One of the best ways to enrich your coastal getaway is to visit local businesses. Stopping into boutiques, sampling local fare and trying out fun activities is a great way to have a more immersive experience in the community you’re visiting. Here are some of the top new businesses to check out on your next trip to the Oregon Coast.
South Coast
Farm-Fresh Flavors
Port Orford has a new year-round farmstand, Wild Woods Gypsy, where you’ll find raw Jersey cow milk, chicken and duck eggs, and farm-fresh pastries. Stop by in December to shop their holiday gift selection.
One Cookie at a Time
Living out the motto “Bake the world a better place,” Beachin Bakes in Brookings has got you covered for lunch or a midday sweet snack of brownies or cinnamon rolls. They even gave out free sugar cookies to kids every Friday in July.
A Meal That Hooks You
Reedsport’s newest eatery, Big Fish Cafe & Dinner House, has a menu that rotates through mouthwatering dishes, with recent highlights including Italian-style scampi, pork tenderloin and a falafel burger. Don’t forget to ask about the catch of the day.
Central Coast
Baking up Some Magic
Chubby Lil’ Mermaid, a bakery and cafe in Seal Rock, is making waves for its cookies, fresh-made soups and “shark-cuterie” picnic boxes. While you’re ogling their inventive menu of baked goods, be sure you don’t miss their Mermaid-themed gifts.
A Fresh Take on Fashion
A new addition to the Lincoln City Outlet Mall, Flourish Boutique offers a new concept on fashion with its eclectic offerings. Shoppers will find a mix of contemporary new fashion, resale clothing and vintage fashion pieces.
Fish and Chips and Po’ Boys
Bringing the classic seafood dishes with a dash of Louisiana, The Sticks is a new must-try eatery in Depoe Bay. Don’t forget to add their potato tornado (a potato skewered and cut in a spiral) to your order, and leave room for a scoop of ice cream.
North Coast
A Local App for Ordering In
The North Coast now has its very own locally owned food-delivery app, Slurpalicious, which allows local restaurants and food carts to earn more for each delivery order that a customer makes. Download the app to order food from restaurants and food carts in Astoria and Warrenton.
Crafting Memories Together
While Cannon Beach is known for attracting artists, you can now have your own hands-on experience in the creative scene with the whole family. Child’s Play is a new art studio that hosts workshops and birthday parties and sells craft kits perfect for all ages.
Boat to Table
Warrenton’s newest seafood market, FishStix, offers sustainably caught seafood at affordable prices. You can find mussels, crabs, shrimp, scallops, salmon and lingcod all caught fresh, in addition to frozen and smoked items. Be sure to check their website for daily soups, cocktails and specials.
Candy-Coated Bliss
If you have a sweet tooth, then you’re going to want to know about Pacific City’s newest sugary destination, Pacific Coast Candy. Dishing out gourmet chocolates, saltwater taffy, craft popcorn and vintage candy, it’s the perfect way to brighten your day — or someone else’s.
– Emily Gillespie
– Top photo courtesy of Chubby Lil’ Mermaid