We hope that you’re staying safe and healthy out there this summer! While many of our favorite Whidbey Island businesses have been able to re-open, many are operating much differently than usual. And as our community works to support each other during this pandemic, we know that our local economy still has many challenges ahead.

We’ve been trying to do our part by doing a small business “boost” each week! In this Local Lift series, we have been purchasing gift cards to different Whidbey Island businesses every week to give away. Here’s what we are giving away this week:

Two $60 gift certificates to 1-2-3 Thai
Two $50 gift certificates for Blue Fox Drive-In Theater & Go-Karts
Two $25 gift certificates to the Hive Salon (donated by the Hive)
1 full eye lash set from One Lash Thing (= $150)
Two $70 gift certificates to New Image Beauty Salon

There will be 9 lucky winners drawn at random. To enter, head on over to this Facebook post and follow the instructions. (All you have to do is leave a comment to enter!) Deadline for giveaway entries is Thursday, July 23 at 5pm PST.

1-2-3 Thai Food

Located in the Island Plaza Shopping Center in Oak Harbor (31595 WA-20 #2, Oak Harbor, WA 98277), 1-2-3 Thai Food is a laidback eatery that several people on Yelp describe as being their favorite spot to get Thai food on Whidbey Island. “Phenomenal” and “terrific” are just a couple of the words people use when raving about their food, and especially popular dishes include Pad Thai, Basil Noodle, and Drunken Noodles. Their eclectic menu ensures there’s something for everyone in your group, through—other favorite menu items include Wonton Soup, Walnut Shrimp, Garlic Chicken, Short Ribs, Sausage Fried Rice, Tom Yum Soup, and Orange Orange Chicken, just to name a few. Click here to view 1-2-3 Thai Food’s photos and reviews on Yelp

Blue Fox Drive-In Theater & Go-Karts

Located at 1403 Monroe Landing Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277, Blue Fox Drive-In is a local favorite that’s the perfect summertime activity for the whole family! Luckily, it’s also the ideal activity when you want to get out of the house but still practice social distancing—pull your car into the lot and enjoy movies like The Little Rascals and The Lost World of Jurassic Park. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, but there is a Snack Bar with a huge variety of food including pizza, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels, nachos, fries, popcorn, candy, and much, much more.

Blue Fox Drive-In isn’t just about the movies and snacks though—there’s also go-karts that you can ride around a 1/4 mile track and an arcade (perfect for hosting birthday parties when the weather isn’t so great!). Click here to visit Blue Fox Dive-In Theater’s website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for movie showing dates/times and other updates.

The Hive Salon

Whether you need a whole new look or just a refresh, The Hive Salon has got ya covered. Haircuts, perms, coloring, brows, lashes, extensions, waxing… you name it, The Hive Salon probably does it! (Take a look at the complete menu of services here!) The Hive Salon in Oak Harbor is a group of professional stylists who are all dedicated to offering bespoke services, and they’ve also partnered with Green Circle Salons to make sure they provide an eco-friendly environment. Hive Salon is still selling several different products online so you can keep up your beauty regimes—click here to browse their online shop! Follow The Hive Salon in Oak Harbor on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

One Lash Thing

Wanting to spruce up your look? A new set of lashes might be just the thing to accentuate your eyes without having to worry about mascara and glue on lashes every day! Owner and Master Esthetician Julie Weible specializes in “high quality eyelash extensions, full service body waxing and lash/brow tinting and lash lift services.” Julie provides award-winning services, and like all other beauty services at this time, she has unfortunately had to close her doors for the time being. You can learn more about One Lash Thing on Facebook and on her website here.

New Image Beauty Salon

Located at 665 SE Pioneer Way # 3, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, New Image Beauty Salon has a rare 5-star Yelp rating, and people rave about this local business. According to their Yelp profile, they do perms, cuts, and colors, and they “cater to the young and the young at heart.”