VIRTUAL TOUR OF NEHALEM BAY
Delightfully Quirky Side of Wheeler
Walk these sidewalks and charming storefronts, with nearby Neahkahnie Mountain reflected in the water, and you won’t notice that something’s off at first. The town is filled with antique dealerships and other curiosities. One shop was proof of the quirky aesthetic that gleefully rules the village. You could, for some time, purchase a particular MBA for nine bucks. This certificate, a “Master of Beachcombing Arts,” came complete with signatures from “R. Sandy Shores” and Sir Francis Drake.
The shop was owned by locals Peg Miller and Garry Gitzen, who epitomize the wacky sense of humor you can find in this town. At one time, they hosted a variety of offbeat events, from yearly ones like the Mermaid Festival to the monthly Full Moon Party – an open mic free-for-all. At these, the wine poured freely and the social mixing between locals and tourists was a constant kick in the pants. Before finally disappearing, were held at a funky gallery, and came complete with astrology and astronomy sessions.