Thank you to all who attended our latest Educational Series last week. If you or your colleagues missed the webinar, you can view the recording here and the slide deck here.

Online orders have surged for retailers in the pandemic, as curbside pickup helps Americans satisfy their desire to hop in a car and drive to the store. What started as a coronavirus stopgap is likely to have a permanent impact on the way people shop. Online sales are an avenue to success during the pandemic. This webinar showcased the ease with which businesses can add online sales.

Check out our newly created toolkit for all the great ways our existing members can benefit from their partnership with Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. Not a member and see something that fits into your organization's marketing goals? Consider becoming a member to unlock all the benefits! Click here to get full toolkit.

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced a four-week statewide set of restrictions in response to the recent rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus in Washington and across the country.

The new restrictions come as Washington sees consistent increasing daily case counts, with over 2,000 cases a day over the weekend and average cases in the state doubling over the past two weeks.

Earlier this year, in the weeks following holiday weekends and events, cases of COVID-19 spiked around the state and the nation. In an attempt to head off a similar surge with winter holidays on the way, the Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) offers guidance for gatherings.

“Staying home with just your own household is the safest way to celebrate,” said Erika Lautenbach, Whatcom County Health Department director. “But there are ways to enjoy the season and perhaps launch some new traditions.

The coronavirus pandemic may be keeping us closer to home these days, but here in Washington State, we are fortunate to have a wealth of wow-worthy local destinations to choose from, including ocean beaches, mountain ranges, rainforests, and wide, dry open spaces.

The Explore Washington’s Backyard Passport makes it easy to find new adventures, or revisit old favorites, with a list of Covid-smart excursions to enjoy with the entire family. Find the region you want to explore, then start choosing adventures that include what you would like to see do. Water to mountains, there’s an adventure for everyone.

The Inn at Lynden, a 35-room boutique hotel located in the historic Waples Mercantile Building, in downtown Lynden, has announced a repeat of their very popular promotion from last year. The Comfort & Joy special provides purchasers the opportunity to both give a gift, and get a gift.Anyone buying a $200 gift card toward a stay at the Inn at Lynden also receives a $50 gift card good at any of the five unique shops that share space in their historic building. That is; Avenue Bread, Bellingham Baby Company, Cheeks Jeans, Overflow Taps, and Village Books & Paper Dreams.

Kick off this holiday season with the 41st Annual Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts. Featuring the work of over 100 local artisans and craftspeople, you can shop in two convenient ways–both online and in-person with Allied Arts of Whatcom County. You’ll find a broad showcase of holiday goods including one-of-a-kind gifts, specialty foods, jewelry and paintings. In compliance with State Guidelines, masks are required for entry to the Lite Market.

Little known historic Polish Lager “Grodziskie” is a beer Chuckanut brewers fell in love with and decided to brew several years ago. It was a huge hit and has taken until now to have room in the tanks to make another batch. This very light, super effervescent low alcohol lager is sometimes called the champagne of Polish beer. The interesting part of this lager is the lightly smoky flavor due to oak-smoked malt in the recipe. The gentle and flavorful smoke accents adds depth to the light beer that makes a lasting impression. Every Tuesday, Chuckanut will also be offering $2 tacos for customers to enjoy on their outdoor patio or take home.

In response to Gov. Inslee’s recent COVID-19 restrictions, the Whatcom Museum campus will be closed Nov. 16 through Dec. 15, 2020, or until further notice. As a public gathering space, the health and safety of our community is our priority. Please visit our COVID-19 response page for updates and more information about closures and our safety measures.