Staff Directory

An Ideal Day in Blaine/Birch Bay  

My day starts by checking the schedule for the Historic Plover Passenger Ferry in Blaine. I catch the ferry from the Blaine Boating Center and enjoy wildlife viewing and views of Mt. Baker and British Columbia’s Coast Mountains along the way. Once I disembark at Semiahmoo Resort, I am treated to a waterfront seafood lunch at Packers Kitchen and Bar and watch for harbor seals. After my ferry ride back, I make my way to Birch Bay. After stopping at the C Shop in Birch Bay for coffee and a sweet treat, I head to Birch Bay State Park to watch the sunset. A perfect day! 

An Ideal Day on Mount Baker 

It’s worth waking up early when there’s snow in the forecast! Coming from a long line of skiers, my family and I zip up to Mt. Baker as often as possible through the winter to search for the perfect run. Thankfully, 5th graders ski or board for free so that sweetens the deal! The mountain is a true cornucopia for every level of downhill enthusiast but we’re just fine cruising the blues. We take breaks in the resort lodge and pet the resident cats before making the scenic drive back home. One necessary pit stop is North Fork Brewery for a slice of pizza, a beer, and some live music. A perfect day. Contact me here. 

An Ideal Day in Lynden 

I start my day in Downtown Lynden by picking up a coffee and pastry and perusing the local bookstore, Village Books. Next, I explore the Jansen Art Center and a few fun shops before heading out to Berthusen Park for a peaceful walk on a trail. Afterwards, I head up Meridian Street to Bellewood Farms to enjoy lunch and a walk in the orchard. Since I'm already out, I finish my afternoon with a drive through the country, admiring farms, fields, and snow-capped Mount Baker in the backdrop. Back in town, I grab dinner and an ice cream cone before tucking myself in at the Inn at Lynden for a great night's sleep. 

An Ideal Day in the North Cascades

As an avid fan of road trips, any day I drive across the North Cascade Highway is a great day. The sweeping views are breathtaking! I stop into the North Cascades Institute’s Environmental Learning Center to check out their upcoming weekend workshops and meander through the wildflower meadows and streams on their Diablo Lake campus. There are plenty of hikes to choose from around here, including the challenging trek to the Desolation Peak fire lookout tower visited by Jack Kerouac in 1956, but today I opt for something more mellow and settle into a campsite on Ross Lake for the evening. In the morning I brew a steaming pot of Tony’s coffee, pack up the car, and head home to Bellingham, all the while thinking about how lucky we are to be surrounded by so many beautiful Scenic Drives.

An Ideal Day on Lummi Island  

My ideal day on Lummi Island starts with a quick detour to Fairhaven Village, where I grab a new book at Village Books along with coffee and a savory hand pie at Evolve Chocolate + Café. Then I drive onto the Whatcom Chief Ferry for a quick 10-minute journey to Lummi Island. Once on land, I head to Baker Reserve for a hike up Lummi Mountain. At the top, I enjoy a picnic lunch (did I mention I also bought some cookies at Evolve?) while soaking in views of the San Juan Islands and Olympic Mountains. Next up is Church Beach, to relax and read my new book by the water before heading back to Bellingham on the evening ferry. 

An Ideal Day in Fairhaven Village  

My ideal day in Fairhaven would begin with a scenic drive north on Chuckanut Drive, stopping at Larrabee State Park for a photo-worthy stroll along the cliffs. You’d for sure find me next at Stones Throw Brewery for a pint. Then, after checking out the many different shops and art galleries in Fairhaven, it’s always a tough decision which great restaurant to eat at, or whether to have dinner on a sunset cruise on the bay. But after that great meal, it’s on to Galloway’s for a nightcap! Contact me here.

An Ideal Day in Ferndale  

Starting a fun-filled day in Ferndale means first calling back to childhood memories. Walking down Main St. to meet friends for breakfast, I think about spending Christmas at my Great Grandma's house and watching the Old Settlers parade, a festival that continues to be held every summer. After a tasty breakfast at one of Ferndale’s many restaurants, I go treasure hunting at a nearby antique store. I end my day at Hovander Homestead Park for a walk on the trails and stunning views of Mt. Baker. As a bonus, I say hello to the farm animal friends who call Hovander home, just like I did as a kid. Some things never change. 

An Ideal Day in Downtown Bellingham

My ideal day downtown begins with a stop at Avenue Bread for coffee and a snack before heading to the Bellingham Farmers Market (never come here on an empty belly!). I’m always in awe of the selection and quality of the local produce grown and sold by our area farmers. Next, I head to the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention, a gem here in Bellingham where you’ll be shocked (pun intended) by the quality of the exhibits. In the evening, I catch a show at Mount Baker Theatre, our local performing arts center where you can see Broadway musicals, independent film festivals, stand-up comedians, and symphony performances. I end my day with a stop at Chocolate Necessities where I make the tough choice between a single-sourced chocolate made in-house or a cup of gelato (try the affogato!).