For the very best in fresh, local Pacific Northwest produce, and quality, locally-made artisan crafts, make sure you visit The Bellingham Farmer’s Market, which just opened for its 18th season last Saturday.

In many of the stands, you’ll find plenty of organic, seasonal produce, a reflection of Bellingham’s commitment to a greener, healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

In others, you’ll find unique, handmade pottery, jewelry and other great gift ideas.

I also have to mention: the food is fantastic. What a wonderful place for a Saturday breakfast with the family or out-of-town visitors!

Head down Railroad Avenue in Downtown Bellingham any Saturday morning April to December, and you’ll find it bustling with activity, rain or shine!

The Bellingham Farmers Market is open at the following times and locations:

Saturday Market:

Downtown Bellingham on Railroad at Chestnut
April through Christmas
10am to 3pm

Wednesday Market:

Fairhaven on the Village Green behind Village Books
June through September
12 to 5pm

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival begins April 1st, but the flowers are evidently anxious to get on with the show! With our mild Pacific Northwest winter, it’s no real surprise that the daffodils, tulips and irises in Mount Vernon are blooming a little earlier this year. Festival organizers always say, “Bloom dates according to Mother Nature,” and it’s true!

Daffodils are already in adorning most fields in bright yellow, and the main attraction — tulips — are already beginning their debut near the Roozengarde Display Garden. In just a few short weeks, most of the fields are expected to be in full bloom, turning the Mount Vernon area into a true Pacific Northwest attraction as people travel large distances to see the gorgeous floral display.

The Tulip Festival is just one reason why life in Skagit County is Pacific Northwest living at its finest.  To learn about exciting deals on homes in Skagit County or Mount Vernon homes, please Contact Me or visit my free, no-hassle Northwest MLS search. To see photos of the tulips, be sure to check out my Pacific Northwest photoblog during the month of April!

Helpful Tulip Festival Links:

Bloom Map

Official Festival Website

Green spaces, not green fees for new generation of retirees

Based on current recession trends all across the U.S., it appears the era of retiring to a posh home out on a golf course are over, at least for now. Recent economic woes have hit the retired and soon-to-be-retired extremely hard — taking a toll both on their nest eggs and their idea of what buying a retirement home should look like. For active adults and seniors, bike paths and wooded trails are becoming far more important than living “on the green.”

Though many families across all demographics are choosing to downsize, relocating to a smaller house is even more popular with those 55 and older — a trend that has remained fairly steady over the years. Currently, 30-40% of those 55-and-up plan to move to a new home when they retire,which is comparable to most years.

The numbers remain the same, but priorities have changed somewhat. It used to be that the most important thing to retirees was moving to a warmer climate — now home affordability is at the top of the priority list. This means that though Florida, Arizona and California remain top retirement spots, other states are drawing retirees as well… and the green natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest is no exception.

What do retiring home buyers want?

Here’s a short list of amenities and home features that are important:

• big bathrooms with helpful aids such as grab bars
• entrances/porches without steps
• washers/dryers in-unit
• first-floor master bedrooms
• convenient storage space
• attached garages with garage-door openers
• user-friendly heat & AC thermostats
• outdoor maintenance & general home repair services

If you’re a senior or active adult looking for a beautiful Pacific Northwest home to retire in, I can help you find exactly what you’re looking for! Feel free to give me a call, visit my free Northwest MLS home search, or check out my helpful Pacific Northwest Seniors & Active Adults directory.

If you’ve recently bought a Whatcom County home, or are planning a move to Whatcom County, you may be wondering how to get settled in the community and make new friends.  Good news!  You’re not the only one, and there’s a group that’s ready and waiting to help you meet new people and learn about our beautiful Pacific Northwest community.

Started in 1997, the Newcomer’s Club of Whatcom County has simple goals: they exist to encourage social gatherings for members and guests of Whatcom County, to distribute a newsletter with a calendar of activities, and to offer community information that assists people in becoming integrated into our community.

With fun activities ranging from hiking and golf to bridge, bunco, dominoes, and book clubs, the Newcomer’s Club is open to all adults who are interested in building new friendships.

Their monthly luncheon is January 20th at noon.  For more information, check out their website: www.whatcomnewcomers.org.

Photo credit: AD