Think Local First
Take a Local Staycation this Spring Break
Ask the experts!
Even though Sasquatch is a native of the Pacific Northwest, they’ve been hiding and don’t know all Whatcom County has to offer. They are ready to come out of hiding and support local businesses but aren’t quite sure where to go or what to do. With spring break coming up, they decided to ask the experts at Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County and Sustainable Connections about some ideas for a staycation.
Visit us on Facebook or Instagram to tell us your favorite Staycation spot with #StaycateLikeSquatch by April 12, 2021 for a chance to win a $100 Think Local First Gift Card.
Sasquatch: I’ve been trying to support my community more lately, but I’m not very familiar with how to “Staycate.” How would I plan a staycation for Whatcom County?
VB: Great question, Squatch! It’s amazing how you can live somewhere all your life and still discover it in a new way. Our first tip for traveling local is to gather any Think Local First gift cards you’ve received. No gift cards? No worries! You’re saving money with no plane or long drive!
SC: Yes! Hundreds of local businesses accept the Think Local First Gift Cards, so definitely make sure you’re not forgetting those! Also, staycations reduce your (big) footprint. We’re so glad you’re doing this, Sasquatch!
Sasquatch: Is it safe to stay in a hotel? Are there lodging choices in Whatcom that are fur-friendly?
VB: It’s easy to find a safe new getaway, a wondrous home away from home where someone else makes the bed and does the laundry.
SC: No offense Squatch, but we call that “pet-friendly.” It is actually pretty tough to find a local hotel that isn’t pet-friendly. Hotel Bellwether even has a Canine Concierge named Bella (to be friends with, not as a snack), and Heliotrope Hotel has a dedicated space called “The Yard” with a lawn, landscaping, outdoor lounge and a fire pit for all to enjoy.
Sasquatch: I like to stay active when I’m on vacation. I am good at picking berries, wandering in the woods, playing with birds, and tromping through snow. Can you tell me how to do those things like a “tourist?” What is there to do around here besides play hide and seek in the woods?
VB: There are plenty of things to do outdoors:
- Take a tour, like a tourist! Go by bike, boat, or even get some fun guided history on foot. You’ll be amazed what you “don’t see” in the same things you’re looking at every day when you’re thinking about work, kids, or school.
- Take a scenic drive! We have two state scenic byways in Whatcom County: Chuckanut Drive and Mt. Baker Highway. The North Cascades region on Hwy 20 by Newhalem and Diablo Lake is a part of Whatcom county that is on the Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway, too!
- You can take a Hike, play in the snow, birdwatch, get out on the water, go kayaking, Biking, or golfing. You could take a stroll, and check out the amazing wealth of outdoor public art in Bellingham & Whatcom County. The possibilities are endless.
SC: Don’t have outdoor gear? Don’t let that get in your way, Squatch! Our local businesses offer plenty of expertise in case you need to purchase or rent gear. And don’t forget to snap photos or find a local photographer to make your memories last! Turn your photos into posters at Quick Silver Photo Lab and have them framed at Bellingham Frameworks. Gather art supplies from Allied Arts Reuse Thrift Store, Ragfinery, or the RE Store to make a scrapbook while snacking on local goodies from your favorite grocer or market and sipping delectable local beverages. Whether it’s coffee, tea, soda, beer, wine, or spirits, Whatcom County has you covered!
Sasquatch: Just thinking about all this activity makes me hungry. I’m used to foraging for food, but would like to eat like the locals. Where can I satisfy my appetite?
VB: I’m sure you know about the many ways to get out and enjoy our gorgeous farms and all their bounty. Check out this page for ways to enjoy berries, pizza, beer, oysters, and more! We know you’ve got quite an appetitie, so if you’re still hungry, you can find ideas on where to eat here.
SC: Whatcom County also has 17 local breweries and a plethora of options for food that is grown, caught, raised and made in Washington State. You can find them on this handy interactive map at eatlocalfirst.org.
Sasquatch: Sometimes the weather is my friend, and sometimes it can really ruffle my fur. Where can I seek shelter and still have fun?
VB: Here’s some information on great shopping all around the region, including chic options in Fairhaven and hunting for vintage treasures in downtown Bellingham. We also have fabulous museums and galleries.
SC: Visit Bellingham is right. From quirky to sublime, we do have some great local shopping. Check out our business directory to help you find your fashion, spruce up your home, or learn a new hobby. If indoor is what your looking for, you could also pamper yourself with a relaxing massage, heal your soul in the salt caves at Flowmotion, and get your hair cut at one of the many salons in Whatcom County such as Hairstream, Argyle Salon, or Busy B’s Barber Shop.
Sasquatch: If shopping causes dropping, maybe I could get some take-out before I return to my home away from home at night? What do you suggest?
VB: You’re absolutely right. Shopping is exhausting. Choose takeout from one of these fabulous restaurants and you can’t go wrong.
SC: We know you like to keep your main home in the woods free from trash. You could also check out these restaurant who have pledged to reduce their waste and offer compostable to-go ware.
Sasquatch: Thanks everybody! I can’t wait to unwind, savor, and staycate!
Whatcom County’s Think Local First eGift Card has many of your favorite retailers, restaurants, services and entertainment in one place. Use the Think Local First gift card at any participating location in Whatcom County — there is truly something for everyone!
How does it work? Choose your recipient and send your gift card via email or text message. The recipient can use it to make purchases at participating businesses. Thanks to the generosity of the Whatcom Community Foundation, purchasing fees are waived!
Follow Us
Learn how you can #StaycateLikeSquatch and support Whatcom County local businesses. Visit us on Facebook or Instagram to tell us your favorite Staycation spot with #StaycateLikeSquatch by April 12, 2021 for a chance to win a $100 Think Local First Gift Card.
Follow Visit Bellingham I Whatcom County on Facebook and Instagram.
Follow Sustainable Connections on Facebook and Instagram
Unwind, savor, and take a local staycation this #springbreak! Even though Sasquatch is a native of the Pacific Northwest, they’ve been hiding and don’t know all #WhatcomCounty has to offer. They are ready to come out of hiding and support local businesses but aren’t quite sure where to go or what to do.
Tag sustainableconnections or us on Facebook or Instagram to tell us your favorite Staycation spot with #StaycateLikeSquatch by April 12, 2021 for a chance to win a $100 Think Local First Gift Card.💚
📸Brandon Sawaya of Soulcraft Allstars
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#shoplikesquatch #staycatelikesquatch #springbreak #whatcomcounty #supportsmallbusiness #shoplocal #supportlocalbusiness #bipocbusiness #whatcomcountywa #pnw #localfood #eatlocalfirst #bellingham
Unwind, savor, and take a local staycation this spring break! Even though Sasquatch is a native of the Pacific Northwest, they’ve been hiding and don’t know all Whatcom County has to offer. They are ready to come out of hiding and support local businesses but aren’t quite sure where to go or what to do. With spring break coming up, they decided to ask the experts at Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County and Sustainable Connections about some ideas for a staycation.
Visit us on Facebook or Instagram to tell us your favorite Staycation spot with #StaycateLikeSquatch by April 12, 2021 for a chance to win a $100 Think Local First Gift Card.💚 Learn more at http://thinklocalfirst.org/ (link in bio)
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#shoplikesquatch #staycatelikesquatch #springbreak #whatcomcounty #supportsmallbusiness #shoplocal #supportlocalbusiness #bipocbusiness #whatcomcountywa #pnw #localfood #eatlocalfirst @brandywine.kitchen @visitbellingham #bellingham @bellinghamexperience
Hey all you cinnamon lovers out there, save room for @coconutkennys cinnamon balls—Hawaiian bread balls rolled in cinnamon sugar, served with vanilla ice cream, and then drizzled with caramel and chocolate syrup. You won't regret it. While we're on the topic of sweets, have you tried the mouthwatering snickerdoodle cupcakes that often grace the @wildoat_bakeryfarm Café, where some of the best vegan treats can be found? Get on it. Celebrate your Italian heritage with bombolinis from @storiacucina. These Italian donuts with cinnamon sugar, Nutella, and custard will knock your Italian grandmother’s socks off. Sasquatch has a serious sweet tooth, and we are here for it. Check out Sasquatch's Sweet 16 to treat your sweetie (or yourself) to a gift card that’s redeemable at over 230 local business in Whatcom County.
https://sustainableconnections.org/sasquatchs-sweet-sixteen/
Be sure to check with businesses and order ahead if needed. Some specials are only available for a limited time. Thank you for Thinking Local First and remember, if Sasquatch can support local businesses, so can you! #ShopLikeSquatch #ThinkLocalFirst #ValentinesDay #WhatcomCounty
Sasquatch's Sweet 16 is in full swing! Treat your sweetie to a favorite local sweet treat (or sixteen) this Valentine's Day! ❤ @abcrepes_ is cookin’ up the most delicious Banana Cream Pie Crepe (Image 2) with sliced bananas, chocolate chips and banana cream, topped with ABC’auce and graham crackers. This heavenly concoction isn’t just for breakfast though. AB Crepes is open until 10pm for those late night dates too. And if bananas aren’t your thing, maybe you want to spend a night in with your sweetie baking Guava Jam Thumbprint Cookies (Image 1) from @calypsokitchen made with tropical Guava Jam baked into a buttery short bread cookie. You can order one dozen cookies to take and bake at home. Fans of carrot cake will totally love Simmering Tava’s Gajar Halwa, created with organic shredded carrots and cooked with organic sugar, butter, cream, and a touch of cardamom. 🥰
See the full list of 16 sweet treats you can purchase with your Whatcom Think Local First Gift Card at https://sustainableconnections.org/sasquatchs-sweet-sixteen/ (link in bio)
#ValentinesDay #Sweet16 #ThinkLocalFirst #Whatcom #Love #SweetTreats #ShopLikeSquatch
Sasquatch’s Sweet 16 Valentine’s Day #GIVEAWAY! 💕❤️💕
We are giving away TWO $25 Whatcom Think Local First Gift Cards – one for you AND one for a friend (or Valentine!)
Here's how to enter:
❤️ Like this photo and follow @sustainableconnections
❤️ Tag someone you would like to enjoy a sweet treat with in the Comments below.
Extra entry:
❤️ Repost to your Stories and tag us!
* Winners will be selected at random and notified via DM on Valentine’s Day at 12pm PST. No purchase or payment necessary. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Instagram or Facebook. Good luck!
Craving all the local sweet treats like this Ice Cream Sandwich from Pizzazza @bellinghampizza? Go check out our list of sixteen delicious local treats, Sasquatch approved! Sasquatch's Sweet 16: https://sustainableconnections.org/sasquatchs-sweet-sixteen/ (link in bio)
#ShopLikeSquatch #ThinkLocalFirst #ValentinesDay #WhatcomCounty #Love #SweetTreats #Sweets
Ice Scream, you scream, we all scream…you know how it goes.😉🍦 There’s something about the cold sweetness of ice cream that brings back happy childhood memories. Whatcom County is the perfect place to find unforgettable flavors at @mallardicecream. Grab a cone or a pint of your go-to favorite, or switch it up and try a new local seasonal special. If you’re lucky, you might find their famous grape ice cream made with fresh local concord grapes! @grantsburgers famous hand-dipped hard ice cream shakes are also hard to beat. They say the secret is in the preparation. Your choice of frozen local strawberries or blackberries is mixed with whole milk and local, farm-fresh @edaleendairy ice cream in rich chocolate or sweet vanilla, then blended to a thick, silky smooth finish and topped with whipped cream. Are you drooling, yet? Another restaurant teaming up with locally made ice cream is Pizza’zza @bellinghampizza. Their ice-cream sandwich, featuring @lopezislandcreamery goodness expertly sandwiched between two scratch-made cookies, is on-the-go perfection. And we’ve heard that the @blackcatbham makes a mean Black Cat Brownie Sundae that might just be the perfect excuse to test out their new open-air seating options. We are a town of delicious sweet treats (and so much more!) Join us in celebrating Valentine's Day by supporting local businesses and treating your sweetie to local sweet treats! Check out our curated list of local favorites at https://sustainableconnections.org/sasquatchs-sweet-sixteen/ and #ShopLikeSquatch #ValentinesDay #WhatcomCounty #ThinkLocalFirst P.S. Tune in tomorrow at 12pm PST for a sweet surprise you don't want to miss! 🍦🍨🍫❤️🥰
Sasquatch's Sweet Sixteen! If you didn’t know, Sasquatch has a sweet tooth, and he loves using the Whatcom Think Local First gift card to buy sweet treats all over Whatcom County. With Valentine ’s Day coming up, we wanted to share Sasquatch’s Sweet 16 with you – a specially curated list of 16 sweet treats you can purchase with your Whatcom Think Local First Gift Card. Can’t decide on just one sweet treat? Treat your sweetie to a gift card of their own that’s redeemable at over 230 local business in Whatcom County.
Head to the link in our bio to see Sasquatch's list of 16 local tried and true favorite sweet treats! #ShopLikeSquatch #Sweet16 #ThinkLocalFirst #ValentinesDay #WhatcomCounty
Ready for some yoga news? We would love nothing more than to bring group yoga classes back to Ferndale, but it isn't possible yet, so we have decided to remain closed through the most recent updates and changes. Unfortunately, we cannot operate the yoga studio with the few students we would be permitted with current rules. We have good news for everyone though, so read on!
🧘♀️ We CAN offer private yoga lessons now! If you're interested in a one-on-one lesson to get some pointers for your at-home practice or if you just need to be back in the studio for a guided practice, please reach out. Our teachers would absolutely LOVE to guide you! 🧘♀️ Swipe to see our last student who got out of his comfort zone in a private lesson 🙃
60-minute lessons are $85 or 4 for $319.
90-minute lessons are $127 or 4 for $479
*4-pack of lessons are good for one year from date of purchase. 💥🤗
While we think it will be at least a few months until we can re-open now, our teachers will soon begin developing new yoga workshops, classes, and fun things like yoga challenges for when we return.
Remember, this won't last forever and we will once again be able to welcome you back into our yoga sanctuary. We have a knowing that our yoga community will be even stronger and will be able to give you an even more amazing experience when we reopen down the road.
Namaste 🙏
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#yogasanctuary #yogastudio #ferndaleyoga #bellinghamyoga #yogabellingham #yogateacher #flowmotionferndale #saltroomyoga #yogaspa #healingspa #healingspace #hotyogabellingham #hotyoga #infraredyogastudio #infraredhotyoga #ferndale #ferndalewa #bellingham #bellinghamwa #blainewa #birchbaywa #lyndenwa #enjoyferndale #enjoyfairhaven #whatcom #whatcomcounty #ThinkLocalFirst #shoplocalbellingham #ShopLikeSquatch
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Thank you to the generous support of these Think Local Frist sponsors:
