A call to action permeated through this year's Friday Harbor Film Festival (FHFF). Cinephiles were eager for the in-person return of the FHFF, bringing together filmmakers and fans in an intimate setting. The FHFF illuminated eight screens across four theaters in the heart of Friday Harbor, Washington, making the festival easily accessible and walkable from any stay... Continue Reading →
Choo-Choose Amtrak Cascades for your next PNW adventure
As first published in Seattle Refined on January 19, 2023 It's a misty morning in the PNW as the Amtrak Cascades train rolls into the station. The sound of its whistle is heard first, moments before the outline of the big engine is seen coming down the tracks to a full stop. We're gathered with fellow travelers... Continue Reading →
3 Lesser-Known Islands To Visit In Washington State’s Beautiful San Juan Archipelago
The San Juan Islands may arguably be the most beautiful place on earth. With their rolling fjords and cerulean waters dotting the landscape of the Salish Sea, this ring of 172 islands is situated in the northwest corner of Washington State, not far from the 49th parallel and Canadian border. Many people, locals and tourists... Continue Reading →
Pigs Peace Sanctuary, a place where pigs find a home in Snohomish County
Did you ever read "Charlotte's Web" as a kid? Do you remember the opening scene of the story — the one where Fern rescues this tiny baby piglet, whom she names Wilbur, from an untimely death? Did you ever wish you could be more like Fern? Well, there is a real-life Fern living on a... Continue Reading →
Preserving history (and a lighthouse) on Stuart Island
Imagine the most beautiful place in the world. Not hard to do, living here in the PNW. Now imagine a remote island in the very farthest northwest corner of the San Juan archipelago...This is Stuart Island, and for Jim and Linda Bergquist it is the most beautiful place in the world. The Lighthouse and Museum(Image:... Continue Reading →
Looking to go to Canada? You will need an APP for that – ArriveCan is here
https://videopress.com/v/sJh2Hqsa?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata Thinking of heading north of the border? As of Aug. 9, you can! With the Canadian border reopened to U.S. visitors, it is easy to cross, but you will need to download an app first — the ArriveCan app. In this digital age, even the Canadian government has gone online. Using the app is a... Continue Reading →
Vegan & hungry in Bellingham? Look for Sage Against the Machine
When you are vegan and hungry in Bellingham - look no further, my friend, than Sage Against the Machine. This plant-based food truck can be found all over Bellingham, hopping around from Kulshans and Stones Throw breweries to the lunchtime plaza at Barclay Village. Just look for the green food truck with the fist logo. Inside the green machine are... Continue Reading →
7 Northwest Lavender Fields to Visit this Summer
Summer in the Northwest. It may bring blue skies and hot days but it also brings something just as beautiful: lavender! Of course, you could fly to Provence to view the majestic, purple fields - or you could stay close to home and travel to a few areas around Western Washington, like Sequim, Friday Harbor, Port Angeles... Continue Reading →
Bucks spices it up at downtown Olympia apothecary
What’s for dinner? Is it a new Moroccan dish you're trying out, slowly simmering over the stove, or an old stand-by noodle entree needing some new life? Whatever you cook, it's the addition of herbs and spices which bring each food to their fullest flavor. Oh, snap! The recipe you are drooling over on Pinterest... Continue Reading →
International Mermaid Museum opens in Westport, WA
JUNE 09, 2021by MARYROSE DENTON Heading out to the Washington Coast beaches always captures a magical feeling for me. And what adds even more mystical fun to time with the surf and sand? Mermaids!! Yes, mermaids and they are in Westport, WA. On March 29, 2021, the International Mermaid Museum opened its doors to the public. The... Continue Reading →