Historic Old Town

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PEOPLE ABOUT town

EAT, SHOP & PLAY IN HISTORIC OLD TOWN FLORENCE

The heart of Florence is Historic Old Town, a stretch of beautiful buildings that showcases local shops, 6 restaurants, artists and scenery all year long in a community that began in the late 1800s.

Many of the popular establishments in Old Town have preserved their architecture from the early 1900s. Several historic buildings are marked with signs explaining their heritage.

In view of the bridge, Wa-

terfront Depot Restaurant

was actually once the Mapleton Train Depot and was transported to its site on Bay Street. The Bridgewater Fish House, still known as the Kyle Building, was built in 1901 as the first mercantile here.

On Maple Street, the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is in the renovated 1905 schoolhouse, later known as the Callison Building.

Also on Maple Street are the Johnson House, No. 216; the David House, No. 232; the Masonic Lodge, No. 184; and the old Electric Company, now The Chicken Coop at No. 129.

In view for most of the walk along Bay Street, the Siuslaw River Bridge spans both the Siuslaw River, which joins the Pacific Ocean just beyond the bridge, and the history of the coast. Commissioned in 1934 and completed in 1936, the art deco structure links the architecture of the historic buildings in Old Town with the people who make Florence, “Oregon’s Premiere

Coastal Community.”

Be sure to explore the streets just off Bay Street as well. This area includes the

Florence Area Chamber of Commerce

Visitors Center at 290 Highway 101, salons, restaurants and Port Hole Books and Publications, at 179 Laurel St.

Back near the Siuslaw River Bridge, take a moment to view the Veterans Memorial Park near the intersection of Bay and Kingwood streets along the Siuslaw River. The park is dedicated to U.S. armed forces and is the site of the annual Memorial Day observance ceremony. On Nov. 11, the annual Veterans Day Parade shows gratitude for the service and sacrifice of both active duty service members and veterans.

Right next door is the Florence Farmers Market, open from May to October

Further up Maple Street, No. 168 was a boarding house in 1910 and now houses a vintage store, Thrifty Threads.

River Roasters, at 1240 Bay St., also occupies an older building. Located in a converted garage and outboard motor repair shop formerly called Bill’s Garage, the coffee shop offers an excellent view of the Siuslaw River Bridge along with outside seating, local art, seasonal gifts, fresh pastries, gourmet teas and espresso roasted in-house.

For another delicious coffee option, visit Old Town Coffee and Art Gallery, at 1251/2 Nopal St., just across the street from Mo’s Restaurant, for tasty treats, delightful drinks

and a local gallery of rotating artists. on Tuesday afternoons. Visit RiverCal.org for more information on local vendors, musicians and ways to get involved.

The Siuslaw River Bridge Interpretive Site is a gathering spot with paths, tables, benches and signs that explain the area’s history, geology and landscape. The site also offers spectacular views of the historic bridge. Gazebo Park, also called Old Town Park, also overlooks the bridge and offers picnic space, cool shade and shelter from the rain.

Find fashion and fun in stylish women’s clothing at Bonjour Boutique, 1336 Bay St., or selections for the whole family at Stitch & Sole, 1377 Bay St. Reigning Cats and Dogs, 1384 Bay St., has treats, collars and collectibles for the furriest members of your family.

In Old Town, art lives and breathes in the many shops and galleries, including Backstreet Gallery, a co-op of more than 20 Florence artists, at 1421 Bay St., and the Florence Regional Arts Alliance, which offers classes in various media for all artists as well as a gallery at its Art Center, 120 Maple St. Just one block away, The Studios at Jayne Smoley Designs is making a name as both an art space and a Pilates studio at 1458 First St.

Florence’s Public Art Committee is continuing to bring public art into the spotlight. Look for the Art Exposed Public Art Gallery on Bay Street and a new mural around town. For more information, visit ci.florence.or.us/bc-pac.

THE INSIDE counts

When it rains, there’s more! If you’re waiting for sunshine and needing something to do, Florence has many opportunities to stay dry while exploring local art and culture.

Please note: Some of these locations may be closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local museums offer glimpses into the past. Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, located at 278 Maple St., has friendly volunteers who can show Florence’s progression through its colorful history, as well as exhibits on the Rhododendron Festival.

Oregon Coast Military Museum, 2145 Kingwood St. near the Florence Municipal Airport, provides education about the military, from World War I through current conflicts, as well as displays of veterans’ artifacts and memorabilia from their service.

City Lights Cinemas, 1930 Highway 101, has the perfect blend of blockbuster hits and indie flicks showing in four theaters. Show times start at noon and continue throughout the day. Be sure to catch arthouse films, feature documentaries and Shakespeare and enjoy cuisine from local food trucks.

Visitors are always welcome at the Siuslaw Public Library,

Midcoast Wave 2020–2021

1460 Ninth St. In addition to a large collection of books, periodicals, DVDs and videos, there are art exhibits, computers, free Wi-Fi, genealogy information, story time and activities for youth, reading programs and frequent presentations and entertainment. There is also a Mapleton branch at 88148 Riverview Ave. For more information, including its Youtube page, visit www. siuslawlibrary.info.

Many excellent galleries, as well as fine shops and businesses, regularly dis-

play high-quality artwork, thanks to the many talented artists and craftspeople who live and work here. The artwork is diverse — oils and watercolors, textiles, glass, photography, sculpture, mixed media, pottery, artisan jewelry, blown glass, turned wood, greeting cards and more.

Galleries are spread all over. One good way to sample it all is to take a self-guided tour during the second Saturday of each month. From 3 to 5 p.m., the 2nd Saturday Gallery Tour travels to multiple sites to view the works, meet the artists and enjoy refreshments. The venues and featured artists vary each month. Are you an artist yourself?

Florence Regional Arts Alli-

ance offers classes in various media for all artists as well as a gallery at its Art Center, 120 Maple St., The Studios at Jayne Smoley Designs, 1458 First St., features fused glass and painting workshops, and find premium art materials at BeauxArts

Fine Art Materials and Gal-

lery at 2285 Highway 101 Suite H.

A Siuslaw News Publication

For those wanting to stay active, stop in at Holiday Bowl, 1710 27th St., for bowling, pool, video games and air hockey. The local gym, Coastal Fitness at 2285 Highway 101, has state-of-the-art equipment, a women’s circuit training room, gym, swimming pools and many classes. Day and week passes are available for visitors.

In addition, local gaming centers have opened, offering arcades and tabletop game options.

Florence Senior Center, 1570 Kingwood St., a gathering place for everyone, is open to all ages and offers daily activities such as card games, line dancing and exercise and art classes.

On the highway, just around the corner from Old Town, is the Florence Antiques District, where rows of shops beckon to antique hunters. Find coastal artifacts like Japanese floats mixed with vintage jewelry, antique furniture, collectables, accessories and clothing.

With all these inside venues to explore, it won’t be long until the sun returns.

FAIR PLAY

Besides many adventure opportunities in the Great Outdoors, the area offers the Siuslaw Public Library District, the Siuslaw and Mapleton school districts and after-school activities for youth. There are opportunites for exploration and learning for all ages.

In addition, Florence has brought youth opportunities to the forefront. From area parks, such as Miller Park off 18th Street, to many youth-based organizations, the area is ready to entertain and educate your child year-round. Look for Florence’s annual events, such as the Rhododen-