Local magazine celebrating our community, our people, and our lifestyle in Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan
Local magazine celebrating our community, our people, and our lifestyle in Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan Counties.
Operating as usual
This week's MENU Talk features some new spots, new specials, and a lot of great ways to drink and be merry with friends and family! Check it out via the link below.
Hours of Operation Thursday-Monday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Winter Specials at Diamond Jim's This local favorite is always a sure bet for diner food that hits the spot. For this holiday season, they've got a few comforting specials for you to enjoy! Holiday hot chocolate and Irish cream coffee to warm you up,....
"There’s more to the spirit of Christmas than mistletoe and gingerbread; after all, the holidays are also a season of generosity. If you’re wondering how to make a difference..."
Rounding out our excerpts from our Classic Christmas feature, we have the first half of our 40 Ways to Give Back section. Written by Cocoa Laney with photos provided by those included and credited within, this excerpt covers social services, environmental causes, and organizations that help with food. Cover photo courtesy of NSEA - Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association. Link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/lifestyle/classic-christmas-40-ways-to-give-back-part-1/
Wow, that snow came fast and quick! We hope everyone is staying safe and warm today. If you have some ingredients within reach, maybe you can spend a snow day playin' around with these recipes! These are an excerpt from our November/December feature, Classic Christmas, and were provided by Jenn Miranda, Rose Bachtel, and Kyle Gonzalez. Link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/dine/classic-christmas-recipes/
Happy Channukah from Bellingham Alive! For all who began celebrating last evening, we hope each night is filled with warmth and light.
"Some might think of Christmas dinner as the main event for holiday food, but others– especially those of us with little ones– know that the festivities start far earlier."
In today's excerpt from our November/December feature, Classic Christmas, we bring you suggestions for drinks, foods, farms, merchants, and everything else you could need to cater your holidays! Check out "Farm-to-Table Holiday Feasts," written by Cocoa Laney with a photo by Cocoa Laney and a photo courtesy of FarmWild, via the link below.
https://bellinghamalive.com/dine/classic-christmas-farm-to-table-holiday-feasts/
Good evening, everyone! This edition of Weekend Agenda features quite the medley of events-- they all have different energies, but they're all celebrating winter or the holiday spirit! Get some ideas for last minute gift shopping, wholesome family outings, or some exciting adventures via the link below!
In today's excerpt from our Classic Christmas feature, Kayla Colburn of Old Growth Photo & Film spoke to us about how to create a Christmas card that screams 'you'! Peak at her guidelines via the link below. Quotes from Kayla Colburn, photo provided by Old Growth Photo & Film.
https://bellinghamalive.com/lifestyle/classic-christmas-creating-the-perfect-christmas-card/
Get tips and tricks from a professional private Christmas tree decorator in today's Q&A with Noam Moore of Concept Design, LLC! Written and with photos courtesy of Noam Moore. Read via the link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/habitat/qa-meet-a-private-christmas-tree-decorator/
"If you’re looking for something a little different than your classic warmed or mulled holiday drink, The Black Cat in Fairhaven has got you covered."
Introducing: The Red Velvet Margarita! Curious about this tasty festive drink from The Black Cat? Check it out in today's Mixing Tin, written by Kristen Boehm and photographed by Cocoa Laney. Link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/dine/mixing-tin-red-velvet-margarita/
"Last year brought snow days a-plenty, so we’ve put together a few suggestions for having fun in the winter sun!"
Make some plans for outside adventures for the next cold snap with this little quick guide, written by Kristen Boehm. Link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/lifestyle/outdoorsy-winter-adventures-a-2022-round-up/
This week's MENU Talk wants you to get out around Bellingham and check out a new cafe, some new menu items, and get into the spirit of December festivities! See all the info with the link below.
Hours of Operation Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday-Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday Closed Maple.Bar brings the retro fun This spot opened up on Cordata two months ago! This little coffee and donut cafe is determined to brighten up your day with "bright, happy, boho-style rainbow" energy. Their...
Starting to feel like you're running out of time to find presents for everyone? In today's excerpt from our feature, Classic Christmas, we supply a bunch of fun ideas for gifts and where to find them! Written by Cocoa Laney with photos from various sources credited within the post, and cover photo by Let's Go Sig Photography. Link below! (Heads up, some of the markets in this excerpt have already passed, as the feature was originally published in November.)
https://bellinghamalive.com/lifestyle/classic-christmas-gifts-to-treasure/
Today's excerpt from our Classic Christmas feature is all about holiday spirit out on the town! Check out these events and locations for seeing beautiful lights, Christmas village vibes, and Santa photo ops! Written by Cocoa Laney with photos provided by Fairhaven Winterfest, the Whatcom Museum, and The Ferndale Heritage Society. Link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/lifestyle/classic-christmas-on-the-town/
"Healthy forests are essential to the wellbeing of our region and the people who inhabit it... Enter Whatcom Million Trees Project, a nonprofit dedicated to combating [ecological] issues at the most local level."
In today's Monday read, get to know the work of Whatcom Million Trees Project from Executive Director Michael Feerer. Written and photographed by Cocoa Laney, link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/lifestyle/conserving-our-forests-one-tree-at-a-time/
At home for the holidays? Check out this excerpt from our Classic Christmas feature that has tons of ideas and local businesses that can help turn your home into gorgeous and cozy holiday hub!
Written by Kristen Boehm and Cocoa Laney, with photos provided by Paul Bikis and Kelly Pearce. Link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/habitat/at-home-for-the-holidays/
It's officially December, and officially the holiday season! So we're releasing our 2022 Holiday Shopping Guide directly to you guys. Check out 32 local businesses so that you can shop small this holiday season! Link below ❄️🎁
Holiday Shopping Guide 2022
This week's Weekend Agenda is a treasure trove of winter activities, from markets and shows to parties and engaging experiences! Check it out via the link below.
"Traditional holiday meals aren’t always friendly to those on plant-based diets. That’s why Chef Cinnamon Berg took it upon herself to make something a little more filling: Enter the Beet Wellington, a.k.a. your new go-to plant-based main course."
Start prepping a delicious and different main course with this recipe provided by Chef Cinnamon of Cosmos Bistro, with photographs by Cocoa Laney. Link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/dine/beet-wellington/
"If you’re stumped on ideas for potential presents for the holidays, look no further than the wondrous wood creations of King Dahl. Dahl uses beautiful handpicked hardwoods with varying grain patterns and live-edge styles for his furnishings and decor to foster a refined rustic aesthetic for the home."
Today's article, written by and photographed by Gaia Crans, we'd like to introduce you to King Dahl Creative and some of his gorgeous functional art. Jump in here and get some ideas! Link below.
https://bellinghamalive.com/habitat/household-holiday-gifts-made-close-to-home/
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Overnight severe weather shelters in Bellingham and Ferndale will open tonight (Monday, Nov. 28).
👉 Ferndale Overnight Severe Weather Shelter - Will operate at United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington Street from 5pm- 8am.
👉 Bellingham Overnight Severe Weather Shelter - Will operate at the Civic Field Athletic Complex, 1355 Civic Field Way from 6pm- 9am.
You can find severe weather shelter information at 👉 https://whatcomcounty.us/sws.
We will update this post if we get additional information.
***UPDATE, 11/28 12:04pm***
Need transportation in Bellingham? Keep reading!⬇️
Whatcom Transportation Authority - WTA will provide free transportation to the overnight severe weather shelter this evening. To get transportation, arrive at the Commercial St at Central Ave (same side as the library) bus stop before 6pm. A bus will leave this stop for the overnight shelter at 6pm.
You may bring backpacks and loose belongings on the bus, but the bus cannot take wagons or shopping carts. Service animals may ride on the bus; other pets must be in carriers.
"If you’re looking to start the holiday season in the spirit of giving, get excited for the return of the Giving Trees, a form of gift drive that appears all over our community near the end of every year."
Today we tell you a little bit about the Giving Trees run by Village Books and the Salvation Army. Leave a comment below with other local places that run Giving Trees so we can spread the cheer! Written by Kristen Boehm, photo provided by Village Books in Fairhaven. Link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/lifestyle/holiday-cheer-grows-on-giving-trees/
Don't panic! Today's MENU Talk (out a little bit early due to the holiday) has a few options you could check out for cooked-for-you Thanksgiving meals tomorrow-- plus, a new coffee & beer café and some culinary events to look forward to in December.
Hours of Operation Monday-Sunday 7 a.m.-9 p.m. New Cafe and Bar by Wander Brewing Just outside Downtown Bellingham at the converging corner of the Columbia, Lettered Streets and Fountain District neighborhoods, ROAM Coffee & Beer opened to the public on Nov. 10! This cafe has a modern, colorful aes...
Get great deals plus Give our locals some love this holiday weekend! ❤️
Holiday Weekend Hours Thanksgiving Day: Closed, Happy Thanksgiving! Black Friday: 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday: Closed
"Tara Wright, the owner of Anytime Toffee, considers herself an accidental entrepreneur, but what isn’t an accident is how delicious her toffee is with a recipe dating back over 25 years!"
If you haven't had the pleasure of tasting the treats from Anytime Toffee, allow this article to tempt you! Written and photographed by Gaia Crans, link below.
https://bellinghamalive.com/dine/chewy-treats-made-with-love/
"From totes to backpacks and wallets, the creations by Sage to Sea Design tick nearly every box: They’re durable, versatile, and made with functionality in mind... each design incorporates a minimalist aesthetic, clean lines, and colors inspired by nature. Best of all, a portion of every purchase is donated to a good cause. "
We're casting a spotlight today on Founder Sarah Larson and Sage to Sea Designs, a small business dedicated to handcrafting carefully sourced, high quality canvas and leather goods. Written by Cocoa Laney with photographs by Kelsey Chance of Good Chance Creative. Click the link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/shop/leather-at-the-intersection-of-function-and-elegance/
"You’ve likely sampled a spirit or two from Chuckanut Bay Distillery, but if you haven’t yet tried their restaurant, you’re missing out on one of the best new additions to Downtown Bellingham’s growing culinary scene."
Interested? Get more information on Penny Farthing, the restaurant and bar by Chuckanut Bay Distillery, in this review written by Cocoa Laney and photographed by Kyle Szegedi. Link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/dine/shareable-bites-and-house-made-spirits-in-downtown-bellingham/
This weekend is full of arts, crafts, and holiday shopping! Check out some ideas for what events to start with here in our Weekend Agenda. Stay warm out there!
"Since the late ‘90s, Owners Kim and Aaron Otto have gone from selling vegetables at farmers markets to distributing value-added beauty products nationally under the Moon Valley brand– but if you ask them, the company is just getting started."
This article, written by Cocoa Laney with photographs provided by , tells the story of a Washington company that has maintained sustainable and ecological values while expanding to be a household brand. Check it out via the link below!
From skincare to medical salves, Moon Valley’s personal care products are an eco-friendly addition to any self-care regime. Since the late ‘90s, Owners Kim and Aaron Otto have gone from selling vegetables at farmers markets to distributing value-added beauty products nationally under the Moon Va...
With just over a week left before Thanksgiving, we're bringing you a Q&A with Anna Martin of Osprey Hill Farm all about how to source and cook a delicious bird for your holiday dinners! Featuring photos by Shawn Linehan. Link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/dine/your-holiday-bird-how-to/
"At the beginning of 2020, Baker Rachael Sobczak was studying to become a dietitian and coordinating a school garden program. Now, just three years later, she’s running one of Skagit Valley’s most buzzed-about new bakeries."
Water Tank Bakery makes delicious fresh bread and other goodies that could bring some warm, rustic flavors and aromas to your table this holiday season. Read more about them in today's article, written by Cocoa Laney with photos by Suzanne Rothmeyer and Rachael Sobczak, linked below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/dine/skagitonian-sourdough-from-pnw-grown-grains/
Thank you to the brave individuals who have served in the US Armed Forces from everyone at Bellingham Alive!
In this week's MENU Talk, get some tips about new or limited time treats around Downtown Bellingham! Click the link below to get the scoop.
Hours of Operation Monday Closed Tuesday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eggnog Latte at Locus Locus is a popular restaurant/cafe/bar in Downtown Bellingham that always has inventive and tasty drinks on the menu. Their seasonal wine cocktails i...
"“The Twins and Kitty Pumpkin– Born Free and Equal” is the first in a series of 10 children’s books featuring Kitty Pumpkin, non-identical twins Jaime and Jen, and their escapades as they seek to find out about human rights."
Author Laurie Noelle and Illustrator Sharon Beth answer questions about their new children's book series, The Twins and Kitty Pumpkin, in today's article, with images courtesy of Sharon Beth! Check it out via the link below.
https://bellinghamalive.com/lifestyle/the-twins-and-kitty-pumpkin-local-creatives-publish-childrens-books-on-human-rights/
"House of Style Boutique... This is where, for the past eight years, Owner Amy Jacobs has welcomed clients with the goal of rejuvenating their outer appearance and inner spirit."
Today we bring you a story about House of Style Boutique in Mount Vernon! This chic shop wants to help you shine with it's fashionable clothing, jewelry and accessories. Check out the article, written by Kristen Boehm with photos courtesy of House of Style, via the link below.
https://bellinghamalive.com/shop/your-fashion-home-at-house-of-style/
"The client was trying to find a new normal after a few challenging years, and she needed not just new furniture, but a way to personalize the space to help her feel rooted and good again."
Robin Daly of Robin Daly Color & Design is the author of this article about a total home re-design that aimed to bring connection, touch, and place into a new build. Check out the story with photos by Tony Zapien via the link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/habitat/new-construction-new-beginnings/
"When it comes to staving off the PNW winter blues, good food is a great antidote– especially when it’s enjoyed somewhere warm, welcoming, and intimate."
In today's article, written by Cocoa Laney, we recommend a bunch of cozy restaurants to help keep you warm and fuzzy while the weather outside gets frightful! Definitely feel free to put some of these suggestions to use over this drizzly weekend. Photographs provided by Lindsey Major, Kyle Hooper, Tony Mueantonthian, Catherine Torres and Cocoa Laney. Link below!
https://bellinghamalive.com/dine/cozy-winter-restaurants-a-regional-round-up/
As we head into November, let us take one thing off your hands-- we've got a Weekend Agenda for you to make your planning super simple! Check out our recommendations with the link below.
"There are all kinds of annual holiday traditions... For many people in Skagit County and surrounding areas, a favorite tradition is attending the Rexville Grange Art Show, a pop-up arts and crafts gallery just outside La Conner that appears every November."
This article written and photographed by Jessamyn Tuttle gives you the scoop on the Rexville Grange Art Show, which has an opening party and two shows coming up this month! Check out the story with the link below.
https://bellinghamalive.com/lifestyle/pnw-art-in-the-heart-of-skagit-valley/
"Bellingham is full of femme creatives, and many of these artists make wearable works of art that can be shown off every day rather than just hung up in your home."
Welcome to a new month! Today's article is our web exclusive for our double November/December issue, written by Gaia Crans with photographs by Marion Bouquet. The article features her shop Golden Fern Adornments, as well as several other tempting stores! Check it out with link below.
https://bellinghamalive.com/shop/wearable-works-of-art-by-women/
"Kementari’s Creatures is a locally-owned pet shop specializing in reptiles, arachnids, and amphibians, and Owner Ed Curtis says its newest location is officially open for business."
Happy Halloween! Kementari's Creatures is Downtown Bellingham's new pet shop, and the perfect place to find everything you need to nurture your creepy-crawlies 🕷 Check out this piece, written and photographed by Cocoa Laney, about them! Link below.
https://bellinghamalive.com/lifestyle/bellinghams-new-place-for-unusual-pets/
432 W. Bakerview Road
Bellingham, WA
98226
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| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
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