Greetings to Avid Shoppers from the Oregon Coast
All along the coastal
region of Oregon, there are tons of unique shopping
opportunities that spring up in varying degrees of classiness
and culture. Some of it's kitschy and kooky, some is definitely
touristy, while many other shops are wondrous and eye-widening
in their sense of style, innovation or distinctiveness. Yet much
of it is one-of-a-kind.
On Oregon's Central Coast, the delightful, atmospheric section
of Newport called Nye Beach provides something unusual and
welcoming for the avid shopper. Sitting snugly between two
lighthouses and up against the beach, Nye Beach has a vibe
that's a combination of Old World Europe and Turn-of-the-Century
Americana. Tiny bricked streets, striking stone arches,
old-style streetlamps and that ever-present lullaby of the waves
creates a laid-back, unhurried and outdoorsy ambiance that can't
be beat.
The end result is a shopping experience that is relaxed, quiet
and loads of fun - miles away in feel from the crunch and crush
of the metropolitan shopping centers, especially during the
holidays. As one local woman put recently: "I haven't had so
much fun Christmas shopping in years."
The shops themselves provide something special, inventive and
unlike anywhere else in the state, with many having a vibe and
interior that would be completely at home in Portland's Pearl
District.
At Bambini at Nye Beach, find colorful and dazzling clothing for
young children - newborn to size 6/7. There are accessories,
shoes, furniture, toys and all manner of kids' coverings for
babies, toddlers as well as maternity stuff. 316 NW Coast
Street. (541) 574-8687. www.bambininewport.com.
Cottage Door at Nye Beach brings what they call "casual living
with style" to the area, with apparel, table top decor, unusual
books, lamps, distinctive art and wreaths, among other things.
732 NW Beach Dr. (541) 574-7706. www.newportcottagedoor.c
om.
Illingworth's Gifts offers up gifts, cards, candy, Oregon
products, antiques and home decor during the majority of the
year. At this moment, find the place stuffed to the ceiling with
beautiful and charming holiday items, such as large, ethereal
and magical figures of Santas or angels. 735 NW Beach Drive.
(541) 265-5094.
Jovi is like a trip around the world with a major shot of charm
and whimsy. It's a shop full of rare and unusual objects, with
global art, local art, decorative items of distinction and
antiques to inspire the imagination. 232 NW Coast Street - Suite
B. (541) 265-8220.
Newport Tile Works is an artisan tile studio with handcrafted
images inspired from the shore and the garden. These
individualistic tiles are perfect as accent pieces or for full
bathroom, kitchen, or home installations. Find 30 glaze colors
and hundreds of designs. 232 NW Coast Street (541) 265-7989.
In a nearly ancient, somewhat stately home near the top of a
hill, Nye Beach Book House is a book browsers delight. The
mainstay here is collectible books, primarily used - including
rare and first editions of major authors. Books are often the
perfect gift for someone for whom you don't know what to get,
and children's books are frequently an excellent choice. 727 NW
Third Street. (541) 265-6840.
Wine, gourmet foods and sculptures are on tap at Nye Beach
Gallery. Here, you'll find regional and international wine and
specialty cheeses and other taste treats, as well as the bronze,
copper and concrete sculpture of Lon Brusselback. 715 NW Third
Street. (541) 265-3292.
Nye Cottage offers up beads, beading supplies, cards, books, and
gifts. Beading classes are offered. Don't miss the Original Bard
vintage bead museum. 208 NW Coast Street. 1-866-592-5556. www.nyecottage.com.
Imaginative gifts abound at Peerless Puffin by the Sea Gifts,
which is just a few steps away from the seashore. Inside, you'll
discover nautical items, bath products, whimsical figures with a
time-travel, historical sort of theme and numerous other very
unique surprises. 742 NW Beach Drive. (541) 265-3153.
For a little holiday spice, Queen of Hearts provides an elegant
collection of lingerie, loungewear, bath and home fragrance. 708
NW Beach Drive. (541) 265-2118. www.queenofheartsling
erie.com.
Life is a tea party at The Tea Party - Tea Room and Gift Shop.
They'll fire up afternoon tea and conversation for you, and even
have dress-up hats and attire to get you in the mood. Browse the
gift shop of tea accoutrements. 716 NW Beach Drive. (541)
574-0545. www.theteapartycompany.c
om.
The Twining Thread is a unique shop that keeps the needle arts
alive by offering classes and the finest supplies for a variety
of needlework projects. 255 NW Coast Street. (541) 265-2166. www.twiningthread.com.
Toujours Boutique is a hub of exotic, eclectic, energizing,
exciting natural fiber clothing and accessories for women, often
with a global flair and always unique. 704 NW Beach Dr. (541)
574-6404. www.newportnet.com/touj
ours.
Village Market & Deli has brought in a host of exclusive gourmet
food items, perfect for a gift basket for the gourmand who has
everything. Imported mustards, special foods and jams from
Oregon, chocolate sauces, vinegars from Oregon winery Sokol
Blosser and Stonewall kitchen offerings, among other stunners,
are found in great abundance. They also specialize in fine
wines. 741 NW Third. (541) 574-9393.
For more information on Nye Beach, see www.nyebeach.org. For more
information on the Oregon Coast, including extensive virtual
tours of this area and others, see www.beachconnection.net
.