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Holiday Concerts and Performances Around Bellingham

By
Stacee Sledge
-
Whatcom County holiday concerts

 

Finally! It’s time for my fa-la-la-la-la favorite season. The air is crisp, the cocoa is steaming, lights are twinkling, and holiday music is inescapable — just the way I like it.

Looking to add even more good cheer to this already-festive season? Take your pick of holiday concerts and performances taking place across Bellingham — from classic Christmas carols to the Nutcracker, Handel’s Messiah, and much more.

The Bellingham Theatre Guild’s ‘Tuna Christmas’

Running from November 27 through December 13, The Bellingham Theatre Guild celebrates the holiday season with its adaptation of “Tuna Christmas.” Written by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams, and directed by Michelle Kriz, this hilarious comedy transports audience members to Tuna, Texas, and plunks them down amidst a zany cast of characters.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $8 for children. The ticket office is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, or order by phone at 360-733-1811.

7:30 p.m. shows: November 27 and 28, December 3, 4, 5, and 10, 11, 12
2:00 p.m. matinees: November 29, December 6 and 13

Bellingham Theatre Guild
1600 H Street in Bellingham

Whatcom County holiday concerts
Harper & I’s production of “The Nutcracker” his the Mount Baker Stage on November 28th and 29th. Photo credit: Crystal Garcia Photography, courtesy of Harper & I.

Harper & I’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Harper and I Dance Center and Artistic Director Stephanie Harper present “The Nutcracker,” with two performances at the Mount Baker Theatre to help ring in the holiday season.

Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online, in person at the Mount Baker Theatre box office or by calling 360-734-6080.

Saturday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 29 at 2:00 p.m.

Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial in downtown Bellingham

WWU Department of Theatre & Dance Presents: ‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical’

Western’s Department of Theatre and Dance brings to the stage a tuneful take on Charles Dickens’ classic tale with “A Christmas Carol: The Musical.”

Tickets are $17 (adults) / $15.00 (faculty and staff) / $12 (students) and can be purchased online.

Wednesday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 5 at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Whatcom County holiday concerts
Ballet Bellingham presents “The Nutcracker” at the Mount Baker Theatre on December 4th. Photo courtesy: Ballet Bellingham.

Ballet Bellingham Presents: ‘The Nutcracker’

Prepare to be transported by Ballet Bellingham on a magical journey with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. Choreographed by Artistic Director Jessica Crook and married to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, the show is completed by gorgeous costumes and beautiful dancing. Ballet Bellingham students and local dancers share the stage in this delightful telling of a Christmas classic.

Continuing the tradition that Ballet Bellingham began with its very first performances of “The Nutcracker,” the company will donate over 200 tickets to local children’s charities.

“Ballet Bellingham offers a cultural opportunity that we want to share with those in our community who otherwise are not able to experience the magic and art of ballet,” says Crook.

Tickets are $24 for adults, $18 for seniors/students/youth, plus applicable fees. Buy tickets online or call the Mount Baker Theatre box office at 360-734-6080 for other options.

Friday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham

Whatcom County holiday concerts
LeAnn Rimes brings her Christmas tour to the Mount Baker Theatre on Saturday, December 10th. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.

LeAnn Rimes: Today Is Christmas Tour

Mount Baker Theatre presents LeAnn Rimes: Today is Christmas Tour With Ellee Duke.

Tickets are $65, $59 $49, or $39, plus applicable fees. Buy tickets online or call the Mount Baker Theatre box office at 360-734-6080 for more options.

Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham

Bellingham Chamber Chorale: Cantatas for Advent

Join the Bellingham Chamber Chorale on December 5 as they celebrate the holidays with two cantatas and a motet from Johann Bach.

Tickets can be purchased online and are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for students with ID, plus service fee.

Saturday, December 5 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

First Congregational Church
2401 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham

Whatcom Symphony and the Bellingham Children’s Choir: ’Ham for the Holidays

The Whatcom Symphony Orchestra will be joined by The Bellingham Children’s Choir to perform seasonal music by local arranger Scott Henderson. Bring the entire family for a classic holiday experience.

Tickets are $39, $34, and $14 and can be purchased online here.

Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 p.m.

Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham

Whatcom County holiday concerts
Opus Performing Arts presents a holiday ballet performance of “Winter White” on Thursday, December 10th at the Mount Baker Theatre. Photo courtesy: Opus Winter White.

Opus Performing Arts Presents: ‘Winter White’

Looking for a holiday ballet performance that’s accessible to the entire family? Opus Performing Arts presents a concert in “Winter White.”

Performed by Opus Performing Arts’ ballet students, “Winter White” combines scenes from classical ballets such as “Waltz of the Snowflakes” from the Nutcracker and variations from Giselle & La Bayadere.

This 60-minute show is just the right length for kids and adults alike.

Tickets are $5 (ages 7-12), $10 (over 12 and adult), and free for kids 6 and under. Tickets can be purchased in person at the MBT Ticket Office or by calling the ticket office at 360-734-6080; $10 tickets can be purchased online here.

Thursday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m.

Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham

Northwest Ballet Theater Presents: ‘The Nutcracker’

The Northwest Ballet Theatre has been performing “The Nutcracker” since 1999 with an increasingly elaborate production. Beautiful scenic backdrops made in Russia, classical tutus made by professional New York seamstresses, and exciting set pieces and technical effects culminate in an unforgettable theater experience.

Tickets are $34, $30 $26, or $23, plus applicable fees. Buy tickets online or call the Mount Baker Theatre box office at 360-734-6080 for more options.

Friday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m.

Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham

Whatcom County holiday concerts
Holiday concerts around Whatcom County are a great way to enjoy festive entertainment with the whole family. Photo credit: Crystal Garcia Photography, courtesy of Harper & I.

Bellingham Figure Skating Club Presents: ‘The North Pole Express On Ice’

The Bellingham Figure Skating Club throws its largest annual fundraiser with its 17th Winter Show, sure to delight audiences young and old. This year’s performance is “The North Pole Express On Ice,” at the Bellingham Sportsplex.

Tickets are $8 in advance at the Sportsplex office, or $10 at the door on the day of the show.

Saturday, December 12 at 3:30 p.m.

Bellingham Sportsplex
1225 Civic Field Way in Bellingham

Kulshan Chorus Presents: ‘A Feast of Songs’

This family-friendly performance will mix classic and updated holiday favorites, with all proceeds benefitting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. Please bring a winter or basic-needs item to be distributed to area children.

Tickets are $20 (general), $15 (students), and $5 (youth), plus service fee, and can be purchased online, at Village Books, and at the Community Food Co-op.

Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Bellingham High School
2020 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham

Annual ‘Messiah’ Sing-Along

For 25 years, longtime Western Washington University music history professor and director of the Garden Street United Methodist choir Dr. Carla Rutschman has led a magnificent annual community performance of Handel’s “Messiah.”

This year’s performance, accompanied by an orchestra and organ, takes place at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 29 at the Garden Street United Methodist Church at 1326 North Garden Street. Music is provided for participants who do not have their own. The event is free and refreshments will be provided, but donations for the Bellingham Food Bank are appreciated. For more information, call 360-734-2604.

Sunday, November 29 at 2:30 p.m.

Garden Street United Methodist Church
1326 North Garden Street in Bellingham

Whatcom County holiday concerts
Dancing for Joy’s “Nativity: We Danced Our Best for Him” tells the story of the nativity through dance.

Dancing For Joy Presents: ‘Nativity: We Danced Our Best For Him’

Dancing For Joy presents “Nativity: We Danced Our Best for Him,” the nativity story told through the language of dance. The true meaning of the season is born with this spirit-filled, local rendition of Christ’s birth. Come be reminded of the true reason for the season. Dance styles include jazz, lyrical, modern, and ballet.

Tickets are $15 and $12, plus applicable fees. Buy tickets online or call 360-734-6080 for more options.

Saturday, December 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham

 

Care for Your Community and Yourself with Noble Chiropractic

By
WhatcomTalk Editor
-
Noble Chiropractic is hosting a food drive for the entire month of November. Photo courtesy: Noble Chiropractic.

 

Submitted by Noble Chiropractic

Noble Chiropractic is hosting a food drive for the entire month of November. Photo courtesy: Noble Chiropractic.
Noble Chiropractic is hosting a food drive for the entire month of November. Photo courtesy: Noble Chiropractic.

Noble Chiropractic is hosting a food drive for the entire month of November. The goal is to collect 500 food items to help stock the Bellingham Food Bank as the summer bounty dwindles and the weather turns.

Bring in at least five non-perishable food items to Noble Chiropractic during the month of November and receive one Wellness Boost Package. This package (valued at $145) includes a complimentry consultation, chiropractic evaluation and report of findings. This offer is limited to those living and/or working in Whatcom County and is not redeemable for cash. For further information call Noble Chiropractic at 360-671-7067. Donations can be delivered to 119 Grand Ave., Suite C, Bellingham, WA 98225.

Chuckanut Brewery Starts Construction of Skagit Production Facility

By
WhatcomTalk Editor
-
Chuckanut Brewery has started construction of its new Skagit production facility. Photo courtesy: Chuckanut Brewery.

 

Submitted by Chuckanut Brewery 

Chuckanut Brewery has started construction of its new Skagit production facility. Photo courtesy: Chuckanut Brewery.
Chuckanut Brewery has started construction of its new Skagit production facility. Photo courtesy: Chuckanut Brewery.

Award winning Chuckanut Brewery at 601 W Holly in Bellingham has started construction on a production facility at the Port of Skagit across from the Skagit Airport! Chuckanut will continue to brew and serve its fresh American cuisine at the Bellingham site but the new Skagit facility will brew larger quantities of Chuckanut’s most popular beer styles. There will also be a beer hall for drinking Chuckanut beer, and the ability to purchase party kegs, growler fills, and bottled beer to go.

The current brewery in Bellingham has been at capacity (over 2,500 bbls of beer) for some time. It has taken two years to find a new production site where a larger facility could be built. Through the help of the Port of Skagit, EDASC, Washington Federal Bank and an SBA loan from Evergreen Bank, Chuckanut is now proceeding on its new brewery. Estimated time of opening is Spring 2016.

Chuckanut Brewery’s Skagit facility (South Nut) will be an 8,000 square foot building designed by Arbour North for brewing, offices and beer hall. The capacity at South Nut will be eventually be capable of producing up to 13,000 bbls of beer with room for bottling. A beer garden will be located on the property with outside seating and activities during summer months. The smaller Bellingham (North Nut) will continue in its present form and be used for small scale, research, and specialty beer production. South Nut will focus on the flagship beers Pilsner, Kolsch, and other styles needed in larger quantities.

Chuckanut’s South Nut is located in the Innovation Zone at the Port of Skagit where Skagit Valley Malting Company, WSU Bread Lab, Skagit Valley College Brewery Program facility and other businesses are currently located. The Innovation Zone is being created by the Port of Skagit in partnership with the farmers of Skagit as part of a more sustainable future. The Zone will be a hub of activity between seed developers, farmers, maltsters, bakers, distillers, and us, the brewers! There is room for growth beyond the current planned facility on an additional 1.5 acres of adjacent property.

Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen, located at 601 West Holly St, was awarded the National Small Brewpub/Brewer of the Year 2009 and National Small Brewery/Brewer of the Year 2011 at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO. The full service “Kitchen” is open daily at 11am to guests of all ages with an eclectic fresh local menu. Bar specials include: Family Friendly HoPPY Hour Sun-Thurs 4-6pm, Monday Night $3 Pints, Kolsch Night Tuesday’s and more. Check out additional information about Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen at our website.

 

Whatcom County Library Welcomes New Trustee to Library Board

By
WhatcomTalk Editor
-
Whatcom County Library System welcomes Gwen Vanderhage as as Library Board trustee. Photo courtesy: Whatcom County Library System.

 

Submitted by Whatcom County Library System

Whatcom County Library System welcomes Gwen Vanderhage as as Library Board trustee. Photo courtesy: Whatcom County Library System.
Whatcom County Library System welcomes Gwen Vanderhage as as Library Board trustee. Photo courtesy: Whatcom County Library System.

Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Gwen Vanderhage to the Library Board. Vanderhage will complete the term of board member Lis Marshall, which runs through January 31, 2017.

Since starting as a page and clerk at the Bellingham Public Library 1995, Gwen Vanderhage has been working for and with libraries. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Western Washington University and her Master of Library and Information Science from Simmons College in Boston, MA. Currently, Vanderhage is a collection development librarian for the Brodart company, selecting “opening day” book collections for new libraries, and getting plenty of exercise keeping up with her 2-year old son, Conrad.

Vanderhage believes her roots in the library world will be valuable as a Trustee. “Being a librarian gives me an additional perspective in the Trustee’s role of providing oversight on budget and planning,” said Vanderhage. “But generally, I’m taking off my “library hat” and coming at the job with a community focus.”

WCLS Executive Director Christine Perkins is looking forward to working with Vanderhage. “We welcome Gwen’s perspective as a library employee, bookseller, and especially as a children’s librarian to our Board as WCLS continues to focus on the importance of early learning,” said Perkins.

Vanderhage joins the five-member volunteer WCLS Board of Trustees appointed by the Whatcom County Executive. The Board is responsible for budget oversight and setting policy for the Library System. Regular public meetings of the Library Board are held on the third Tuesday of each month. Meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes of previous meetings are available online at WCLS.org.

The Whatcom County Library System is in the business of connecting residents with information, ideas, and community, serving more than 1.8 million visitors annually at 10 libraries and bookmobile. Library users have access to a rich and curated collection of print and e-books, online research sites, fun events, and comfortable meeting places for all ages.

Join Make.Shift During Its 5th Annual Make.Sale

By
WhatcomTalk Editor
-

 

Submitted by Make.Shift

Local artisans will be vending their goods during Make.Shift's 5th annual Make.Sale. Photo courtesy: Make.Shift.
Local artisans will be vending their goods during Make.Shift’s 5th annual Make.Sale. Photo courtesy: Make.Shift.

Break open your piggy bank, the 5th annual Make.Sale is coming up! All the local handmade crafts including you could imagine will be on sale at Make.Shift during this holiday sale.

The vendors this year offer a large variety of different crafts from the re-claimed glass of Tumbler Mountain Glass Project to the unique designs of Localmotive Jewelry Creations. Other vendors include: Remedios The Beauty Clothing, Cat Sieh, Osteal jewelry, Sea Holly Beauty Company, Feral Felt, Cordial Waters, Rinyrinri polymer clay creations, Vil’s Herbarium and more!

The Black Drop Coffeehouse is sponsoring hot beverages for the event, offering coffee, hot tea and cider as well as hot winter cocktail options.

The sale will have a preview night on Friday, December 4 during Art Walk at Make.Shift from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and continues Saturday from noon to 6:00 p.m.

Join us to support Bellingham’s talented craftsmen and women that help make our community unique!

The Art of the Gamer: A Look at the Illustrations of Bellingham Artist Beth Sobel

By
Marla Bronstein
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View of the World’s Fair 1893 board, mid-game, reflecting active play. Photo courtesy: Beth Sobel.

 

By Marla Bronstein

At an informal game gathering, Beth (center) sets up the game "Mysterium" and instructs players, including Colleen Verdon (L) and Molly Monahan (R), on game set up, play, rules and strategy. Photo courtesy: Beth Sobel.
At an informal game gathering, Beth (center) sets up the game “Mysterium.”

On any given Sunday evening in Bellingham, Rudy’s Pizza on State Street plays host to the group Bellingham Gaming Meetup (BGM), where anywhere from 10 to 30 gamers will show up. I arrived shortly after the 6:00 p.m. start time. Five different groups of four to seven people were already playing card and board games, none of which I recognized or had ever played before. Enthralled in the games before them, I didn’t see a single cell phone in sight during the event.

I was there at the invitation of Beth Sobel, a local Bellingham artist and game illustrator.

Beth is an enigma to me as both a gamer and an artist. She and her college-sweetheart-turned-husband, Daniel, settled in Bellingham settled in Bellingham about 10 years ago. Beth has her MFA in painting from Savannah College of Art and Design, with a focus in oil painting. After growing up in Bristol, a small town in the Appalachians, Beth lived all over the country. Beth says she didn’t have a lot of toys growing up. “I only wanted crayons,” she says. Luckily, there were always crayons, and drawing and coloring came second nature. As a child, Beth played games like “Monopoly,” but she wasn’t introduced to hobby games until about five years ago.

View of the World’s Fair 1893 board, mid-game, reflecting active play. Photo courtesy: Beth Sobel.
View of the World’s Fair 1893 board, mid-game, reflecting active play.

After receiving her MFA, Beth became an oil painter. But she didn’t like the business side of being an artist, which included marketing herself or being the center of attention — both major stumbling blocks to selling her work. She found lucrative work in Arizona doing custom framing, which helped pay the bills while Daniel was finishing law school. Unfortunately, she was forced to give up her job after contracting Valley Fever, a fungal infection caused in part by the Southwest desert dust.

To help manage Beth’s condition, the couple decided to move. Daniel had previously lived in Bellingham and loved it. Daniel prepared for the Washington Bar Exam, but Beth was unable to work a regular 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so she began to brainstorm careers that she could do physically and enjoy. She decided on illustration because she says it was “all the parts of art that I really love, and none of the parts that I’m not comfortable with.”

Beth didn’t set out to become a game illustrator, but her new path quickly led her there. After illustrating a book cover for a friend, the friend recommended her work to a game designer. Beth had never illustrated a game in her life, but after her first project — a card game called “Chaos and Alchemy” — it was clear that she had found her niche.

Soon after “Chaos and Alchemy,” Beth’s picked up her first board game assignment: “Viticulture.” Both “Chaos and Alchemy” and “Viticulture” became successful sellers, skyrocketing Beth’s career. “Art careers are not easy to find,” says Beth. But talent, hard work and determination have landed the Bellingham artist right where she wants to be.

Collen Verdon points out to the other "Mysterium" players her reasoning for determining the killer and the murder method used. Photo courtesy: Beth Sobel.
Collen Verdon points out to the other “Mysterium” players her reasoning for determining the killer and the murder method used.

Today, Beth is most widely known for her work on the game “Lanterns: the Harvest Festival,” a recipient of the Mensa Select Award. Wil Wheaton, host of the popular gaming show “TableTop,” has admitted his love of Lanterns and has even been featured playing it on “GameTheGame.”

Since her first assignment, Beth has built an impressive portfolio, which includes her work on “Between Two Cities,” “Snow Tails,” and several Living Card Games and Role Playing Games like “Legend of the Five Rings,” “Lord of the Rings LCG,” “Firefly RPG,” and “Star Wars RPG.” Beth is currently working on the illustrations for for Foxtrot Games’ “World’s Fair 1893” card game. The company recently completed a Kickstarter campaign to fund the project. It raised just over four times its goal.

Today, hobby games are obviously a big part of the Bellingham artist’s life. But she doesn’t just provide illustrations for the games — she enjoys playing them, too. As a self professed gamer, Beth feels fortunate to have found a way to combine her love of art and games. Beth and Daniel are currently working together on a game called “Wildwood,” a two-player/two-team card game. Daniel is the game designer and Beth is the illustrator. Friends who have tested the games have already given feedback and suggestions, and now the game is available for pubic comments through the couple’s “Wildwood” Facebook page.

Beth Sobel's “small” collection of about 100 games. Photo courtesy: Beth Sobel.
Beth Sobel’s “small” collection of about 100 games.

A successful game illustrator, Beth continues to train and further develop her skills. One way she does this is through “one hour studies,” a one-hour block of time she sets aside each day to start and finish a project. Beth uses photos she takes herself as well as images she finds on Creative Commons as her guide. Once the hour is up and the illustration is completed, she publishes it online. The practice allows her to push her boundaries in another direction. Beth feels she is continuing to grow as an artist and notices her improvement. She finds value in sharing the best work that she can do in an hour and hopes that she inspires others who might be willing to show what they can do, even if it might not be perfect.

Spending time with Beth and her gaming friends was inspirational, and it made the idea of a hosting my own game party less daunting. Beth loaned me a trivia card game that I played with a few friends later that evening. We all had a great time. And no one pulled out their cell phones once.

 

How The Woods Coffee Came to Caffeinate Whatcom County

By
Stacee Sledge
-
Wes Herman and son Taylor Herman work together to create the interior design for each Woods. While each location is unique, continuity in theme and materials unites them all. Photo courtesy: The Woods Coffee.

When Wes and Diane Herman began to bat around business ideas in 2001, they landed on a unique way to kick-start what would become The Woods Coffee: make it a family affair alongside their four children, who then ranged in age from 13 to 19.

“For a two-year period, I was a national sales manager for a product development company that put me in every coffee shop across the United States,” says Wes, who was born in Canada and grew up in Colombia, South America, before moving to Southern California as a young adult; he and Diane moved to Whatcom County in 1993.

Wes traveled during the week and came home on weekends to his four coffee-loving teenagers.

“They were spending lots of time in coffee shops and I was experiencing the business side of it,” Wes continues. “One day my wife said, ‘What if we started a coffee shop?’

The Herman kids were homeschooled, so Wes suggested they use it as an educational piece and open several shops, not just one. As a team, the Herman family crafted business, branding and marketing plans. Natalie, their oldest, came up with the name.

“We had a lot of fun with it,” Wes says. “We opened our first store in 2002, and the second just six months later.”

The first three Woods were in Lynden, because the Hermans couldn’t find a suitable retail space in Bellingham.

They learned of a viable spot at Bender Plaza, which, back in 2002, was in the middle of nowhere. “There were no houses and the park was half the size it is now,” says Wes. “The location was not set up for success.”

But hard work, resolve, and those solid business plans moved things forward.

Six months later, the second shop opened next to the Lynden Safeway store. “We were losing money in one store, so why not lose money in two?” Wes says, laughing.

The Barkley Village Woods also includes the second-story "Greenhouse," a small meeting area that's free for customers to use. Several Woods locations offers similar spaces. Photo courtesy: The Woods Coffee.
The Barkley Village Woods also includes the second-story “Greenhouse,” a small meeting area that’s free for customers to use. Photo courtesy: The Woods Coffee.

The family kept focused on the bigger picture, striving to open a number of stores in one small community to see if they could dominate it — and they did.

“Then we came to Bellingham,” Wes says, smiling.

We’re chatting in the downtown Flatiron location, which opened in 2009 — one of 10 stores now sprinkled across Bellingham. Walls of windows look out on the Arts District and the décor is in the same, welcoming vein of all the shops: warm woods and natural elements mixed with rustic and industrial touches — so very Pacific Northwest.

The first Bellingham store was on King Street, near the I-5 State Street exit, followed by a fifth in Bakerview Square. The sixth location, in Boulevard Park, is assumed by many to be the first, since it quickly became an even stronger magnet drawing people to the already popular waterfront area.

“It’s been called one of the finest coffee shops in the world, because of its location,” says Wes. If you’ve been there, you can see why, with its stunning views of the islands — and an equally lovely interior.

Taylor Herman, who works with his dad on the interior design of every Woods location, perfectly connected the inside with the out, bringing in natural elements. A favorite spot is the see-through fireplace overlooking the water.

There are now two Woods Coffees in Skagit County, as well, with stores currently in the works in Snohomish County and Canada.

Aggressive expansion was the plan from day one. “We could be from Canada all the way to Mexico, no problem,” Wes says.

The Woods remains a full-on family project, with three of Wes and Diane’s children still involved. Daughter Kelly heads up day-to-day operations, while Natalie works part-time in community outreach. Taylor designs and builds the stores, as well as sources all products. The Woods employs 220 locals through its shops, roasting facility, bakery and distribution positions.

The Woods is known for its inviting, comfortable atmosphere. Photo courtesy: The Woods Coffee.
The Woods is known for its inviting, comfortable atmosphere. Photo courtesy: The Woods Coffee.

Diane Herman has a once a week route — along with her 83-year-old father Robert — picking up Bagelry bagels and delivering them to the shops. “She’s also a support to our kids, because we have six grandchildren now.”

Baked goods are made from scratch daily at the Woods’ own bakery and coffee beans are roasted  on-site at its Lynden roastery. Once a day, a truck hits all 17 sites to deliver everything.

“We’re selling the entire experience,” says Wes, “from fresh bakery items and the freshest coffee you can possibly get, to the welcoming environment.”

The Woods strives to treat everyone as a guest, not a customer. “We’re inviting them into our space and are taking care of them,” says Wes. “We want them to experience something that’s unique.”

The upcoming move into Canada is big news for the Woods, but that’s not all they have in motion.

“We’re going to bring a new coffee experience here to Bellingham,” Wes says. “We’re moving our roasting facility here and will open it to the public, a lot like a microbrewery.”

At several locations, small areas are set aside for casual, closed-off meeting space. “It’s free,” says Wes. “Anyone can sign up and just use it as a community space. It’s all about connecting the community.”

Spinning into a related story, Wes describes the experience of leasing a Birch Bay building that Starbucks backed out of before completion.

“When we got the plans, we saw they had it designed for just 16 seats,” says Wes. “They don’t want people staying; they want constant turnover. We adjusted that to 40 seats. We want the Woods to be a place where people come and enjoy. I mean, isn’t a coffee shop where people want to meet and connect?”

Wes Herman says The Woods Coffee at Bellingham's Boulevard Park has been called one of the world's finest coffee shops, because of its spectacular locale. Photo by Lyla Jansma, courtesy of The Woods Coffee.
Wes Herman says The Woods Coffee at Bellingham’s Boulevard Park has been called one of the world’s finest coffee shops. Photo by Lyla Jansma, courtesy of The Woods Coffee.

Wes is often asked if it bothers him when a patron sits at a table for hours on end. “We have no problem with that,” he says. “We want our stores to be full and serve our guests.”

People also often ask how large he wants the Woods to grow.

“We don’t have any numbers in mind, but it wouldn’t surprise me if we have a hundred stores. And now it’s at a place where we’re building a sustainable model and can fund everything we’re doing as we want to do it.”

Clearly, the Woods hopes for continued caffeinated domination — and the next generation already has their eyes on careers in coffee.

“All of my grandkids talk to me about when they’ll work at the Woods Coffee,” Wes says, smiling. “We work together and see each other all the time, we travel together — and we all like each other.” It’s no wonder the next generation already dreams of joining in.

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