Last weekend my best girlfriends and I took our {what used to be annual, turned semi-annual, turned quarterly} trip to Ohio. The agenda always includes IKEA, outlet mall shopping and plenty of mini bottles of wine – because what could be better than a hotel slumber party with four grown women? These quick trips away from our responsibilities and everyday lives are good for the soul… even if they are terrible for our bank accounts.
I, for one, love IKEA. I don’t mind driving three hours for a gigantic warehouse full of inexpensive modern decor that can be integrated into my industrial farmhouse/mid-century modern/contemporary eclectic vibe. Throw in some Swedish meatballs, and I’m a happy camper.
But, IKEA is not rusty. IKEA is definitely not vintage, nor is it storied. It’s just not the type of junk I’m always hunting for.
This trip, my bestie Kristin suggested that we check out the Heart of Ohio Antique Center as a change to our usual plans. Since Heart of Ohio is another hour drive north of IKEA, we devoted our entire Sunday to the antique center… and we were not disappointed.
Holy Mother of JUNK. Literally.
My friends, Heart of Ohio Antique Center is IKEA’s equivalent, but in “rusty gold” (as Kristin likes to say). It’s 116,000 square feet of nothing but antiques – 1,400 booths, to be exact – which took us a mere FIVE HOURS to wander through. If you want it, I’m willing to bet this antique mall has it.
The place even has a restaurant. Seriously, IKEA’s older, more awesome sibling.
When you enter Heart of Ohio, there are three hallways that shoot off the main room. Each of these hallways have another two hallways full of junk off of them. Basically, once you pick a hall and begin, you had better be committed because you won’t see the end for a long time.
Perhaps the best part of Heart of Ohio is the bin system. Instead of holding on to your desired purchases all day long, one of the many employees walking the halls will assign you a number and take it to the front desk in a red wagon. We didn’t go more than five minutes without someone coming to take our finds off our hands, and every time they were pleasant and efficient. When you’re done shopping, you turn in your number and make your final selections. Anything you don’t want to buy is put back in it’s original booth by the staff.
I walked away with a set of turquoise Fiesta bowls and platters, an old boat oar and a vintage nightgown that my friends insisted that I purchase. I kind of love it. Kristin is the proud new owner of two ornate 8 ft. baseboards, a vintage trophy and an Army jacket (plus several other finds). Bethany found the coolest jadeite gravy bowl with ladle to add to her collection, and she got in on some Fiesta action too.
As for Amanda, she’s still on the hunt for the perfect round wire basket, with a handle, that’s not too big or too small… and under $20. The rest of us are convinced that it doesn’t exist, only because we didn’t find it there. 😉
Did I mention that MoJo’s Cafe has homemade daily specials? And pie?!
I think I have found my new happy place.
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Has anyone else visited Heart of Ohio Antique Center? Where is your favorite giant antique mall?
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Yes, we’ve been to Heart of Ohio. It’s a 6+ hour drive from northern Indiana but OMG it’s worth it.
We were there for 2 days and didn’t get thru the entire place. I would love to go back and we will when we can find the time. There were so many beautiful antiques that I didn’t know I needed! I also want to check out the other stores in the area as well as Country Living’s festival. As big as this place is I was standing and “thinking” about a small tin with great graphics when a guy came up next to me, looked at it and signaled the attendant and bought it – right out from under my nose. The old adage if you see something you like you’d better buy it then certainly was true. I couldn’t believe it…