Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • Everyday
    • Education
    • Neighborhood Notes
  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • Artist Profiles
    • Food Shopping
    • Local Farmers
    • Music
    • Restaurants
  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Thurston County Podcast
  • Featured Businesses
    • Around The House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Services
    • Women in Business
  • History
  • Photos
    • Community Events
    • Local Attractions
    • Sporting Events
  • Non-Profits
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Dogs & Pets
    • Family & Kids
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Gardening
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Biking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Running
    • Parks and Beaches
    • Thrifty Thurston
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
  • Podcast
Search
Monday, August 25, 2025
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
ThurstonTalk
  • Everyday
    • AllEducationNeighborhood Notes

      People in Public Service: Steve Boone Has Supported the Boys &…

      Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Offers Before- and After-School…

      A group of veteran graduates, five sitting in chairs, one with a baby in her lap, 9 people standing behind them. 6 of the people have white graduation stoles. One has a yellow stole

      Saint Martin’s University Empowers Military-Affiliated Students With Gold Standard Services

      intercity transit route 620 sitting at the lakewood sounder station

      Intercity Transit Express Routes Expands Bus Service to Thurston County and…

  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • AllArtist ProfilesFood ShoppingLocal FarmersMusicRestaurants
      Rendering of a spacious cafeteria-style building with people sitting and walking around

      New Restaurant in Downtown Olympia Opening Soon

      Unique Pop-Up Vendor Brings Dirty Sodas to Olympia Area

      a bottle of Woodborne Spirits vodka with chantrelle mushrooms lying around it

      From Forest to Bottle: Woodborne Spirits turns Chanterelles into Award-Winning Gin…

      a bowl of bao with a red spoon with broth held over it. A bao is being held above the spoon with chopsticks

      Get Your Bao Some Bao in Thurston County: New Dough Zone…

  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Thurston County Podcast
  • Featured Businesses
    • AllAround The HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsServicesWomen in Business
      Marranda, Alex and Juliana pose for a selfie in front of a Venables truck and wall art with a blue design and the words Bellingham Farmers Market on it

      Need Pest Control in Bellingham? Venables Pest Management Expands to Whatcom…

      A Boggs home inspection technician reaches up to test a shower head in a home

      Boggs Inspection Services Spotlights Commonly Overlooked Home Maintenance

      three wusthof junior knifes laying in a row on a towel

      It’s Peak Season to Shop The Rolling Pin on Olympia’s West…

      a woman and two young girls pose for a photo in front of a step-and-repeat that says Inspire Women's Business Conference. WCWB Washington Center for Women in Business, Thurston EDC Center for Business & Innovation. An orange block of color is in the left hand lower corner and it has a smiling sun and the words Enlightenment Home Care LLC

      Caregiver Sonnie Gay Brightens Lives at Enlightenment Home Care

  • History
    • a man and woman lay on a towel in the grass in swimsuits with a boy standing on the towel in a swimsuit. Behind them people are int eh water and walk along it. There also people on the dock at Capitol Lake

      Olympia History: Swimming at Capitol Lake Park

      Looking West down 5th Avenue, Olympia, WA, 1942

      Thurston County History: Olympia’s Mickey Mouse Club Cheered Kids During the…

      Go Boating With Olympia Outboard Club

      A life-size cardboard cutout of reformer Susan B. Anthony stands next to the red velvet chair she reportedly sat in at the Bigelow House. A desk with flowers and pamphlets are behind the cut out and a tied shelf is next to the chair with different porcelain vases and pitchers on it.

      Suffragist Susan B. Anthony Visited Olympia in 1871 to Address Territorial…

      Tenino Moves Historic Train Depot, 1975

  • Photos
    • AllCommunity EventsLocal AttractionsSporting Events
      capital city pride

      Thousands Gather in Olympia to Celebrate Capital City Pride 2018

      procession species olympia

      Luminary Procession 2018: Lighting Up the Rainy Night in Downtown Olympia

      snowy winter scene

      ThurstonTalk Readers Capture Christmas Snow

      Twinklefest 2017

      Twinklefest 2017 Window Displays

  • Non-Profits
    • Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Offers Before- and After-School…

      TOGETHER! Strengthens Commitment to Serving Latino Youth Through La Cima Bilingual…

      The Sound Youth Neurodiversity Collective Provides Collaborative Care for All Ages

      three people stand in the back of the South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity's new truck, with two people standing on ground next to it.

      South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity Expands Work Effort With New…

      a group of kids and two adults stand under a ductless A/C system, pointing to it with one hand and giving a thumbs up with the other.

      In-Kind Donations Help Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Focus…

  • LocalTalk
    • State Awards $14.6 Million in Grants to Protect and Restore Puget…

      Old-Growth-Douglas-Fir-Tree-and-Resource-Advisor with fire repellent sheet over the trunk

      Bear Gulch Fire: Update August 15

      Thurston Chamber Releases 2025 Quality of Life Index

      Thurston County’s Largest Day of Volunteerism Returns September 26

      Emanuel Scott posing for a photo in front of tall evergreen trees

      Emanuel Scott Hired as Head Men’s Wrestling Coach at The Evergreen…

  • Activities
    • AllDogs & PetsFamily & KidsIndoorOutdoorGardeningOutdoor RecreationBikingCampingHikingRunningParks and BeachesThrifty Thurston
      sun rising on a foggy morning over a tree-lined lake in Grays Harbor

      Where to Go Trout Fishing in Grays Harbor

      a woman in black tights in a black sweater with orange trim stands in frton of a cute house that is decorated like a friendly Haunted house with smiling ghosts over the windows, and friendly Jack-o-lanterns everywhere. Fake cobwebs are draped around it. A sign reads BOO-CODA Spooktacgar, Spooktacular

      Fall Activities Near Olympia

      Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance Museum gallery, with photos on the wall, a light up cabinet with items in it and a tri fold, free standing display with photos and graphics on it

      Free Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance Museum Now Open

      Listen to the Music of Trees at Squaxin Park with Julie…

  • Events
    • Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Born to Be Wild…

      Four women post on a stage. The two on either ends are in black pant suits, the one on the left middle in a red gown that says Miss Washington's Teen and the middle right in a green gown with a sash that says Miss Washington. A large screen with a crown on it and the Word's 'Miss Washington' on either side is in the background

      Big Dreams are Sponsored by Miss Washington Competition Scholarships

      a woman in black tights in a black sweater with orange trim stands in frton of a cute house that is decorated like a friendly Haunted house with smiling ghosts over the windows, and friendly Jack-o-lanterns everywhere. Fake cobwebs are draped around it. A sign reads BOO-CODA Spooktacgar, Spooktacular

      Fall Activities Near Olympia

      Young girl showing her arm with pink bandage after got vaccinated or inoculation, child immunization, covid delta vaccine concept

      Upcoming Childhood Immunization Clinics are Free in Thurston County

      Asian young girl showing her arm with pink bandage after got vaccinated or inoculation, child immunization, covid delta vaccine concept

      Próximas clínicas de vacunación infantil gratuitas en el condado de Thurston

    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
  • Podcast
Home Featured Business Keriann Pettibone Delivers New Life to Historic Location with Bay Mercantile

Keriann Pettibone Delivers New Life to Historic Location with Bay Mercantile

By
Jessica Hoppe
-
bay mercantile
Initially, Keriann Pettibone was planning to feature her own products in her shop, Bay Mercantile. Before opening, she expanded the merchandise line to include other local items. Photo credit: Jessica Hoppe

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
FacebookTweetPin

As I cruise down Highway 101 and take the Mud Bay exit, I am reminded of my childhood with the familiar mud flats reaching out before me on one side and those big iron cattle sculptures guarding the pastures on the other. It has never been an area with a lot of growth, but that is okay because some things do not need to change. Turning right off the ramp, I discover that not only the landmark Buzz’s Tavern greets me but also a new shop just across the street, Bay Mercantile.

The rustic structure has been here for as long as I can remember, a small beach house on the saltwater shore. However, in the last few years it has had a facelift, and the welcoming porch with oyster shells and wooden birdhouses only gives a small glimpse of what is inside. Owner, Kariann Pettibone, greets me with a warm smile and takes me on a tour. It is not a big store, but, with an eclectic mix of local favorites, there is still plenty to choose from, including her own beautiful wood-wrapped mirrors. “My first thought was to do a home interiors kind of store featuring mostly my stuff. That was the plan pretty much until about six weeks before I opened,” she tells me laughing.

bay mercantile
Enjoy the sunset from the patio at Bay Mercantile. Watch herons, eagles, and other wildlife go by. Photo credit: Jessica Hoppe

That is when Kariann’s shifted course as she realized her shop needed to appeal to a larger audience if she was going to succeed. “I don’t know how I really came up with this concept, but I love it. It kind of just keeps evolving,” she explains.

For Kariann this also meant utilizing this unique space she is in. “My location and the shopping experience is the draw here. I want to make it a destination. I’ve really moved toward this coastal kitchen idea because there isn’t another one in town,” Kariann offers. With craft beers, local wines, books, Ila’s Foods, Briney Sea smoked fish, jewelry, cigars, vintage glasses, Ice Chips Candy and many other treasures, you never know what you are going to find at Bay Mercantile. “I’m just trying to find special things that people can’t get other places to carry here,” she suggests.

bay mercantile
Bay Mercantile continues the tradition of selling fresh oysters and clams, six days a week. Photo credit: Jessica Hoppe

But Kariann also is not forgetting the roots of the space she is in. “I sell fresh clams and oysters, which is really the heart of this place,” she adds. Originally, the property was home to a man who sold fresh shellfish, but it has not been that in many years. Of course, the original shells still litter the beach out back, but native Olympia Oysters no longer grow here due to sediment from logging operations in the area. These days Kariann relies on other great local shellfish growers like Chelsea Farms and Skookum Point Oysters.

However, Kariann is not about to give up on tradition and has spent many hours cleaning up the property and is determined to bring the Olympia Oysters back along with native vegetation. “It’s just a magical location. I really want to be a model for a little business really being a wonderful steward of such a sensitive environment and great community,” she explains. As we sit to talk on the back porch, I understand what she is suggesting and am taken aback by the beauty in front of me. The resident Great Blue Heron is putting on a show as he dives after another fish then shows off his expansive wing span, flying to a new location. Countless other birds make an appearance, enjoying the landscape as I sit and relax.

bay mercantile
With specific items you can’t find anywhere else in town, Kariann Pettibone is aiming for Bay Mercantile to be a destination spot. Photo credit: Jessica Hoppe

At Bay Mercantile there is definitely something special, something that makes you want to stay. “People come in to get a glass of wine, go sit by the fire pit and just watch the water,” Kariann explains. Of course, yes, you can hear the freeway, but she describes to me a new way to look at it thanks to a close friend. “She told me, ‘I kind of like it, it’s like you’re watching life going by’ and that’s a good way to see it.” And to my surprise, I have to agree. After a while you do not even notice it. “I think people are looking for more of an experience, instead of just some place to go shopping. It’s nice because I can combine those two,” she offers.

From weddings, bachelorette parties, and concerts to wine tastings and non-profit events, Bay Mercantile is making its mark on the area as a place to gather. “It’s a really fun way for me to be involved in the community and do good things with this space while I’m also trying to build my little business and see where it takes me,” Kariann suggests.

And so far the response has been great with customers becoming friends, and Kariann’s little store earning its place on the map.

bay mercantile
Bay Mercantile is located just off Hwy 101 and is accessible easily by taking the Mud Bay Road exit. Photo credit: Jessica Hoppe

“I want people to be happy that I’m here and like what I’m doing to the place. And I want to be proud of how I’m working with the environment and my community. I think I have a really good start, and I’m having a lot of fun,” Kariann finishes. Honestly, I challenge anyone to leave Bay Mercantile without a happy heart and a new treasure they did not even know they needed.

Bay Mercantile
5025 Mud Bay Road NW
Olympia, WA 98502
360-890-4956
Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Follow Bay Mercantile on Facebook.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
FacebookTweetPin

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
Previous articleOlympia Weekend Event Calendar: July 28-30
Next articleGreat Skincare is the Foundation at Merle Norman Cosmetics
Jessica Hoppe

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Marranda, Alex and Juliana pose for a selfie in front of a Venables truck and wall art with a blue design and the words Bellingham Farmers Market on it

Need Pest Control in Bellingham? Venables Pest Management Expands to Whatcom County

A Boggs home inspection technician reaches up to test a shower head in a home

Boggs Inspection Services Spotlights Commonly Overlooked Home Maintenance

three wusthof junior knifes laying in a row on a towel

It’s Peak Season to Shop The Rolling Pin on Olympia’s West Side

Upcoming Events

Aug
25
Mon
10:00 am Learning the Language of Wool @ Paimarire Fiber Arts Studio at The Evergreen State College
Learning the Language of Wool @ Paimarire Fiber Arts Studio at The Evergreen State College
Aug 25 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Learning the Language of Wool @ Paimarire Fiber Arts Studio at The Evergreen State College
A collaborative and exploratory workshop guided by Janice Arnold and the Felt Road team teaching and honoring Indigenous felting traditions.  This class offers a solid foundation for understanding this ancient art form and also explore it[...]
View Calendar
Add
  • Add to Timely Calendar
  • Add to Google
  • Add to Outlook
  • Add to Apple Calendar
  • Add to other calendar
  • Export to XML

Local Community Sponsors

Local Community Sponsors

Business

Marranda, Alex and Juliana pose for a selfie in front of a Venables truck and wall art with a blue design and the words Bellingham Farmers Market on it

Need Pest Control in Bellingham? Venables Pest Management Expands to Whatcom...

None of us likes uninvited guests in our home or place of business, especially the kind with multiple sets of legs. Venables Pest Management,...
A Boggs home inspection technician reaches up to test a shower head in a home

Boggs Inspection Services Spotlights Commonly Overlooked Home Maintenance

three wusthof junior knifes laying in a row on a towel

It’s Peak Season to Shop The Rolling Pin on Olympia’s West...

a woman and two young girls pose for a photo in front of a step-and-repeat that says Inspire Women's Business Conference. WCWB Washington Center for Women in Business, Thurston EDC Center for Business & Innovation. An orange block of color is in the left hand lower corner and it has a smiling sun and the words Enlightenment Home Care LLC

Caregiver Sonnie Gay Brightens Lives at Enlightenment Home Care

a woman standing on a paved trail bent over with a hand on her knee

360 Chiropractic in Lacey Says: ‘It’s Time to Break Up With...

Trending Now

People in Public Service: Steve Boone Has Supported the Boys &...

Tumwater High School Volleyball Is Ready to Begin the Upcoming Season...

two women and a man walk on a paved trail between trees at Grass Lake Park in Olympia

Unravel From Daily Stresses at West Olympia’s Enhanced Grass Lake Nature...

Editor Picks

intercity transit route 620 sitting at the lakewood sounder station

Intercity Transit Express Routes Expands Bus Service to Thurston County and...

a woman in black tights in a black sweater with orange trim stands in frton of a cute house that is decorated like a friendly Haunted house with smiling ghosts over the windows, and friendly Jack-o-lanterns everywhere. Fake cobwebs are draped around it. A sign reads BOO-CODA Spooktacgar, Spooktacular

Fall Activities Near Olympia

Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance Museum gallery, with photos on the wall, a light up cabinet with items in it and a tri fold, free standing display with photos and graphics on it

Free Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance Museum Now Open

Recent Posts

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Born to Be Wild Dinner and Auction Returns September 26
  • People in Public Service: Steve Boone Has Supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Since Its Inception
  • Tumwater High School Volleyball Is Ready to Begin the Upcoming Season With New Head Coach, Kennedy Croft
  • Need Pest Control in Bellingham? Venables Pest Management Expands to Whatcom County
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Offers Before- and After-School Care Opportunities Filled With Fun
ABOUT US
ThurstonTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Thurston County Washington, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino and the surrounding area. Advertise with ThurstonTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@thurstontalk.com
FOLLOW US
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
© ThurstonTalk, Inc.
Share via
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Mix
Email
Print
Copy Link
Powered by Social Snap
Copy link
CopyCopied
Powered by Social Snap