River Inn at Seaside

The Historic Gilbert District will participate in Shop Small Saturday.

The Historic Gilbert District will participate in Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 25.

Locally owned businesses in the historic Gilbert District make it worthwhile to shop small during the traditional post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy.

Shoppers will be encouraged to patronize small and local businesses.

“The shops here are unique and have things you can’t get anywhere else,” said Denise Fairweahter, the neighborhood champion. “There is a place for Internet shopping, but nothing can replace going into a store and looking, and feeling, and touching and seeing the item you want to purchase.”

Shop Small Saturday was created in 2010 by American Express, but businesses do not have to accept American Express to participate in a neighborhood event. Since 2012, neighborhoods nationwide have been encouraged to host events to unite their communities and encourage local shopping.

The bustling Historic Gilbert District businesses at the vibrant intersection of Broadway and Holladay Drive will joyfully showcase the event with enchanting window posters and window displays.

A historic district is preserved due to its historical, architectural, or cultural significance. They play a crucial role in maintaining the heritage and character of a town.

The district features a unique collection of historic buildings, structures, and landmarks, providing a glimpse into the past and allowing visitors and residents to appreciate a place’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Appreciating the reserved parking for the Historic Gilbert District of downtown Seaside.

Dedicated parking is to be found on the corner of Holladay and Oceanway, thanks to the Gilbert Block.

Walk east on Broadway over the Necanicum River, and you’re in a very different world — the oldest part of Seaside, to be exact. Seaside’s mayor from 1912 to 1916, Alexandre Gilbert, rebuilt the four-block Gilbert District at the intersection of Broadway and Holladay Drive after the city’s big fire in 1912. Today the Gilbert District is thriving with vibrant restaurantsart galleriesboutiques, and antique stores. More than 30 local businesses call this historic district home. Here’s how to spend a few hours poking around. 

Stroll across the arched Broadway Bridge and see the Gilbert Block Building, est. 1914, and Kirwen Building, est. 1913,  the Wheatley-Desler Building, est. 1914,  the Menzel Building est.1913, old Seaside City jail, est. 1914, and the old Seaside firehouse, est. 1914 on the corner of Highway 101 and Broadway Street. 

Postcards from the Historic Gilbert District.

Broadway Bridge photo over the Necanicum River in Seaside courtesy of Stanford Lynx other images by Google and Linda Fenton-Mendenhall.

Seaside’s mayor from 1912 to 1916, Alexandre Gilbert, rebuilt the four-block Gilbert District at the intersection of Broadway and Holladay Drive after the city’s big fire of 1912. Today the Historic Gilbert District is thriving with vibrant restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and antique stores.

Photo courtesy of Seaside Visitors Bureau
Map courtesy of KP Graphic Arts

Shop Small. November 28, 2020.

As with most things in 2020, Small Business Saturday is going to be different and we are excited about it!

This holiday season, give the gift of Oregon! Our local businesses need support. One way Oregonians can help is to shop homegrown businesses that are run by our neighbors, family, and friends. Local retailers are prepared for you to shop safely.

HISTORIC GILBERT DISTRICT BUSINESSES  in Seaside:
94.9 The Bridge
ACE Hardware
Ancient Health and Healing
At Home on Broadway
Bagels by the Sea
Beach Books
Beach Puppy
Bella Espresso
Dough Dough Bakery
End of the Trail Pub
Fairweather House and Gallery
Fire House Grill
Five-Star Henna
Hold Fast Tattoo Company
Holiday Inn Express
Line X of Clatsop County
Nonni’s Bistro
Pacific Heirloom and Collectibles
Patty’s Wicker Cafe
Peddler’s Row
Pizza a’fetta Seaside
Rust and Dust
Salon on Broadway
Seaside Antique Mall
Seaside Brewery Co.
Seaside Coffee House
Seaside Coffee Roasters
Seaside Yarn and Fiber

Shamous Rocks
Spay and Neuter Thrift Shop

Starry Night Inn and Art Hotel
Studio 7
SunRose Gallery
The Heathy Hub
The Whet Spot

TigerLily Gallery
Tom’s Fish and Chips

Tora Sushi
Una Ves Mas Mexican Restaurant
Yellow Curry Cozy Thai

Wheel Fun

Watch this site for an interactive list of the Historic Gilbert District Shop Small businesses, including contact information and website links.  Information to help everyone stay safe and shop safely during the  COVID pandemic.

Small Saturday is a national event that was created in 2010 by American Express. The first event was held November 27, 2010. Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local.

The Historic Gilbert District is located in the heart of Seaside and encompasses the four city blocks on the corners of Broadway and Holladay. As this holiday season comes, it is incumbent upon each of us to do what we can for one another – it is the ultimate gift.