Join us for the second annual Whatcom Wine & Spirits Fest on Sunday, July 20! This event, celebrating local wineries and distillers, will offer over 40 different local wine and spirit samples, live music and tasty local food...all with the backdrop of Mount Baker and apple orchards. *Swoon*

Take home bottles for sale at reduced case prices and all are tax free! Enter to win bottles of wine and spirits and other experiences in our raffle.

Participating wineries & distillers include:
Vartanyan Estate Winery
Glacial Lake Missoula Wine Company
Inyo Winery
Dakota Creek Winery
Bellewood Distilling
Dynasty Cellars
Samson Estate Winery
Legoe Bay Winery
Masquerade Wine Company
Mount Baker Vineyards
Mount Baker Distillery

Look for these posters in the windows of local businesses.

In Bellingham and Whatcom County we've created a one-of-a-kind community. A place that's wonderful to live, work and play. We have ourselves and local, independent businesses to thank for this so we're taking July to truly highlight all that they do. Look for this poster in the windows of local businesses throughout Whatcom County, and a printed directory of local businesses in the Bellingham Herald and the Cascadia Weekly July 2nd and on-line here.

Spin to Win! The Luck o' the Local
Visit the Bellingham Farmers Market Saturday July 12th and test your luck with a spin of the Think Local First prize wheel. Lucky folks will win copies of the 2014 Where the Locals Go! Coupon Book, bumper stickers, "I Choose Local" buttons and special prizes donated by local businesses.

Independents Scavenger Hunt
Take this opportunity to visit some great local, independent businesses, search for the Be Local Bee and be entered to win a Local Summer Adventure Pack. Check here for scavenger hunt details and to find out more.

An inside look at Aslan's new spot.

We're so lucky to have a diverse food and farming scene here in Bellingham and now we're adding to our brew scene with two new breweries; Aslan Brewing Company and Wander Brewing.

Both breweries are offering a great selection of brew to please any beer lover's taste. Aslan has a delicious menu that includes local fare, while Wander hosts different Whatcom Food Trucks every night of the week. Teresa Schmidt, with Bellingham Insider, writes more about both here.

Stop by Aslan Brewing Company, located at 1130 N Forest St Bellingham, and Wander Brewing, off Ohio St at 1807 Dean Ave.

Anna enjoying her corn on the cob from Boxx Berry Farm.

Nothing says summer like packing up the car for a road trip or picnic. Enjoy the beautiful sights here in Whatcom County and beyond while also eating fresh, local foods with these tips:

-Visit your local farmers market and grab your favorite foods to throw together a wonderful picnic: breads, cheeses, berries, seasonal veggies, and more! Click here to find all Washington State Farmers Markets.

-Pack a cooler with ice packs and fill with local snacks like raw veggies and cheeses before you leave on your adventure. Bring utensils to make cutting, slicing and spreading easier on the go.

-Do you have a favorite local condiment, deli dish or spread? Bring it with you to complement those fresh fruits and veggies! Stop by any of the delis, grocers or markets listed in the Whatcom Food & Farm Finder starting on pg 49.

-Need to find a spot to eat that offers local options? The Eat Well Guide lists restaurants, farmers markets, stands and stores along your route, so you can find a place that sells fresh foods on the road.