Get Cozy at Bellingham-Area Yarn Shops

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knit - community knit — Most yarn shops have classes and gatherings scheduled throughout the month, and many of the social gatherings are free!

By Laura Rogers

Many of us are already gearing up for hibernation season. Besides a hot mug of tea, a yarn or craft project is about the most relaxing fall experience I can imagine. And after a hectic summer, who doesn’t want to curl up with a blanket-in-the-making or a needle felting project?

Luckily, Whatcom County has some pretty outstanding yarn and craft stores to get you stocked up for the cold season. Whether you’re brand new to the hobby or a seasoned fiber artist, you will surely find something to weave into a beloved project.

Apple Yarns

Apple Yarns on Iowa Street opened in 2007 by husband and wife team Andrea and Andrew Evans. The couple was looking for a deeper connection to community and something reminiscent of the hardware store Andrea’s parents’ owned when she was a child. Andrea explains that “what sets Apple Yarns apart from other stores is our ‘smile’ and how we always want to have a relationship with our customers.”

Yarn selection is a main focus at Apple Yarns. Andrea and Andrew are always broadening their yarn horizons with national conferences and their online yarn sales. “We have a greater reach throughout the US and I think that leads to our product quantity and diversity,” states Andrea.

Apple Yarns also holds all kinds of classes. From free social knit or crochet gatherings to specialty classes to charity crafting, there are ample options for getting crafty in a social setting. The store’s patrons participate in the Knitted Knockers program, which relies on volunteers around the country to knit thousands of prosthetics for breast cancer survivors. They also knit and donate items for the Whatcom Hospice Foundation’s event, Light the Night.

Apple Yarns
1780 Iowa St #103
Bellingham, WA
360-756-9992

Hours:
Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: noon to 4:00 p.m.

NW Handspun Yarns

Whatcom County knitter and crocheters are lucky to have a wide variety of products and expertise available to them locally.

A fixture of downtown Bellingham, this friendly yarn store, has a classic, yet hip, vibe to it. There is always someone willing and eager to help when you walk in the door. In addition to their great counter service, there are several free drop-in classes held in their upstairs loft area. Knit Night happens weekly on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 p.m., and all abilities and styles are welcome, including knit, crochet or spinning. Knit Day is the same format and held Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. Crochet specific drop-in happens on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. There are also classes held in lace, spinning and weaving, and other classes can be started up upon request. NW Handspun loves to design classes or lessons around their customers needs and interests. There are private lessons available, as well.

What stands out to me about NW Handspun Yarns is their breadth of products and experience. In addition to their super soft, fun yarn, there are spinning wheels of all shapes and sizes and roving galore. Looking through their store or their website feels a bit like a history lesson on spinning, weaving and knitting.

Yarn lovers will appreciate the vast selection of beautiful yarn options listed on NW Handspun’s website, but not all of the yarns are carried in the store consistently. Be sure to call ahead to see if the yarn your yearning for is in stock.

NW Handspun Yarns
1401 Commercial St.
Bellingham WA 98225
360-738-0167

Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
(Closed Mondays)

Wool Station

The Wool Station is another gem located in Historic Fairhaven across from the library on 12th Street. They’ve recently moved directly upstairs from their previous location. This fabulous fiber arts store carries a lot of high quality yarn. Among their best are specialty yarns imported from France, Italy and Australia.

Most yarn shops have classes and gatherings scheduled throughout the month, and many of the social gatherings are free!

If you happen to be looking for a sure-fire project, Wool Station is the place to go. Fully compiled kits are one of their fortes. Each kit comes with a pattern, a high quality color photo and easy-to-understand instructions, along with all of the yarn you’ll need. Especially for beginners, it’s nice to focus only on the creation of your project, not all of the details that go into finding the right supplies.

Wool Station
1118 Finnegan Way, Suite 104
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-527-9831

Hours:
Sunday and Monday: noon to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Beach Basket Yarns

If you live in or near Birch Bay, Beach Basket Yarns should be your go-to shop for all things yarn related. They have a full class schedule set-up and ready for fall. Classes include sock making, quick gifts, how to block, knitted ornaments and more.

Beach Basket Yarns
7620 Birch Bay Dr.
Blaine, WA 98230
360-371-0332

Hours:
Wednesday through Friday: noon to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: noon to 4:30 p.m.

Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center Announces 13th Annual Peace Builder Award Recipients

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WhatcomTalk Editor

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peacebuilder awards ceremony — Photo credit: Phil Rose Photography.

Submitted by Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center

After careful consideration by the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC) Board of Directors, of a record number of community nominations, recipients have been selected for the 13th Annual Peace Builder Awards. The 2015 Peace Builder Award recipients are:

Bruce and Cyndie Shepard, Western Washington University, Public Servant Award — For leadership and commitment to equality, empowerment, and communication.
Care Transition Nurses, Lynden Christian Healthcare Center Rehab Program, Healthcare Award — For bringing peace of mind, body, and spirit to patients, families, and caregivers through compassionate and excellent communication, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills.
Geof Morgan, Collaboration Award — For strengthening our community, facilitating collaboration, and empowering individuals and organizations to creatively problem solve, and create lasting connections that affect positive change.
George Guerro, Community Care Award — For building peace by helping to meet basic needs of the Lummi community through a variety of community services programs.
Heidi Alford, Advocacy and Inclusivity Award — For nurturing generations of peace-builders, encouraging openness, understanding, and acceptance among our community, and for helping ensure a safe and welcoming environment for our LGBTQ community members.
Whatcom County Support Officers, Nonprofit Award — For bringing peace to community members in times of tragedy.
Mehar Singh, Youth Award — For building community at Shuksan Middle School through collaboration, creativity, and communication.
Bellingham Public Schools, Education Award — For helping students learn to resolve conflict productively, reducing out of school suspensions, and incorporating restorative practices into their discipline model.

The Bellingham Public School system has been looking for innovative alternatives to out of school suspensions for its students. Cordata Elementary School Dean of Students, Sharece Steinkamp, stated the magnitude of this change in her nomination. “Rather than pushing away our most fragile students, we are bringing them in closer and wrapping layers of support and love around them. This change of approach is resulting in happier, healthier and more successful students.”

The WDRC invites the public to join in celebrating recipients for their collaboration, creativity, and effort towards reducing conflict and strengthening our community. “News this year has brought many reminders of the need for better resolutions to conflict – school violence, families torn apart by vicious divorce, divisive community issues. This is a critical time to invest in conflict resolution. Help us recognize those who inspire collaboration, embody peace, and give hope to our community.” stated WDRC Director, Moonwater.

The 13th Annual Peace Builder Awards Gala takes place November 20, 2015 at 5:30 pm at the BTC Settlemyer Hall. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased at www.whatcomdrc.org, 360-676-0122, or in person at the WDRC.

In addition to awards presentations, guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by BTC’s award winning culinary arts program, live music, and Peaceful Poetry Youth Contest presentations; as well as a silent auction, wine wall, dessert dash, and a grand prize raffle.

All proceeds of the Peace Builder Award’s Gala will benefit the WDRC and their mission to provide and promote constructive and collaborative approaches to conflict. For more information, contact Iris Maute-Gibson at 360-676-0122 or outreach@whatcomdrc.org.

(Cover photo credit: Phil Rose Photography.)

Fairhaven Toy Garden Celebrates the Sixth Annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day, November 14

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Astra Toy

These days, those in the know “shop local” when stocking the kitchen pantry. Restaurants boasting locally sourced ingredients, meanwhile, increasingly draw crowds.

But support for local resources doesn’t have to end at the refrigerator door. This holiday season, consumers everywhere can support their communities by shopping local stores for the best holiday toys. In return, those neighborhood independent toy stores support parents, grandparents and other gift-givers with expert advice on encouraging creative play among the children in their lives.

On Saturday, November 14, Fairhaven Toy Garden will join hundreds of locally owned stores across the country to celebrate the sixth national Neighborhood Toy Store Day, an annual celebration in which independent toy shops kick off the holiday season with special events to introduce consumers to the benefits of shopping local. Fairhaven Toy Garden will offer fun, child-friendly activities such as face painting, arts and crafts, games, and prizes.

Specialty toy store owners are the real experts when it comes to choosing toys for kids, said Kimberly Mosley, president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting local toy shopping and creative open-ended playtime for children. “These store owners spend time with kids day in and day out. They understand the value of play, and what types of toys encourage active, open-ended and creative playtime.”

As a result, neighborhood toy stores offer a carefully curated product selection and provide trusted recommendations on quality toys that offer good value. Because they needn’t adhere to a national sales plan like major chains, they can customize their offerings to specific community needs. And because they source products from both big-brand manufacturers and small, entrepreneurial companies, they introduce children to a world of toys that, often, can’t be found elsewhere.

“Local stores also make holiday toy shopping easier, by offering a personalized approach and additional customer service that contrasts with the sometimes frazzling experience of shopping large retailers. At the Toy Garden, we help customers find the toy that is right for their loved one and for their wallet. Not only do we make holiday shopping easier, but we also make it relaxing and fun!,“ said Robin Bigelow, co-owner of Fairhaven Toy Garden.

In addition, shopping locally supports the community by creating jobs and preserving neighborhoods. Compared to chain stores, independent local businesses put a significantly larger share of revenue back into the local economy in the form of taxes, salaries and more. They also support environmental sustainability, by helping to maintain vibrant, walkable town centers, essential to reducing sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss, and air and water pollution.

For more information on Neighborhood Toy Store day, visit ASTRA at http://www.astratoy.org/neighborhood-toy-store-day.asp.

Find Hidden Treasures at Bellingham Thrift, Vintage and Antique Stores

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Dana Hubanks

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statestreet1 — State Street Thrift and Vintage owner, Kim, is dedicated to a giving back to her community by donating multiple times a year to the Whatcom Hospice Foundation.

By Dana Hubanks

Aladdin's Antiques and Records is so packed full of vintage goods that everyone is bound to walk away with something special. — Aladdin’s Antiques and Records is so packed full of vintage goods that everyone is bound to walk away with something special.

If you’re anything like me, then you love spending an occasional Saturday perusing vintage treasures. Luckily, Bellingham is an excellent place to be an old-time enthusiast. Here’s a quick list of four especially well-curated shops around town.

Aladdin’s Antiques and Records/Penny Lane Antique Mall

Undeniably the most eclectic and extensive antique destination in town, this coupling of stores is a necessary stop for anyone with a fascination for hidden treasures. Housed in the same building, Aladdin’s and Penny Lane are two separate businesses comprised of goods and antiques from over forty individual vendors. What this means is that you are guaranteed to find an enormous array of items any time you step into this antique wonderland.

In the more than 10,000+ square feet of shop space, you’re bound to find anything and everything from vintage camera lenses to finely curated clothing to imported silver to vinyl records dating back to the swing years. Every time I step into either Aladdin’s or Penny Lane, I find at least one thing I can’t leave without.

Be sure to set aside at least an hour for this venture. With so much to see, you may not want to leave.

Aladdin’s Antiques and Records/Penny Lane Antique Mall
427 W Holly St.
360-647-0066

Aladdin's Antiques and Records has one of the best collections of vintage vinyl records around. — Aladdin’s Antiques and Records has one of the best collections of vintage vinyl records around.

Open Daily:
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Diamond Antiques

Diamond Antiques is the perfect stop for those in search of larger items for the home. From antique wooden desks to a hand-carved chair in the shape of an elephant, Diamond Antiques is full of items fit for you home. Walking into this shop, one immediately gets the impression that these folks know antiques. Nothing tattered or torn here. Everything is in pristine condition. If you’re an antique connoisseur, this is certainly the shop for you.

Diamond Antiques
1806 Cornwall Ave
360-676-9100

State Street Thrift and Vintage

State Street Thrift and Vintage is a self-described “community thrift shop.” With numerous different rooms housing everything from vintage men’s wear to kitchen essentials to used books to vintage jewelry. With a friendly staff and an extensive collection, this shop is an essential stop for anyone on a thrifting venture around Bellingham.

In addition to being a great thrift shop, State Street also has a deep commitment to serving the community in as many ways as possible. Just recently, the owners of the shop gathered contributions for a significant donation to the Whatcom Hospice Foundation, an independent organization working to support hospice services in Whatcom County. Stop in to State Street and know that you are supporting a good-hearted business.

State Street Thrift and Vintage
1051 N State St.
360-671-1082

Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Fairhaven Antique Mall

The Fairhaven Antique Mall is a finely curated shop full of uncommon curiosities. High on the wall above the cash register hangs a Civil War era banjo. Antique wood saws with finely carved handles are layered atop one another above vintage tape dispensers and delicate hand-carved fishing poles. In the back of the room, two enormous railroad lights are propped up on a wooden shelf next to a collapsible metal laundry hamper. Treasures can be found in every nook and cranny.

Aside from these strange finds, the Fairhaven Antique Mall also houses an extensive collection of vintage jewelry, porcelain dolls and women’s and children’s clothing. Anyone who visits this shop is bound to find something fascinating and beautiful to add to their collection.

Fairhaven Antique Mall
1201 11th St.
360-922-7165

Hours:
Monday through Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Halloween Double Feature at Boundary Bay Brewery

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WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Boundary Bay Brewery

Boundary Bay Brewery will be hosting two events Halloween Week: The Nightmare on Railroad and The Annual Halloween Bash.

Boundary Bay Brewery and Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, BAAY, team up for the first time to present The Nightmare On Railroad, a haunted house and show on October 30 through 31. The haunting spans through the Beer Garden, Alleyway and the “New Mountain Room.”

“A haunted house is such an integral part of Halloween, we’re thrilled to partner with BAAY to bring a great experience to our community,” said Boundary Bay General Manager Janet Lightner. “We really hope to help showcase how great the BAAY organization truly is.”

BAAY actors will be putting on two different shows: an all-ages experience from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and 21+ from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Entry fee is $5.

The Annual Halloween Bash starts at 9 p.m. on Oct. 31. The featured band will be Scary Monster and the Super Creeps, a David Bowie cover band.

“Scary Monster and The Super Creeps were a natural and perfect choice for entertainment on Halloween night,” Lightner said. “The stars couldn’t align any better.”

Tickets cost $5. This event is 21+ only.
The Boundary Bay kitchen will close at 8 p.m. to accommodate the event.

Food trucks will be available on Railroad Avenue and in the alleyway behind Boundary Bay Brewery. Featured trucks: Simmering Tava and Cicchitti’s Pizza.

Port of Bellingham Appoints Director of Aviation

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WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Port of Bellingham

The Port of Bellingham announced today that Sunil Harman will join the team on November 2nd to manage the Ports aviation operations. Sunil brings a wealth of experience in the aviation industry, having worked at large hub airports (JFK, LGA, MIA, SAN) and small and non-hub airports (TLH and VPS). Sunil also has extensive experience in General Aviation airports (OPF, TMB, TNT, X51 and X46).

Sunil’s over 30 years’ knowledge and experience developing and managing airports as engines for economic development, trade and commerce in the global marketplace will be an asset for the growth of Bellingham International Airport.

Sunil currently serves on the Board of Airports Council International – North America, where he represents the interests of small and non-hub primary commercial air service airports in the United States and is a long serving member of International Air Transport Association’s International Industry Working Group.

Make.Shift Presents “Mods.Saints: rites, riots and relics” during November Art Walk

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Make.Shift Art Space

mod saints make shift — Join Make.Shift Art Space on Friday, November 6 for Mods. Saints: rites, riots, and relics.

Make.Shift Art Space is hosting “Mods. Saints: rites, riots, and relics” featuring art work by Christina Miglino for the November Art Walk and the month of November. The exhibit opening will be during the November Art Walk on Friday, November 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Artist Christina Miglino looks at what a modern saint would be and represent today while using her past experiences in the Catholic Church to explore her present day experiences in life. She uses traditional elements of artistry and ritual to ask questions about faith means in the world currently both in and apart from the church.

“In my process crafting Mod. Saints, I have loved playing with formality and structure, and what it means to break out of more calculated art making,” Miglino said. “Controlled chaos is a motivator.”

This work incorporates various media such as hand-sewn embroidery, sprayed on ink blots, and repurposed photographs.

This event is free and open to the public.

Make.Shift Art Space is a DIY art and music venue dedicated to innovative, alternative and unusual art and music in downtown Bellingham.

Bellingham Special Effects Artist Langley West Helps Create Local Horror Movie Magic

By

Stacee Sledge

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By Stacee Sledge

Langley West poses alongside some of his sinister creations, all done up for Bleedingham. Photo by Harrison Holtzman-Knott.

When Langley West was 3 years old, he caught a double feature on television one afternoon that firmly planted a lifelong passion.

“I saw Oliver Reed in 1961’s ‘Curse of the Werewolf‘ and the Ray Harryhausen epic, 1958’s ‘The 7th Voyage of Sinbad,'” he says, smiling at the memory. “Both really put their hooks in me and I just fell in love with monsters.”

At the time, Langley didn’t understand that people and movie magic created the monsters onscreen; he simply thought of them as his buddies.

“Then, as I got older, I saw all movies with scientists in them, like ‘Frankenstein,’ and I thought those were the guys who made monsters, so I wanted to become a mad scientist.”

Growing up in rural Southern Illinois, Langley eventually realized people made films and that special effects were used to create all the cool stuff he’d long loved.

When a young man living in a town with the population of 800 starts talking about working in the movies, he might as well tell folks he wants to move to Mars.

“It was beyond the scope of everybody’s experience,” Langley says. “But I devoured everything I could find about how things were made and what people did.”

In these pre-Internet days, Langley worked hard to find the materials he read about so he could experiment; he often channeled his love for special effects into more traditional art. Langley eventually entered a career in security and law enforcement, which eventually landed him in Las Vegas, all the while maintaining an interest in doing pieces of his own.

“It’s really hard to change gears,” he says, “but in my 30s, I realized I wasn’t getting any younger.” With easier access to learning about special effects and acquiring the necessary tools and products, Langley made a big leap.

Langley West fell for all things monsters when he was just 3-years-old, and after years of studying and experiments, he gets to create creepy creatures for all kinds of projects. — Langley West fell for all things monsters when he was just 3 years old, and after years of studying and experiments, he gets to create creepy creatures for all kinds of projects.

“I wanted to do what I always wanted to do, which was to make monsters.” He went back to school and got a degree in visual effects and motion graphics.

The distinction between special or practical effects and visual effects is that visual effects are computer-generated effects. Langley landed a job at an NBC affiliate in Las Vegas.

“I was making way less money than I had as a security supervisor at the Palms,” he says, “but I was doing computer-generated work on various projects, and that gave me the opportunity to also use all the things I’d learned on my own with practical effects.”

Eventually, Langley and his wife were ready to leave Las Vegas. “Logic would say move to Southern California, but I hate Southern California,” Langley says. And I had no illusions — I didn’t believe I was going to go get involved in the Hollywood industry. I was in my 40s and didn’t want to play that game; I just wanted an opportunity to do the cool stuff I like to do.”

Having never been to the Pacific Northwest — but in love with the idea of rain, clouds and trees — Langley and his wife opened a map of Washington State, closed their eyes, and dropped a finger. Bellingham, it was. They’ve now lived here for nearly seven years.

Langley initially worked in security at Skagit Valley Casino, but also landed his first practical effects gig in Bellingham within two weeks of moving here.

“Bellingham is relatively small, but has such a thriving, vibrant, alive film community,” he says. “I got that first gig doing blood and gore on a little movie and I’ve never not had a gig since.”

Like a lot of people in Bellingham, Langley wears a few different professional hats, also working at the public library and teaching at an occupational therapy clinic. Some of his special effects assignments make a lot of money, while others very little.

“One month you may work on something that pays thousands of dollars,” he says, “but you may not see that type of job again for another year.”

Every project Langley takes on is different and he never knows what to expect next.

“You’ll get a phone call: ‘Hey, can you make a guy’s head explode?’” he says, laughing. “And even if you’ve never made a guy’s head explode, of course the answer is yes — and then you set about figuring out how to do it through a lot of testing and experimenting.”

Langley has been involved in two popular Bellingham events in recent years: Trailer Wars, in which he’s worked on winning entries, and Bleedingham, a short horror film festival he helped dream up along with local filmmaker Gary Washington.

langley-west2 — Bleedingham takes place Saturday, October 24 at the Pickford Film Center. Photo credit: Harrison Holtzman-Knott.

Bleedingham grows larger each year, giving local filmmakers the opportunity to create whatever scary, crazy things they can conjure up. “They can win monetary prizes and see their stuff on a big screen,” Langley says.

The annual festival takes place at Pickford Film Center. “The Pickford has been great,” he says. “They’re fantastic partners in this and we wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”

Another favorite project for Langley was a Mackie speakers commercial he worked on with Hand Crank Films, shot in Mount Vernon with 160 actors made up as zombies.

“I pulled together a team of 10 makeup artists and we made an assembly line of zombies,” he says. “Everything on that shoot went great and it’s pretty epic.”

Langley is quick to point out that filmmaking is never easy. There are always unexpected challenges and frustrations, with the inevitable moment of deciding to never do it again. But in the end, the final product is always worth it.

“Seeing what you’ve created is the drug that keeps you coming back,” he says, “I see the monster come alive and now I am that mad scientist I wanted to be when I was just a kid.”

It’s a Date — Affordable Date Night Ideas Around Bellingham

By

Lorraine Wilde

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Folk-stomp band, Rabbit Wilde, lets loose at the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern. Photo credit: Kenneth Kearney.

By Lorraine Wilde

I look forward to nights out as a way to de-stress from my busy week, have a few laughs and recharge. So when I get out, I have high expectations. I want a nice stroll, great food and drinks, a romantic atmosphere and engaging entertainment — and all without breaking the bank. Thankfully, Bellingham has a number of charming and affordable options to please a range of tastes. Below is just a sampling of my favorite low-cost date nights, in no particular order. Each can be enjoyed with an easy walk or bike between food, drink and entertainment. Try them all, or mix and match to make your own perfectly affordable Bellingham date night.

The mainstay: pizza, beer and music

Folk-stomp band, Rabbit Wilde, lets loose at the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern. Photo credit: Kenneth Kearney.

Goat Mountain is my favorite pizza in town. The combo is a great bargain with your choice of pizza, salad of the day and a beverage. The crust is perfectly crispy and toppings are unique, savory and satisfying. My favorites are the scallop potato-bacon and the sausage and pepperoni. They also sell by weight, so you can make your own sampler plate to try them all. Sit upstairs for bird’s-eye people watching or lounge in the bistro seating out front on good weather days.

Afterward, feel the downtown energy with a short walk to the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern for a dose of live music. The Frog has a history of visits from some music legends as well as a dedication to local bands and soloists. Dance to folk, string bands and blues artists all while enjoying great local beers or sipping your favorite whiskey, usually with a low (or no) cover charge.

Goat Mountain Pizza
215 W. Holly Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-510-6336
www.facebook.com/goatmountainpizza

The Green Frog Acoustic Tavern
1015 N. State Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
www.acoustictavern.com

Dinner and a movie

Featuring everything from indie flicks to blockbuster hits, popcorn and a movie at the Pickford Film Center is always a good time.

Bike-friendly Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen is conveniently located near downtown and offers fresh, local, seasonal American-style fare and a variety of award-winning beers that are all brewed on-site. I like to order the hearty Oy Vey Reuben or the meatloaf sandwich with the Dunkel lager. The outside seating is a bonus on clear days.

A short walk up the hill in the fresh sea air gets me to the Pickford Film Center for the best in independent, foreign and documentary film. Many of the films I’ve seen there can be found nowhere else, and they always make for stimulating nightcap conversation.

Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen
601 W. Holly Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-752-3377
www.chuckanutbreweryandkitchen.com

Pickford Film Center
1318 Bay Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-647-1300
www.pickfordfilmcenter.org

Spice it up

Fresh air and a great view outside Bayou on Bay. Photo credit: Patrick Beggan.

Cajun comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere is what draws me to Bayou on Bay. I like to sit in the bustling bar or in the outdoor seating area on nice days while sipping from a spicy Cajun bloody Mary, which pairs perfect alongside the excellently messy pork po’ boy sandwich. Bayou’s savory, warming Cajun classics like fried okra, jambalaya and shrimp étouffée are stick-to-your-ribs satisfying.

Afterward, walk just a block to the box office of the Upfront Theatre, owned by famed “Whose Line is it Anyway?” comedian, Ryan Stiles. The quality improvisational (unscripted) performances are born directly from the clever, and sometimes devious, minds of their players. I go on Thursday nights to see a long-time favorite, “The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly,” for only $8. On occasional Thursday nights, you’ll get to see Stiles himself flirting with his pretend wife in a Winnebago or making up a song on the spot, based purely on audience suggestions from you and your date.

Bayou on Bay
1300 Bay Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-752-2968
www.bayouonbay.com

The Upfront Theatre
1208 Bay Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-733-8855
www.theupfront.com

Ryan Stiles (L) creates a new scene on the spot with Tobias Childs (R) at the Upfront Theatre.

Art and history

You don’t need to drive to Leavenworth to window shop hand-in-hand through eclectic boutiques and galleries because we have that right here in historic Fairhaven. I like to wander through Good Earth Pottery, Artwood Gallery, Fairhaven Rug Gallery and the art glass store, Renaissance Celebration. Most showcase local artisans and all are within a couple blocks of the romantically-lit Black Cat. This French cabaret-themed restaurant is located inside the old world Sycamore Square building. Its inviting wood floors, exposed brick and simple, delectable seafood take you back in time. A short stroll in the sea air along South Bay Trail to Taylor Dock or a meander through beloved Village Books are perfect before or after your meal.

Black Cat
1200 Harris Avenue Suite 310
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-733-6136
www.blackcatbellingham.com

Cycling satisfaction

Always eager to incorporate a little exercise into my routine, my favorite active date begins with a bicycle ride through Whatcom Falls Park. Its towering trees, waterfalls and numerous trails allow you to choose the ride that’s right for you while being less than a mile away from family-friendly Kulshan Brewery. With a large bike rack out front, Kulshan’s outdoor seating area is sublime. Locally-brewed beer, darts and live music — especially Americana, Irish and folk — provide ample entertainment. Best of all, a few of the area’s best and most affordable food trucks park right out front.

Kulshan Brewing Company
2238 James Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-389-5348
www.kulshanbrewery.com

Check Kulshan tour schedule to learn the inner workings of the breweryElevate your date night with a guided tour of Kulshan where you can learn about the inner workings of the brewery.

Nostalgia and nosh

This list may be pub-heavy, but that’s because Bellingham makes great beer. The Copper Hog Gastropub is no exception. It’s evident that IPA’s are this pub’s favorite. Lounge street-side with the Copper Hog’s pleasant outdoor seating or enjoy playing darts and watching the game in the bar. The menu is brimming with mouth-watering fare, but my favorites are the fried brussels sprouts (uniquely served with a balsamic reduction), curry french fries and the pulled pork sandwich.

Afterward, a stroll down State Street leads you to a new spot that feels like old fun. Discover your favorite throwbacks with The Racket Bar and Pinball Lounge’s 18 pinball tables, many of which have been restored and cared for by the Bellingham Pinball Collective. I’ve played for over an hour on just a few dollars worth of quarters.

Copper Hog
1327 N. State Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-927-7888
www.thecopperhog.com

The Racket Bar and Pinball Lounge
1220 N. State Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-778-1067
www.facebook.com/theracketbham?fref=ts

After filling up on good food at the Copper Hog, enjoy your favorite pinball games at The Racket Bar and Pinball Lounge.

Fiesta style

After a long week, Jalapeños is often where I end up. Its owner has catered for at least two US Presidents, yet the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly. I order the bacon-wrapped prawns and a Big Mama margarita (one is all the drink I need for the night). The servers are reliable and sincere and the ample portions provide leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

Afterward, I stroll into the heart of downtown to the “hardest-working theatre in the known world,” the iDiOM Theatre. Almost every production is a world-premiere work by talented local writers, directors and actors. Their bold, sometimes irreverent, choices have convinced me to become a season-pass holder. And thanks to local business sponsors, many opening nights are free.

Jalapeños Mexican Restaurant
501 W. Holly Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-671-3099
www.jalapenos-wa.com

The iDiOM Theatre
1418 Cornwall Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-305-3524
www.idiomtheater.com

Bellingham is full of so many more great options for food, drink, exercise and entertainment. Enjoy experiencing these date night ideas with your sweetie or create your own.

Whatcom Literacy Council’s 13th Annual Literacy Breakfast with Nancy Pearl

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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whatcom literary council breakfast — Attendees at last year's Whatcom Literary Council breakfast.

Submitted by Whatcom Literacy Council

Attendees at last year's Whatcom Literary Council breakfast. — Attendees at last year’s Whatcom Literary Council breakfast.

The Whatcom Literacy Council will host the 13th Annual Literacy Breakfast with Nancy Pearl Thursday, November 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Bellingham Technical College’s Settlemyer Hall, presented this year by “Nobel” sponsors MyTrafficMan.Net Legal Care Center Academy and Wilson Engineering.

This very popular event is almost full. Please call 360-752-8678 or email events@whatcomliteracy.org to reserve a seat.

Since 1983, the Whatcom Literacy Council has helped hundreds of adults in Whatcom County build their literacy skills and move forward in their lives. The funds raised at the Annual Literacy Breakfast go directly to programs that help our neighbors here in Whatcom County. This year, the witty and wonderful Nancy Pearl, NPR commentator and author of “Book Lust,” “More Book Lust,” “Book Crush,” and “Book Lust To Go,” will return to share her thoughts on some of the best reads available. Village Books will be on hand to sell Nancy’s latest raves.

Although there is no charge for breakfast, a donation is requested.

Other sponsors for the 13th Annual Literacy Breakfast include BP Cherry Point, Bramble Berry, and Barron Smith Daugert, and media sponsors The Bellingham Herald and Cascade Radio Group.

For more information regarding the Annual Literacy Breakfast with Nancy Pearl or the Whatcom Literacy Council, including recurring donations and volunteering, visit www.whatcomliteracy.org.

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