Story and Photos by Kimberly Davis
The Oregon coast is scattered with hidden luxuries. Many are shops or beaches that often get passed by on the way to better known facilities. However, when you find yourself searching for something new, Aquarium Village is the place to go. Filled to capacity with boutiques, cafes, shops and local art work, this village, conveniently located right next to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, is a one-stop-shop for all your beach trinket needs.
Upon entering the main village area, you are greeted by a host of pirate and sea creature sculptures, such as Nessie, the world famous Yaquina Bay sea monster, and the infamous Sharcow. These sculptures not only offer great photo opportunities, but hail you at every storefront, adding to the distinctive culture that makes this hidden village so fun.
Aquarium Village provides a unique opportunity to bear witness to others’ creativity, and allows the visitor to be creative themselves. Oregon Coast Glassworks, owned by Robin Dennis and Bill Murphy, offers individuals a chance to be an artist with their glass blowing classes. The pair elebrated their store’s one year anniversary on July 3, 2011. Said Dennis, “Bill has been a glass blower for years and needed a studio…that’s how this place got started. It’s very exciting for us to own a shop that represents a diversification of art.” Oregon Coast Glassworks is not only a place to make your own art; the store is filled with a collection of William Murphy’s work as well as many Native American pieces. “We wanted to bring in a cultural aspect to our work,” said Dennis. “Bill is a member of the Coquille tribe, and I am Sioux. We wanted the art to represent who we are.” With such rich heritage, the charming shop lives up to its values, and offers customers a chance to try something new.
Other stores of interest are “gourmet” yarn store Yarn for All Seasons, Jac Genovese’s studio and showroom Serendipity, Pirate’s Plunder, Buccaneer Bay, Extreme Embroidery and many others. Every shop adds something unique to the ambiance of Aquarium Village. Two hours away, this little village makes a perfect day trip, and once you are there, the aquarium is next door, and the beach is a few blocks down. Aquarium Village is fun everyone. You can visit a million times and every time you go, there will be something new to see.
The Oregon coast is scattered with hidden luxuries. Many are shops or beaches that often get passed by on the way to better known facilities. However, when you find yourself searching for something new, Aquarium Village is the place to go. Filled to capacity with boutiques, cafes, shops and local art work, this village, conveniently located right next to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, is a one-stop-shop for all your beach trinket needs.
Upon entering the main village area, you are greeted by a host of pirate and sea creature sculptures, such as Nessie, the world famous Yaquina Bay sea monster, and the infamous Sharcow. These sculptures not only offer great photo opportunities, but hail you at every storefront, adding to the distinctive culture that makes this hidden village so fun.
Aquarium Village provides a unique opportunity to bear witness to others’ creativity, and allows the visitor to be creative themselves. Oregon Coast Glassworks, owned by Robin Dennis and Bill Murphy, offers individuals a chance to be an artist with their glass blowing classes. The pair elebrated their store’s one year anniversary on July 3, 2011. Said Dennis, “Bill has been a glass blower for years and needed a studio…that’s how this place got started. It’s very exciting for us to own a shop that represents a diversification of art.” Oregon Coast Glassworks is not only a place to make your own art; the store is filled with a collection of William Murphy’s work as well as many Native American pieces. “We wanted to bring in a cultural aspect to our work,” said Dennis. “Bill is a member of the Coquille tribe, and I am Sioux. We wanted the art to represent who we are.” With such rich heritage, the charming shop lives up to its values, and offers customers a chance to try something new.
Other stores of interest are “gourmet” yarn store Yarn for All Seasons, Jac Genovese’s studio and showroom Serendipity, Pirate’s Plunder, Buccaneer Bay, Extreme Embroidery and many others. Every shop adds something unique to the ambiance of Aquarium Village. Two hours away, this little village makes a perfect day trip, and once you are there, the aquarium is next door, and the beach is a few blocks down. Aquarium Village is fun everyone. You can visit a million times and every time you go, there will be something new to see.
