This is our third installment in our summer series Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest. Not a hidden gem for long, the new (old) Olalla Bay Market was a big hit with locals the minute it opened it’s doors this past April. Let me tell you a little bit about this Hidden Gem of the Pacific Northwest – Olalla Bay Market.

Olalla

The Olalla Bay Market has a long history in the tiny hamlet of Olalla. The building has served as a general store over the past century, most recently as Al’s Market. Olalla itself, once a thriving agriculture area, became a sleepy hollow after the Tacoma Narrows Bridge opened, and ferry service to Olalla disappeared. For the past eighty years though the community has kept it’s identity with the “general store” and old post office playing a big role as a place to gather.

Old is New Again

In 2021 Al’s Market closed and a new owner came in. Olalla resident and New York Times Best Selling author Gregg Olsen (Starvation Heights) committed to bringing the space back as a community gathering spot under the new name of Olalla Bay Market.

But only a few months into the restoration a devastating fire could have put an end to the dream. But no – the community rallied, Olsen set his intentions and work continued. The new (old) Olalla Bay Market opened three months ago.

Open and Thriving

Serving a wonderful selection of locally crafted beer, cider and more on tap, as well as a small menu of breakfast and lunch items and house made pizza after 4pm, the community came out in droves to support the new business. With both indoor and outdoor seating, a small grocery store and gifts area as well as a rental space for small groups, the only thing the business might need to work on is more parking.

It really is a gem…a hidden gem…and one you should check out in beautiful Olalla Washington.

Check out the journal, history and current events on the Olalla Bay Market website. Thank you for reading my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Olalla Bay Market and be sure to come back next Friday to learn about another hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest.

Need Directions?

See last week’s post Hidden Gem’s of the Pacific Northwest – Rodeo Drive-In here.

We love it when you comment, pin and share our blog posts. Thank you.