Finding the unusual store is so much fun. My favorite places to shop are those that are not those found in a mall or shopping center.
Here are just a sampling of my favorite, more unusual places:
1. Lehman’s Hardware: This may be my favorite place to visit. The main store is in Kidron, Ohio in the heart of Amish Country. It was started in 1955 by Jay Lehman to serve the Amish.
According to the company’s website, they are the country’s largest purveyor of historical technology. What does this mean? It means they sell a lot of items that are very difficult to find in our high tech world including (but not limited to) hand butter churns, historical toys, copper pots, crocks, gas refrigerators, oil lamps, wood stoves, ice tongs, and quilting frames. They sell all types of non-electric appliances.
They have a nice website, and you can request one of their non-electric catalogs. However, the best way to buy their products is to go to the main store. It is an experience that you should not miss if you have the chance. It is much more than a hardware store. A must if you are planning a trip to Ohio’s Amish Country.
2. Jungle Jim’s: Located just outside of Cincinnati, in Fairfield, Ohio, this is not just a store; it is an adventure. This “international market” offers food and beverages from all around the world including Ohio. This very large store is unique looking from the outside with part of the old monorail from King’s Island amusement park sticking out from the building. There is also a waterfall and colorful statues of animals including elephants and giraffes near the main entrance.
Inside there is all types of international food including cheeses, a large deli, wine, beer, meats, seafood, produce, organic, and so very much more. According to their website, the bakery produces around 700 loafs of Artisan Breads from scratch each Saturday and Sunday alone. That is not including all the other baked goods that are available. They even sell wonderful, freshly made caramel apples in the bakery area.
They also have cooking school. Also, if you can even arrange to have a guided tours with samples for $5/person. It is a foodie’s paradise.
3. Berdine’s Five and Dime: Located in the small town of Harrisville, WV, Berdine’s Five and Dime is truly like stepping back in time. According to their website, the store has been in continuous operation since 1908. They claim to be “America’s Oldest Dime Store.”
The old sale display/fixtures and old fashioned merchandise are remind you of the days gone past. There are some of my favorite toys like magnetic dogs, kazoos, recorders, and the dipping liquid-filled bird. There are loads of items packed into this small, fun store.
It is not far off US 50 between Parkersburg and Clarksburg, West Virginia. It is worth the trip.
4. American Science and Surplus: Okay, I have never actually been to this store, but my husband loves it. He has been to one in Chicago. There is also a store in Milwaukee.
I have only “shopped” via their website. They have tons of interesting and rather unique things. The prices seem very reasonable for the items that I can compare to some reference I know. However, I have no idea if $299 is a good price for a Tesla coil; I just know it was one of the most expensive items I saw. Plus, it is not something you pick up at Target.
What do they have? That is a hard question. It seems like lots of items in a variety of categories including lab equipment, crafts, robot supplies, school supplies, science kits, and on and on. You really just need to check out their website.
