By Andy Valencia It’s been 25 years since sisters Tina and Leslie first opened Cafe Luna. Turtle Island Restaurant, which had shuttered for the final time a year before, provided the location. The ladies asked various Island old-timers about the possibility of an “internet cafe” and, having been assured it would never work, went ahead…
Island Businesses, March 2025
Giraffe: Slow Fashion, Artisan Goods, and a Global Sensibility
By Caitlin Rothermel Walking into Giraffe, located in the heart of town, always gives me that peaceful feeling of entering a special place. Every corner is so carefully arranged. The store’s warm tones are so inviting, making me feel both restful and attentive. When I visited most recently, soft yet peppy Malian music was playing in…
February 2025, Island Businesses
A Storefront in Vashon Town
by Andy Valencia As Amazon eats the world, it’s an interesting exercise to walk the town of Vashon and see what sorts of businesses remain. Most have something to do with eating or drinking, and Vashon Bikes makes a fine exception to the rule. Next door to Cafe Luna, they offer a range of new…
Island Businesses, January 2025
Refill Vashon: Thoughtful Habits Made Easy
By Caitlin Rothermel An interview with Tracy Chait, owner of “Refill Vashon” and “Golden Afternoon” Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to start Refill? It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing – it’s been a journey of many threads coming together. As a teenager, I was part of an Eco club…
Island Businesses, Island Resilience, May 2024, Uncategorized
Class Action Lawsuit Offers Boon to Local Business Owners and Highlights Growing Concerns about “Bank Taxes”
By March Twisdale If you’re a consumer, this article will offer new information regarding the growing push back against “Bank Taxes” designed to skim the cream off the top of local economies everywhere. If you’re a business owner, this article will point you in the right direction, should you wish to submit a claim. This…
Island Businesses, Island Resilience, May 2024
On The Rise – Island Bakery Makes Good, Part 1
By Jane Valencia Visit the VIGA Farmers Market on Saturday morning, and you’ll come upon Fernhorn Bakery and their selection of fresh-made sourdough organic breads and bagels. Taste, and you know you’re eating a bread like no other, attentively made, nutrient-dense, and with unique, vibrant flavors. Please join us in a conversation with Thomas Vroom,…
Entertainment, Island Businesses, News
Aliens on Vashon
Update 3/14/2024 5:00PM… turns out this is the creation of local artist Matt Beursken, whose previous fame was that troll costume you saw last Halloween. He doesn’t really want to sell the saucer and alien, but he has some expenses coming up. The UFO started out as a satellite dish, and had been partially converted…
Island Businesses, News
Delivery Truck Versus Standard Goods
A delivery truck misjudged their position while parking, went up on the curb, and did some impressive damage to the front of Standard Goods. A quick look around town didn’t discover a delivery truck with its counterpart damage, but Uptown is well-monitored by cameras, so we assume the driver’s company will be in touch concerning…
Island Businesses, January 2024, News
Our Laundromat is Back
By Andy Valencia For those without the room or the budget for their own washer and dryer, it’s been tough since our laundromat in town closed. But they’ve now reopened at the same location – with a large number of very nice-looking washers and dryers. Both cash and cards are supported, with washers running $4…
December 2023, Entertainment, Island Businesses
At the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie
Enjoy Holiday Cheer at the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie! Illustration by Jane Valencia