Local businesses pivot with new ideas

We took a trip around the Fjord to see what local businesses were doing to stay "afloat" in this time of uncertainty. We were amazed at their resilience.

Parks extends reservations into fall

Around the State | In response to a higher-than-normal demand for camping due to COVID-19, WA State Parks is extending reservations at select parks later into fall than usual. Campers can make a reservation and stay through Nov. 1.For many parks, the camping season normally ends Sept. 30, and State Parks stops accepting reservations for the season on Sept. 15. The extension is for the 2020 season only. Extended camping and reservations include the following nearby parks: Belfair — campsites and cabins; Lake Sylvia — campsites; Millersylvania — camping extended to year-round; Potlatch — campsites; Scenic Beach — campsites; and Twanoh — campsites. State Parks advises campers to plan ahead and make reservations, rather than show up at a park and hope for a vacancy. This ensures campers will have a site or a cabin when they arrive. For info visit washington.goingtocamp.com, or call 888-CAMPOUT.

Belfair State Park

Finnriver's curated cider sets available

Chimacum | Finnriver's Orchard Series Ciders are fermented primarily from their estate-grown, organic cider apples and pears, with apples from a network of small regional orchard allies. These ciders aspire to celebrate the soils, waters and maritime climate of the Chimacum Valley, along with presenting elegant variations on the classic cider. The Tree-To-Table Six Pack are offered for pick-up at their Chimacum store or by shipment through finnriver.com.

Bridge socks and swag

Lilliwaup | Hama Hama Oyster Co., Lilliwaup, stepped up their game amidst the confusion to offer reservation opportunities at the Saloon for their oyster fans as well as extended products online including the oysters we love 'em for, clams, crab cakes, sauces, meal kits, and some inspired new items including the "oyster slinger" and the comfy Poler socks ($12) that we're swooning over. hamahamaoysters.com

Fjord spirits

Hoodsport | A peach liqueur, back sweetened with honey is in the experimental stages at Hardware Distillery in Hoodsport. They are using organically grown honey from Rochester and experimenting with Blackberry, Fireweed, and Wild Flower. The formula and label approvals are in the works.

New octo-caps at YSS Scuba

Hoodsport | YSS Dive offers monthly PADI scuba diving certifications, Discover Scuba Diving for beginners, and guided tours for certified Divers. No matter the experience level, you will be welcome! We also offer a large variety of top rated scuba equipment, service from our experienced professionals, and high quality rental gear. Located right on the Hood Canal in the town of Hoodsport, WA.

Kayaks, kites & camping kits

Brinnon | Hood Canal Adventures’ new outdoor gear retail store was a great addition to their already robust line up this summer. Located at 306146 Hwy 101 the new business offers a "basecamp" for residents and visitors for information, tours, guidebooks, and maps, and outdoor supplies. September hours for rental walk-ins: Sat & Sun 10 AM - 5 PM / Mon - Fri by appointment. Basecamp Outfitters hours: Thur - Mon 9:30 AM to 5 PM. Kayak rentals are at Yelvik’s Beach 3 miles north at 251 Hjelvicks Rd. hoodcanaladventures.com

Mosquito Fleet crosses 7 seas

Belfair | Award winning boutique winery, Mosquito Fleet in Belfair is open for tastings Friday, Saturday & Sundays. Table seating limited to 5 people with indoor & outdoor seating. Now you can bring your none wine drinking friends (for shame) to sip with you with the addition of beer from 7 Seas Brewery.

Let the art shine at El Sarape Cantina

Shelton | Hood Canal artist, BriAnne Waite, has created another Day of the Dead mural for this local Shelton hangout. Check out her other themed art inside. El Sarape Cantina is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 AM - 9 PM; and Friday and Saturday 11 AM -10 PM for take out or dine in. elsarape.net

Trendy & cute locally, YES!

Shelton | Northwest Clothing Co. is a women's clothing store that offers a variety of styles & extended sizes in Shelton. They are constantly getting in new stock available at very reasonable prices. Shop local and head over to their store on Alder Street. Closed Mondays. northwestclothingco.com

Hungry? Let them eat pie in Shelton

Smoking Mo's has fruit, nut, cream, and savory pies available to order online. The choices are immense (some flavors are seasonal). Pies runs $24 to $28 while sweet petite bite-sized pies running $24/dozen. They even have lemon bars and peach cobbler available! Head over to smokingmos.com or call (360) 462-0163 for more details.

Go treasure hunting

seabeck | Hood Canal Vintage & Design by Kamkeekoloni is the jewel at the end of a road. Check out this colorful little shop for fantastic vintage treasures to take away the COVID blues. Open Wednesday through Sunday until 5 PM at 15398 Seabeck Hwy. (360) 865-0352

Let the school spirit shine

Shelton | The Shopper is more than printing and office supplies -- the custom apparel department has a selection of school spirit designs you can add to any item for just $5. Open Monday through Friday until 5 PM.

Roadtrip worthy destination

Port Gamble | If you haven't visited the historic town of Port Gamble yet, you should start planning your next road trip. This town just makes you feel good. Perched on the mouth of the Hood Canal, this community embraces and celebrates Washington's logging history with open arms. Stop by the Port Gamble General Store for shopping but be sure to head upstairs to enjoy the "Of Sea and Shore Museum" -- this collection is like nothing you have ever seen before. Hungry? Head next door to their waterview cafe that serves espresso, sandwiches, soups, fresh baked goods and even Olympic Mountain Ice Cream. Open daily. portgamblegeneralstore.com

Fall colors in Union

The first pumpkins have arrived at Hunter Farms, a seven generation farm in the Skokomish Valley. If that doesn't get you excited, stop by their store for the fresh corn, picked twice daily. hunter-farms.com

OysterFest adds 32' icon to Outlook Park

Shelton | In early September a giant Oyster Man mural replaced the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox (honoring Mason County Forest Festival) that welcomed vehicles arriving from the south into Shelton. The 32' plywood shellfish mural pays homage to the aquaculture industry in Mason County and the annual OysterFest event in Shelton. The mural is a new installment of the seasonal series that will annually occupy their post in Outlook Park. The mural is designed in the retro style of the historic Clarence Beauchamp Santa Claus that will replace the Oyster Man after Thanksgiving. The acrylic design was inspired by the OysterFest logo and required 14 sheets of plywood. The project was sponsored by Skookum Rotary Club with support from Explore Hood Canal and the City of Shelton. Skookum Rotary Club canceled this year’s OysterFest event based on potential COVID 19 risks and social distancing guideline. OysterFest annually draws over 12,000 people to the area.

Take home great food and brews

Quilcene | 101 Brewery at Twana Roadhouse is open to take out orders 9 AM - 6 PM daily. Help support this family owned and operated local eatery by ordering from their extensive menu. 101brewery.com

Meet Morgan Trail Steward at Alderbrook

Union | When Morgan Scherer (SHEAR-er) traveled from Indiana to start his new position at Alderbrook Resort & Spa as the Trails Steward this January he had no idea that a pandemic would take a blow at the hospitality industry. Nevertheless, over the last nine months he has shared a series of inspiring blog posts about anything outdoors at Alderbrook. From alders and bird watching to fungi and pileated woodpeckers – check out his tidbits of fun information at alderbrookresort.com/blog.

Blooms as far as the eye can see

Kamilche | Lynch Creek Dahlias U-Cut dahlia field south of Shelton is open for the season and is chock full of gorgeous flowers. Bring the whole family (and the camera). While visiting, wear a mask and social distance! .50 cents/stem or $5.00/dozen. 1880 SE Lynch Rd. lynchcreekdahlias.com

Women & wine golf lessons at Lake Limerick Golf Club

Shelton | The women's golf lessons were so popular this summer they have been continued through the end of September. Members were having so much FUN they told staff member, Mark Hendricks, "we want more!" This summer two sponsors stepped forward to support the lessons for men, women and youth. Brenda Bakken and Haigh Veterinary are outstanding community members, that made this program happen. Lake Limerick Golf Club & Café is located between Union and Shelton. They invite the public to come for a visit and a round of golf in their safe, quiet, and fun facility surrounded by freshwater lakes and lush forests. For information about group or private lessons, tee times, specials, or memberships call the Pro Shop at (360)-426-6290 or visit lakelimerickgolf.com.

Cedar for the oyster win

Kamilche | Recently Taylor Shellfish Farms hosted a grilled oyster recipe contest online. Their winner is Andrew Tye who received a $100 gift card for his "Cedar Bough Grilled Oysters with Watermelon Rind Black Vinegar Escabeche & Bacon." According to Taylor Shellfish, "this recipe stood out to us for its great use of the grill to impart flavor into the oysters." Don't worry, we all win, since you can find the full recipe on their Recipe Blog at taylorshellfishfarms.com.

MGH received Hands On Museum donations

Shelton | Mason Health was thrilled to receive several donations from the Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia, purchased and donated by Our Community Credit Union in August. The donations include arts and crafts kits for the younger patients and family fun boxes that will be raffled to Mason Health employees over the December holidays.

Hood Canal swag - "its a fjord" & others at 20% off

skokomish | We can't head out to the Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman right now, but we can still get a taste of the canal with these and over 50 other great designs available to order through Skokomish Tourism (check out the Shelton Paul Bunyan and the High Steel Bridge designs). Don't take our word for it, head to skokomishtourism.com/shop and check out the perfect image that say "Hood Canal" to you. And yes, it does get better, they are offering a 20 % discount to our readers. Type in promotional code FJORD20 to shirts for just $13 each! skokomishtourism.com/shop

Shelton Chamber seeks nominations

Local businesses are doing more than surviving, they are inspiring! Celebrate the best in our local business community by nominating those individuals who exemplify initiative for the annual awards presented by the Shelton-Mason Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber celebrates businesses within Mason County each year for their unique contributions, successes, and spirit of community. There are five distinguished categories to earn accolades this year so it’s time to reflect upon 2020 in a positive light; recall who made a big impact and submit a nomination on their behalf. The purpose of these awards is to highlight our appreciation for volunteers and businesses for all they do to support our hometown. “These nominees are extraordinary people who are dedicated to bettering our community,” says Chamber executive director Heidi McCutcheon. “It is immensely rewarding to acknowledge them for their service and to acknowledge the incredible difference they are making in our community.”

There is an opportunity to nominate among five awards including: Business, Rookie, Boss, Citizen, and Volunteer of the Year. All nominations are reviewed by a committee, who recommend three nominees from each category to go on the ballot. Once the Board receives and approves the final candidates, voting will be opened to Chamber members with one vote per category. Membership votes determine the award winners. The big reveal will take place at the Annual Gala in January.

“We are extraordinarily blessed with the caliber of those who share their talents to make Mason County a better place to live, work, and play,” McCutcheon adds. “They are a model for others to learn from and the President’s Choice award is a fantastic way to honor their tireless efforts.”

All criteria for consideration can be found online and submissions will be accepted through September 30. Nominees will be notified by the Chamber in early October and ultimately selected by the end of month. Category finalists will be showcased during an evening of excellence that culminates with five big award winners, one surprise Volunteer of the Year and an overall President’s Choice announcement a must-attend semi-formal event. Visit masonchamber.com for more information.

Shelton Cinemas opens at 25% capacity

Shelton | Get your tickets online at sheltoncinemas.com for local movie releases. . At this time they can only admit 25% capacity and are encouraging everyone to buy your tickets online at this time to make sure you have a seat available to you so no one has to be turned away due to lack of space. sheltoncinemas.com

NEW hometown pizzeria

Allyn | Stop by Allyn Pizza in beautiful downtown Allyn next to the post office at 18321 E Highway 3! They are open 11 AM - 9 PM. Order to go at (360) 277-5015 you can also visit their Facebook for a full menu including calzones! @AllynPizza

Guinness World Record for the largest display of Christmas trees

The largest display of illuminated Christmas trees consists of 797 trees, and was achieved by Mason County in Shelton, on Dec 7, 2019. Mason County is historically known as the Christmas tree capital of the world. To reignite the community spirit, the county decided to attempt this record title and created a Christmas tree maze as their display. Official word of the Guinness accomplishment was received in July 2020. The Guinness record can be viewed at guinnessworldrecords.com.

The icing on the half shell

Did you know that for years now Olympic Mountain Ice Cream, made in the Skokomish Valley by the Black family, has been making and delivering the delicious and unique oyster mignonette sorbet for Elliot's Oyster House in Seattle? Yep, its true. And it's worth driving to Seattle (even from Shelton) to eat fjord oysters on the half shell! olympicmountainicecream.com

Stock up on locally made soap loaves

We are all washing more these days. Why not make it enjoyable and therapeutic with one of these loaves crafted by local soapery, Riverdance Soapworks - Lavender, Day Tripper, Cranberry Spice, and Olympic Mist. Limited to supply on hand, each loaf can be cut into 12 1/2 regular bars. The cost is $42.20, orders can be placed online and shipped or picked up at the Olympia Farmers Market. riverdancesoapworks.com.

Waterfront Yoga classes available in Union

Join Michelle and Joonbug Yoga this fall at Alderbrook Resort and Spa! Classes are held outside through October then moved indoors. There is room for six non-resort guests during Phase 3. The cost is $108/person for Monday sessions and $84/ person for Friday sessions. Bring a yoga mat, mask and space 6' apart. Monday (nine classes): October 5 -November 30; Friday (seven classes): November 6 - December 18. Pre-registration required at joonbugyoga.com.