Greetings To Avid Shoppers From The Oregon Coast
By Andre' Hagestedt, Mon Dec 26th
All along the coastalregion of Oregon, there are tons of unique shoppingopportunities that spring up in varying degrees of classinessand culture. Some of it's kitschy and kooky, some is definitelytouristy, while many other shops are wondrous and eye-wideningin their sense of style, innovation or distinctiveness. Yet muchof it is one-of-a-kind. On Oregon's Central Coast, the delightful, atmospheric sectionof Newport called Nye Beach provides something unusual andwelcoming for the avid shopper. Sitting snugly between twolighthouses and up against the beach, Nye Beach has a vibethat's a combination of Old World Europe and Turn-of-the-CenturyAmericana. Tiny bricked streets, striking stone arches,old-style streetlamps and that ever-present lullaby of the wavescreates a laid-back, unhurried and outdoorsy ambiance that can'tbe beat. The end result is a shopping experience that is relaxed, quietand loads of fun - miles away in feel from the crunch and crushof the metropolitan shopping centers, especially during theholidays. As one local woman put recently: "I haven't had somuch fun Christmas shopping in years."
The shops themselves provide something special, inventive andunlike anywhere else in the state, with many having a vibe andinterior that would be completely at home in Portland's PearlDistrict. At Bambini at Nye Beach, find colorful and dazzling clothing foryoung children - newborn to size 6/7. There are accessories,shoes, furniture, toys and all manner of kids' coverings forbabies, toddlers as well as maternity stuff. 316 NW CoastStreet. (541) 574-8687. www.bambininewport.com. Cottage Door at Nye Beach brings what they call "casual livingwith style" to the area, with apparel, table top decor, unusualbooks, lamps, distinctive art and wreaths, among other things.732 NW Beach Dr. (541) 574-7706. www.newportcottagedoor.com. Illingworth's Gifts offers up gifts, cards, candy, Oregonproducts, antiques and home decor during the majority of theyear. At this moment, find the place stuffed to the ceiling withbeautiful and charming holiday items, such as large, etherealand 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 charmand whimsy. It's a shop full of rare and unusual objects, withglobal art, local art, decorative items of distinction andantiques to inspire the imagination. 232 NW Coast Street - SuiteB. (541) 265-8220. Newport Tile Works is an artisan tile studio with handcraftedimages inspired from the shore and the garden. Theseindividualistic tiles are perfect as accent pieces or for fullbathroom, kitchen, or home installations. Find 30 glaze colorsand hundreds of designs. 232 NW Coast Street (541) 265-7989. In a nearly ancient, somewhat stately home near the top of ahill, Nye Beach Book House is
a book browsers delight. Themainstay here is collectible books, primarily used - includingrare and first editions of major authors. Books are often theperfect gift for someone for whom you don't know what to get,and children's books are frequently an excellent choice. 727 NWThird Street. (541) 265-6840. Wine, gourmet foods and sculptures are on tap at Nye BeachGallery. Here, you'll find regional and international wine andspecialty cheeses and other taste treats, as well as the bronze,copper and concrete sculpture of Lon Brusselback. 715 NW ThirdStreet. (541) 265-3292. Nye Cottage offers up beads, beading supplies, cards, books, andgifts. Beading classes are offered. Don't miss the Original Bardvintage 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'lldiscover nautical items, bath products, whimsical figures with atime-travel, historical sort of theme and numerous other veryunique surprises. 742 NW Beach Drive. (541) 265-3153. For a little holiday spice, Queen of Hearts provides an elegantcollection of lingerie, loungewear, bath and home fragrance. 708NW Beach Drive. (541) 265-2118. www.queenofheartslingerie.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 evenhave dress-up hats and attire to get you in the mood. Browse thegift shop of tea accoutrements. 716 NW Beach Drive. (541)574-0545. www.theteapartycompany.com. The Twining Thread is a unique shop that keeps the needle artsalive by offering classes and the finest supplies for a varietyof 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, oftenwith a global flair and always unique. 704 NW Beach Dr. (541)574-6404. www.newportnet.com/toujours. Village Market & Deli has brought in a host of exclusive gourmetfood items, perfect for a gift basket for the gourmand who haseverything. Imported mustards, special foods and jams fromOregon, chocolate sauces, vinegars from Oregon winery SokolBlosser and Stonewall kitchen offerings, among other stunners,are found in great abundance. They also specialize in finewines. 741 NW Third. (541) 574-9393. For more information on Nye Beach, see www.nyebeach.org. For moreinformation on the Oregon Coast, including extensive virtualtours of this area and others, see www.beachconnection.net. About the author:Andre' Hagestedt is editor of Beach Connection, atourism publication that covers the upper half of Oregon's coast- some 180 miles. |
