Where the wild things are
Roar into the holiday season with Wild Fern Mercantile in Lincoln City
By Linda Turner Griepentrog
For the TODAY
Photos by Gretchen Ammerman
If Santa were loading his sleigh with gifts for everyone on his list, he’d definitely be stopping at Wild Fern Mercantile in Lincoln City. This delightful store has things sure to be on several lists this season, all nestled into about 450 square feet of display space.
Whether you’re looking for handmade candles or a great shirt, you’ll find it at this well-appointed shop.
“My customers are about two thirds visitors and one third locals,” said owner Christine McGowan. “There are many return customers from both categories.”
McGowan grew up locally, and after 20 years as a property manager she decided to take a “leap of faith” and open a store.
“I love to visit small gift shops when I travel and I thought our area needed a store with a homey style and good quality giftables,” she said. “My goal is to have a little bit of everything.”
McGowan works with many local artists who supply a lot of her merchandise and she notes a spirit of cooperation among other small businesses to support each other.
So, what will tempt you at Wild Fern Mercantile? Oh, so many things! There’s jewelry from Northwest artisans, greeting cards, stickers, hilarious magnets, seasonal décor items, room fragrances, tile coasters with clever sayings and a host of specialty food items. Jacobsen Salt Co.’s line of products fill an entire shelf and include the obvious, salts, but also seasoning blends, caramels and honey. Just along the wall is a grouping of handmade pine needle baskets and cleverly crafted lavender sachets.
This time of year, stocking stuffers abound at Wild Fern. Whether you pluck them off the decorated tree or from their place in a basket or bucket, there’s something for everyone on your list, including the kiddos. Look for fun stickers, puzzles and journals sure to appeal to the young ones, as do the assorted stuffed toys. And let’s not forget the furry friends, with toy and leash options.
If you prefer something live, there’s a grouping of luscious house plants, and for the holidays, fresh handmade wreaths. For those without green thumbs, choose an air plant to sparkle in the window.
Clothing items in the store include hats, sweatshirts, hoodies and T-shirts. Whether you want something emblazoned with “Beach” or with some motivational sayings like “Be Still,“ “Breathe About It” or the wise words of “Control the Controllable,” you’ll find it here.
The selection of gifts changes seasonally, but there’s always home décor items included in the product mix, like pillows and baskets, room diffusers and small wall hangings. Glasses, pitchers, mugs and canisters add ambience as well. Set the mood with the funny tile coasters with sayings, like “Trust me, you can dance — Vodka” or “I’m not bossy — I’m just aggressively helpful!” Surely, you know someone who needs one of these.
For those on the go, Wild Fern offers several different bag and tote options, from shoulder bags to zippered pouches.
And, of course, there’s a perfect greeting card or tag available to go with your gift.
If you’re hungry while shopping, pick up one of the myriad biscotti flavors or perhaps a small bag of Big Foot Popcorn in unique flavor offerings like Northwest Rain Forest Crunch, Forest Berry Blend or Caramel Apple. Get a package to go as well, as you’ll no doubt love it and want more to snack on while you’re wrapping all your newly acquired gifts.
Wild Fern Mercantile is located at 4847 SW Hwy. 101, in the historic Taft district of Lincoln City. Winter hours are Monday through Saturday, from 11 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Current extended holiday hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.