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 →
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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 →
True North Coffee Roasters has a mission bigger than their really good coffee
If you have lived in the Pacific Northwest for a while, you most likely have become accustomed to many of the icons of the area: the Space Needle standing sentinel along the city skyline, Mount Rainer majestically showing her white peaks on a sunny day, hearing how grunge music was born here. Of course, Seattle... Continue Reading →
Keeping PRIDE Visible All Year Long
And 5 Other Ways To Support The Folx You Love Recently, a family member I had not seen for a while casually asked me how “my girls” were doing. She meant well by the inquiry, I am sure. She probably did not realize her faux-pas, at least not at first. In the past, I usually... Continue Reading →
Imbolc Festival and the Coming of Spring
Phot credit: Jeena Paradies on Unsplash
All are welcome at Catalyst Cafe in Everett
Turn off the busy arterial of Colby Ave in Everett, and amidst the quiet side street neighborhood on 23rd sits Catalyst Cafe, an all-inclusive local gathering space creating meaningful change in Snohomish County. At first glance, it looks like any other neighborhood coffee house with a warm, inviting and welcoming vibe. Catalyst Cafe is all this... 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 →
Recharge Your Spirit, Refresh Your Soul in Westport, WA
https://issuu.com/foodwinetravelmagazine/docs/october_2021/74 “Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.” Van Morrison Ahh, the aroma of that salty sea air hits my nose as we head West out of the metropolis of the city and along Hwy 101 towards the Washington coast. I stick my head out the passenger side window... Continue Reading →