July 23, 2020
We are here for you!
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism provides this Tourism Talk e-news to provide ongoing information to our local businesses. We have also added tourism industry resources to Bellingham.org for access anytime.
We are here to help all our members navigate these uncertain times.
Whatcom Health Dept Webinar July 24:
How do we support employees during the stress of COVID-19?
This week's webinar forum topic for the Whatcom County Health Dept Stronger, Safer, Together campaign is: How do we support employees during the stress of COVID-19?

JULY 24, 2020 | 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM

The pandemic is a source of stress for everyone, and for some people, the impacts on mental health are significant and affect people’s work. This forum offers the opportunity for businesses participants to share strategies for supporting employees who are having a difficult time, and to learn from mental health and human resource specialists.

Guest Speakers: Pamela Wheeler, Debby Cwalina, Karen King, Sterling Chick

Our Tourism Super Heroes!
Thank you to all our great Tourism businesses for doing your part to keep everyone safe, and for continuing to share your face mask photos with us by sending them to  [email protected] . We are utilizing these throughout our website, social media and email channels to let locals and travelers know your business is open, taking public health seriously, and ready to serve!
Whatcom Museum
Backcountry Essentials
Fairhaven Runners
Modified Bellingham Farmers Market
Applications will be accepted July 16 – 31, 2020 for a competitive grant program – called  Whatcom ReStart  – designed to support businesses and non-profits throughout Whatcom County that have been affected by COVID-19. Whatcom ReStart will issue up to $2.6 million in general grants and another $800,000 for licensed childcare operators. For-profit and non-profit businesses and organizations impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to apply for general grants of up to $15,000 each.

Whatcom County and the cities of Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, Sumas, Everson, Nooksack and Blaine have teamed up and combined their federal CARES Act allocations to offer this competitive grant program to assist businesses that have experienced revenue losses and expenses due to COVID-19-related closures or impacts.

Gina Stark from the Port of Bellingham joined the Small Business Development Center for a recent webinar to answer questions about the grant and application process.

Bellingham and Whatcom County officials are hosting a listening series on race and justice, an opportunity for community members to share their experiences and their ideas for how leaders can make meaningful, effective changes.

Four sessions are scheduled for:
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 28
  • 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, August 10
  • 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 15
  • 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 18
Sustainable Connections  is hosting a month-long celebration in  Whatcom County  this August to explore and enjoy the bounty of local food with an annual  Eat Local Month  celebration. Each week, the community is invited to celebrate four industries of our region’s local food system: farmers, restaurants, markets, and seafood producers.
One of  Bellingham’s  most-loved hotels – The Fairhaven Village Inn  – reopened its doors to travelers on July 1, more than three months after pausing operations due to COVID-19.

Closing the inn for three months was an individual decision made in response to market conditions. Reopening has included in-depth protocols for cleaning all rooms and public spaces.
Camber Coffee 3 year Anniversary Celebration
Camber is celebrating its 3 year anniversary in downtown Bellingham this week with the following specials. “We're so grateful for all the support that Bellingham has shown us over the years, especially these past few months,” said owner David Yake.
 
Wednesday, 7/22
$2 Cappuccinos
 
Thursday, 7/23 
FREE short iced Oatly lattes
 
Friday, 7/24 
50% off all whole bean coffee bags
 
Saturday, 7/25
Food, beverage and pastry specials 
 
Sunday, 7/26
FREE 150 gram bag of beans to our first 30 customers 
 
Monday, 7/27
Buy one pour-over coffee and get one free, plus $2 off all sandwiches
 
You can find all the details here (and follow @camberholly for updates throughout the week):
Kulshan Brewing Updated Beer Garden Hours
Starting July 22, both of Kulshan Brewing's Beer Gardens are now open seven days a week. 

The newly expanded Roosevelt Beer Garden is open Monday-Saturday from Noon-9pm, and Sunday's from Noon-7pm. They will continue to operate curbside pickup service seven days a week. The Sunnyland Beer Garden is open everyday from Noon-9pm. 

Bellingham Beer Delivery lives on, but switches to one delivery per day. Place your order by 3:30pm for same day delivery between 4-7pm. 

Their online tap list and food truck schedule will continue to be updated daily.
by Lauren
The pandemic has left most of us hungry. We crave social contact, enriching experiences beyond our front doors and great food that doesn’t involve making it ourselves. That’s precisely why Storia Cucina should be your next destination! The new Italian eatery on Bellingham’s Grand avenue, in the site formerly occupied by Michael’s Books, delivers a fun, casual atmosphere coupled with great food that’s reasonably priced.
July 24

Time: 9 pm
$70/person
July 25 & August 1

Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Free
July 26 & August 2

Time: 9 am - 2 pm
Free
July 26

Time: 10 am - 10:30 am
Free
July 27

Time: 7 pm - 9 pm
Free
July 30
July & August 2020
Our region is full of beauty! Send us your scenic photos from all around the county and enter them in our latest contest for a chance at a prize! Yes, members can enter. Members can also donate prizes. Enter  here .
Questions? We are happy to answer them for you.
Give us a call at 360-671-3990,  email  us or visit our website at  bellingham.org .

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
904 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA 98229
360-671-3990|  bellingham.org