2015/2016 north sound life guestbook

85
GUESTBOOK northsoundlife.com WHATCOM | SKAGIT | SAN JUAN

Upload: k-l-media

Post on 23-Jul-2016

230 views

Category:

Documents


3 download

DESCRIPTION

 

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

GUESTBOOK

northsoundlife.comWHATCOM | SKAGIT | SAN JUAN

Page 2: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

WelcOme tO the NOrth SOuNd.“the purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Page 3: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook
Page 4: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

CHARTER SCENIC SCHEDULED

you’re there

800 . 874 . 4434 360 . 676 . 9999sanjuanairlines.com

... and beyond!Bellingham San Juan Islands Point Roberts Anacortes Seattle Canada

Choose San Juan Airlines ...

Page 5: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook
Page 6: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

2 NorthSoundLife.com

CONTeNTS

FeATUReS

12Calendar

Annual events from around the North Sound for Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties.

18 Afternoon LightAn in-depth look at the Lightcatcher of the Whatcom Museum.

22Sea to Storefront

The best sources for catching, buying, and eating fresh local seafood.

32Tulip Festival

A close look into the annual Skagit Tulip Festival.

36San Juan Islands

Get an inside look at the San Juan Islands National Monument.

40Mount Baker

Experience the four seasons of picturesque Mount Baker, Whatcom County's most promi-nent feature.

See & Do

44Our suggestions for making the most out of your visit to the North Sound, from whale watching to the best golf courses.

Shop Local

56Take a sneak peak at this year's fashion shoot held at Lakedale Resort in Friday Harbor. Then, discover the plethora of boutiques, spe-cialty shops, and galleries we have featured.

eat & Drink

66Dining is always high priority when traveling. We are fortunate to live in an area where there are an abundance of amazing restaurants for you to choose from.

Parting Shot

78

ON THE COVER: Pierside restaurant at semiahmoo resort. Photo by diane Padys.

GUESTBOOK

northsoundlife.comWHATCOM | SKAGIT | SAN JUAN

©Jaim

e Pharr

Page 7: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook
Page 8: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

4 NorthSoundLife.com

LeT

Te

R F

RO

M T

He

PU

BLI

SH

eR Where we call

home

Even Dorothy just wanted to find her way home.

If only she’d had a really great real estate agent.

Perhaps all the adventure of the munchkins and the yellow brick road, flying monkeys who were really scary when you think about it and the wicked witch of the west could have been avoided.

Don’t we all have a little bit of Dorothy in us?

Running away from one thing hoping to find something better.

Welcome home to Whatcom County–you start looking for a home and you end up with something much greater. From Mt. Baker to the Semiahmoo sandspit, you clearly know... you’re not in Kansas anymore.

I’ve always known there was a better way to practice real estate. A better way to tell the story of the home and the magic of the place. I love this land and sharing its hidden secrets that draw you near and holds you fast.

Glenda the good witch had it right all along...

There’s no place like home!

KATHY STAUFFERWhatcom County...Even when it rains, I shine!

Managing Broker360-815-4718kathystauffer.com

Welcome to the North Sound, where we call home! As you’re out and about exploring our beautiful area, look around and see what we see — mountains on one side, oceanviews on the other, not to mention the surrounding lakes, trails and beautiful greenery.

Within 30 minutes we can be snowboarding on Mt. Baker or out on a sailboat exploring the San Juan Islands…it is no wonder we love to call this place home. While you are here, there are a few things you won’t want to miss. Are you a beer drinker? The Bellingham metro area was ranked the snobbiest place in the country when it comes to beer by Priceonomics in June 2015. We have multiple award-winning craft breweries within miles of each other — my favorites are Kulshan Brewing Company, Boundary Bay Brewery, and Chuckanut Brewery. The village of Fairhaven with its art galleries, quaint shops, and great dining offers a unique urban shopping experience that you won’t want to miss. Do you like the seaside? Head to Birch Bay, where we’ve got a large public beach, water slides, clam digging, great restaurants, and paddle boarding, all of these make for a wonderful experience. Whatever you do don’t forget whale watching — we are surrounded by the immense beauty of the San Juan Islands and the orcas, otters, seals and other marine life who inhabit our shores and waters. An orca sighting is an experience that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking for antiques and art galleries, there are quite a few options. La Conner is one of my favorites spots, a quaint town located along the Swinomish Channel in Skagit Valley. It is a great destination, with wonderful dining and shopping opportunities. Around the corner from La Conner is Anacortes, the gateway to the San Juan Islands. Take a leisurely stroll through the city core, which houses many boutiques, gift shops, restaurants, and galleries. There are also many large regional events throughout the year, like the Anacortes Arts Festival held in August, which draws hundreds of artisans and thousands of visitors. Catch the ferry and check out the islands — each has its own flavor and style. One last note…if you’re here in April, be sure to check out the annual world-renown Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. As you can see, the adventures our area offers are numerous…just get out and explore! The friendliness of the people will astonish you — it’s why so many people from around the globe come to visit, and end up staying. Whether for a few nights or a decade, welcome home to the North Sound.

Page 9: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Even Dorothy just wanted to find her way home.

If only she’d had a really great real estate agent.

Perhaps all the adventure of the munchkins and the yellow brick road, flying monkeys who were really scary when you think about it and the wicked witch of the west could have been avoided.

Don’t we all have a little bit of Dorothy in us?

Running away from one thing hoping to find something better.

Welcome home to Whatcom County–you start looking for a home and you end up with something much greater. From Mt. Baker to the Semiahmoo sandspit, you clearly know... you’re not in Kansas anymore.

I’ve always known there was a better way to practice real estate. A better way to tell the story of the home and the magic of the place. I love this land and sharing its hidden secrets that draw you near and holds you fast.

Glenda the good witch had it right all along...

There’s no place like home!

KATHY STAUFFERWhatcom County...Even when it rains, I shine!

Managing Broker360-815-4718kathystauffer.com

Page 10: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Visit our Websitefor additional savings!

Shop in favorite name brand outlet stores like:

I-5, Exit 229 Call Us: 360.757.3548

www.TheOutletShoppesatBurlington.com

Outlet Shopping!

SAVE 20% TO 70%

EVERY DAY

PUbLicaTioNSBellingham Alive

North Sound life

North end metro

North Sound life GuestBook

PrESidENT/PUbLiShEr lisa Karlberg

EdiTor iN chiEf Frances Badgett

arT dirEcTor Kelly Slater

aSSociaTE EdiTor

Kaity teer

accoUNT ExEcUTivES Babette Vickers | tina ruff

LEad dESiGNErKelsey Wilmore

GraPhic dESiGNErBillie Weller

iNSidE SaLES | markETiNG & EvENTS coordiNaTor devin Winsby

coNTribUTorSmiles Oliveira | dawn-marie hanrahan

diane Padys | Kristoffer Arestol

GraPhic dESiGN aSSiSTaNTAllyson Busko

EdiToriaL aSSiSTaNTSlisa dills | Katie heath | lynette martinez |

marilyn Napier| Allana Schwaab

officE maNaGEmENTJenn Bachtel

ProofrEadErPat Karlberg

corPoraTE officEK & l media, Inc.

909 Squalicum Way, Ste. 110

Bellingham, WA 98225

iNqUiriES & [email protected]

northsoundlife.com

360.483.4576 x4

Page 11: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 7

Must be 21 or over to play. Management reserves all rights. ©2015 Silver Reef Casino

SilverReefCasino.comI-5, Exit 260 | Ferndale, WA | 866.383.0777

Featuring 105 beautiful hotel rooms and suites,

10 diverse dining options and thrilling gaming,

your new favorite destination is the place

where, everything can happen!

EXPERIENCE EVERYTHINGEASY TO FIND, HARD TO LEAVE

EVERYTHINGCAN HAPPEN

WHEN THE BEST GETS BETTERWE ARE NOW

TAKING HOTEL

RESERVATIONS

FOR OUR

CURRENT

AND NEW

TOWER ROOMS

OPENING LATE

SUMMER

Page 12: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Kristoffer Arestol

Kristoffer has worked as a photographer for about 10 years now. He has worked in portrait, landscape, food, wedding, and editorial photography. After living in central California for 3 years,

he decided he belonged in Washington. Since moving back home he is always trying to spend time traveling to new places in the area and enjoying the simple things about the PNW. His two children Elin ( 4 years ) and Maddox ( 9 years ) keep him inspired and full of life. p. 22

Diane Padys

Diane has spent a career making beautiful things more beautiful with her photography. She has lived in San Francisco, Milan, New York and Seattle, photographing food, fashion and

other fabulous subjects. She now resides in Bellingham, doing commercial photography and environmental portraiture. Cover photo and p. 66

Dawn-Marie Hanrahan

Dawn-Marie Hanrahan, AFP, is a freelance travel writer and photographer. A resident of Ferndale, she is a graduate of the Evergreen School of Photography, a

member of the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance, the Professional Photographers of America Association and the Professional Photographers of Washington Association. She and her husband, Ken Quinn, own and operate 5-Star Phototours and have recently returned from their fourth trip to Ireland. p. 32

CONTRIBUTORS

Page 13: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 9

The oldest, largest, and BEST tours since 1962!

Join us for our summer BEER AND BRATS

evening cruises on Bellingham Bay, featuring Kulshan Beer &

Hempler Brats.

WEDNESDAYS 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

July thru September

MUSEUM HISTORY Thursday: 6:30-8:30 pm

July- September

WHALE WATCHING CRUISES

ISLAND MARINER

Spend a day aboard the “Island Caper” cruising the beautiful San Juan Islands. Learn from our onboard naturalists as they narrate San Juan Islands history, geology, weather, tides, botany, marine mammals bald eagles, seabirds and more!

Reserve your tickets

NOW! 1-877-734-8866 | 360-734-8866 | orcawatch.com

Page 14: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

10 NorthSoundLife.com

ShoP. Dine. exPlore.

Looking for something to do, places to go, things to see? For up-to-date information about local concerts, performances, festivals, and events, check out our website northsoundlife.com.

sign up for our free entertainment e-newsletter

to get the latest on upcoming events and more!

Join us on for:

What to Read Next

Pinterest.com/northsoundlife

health & FitNessouR FavoRite ReciPes home decoR

Be sure to check us out at:

NorThSoUNdLifE.cOm

ONlINe RestauRantReviews

WeekendVIBRATIONS]

worlD-clASS cuiSinePhoto by Diane Padys

Page 15: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

View our Events Calendar online or sign up for our e-news at anacortes.orgChat with our friendly Visitor Information Center at 360.293.3832

Immerse yourself in our island lifestyle, and enjoy numerous public beaches, 3100 acres of forestlands and parks, 65 miles of saltwater shoreline, an authentic historic downtown, top rated whale watching & kayaking - or just relax and hang out!

gr

oc

er

y

de

l i caf e w e l l ness

me

rc

an

til

e

s

ed r o - w o o l l e y , W

A

Open Daily 9am-8pmwoolleymarket.com | 360 982 2649

REAL FOOD FROMaround here

Page 16: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

12 NorthSoundLife.com

JANUARy FeBRUARy MARCH

whAtcoM Polar Bear Plunge at Birch Bay; Lake Padden Resolution Run and Polar Bear Plunge

SKAgit Skagit Eagle Festival

SAn JuAn Orcas Island 25k; Camano Island Crab Festival

whAtcoM Bellingham Human Rights Festival

SKAgit McIntyre Hall Valentine’s Dinner and Show

SAn JuAn Friday Harbor Film Festival

whAtcoM Whatcom County Home and Garden Show; St. Pat-rick’s Day Parade; Wings Over Water: Northwest Washington Birding Festival

SKAgit La Conner Daffodil Festival

SAn JuAn Lopez Island Festival of One-Act Plays

CA

LeN

DA

R

Page 17: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Bellingham

Bellingham-hotel.com

Page 18: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

14 NorthSoundLife.com

APRIL MAy JUNe

whAtcoM Dirty Dan Days; April Brews Day

SKAgit Skagit Tulip Festival; Ana-cortes Spring Wine Festival

SAn JuAn Orcas Island Shake-speare Festival; Tour de Lopez; Orcas Island Birdfest

whAtcoM Procession of the Species Parade; Welding Rodeo; Ski to Sea; Mount Baker Marathon; Mother’s Day at Big Rock

SKAgit Mother’s Day Tea in Burl-ington

SAn JuAn Opening Day Boat Parade

whAtcoM Deming Log Show; Bellingham Scottish Highland Games; Lummi Stommish Water Festival

SKAgit Anacortes Waterfront Festi-val; Bite of Skagit

SAn JuAn San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour; Orcas Island Cider and Mead Festival; Lopez Island Garden Tour

CA

LeN

DA

R

Page 19: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 15

JULy AUGUST SePTeMBeR

whAtcoM Haggen Family Fourth of July; Blaine’s Old Fashioned 4th Festival; Birch Bay Sandcastle Building Contest; Lynden Raspberry Festival

SKAgit La Conner 4th of July Rock the Dock Festival; Burlington Sum-mer Nights; Skagit Valley Highland Games

SAn JuAn Shaw Island Shake-speare Under the Stars

whAtcoM Northwest Washington Fair; Drayton Harbor Days; Skagit County Fair; Pioneer Days

SKAgit Anacortes Arts Festival

SAn JuAn Friday Harbor Fly-In; Shaw Island Classic; Doe Bay Fest (Orcas); Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival

whAtcoM Bellingham Traverse; Whatcom County Farm Tour; Bell-ingham Bay Marathon

SKAgit Harvest Moon Festival; Skagit Fairgrounds Fall Garage Sale; Skagit River Salmon Festival

SAn JuAn Lopez Island Studio Tour

Page 20: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

I stand for Western.

chancescreativity

options

Take a Stand. Support Western.

Western Washington University

WWU4WA.ORG

Hoby DarlingWWU Alumnus ‘97President & CEO,Skullcandy

COMFY, STYLISH & PACKED with PERKS

SPACIOUS SUITES W/KITCHEN

FREE WIFI

FREE BREAKFAST

© 2 0 1 4 H i l t o n Wo r l d w i d e

Home2 Suites by Hilton Bellingham Airport 805 Home Lane Bellingham, WA 98226 360-734-3111 bellinghamairport.home2suites.com

Bellingham Airport

S PA C I O U S S U I T E S W/ K I T C H E N

F R E E B R E A K FA S T

F R E E W I F I

Page 21: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 17

OCTOBeR NOveMBeR DeCeMBeR

whAtcoM Whatcom Artist Studio Tour; Cloud Mountain Farm Festival; Bellingham Trick-or-Treating for Kids

SKAgit Anacortes Bier on the Pier; Downtown Safe Trick-or-Treating for Kids

SAn JuAn San Juan Island Okto-berfest; San Juan Vineyards Harvest Festival; Orcas Island Film Festival

whAtcoM Allied Arts Festival of the Arts

SKAgit Skagit Beer and Wine Festival

SAn JuAn Friday Harbor Film Festival; Camano Chowder and Chili Cookoff

whAtcoM Fairhaven Holiday Festival; Holiday Port Festival and Gingerbread House Contest; Lyn-den’s Lighted Parade

SKAgit Wonderland Walk at Wash-ington Park in Anacortes; Mount Vernon Annual Christmas Parade

SAn JuAn Friday Harbor Lighted Boat Parade

Page 22: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

18 NorthSoundLife.com

Afternoon of Light

LIGHTCATCHERWRITTeN By FrAnceS BADgett

Whether you’re planning a morning playdate at the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) or an after-noon of viewing great local and regional art, the Lightcatcher is a worthy destination. Part of the

Whatcom Museum complex, the 42,000-square-foot building incor-porates galleries, meeting spaces, educational spaces, and children’s play area. The signature curved glass wall invites a soft light, just right for installations and sculptures, but not so bright as to fade prints. The interior is broken into two levels of gallery space, giving the museum both a sense of gravity and intimacy.

The Lightcatcher is the spunky modern upstart to the more staid Whatcom Museum in the Old City Hall and the historic dis-plays of the Syre Center. Designed by Jim Olson of Olson and Kundig Architects, the building is created from materials native to the Pacific Northwest. Olson and Kundig have also designed some of the most distinctive pieces of architecture in the Northwest, including the Washington State University Visitor Center, the visi-tor center for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art in Denver, and the Haub Gallery at the Tacoma Museum of Art. With an eye toward excel-lence in environmental stewardship, the Lightcatcher is the first LEED Silver museum in the state of Washington — its green roof serves both as a filter for runoff and an educational focal point; the building’s rain water is captured for reuse; the building uses natural ventilation; and the courtyard contains a rain garden for manag-ing stormwater. The founders were interested in not only bring-ing great art to Whatcom, but in also reflecting the values of our community through sustainable practices. Upon its opening, Grace Jackson writing for the Cascadia Weekly (The Lightcatcher: A New Vision for the Whatcom Museum) wrote, “The museum is replete with architectural details that use nature as a mentor.” Indeed, the marriage of art and nature can be felt everywhere in the building.

The museum showcases artists of local, regional, and national talent. In recent years, their conceptual show Vanishing Ice addressed global climate change with community-wide events. The museum has also shown the work of photographer Edwin Curtis, decorative arts of the Northwest from the Arts and Crafts move-ment, art created as part of the Works Progress Administration

Page 23: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 19

©o

lson sundberg Kundig allen a

rchitects

Page 24: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

20 NorthSoundLife.com

©o

lson sundberg Kundig allen a

rchitects

Page 25: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 21

of the 1930s, historic photographs from the early years of Whatcom County, among many more. The inaugural installation, Bloom by John Grade, was an inspired and celebrated art event in our area. A site-specific project, Bloom was created to be dissolved at the end of its run, speaking to both the temporality and delicacy of life, and to renewal. The show was a kind of mission statement, setting the museum on a course of bold endeavors.

The $12.8 million project was funded by nonprofits and public money, including the Public Facilities District, the Campaign for the Arts, the Whatcom Community Foundation, and individual donors. The museum opened in November of 2009. The opening included a strong presence from local elected officials, Lummi and Nooksack tribal lead-ers, the leaders of the nonprofits that had raised money for the project, and the general public. A story pole created by local carver Rand Jack graces the entrance to the FIG, highlighting the museum’s commitment to embracing all cultures and identities in our region.

The Lightcatcher manages to balance modern design with approachability and a lack of pretention. The courtyard is a great place to bring a little picnic lunch and stretch out in the sun after a morning of playing or touring. The FIG, designed separately by Larry Ackerly of LACAB, is full of beautifully crafted play struc-tures, costumes, music, and imaginative art from some of the best local artists, including a beautiful magnetic city board created by noted folk artist Fishboy. The FIG has ample art space for little ones to create their own masterpieces, free popcorn, and a friendly staff to help with setup and cleanup.

The museum gift shop has many items of local and regional fla-vor, including Lummi carvings, handcrafted jewelry, and lush cata-logues on each of the museum’s shows. The Lightcatcher is a major architectural and cultural focal point in downtown Bellingham, and well worth a visit.

Page 26: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

SeaStorefrontWritten by Frances Badgett Photographed by Kristoffer Arestol

to

Page 27: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 23

Page 28: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Angling for SalmonThe two main questions most people heading out to fish for the first time ask: when and where? The Department of Fish and Wildlife takes samples of salmon from Squalicum Marina in Whatcom County and Washington Park launch ramp in Skagit. From these samples, the DFW issues a report that indicates how many salmon are run-ning at any given time. This information is most useful for predicting the best time to catch salmon if viewed over a two- or three-year trend (and all those records are available), rather than up-to-the-minute reporting. Some of the reports are more than a week old, which means you may miss the peak if you’re getting old information. The sam-pling areas aren’t the recommended areas for angling. The DFW offers maps, up-to-date infor-mation about regulations, areas that may be closed to fishing, and licensing. The DFW also has maps and information about areas that may be closed for management purposes or for the season.

CatCh

Grill it, smoke it, eat it raw — fish is one of the Great delicacies, and preparinG and eatinG fresh-cauGht wild fish is a whole new order of sea-food dininG. if you enjoy the outdoors, the water, and the connection of nature to your plate, here are some Great ways to harvest one of the healthiest entrees around.

Page 29: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 25

Chartering a BoatSearching for the right spot to fish on the right day in the right weather can be a challenge. An experienced captain with a good boat can take you to favorite spots, and he will know the best times to go. Whether you are learning how to fish, determining your level of commitment to the sea, or an expert without a boat, grab some friends and spend an afternoon or a weekend reeling in the sea’s bounty. Four charters — R&R Charters, Highliner Charters, Jolly Mon, and Catchmore Charters — run out of Anacortes. On Orcas Island, Marty Mead runs North Shore Charters, with overnight packages, additional activities, and more. •thesanjuans.com,randrfishingcharters.com,highlinercharters.com,jollymonana-cortes.com,catchmorecharters.com

Harvesting ShellfishOur nearshore waters are often closed for shellfish harvesting in the summer, but not always. Birch Bay, Chuckanut Bay, Semiahmoo, Drayton Harbor, Larrabee State Park, Point Roberts, and South Birch Point are all public oyster and clam beaches. There will be big signs warning you if the beaches are closed. You’ll see the buoys for crab pots scattered around Fairhaven in Bellingham, down south in Skagit, and up in Semiahmoo and Birch Bay. Birch Bay State Park’s clam band is a great place to dig. From the gravel to the low dirt line, you can harvest littleneck and Manila clams. In the sandy upper intertidal, you can find butter clams, cock-les, and horse clams. Oysters can be har-vested on the north end of the beach as well. Patos Island has clam-digging and oyster harvesting year-round.

CrabbingIf getting out on the water and tossing around lines and nets is too much like work for you, crab might be more your speed. No, not the scary crabbing of Deadliest Catch; we’re talking about an afternoon of baiting traps, setting pots, and waiting. Go out at high tide, cut your motor, bait the trap (turkey leg seems to be de riguer for crabbers) and drop the pot. Have a beer, go for a swim, read a few chapters of a good book, and your dinner comes to you. Just be aware that crab can strip that bait (typically a turkey leg) very quickly, so don’t leave it out too long. Bear in mind that you have to measure your crab and not overfish, which is true about almost every form of fishing.

Asofprinting,theWhAtcomcountyheAlthDepArtmentissueDthefolloWingstAtement:

Unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) biotoxin have been detected in molluscan shellfish on beaches in Drayton Harbor. As a result, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has closed recreational harvest for all species of molluscan shellfish on beaches from Birch Point north to the Canadian border. Molluscun are defined as

oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops.

Page 30: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

26 NorthSoundLife.com

buy

perhaps you’re less of a harvest-your-own type, but you like to keep a short distance between your food and your dinner plate. perhaps you want the freshest, hiGhest quality seafood from a reliable local source. maybe you just like shoppinG from a pre-selected dis-play with lots of variety or you like GivinG amazinG Gifts like whole salmon to lucky friends and family. these shops and purveyors will fill your plate, Gift basket, or shoppinG cart with plenty of delicious options.

Page 31: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 27

Taylor Shellfish FarmThe largest producer of farmed shell-fish in the U.S., the Taylors have built their business to nearly 500 employ-ees and 11,000 acres of tidelands. They offer clams, geoduck, mussels, and several varieties of oysters. Their farm store is beautifully situated along Chuckanut Drive, and they welcome visitors. For generations this family has provided our area (and now the world) with fresh shellfish. •2182chuckanutDr.,Bellingham,taylorsamish.com

Black Rock Seafood in Anacortes

Fish and Anacortes are practically syn-onymous, as Anacortes is the gateway to the San Juans. With fishing boats galore, it’s great that there’s a place to buy some of that bounty. Black Rock gets high marks for its crab, but don’t overlook their other offerings. Even prepared fish like the pickled herring are highly prized by locals. •8991stevensonrd.,Anacortes

Blau Oyster Company on Samish Bay

Specializing in the hardy and tender Pacific Oyster, Blau Oyster grows all their stock from seed and harvests on-site. Blau also offers crab, clams, and mussels in addition to oysters. When oysters reach maturity, Blau processes them for distributors, stores, and res-taurants, keeping some of their stock live for raw consumption and barbecu-ing. By the pint or pound, half-dozen or full, the oysters at Blau are delicious and carefully harvested. •11321Blueheronrd.,Bow,blauoyster.com

Bornstein Seafoods in Bellingham

Myer Bornstein started this little sea-food company in Bellingham in 1934,

and through the stewardship of his descendants, it is still going strong. Though most of their products are for wholesale distribution, they have a robust online presence featuring pre-mium canned albacore and salmon. Bornstein Seafoods works closely with the Marine Stewardship Council to ensure their sources are sustainable.•1001hiltonAve.,Bellingham,bornstein.com

Skagit’s Own Fish Market

Owned and operated by Tana and Eric Skaugrud, the Skagit Fish Market is a great place to explore new kinds of fish or pick up favorite standbys. Clean, comfortable, and well-stocked, the shopping experience at the market is unparalleled. They specialize in crab, but offer all kinds of fish. They can identify the finest products and offer lots of advice on preparation. A great place to dive into seafood if you’re at all hesitant. •18042WA20,Burlington,skagitfish.com

Desire Fish Company in Bellingham

If you’ve driven down Holly Street in Bellingham, you’ve seen the signs for salmon. Desire Fish Company sells their wild caught salmon and halibut right at the dock, offering the freshest and most exciting retail experience in town. Because they are coming right off the ocean, their quantities and spe-cies vary, but they always seem to keep salmon in stock. For those who like to shorten the distance between the source and their dinner plates, Desire Fish is a great option. Fish are typically sold to processors and distributors, and go through many changes of hands before landing on your plate. Not so at Desire, where you get it right off the boat. Bob Gudmundson and Melinda Sweet have made Desire a family affair, and work hard to provide the freshest fish they can. •squalicumharborgate7,desirefish.com

kumamotos

Virginica

Pacifics

Mussels

shigokus

Page 32: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

28 NorthSoundLife.com

fiShing

hiStory: reef net fiShing

beyond the shore, there on the sparkling waters of legoe bay, you can see the nets, webbed and glinting in the sun like spider webs spun between boats. if you look closely, among the aluminum-hulled vessels you can find a few traditional wooden canoes. today, only the materials of reef netting have changed slightly — otherwise, the historic practice has returned to our waters unchanged from its centuries-old roots. reef netting is unique to our area, and a very special component of tribal identity.

at the Point elliott treaty of 1855, the tribes who signed were granted “The right of taking fish at usual and accustomed grounds and stations is further secured to said indians in common with all citizens of the territory.” the lummi nation, signatories to the treaty, have held those treaty rights ever since. They were affirmed by the 1974 bolt decision. reef netting was halted in the Puget sound for several years. in recent years, reef-netting has returned, and with it a return to lummi roots.

The benefits of reef net fishing are many. For one, the fish (and typically salmon) haven’t entered the rivers yet, making it exceptionally tender. the reef net allows for a high level of selection, as fish aren’t bound together in a bundle. and third, it is easiest on aquatic ecology, as the nets don’t drag on the ocean floor, but float along in the current. For fishermen, it is an efficient tool — according to the Whatcom land trust, an 1881 newspaper reported that three reef nets caught 10,000 salmon in six hours.

Barlean’s Fishery in FerndaleSpecializing in a traditional fishing style called reef net fishing, Barlean’s has been in operation in Bellingham since 1972. They offer all fish preparation ser-vices. Their salmon is their most popular item, but they also have other varieties of fish as well. •ferndale,barleansfishery.com

Vis Seafoods in Bellingham Nestled among cottages along James Street is one of the best seafood stores in the area. The Wright family operates their own fleet, and it shows in the fresh-ness of their offerings. Salmon is king here at Vis, but they also keep halibut, prawns, lingcod, live crab, and much more on regular rotation. The family is so knowledgeable that you can walk in off the street, pick out some fish, and they can offer tips for preparation and recipes. They stand by their seafood with a money-back guarantee. •2208Jamesst.,Bellingham,visseafood.com

Matt’s Fresh FishGillnetter Matt Marinkovich fishes the San Juan islands and provides locals with sockeye, pink, chum, Chinook and Coho salmon. Matt is a local, making his fish available within hours of being caught. Join his fish list and get updates on what he’s catching and what’s out there. •fridayharbor,mattsfreshfish.com

Buck Bay Shellfish FarmOyster farmers Toni Knudson and Mark Sawyer have been running Buck Bay since the 1940s. Come and grab some oysters and kick back at Toni’s Shuck Shack for an afternoon of good eating. They also offer clams and Dungeness crab in addition to oysters. A charming and beautifully situated place, Buck Bay is a nice stop on an Orcas tour.•olga,orcasisland,buckbayshellfishfarm.com

Page 33: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 29

Jan - April 2nd Saturday 9am - 2pm May - Oct Every Saturday 9am - 2pm

Oct 10, 2015 Pie Fest!

Nov 21 & 22, 2015 Holiday Market* *Held At the Port of Anacortes Transit Shed -100 Commercial Ave

Our Markets Are Held At The Historic Anacortes Train Depot

Enjoy hot food, produce, crafts, artists, and live music in a historic outdoor setting!

Providing a Truly NorthwestDining Experience is Our Pleasure

At Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham25 Bellwether Way • 360-647-5588

www.anthonys.com

At Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham7 Bellwether Way • 360-527-3473

On the Bellinghamand AnacortesWaterfronts.

At Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes1207 Q Avenue • 360-588-0333

R E S T A U R A N T S

Page 34: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

eat

an area with this much available seafood can’t help but have Great seafood restaurants. from individual dishes to whole restaurants with a seafood emphasis, we’ll Guide you throuGh the maze of inferior and farmed fish to Get you to the best places for fresh and wild seafood.

The Oyster BarSet along the dizzying cliffs of Chuckanut Bay, The Oyster Bar is an unassuming wooden building that would be easy to overlook. But what lies inside is not only a beautiful restaurant with a cleverly tiered interior, but expansive views of Chuckanut Bay. The dishes are fresh and beautifully prepared, and the oysters are absolutely divine. •2578chuckanutDr.,Bow,theoysterbar.net

Rock-n-Rye Oyster House

The newcomer in the seafood scene here in Bellingham, Rock-n-Rye specializes in oysters. They have a full menu, but oys-ters are their focus. The oyster stew, oys-ter tacos, and raw shooters are all very well prepared and delicious. The exposed brick and dark varnished wood add to the cozy oyster house ambiance. •1145n.statest.,Bellinghamrockrye.com

Page 35: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 31

Packers Oyster Bar and Pierside Kitchen

With Drayton Harbor Oyster Farm just over the railing, you really can’t go wrong with the oysters at Packers and the fish dishes next door at Pierside. Fresh hali-but, salmon, ahi, and more are served delicately seared to perfection with sauces that complement but don’t overwhelm. With all of that sparkling water surround-ing Semiahmoo, it’s a perfect place for an ocean-inspired dinner. •9565semiahmooparkway,Blaine,semiahmoo.com

Secret Cove in AnacortesWith a brand-new patio overlooking the water, this seaside retreat is pure pleasure. They offer fresh shellfish (oyster, crab, mussels) in an elegant, yet casual dining room. They are perfectly located on the water for the absolute utmost in freshness. •209tAve.,Anacortes,secretcoveanacortes.com

Coho Restaurant in Friday Harbor

Though seafood isn’t their only menu offering, it certainly is the focus of this Northwest gem. Located in a Craftsman bungalow a few blocks from the ferry ter-minal, Coho is a cozy, welcoming spot. Mussels, octopus, trout, halibut, and more grace their menu, all prepared with a Mediterranean influence. The owners are committed to offering locally sourced ingredients, and the art on the walls is all local as well. Westcott Bay Seafood supplies Coho with fresh fish, ensuring Coho’s commitment to fresh, local, and sustainable seafood. •120nicholsst.,fridayharbor,cohorestaurant.com

Packers

the oyster Bar

rock-n-rye

Page 36: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook
Page 37: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 33

The Skagit Valley, located in northwest Washington, offers daffodil, iris, and tulip growers the perfect, fertile environment for bulb farming. Agriculture is the number one industry in Skagit County, and

along with a vast variety of food crops grown throughout the season, thousands upon thousands of stunning flowers are harvested each year, heralding spring.

Framed by the white-peaked Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a stun-ning tour with 500 to 700 acres of scenic landscapes bril-liant with vivid color. The spring event draws an estimated 400,000 visitors annually. The festival is scheduled for the entire month of April to allow for the range in schedule of the blooms. If you plan on attending, be sure to check in with the website before booking.

In 2010, Mount Vernon, Washington — headquarters for the annual tulip festival — was host to the three-day World Tulip Summit. This was the first time the summit took place in the United States.

growth of the tulip industry

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, inaugurated in 1984 by the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, has grown into one of Washington state’s most popular and pictur-esque attractions. Over the years, as the numbers of annual visitors to the fields increased, the Chamber of Commerce elected to add special events and festivities throughout the blooming season to enhance the visitor’s experience. By 1994, the Tulip Festival had grown into an entity of its own and separated from the Chamber of Commerce. Currently it is headed by a 25-member board of directors.

Historic records attribute the business of bulb grow-ing in Skagit Valley to Mrs. Mary Brown Stewart when, in 1906, she first planted a few bulbs she had acquired from

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

WRITTeN By DAwn-MArie hAnrAhAn

PHOTOS By KiroStoFFer AreStol

Page 38: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Did You Know?•Contrary to popular belief, tulips are not originally from holland. they are native to Persia and were first cultivated in 1000 ad.

• The word tulip originated from the turkish word for turban: tülbend and from Persian dulband. after introduction to europe in the late 1500s, the dutch form became tulpe; in italian tulipano and spanish tulipan. english dropped the –an, which was often mistaken as a suffix.

• Ancient Turks used tulips to brew a love potion and many cultures today still consider the tulip to be the symbol of perfect love.

• Originally the frilly edges and elaborate flames of certain tulip varieties were a symptom of a tulip infection caused by a virus once found on peaches and potatoes. While today’s hybrids look similar in flair and fancy, they are no longer the result of disease.

• Tulips are kin to the onion and are edible. the petals can be tossed into salads or pressed into wine, while the bulbs can be sliced, fried and used like onions.

• Tulips are the only fresh cut flowers that will continue to grow in the vase.

• During Tulipmania in 1633, bulbs were being traded for up to £400 — the equivalent of £4 million today.

• The elegant and exquisite “Black Tulip” isn’t black at all. it’s a very deep purple.

• During the reign of Louis XIV, the french grew quite obsessed with the tulip when women began tucking the decorative flowers into their undergarments.

• A bill of sale recorded from the early 17th century noted the following payment for one single tulip bulb: 2 loads of wheat, 4 loads of rye, 4 fat oxen, 8 fat swine, 12 fat sheep, 2 hogsheads of wine, 4 barrels of beer , 2 barrels of butter, 1,000 pounds of cheese, a marriage bed with linens, and a sizeable wagon to haul it all away.

Bulbs used for planting generally come from previous harvests with the largest of the bulbs being marketed. All bulbs are machine graded and separated. Planting season usually falls between September and October.

Harvest times vary at the Skagit Valley tulip fields due to weather conditions but first flowers are generally picked in late March. The bulbs remain in the soil until the summer months when digging and cleaning begins. Manual labor is used most often for cutting the flowers while the digging, sorting, and cleaning of the bulbs is largely accomplished by mechani-cal means. Depending on the farm’s size, the number of field workers can range from 120 to 800 employees.

In addition to the vast and vivid farmlands in bloom, local growers have expanded into greenhouse opera-tions for cut flowers. Tulip fans will be happy to know Washington Bulb Co, Inc., parent company of tulips.com and Roozengaarde, has a large-scale green-house operation that produces fresh cut flowers 365 days per year.

A haven for photographers and gar-dening enthusiasts, the fields, gardens and greenhouses provide an abundance of fun, interesting and educational opportunities for every age. Fresh-cut bouquets or pot-ted bulbs for planting can be purchased or ordered on site at both Roozengaarde and Tulip Town. Various roadside stands are also available for fresh cuts directly from the fields.

getting there

Skagit Valley is located 60 miles north of Seattle, Washington, and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. I-5 exits 221 to 236 will get you to the attrac-tions where the blooming fields and fes-tival events cover a 15-mile radius of the county. Pick up the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival brochure, which includes infor-mation regarding daily events, lodging, restaurants, and maps. Free at local busi-nesses or online (and downloadable) at www.tulipfestival.org.

Holland. With her expanding gardens and the support and assistance of Dr. David Griffiths of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Experimental Station in Bellingham, Washington, Mrs. Stewart capitalized on an idea to establish a mail-order bulb business. Her bulbs quickly sold to garden clubs as far away as New England. Eventually, Mary’s son, Sam Stewart, opened and maintained the Tulip Grange Bulb Farm located in Skagit Valley.

A federal embargo placed on bulb imports in 1926 forced many growers in Holland to establish bulb farms in the United States. Hearing of the successful experiments with Washington-grown bulbs, many Dutch growers traveled to America, settling primarily in Lynden, Washington, about 45 miles north of Mt. Vernon. However, it did not take long for the new-comers to determine the frigid Lynden winters were not conducive to successful bulb growing and they quickly made their way south to the Skagit Valley region.

When the embargo of 1926 was lifted, competition for the U.S. grow-ers increased. Japan joined Holland and England as being among the finest bulb-growing centers in the world. Sadly, the increased competition forced several smaller farms in the Skagit Valley region to close. Yet, bulb-growing continued to thrive in the fertile Skagit Valley.

From its humble beginnings, the Tulip Festival has branched out to include a grand parade, several art shows, the Anacortes Quilt Show, Downtown Mt. Vernon Street Fair, gala celebrations, and musical concerts. There are juried arts and crafts fairs, street entertainment, and a variety of local wines and festival foods available throughout the month. In addi-tion to the colorful fields, display gar-dens, and greenhouses, there are spec-tacular views of the valley, the Cascade Mountains and Skagit Bay. One uniquely Northwest highlight of the annual event is the Kiwanis Salmon Barbecue, which is open daily.

Blooms and Bulbs

While the blooming tulip fields are the attraction for tourists, the tulip industry is primarily concerned with the bulbs.

Page 39: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook
Page 40: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

36 NorthSoundLife.com

SAn JUAn iSLAnDS

A national monument

On March 25, 2013, President Obama signed a procla mation to permanently protect the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands

in the San Juan islands, designating 970 acres as a national monument. The proclamation is a culmination of years of grassroots efforts by community members and elected officials to protect these lands.

Monument status means the BLM will work closely with the local community on a management plan and prevents potential development or exploitation of these lands. U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, who advocated for the designation along with Sen. Patty Murray and U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, issued the fol-lowing statement, “From the bluffs on Stuart Island to Watmough Bay, the San Juan islands are home to some of our nation’s most beauti-ful and important natural resources.”

The idea that the untouched land man-aged by the federal government should be pre-served and protected is not a new one. Anyone who has visited these islands knows that they deserve designation as national monument lands to ensure that future generations can explore the trails and beaches, breathe in the salty air, and learn to love the calm and the beauty they offer at every turn. The affected lands include historical sites like ancient fish-ing areas, natural habitats that provide breed-ing grounds for birds and safe refuges for har-bor seal pups and rare plants, and popular recreation destinations.

Deer, lingcod, porpoise, salmon, orca, otter, crab, sea star, anemone, harbor seal, and osprey are abundant on San Juan Island. Barbara Marrett, communications manager at the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, said of the national monument proclamation, “It pre-serves places people love.”

WRITTeN By MileS oliveirA

© K

risto

ffer

are

stol

Page 41: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 37

Page 42: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

38 NorthSoundLife.com

© tom

Reeve

Page 43: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 39

The day after President Obama established the San Juan Islands National Monument, TripAdvisor® Traveler’s Choice Island Awards acknowledged San Juan Island as the top island in the U.S., and as a top four world pick. The awards honor top islands from around the world and are based on millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers.

“We’d like to thank the travelers who made this win possible,” said Deborah Hopkins, executive director for the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau. “Simply by sharing their love of the sparkling waters, abundant wildlife, out-door recreation and vibrant arts scene that San Juan Island offers on TripAdvisor.”

In addition to the recent attention the islands have received, Lonely Planet edi-tors voted the San Juan Islands third on their “Top 10 U.S. Destinations for 2013” list, emphasizing the “farm-to-fork” movement. The islands also ranked third in 2012 in Travel and Leisure’s “Top 10 Islands Continental U.S. & Canada,” and second in the New York Times’ world list “41 Places to Go in 2011.”

Describing the diversity of the awards, Marrett said, “It’s great that it isn’t just one thing about the islands that gets recog-nized — everything does. That doesn’t happen for a lot of places.”

“We’d like to thank the travelers who made this win possible, simply by sharing their love of the sparkling

waters, abundant wildlife, outdoor recreation and vibrant arts scene.”

The honors mirror the majestic quality of the islands. The San Juan Islands are worthy of this praise on the merit of their natural beauty alone, but because their value as natural habi-tat coupled with the rich culture of the islands is unique.

The islands cover roughly 1,000 acres of land, are comprised of an archipelago of 450 islands, and include not only the history of the native people who lived here many generations ago, but also the history of pirates and pri-vateers, of adventurers and settlers. A resting place for those traversing the coast to Canada and Alaska, the islands have an amazing patch-work of history and culture for such tiny dots on a map.

Federal designation will bring protection to the most sensitive ecological areas and for the species living on the islands.

The San Juan Islands force you to live in a constant state of awe. In the face of all the beauty, it’d be impossible to feel anything but the greatness of the islands' majesty.

Undoubtedly, the designation of the islands as a national monument will bring all who love them peace of mind, knowing that this remark-able land will be preserved and protected.

© Jim

maya

© Jim

maya

Page 44: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

MoUnt BAKer

The Four SeasonsWRITTeN By MAriLyn nApier

Originally named Komo Kulshan by the Lummi Indians, Mount Baker is a landmark you can’t miss. On clear days, Mount Baker is visible from hundreds of miles away. The snow-capped volcano has 20 miles of active glaciers and

rises to 10,781 feet above sea level. The mountain is important to the region, holding a record of one of the snowiest places in the world and the second most active volcano in the Cascade Range. Every season of Mount Baker offers something different and new to experience, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Page 45: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 41

FAll

Mount Baker becomes a picturesque represen-tation of fall in the Northwest with leaves tran-sitioning to a golden color and big leaf maples and cottonwoods trailing the lower North Fork Nooksack River valley. Blueberries and huck-leberries are abundant this time of the year, making Mount Baker the perfect place for berry-picking.

Fall is also the last opportunity to enjoy the hiking conditions of summer before the first snow begins in late October and November. For the advanced hikers, Hannegan Peak will reward you with waterfalls along the way and a 360-degree view of Cascade peaks on top. This trail’s best season is late August to October, making it a refreshing hike for fall.

For an activity a little less intense, there is nothing like a waterfall in the months of vibrant colors and lush greenery. After a quick drive off of Mt. Baker Highway, take a short hike to Nooksack Falls. This time of year offers a rich array of colored leaves surround-ing the rushing water, which is a result of gla-cial melt from Mount Shuksan.

winter

With the most snow in North America, this mountain becomes one of the go-to spots for winter sports and activities in Western Washington. The slopes at Mt. Baker Ski Area usually open around mid-December, offering downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. For downhill skiers and snowboarders, Baker offers lessons, rentals and day lodges.

For cross-country skiers, the Salmon Ridge Sno-Park features up to 15 miles of trail and is located between mileposts 46/47 on Mt. Baker Highway, right outside the town of Glacier.

Snowshoeing is also a popular activity in the area. Most trails are off Mt. Baker Highway and throughout the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. With waterfalls, old-growth forests and views of surrounding mountain peaks and rivers, these snow-packed trails become a winter wonderland. A couple of trails include Bagley Lakes, located west of Mt. Baker Ski Area, as well as Silver Fir Campground located along the Nooksack River.

For snowmobiling, check out Canyon Creek and Glacier Road trails located off of Mt. Baker Highway.

Bring the whole family for sledding. One of the most popular places to sled is at Highwood Lake next to Mt. Baker Ski Area.

Page 46: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

42 NorthSoundLife.com

SPring

Spring is a time of transition, especially for Northwest Washington. As the snow begins to lessen, more of the Mount Baker area becomes accessible while still showing views of snow-covered mountaintops.

Originally built in the late 1800s as an access road for logging, Mt. Baker Highway is a scenic drive from Bellingham to Mount Baker filled with evergreens and stunning views of surrounding mountains and bodies of water. The route goes through the small towns of Nugent’s Corner, Deming, Kendall, Maple Falls and Glacier. After Glacier, the road follows the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, designated as a National Forest Scenic Byway. With the Nooksack River peaking through along the way, the highway climbs to more than 5,000 feet above sea level and ends at milepost 58 if there is no snow, and at milepost 55 if there is snow. The highway is a great way to experience the views and natural beauty of the Mount Baker area.

SuMMer

Summer at Mount Baker welcomes the season of hiking and camping. As the snow melts, this season offers the opportune time to see the mountain in a way not seen at any other time of the year.

Located at the end of Mt. Baker Highway, Artist Point is a popular destination for visitors in summer. Artist Point typically opens between June and July and closes when the first snowfall hits the area, usually around late September. Offering 360-degree views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan, this destination is at more than 5,000 feet above sea level.

Once at Artist Point, there is the option to explore Artist Ridge Trail. The trail is easily accessible with paved paths leading to an overlook with benches and interpretive panels explaining natural and cultural history. The trail is located at the end of the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway in the Heather Mount Baker is a hiker’s heaven with more than 100 miles of maintained trails. From beginner to advanced, there is a hike for just about everyone. In late summer, Table Mountain is one of the best rewards for the effort. Only three miles round trip, the top of Table Mountain will reveal Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan on either side. For more experienced hikers, Yellow Aster Butte is a must. With wildflowers blooming in August, this trail is seven and a half miles round trip with a gain of 2,550 feet. The trail is filled with views of Mount Baker as well as seeing as far out as the Canadian border and snow-capped mountains all around at the top. One can also enjoy backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking, climbing and sightseeing around the area.

When it comes to camping, there are many options on and around the mountain. Baker Lake is a popular camping area that offers recreation for everyone in the family. The lake is an ideal place to get the full camping experience including fishing for sockeye salmon, boating, picnicking and hiking. The Baker Lake Trail stretches across the eastern shoreline and crosses Baker River at the north end of the lake. The trail is a laid-back hike fit for children and adults.

Douglas Fir and Silver Fir campgrounds located along the North Fork Nooksack River offer more classic camping experiences. Situated in the forest and secluded from the highway, these campgrounds offer picnic tables, fire rings and access to the river.

Mount Baker is Mother Nature’s playground during every season of the year. A quick drive from the city will land you in this scenic area with an abundance of natural beauty around every turn. Mount Baker is a place that will not disappoint, no matter what time of year it is.

Page 47: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook
Page 48: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

44 NorthSoundLife.com

See&DO

W h a t c o m | S k a g i t | S a n J u a n

UnIqUE SITES And GREAT AdVEnTURES WILL GIVE yoU A FLAVoR oF THE noRTH

pUGET SoUnd REGIon.

Page 49: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 45

whAle-wAtching tourSThree different tour companies in

Whatcom County offer whale-watching

tours through the Salish Sea. Grab your

binoculars and head out to see some

marine life up close!

Page 50: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

46 NorthSoundLife.com

FAirhAven hiStoricAl DiStrictThis 9-acre neighborhood on the south side of Bellingham offers a quaint visit with a lot of charac-ter. Founded in the 19th century, the district’s six square blocks now contain art galleries, antique shops, and some some great inde-pendent bookstores.

PelinDABA lAvenDer FArMAs a premier grower of lavender plants, distiller of lavender essential oils, and handcrafter of lavender products, the Pelindaba Lavender Farm is a must-visit sea of purple beauty.

45 Hawthorne Ln., Friday Harbor 360.378.4248, pelindabalavender.com

©kaity teer

©a

ubry lawrence

Page 51: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Deluxe Whale Watching Adventure CruiseDeluxe whale watching cruise from Bellingham through the San Juan Islands, including a free Northwest wild salmon and chicken lunch, and a 2-hour visit in Friday Harbor.

Sucia Island Picnic CruiseCruise north to this state park island, one of the true gems of the San Juans, for an afternoon picnic on the beach and nature walk.

Cracked Crab Dinner CruiseBellingham’s premier waterfront dining experience. Cruise Chuckanut Bay while enjoying Dungeness Crab and other delicacies.

unWINEd on the BayA glass of wine, the gentle sway of the boat, a beautiful sunset - a truly unique wine tasting experience.

LaConner - Deception PassDepart Bellingham for a scenic cruise to La Conner through Deception Pass, including an on-board lunch.

Bellingham Bay BREWers CruiseWednesday evening beer tasting cruises. Each cruise includes 9 craft beers from 3 local breweries and snacks.

Bellingham Cruise Terminal • 355 Harris Avenue #104, Bellingham

360-738-8099 • wHAles.Com

Page 52: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

48 NorthSoundLife.com

hiKe oYSter DoMeDistance: 6.5 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 1900 ft. Highest Point: 2025 ft. Hiking Season: Year-round, but best on a clear day

Oyster Dome is one of the most popular hikes in Whatcom — and for good reason, too — the reward at the top is unparalleled, a breathtaking view of the San Juan Islands, Samish Bay, and even the Olympic Mountains. Often, bald eagles can be spotted circling above. This view is made all the more satisfying by the mainly uphill hike that precedes it — certainly not the easiest three miles. Want more hikes? Go to northsoundlife.com.

©lisa d

ills

Page 53: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 49

ziP SAn JuAn Take a different sort of tour through the San Juan Islands — from the vantage point of birds. Zip San Juan features eight family-friendly zip lines through the islands, suitable for beginners and experts.1959 Egg Lake Rd., Friday Harbor 360.317.8434, zipsanjuan.com

PADillA BAY interPretive centerPadilla Bay is reserved for research and education, and its interpretive center offers the whole family a fun way to learn about the environment. Be sure to check out the aquarium featuring sea creatures from the Puget Sound.

10381 Bayview Edison Rd., Mount Vernon

Page 54: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

50 NorthSoundLife.com

BoulevArD PArKLocated on a beautiful stretch of Bellingham Bay, Boulevard Park boasts fantastic views and amenities, including a beach, overwater boardwalk, and a state-of-the-art playground. 470 Bayview Dr., Bellingham, 360.778.7100, cob.org

AnAcorteSAnacortes serves as an anchor

point for San Juan Island visitors as four islands — Shaw, Lopez, San Juan and Orcas — are all accessi-ble by the Washington State Ferries from the Anacortes ferry termi-nal. With the San Juans so readily available, it is easy to overlook how beautiful the city of Anacortes re-ally is. The best way to find it: a pair of walking shoes and a large water bottle.

©tld

Pro imagery

Page 55: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Whatcom countY

Mount BAKer theAtre

This national historic landmark has been stag-ing some of the best live performances in the North Puget Sound region since 1927. 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

SPArK MuSeuM oF electricAl invention

With interactive exhibits featuring the most important and innovative electrical inven-tions spanning four centuries, the SPARK museum is an educational experience for the whole family.

1312 Bay St., Bellingham 360.738.3886, sparkmuseum.org

the uPFront theAtre

Founded by world-renowned improviser Ryan Stiles, the Upfront showcases live improvised comedy every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. Sometimes Stiles himself will even make an appearance.

1208 Bay St., Bellingham 360.733.8855, theupfront.com

BellinghAM FArMerS MArKet

Every Saturday, local farmers and artisans come together to sell their products at one of the largest farmers markets in Washington state.

1100 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.647.2060, bellinghamfarmers.org

cAMel SAFAri

Hop on a camel or take a Segway tour of the farm, which has beautiful views of the Mount Baker foothills. A fun and educational way to get up close and personal with some pretty exotic critters.

5435 Sand Rd., Bellingham 800.836.4036, camelsafari.com

CAMEL ENCOUNTERS | SEGWAY TOURS Conquer your bucket list and make memories you will treasure for a lifetime.

Explore the unique history and anatomy of these gentle giants.Get up-close and personal to pet, feed and photograph our camels, including our adorable babies. Tour our certified organic farm atop an off-road capable Segway. Experience it all

with the spectacular backdrop of Mt. Baker and its foothills.

1-800-836-4036www.camelsafari.com

5435 Sand Road, Bellingham, WATake exit 255 Sunset/Mt. Baker Hwy

6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden, WA 98264360-318-7720 | www.bellewooddistilling.com

You deserve to experience BelleWood. Join us today!

Vodka • Gin • Brandy • Liqueurs

BelleWood makes world class spirits from apples grown on our farm. We are one of the few traditional artisan distillers in North America.

Visit our stills, taste our exceptional spirits, eat at our country cafe!

|

The Northwest ‘s Destination Distillery

Page 56: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

52 NorthSoundLife.com

glen echo gArDen

Pick a nice day to wander through this 7-acre, multi-themed botanical garden. Colorful blooms stand out against a natural, wooded setting.

4390 Y Rd., Bellingham 360.592.5380, glenechogarden.com

gooD tiMe girlS

Offering both a Holly Street Tour and a Sin & Gin Tour, the Good Time Girls, headquartered at the Bureau of Historical Investigation, can take you on a walking tour of Bellingham's less savory past.

217 West Holly, Bellingham 360.305.3172, thebureaubellingham.com

Pioneer PArK cABinS

Established as a home for the Ferndale Pioneer Days Festival in 1901, the Pioneer Park Cabins are a trip back in time to the early days of Ferndale's history.

2004 Cherry St., Ferndale 360.384.6461, ferndaleheritagesociety.com

Silver reeF hotel cASino SPA

Feeling lucky? Try your hand at the many gaming offerings at

Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa. For those who prefer dining and spa treat-ments, the resort is home to the excellent Tom Hull Silver Reef Steak House, and has excellent spa facilities.

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 360.383.0777, silverreefcasino.com

Birch BAY wAterSliDeS

Family fun! Offering nine waterslides, a pool, hot tub and kiddie pool area. Heated water makes it comfortable on cloudy days and the ability to bring in your own food and drinks make it a perfect family friendly option. Open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day.

4874 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd, Blaine 360.371.7500, birchbaywaterslides.net

SKagit countY

MuSeuM oF northweSt Art

Explore the art of the Northwest at MoNA, a museum which collects and exhibits art from around the Northwest in an effort to connect peo-ple with diverse cultures and environments.

121 1st St., La Conner 360.466.4446, monamuseum.org

© san Juan island toursim

Page 57: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 53

SKAgit countY hiStoricAl MuSeuM

Take a tour of Skagit Valley’s vibrant past at the Skagit County Historical Museum. Rotating exhibits and events keep history inter-esting for all ages.

501 S. 4th St., La Conner 360.466.3365, skagitcounty.net/museum

DecePtion PASS Jet BoAt tourS

Deception Pass is one of the most visited and photographed attrac-tions in Washington. Learn about Deception Pass, the Bridge and surrounding area on this amazing tour aboard the “Island Whaler.” Enjoy the thrill of the fast jet boat through Deception Pass with a knowledgeable interpreter.

5596 SR 20, Anacortes 888.909.8687, deceptionpasstours.com

lAng’S horSe AnD PonY FArM

Enjoy a relaxed family outing atop a horse in Mount Vernon. Lang’s also offers classes and other events in addition to trails rides by appointment.

21463 Little Mountain Rd., Mount Vernon 360.424.7630, comeride.com

BAY view StAte PArK

This 25-acre park is ripe with beautiful views of Padilla Bay and the San Juan Islands. The park is open year-round for camping.

10901 Bayview Edison Rd., Mount Vernon 360.757.0227, parks.wa.gov

roozengAArDe DiSPlAY gArDen

The spring tulip season is definitely the time to visit Roozengaarde, but their flowers and floral arrangements are available for purchase every day of the year.

15867 Beaver Marsh Rd., Mount Vernon 360.424.8531, tulips.com

heritAge Flight MuSeuM

Founded by Apollo 8 astronaut Maj. General William Anders, the Heritage Flight Museum contains an excellent collection of memo-rabilia, artifacts, and aircraft from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

15053 Crosswind Dr., Burlington 360.424.5151, heritageflight.org

San Juan iSlanDS

SAn JuAn iSlAnD MuSeM oF Art

A recently opened visual arts museum in a beautifully designed building of modern glass and steel designed by architect Richard

Hobbs. Look for sculptural works in the atrium and paintings in interior galleries.

540 Spring St., Friday Harbor 360.370.5050, sjima.org

SAn JuAn clASSic DAY SAiling

San Juan Classic Day Sailing offers an excursion for everyone, from whale and nature sails to private sunset sails.

Friday Harbor 360.378.6700, sanjuanclassicdaysailing.com

orcAS iSlAnD PotterY

Come see the oldest pottery in the Pacific Northwest on Orcas Island, take pictures, and then enjoy a quiet picnic on the surround-ing grounds.

338 Old Pottery Rd., Eastsound 360.376.2813, orcasislandpottery.com

the whAle MuSeuM

When it opened in 1979, the Whale Museum became the first museum in the country devoted to a specific species living in the wild. You can help the museum’s mission to support the whales by becoming a member, adopting one of your own, or making a donation.

62 1st St., Friday Harbor 360.378.4710, whalemuseum.org

cAttle Point lighthouSe

Cattle Point is filled with history and stories dating back to the mid-19th century. Today, hikers can enjoy spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Cattle Point Road, Friday Harbor lighthousefriends.com

SAn JuAn iSlAnDS SculPture PArK

Take in 20 acres of outdoor art with more than 150 unique sculp-tures by world-renowned sculptors. Kids and dogs are always welcome.

9083 Roche Harbor Rd., Friday Harbor sjisculpturepark.com

liMe Kiln Point StAte PArK

Considered one of the best places in the world to catch a sighting of a wild orca whale, Lime Kiln Point State Park offers 36 acres of beautiful land on the Western shore of San Juan Island.

1567 West Side Rd., Friday Harbor 360.378.2044, parks.wa.gov

Page 58: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

golfcourSeS

FAveSnine

Page 59: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

SeMiAhMoo golF & countrY cluB

8720 Semiahmoo Pkwy., Blaine 360.371.7015 | semiahmoogolf.com7,005 | par 72 | slope 138

AvAlon golF linKS

19345 Kelleher Road, Burlington 360.757.1900 |avalonlinks.com6,837 | par 72 | slope 132

north BellinghAM golF courSe

205 West Smith Road, Bellingham 360.398.8300 | northbellinghamgolf.com8,616 | par 72 | slope 136

lAKe PADDen golF courSe

4882 Samish Way, Bellingham 360.738.7400 | lakepaddengolf.com6,575 | par 72 | slope 127

eAgleMont golF courSe

4800 Eaglemont Dr., Mt Vernon 360.424.0800 | eaglemontgolf.com7,006 | par 72 | slope 149

SuDDen vAlleY golF courSe

4 Clubhouse Circle, Bellingham 360.734.6435 | suddenvalleygolfcourse.com6,553 | par 72 | slope 130

ShuKSAn golF cluB

1500 East Axton Road, Bellingham 360.398.8888 | shuksangolf.com6,737 | par 72 | slope 136

looMiS trAil golF cluB

4342 Loomis Trail Road, Bellingham 360.332.8138 | semiahmoogolf.com/loomis_trail7,131 | par 72 | slope 142

SAn JuAn golF & tenniS cluB

806 Golf Course Rd., Friday Harbor (360) 378-2254| www.sjgolfclub.com6694 | par 72 | slope 127

Two hotels blending space and style.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott | 4040 Northwest Ave. | Bellingham360.714.9600 | springhillbellingham.com

TownePlace Suites by Marriott | 4050 Northwest Ave. | Bellingham360.714.9700 | towneplacebellingham.com

Stylish Suites

Airport Location

Chuckanut Lobby Bar

Exit 257Complimentary hot and healthy breakfast buffet

Extended-stay apartment-style unitsFull kitchens Outdoor patio and BBQ area

Follow us on Pinterest!

pinterest.com/northsoundlife

Page 60: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

SHOP LOCAL

W h a t c o m | S k a g i t | S a n J u a n

BRInG A pIECE oF yoUR ExpERIEnCE HomE WITH yoU. oUR AREA IS RICH WITH LoCAL BoUTIqUES, GALLERIES,

And SpECIALTy SHopS.

Page 61: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Cardigan Macy’s, Tommy Hilfiger, $77.70

Shirt Betty Be Good, Naked Zebra, $39.50

Jeans Cheeks, Kimmie by 7 For All

Mankind; $189;

Cuff Cheeks, Grace Designs, $24.00;

Boots Mi Shoes, Frye, $398

Photos by Joe & Patience Photography location: lakedale Resort, Friday harbor

Page 62: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook
Page 63: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

LEFT Jacket Macy’s, Kensie, $44; Shirt H&M, $19.95; Cuff Macy’s, $55

RIGHT Sweater Sojourn, Miracle City, $48; Shirt Three French Hens, Yala Bamboo Dreams, $62;

Jeans Macy’s, Natalie, $84; Boots Mi Shoes, Bed Stu, $284

Page 64: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

LEFT Stina plaid Shirt Cheeks & Sojourn, BB Dakota, natalie Jeans Macy's, Kut, $89; grey Shirt Blue Horizon; Leggings H & M, $17.95

RIGHT Beretta Sweater Cheeks & Sojourn, BB Dakota; necklace Macy's,Vince Camuto, $48;

Page 65: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook
Page 66: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

62 NorthSoundLife.com

LEFTJacket Cheeks, BB Dakota; Sweater Cheeks, BB Dakota; Jeans Cheeks, 7 For All Mankind, $189; Boot Mi Shoes, Frye $398

Page 67: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Shopping DestinationsWHATCOM

when ShoPPing in whAtcoM countY, everY DeSire cAn Be Met.

If you seek a traditional mall, then visit Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham, where you can find a collection of brand name stores all under one roof.

Downtown Bellingham is an urban dweller’s oasis and is home to several well-established shops that have been around for decades, but new shops open often and keep downtown fresh and current.

Fairhaven has that old town ambience and a sophisticated charm where you can find upper scale boutiques and one-of-a-kind items.

Lynden is Dutch in feel and home to various strip malls and little hidden gems.

SKAGIT

when ShoPPing in SKAgit countY, there Are An ArrAY oF oPtionS to SAtiSFY AnY ShoPPer'S wiSh liSt. Whether unique specialty stores, name-brand stores, or the local mom-and-pop shop, you can find it in Skagit County.

Burlington will be where shoppers can find name brands, either at the Cascade Mall, a traditional mall and houses all stores under one roof. There's also The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington, which is a name-brand outlet row.

Downtown Mt. Vernon has an eight-block area where retail shops are sprinkled. Shoppers can find anything from jewelry to books, and everything in-between.

La Conner has a beautiful and newly updated boardwalk where you can find excep-tional items such as fine art, clothing, jewelry, and home décor.

In Anacortes shoppers come for the antiques. There are more than 50 antique deal-ers in one massive 25,000 square-foot space. There are also other delightfully charm-ing shops that sell books, clothes, and other goods.

SAN JUAN

iF iSlAnD hoPPing AnD ShoPPing iS PreFerreD then the SAn JuAn iSlAnDS will Be to Your liKing. There are clothing shops on the islands, but the main offerings are handcrafted items, art, and keepsakes.

Friday Harbor on San Juan Island has great galleries, specialty stores, and gift shops, where shoppers can find a rare piece of jewelry or a unique memento.

Lopez Island has a little village filled with a mixture of shops, galleries, and eater-ies where shoppers can purchase local wine, locally made ice cream, and find a rare piece of art.

Orcas Island offers lots of art-oriented shops and galleries where pottery, sculptures, paintings, and blown glass can be found.

TopGlamorous Belted trench Coat Nordstrom $108; Astar Dress Nordstrom $58, Ello Moss tunic Gary’s $228; Brochu Walker Skirt Gary’s $289

BoTTomOlive & Pique hat Sojourn $32; BB Dakota Sweater (Jack) Cheeks; Carlson pants Nordstrom $59

Page 68: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

64 NorthSoundLife.com

HOMe FURNISHINGS

MoDern clASSicS Furniture

Visit the showroom of Bellingham-based online retailer Modern Classics Furniture to experience first-hand the company's care-fully crafted mid-century modern furniture reproductions. We suggest previewing the extensive product line at modernclassics.com prior to visiting the store. In-store discounts and factory seconds selection available at this location. Showroom hours are Wed.-Sat. noon to 5 p.m., or by appointment.

1418 N State St., Bellingham 360.733.6400, modernclassics.com

reAl DeAlS on hoMe Decor

Fabulous home décor at true warehouse pricing! Clocks, mirrors, lamps, fine art, metal wall art, garden decor, spring and seasonal decor, candles, kitchen and bath decor and so much more. You won’t find a better value or selection anywhere in Bellingham!

4073 Hannegan Road, Suite C, Bellingham 360.306.5414, realdeals.net/bellingham

re-FeAther Your neSt

When you enter Re-Feather Your Nest, you might not even real-ize it’s a consignment shop. Loaded with classic, upscale home décor, contemporary art, and fine accessories, it’s a fine boutique that is reminiscent of a Paris apartment.

121-A Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon | 623 Morris St., La Conner 360.755.3126, 360.399.1057 re-featheryournest.com

gretchen’S Kitchen

Gretchen’s is more than just a kitchen store — though it is an excellent one. It is a culinary hub in Mount Vernon, hosting cooking classes, tastings, and more. Passion for cooking drives Gretchen’s to carry the finest in cookware, with brands like Henckels, Le Creuset, Emile Henry, OXO, and many more.

509 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.8747, gretchenskitchen.com

grAnDiFlorA hoMe & gArDen

Trisha Brink and La Von Vander Werff, the sisters also known as the Grandiflora Girls, own and operate Grandiflora along with their mother, Jan Stremler. Grandiflora carries the best seasonal décor around and offers visitors abundant inspiration for home and garden projects.

719 Grover St., Lynden 360.318.8854, grandiflorahomeandgarden.com

SeMPre itAliAno

With a name that translates to “always Italian,” you can expect to find authentic Italian ceramics in this bright, colorful store, including exquisite hand-painted serving dishes and pottery.

104 South First St., La Conner 360.466.1013, sempreitaliano.com

SPeCIALTy SHOPS

otion: the SoAP BAr

Otion: The Soap Bar offers in-store crafting for people of all ages. Their Crafter’s Corner is fun & easy to use. Create your own custom soap, lip balm, bath bombs, or nail polish. Reservations are encour-aged, but walk-ins are welcome.

301 W. Holly Street, Bellingham 360.676.1030, otionsoap.com

everYBoDY'S Store

Everybody's Store, Whatcom County's turn-of-the-century gen-eral store in the Mt. Baker foothills, on Hwy 9 in Van Zandt, just three minutes south of Deming, is famous for its fresh organic garden, local bounty of cheeses, fine wines, fresh organic produce and satisfying deli sandwiches. Go discover "where upscale meets downhome!"

5465 Potter Road, Deming 360.592.2297, everybodys.com

PennY lAne Antique MAll

"Voted best antique store in the Northwest," Penny Lane Antique Mall is a more than 10,000-square-foot antique mall located in the heart of Old Town, Bellingham, filled with great one-of-a-kind trea-sures! Brother and sister owners, Matt and Lyndsey, grew up in the antique buisness and always shared a love for antiques.

427 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.671.3301, pennylaneantiquemall.com

eArthenworKS

Whether you’re in the market for glass, woodwork, leather goods, fine art, or ceramics, Earthenworks is your first stop for beautiful gal-lery-quality products. Owners Don and Cynthia nurture the careers of more than 100 local and regional artists. Stop in and enjoy the beautiful handcrafted items.

713 1st St., La Conner 360.466.4422, earthenworksgallery.com

nAStY JAcK’S AntiqueS

Founded in 1972 by partners “Nasty” Jack Wilkins and “Diamond” Jim Rey, Nasty Jack’s is a required stop for antique hounds and

Page 69: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015–2016 65

Voted BEST consignment store in Whatcom County by Bellingham Alive readers

A fun and friendly store with excellent prices. Clothing, accessories and home decor items!

Women’s Consignmen

t Sho

p

labelsconsignment.com

360.676.12103927 Northwest Ave | 360.738.0333

2332 James St. (by Trader Joe’s)

collectors. Chock full of old Life magazines, furniture, collectables, and more, Nasty Jack’s is a fun treasure chest of great finds.

103 Morris St., La Conner 360.466.3209, nastyjacksantiques.com

the c ShoP

The C Shop is a must-see candy store, bakery, café, and pizzeria for summertime visits to picturesque Birch Bay. Housed in a charming yellow storefront, The C Shop is the stuff of beachside family mem-ories, specializing in goods that start with “C” or rhyme with “sea.”

4825 Alderson Rd., Blaine 360.371.2070, thecshop.com

APPAReL

Blue horizon

Bellingham’s finest venue for women’s fashion and formal wear. Blue Horizon has been based in the Fairhaven district of Bellingham,Washington since1995.We strive to bring together an eclectic collection of fashionable, functional,and elegant clothing for modern women.

1302 12th St., Bellingham 360.734.7803, bluehorizonclothing.com

lABelS

For more than ten years, Labels has offered premium consignment clothing. Now, with two convenient locations, the friendly staff make it easy to consign or buy.

3927 Northwest Ave. | 2332 James St., Bellingham 360.738.1210, labelsconsignment.com

THREE fRENCH HENs

Three French Hens is one of Fairhaven's favorite boutiques. Our unique gifts,home decor for your home, and hand picked distinctive apparel create an original shopping experience with a French flair.

1100 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.756.1047, threefrenchhens.net

eMBelliSh

If you’re in the market for jewelry, artisanal bath products, fine casual clothing, handbags, accessories, and more, Embellish is the place for you. An elegant boutique for women right in the heart of Mount Vernon, Embellish is a great place to gather gifts for others or a little treat for yourself.

221 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.3373, embellish.bigcartel.com

antique mall

427 W. Holly St. Bellingham

over 10 ,000 sq ua re f t of v i nta g e t rea sures !www.penny la nea nt iq uema l l .com

open 10-6 daily 360.671.3301

PENNY LANE

Page 70: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

66 NorthSoundLife.com

uPStAge Boutique AnD Men’S Store

Clothing retailers often focus on women, and Upstage does include women in their shop. But they also have fine men’s clothing and fur-nishings — a combination that is becoming increasingly rare for a boutique. They carry brands like Columbia, Woolrich, Life is Good, and more.

520 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.283.9888, upstageboutique.com

Mi ShoeS

Be prepared to swoon over a stunning collection of boots, shoes, heels, and sandals by Frye, Bed Stu, Seychelles, Blowfish, and more, on dis-play in a dreamy, chandelier-lit showroom. Complete your look with any number of incredible accessories, including purses, sunglasses, and jewelry.

1315 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.715.2046, mymishoes.com

1 PAPerBoAt

The store where enjoyable Home Goods, Gifts & Clothing come together in a fun, relaxed & comfortable place to shop. We've sailed in with favorites, Brighton and Glassybaby along with specialty gifts for the beach & nautical fan. Located in the historic Fairhaven district, we invite you to drop anchor for a visit soon!

1134 - 10th Street., Bellingham 360.656.6588

Be chic Boutique

Offering summer dresses, designer denim, handcrafted jewelry and more, you’ll love the designer style with island flair at Be Chic Boutique. Find familiar brands like Toms, Miss Me and Rock Revival alongside Seattle-based jewelry designers.

285 Spring St., Friday Harbor 360.378.6454, bechicboutique.com

ART GALLeRIeS

JAnSen Art center

Located in Downtown Lynden, the Jansen Art Center houses six art studios, gallery spaces, the Firehall Café and the Gallery Shop. Visitors are invited to explore the exhibits, take an art class or work-shop, and enjoy music in the Piano Lounge.

321 Front Street, Lynden 360.354.3600, jansenartcenter.org

exPreSSionS Fine Art gAllerY

Specializing in glass art, jewelry, paintings, bronze sculpture, pottery, lighting, woodcraft, and more, Expressions is a distinctive collection

of fine Northwest art. Established in 2014 by Shannon and Stan O’Neil, Expressions grew out of Stan’s own interest in glass blowing. He created a community of artists who now call Expressions their home.

705 1st St., La Conner 360.466.1911, expressionsfineartgallery.com

Doug BiSon’S BlAcKFiSh gAllerY

Blackfish was the name the Native Americans gave to the orca whale. Orcas remain an important part of Indian culture in the Northwest, and this gallery is a tribute to tribal art and cul-ture. Full of hand-carved wooden items, bronzes, paintings, and more, Blackfish showcases established contemporary Northwest artists.

101 N. 1st St., La Conner 360.399.1042, bisonblackfishgallery.com

ShAron KingSton gAllerY

Bellingham-based artist Sharon Kingston is recognized for her atmospheric, luminous and poetic landscape and abstract paint-ings. Her downtown studio shares a space with Modern Classics Furniture and you're invited to experience her works paired with midcentury modern furnishings. Studio & storefront open Wed-Sat noon-5pm.

1418 N State St., Bellingham 360-739-2474, sharonkingston.com

FriDAY hArBor gAllerY

Formerly known as Gallery 9, Friday Harbor Gallery opened in April 2015 to offer island art, framing, and collectibles. The gal-lery represents Northwest Islands Artists from Orcas, San Juan, Lopez, and Whidbey islands.

60 First St., Friday Harbor 360.378.9193, northwestislandsartgifts.com

ArtwooD gAllerY

Located in the heart of downtown Fairhaven, Artwood Gallery showcases a rotating, juried collection of work from a coopera-tive comprising more than 90 local fine woodworkers. Here, you’ll find beautiful hand-crafted furniture and one-of-a-kind pieces of functional art.

1000 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.647.1628, artwoodgallery.com

Scott Milo gAllerY

Located in Downtown Anacortes, Scott Milo Gallery has been brining exceptional art, knowledge and service to the area for 20 years. Featuring regional artists and rotating exhibits throughout the year.

420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.293.6938,scottmilo.com

Page 71: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

BAUHAUS MODERN SCANDINAVIAN MODERN MID-CENTURY MODERN

Headquartered in Bellingham,modernclassics.comis a respected onlineretailer of accurate reproductions of modern classics furnishings made even better by using superior materials.

Shop modernclassics.comor, better yet, visit our showroom while you’re in town.

1418 N STATE STREETdowntown bellingham

wed-sat 12-5pm or by appt.FURNITURE ART

and experience our furniture offerings in person.

mod e r n c l a s s i c s . c om       c u r t@mod e r n c l a s s i c s . c om       3 6 0 - 7 3 3 - 6 4 0 0

VISIT OUR BELLINGHAM SHOWROOM

In-Store DiscountsFabric & Leather Samples

h

every girls dream shoe closet ... and more!

1315 RAILROAD AVE Bellingham. WA mymishoes.com

MON SAT 10-6pm SUN 11-4pmHOURS

Featuring Brighton, Glassybaby and more!

1134 - 10th Street, Bellingham | 360.656.6588Located n ext to Fairhaven Village Inn

Page 72: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

68 NorthSoundLife.com

W h a t c o m | S k a g i t | S a n J u a n

eAT & DRINKdInInG In THE noRTH SoUnd IS A FEAST FoR THE SEnSES. Enjoy

oUR BoUnTy oF pRodUCE, SEAFood, And FInE WInES.

Page 73: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

wASABee SuShiWasaBee Sushi creates artful and

beautiful sushi with the absolute

freshest fish available. Jewel-like and

delicious, this sushi is well worth a visit.

©d

iane Padys

Page 74: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

70 NorthSoundLife.com

©courtney Bow

lden Photography

Page 75: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015 71

WinerieS & taStingS

coAch houSe cellArS

With their focus on small lot production and special attention to detail, Coach House creates some of the finest wines in our region. Enjoy these small lot wines at their tasting room in Fairhaven.

1318 11th St., Bellingham (tasting room) 360.389.0884, coachhousecellars.com

tuliP vAlleY vineYArD & orchArD

Come taste the best ciders and wines in the region and take a stroll through the vineyard’s art gallery.

16163 State Route 536, Mount Vernon 360.428.6894, tulipvalley.net

DYnAStY cellArS

A small, family-owned local winery with winemaking roots going back generations. Specializing in big bold red wines; great now, good for aging. White, rosé and dessert wines also available. Friendly atmosphere, centrally located in town. Parties and special events are welcome.

2169 E. Bakerview Rd, Bellingham 360.220.4111, dynastycellarswine.com

Mount BAKer vineYArDS

Located along the scenic Mount Baker Highway, the Mount Baker Vineyards are pastoral and lovely. The tasting room is unpretentious and welcoming.

4298 Mount Baker Highway, Everson 360.592.2300, mountbakervineyards.com

MASquerADe winerY

Offering an excellent selection of red and white wines, Masquerade operates a friendly tasting room and very fine wines.

2001 Iowa St., Bellingham 360.220.7072, masqueradewines.com

TasTing Room

1319 11th St., Bellingham | ph. 360.389.0884 | Open 11am – 7pm

GOLD

OF TH

E

Page 76: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

72 NorthSoundLife.com

Whatcom

AnthonY'S heArthFire grill Steak House & Seafood

7 Bellwether Way Bellingham, WA 360.527.3473, anthonys.comLocated on Squalicum Harbor in Bellwether on the Bay, Anthony's Hearthfire Grill ~ Squalicum Harbor offers guests spectacular views of the San Juan Islands. Offering guests pre-mier Northwest designer beef and fresh Northwest seafood, this high-energy res-taurant specializes in hearthfire cooking.

PAcKerS oYSter BAr American Gastro Pub & Sports Bar

9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine, WA 360.318.2090, semiahmoo.comA sports bar/ gastro pub where you can meet with friends to watch your favor-ite team or just enjoy the serene view of Semiahmoo Bay while sipping on seasonal, hand-crafted cocktails, local brew and enjoying shareable pub favorites.

Dining KeY ______________up to $9

____________$10–19

___________$20–29

_________$30 or greater

_____________Breakfast

____________ Brunch

_____________Lunch

_____________Dinner

_____________Family-Friendly

_____________Takeout

_____________Outdoor Seating

____________Reservations

____________Happy Hour

PierSiDe Kitchen American & French Regional Cuisine

9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine, 360.318.2090, semiahmoo.comRegionally inspired cuisine that is healthy, creative, and seasonal, utilizing Washington's unique and beautiful coast. Stimulation of the senses, creative innovation, ritual of the table and the alliance between the chefs and the farmers...look forward to all this and more.

greAt Blue heron grill Classic American Country Club

8720 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine 360.371.7005, semiahmoo.comA decidedly delicious 19th Hole. Serving farm fresh and traditional country club fare. Enjoy sea-sonal patio dining overlooking the 18th fairway or choose indoor seating by the big picture windows. We are open to the public everyday.

AnthonY'S At SquAlicuM hArBor Seafood

25 Bellwether Way Bellingham, WA 360.647.5588, anthonys.comAnthony's at Squalicum Harbor is located just

Avenue BreAD Bakery & Café

2020 Humboldt St., Bellingham 360.703.7272, avenuebread.comAvenue Bread is the neighborhood café and bak-ery that creates community around authentic eats for the people of Bellingham and its visitors who want an elevated experience for the mind, body and soul in an era of increasingly conscious consumption.

the cAntinA At Silver reeF Mexican

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 866.383.0777 (exit 7246), silverreefcasino.comTake your tastes South of the border at the Cantina. Choose from a delectable array of Mexican food, then wash it down with a signature cocktail made from more than 75 brands of tequila.

reD river cAFe American

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 866.383.0777 (exit 7123), silverreefcasino.comA truly outstanding experience. Serving a vari-ety of delicious cuisine from a diverse menu.

the SteAK houSe At Silver reeF

Seafood Fine Dining Steak House

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 866.383.0777 (exit 7178), silverreefcasino.comEnjoy elegant dining in an intimate atmo-sphere. Our multiple award-winning steak house/wine room offers specially selected, naturally aged prime steaks for maximum ten-derness and flavor.

off the I-5 corridor on Squalicum Harbor in Bellwether on the Bay and offers an impres-sive view of the sunset year round. Anthony's at Squalicum Harbor is also located near Zuanich Park, a bayside park near many pleasure yachts and fishing vessels.

Slo Pitch SPortS grill & cASino American

3720 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA 360.733.2255, slopitchcasino.comThe Slo Pitch Sports Grill and Casino is con-veniently located off exit 256. Featuring great burgers, chicken wings a variety of salads, sandwiches and more in a family-friendly set-ting. With 20 HDTVs, Poker Room, Pit Games, Huge Pull Tab Bar, Pool Table, Trivia, there is so much to do.

chucKAnut loBBY BAr American Bistro

4040 Northwest Avenue, Bellingham 360.714.9600, springhillbellingham.comLocated off exit 257 on Northwest Avenue and inside the SpringHill Suites Hotel, The Chuckanut Lobby Bar is open seven days a week, offering nightly dining options as well as a range of local wines and beers on tap. Daily Happy Hour 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

KeenAn'S At the Pier Northwest, American & Seafood

804 10th St., Bellingham 360.392.5510, thechrysalisinn.comCasual yet elegant. Keenan's at the Pier, located inside the Chrysalis Inn & Spa in Fairhaven, fea-tures fresh, local cuisine and a full bar. Executive Chef Mica Christensen and his culinary staff, highlight the beauty and style of the Pacific Northwest with fresh ingredients that are sea-sonal and regionally sourced. Enjoy Bellingham Bay views from every table, where breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner are served daily. Brunch on Sundays. Reservations are highly recommended.

Page 77: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook
Page 78: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

74 NorthSoundLife.com

FireSiDe MArtini BArFar from the crowd, yet...close in. Relax in a cozy, intimate atmosphere and savor a crafted cocktail, a lovely wine or a local brew. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are lively and attentive. Live music on weekends features local talent. Food offerings include small plates to share, grilled sandwiches, wraps, salads and flatbreads. Patio when weather allows. Easy parking.

416 W Bakerview rd360-738-1000firesidemartini.common-Thurs 11:30a.m.-10p.m.Fri-Sat 11:30a.m.-11p.m.+

PAnASiA At Silver reeF Asian

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 866.383.0777 (exit 7175), silverreefcasino.comContemporary cuisine from the Far East serving all your favor-ites such as honey walnut prawns, General Tso's Chicken and more!

BellewooD AcreS: DiStillerY, cAFe & FArM American

6410 Guide Meridian, Lynden 360.318.7720, bellewoodfarms.com, bellewooddistilling.comYour visit to Bellewood Acres is the total destination experience. Join us to sip award-winning spirits distilled from our own spe-cialty apples. Enjoy incredible country cooking, unique rustic giftables and specialty u-pick apples every fall while gazing upon the intrigue of magnificent Mt. Baker. Bellewood... it's on your bucket list! Y'all come visit now.

JAKe'S weStern grill

Come see us in Lynden--just a 15 minute scenic drive north of Bellingham. We serve heaping portions with a southern flair!In-house smoked BBQ, ribs, steak, burgers, chicken, salads and more. Dine-in or take-out. ½ price appetizers and drink specials Monday – Friday from 3-6 p.m.

8114 guide Meridian, Lynden360.354.5588jakeswesterngrill.comOpen everyday 11 a.m.– Close

PizzAnini At Silver reeF Pizza, Italian

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 866.383.0777 (ext. 7197,) silverreefcasino.comYour home for delicious woodstone pizza and great sandwiches!

BAYou on BAY Cajun/Creole

1300 Bay St., Bellingham 360.752.2968, bayouonbay.comBayou On Bay serves a wide variety of classic Cajun/Creole dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boy sandwiches and hush puppies, to name a few. A house-made remou-lade, which accompanies many of the dishes, is worth the trip alone. The bar offers an extensive list of drink options. Bayou on Bay is a must for foodies as well as people just looking for a satisfying meal.

BrAnDYwine Kitchen Regional NW

1317 Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.1071, brandywinekitchen.comNamed for the decadent heirloom tomatoes grown on their farm, the owners source much of their ingredients locally and hold the “from seed to plate” philosophy. The menu offers veg-etarian and gluten-free options (like rice-Panko Fish and Chips), and includes beer from both Boundary Bay and Chuckanut breweries. Try the Quinoa-Salmon Cakes with red pepper aioli or a BLT with Hempler’s bacon and maple-tomato relish. Don’t miss the Hibiscus Iced Tea for a refreshing sip or treat yourself to a Raspberry Champagne Cocktail.

Page 79: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015 75

giuSePPe'S Al PortoStep into the charm of Italy and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine with spectacular views of Squalicum Marina at Bellingham Bay. Dine inside or outside on our waterfront patio with Al Tramonto, our three course dinner for $20 daily from 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Open Daily 11:30am – 10pmHappy Hour 3pm-6pm, Early Dining Specials 3pm-6pm

21 Bellwether Way, Bellingham Marina360.714.8412GiuseppesItalian.com

LOgO

“flavors of the northwest” is a ‘farm to table’ themed restaurant that offers incredible fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a relaxed casual environment. With several variety’s of omelet and pancakes, to multiple dinner seafood entrées to choose from and savory steak dishes, your experience at Chinuk will not disappoint. With a well designed kids menu; children will have much to choose from. Fresh cobbler’s and pastry’s made daily will appeal to any ‘sweet tooth’!

714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham360.671.1011bellingham-hotel.com/dining.html

LOgO

chinuK

zen SuShi & BAr

Discover your Zen when you experience the art and freshness of hand crafted sushi selections offer right to you on conveyor belt. Made to order specialties & full service cocktails cater to every taste imagined. Price per plate, Sushi of the day, Happy Hour drinks, and friendly service assure your experience is a memorable one.

3001 Cinema Pl.360.734.7888zensushibellingham.comSun-Thurs 11am-10pmFri- Sat 11am-11pm

Page 80: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

LOgO

nicKi'S BellA MArinA

Nicki's Bella Marina offers up some of Bellingham's best fish and chips, legendary gourmet burgers and outstanding local micro brews. The fish is hand cut, up to three times a day, covered in tempura batter and cooked to order, mak-ing it a favorite among local fisherman. The burgers are pure comfort food made with 100% USD ground chuck steak and cooked to perfection. Nicki's has been serving hungry customers and pleasing crowds with sweeping bay views from the deck since 1992.

2615 S. Harbor Loop Dr. Bellingham360.332.2505nickisbellamarina.com

LOgO

DirtY DAn hArriS Steakhouse

1211 11th St., Bellingham 360.676.1087, dirtydanharris.comThe “dirt” on Dirty Dan Harris? In a word: excellent. The steakhouse provides warm, friendly waitstaff, quaint historic surround-ings and superb food. Perhaps the best reflection on the restaurant is owner Kathy Papadakis’ waitstaff. Most have worked here for years — and it shows in their enthusiasm for your dining experience. The filet mignon is Dirty Dan’s signature entree. You won’t be disappointed. Leave room for dessert, however, because the selections are dangerously good.

the ForK At AgAte BAY Eclectic

2530 N. Shore Rd., Bellingham 360.733.1126, theforkatagatebay.comAs unassuming as they come, The Fork at Agate Bay is a quiet retreat of fine food and wine only a short drive down the east side of Lake Whatcom. Be careful not to be fooled by its quaint exterior; inside you’ll discover a surprisingly upscale atmosphere warmed by a welcoming and rustic charm. Opened in June 2009, it has gained recognition as one

of Bellingham’s best restaurants, emerg-ing as a favorite for food connoisseurs. From a simple yet elegant egg breakfast to wild-mushroom-stuffed chicken, the menu is a delightful and modern take on the classics.

D’AnnA’S cAFe itAliAno Italian

1317 N. State St., Bellingham 360.714.0188, dannascafeitaliano.comIf you’re looking for good Italian food without having to resort to a national chain, D’Anna’s may be the place for you. The emphasis here is on the food, not the frills. The restaurant stands out in many ways, but D’Anna’s delicious, homemade pasta is what really makes it special.

MAgDAlenAS Crêperie, European

1200 10th St., Ste. 103, Bellingham 360.483.8569, magdalenascreperie.comParis, London, New York, Vancouver and Bellingham have them. Little shops where the aromas of sweet and savory crêpes, custom sandwiches and

hot soup du jour fill the air. With a formidable selection of crêpes, it’ll take more than one trip to decide which is better, sweet or savory. But at this eatery, it is criminal to pass up the sweet little numbers filled with velvety smooth vanilla-flavored cream cheese, white chocolate and your choice of fresh fruit. A crêpe option for every crêpe crave.

wASABee SuShi Japanese/Sushi

105 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham 360.223.9165, wasabeesushi.comWasaBee Sushi is a dining experience not soon to be forgotten. Deliciously fresh and succu-lent slices of fish resting atop carefully hand-sculpted pillows of rice are a sushi lover’s dream come true. Delicately sweet Hamachi, beauti-fully barbecued Unagi, and bright and glisten-ing Ikura arrive on little porcelain plates gar-nished with freshly made wasabi and paper-thin slices of white pickled ginger. It’s a refreshing break from the pink-dyed variety so often found in many sushi bars. Ambiance, incomparable quality and prices that cannot be beat make WasaBee Sushi a darn fine place to eat.

Page 81: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015 77

LOgO

5th Street BistroEnjoy delicious food and drink while perched atop the tallest building in Anacortes. The views of the San Juan Islands and surrounding water are magnificent from the Rooftop Lounge. Open seasonally. Also, feast on seasonally fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, northwest wines and local micro brews in our 5th Street Bistro. Open daily.

419 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221360.299.1400 majesticinnandspa.com

LOgO

the MAJeStic inn

SKagit

AnthonY'S At cAP SAnte MArinA Seafood

1207 Q Ave., Anacortes 360.588.0333, anthonys.com

Anthony's at Cap Sante is located in the heart of downtown Anacortes at the Port of Anacortes Cap Sante Marina. The restaurant has a scenic waterfront setting ideal for view-ing the activities of the commercial fishing fleet as well as recreational boating. It has two outside decks; one of which is covered, has a fireplace, and is ideal for year-round outdoor dining.

truMPeter PuBlic houSe Casual, Fine Dining

416 Myrtle St., Mt Vernon 360-588-4515, trumpeterpublichouse.com

The Trumpeter is an ideal combination of high-end, fine dining, and English pub fare. Try traditional pub selections like shepherd's pie, fish and chips, or more unique choices like pork tenderloin complimented with an

apricot-honey glaze or crab mac & cheese with a creamy Gruyere sauce and wild-caught crab. Additionally, the Trumpeter looks to accom-modate all tastes with our gluten free dishes, and option to make any dish gluten free. Of course, a gastro pub isn't complete without beer and Trumpeter completes the dinig expe-rience with 18 taps of local and European brews. There's also a fine selection of wines and other drink choices.

sECRET COVE Waterfront Seafood

209 T Ave., Anacortes 360-982-2008, [email protected] restaurant with large selection of salads, sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips, steaks and seafood! Great happy hour seven days a week with outdoor seating. Family-friendly outside patio over looking Guemes Channel. Open daily at 11:30 a.m.

13 MoonS At SwinoMiSh cASino & loDge Seafood/Steak

12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes

360.588.3800, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/ dining/13moonsLocated within the casino, situated on the waterfront offering an elegant lodge atmo-sphere. The chef's hands-on approach offers hand-picked fresh seafood from the region. Alder wood flavored meats and the freshest fla-vors of the northwest. Open daily from 4 p.m.

nell thorn Seafood

205 Washington St., La Conner 360.466.4261, nellthorn.comThis small-town gem located in the heart of La Conner brings in tourists and locals alike. They boast well-prepared and locally sourced fresh seafood as well as an extensive wine and beer list. The charming and cozy pub atmosphere, homemade soups and generous portions make for a great special occasion or romantic evening. Try the polenta cakes with cured black olive and roasted garlic tomato sauce – you won’t be disappointed.

Page 82: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

rAilroAD MArKet Coffee shop

122 S. Spruce St., Burlington 360.982.2133Quick, convenient and local: whether you're looking for a cup of fresh roasted coffee, home-made pastry or grabbing a sandwich on the run, Railroad Market has you covered. Find hundreds of specialty beers you can enjoy in a family-friendly environment or take it to go for a special occasion.

lA triviAtA

La Traviata embodies the rich and colorful culture of Italy. The foods they serve will surely encompass the flavors that made Italian dishes truly stand out. Join us for daily Happy Hour from 2-5 pm - Glass of Wine $5.00, Well drinks $4.00, Bottled Beer $3.00 and Food from $5.95

201 E. Morris St, La Conner360.466.0555latraviataitaliano.comHappy Hour 2-5

FriDASFrida’s cuisine blends classical Mexican dishes with new regional favorites. The result is authenticity and flavor found in chef-owned restaurants throughout Mexico. Our family welcomes you to Frida’s. Join us for our daily Happy Hour from 2-5 pm, Margaritas from $5.00, Well drinks $4.00, Bottled Beer $3.00 and Food from $3.95

416 Commercial Ave, Anacortes360.299.2120fridasgourmet.comHappy Hour 2-5

SeeD’S BiStro Regional NW

623 Morris St., La Conner 360.466.3280, seedsbistro.comSeed's Bistro in La Conner offers simple dishes that highlight the fresh, exciting ingredients found throughout the Pacific Northwest. The menu features local selec-tions rotated with the seasons. The whole family can enjoy Seed's offerings—comfort foods satisfy children’s desires while more intricate food items appease fastidious palates.

the oYSter BAr Seafood

2578 Chuckanut Dr., Bow 360.766.6185, theoysterbar.netThe Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive is perched among tower-ing conifers above the oyster beds. Chef Justin Gordon, has an abundance of knowledge about oysters — both local and imported — and reveals a passion for working with this native shell-fish. While oysters are the sig-nature offering, The Oyster Bar offers a variety of other fine-din-ing choices and is known in the Pacific Northwest for its extensive wine cellar.

il grAnAio Italian

100 E. Montgomery St., Ste. 110, Mount Vernon 360.419.0674, granaio.comChef Alberto Candivi arrives at Il Granaio in downtown every

morning to make the day’s pastas by hand, sculpting basic ingredients into the building blocks for lavish, rich Italian dishes served throughout the day. Il Granaio is a practice in the intricacies of cuisine, dis-playing the best flavors Italian food has to offer. With more than 30 items on the entrée menu. The wine menu is expan-sive, and the beer menu fea-tures several local craft brews. Their grappa selection does the Italian cordial the justice it deserves.

trAin wrecK BAr & grill American

427 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington 360.755.0582, trainwreckbar.comLooking for something differ-ent? Date night or a place to hang out with friends? Enjoy local food, local beer and tasty cocktails at Train Wreck Bar & Grill. With everything made in house, you'll be sure to enjoy a delicious meal that you won't forget!

cAlle Mexican

517 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.5566, callelove.comCalle has generated quite the attention with a write up in Sunset magazine. Known for their take on Street Tacos — with six meat fillings to choose from and handmade corn tortillas — but that’s cer-tainly not the only mouthwa-tering option. Try the Carne Asada, Posole or Tortas to name just a few menu options. The Spicy Mango Margarita, made with fresh mango and jalepeno, is fast becoming a customer favorite. With 60+ tequilas and mescals to sample, there’s always another reason to visit again.

Page 83: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Guestbook 2015 79

the following craft beer selections have made it

past our taste test and into our top seven. step out

and give them a try; you won’t be disappointed.

1

2

36

5

7

4

7BReWSGreat

The Uncommon at Bellingham's upstart Wander Brewing is a standout California Common with a slight biscuit flavor and a beautiful amber color.wanderbrewing.com

Try the Sculler's IpA at the tried-and-true Skagit River Brewery in mount Vernon. pair it with classic pub fare, like a delicious Reuben. skagitbrew.com

We keep return-ing to sip the flagship pilsner at Bellingham's Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen. chuckanutbreweryand-kitchen.com

Kulshan Brewing Company's American-style IpA, the Bastard Kat IpA, is crisp and citrusy. There's much to love about its patio and rotating food truck vendors.kulshanbrewery.com

We're loyal fans of orcas Island's Soccer mom Saison at the Island Hoppin' Brewery. islandhoppinbrewery.com

With more than just a stunning downtown Bellingham location, Aslan Brewing Co. pours a fantastic Ginger Rye Ale. While you're at it, we recommend the poutine. aslanbrewing.com

It's impossible to pick just one favorite Bellingham's Boundary Bay Brewery. This beer hall is bustling.bbaybrewery.com

San Juan

DucK SouP inn American

50 Duck Soup Ln., Friday Harbor 360.378.4878, ducksoupinn.comDuck Soup Inn is one of the most delightful din-ing experiences you’ll likely experience. Located almost midway between Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, the restau-rant offers tables for dinner as well as a couple of couches for pre-dinner drinks. The meals here match the atmosphere: fresh and natural outside; sophisticated country kitchen feel inside.

Doe BAY cAFe American/Seafood

107 Doe Bay Rd., Orcas Island 360.376.8059, doebay.com/cafe/cafe.htmlLocated on the waterfront and set in the Doe Bay garden, Executive Chef Jon Chappelle cre-ates a selection of the finest seed to table dining in the region. Every dish is prepared fresh and sourced locally on Orcas Island providing the diner with a unique experience they won't soon forget. Opperating on seasonal schedules call for current hours.

PriMA BiStro French

201 1/2 First St., Langley 360.221.4060, primabistro.comA quintessential South Whidbey dining experience in the heart of Langley, Prima Bistro marries gourmet French cuisine and classic Northwest ingredients. For fabulous food, elegant ambience and world-class views. Be sure to visit the Prima on your next visit to Whidbey Island.

vinnY’S Seafood

165 W. St., Friday Harbor 360.378.1934 vinnysfridayharbor.comOwner Becky Day welcomes diners to Vinny’s Ristorante in Friday Harbor, mirroring the feel of this warm Italian restaurant. Dishes change monthly and reflect the desire of Chef Daniel Van Hamsersfeld to serve simple, everyday fare. Vinny’s offers seafood and meat entrées, many of them traditional favorites like Veal Marsala and Chicken Picatta. The cocktail list includes old favorites and some fun offerings like the Crantini and a rhubarb margarita. Stop by and taste the warmth of Italy.

Page 84: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

Parting Shot

deception pass Bridge at sunset

Page 85: 2015/2016 North Sound Life Guestbook

www.peacehealth.org

FAMILY MEDICINE

Friday Harbor1117 Spring Street 360-378-2141

BellinghamInternal Medicine, Pediatrics4545 Cordata Parkway 360-738-2200

Sedro-Woolley830 Ball Street 360-855-14112061 Hospital Drive 360-856-7230

Burlington835 E. Fairhaven Avenue 360-755-0641

EMERGENCY CARE

Friday HarborSaturday Walk-in Clinic, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center1117 Spring Street

BellinghamPeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center2901 Squalicum Parkway

Sedro-WoolleyPeaceHealth United General Medical Center 2000 Hospital Drive

Right Care. Right Here.Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a

life-long resident, PeaceHealth provides the

care you need right where you need it.