New Washington C-store Boasts Interesting Combination of Products

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- At the newly opened Elizabeth Station store, customers can purchase standard convenience store items such as snacks and soda, but a number of unusual features are also available at the 1400 W. Holly St. location.

Along with a specialty beer section that includes hundreds of bottles, customers can order a glass of one of five beers on tap and consume it while in the store. Although they can't bring their selection outside, regulars can store a mug or beer stein inside one of the location's former mailboxes. It's all about sampling, according to store owner Patrick McEvoy, who plans to bring in brewers on Wednesday evenings to discuss their products.

"We don't want to turn this into a bar; it will be a place where tastings take place," he told the Bellingham Herald, adding that customers will face a limit on how much they can drink. "The main objective is to create a family atmosphere."

Elizabeth Station, which opened early last month, also offers a cereal bar, where customers can pay $3 for a large bowl of a variety of cereals and a pint of local milk.

The interior design of the store is unique as well, as some of its counters and shelves are made from local wood. One of the tables has a round saw from nearby Glacier, Wash., and there is a faux fire hydrant where customers' pet dogs can stop for a treat.

More traditional c-store offerings include fresh doughnuts, Bellingham Bay Roasters coffee and Bellingham's Spice Hut tea.

"I think it's beautiful and a wonderful addition to the neighborhood," said Nadia Ghuman, owner of neighboring business, All About Flowers. "It's a place where people will stay in the store longer and I think the atmosphere is great."