Wild Manzanita, a natural grocery on the north coast run by long-time resident Natasha Stevens, is a testament to the power of community and local entrepreneurship. The store is a hub for local purveyors, with a selection that spans across King Fisher Farms, Moon River Farms, Lance’s Farm Vittles, and many others. The store also carries nearly every bulk item you might need and can special order most things with enough time.
Step into Wild Manzanita and you’re instantly transported back in time to the vibrant 50s. The walls, painted in a nostalgic avocado green, serve as a backdrop to a scene straight out of a vintage postcard. Pastel pink appliances, reminiscent of a classic American diner, add a playful touch to the space. But the real star of the show? Bananas! Bananas are not just a fruit here, they’re a way of life. From banana art to hidden banana-shaped decorations throughout the store, the place is bananas about bananas! And although bananas aren’t local to Manzanita yet, Wild also carries a variety of specialty imported foods.
But it’s not just the local produce and decor that keep people coming back for more. Wild Manzanita is a sanctuary for local flavors, offering local coffee (hot or on nitro) and tea, local kombucha, and fresh pastries, soups, and sandwiches. Having tried almost everything on the menu at least once, and most things in the store on a regular basis, it keeps getting better. While there are always deli staples like tuna, meatloaf, and vegan reuben sandwiches, you’ll also often find regular items like chicken tacos on Tuesdays, quesadillas, soups (a specialty), lasagna, or a salad.
The purveyors are the heart of Wild Manzanita. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but it gives a glimpse into the rich selection of local produce available. The list includes Nehalem River Ranch, Lance’s Farm Vittles, Kingfisher Farms, North Fork 53, Moon River Farms, Circe’s Garden, Zweifel Farms, Bennett Farms, Forage and Farm, and Neah-kah-nie Gold Bee Products.
Wild carries a broad range of local products from Dragonsong Farm & Apiary, Felton & Mary’s, Coopers Hall Winery, Ecliptic Brewing, Finnriver Farm & Cidery, Fort George Brewery, and Modern Times Beer, among others. It has one of the largest selection of local beers, ciders, and wine in Manzanita. The grocery is also a treasure trove of local goods, from Angora Peak Granola and Blue Lotus Chai to Blue Scorcher Bakery. Vitanica, a local business that started above Wild grocery, is a natural herb supplement. Vitanica, like Wild Manzanita, is a testament to the power of community and local entrepreneurship. It’s a story of how a small business can grow and thrive with the support of its community, and how it can, in turn, support that community by providing high-quality, locally-sourced products.
Wild Manzanita is more than just a grocery store. It’s a community hub, a place where locals and visitors can come together to share a meal, a conversation, or a quiet moment. It’s a place that celebrates the richness and diversity of local produce, and a place that supports and nurtures local businesses. It’s a place that embodies the spirit of community and the power of local entrepreneurship. And it’s a place that’s always evolving, always growing, and always looking for ways to serve its community better.
It’s a whimsical nod to the past, a fun and quirky twist that adds to the charm of Wild Manzanita. So, come on in, grab a banana, and enjoy the Wild ride!