Have you been missing doughnuts in downtown Bellingham? This new shop is on the way
Here’s a roundup of recent retail activity around Whatcom County:
▪ The “coming soon” alerts are being posted on social media for a new doughnut shop in downtown Bellingham. It’s called JoJoe’s Donuts and it is going into 1301 Commercial St., near the Commercial Street Garage. No official opening date has been announced yet.
According to a Facebook post, JoJoe’s will have vegan and gluten-free options along with traditional doughnuts.
While there are several dessert and bakery places in the downtown district, there hasn’t been a doughnut shop in the district since Rocket Donuts closed in 2019.
▪ Heading into the fall and winter months, Honey Moon is beginning to move its live music events indoors. For those indoor performances, the mead and cider establishment will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test of performers and attendees. The heated outdoor patio will have speakers for those who prefer to listen outside.
Honey Moon is in the alley at 1053 N. State St.
▪ For those already pondering local holiday gifts, a new virtual store can provide some options. Madrona Gifts, which got started in July, has partnered with more than 30 local businesses to offer an online gift option, focusing on things around the Salish Coast.
One example is the Northwest Select package, which offers products from Lummi Island Wild, Beeworks Farm, Holmquist Hazelnuts, 3 Generations Jam and Sauk Farms.
Along with holiday gifts, Madrona Gifts has options for a variety of other occasions, including birthdays and weddings. For details, visit madronagifts.com.
▪ Washington state’s plastic bag ban that went into effect on Friday, Oct. 1, also means some changes in Bellingham.
The state ban replaced Bellingham’s nine-year-old ban, which means there are a few changes. Those changes include an eight-cent charge for each approved bag at stores, like those paper bags that have 40% recycled content. The original Bellingham policy had a five-cent charge for those bags.
All retail and grocery stores, restaurants, takeout establishments, festivals and markets are subject to state law, according to a news release from the city. Details can be found on the city of Bellingham’s website.
▪ October is conflict resolution month and more than 20 local restaurants are participating in Dine Out for Peace.
Participating businesses will donate a portion of proceeds for the entire month to the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center.
For details, including a list of participating restaurants, visit the resolution center’s website.
▪ Bellis Fair mall will be home to Bellingham’s first Maker Faire.
The event, happening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, will be near the Bellingham Makerspace area and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
A variety of artists will be on hand to show how to make different projects, including woodworkers, cosplayers, robotic engineers and 3D-printing artists. There will also be tours of the Makerspace facility.
Attendance to this event is free; the indoor event will require masks. For further details, visit makerfairebellingham.org.
This story was originally published October 2, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
