Issue 20
In this issue
Island Grown Impact
By Jennifer Dunlap • Photos by Slow Food Whidbey Island
The downsides of fast food are pretty well known by now: empty calories, excessive fats and sugars, preservatives, and ingredients sourced from who knows where. The upside? Convenience, and, for some eaters, predictability. But if those qualities tend to define fast food, what are the qualities of slow food? more
Where Craft Meets Cocktail
by Allyson Meyer • Photos by Dave Meyer
Walking through the front door of Skein & Tipple, you wouldn’t be mistaken for believing you’d walked into a bygone era. And that is exactly the impression owners Marsha and Matt Owen intentionally created for their hybrid, one-of-a-kind business—a combined yarn store and cocktail bar featuring historical charm, quality yarn, and darn good libations. more
Connections Forged in Steel
by Mary Reddy • Photos by Bijan MITCHELL
When Joey Guerra arrived on Whidbey Island seven years ago, he was not thinking of anvils, forges, or tongs. Family connections brought him to the island, and he soon found work as a carpenter at Hedgebrook, a renowned Whidbey Island writing retreat for women. Guerra also began to work for builder Matt Holtby on his tiny house, studio constructions, and remodels. Guerra eventually met Matt’s brother, Jeff Holtby of Arcane Metal Arts, who was considering closing up his business. more
Weaving Wonders
By Lea Cramer • Photos by Jamie Conners
Nestled on the misty shores of Whidbey Island, Regina “Reggie” Kastler does more than weave baskets; she intertwines narratives, traditions, and a profound passion into every strand of reed. For the owner and weaver behind Basket Works N.W. by Reggie, the creations are more than just containers; they overflow with resourcefulness and personal history. more
Inspiring Connections and Well-Being
by Nia Martin • Photos by Jamie Conners
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Saratoga Passage, you’ll find a 100-year-old, two-story shingled house on Camano Avenue. Boasting a tranquil courtyard and patio, it has served as a location dedicated to human connection and community in South Whidbey for ten years. more
Old School Good Times in the Heart of Whidbey
by Russell Clepper • Photos by Dennis Browne & Kiersten Miller
The old wooden building sits deep in the forest like a renegade’s hideout, or a haven for hungry strangers. An elevated porch runs the length of the south wall, inviting visitors to venture into this iconic watering hole. Steeped in character, Bailey’s Corner Store—deep in a Whidbey forest—is a true island destination. more
Building Delicious Community, One Apple at a Time
by Allyson Meyer • Photos by Dave Meyer
When life gives you lemons—or in this case large wind gusts and 4,000 pounds of apples—you make cider. On October 19, 2024, that’s what happened when Mother Nature had different plans for the Fall Festival and Cider Press. more
Langley Whale Center—an Impactful Decade and Counting
By Kate Poss • Photos by Nia Martin
Devotion to bringing home a captured resident orca named Tokitae led to the creation of the Orca Network in 2001, and the subsequent opening of the Langley Whale Center—which celebrated its tenth anniversary in March 2024. more
A Generous Community of Friends
by Nia Martin • Photos by Jamie Conners
While the first Saturday of every October might seem like any other Saturday on Whidbey Island, for Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund, it marks a tradition that has been going strong since 2005—the Mr. South Whidbey Pageant. A handful of men from the community campaign before and during the event to garner votes—a vote equals one dollar—which culminates in a lively night of pageantry, humor, and iconic Whidbey fun. more