Savoring Summer’s Finale
Harper (5) and Palmer (3) popped in for treats…
including Cearra’s cinnamon rolls, before heading to East Beach and Fort Flagler. These Hadlock sweeties (and their parents) promised they’ll be back soon for more “yum-yums” and all-day coffee drinks.
Maddy and Shelagh are sisters-in-law who made our store their one-stop shop for Labor Day weekend.
Maddy grew up on our enchanted island and has been in 15 Tractor Day parades and has braved many Polar Bear dips. Her tastes may have shifted from penny candy to organic produce, but her love of the store hasn’t wavered. These two filled a cart with kale, Mystery Bay Farm chèvre, frozen pie crusts for their blackberry harvest and plenty of basics. Shelagh calls us the island pantry with items from Reese’s Cups to Samish Bay yogurt (her favorite). Best of all? A good cup of coffee and a break from kids and husbands.
Judah and Alina kayaked from the south end of Marrowstone to our store for a porch lunch.
Alina said it feels like we’re always one step ahead, knowing just what people might need when they walk in. They loved the mix of nostalgic staples…Skippy peanut butter and Betty Crocker frosting. And they appreciated our variety…M&Ms to stunning organic produce. Both admired our locally themed guidebook selection. These two left with lots of locally made gifts for friends and family in Chicago. We can’t wait to welcome you back!
Every bite in this spread came from our store.
Want to wow visitors with almost no effort? Grab a mix of creamy and bold cheeses, sweet and savory crackers, and juicy stone fruit. Pile it all on a locally made wooden board and voilà, you’re ready for a delicious gathering.
Dan, Mazy, and Cory stopped in for snacks before hiking Mount Townsend.
Seattle-based but summering and weekending on Marrowstone, they’ve owned their island log cabin for over a decade. Mazy laughed about sleeping in the attic with bats before a few upgrades. They were thrilled when our store reopened after the fire, both for shopping and as a community hub. From vegan jerky to coconut water to Cearra’s cowboy cookies, this kind family had nothing but praise for our selections. And Mazy, yes, we’re hunting down that toilet bowl candy you remember so fondly!
NGS board members John and Carol brought their son Ian to visit the store they lovingly helped build.
Ian marveled at what a community can do when it pulls together. He declared our store “the cutest”! Great work Mom and Dad!
Brian, Jeff, and Scott gathered on Marrowstone to relive their Bellingham college days.
Jeff splits his time between his Marrowstone home and his 44-foot sailboat. The trio shared stories of their long friendship including their brief foray into hippiedom. Scott makes granola and is the innkeeper at Sir Cedric’s Cedar Treehouse (he might still be a hippie). Between them, they’ve been an engineer, a school principal, and a stonemason. Can you guess who’s who? Their gratitude for our open doors and their infectious laughter made our evening.
Speaking of college friends, Stephen and Katie rallied 15 UW friends for a Marrowstone weekend (Stephen, Steve, Sally, Katie, Amy & Will pictured).
Every visit brought a chorus of spirited OMGs: “This store is so cute!” “The produce is so fresh!” “The cheese, wine & beer selection is so perfect!” Thank you for shopping between Fort Flagler hikes, East Beach walks, storytelling and croquet. Don’t wait another 20 years to reunite on this special island at the edge of America!
This nomadic trio, Rick, Jan and Lily the doodle, have been on the road for ten years.
This month they’re Fort Flagler campground hosts. Rick grew up in Yakutat, Alaska without paved roads or TV and says our store reminds him of the general store from his childhood. They raved about what they found on our shelves while enjoying cookies and coffee on a foggy Saturday afternoon.
Upcoming Events
Community Potluck and MICA Meeting
Nordland Garden Club
Tuesday, September 16
Potluck, 6 pm
Community meeting, 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Andy Pernsteiner, Jefferson County Sheriff
and other community guest speakers
Fort Flagler Updates
Updates on the new welcome center, theater building and more are here.
Thank you Lee and Friends of Fort Flagler for this informative newsletter and for everything you do for our amazing park!
Nordland General Store ‘Lil Free Library
Please deposit books, toys, puzzles and games you think your neighbors might enjoy. Or someone camping at Fort Flagler!