Historic Old Town Florence is full of art, finery, fashion, and nostalgia. If you’re looking for unique Christmas gifts, Old Town is the place to go! Grab some saltwater taffy to nibble on while you peruse the many riverfront and other shops.
Throughout the enchanting and historic Old Town area of Florence are many quaint shops, dazzling galleries, a diversity of food and drink offerings, and even two parks and a scenic marina where you can rest a spell as you shop-’til-you-drop. It all starts just a few steps from our front door!
Parking
As a bonus, on-street storefront parking is free. There are lots at either end of Bay Street. And speaking of Bay Street, you’ll find excellent coffee shops with distinct vibes and unique décor. You can start your adventure with a delicious cup of fresh coffee, custom mochas, hot chocolate, and locally-made baked goods.
Finding Your Unique Christmas Gifts
If you’re looking for unique Christmas gifts that are distinctly Oregon, especially a “beachy-keen” memento from here in Oregon’s Coastal Playground, you’ll find more than you can imagine when shopping the small, locally-owned shops. These friendly proprietors intentionally avoid overt commercialism. They opt for festive atmospheres with a very warm, cozy, personalized shopping experience.
Throughout the very walkable district are stores with everything you could want! Outdoor gear, hard-to-find shoes, unusual socks and t-shirts. Plush animals, antiques, leather goods, locally crafted art in two and three dimensions. Stunning photography, and women’s clothing ranging from high fashion to comfy-casual natural fibers. Shops representing international tastes from England to Russia to Italy. There’s so much along Bay Street and the streets that intersect it like Laurel, Maple, and Nopal Streets, you’ll be happily overwhelmed!
Enjoy several shops with their excellent selection of cards, kitsch, and ornaments. A few doors down, you’ll find books, puzzles, toys and games, and even retro lunchboxes. Another offers jewelry, clothing, and knick-knacks with a retro-hippy vibe. There’s even a shop that specializes in olives and other unique packaged foods with a local flair. You can buy a handcrafted wooden surfboard, kites, art made from driftwood and blown glass, custom-blended coffees, kitchen gadgets beyond the imagination, souvenir hats and hoodies, and cozy new winter coats.
Uptown Florence
And don’t forget “uptown” Florence. There’s an antique district between the Siuslaw River bridge and the light at Rhododendron Drive, and the several shopping areas north of the intersection of highways 101 and 126. It won’t take you long to get there as Florence only has four traffic lights between its north and south borders. You’ll find art supplies and art, handcrafted wood art and furniture, unique clothing, pet supplies, and standard retail.
Keep your eyes peeled for the “sea lion on a shelf.” Throughout Florence are more than 30 Sami the Sea Lion plush animals hiding in plain sight. Get your Sami passport at Beaux-Arts Supplies, the Siuslaw News office, or the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce (or download it from their website). Get your passport stamped and submitted by December 20. The more Samis you find, the better your chances to win gift cards for $100, $50, or $25.
And as always, if you’re looking for a place to stay (or to safely drop all your goodies off at), book a room at The Old Town Inn today!