Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Ohio a great state for hunting antiques

-

If you’re searching for authentic, time-worn touches for your home this fall, a weekend visit to nearby Ohio may be in order.

It’s also a good excuse for a classic road trip, as if one was needed in colorful fall. And once you get back your home will look fabulous, an added bonus.

“I think an antiquing trip to Ohio would be an amazing girls’ weekend trip,” said U.S. Navy veteran Shannon Ribbich, a Veterans Affairs nurse and Thirty-One gift consultant living in Waukesha. “Just come with a lot of space because the treasures are endless. I was so glad I brought my minivan.”

Earlier this year, Ribbich was driving through Ohio and couldn’t resist stopping at one of the many antique malls dotting the roadways. “I wish I had planned more time to stop at some of the other local shops. I was so impressed with the collection­s and prices,” she said.

Even in her limited time, Ribbich scored a large antique window, clock, spindles, candlestic­ks and vases. “I love filling my home with items that have a story,” she explained.

While the $20 mantel clock did not work, Ribbich brought it to the Little Swiss Clock Shop in Waukesha for repair. It’s ticking once again in the Ribbich home.

Ohio’s proximity and history make it a Midwestern sweet spot for older east-coast antiques and charming southern pieces not readily found in Wisconsin. McCoy pottery and other highly collectibl­e housewares including glassware and cast iron are plentiful because they were originally made in the Buckeye State. Interestin­g tidbit to impress your travel mates: buckeye trees once covered Ohio and the nuts look like deer eyes.

The state has become an antique hub with exceptiona­l malls and shows to help you find anything from mid-century barware to that primitive bench for your pumpkins.

Come to think of it, you may want to plan on staying more than a weekend.

Bring comfy shoes because it’s time to shop until you drop. Pack a tape measure to help size up your finds.

For starters, hit the antique malls. They are widespread; some are massive when compared to many in Wisconsin.

In western Ohio, Springfiel­d is undoubtedl­y a mecca for antiques and collectibl­es.

There’s Vintage Depot, 2905 E. High St., about two miles north of I-70 (exit 59) housed in an old coal and feed store. “The family that antiques together stays together,” says the website.

Ribbich visited the Springfiel­d Antique Center, 1735 Titus Rd., off the same exit, next to I-70. This center is actually two separate malls totaling 75,000 square feet equipped with a traveler’s lobby with couches, television and refreshmen­ts. Brought-in food and pets are allowed. Free admission and spacious parking accommodat­es RVs and buses.

For time-specific fall events in Ohio, four notables stand out.

First is the Country

Living Fair is held Sept. 14 through 16 at Ohio Village, 800 E. 17th Ave. in Columbus, featuring vintage and handmade purveyors, presentati­ons and food vendors.

It draws over 25,000 people from more than 40 states including Alaska, according to Country Living magazine editor-in-chief Rachel Hardage Barrett.

Barrett called the show a “must-do” for Wisconsini­tes since they’re close enough to drive. “We chose Columbus because we know we have a lot of loyal longtime readers in the Midwest, and the city has a lot of fun, creative energy,” she said.

“There is really nothing like the Country Living Fair in Columbus come fall – enjoying three days of amazing shopping with bluegrass music playing in the background and the scents of apple cider and kettle corn wafting through the air.” Tickets start at $13 plus fees for one-day admission in advance; daily parking is $5.

Another notable is the Granville Barn Hop, set at four locations around Granville.

Granville itself is a treat. Driving into the community is like entering a dreamy movie set of an idyllic small town from 125 years ago, except it's real.

The fall semi-annual barn hop is Oct. 26 and 27 held rain or shine at: Antebellum Farmhouse, The Barns at Hope Timber, Sister Salvage and Industrial Salvage Barns with free admission and parking.

Then, Heart of Ohio Antique Center, 4785 E. National Road, Springfiel­d, is holding a Tailgate Sale on Sept. 12 and 13 when vendors set up outside its massive mall. Indoors, the center along I-70 (exit 62) boasts 122,000 square feet with nearly 1500 booths and a 30,000 square foot outdoor commons filled with statuary, architectu­ral items and patio furniture.

Just the parking lot is 26 acres. It accommodat­es motor homes, buses, large trailers ... and semis if you really go wild (this actually happens according to chief operating officer Karen Barber).

Some strategic shoppers combine the Heart of Ohio Antique Center Tailgate Sale with the Springfiel­d Antique Show & Flea Market Extravagan­za held later that week Sept. 14 through 16.

Jennifer Rude Klett is a Wisconsin freelance writer of history, food, and Midwestern life. Contact her at jrudeklett.com.

 ?? ELIOT & COMPANY FOR COUNTRY LIVING ?? The Country Living Fair with vendors, food and displays will be held Sept. 14-16 in Columbus, Ohio, drawing more than 25,000 people from around the country.
ELIOT & COMPANY FOR COUNTRY LIVING The Country Living Fair with vendors, food and displays will be held Sept. 14-16 in Columbus, Ohio, drawing more than 25,000 people from around the country.
 ?? ANTEBELLUM FARMHOUSE ?? Granville, Ohio, hosts a semi-annual Granville Barn Hop at four locations for vintage, antique, salvage and industrial wares.
ANTEBELLUM FARMHOUSE Granville, Ohio, hosts a semi-annual Granville Barn Hop at four locations for vintage, antique, salvage and industrial wares.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States