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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →