Manzanita Connections – July 1, 2025
Manzanita Fourth of July parade, Salmonberry Trail launch in Wheeler, and a smorgasbord of restaurant & business news
Things are heating up! Literally and figuratively. I’ve always felt like the Fourth of July weekend (unofficially) officially kicks off summer. You can feel it not only in the air but in the activity level on the beach and near the river and bay, as well as on the 101 and up and down Laneda Avenue. This edition is jam packed. I’m sharing details on the Manzanita Fourth of July Parade, the Salmonberry Trail launch and concert in Wheeler, plus a smorgasbord of restaurant and local business news.
Note that this newsletter is longer, and some email providers require you to click on "View entire message" to read it all. And you’ll want to read to the end for restaurant updates.
Manzanita Fourth of July Parade
Get your red, white, and blue on! You can still register to be in the parade until 12 pm on July 3. Decorations for your bike, golf cart, home, or furry friend are available this week at the booth next to Little Apple. Proceeds go to the PNW Paddling Club. The city requires that chairs be put out no earlier than 7 am on July 4. Chairs can only be placed on the sidewalks (not in the street) and remember to leave at least 48" of walking space for pedestrians. Also, you can secure a seat at The Winery at Manzanita for $11. Ticket price does not include food or beverage. See the parade route here.
Salmonberry Trail Ground Building Event in Wheeler
The City of Wheeler is launching the first coastal segment of the Salmonberry Trail with a trail building event on July12 from 1-5 pm at Wheeler Waterfront Park. The celebration includes live music, guided hikes, a history talk, train rides, a parade, kids activities, and local vendors.
The 82-mile rails-to-trails project follows the historic Tillamook Railroad and will soon link Wheeler to Tillamook off Highway 101, offering hikers and bikers a safer, more scenic route through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the Oregon Coast.
Summer Concert Series by the Bay
Following the conclusion of the trail building event, the first concert in Wheeler’s four-part Summer Concert Series by the Bay kicks off at 6 pm at the Waterfront Park.
The concerts are presented by Communitea non-profit with all proceeds going directly to the musicians. The first concert is Kris Stuart, a singer/guitarist and traveling troubadour wandering the west singing a melting of folk, blues, and country. Only 30 tickets are available for each concert, and all concerts are from 6 - 9 pm. Pack your own picnic or pick up a special concert-goer’s box from Neahkahnie Smokehouse. Great music, good vibes, and a gorgeous view of Nehalem Bay with a side of smoked salmon. Get your tickets now.
Keep your eye on Wheeler
Did I mention that Wheeler’s got it going on? I sat down with Mayor Denise Donohue last week. Her enthusiasm for Wheeler is infectious. She recently printed a colorful and informative brochure for the city.
She envisions a livelier Wheeler and is passionate about being super supportive of local businesses and their growth. Denise is also the one behind Wheeler Whirl. Coming sometime in August, just look for the Dutch door at 23 Gregory Street to order your soft serve.
Also, a quick shout out to Rice & Shine in Wheeler. They always deliver healthy, delicious food.
Introducing: The Studio House & Co.
As of today, J. Marie Salon & Spa in Nehalem has a new owner and a new name. Maggie Pollock, owner of Spa Manzanita purchased the salon and has renamed it “The Studio House & Co.” I had the pleasure of talking with Maggie last week when she shared more about the Spa and her plans for the newly acquired sister space.
Searching for something with more connection and community than her corporate life, Maggie purchased Spa Manzanita in April 2022. More recently when she learned J. Marie Salon was for sale, she looked at it as an exciting opportunity to expand her services. Maggie envisions the salon as a collective (hence the Co. in the name) where she can help grow individual artists by catering to their interests and talents. She’s keeping “all the fabulous people” and will be adding lashes and brows services. (I asked about nail services, but that seems to be more difficult to provide in our area.) Watch for info on an opening party on the veranda at The Studio House & Co.
In the meantime, locals can get 10% off services at Spa Manzanita. Try one of these current spa packages:
Coastal Serenity Package, a 60-minute herbal infusion massage and 60-minute facial
Sole Serenity Package, a rejuvenating foot ritual and lower leg massage & foot reflexology
Walk and Talk with Deb
We also have a wonderful coaching resource available to us locally. Deb Montgomery, who is a certified life coach in Manzanita. has a business called Travel & Talk where she helps people navigate transitions, explore big questions, and reconnect with what matters most all through intentional conversation, whether walking the beach or chatting virtually.
Deb says, “I’m offering a 25 percent discount for locals because I’m so grateful to be part of this amazing coastal community.” Book a walk and talk or coaching session, or reach out to Deb at connect@travelandtalk.com.
Sea Dream July Classes
April at Sea Dream in Nehalem is offering two July series: Ecstatic Belly Dance, a gentle introduction to American Tribal Fusion that runs three Mondays (July 7, 14 and 21); and Restorative Summertime Sundays, four classes on July 6, 13, 20, 27, meant to cultivate inner tranquility amidst the busy energies of summer and soften your transition to Mondays.
The Restaurant Scene is “Spinning”
Coffee and cocktails and crepes. Oh my. And grazing boards and gelato, too!
You may have seen the signs in the windows of The Spindrift Inn (now called The Spinn) letting you know a refresh was underway. Say goodbye to the floral bedspreads of yesteryear and welcome a more minimal retro vibe. The bathrooms at The Spinn and the rooms at The Inn at Manzanita across the street will be redone in the fall. I’m thinking this might just be the perfect place to suggest to visiting friends if you don’t have room to house everyone.
The Spinn and The Inn at Manzanita are now part of Adrift Hospitality, which owns eight properties including The Bowline in Astoria.
“One of our values is being part of the community,” says Tiffany Turner, CEO of Adrift Hospitality. To this end they are excited to offer the community a 20-30 seat café/bar where they’ll serve craft cocktails, local coffee, crepes, grazing boards, and from the window along the sidewalk, my favorite - gelato. They expect to open the dining space in August or September, and wait for it … they plan to be open seven days a week.
Change is a-brewing
There’s been talk on the streets lately about beer and brew pubs. If help wanted ads could talk, Pelican Brewing is opening a tap room just south in Rockaway at the former Rockaway Roastery on the west side of 101. And I’ll just say, stay tuned for more exciting brewery news later this month.
Speaking of brew pubs, enjoy the tunes at Sandune this summer.
On the coffee brew front, you may have noticed fresh paint on the outside of Offshore Grill and Coffee House. The day I stopped by, owner Michelle she was inside painting the walls of their expanded space (formerly Cloud & Leaf Bookstore) which will be the new coffee house. She tells me they are getting closer! (The new space looks pretty big without all the books!)
I can’t wait for these new sit-sown options to open up in town. Which reminds me that Umi Bento now has a couple of picnic tables outside.
Can’t wait for the parade! 😎🇺🇸