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Thursday, June 02, 2022

Hi local partners, 
 

“My tastes are simple: I am easily satisfied with the best.”
 
― Winston S. Churchill


How? How have I never made it into Chuckanut Bay Distillery for a tour and tasting until now? Right away you are welcomed by a warm, inviting space where you can sample the finished products amongst the scent of that products eventual refill. You can also take home a selection of the bottled products they produce including vodkas, gins, whiskeys, and liqueurs.

Maybe you’re there to get a tasting of what they have to offer before you buy? Try them all and learn what goes into making each spirit. Call ahead and schedule a tour because you won’t believe how much there is to see (and learn) about the grain-to-glass process that is happening all around you while you’re tasting.

And coming soon Penny Farthing Restaurant & Bar! With plans to open an event space with plenty of room for a large gathering. This is going to be a very popular downtown venue!

Cheers,
Eric
Sales & Special Projects Manager
We're here to help. Visit us at Bellingham.org.
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Chuckanut Bay Distillery


A true 'grain-to-glass' distillery proudly making delicious craft spirits from locally sourced ingredients. Our tasting room is open 6 days a week for bottle and merchandise sales or come and enjoy a craft cocktail in our lovely outside seating area (please see website for hours).

Tours are back, come join us for an immersive and fun experience! Smell the inside of a charred American Oak bourbon barrel, feel the heat from active ferment, taste the spirits featured in our craft cocktails and so much more! Tours last about an hour and include 2 mini cocktails and a souvenir glass. We also host private tours for your company or a special occasion, book online or contact us via the website. 

The Penny Farthing Restaurant & Bar is opening in June 2022! Stay tuned to learn more about our delicious menu and new craft cocktail creations! 
Updates from Your Tourism Team

You’re Invited to Learn and Give Input!

Get information on the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area

 

Join in!
Alex Gradwohl from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation will be going over the plan for our Maritime Washington National Heritage Area. Thank you to the Whatcom Maritime Association for arranging this event!

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Location: Bellingham Ferry Terminal, the Dome Room

4:30pm-5:30pm: Open doors, mingle! Whatcom Maritime Association is doing tours of the museum located on the first floor.  Light snacks will be available.

5:30pm-6:30pm: Join Alex to go over the management plan for the area, as well as where the plan is currently in the approval process, followed by a question and answer session.  
This event is hosted by Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, Whatcom Maritime Association, the Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and Port of Bellingham.
 
Please share this invitation/announcement to your friends, colleagues, teammates. All are welcome!

Social Media Friendly Hour at Aslan Depot

You're invited to a social media-friendly hour at Aslan Depot Tonight at 5 p.m.! Connect with Lorin Lindell from Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County, local businesses, and other social media gurus as you have a drink, share some laughs, talk about social media and find new ways to help each other in the virtual world. 

If you share your social handles and hashtags now, Lorin will distribute the information there and via email to help keep Bellingham and Whatcom County connected.   

Fun Summer Job Opportunity!

Do you enjoy talking to people about the best places to hike in Bellingham or the must try local restaurants? Join a team of happy people who also love sharing their passion for Bellingham and Whatcom County with tourists and locals alike!

We are looking for a “Tourism Specialist” to help assist people at the Bellingham Farmers Market on Saturdays through Labor Day.

The position will involve moving and setting up our information booth that is a mobile trike. There could be future opportunities to take the trike to Bellingham events, like Downtown Sounds. 

Applicants must be familiar with Whatcom County attractions (or have an eagerness to learn), be able to investigate and provide clear directions, and handle multiple tasks at one time. Strong communication and customer service skills are essential, as well as having a positive and friendly attitude. 

Anyone looking to get more involved in the community and have fun all while on the job, couldn’t ask for anything better than working in local tourism! 

To apply: please send a resume and cover letter to info@bellingham.org or go here for more info. 

Volunteers Needed

We are looking for volunteers for a fun opportunity at our Visitor Information Centers! Share your passion for where you live through helping tourists, locals, and the community members of Whatcom County.

At Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, our mission is to improve the local economy by attracting visitors to stay longer. We are looking for ”Tourism Specialists” to help assist people at several visitor centers in Bellingham.

Benefits to joining our team: trips to learn about area attractions, hotels, and outdoor adventures. We also have volunteer appreciation parties and provide snacks during shifts. Anyone who has felt isolated the last couple years and has been looking for a way to get more involved in the community, couldn’t ask for a better opportunity than working in local tourism!  

Tourists need you! Please volunteer and share your knowledge with those who are looking to explore all that Whatcom County has to offer. 

Go here to find out more. 

How Google Maps and Local SEO
Affect Tourism Meeting Resources

 

Just In Case You Missed it! 
 

We learned how Google Maps needs each of us to show up in order to make a massive impact, and how you can optimize your Google Business presence to route visitors right to you.

Alex Bruner, Founder of Intellitonic left us with some key steps to follow and world-class training for free! Here's a note from him, and the video and other resources are below:
 
At Intellitonic we are heavily invested in helping local orgs get their fair visibility in search engines, so this is a bit of a passion project for me. If anyone has further questions about Local SEO or Google Ads, feel free to reach out to me directly: alex@intellitonic.com
I urge 501(c)(3)'s to look up Google Ad Grants, that $10,000 a month goes a long way in increasing your ability to promote your programs and events as well as solicit donations. Im working on some presentations to that product that I think will greatly benefit the local community, more from that in the future. 
Finally, if you learn something from the presentation, please feel free to drop a review here: Intellitonic.com/review.
Best, 
Alex


Find a copy of the recorded meeting here (available for a year):

How Google Maps And Local SEO Affect Tourism Meeting Recording
Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County Tourism Education Series; May 12, 2022

Find helpful tips here.

Find the presentation slides here.

Press Releases & Your News to Share

Travel Expert Rick Steves Explores Trails at the Top Northwest Corner of His Home State of Washington in New Video Episode

Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County announces the release of the fourth of four video segments hosted by Rick Steves which feature his explorations of Whatcom County, Washington. Episode four, “Outdoor Adventures Inside Bellingham City Limits,” shows Steves roaming the maintained trails of Bellingham and even playing the state of Washington’s official sport: pickleball. Steves discovers 80+ miles of walks through forests and ferns, by lakes and waterfalls, and along Bellingham Bay while learning about the sporting events and community culture of the region.

The Northwest Tune-Up to feature 50-plus exhibitors
with bike demos and numerous bike races
alongside world-class music, July 8-10 in Bellingham, Washington

After a fantastic response to the festival's music lineup announcement, bike and beer fans are eager to see what is in store for the rest of the curated outdoor experience. On top of more than 24 participating breweries, attendees will have a bike demo and expo experience compiled of 50-plus brands, with some offering demos of mountain bikes, commuter bikes, electric commuters, and e-mountain bikes throughout the weekend - plus races.

Outdoor Education Expands in Whatcom County

A collaborative effort among six community organizations, the Connections Program, will reach nearly all Blaine and Mount Baker District elementary students with outdoor education this school year and next. Each student will receive 5-10 hours of outdoor instruction aligned with classroom science standards, with lessons ranging from investigating stream health to managing school gardens. 

Tennant Lake Boardwalk Trail is Open

The Tennant Lake Boardwalk trail is now open, with the exception of a small section at the farthest lookout that remains closed due to damage from the November 2021 flood event. If you plan to walk the trail, you will not be able to complete the loop due to the damaged section. Please do not attempt to pass trail blockades.

Whatcom Land Trust Hosts Spring Benefit at Boundary Bay Brewery

Whatcom Land Trust will host their annual spring benefit, The Land in Our Hands, on June 4, 2022, at Boundary Bay Brewery Beer Garden. Community members are invited to purchase tickets online as soon as possible to hold their spot as tickets are expected to sell out. All are also invited to participate in the Online Auction from May 28 through June 5.

Corvus Energy to Expand,
Opening New Factory at the Port of Bellingham

The Port of Bellingham is excited to announce that Corvus Energy has chosen Whatcom County to expand its US operations and open a new factory. Corvus Energy is the leading supplier of battery energy storage systems (BESS) for marine applications. The US-based manufacturing facility, located in Bellingham, with an annual capacity of 200 MWh of stored energy capacity, will support demand for marine BESS in the Americas as the marine industry accelerates its adoption of decarbonization technology to meet global GHG emissions reduction targets.

Debbie Granger Wins
Prestigious 2022 Puget Sound Maritime Achievement Award

The Seattle Propeller Club announced the winner of the 2022 Puget Sound Maritime Achievement Award as Debbie Granger for her many contributions to Puget Sound’s maritime community.

Ms. Granger is a long-time member of the Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County with highly visible contributions throughout the community. Jim Kyle, President of the Coalition, commented “Debbie’s work has been essential to the success of our organization. Her knowledge and work ethic set a very high bar.” Her many accomplishments include establishing Bellingham SeaFeast as a signature waterfront and seafood festival celebrating Whatcom County’s maritime culture, helping launch Bellingham Dockside Market as a hub for local fishermen to provide direct seafood sales out of Squalicum Harbor, and extensive fundraising efforts to support a new Fisheries and Aquaculture Center for Bellingham Technical College.

Bellingham SeaFeast Board of Directors Hires Program Director
to Oversee Popular Waterfront Event

The Bellingham SeaFeast Board of Directors is pleased to announce Kevin Coleman has been hired to serve as Program Director. Mr. Coleman takes over the reins of this increasingly popular event which celebrates Whatcom County’s rich maritime heritage, thriving working waterfront, commercial fishing and seafood industries, and the culinary bounty of the Pacific Northwest.

Whatcom Community College Names Dr. Barry Robinson
as New Vice President for Instruction

Dr. Barry Robinson has joined Whatcom Community College as Vice President for Instruction. Dr. Robinson joined WCC on March 28, 2022, coming from Seattle Central College where he served as the Executive Dean of Healthcare and Human Services.

Whatcom This Whey and Choose Your Own Adventure

Come connect with Whatcom community dairy farmers and help us celebrate local farming on Saturday, June 11th! Get a behind-the-scenes experience looking at cow care, milking robots, farm-to-table, and find out what exactly the heck an anaerobic digester is. Meet some cows and calves, discover the art of cheesemaking, try some delicious milk and cheese samples, and stop by for an ice cream treat! 

Summer of Sound at the Whatcom Museum

This summer, the Whatcom Museum is hosting a variety of exhibits and programs that celebrate music and sound. The public is invited to see two historic music exhibits at Old City Hall, attend a free chamber music concert with musicians from the Bellingham Festival of Music, and bring kids to the Family Interactive Gallery for Saturdays with the Symphony.

Whatcom Museum Summer 2022 Programs & Exhibitions

The Whatcom Museum is offering a mix of virtual as well as in-person programs. Virtual programs are live-streamed on the Whatcom Museum's YouTube channel. 

Debu Majumdar Presents Night Jasmine Tree at Village Books

Debu Majumdar will give a presentation of his Somerset literary Award-winning novel, which is contemporary fiction describing the hidden backstory of an Indian man’s immigration to America because of caste conflicts—a story of love, forgiveness, and rise to the call of his innate heart. The author will not only talk about the literary aspects of the novel, but of the caste system in India, which is often misunderstood in the west. 

Opus Performing Arts' Spring Showcase

Opus Performing Arts is proud to present their annual “Spring Showcase” at 7:00 p.m. on June 11 and 2:00 p.m. on June 12, 2022. Audiences are sure to enjoy this school performance, featuring Opus students in ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz & lyrical. Opus’ Spring Showcase highlights the instructional aspect of the school from the youngest students of three years old to the intermediate/advanced high school students. 

BAAY Presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. As a son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can’t control, monsters on his trail, and is on a quest to find Zeus’ lightning bolt to prevent a war between the Greek gods. Based on the New York Times bestselling novel, this show features a thrilling original rock score that takes audiences on an action-packed, mythical adventure!

Whatcom County Little Caesar Locations Continue to Support the Boys & Girls Club Through Their Little Cheesers Campaign

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County is proud to continue over 30 years of partnership with Whatcom County Little Caesars locations. All six locations across the county participate in the Little Cheesers fundraiser, which raises money to support kids served at Boys & Girls Clubs in Whatcom County. The annual campaign has raised $105,000 since its start in 1988.

Father’s Day Car Show Offers
Free Family Fun at Bellewood Farms

An opportunity to admire more than 200 classic and modified cars and trucks with Mt. Baker in the background will be presented Sunday, June 19 during the eighth-annual Father’s Day Car Show at Whatcom County’s Bellewood Farms & Distillery. 

Seattle’s Iconic Piroshky Piroshky Tours the North Sound

Piroshky Piroshky is celebrating its 30th anniversary by touring U.S., and is heading back to the North Sound by popular demand! Starting May 26th, you can order a taste of Seattle’s internationally renowned bakery Piroshky Piroshky for Pre-Order Pickup at Lummi Bay Market on Friday, June 24th. 

Important: Maximize Your Membership!

1. Keep us stoked! Oh, I meant stocked:


If you have print material, email Eric@bellingham.org to make sure you're reaching tourists! We are ramping up for visitor season and will have information for visitors at transportation hubs and peak visitation areas!

2. Give us the scoop so we can dish! 


Add your events to the Visit Bellingham Whatcom County Event Calendar! It only takes a few minutes and is a great place to let visitors (and locals) know about upcoming events and activities. Including live trivia events!  

SERIOUSLY, ADD TO THE EVENT CALENDAR! Especially if you don't want to be left out of our themed articles, social media posts, and visitor newsletters. 

Once you submit to the calendar, we use these events for our email campaigns, marketing materials, social media posts, outreach to the State of Washington Tourism's PR firm, and articles and itineraries which we share weekly on our social media channels! 

3. Tag we're it!


Engage with us on social media! Next time you post, include #BellinghamExperience or tag us directly with @BellinghamExperience to engage with us! Social is a great way to let us know what's going on with you and to have your content featured on our page! 

You can also follow Bellingham Experience on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and TikTok for content to share with your followers. 

Questions? Email us at media@bellingham.org

Get Your Go! Guide (and more to share)

Hold Whatcom County in the palm of your hand! Our convenient, new pocket-sized Go! Guide provides an overview of the area and is the perfect tool to help visitors plan their adventure.

Unfold the guide to find an illustrated overview map of Whatcom County with a bird's eye view showcasing popular scenic hotspots, highways, and travel hubs. More detailed street views for some Whatcom County neighborhoods are also included, and highlight areas to shop, dine, and explore.

Looking for additional information? Scan one of the many featured QR Codes (or go to the listed URL) and you will be taken to curated pages about lodging, trails, communities, restaurants, current events, and much more.

This guide can go wheverever our visitors need (and will ride easily in their pockets and purses). Please reach out if we can get you on the list of places these are distributed. We're still in the midst of getting them out there!

Share Our Campaigns, Support Our Local Economy!

Visit Bellingham Whatcom County Photo Contest


Shout out to all the incredible #BellinghamExperiences we received in our latest Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County Photo Contest! Check out our Facebook to see the top three photos and what lucky photographers won prizes some from our favorite local businesses including Appel Farms Cheese Shop, Bellingham Cider Co, and the Bellingham Bells!

🥇 Jessica Dotson
🥈 Michelle Watkins
🥉 Maya Heinselman

Tag your posts with @bellinghamexperience or #BellinghamExperience for a chance to be featured!
Attend Awesome Things!

June 4 & 18, 2022

Bellingham Dockside Market

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Squalicum Harbor, 722 Coho Way, Bellingham
Hosted by Port of Bellingham

June 4, 11, 18, & 25, 2022

Bellingham Farmers Market

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
1100 Railroad Ave, Bellingham

June 4, 2022

Bellingham Scottish Gathering

9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
North Bellingham Golf Course
205 W Smith Road, Bellingham
Hosted by Scottish Dance Society

June 4, 2022

Whatcom Youth Pride Parade and Festival

10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Bellingham High School
Cornwall & Halleck, Bellingham
Hosted by Whatcom Youth Pride Coalition

June 11 & 12, 2022

Deming Logging Show

8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Deming Logging Show Grounds
3295 Cedarville Road, Bellingham
Hosted by Deming Logging Show

June 11 & July 16, 2022

Sea to Table Half-Day Bicycle Tour

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bellingham Farmers Market Building
1100 Railroad Ave, Bellingham
Hosted by Bike Northwest

June 18, 2022

Lynden Tractor Trot

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Starting at Forge Fitness, Lynden
Hosted by Greater Bellingham Running Club

June 25, 2022

Blaine Art Studio Tours

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. / Time will vary by location
Artist's home studios and Blaine businesses
Hosted by Blaine Chamber of Commerce

June 26, 2022

2022 Family Promise of Whatcom County Bed Race

2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Civic Field Parking Lot Civic Field Way, Bellingham
Hosted by Interfaith Coalition

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