful employment for an underserved population.“ Our Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can view the menu and learn more by visiting Our Kitchen online . .” Our Kitchen is Located in the The Portal Container Village, 296 W Laurel, Bellingham., ourkitchenbellingham.com, 360.922.6710 

burgers are big, juicy (there are even Wet-Naps on the table), and flavorful.

THE NORTH FORK BREWERY Eclectic, Bar

6186 Mount Baker Hwy., Deming 360.599.2337

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

NORTHWATER Regional NW

4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham 360.398.6191, northh2o.com

From breakfast to late night dinner, northwater’s 185-seat restaurant features a diverse menu of Pacific Northwest dishes made from locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant’s waitstaff is personable and enthusiastic eager to answer our questions about ingredient sources and what desserts they’d recommend.

OISHII Asian 424 W. Bakerview Rd., Ste. 101, Bellingham 360.671.6007, oishiiteriyaki.com

The next time you find yourself craving Asian fusion, head to Bakerview Square for sushi, teriyaki, noodles, and more. “Oishii” means “delicious” in Japanese and as any of their longtime regulars will tell you Bellingham’s Oishii Teriyaki & Rolls more than lives up to its name.

OTHERLANDS BEER Brewery, European 2121 Humboldt St., Bellingham 360.746.8118, otherlandsbeer.com

Keeping in the theme of small European breweries, the menu features only six beers half ales and half lagers some of which you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. The café’s menu captures the spirit of European street fare, with dishes like pierogis and falafel. It’s food that allows you to have a couple beers with your friends and feel great.

THE RUSTY WAGON OLD TYME FOOD CO.

American 6937 Hannegan Rd., Lynden 360.354.5236, rustywagongoodeats.com

The menu at The Rusty Wagon overflows with options. Breakfast is served late and has all

High-Quality Ice Cream All Rolled Up Cryo Rolls

WRITTEN BY TAYLER ROBERTSON

PHOTOGRAPHED BY COCOA LANEY AND TAYLER ROBERTSON

“

WHATEVER YOU ARE thinking about right now, just do it,” was the text Izaiah Ellis got as he sat on his couch contemplating his plan to start a business. After getting laid off from his job in 2020, Ellis was wondering what to do next.

Bringing in his love of culinary arts, Ellis started recipe testing for rolled ice cream as the craze filled his YouTube suggestions. After a week, the perfect concoction of heavy cream, condensed milk, and sugar was ready. The house-made product is categorized as Super Premium, meaning the best of the best.

“The FDA has rankings for ice cream which a lot of people don’t know about. … Super Premium is a butterfat and air content calculation,” says Ellis. “Not very many companies fall into Super Premium.”

With this green light, 23-year-old Ellis started a small business where he rolled ice cream from a cart at private events thus the birth of Cryo Rolls.

Like everyone in Gen-Z, Ellis then took to TikTok to make videos on variations of rolled ice cream with the series “Will It Roll?” Cryo Rolls has since garnered a whopping 1.7 million followers on TikTok and continues to engage with customers worldwide.

With so much customer traction, Ellis relocated to a storefront tucked away in a corner of the Granary Building. Cryo Rolls opened its doors in September 2022 to curious customers who couldn’t wait to get their hands on Bellingham’s first rolled ice cream (and to cheekily get their face on the famous TikTok Live that hosts thousands of followers daily).

Entering the bright space with swirls on the wall, customers can immediately hear the clanking of metal spatulas as they turn melted creations into frozen rolls. Employees live up to the slogan, “We just love ice cream,” and from afternoon untill evening, they work with customers to create their perfect treat. Expect engaging conversations and toppings suggestions to make your ice cream even more delicious!

Cryo Rolls offers a menu that satisfies everyone’s needs, from the basic to the adventurous. Flavors range from Strawberry Cheesecake, made with a sweet and rich cream base, graham crackers, and tart frozen strawberries, to Cornbread, made with the same cream base, moist cornbread laced with butter, and finished with a syrupy drizzle of honey and whipped cream. A vegan option is also available with a coconut and soy base; just let an employee know before starting.

Ellis takes a hands-on approach when creating flavors, noting, “We’re pushing the boundaries a lot. It’s very hard; I think I’ve created about 100 different flavors in six months.” With a weekly rotating menu consisting of four different flavors, the possibilities are endless.

The future of Cryo Rolls is promising as Ellis talks about collaborations with local shops, the possibility of opening up more locations, and even more delicious concoctions. Follow Cryo Rolls on TikTok @cryorolls to see live updates or just say hi. 1207 Granary Ave., Ste. 150, Bellingham, cryorolls.com 

PICTURE THIS: IT’S a Monday afternoon, but instead of being stuck at a desk, you’re lounging on a balcony in Positano. The sun is slipping below the Tyrrhenian Sea, you’re basked in the soft glow of golden hour, and your only preoccupying thought is the beauty of the Italian seaside. Oh yes, and did we mention there’s a cocktail in your hand?

Okay, that exact scenario might be a bit of a stretch for most people’s Mondays. But while we can’t physically transport you to the Amalfi Coast, we can tell you where to get a cocktail that will take you there mentally and that place is Milano’s in Fairhaven.

I stopped into Milano’s on an unseasonably warm Monday, and in an effort to beat the heat, I asked for the summeriest drink on the menu. I was presented with the Maid in Amalfi and with just three

Milano’s Italian Restaurant Maid in Amalfi

Ingredients: Jaguar Gin, Finocchietto, lime, cucumber, mint

the diner favorites, but the burgers are clearly their specialty with a large selection on both the lunch and dinner menus. Don’t miss the full bar with sports screens, top-shelf liquors, beer, and more. Beyond the catch phrases and cowboy hats, The Rusty Wagon is a familyfriendly place to grab a burger.

SKYLARK’S HIDDEN CAFE Eclectic

1308 11th St., Bellingham

360.715.3642, skylarkshiddencafe.com

Skylark’s Hidden Cafe in Fairhaven is worth seeking out. From decadent breakfast items and house specialties to hearty dinner entrees, the menu at Skylark’s is varied and every bite delicious. Come for the food and stay for the jazz on select evenings.

TASTE OF INDIA Indian

3930 Meridian St., Ste. 107, Bellingham

360.647.1589, tasteofindiabellingham.com

At Taste of India, all the dishes are rich, delicious, and authentic. Dishes come with your choice of pulao rice or the classic Indian bread naan. Taste of India offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, all with exquisite and well-developed flavors. For those unsure of what to order, or those who want to try multiple dishes at once, try the lunch buffet.

SKAGIT

sips, I was in vacation mode. Most Italian-inspired summer cocktails use liqueurs like limoncello and Aperol, but this drink takes a road less traveled. Floral gin is complemented by flavors including citrus, mint, and a vegetal crispness from cucumber and Finocchietto (an Italian digestif made from fennel). The result is a warmweather cocktail that’s refreshing but not overly sweet.

Dreaming of embracing la dolce vita this summer? In lieu of that balcony in Amalfi, try grabbing a seat on the patio at Milano’s. All their libations are worth sampling, and in true Italian fashion, most of them are made with spirits distilled by Milano’s owners. We couldn’t possibly choose a favorite among them but when the evenings are long and the weather is warm, the Maid in Amalfi does the trick. 1210 11th St., Bellingham, 360.599.2863, milanosrestaurantbar.com

13MOONS AT SWINOMISH CASINO & LODGE Seafood, Steak

12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, 360.588.3525, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com

Located on the waterfront within the casino, 13moons is sure to catch your attention. The menu offers a wide variety including first plates, entree salads, seafood, and steaks. Give this go-to place for locals a try and you will be walking away satisfied.

BOB’S CHOWDER BAR & BBQ SALMON

Seafood, American 3320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.299.8000, bobschowderbarandbbqsalmon.com

Treasured for its fresh and local seafood, Bob’s Chowder Bar & BBQ Salmon has long been a favorite dining destination in Anacortes. The restaurant specializes in all-things seafood, from fried calamari to oyster burgers and grilled wild prawns. Pair your meal with a huckleberry or sarsaparilla soda, wine by the glass, hard cider, bottled beer, or a featured beer on tap.

COCOA LANEY

Photo by Cocoa Laney

CALICO CUPBOARD American

901 Commercial Ave., Anacortes,, 360.293.7315, 720 S. 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4451, 121-B Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon, 360.336.3107, calicocupboardcafe.com

Since 1981, Calico Cupboard has been serving the purest, most heart-healthy, and high-quality ingredients. Using freshly milled, organicallygrown, whole grain and unbleached flour, the cafe aims to promote its local farmers and gratify your body in the process. Sit down for breakfast or lunch, or just order from the bakery and grab an espresso to go. Calico Cupboard will leave you full, but feeling homey, healthy, and happy.

CHUCKANUT MANOR Pacific Northwest

3056 Chuckanut Dr., Bow 360.766.6191, chuckanutmanor.com

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

FORTUNE MANDARIN Chinese, Mandarin

1617 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon

360.428.1819, fortunemandarin.com

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

IL GRANAIO Italian

100 W. Montgomery St., Ste. 110 Mount Vernon

360.419.0674, granaio.com

Il Granaio is a practice in the intricacies of cuisine, displaying the best flavors Italian food has to offer. With more than 30 items on the entree menu, the list can be quite daunting and the dessert menu is also impressive. The wine menu is also expansive, and the beer menu features several local craft brews. Their grappa selection does the Italian cordial the justice it deserves.

MEET OUR SOMMELIER

Amberleigh’s Summer Wine Picks

JUNE

full of texture, which certainly matches the wine inside the beautiful bottle.

You can purchase this wine online at ste-michelle.com or at their stunning chateau grounds in Woodinville.

Tasting Notes: Scents of black olives, cardamom, forest, tea leaves and vanilla bean are followed with a smooth, deep palate of dark cherry, anise, bay leaves, and a lingering, velvety finish.

Chateau

Ste. Michelle 2019 Artist Series Red Blend

Origin/Price: Columbia Valley, WA

$70

Blend: 61% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot, 6% malbec, 2% cabernet franc

Chateau Ste. Michelle (CSM) is Washington State’s most recognized brand and often cited as the world’s largest producer of riesling. CSM teams up with big names like Antinori, Dr. Loosen, and Michael Gassier to collaborate and make wonderful Washington wines of many varietals.

This Bordeaux-style blend is part of the Artist Series, which has been produced since 1993 with partnerships from different artists, using the finest blend of their finest fruit from each vintage. Jazz Brown is 2019’s artist and creates art inspired by minimalism and

Pairing Suggestion: Bacon-wrapped filet mignon with mushroom demi sauce, forbidden rice, or blueberry tart.

JULY

Thurston Wolfe 2022 PGV

Origin/Price: Columbia Valley, WA $16

Blend: 70% viognier, 30% pinot gris

Chateau Ste. Michelle is one organization lucky enough to have had Dr. Wade Wolfe’s colorful wine knowledge and expertise before he set off to start Thurston Wolfe with his wife, Becky, in 1987. Since then, it has become a family affair, even involving his son Josh. Currently, he and Assistant Winemaker Chris Wright make award-winning wines in Prosser and have garnered multiple

Amberleigh Brownson has been a local sommelier and international wine judge in Whatcom county for eight years. She is a four-time 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. 

industry honors for their outstanding contributions to the world of Washington wine.

You can purchase this wine online at thurstonwolfe.com and at various restaurants throughout the Pacific Northwest. Thurston Wolfe offers a wine club membership as well.

Tasting Notes: Aromas of gardenias, bananas foster, ocean breeze and tangerine rind mingle with flavors of lemonheads, peach flesh, honeydew melon, and white pepper.

Pairing Suggestion: Strawberry and arugula salad, Manila clams, Crab Louie, fruit salad, chicken piccata, strawberry shortcake, or white chocolate macadamia cookies. 

Amberleigh Brownson

THE OYSTER & THISTLE RESTAURANT & PUB Seafood, Steak

205 E. Washington St., La Conner 360.766.6179, theoysterandthistle.com

The Oyster & Thistle Restaurant and Pub takes the time to prepare food with care. Their pastas are handmade and hand-cranked using semolina flour and an egg-rich dough. You’ll also find plenty of fresh, expertly shucked oysters and perfectly seared sea scallops.

POIRIER’S ON THE RIVER Gastropub

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

Poirier’s on the River is an ideal combination of high-end, fine dining, and English pub fare. Try traditional pub selections or more unique seafood choices. Additionally, Poirier’s on the River looks to accommodate all tastes with gluten-free dishes. Of course, a pub isn’t complete without beer and Poirier’s on the River completes the dining experience with numerous taps of local and European brews.

RISTRETTO COFFEE LOUNGE & WINE BAR

American

416 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.0951, ristrettocoffeelounge.com

Ristretto doesn’t have a kitchen, but the baristas know their way around a panini press. You can also order breakfast all day, fresh salads, hearty bagels, or one of the baked goods brought in three times a week from nearby bakeries.

SAKURA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR Japanese

1830 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington 360.588.4281, sakuraburlington.com

Professional Teppanyaki chefs take you on a journey of delicious and interactive dining at Burlington’s Sakura Japanese Steakhouse. Using the freshest ingredients and perfect seasonings, they stir-fry your meal right before your eyes, creating a fabulous feast. Choose from steak and chicken to salmon and shrimp; each meal is served with soup, salad, rice, and vegetables. If it’s sushi you crave, they also offer a full sushi bar.

8 TASTES GREAT

SHAMBALA BAKERY & BISTRO American

614 S. 1st Ave., Mount Vernon 360.588.6600, shambalabakery.com

Crack open Shambala Bakery and Bistro’s menu to find all-day breakfast options and an array of sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and lighter fare items such as quiche and soup. Their daily specials take advantage of what’s in season.

1

The Chicken Ramen at Setsunai Noodle Bar on Lopez Island is some of the North Sound’s best food. Featuring local ingredients, house-made noodles, and a deeply flavorful broth, this is a meal you won’t want to miss.

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The Vegan Crunchwrap at L&L Libations is late-night food done right. This plantbased take on Taco Bell is stuffed with all manner of veganfixings (including housemade vegan cheese!), then grilled to crispy perfection.

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You won’t need an accomplice to finish this sandwich. The perfectly sweet and savory Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich from Accomplice gets topped with house-made pickles and roast chicken mayo.

The 5-O is not your average sandwich. This Cheba Hut creation consists of a pork lunch meat medley, cheddar, and assorted pickled vegetables. Best of all, the savory “Shake & House” dressing takes the meaty sandwich to a whole new level.

No wonder it’s on the menu as a “top seller” the Asian 1 Honey Glazed Chicken from Asian 1 really is that good. A plentiful portion of fried chicken breast soaked in honey sauce is hard to resist!

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Be brave enough to have the Raspberry Bouchon from Cafe Blue for breakfast! This three-bite sweet is rich and chocolatey with a perfectly tart and sweet raspberry on top, a perfect treat to jump start your day.

Get a taste of Southern hospitality at Jack’s BBQ The Double Trouble is excellent for the indecisive minds, as this plate has options for two sides and two meats (we recommend the Half Chicken and Brisket for first timers).

Want a taste of France without the plane ticket?

Try Bistro Estelle Fairhaven’s new Frenchinspired restaurant serves a delicious take of Duck Confit with a sweet-spiced orange gastrique and bitter radicchio that pairs well with red wine.

Photo by Cocoa Laney

Exhibition: April 29 - July 15, 2023

Gallery Syre is proud to invite you to the exhibition David Syre: Drawings From Greece. The exhibition features an outstanding selection of recent drawings made in Greece offering a glimpse into David Syre's world as a traveler.

The gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 11 AM to 4 PM, and by appointment

We look forward to seeing you at the Gallery!

Three plays illuminating our entangled convictions.

JUNE 27 - JULY 23

BellinghamTheatreWorks.org

Written by Becky Mode

Directed by Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey

Based on characters created by Becky Mode & Mark Setlock

Photo by Jeanie Lewis

JUNE/JULY

SUMMER SIPS

June 2, 6–8:30 p.m.

It’s Downtown Mount Vernon’s biggest party! At your favorite participating local businesses you can enjoy in-store specials and events, craft beer, wine, and cider tastings. After you tour all the delicious sips, head to the Pop-Up Bottle Shop to take home a bottle or two of your favorite discoveries. Mount Vernon Downtown Association, S. 1st St., Mount Vernon, downtownmountvernon.org

LIGHT IN THE NIGHT GALA & AUCTION

June 9, 5:30 p.m.

Lighthouse Mission Ministries is celebrating 100 years of service to the homeless in our community with their sixth Annual Light in the Night Gala & Auction. Come in your best Roaring ‘20s attire (in recognition of the centurial milestone) for a delicious dinner, drinks, music, and a live auction. Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Rd., 360.671.1562, thelighthousemission.org

BELLINGHAM FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

July 1–24

2023 will be a year to remember for Bellingham’s premier classical music festival! Five guest conductors have selected distinct programs of music for the festival’s orchestra, made up of over 65 visiting top musicians, to perform. Each concert will be a totally different experience, so don’t miss out!

Concert Hall, Western Washington University Performing Arts Center, 516 High St., Bellingham, 360.201.6621, bellinghamfestival.org

PORT OF BELLINGHAM FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL

July 4, 2 p.m.-11 p.m.

No need to wait till it gets dark to celebrate the Fourth of July. Starting at 2 p.m., the festival provides family-friendly games and activities, live music, and a beer garden with local food and drink vendors. In the evening, hang onto your seats while you watch “the largest fireworks display in Whatcom County!” Bellingham’s Downtown Waterfront, 298 W. Laurel St., Bellingham, 360.676.2500, bellingham.org

OLD-FASHIONED FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

July 4, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Blaine does not joke around with their old-fashioned Independence Day celebrations! Activities start early with a car show, street fair, ferry rides, a Grand Parade at noon, a blow-out book sale at the library, and live music on three stages! After partying all day, settle in for their Fireworks Spectacular over Semiahmoo Bay. Downtown Blaine and Blaine Harbor, blainechamber.com

PRIDE IN BELLINGHAM

July 8–9

This large-scale Pride is taking Downtown by storm this July. The festivities will include a parade and street festival, a family picnic, and an all-ages dance party at Depot Market Square in the evening! The City of Bellingham, Rumors Cabaret, Boundary Bay, and some other favorite local businesses are lending their support to keep Pride free for all. Downtown Bellingham, prideinbellingham.org

WHATCOM YOUTH PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL

June 3, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Come out and support Whatcom county’s LGBTQIA+ youth at this young but mighty celebration. Line the streets or join in the Pride Parade to show your love! The route begins near Bellingham High School, wraps down and around up past City Hall, then back to BHS for the Festival, which highlights resources for LGBTQIA+ youth. Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, whatcomyouthpride.com

2023 NORTHWEST RASPBERRY FESTIVAL

July 14–15

Get a load of all the razzmatazz flooding the streets of Downtown Lynden for the 25th annual Northwest Raspberry Festival! There’s something for everyone between the Berry Fair street market, the drive-in car show, the 3-on-1 basketball tournament, an expanded kid’s zone, and of course, $2 raspberry sundaes. Downtown Lynden, lynden.org

Photo

By Emma Oates Courtesy of Whatcom Youth Pride

CASINOS

CHRIS EGER BAND

June 3, 7 p.m.

Chris Eger’s one-of-a-kind sound combines blues, country, soul, and good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, and he’s known to put on a show to remember. This “quadruple threat” is more than just a songwriter he’s a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and one heck of a showman. Tulalip Resort Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, 888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com

THE INFINITY PROJECT: TRIBUTE TO JOURNEY

June 4, 10 p.m.

Join Seattle’s only locally-based Journey tribute act, The Infinity Project, at Tulalip Resort Casino this summer! If you’ve been hoping for a night devoted to classic rock, then “Don’t Stop Believin’’ the Infinity Project is still “Faithfully” playing the hits “After All These Years.” Moreover, they welcome audiences of all generations (not “Only the Young”!) with “Open Arms.” Tulalip Resort Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, 888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

July 22, 7 p.m.

Lovers of blues rock won’t want to miss North by Northwest’s performance at Tulalip Casino. This guitar-driven quartet is known to play all manner of jams from the past seven decades, from timehonored classics to contemporary hits and everything in between. Tulalip Resort Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, 888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com

CLASSICAL

BSO: TRANSPORTED

June 4, 3 p.m.

Mark your calendars for the closing concert of the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra’s 47th season. The three signature pieces that will be played this evening have been chosen for their ability to transport the listener to other times and places. Concertmaster Dawn Posey and Amber Archibald-Sešek will feature as soloists. Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

BLAINE HARBOR MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 9–15

This annual festival brings a host of world-class performers to Blaine for six nights of music and culture. Presented by the Pacific Arts Association, the event aims to “educate, entertain, and inspire members of the community.” The 2023 edition even features a live camp program with four programs: Instrumental Jazz, Vocal Jazz, Pop/Rock Performance/ Songwriting, and New Horizons. Blaine, blaineharbormusicfestival.org

JERRY STEINHILBER’S JAZZ EXPLOSION

June 21, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

The ever-innovative drummer Jerry Steinhilber heads up this “large ensemble experiment” alongside some of the region’s most sought-after musicians. As Downbeat Magazine puts it, Steinhilber is “an equal partner in the development and execution of improvisational ideas, urging other members of the band to extend themselves.” FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham, jazzcenterofbellingham.org

CONCERTS

POSTMODERN JUKEBOX: LIFE IN THE PAST LANE TOUR

June 9, 7:30 p.m.

Postmodern Jukebox is all about giving audiences the “most sensational 1920s party this side of The Great Gatsby,” so if you’re ready to party like it’s 1923, get your tickets now. This musical collective takes today’s top hits and performs them in accordance with old-timey styles, resulting in a night of music that audiences of any age can enjoy. Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

BABYCAKES AT SAMSON ESTATES WINERY

June 11, 2–5 p.m.

Babycakes won Best Performer in Bellingham Alive’s own 2022 Best of the Northwest awards, and if you want to find out why, catch them live this summer at Samson Estates Winery! The event marks the first of two summer concerts at Samson Estates, and guests can expect not just music but food, drinks, and (depending on the weather) wine slushies. Samson Estates Winery, 1861 Van Dyk Rd., Everson, 360.966.7787, samsonestates.com

PEDRO THE LION

July 1, 8:30 p.m.

Pedro the Lion, a.k.a. Dave Bazan, is celebrating the birthdays of his fanfavorite first and third LPs, 1998’s “It’s Hard to Find a Friend” and 2002’s “Control.” Join Bazan, Erik Walters on guitar, and Terence Ankeny on drums as they play every song from each album across the U.S. (and at Bellingham’s own Wild Buffalo). Wild Buffalo House of Music, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

TRIUMPHANT QUARTET

July 8, 7 p.m.

Join Triumphant Quartet at the Mount Baker Theatre for a soulful performance of award-winning gospel music. Triumphant stands for not just music but “Christian integrity, family values, friendship, and dedication,” and ever since their first performance in 2003, the group’s songs have continually climbed the Top 40 charts. Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

STEVE EARL: ALONE AGAIN

July 21, 7:30 p.m.

Steve Earl is nothing short of a legend and you don’t have to take our word for it. Over the years, his tunes have been performed by Johnny Cash, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, The Pretenders, and “countless others.” Catch this Grammy-winning songwriter and performer on the Mount

Steve Earl: Alone Again Courtesy of Mount Baker Theatre

Baker Theatre’s main stage this summer! Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

ZELLA DAY

July 28, 9 p.m.

If the name Zella Day rings a bell, it might be because of her collaborations with iconic artists like Lana del Rey and Weyes Blood or it might be because her mysterious, desert-rock musicianship is memorable in its own right. Catch her at the Wild Buffalo for a chance to hear songs from her hit 2022 album, “Sunday in Heaven,” live. Wild Buffalo House of Music, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

WELLNESS

BELLINGHAM SWIMRUN

June 11, 9 a.m.

Get your running shoes on and your goggles ready, because this Swedish summertime sport takes participants both into the water and onto dry land (as its name might imply). Racers have the option for both a 5K and 15K course at Lake Padden where they will swim and run multiple times during the course, and can complete as a team of two or solo. Lake Padden, 4882 Samish Way, Bellingham, questraces.com

CHUCKANUT FOOT RACE

July 8, 9 a.m.

This point-to-point race kicks off at Fairhaven’s Marine Park and finishes at Larrabee State Park. It’s been a summertime tradition since 1968,

making 2023 its 55th year! Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place female and male winners, and racers can expect food, drink, and live music at the finish line. Marine Park, 100 Harris Ave., Bellingham, gbrc.net

TOUR DE WHATCOM

July 22, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Can’t make it to the Tour de France? The Tour de Whatcom is basically the next best thing! Its courses encompass everything there is to love about our county, from rivers and lakes to mountains, the bay, and the beaches. After the race, make sure to stop by the post-ride party at Boundary Bay Brewery! Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, 360.746.8861, tourdewhatcom.com

PIRATE RUN

July 29, 10 a.m.

The Anacortes Art Dash is now in its second year as the Pirate Run, and is taking place the weekend before the Anacortes Arts Festival. Runners can choose from a 5K, a 10K, and even a kid-friendly 1-mile fun run, and although costumes aren’t required, those who show up in their swashbuckling best are eligible for special prizes. 505 O Ave., Anacortes, anacortesartsfestival.com

THEATER

SHE LOVES ME

June 9–11, 15–18, 22–25

Bellingham Theatre Guild’s summer musical is set in a European perfumery, where squabbling coworkers Amalia and Georg both respond to a “lonely hearts advertisement” in the newspaper but even after the love letters begin, the identity of their admirers is shrouded in mystery. This amusing and romantic musical is the third adaptation of a 1937 play “Parfumerie” by Hungarian Playwright Miklós László, and it’s produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham, 360.733.1811, bellinghamtheatreguild.com

FAIRHAVEN SUMMER REPERTORY THEATRE

June 27–July 23

Presented by Bellingham Theatreworks, the 2023 Fairhaven Summer Repertory Theatre season features three riveting plays: “What the Constitution Means to Me,” “Keely and Du,” and “Gidion’s

Knot.” These two dramas and a comedy are performed in repertory six nights a week from June 27 through July 23, and if you don’t have your tickets yet, then what are you waiting for?

FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.510.4711, bellinghamtheatreworks.org

FULLY COMMITTED

June 30–July 30

Sam dreams of making it onstage in New York City, but his family commitments and frantic day job at a chichi Manhattan restaurant keeps him otherwise occupied. Join him as he comes into his own artistry in these pay-what-you-can performances, where one actor plays not just Sam but every member of the play’s ensemble. San Juan Community Theatre, 100 2nd St., Friday Harbor, 360.378.3210, sjctheatre.org

SPECIAL EVENTS

AN EVENING OF BELLY DANCE AND IRAQI DANCE

June 3, 6:30 p.m.

Rachel Carter of Rachel Belly Dances will be joined by several out-of-town guest performers, including Bellydancer Lara Victoria from Olympia and Drummer David Metz from Seattle. This lively cultural event features raqs sharqi (oriental dance), fusion, and Iraqi dance, plus occasional bits of history as shared by the evening’s Toastmaster. FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham, rachelbellydances.com

BELLINGHAM VEGAN RESTAURANT WEEK

June 5–11

If you believe that plant-based food is bland or boring, then you won’t want to miss Bellingham Vegan Restaurant Week because the city’s most talented chefs are ready to prove you wrong. Last year’s event had participation from more than 30 local eateries, and 2023 is poised to be bigger, better, and tastier than ever. Expect much more than boring burgers or sad salads: These meals are innovative, intentional, and satisfying enough that you won’t even miss the meat. Bellingham, bellinghamvegfest.org

For more events go to BellinghamAlive.com/Events

An Evening of Belly Dance and Iraqi Dance

Photo by Sattva Photo

Michael Palmer, Conductor Laureate

Glowing chandeliers, hardwood floors, a romantic balcony, and sandstone fireplace create unique ambiance. 5,000 sq. ft. allows you to have your wedding and reception in one place. Your day will be remembered in this beautiful indoor venue.

ANACORTES PRIDE PARADE AND CELEBRATION

June 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Get ready to party, because it’s Anacortes’s second annual Pride Parade and Celebration! Show up and show out at the parade, which starts at 11 a.m. and runs through Downtown Anacortes along Commercial Avenue. Directly afterwards, head to Causland Memorial Park for a family picnic, talent showcase, and other ways to celebrate. Downtown Anacortes and Causland Memorial Park, 710 N. Ave., Anacortes, anacortespride.org

ART THAT GLOWS! ART PAINTING PARTY

June 17, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

BYOB to this adults-only (18+) painting party, hosted by Bellingham’s own Miss Rachel Simpson. Participants will create two unique pieces of art using glow-inthe-dark neon paints (because, yes, UV art from the ‘90s is on trend again!). All art supplies are included, but make sure to wear clothes you can get messy in. Allied Arts of Whatcom County, 1418 Cornwall Ave., Ste. A, Bellingham, 360.650.9317, rachelswhimsicalart.com

20TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF THE ROSE

June 24, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Fans of summertime flora are invited to participate in “A Rosy Day Out” at Christianson’s Nursery, which features an ice cream social, a community rose display, a friendly rose competition, and even presentations from keynote speakers. This is your chance to connect with like-minded gardeners and learn all the tips and tricks you need to grow beautiful roses in your own backyard. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Rd., Mount Vernon, 360.466.3821, christiansonsnursery.com

BIRCH BAY KITE FESTIVAL

June 24–25

Fly your kite alongside kids and grownups alike at Birch Bay State Park this summer! In addition to the spectacle, attendees can enjoy a kite-making demo, vendor markets, live entertainment, and other kid-focused activities during this weekend of summertime fun. As always, one kite is provided for free per child. Birch Bay State Park, 5105 Helweg Rd., Blaine, birchbaywa.org

20th Annual Celebration of the Rose Courtesy of Christianson’s Nursery

Vote For The Happy Place "Best Corporate Meeting Space"

1300 Broadway St., Bellingham 360.733.1560 broadwayhall.com

BIRCH BAY SAND SCULPTURE COMPETITION

July 29, 7 a.m.–1 p.m.

If June in Birch Bay is all about kites, then July is dedicated to the craft of sandcastle building. Unleash your artistry solo, build a “business sculpture” with your company, or bring the kiddos along for a day of family-friendly fun options for participation are practically unlimited! Just stick to natural materials found on the beach, such as driftwood, water, and of course sand. Birch Bay Dr., Blaine, birchbaywa.org

VISUAL ARTS

DAVID SYRE: DRAWINGS FROM GREECE

April 29–July 15

The latest exhibition from Gallery Syre is a showcase of American outsider artist David Syre’s works inspired by travels through Greece. Syre is known for his bold and colorful creative works, often utilizing traveling lines and wandering between impressionistic and abstract expression. Explore his artistic personality applied to Grecian sights and experiences. Gallery Syre, 465 W. Stuart Rd., Bellingham, 360.746.8745, gallerysyre.com

CHROMATIFORM

June 2–July 1

Head to the Allied Arts Gallery on June 2 from 6–9 p.m. for the opening reception of “Chromatiform,” a.k.a. the June edition of Allied Arts’ 2023 Exhibit series. Patrons can browse works by artists including Lori VanEtta, Jabez Richard, Brian Simpson, Beth Anna Margolis, Barbara Hicks, SASS!, and Ann Chaikin, and the art will stay on display until July 1. Allied Arts Gallery, 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.8548, alliedarts.org

OUT OF TOWN

SEATTLE

SEATTLE PRIDE PARADE

June 25, 11 a.m.

As Seattle Pride puts it, “Achieving equal rights for LGBTQIA+ persons requires more than throwing parades and hosting picnics. (Although, let’s be honest: We’re fabulous at both.)” While the organization coordinates advocacy efforts throughout the year, their big

event and Washington’s biggest LGBTQIA+ parade takes place on June 25. Downtown Seattle, 206.306.3182, seattlepride.org

CAPITOL HILL BLOCK PARTY

July 21–23

This big-deal block party is celebrating its 25th year, and this year’s lineup is nothing short of impressive. (Acts like Sofi Tukker, Muna, and Denzel Curry are set to take the stage!) If the prior week’s Tune-Up Festival has you in the mood for even more music, food, and fun, head down to Seattle for what’s sure to be yet another weekend to remember. Seattle, capitolhillblockparty.com

VANCOUVER B.C.

VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 14–16

The Vancouver Folk Festival is a truly beloved event, bringing in 40,000 visitors from Vancouver and beyond each year. The festival boasts artists both international and local, plus a healthy dose of “hippie spirit.” Performances are sure to entertain audiences of all ages, so don’t be afraid to dance! Jericho Beach Park, 3941 Point Grey Rd., Vancouver, B.C., thefestival.bc.ca

Seattle Pride Parade

Photo by Nate Gowdy

The sky and water became one made by this unique setting sun. We wished it would last hours, but darkness arrived in mere minutes. I was so grateful my trusty camera was close by.

JUDD M. GREENWOOD

North Sound photographers, we want to see what you’ve got. We’re looking for locally generated photographs for our Lasting Image feature. We’re seeking local nature photographs ones that freeze a moment, tell a story, evoke an emotion. We’ll run your photo, along with your name, where you’re from, where the photo was shot, and a short 40-word write-up about the photo (inspiration for it, how you got it, meaning behind it, etc.). The photo must be high resolution (300 dpi) with no watermarks. Send to design@bellinghamalive.com. Then sit back and enjoy the view.

Photo by Judd M. Greenwood

First home equity loan closed

First toast to our completed remodel

First bookshelvesbuilt-in

Fund Your Home Projects, Purchases, Education, or Debt Consolidation

Home Equity Line of Credit

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Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is based on loan amount, interest rate, LTV and credit score. Example rate is based on a primary residence and borrower credit score of 740. Assumes the borrower has a first lien mortgage and the home equity loan is a second lien on subject property. Max 80% LTV. Rates, terms, and fees are current as of 4/24/2023 and are subject to change without notice.

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