This Bewitching Oregon Shop Is Filled With Oddities and Old-World Apothecary Charm

I pushed open the door and immediately felt like I’d stepped through a portal into another century. What waited inside wasn’t your typical coastal tourist stop, but a moody blend of Victorian mourning culture and modern mysticism.

Antique poison bottles lined the shelves beside hand-crafted body butters, and every corner held something strange enough to make you pause and look twice.

Since opening in 2020, this family-run shop has become a magnet for anyone fascinated by the darker, more mysterious side of history and art. The staff greeted me with genuine enthusiasm, eager to share the stories behind their collection, and it didn’t take long to understand why so many visitors rave about the experience.

That unforgettable mix of curiosity and craft lives at Femme Fatale – Curiosities & Apothecary.

Authentic Victorian Atmosphere That Transports You

Walking into this shop feels like entering a carefully preserved time capsule from the turn of the 20th century. The owners didn’t just decorate with vintage-style furniture; they invested in genuine 1900s apothecary cabinets that once held medicinal compounds in actual pharmacies.

These wooden cabinets, with their dozens of small drawers and glass-fronted compartments, create an immediate sense of stepping backward through time. The lighting is deliberately dim and atmospheric, casting shadows that enhance the mysterious vibe.

Every display feels intentional, from the arrangement of bottles to the placement of curiosities. I found myself moving slowly through the space, not wanting to miss a single detail.

The Victorian aesthetic isn’t just surface-level decoration. It’s woven into every aspect of the shop’s design, creating an immersive experience that makes you forget you’re in modern-day Oregon.

Many visitors report spending an hour or more just absorbing the atmosphere. The shop functions as much as a museum exhibition as it does a retail space, offering a rare glimpse into historical design and cultural practices from over a century ago.

Victorian Mourning Culture Explored Through Artifacts

One of the most unique aspects of Femme Fatale is its dedicated focus on Victorian mourning traditions. I learned that during the Victorian era, mourning wasn’t just a private matter but an elaborate social practice with specific rules, attire, and customs.

The shop features authentic mourning attire, including the heavy black garments widows were expected to wear for extended periods. There are also examples of mourning jewelry, some pieces crafted from the hair of deceased loved ones, which was a common practice at the time.

This collection isn’t morbid for the sake of being dark; it’s a fascinating window into how our ancestors processed grief and honored the dead. The Victorians had a much more public relationship with mortality than we do today.

I found the educational component particularly valuable. The staff can explain the symbolism behind different mourning practices and help visitors understand the cultural context.

Many people visit specifically for this collection, drawn by an interest in social history or genealogy. It offers a perspective on life and death that feels both foreign and strangely relevant, reminding us that grief is universal even as its expressions change across time.

Extensive Apothecary Selection of Herbs and Teas

Beyond the curiosities, Femme Fatale functions as a genuine apothecary with an impressive selection of herbs, teas, and botanical preparations. I was amazed by the variety, with dozens of dried herbs beautifully displayed in glass containers that let you see exactly what you’re purchasing.

The herbal selection includes both common culinary herbs and more unusual botanicals used in traditional medicine and spiritual practices. Everything is clearly labeled, and the staff can guide you toward specific herbs for various purposes.

Tea lovers will find themselves in paradise here, with hand-blended varieties you won’t encounter in grocery stores. The blends often incorporate historical recipes or traditional combinations that have been used for centuries.

What impressed me most was the quality of the products. These aren’t mass-produced items shipped in from warehouses; many are locally sourced or carefully selected from trusted suppliers.

Several reviewers specifically mentioned the apothecary section as their favorite part of the shop. Whether you’re interested in herbal remedies, want to explore tea varieties, or simply appreciate the beauty of botanical displays, this section offers both practical products and aesthetic pleasure in equal measure.

Mystical and Occult Items for Spiritual Practices

For those drawn to mystical practices, this shop offers one of the most comprehensive collections of occult items on the Oregon coast. I discovered tarot decks ranging from classic designs to contemporary artistic interpretations, each more beautiful than the last.

The candle selection deserves special mention, including specially crafted Edgar Allan Poe candles that blend literary appreciation with ritualistic purpose. These aren’t ordinary scented candles; they’re created with intention and often incorporate traditional correspondences.

I also found crystals, divination tools, ritual supplies, and books covering everything from basic witchcraft to advanced occult philosophy. The inventory reflects genuine knowledge of these practices rather than superficial trendy items.

What sets this collection apart is the authenticity. The owners clearly understand and respect these spiritual traditions, curating items that practitioners actually want and can use in their work.

Many visitors come specifically for the occult selection, knowing they’ll find quality items and knowledgeable staff who can answer questions without judgment. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or simply curious about these traditions, the shop offers a welcoming space to explore mystical tools and teachings.

Handcrafted Local Art and Artisan Products

Femme Fatale proudly showcases work from local Oregon artists and craftspeople, making it a genuine community hub for creativity. I was particularly impressed by the body care products, all made in-house, including the popular Nevermore body butter that several reviewers raved about.

The handcrafted soaps caught my attention with their unique scents and beautiful presentation. These aren’t mass-produced items; each batch is carefully created with quality ingredients and attention to detail.

Local artists contribute paintings, photographs, and mixed-media pieces that complement the shop’s aesthetic while showcasing individual creative visions. The jewelry selection features unique pieces you won’t find in chain stores, many incorporating vintage elements or unusual materials.

The shop also carries specialty perfumes and colognes that multiple reviewers described as legendary. These fragrances are blended specifically for the shop, offering scent profiles that range from darkly romantic to mysteriously botanical.

By supporting local artists and craftspeople, the shop creates a living connection between historical aesthetics and contemporary creativity. Every purchase directly supports someone in the community, making your shopping experience feel more meaningful than simply buying mass-produced goods from distant warehouses.

Professional Tarot Reading Services Available

Something that surprised me during my visit was learning that Femme Fatale offers professional tarot reading services, typically available Friday through Monday. This transforms the shop from simply a retail space into a place where you can actually experience the mystical practices it celebrates.

The readers are knowledgeable and approach their work with seriousness and respect for the tradition. Whether you’re a skeptic curious about the experience or a believer seeking guidance, the readings are conducted in a welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere.

I watched other visitors book sessions and noticed how the staff creates a comfortable space for these intimate consultations. The Victorian setting adds an authentic period feel to the experience, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Many people plan their coastal trips specifically to include a reading at Femme Fatale, combining it with their shopping experience. It’s become part of what makes this shop special beyond just retail.

The availability of readings shows the shop’s commitment to being more than a curiosity store. It’s a place where historical practices are kept alive, where divination traditions continue, and where visitors can engage with mystical arts in a respectful, professional setting.

Exceptional Staff Knowledge and Welcoming Attitude

Perhaps the most consistently praised aspect of Femme Fatale across hundreds of reviews is the exceptional quality of the staff. During my visit, I experienced firsthand how their enthusiasm and knowledge transform a simple shopping trip into an educational experience.

The team members are genuinely passionate about the items they sell, able to discuss the history of Victorian mourning practices, explain herbal properties, or recommend the perfect occult book for your interests. Their expertise feels authentic rather than rehearsed.

What struck me most was how non-judgmental and welcoming they are. Several reviewers specifically mentioned feeling accepted regardless of their background or appearance, which creates a safe space for everyone to explore their interests.

The staff take time to carefully pack purchases, share stories about specific items, and make genuine connections with visitors. They’re not just processing transactions; they’re creating memorable experiences.

I noticed they handle questions with patience and enthusiasm, never making anyone feel foolish for asking. This approach has built a loyal customer base, with many people returning year after year specifically because of how the staff makes them feel welcome and valued.

Prime Location on Newport’s Scenic Bay Boulevard

Femme Fatale occupies a perfect spot at 818 SW Bay Blvd in Newport’s historic waterfront district, making it easily accessible for anyone exploring the Oregon coast. The location puts you right in the heart of Newport’s tourist-friendly area, surrounded by other shops and attractions.

Unlike some of the more generic tourist trap stores that line the boardwalk, this shop offers something genuinely unique and memorable. Its waterfront location means you can combine your visit with scenic views of Yaquina Bay.

The shop is open Tuesday through Monday, with hours from 11 AM to 5 PM most days and staying open until 6 PM on Saturdays. This makes it easy to plan a visit during a coastal road trip.

Newport itself is one of Oregon’s most charming coastal towns, known for its working fishing fleet, sea lion docks, and the famous Yaquina Head Lighthouse. Femme Fatale adds a completely different dimension to the typical coastal shopping experience.

Many visitors discover the shop while exploring Bay Boulevard and end up spending far more time there than planned. Its location makes it a convenient stop that doesn’t require going out of your way, yet offers an experience that stands apart from typical coastal retail.

Family-Run Business Supporting Local Creators

What makes Femme Fatale even more special is knowing it’s a family-run operation that actively supports local artists, photographers, and creators throughout Oregon. This isn’t a corporate chain or franchise; it’s a labor of love created by people deeply invested in their community.

The shop opened in 2020, which means the owners built this business during one of the most challenging periods for retail. Their success speaks to both the quality of their vision and the hunger people have for authentic, unique shopping experiences.

By featuring work from local creators, the shop functions as a gallery and marketplace that keeps money circulating within the Oregon coast community. Every purchase supports not just the shop owners but also the artists and craftspeople they showcase.

I learned that the same family also runs Bohemian Candle Company a couple blocks away, which some reviewers describe as the light counterpart to Femme Fatale’s dark aesthetic. This shows their range and commitment to serving different tastes.

The family-run nature explains the attention to detail, the carefully curated inventory, and the genuine passion that permeates every aspect of the shop. It’s not about maximizing profits but about creating something meaningful and sharing it with others who appreciate the unusual and beautiful.