ourLynden is a place for our community, both near and far, to connect over the ideals that make Lynden such a special place. You’ll find bits of hyper-local news, interesting insights into our community and stories of the people that call Lynden home. You’ll be encouraged, reminded and called to action. Welkom!
The Lynden Chamber of Commerce members are hosting their annual “Dutch Treat” city-wide trick-or-treating for kids for Halloween today from 3-5pm. Look for the orange balloon outside of participating members!
After many months and lots of hard work, the team behind the charity-supporting tap house is making final preparations for their opening this Sunday, February 14th. While Overflow Taps is super community-driven, aiming to be a place where locals gather for conversation, community and even board and card games, their reach is global through their partnership with charity:water. With a portion of the sale of each drink going to the cause, every time a keg is emptied one person will be provided with access to clean water.
Partners Jesse Nelson, Adam Stacey and Josh Libolt came up with the concept and plan many months ago and have been working on it since. ourLynden originally met with Nelson in the first part of December, when the space adjacent to the Inn at Lynden lobby off 5th Street was far from finished. At the time, Nelson shared the vision and plans for the space, and now nearly two months later the space has transformed into the vision that was described.
Drizzle Lynden is an Olive Oil and Vinegar Tasting Room, but will also be serving up tasty food: “Drizzle boards” with cured meats and cheeses, rustic-inspired plates created by chef Andy Nguyen, as well as fine beers and wine.
Here’s an exclusive sneak preview before they open to the public tomorrow morning at 10am. We had the opportunity to tour their new store, which is their second location after their Fairhaven flagship. Owners Ross & Dana Driscoll are clearly passionate about what they do, and are intimately familiar with all of the ingredients and chemistry that goes into fine infused olive oils, vinegar and foods.
Plus, here’s a special DEAL: from their opening on Monday morning through Thursday the 17th, use keywords “DRIZZLE LOVES LYNDEN” at checkout for 10% off your entire purchase!
Lyndenites who travel the Guide (who doesn’t!?) have surely noticed the construction and updates at Lynden Lube & Auto over the past several months. Owner Rob Heerspink and his team are excited to welcome the community to check out their fully revitalized space at their Grand Re-Opening & Open House this weekend (Saturday from 9am to 2pm).
The shop, which opened in 1997, was required by the State to sell a portion of their property closest to the Guide Meridian to make room for planned future lane expansion through Lynden. “What’s funny is now that we’re done with the demolition and remodel, the State doesn’t have the widening on their current schedule anymore,” Rob shared. Nonetheless, with the major remodel behind them, Lynden Lube now has more space than ever to perform everything from basic oil changes to complete automotive and engine repair.
The building was originally a Studebaker dealer in the 1930’s, and then was home to Milt’s Market in the 60’s (Milt’s Pizza was opened behind the current Lynden Lube building).
“Our perspective is to make lemonade on lemons,” explained Rob, who took over the business with his wife Cheryl in 2009. When the State approached them, they could have chosen to simply downsize the highway-facing portion of their building, but instead used the opportunity to expand, having outgrown their previous footprint.
We stopped in to Lynden’s newest German-inspired restaurant + bakery, and met owner Liesa (who named the business after her mom). Liesa took the time to explain some of their traditional and unique menu items. Nearly everything is made from scratch, with a focus on health and quality. Nothing is deep-fried, and many of her menu items come with her homemade breads.
She has a comfortable dining room, and also offers the full menu for carry-out. To go orders can be placed by calling 354-1354, and we’ve included a copy of her current menus for your convenience below (be sure to give her a call ahead of time as her menu and hours are subject to change, especially in the first few months as she learns the desires of her customers).
On Saturday June 4th, after the annual Farmer’s Day Parade, people from all around Lynden area came together to create a delicious 1,250 foot long (that’s 4 blocks!) strawberry shortcake.
Enjoy the videos above with footage from the ground, the nearby rooftops and even the air to give some perspective on the World’s Longest Strawberry Shortcake!
Today, Sunday November 22nd, 2015 marks the silent opening of the first tenant to open their doors in the fully remodeled Waples Mercantile Building on Front Street in downtown Lynden. Village Books has long been promising a November opening which many saw as unlikely, but they’ve pulled it off! While the interior (and exterior for that matter) are clearly not completely finished, the store has a warm feel and had a dozen or so people checking it out around 5pm this evening (they first opened at noon today). There’s no exterior signage on the building yet, but a large “Open Now!” banner across the window invites in any passerby.
A number of staff, including the Lynden store manager as well as owner Chuck Robinson were at the store, in addition to Waples Mercantile developers Teri Treat and Debra McClure.
Since the 1970’s, Fairway Shopping Center has been a key player in Lynden’s retail economy. Much has changed over the years – many will remember that only a decade ago a Chevron gas station stood where the Woods Coffee under the windmill is now. A J.C. Penney store for many years occupied the present Ace Hardware location, and much of the North County Christ the King Church property was for many years a grocery store.
The Fairway Center was started by Harold and Sarah Kooy, and is now primarily managed by their son Byron Kooy. Many have wondered what exactly is going on with the old ‘Doris Jean Bakery’, and what’s happening in the corner spot next to Marta’s Cocina that for many years was part of Time Keepers.
Today we have an update for you on both of these fronts:
Marta’s Cocina is expanding, and the NEW Lynden Dutch Bakery AT FAIRWAY CENTER is still (hopefully) coming soon!
Devoted coffee drinkers in Lynden have likely noticed the recent closure of the Woods Coffee at Bender Plaza — the first of their now 17 locations. The closure is for a major remodel to bring the flagship store up to the current design and operational standards of the Woods Coffee.
