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.

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.