The Hidden Treasures of Mahoning County
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Anyone who knows me, knows I live for road trips. Hitting the back roads, finding those local diners, enjoying small town events, exploring Main Streets, and especially searching for local shops offering hidden treasurers. So when the Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau reached out and asked if I would be interested in checking out a few of their “Hidden Treasures”, I did not hesitate. I loaded the car with my usual road trip necessities; map, cooler, water bottle, and cash. Filled up the tank and started motoring down the road to my first destination.
About the trail.
There are 16 different stops highlighted in the “Shopper’s Guide to Mahoning County’s Unique Antiques Scene”. The guide includes antique and consignment shops, as well as unique vintage, gift and collectible stops. You can receive a free copy of the shopping guide by visiting youngstownlive.com, or you can pick-up a guide along the way at any one of the stops.
Let’s go!
Here are just a few of the gems you will uncover around the Youngstown area.
LAND LION ANTIQUE MALL
Location: 489 N. Pricetown Rd., Lake Milton, OH 44412
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm | Sunday Noon-5pm
LEARN MORE.
Just off I-76 in Lake Milton, you will find the Land Lion Antique Mall. 12,000 sq. ft. filled with all kinds of antiques, collectibles, vintage items and more. They even have a phone booth, a knight riding a horse, outdoor statues, and even a “Grandmother’s Predictions” carnival game. If only I had room in my house.
Every step you take leads you to another vendor’s area, with even more unusual finds, as well as a few memories. To recap. If you are looking for that something, something, something, you will probably find it here.
MEANDER HILL ANTIQUES & GIFTS
Location: 20 N. Turner Rd., Austintown, OH 44515
Visit their website for open times.
LEARN MORE,
Not at all what I was expecting! The minute you exit your car, you just know that something wonderful is waiting for you inside. The fairytale room addition to the barn just adds to the already old world charm.
Step inside and you will be greeted by original barn flooring, stone walls and wooden beams.
JUST A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
In the mid 50’s Photographer Jack Rees purchased the 1860 dairy barn and overtime restored and converted the barn into his photography studio/antique shop. As time passed, the antiques and Williamsburg accessories eventually took over the barn, and in 1965 Meander Hill officially opened its doors as an Early American Home furnishings store.
In 2005, Jack’s son, Evan purchased the business which continues to feature many Early American home furnishings, craftsman pieces, candles, and more.
During the fall and holiday season, this once dairy barn is transformed into a delightful shopping experience selling everything from seasonal décor, beautiful home furnishings and more.
Truly a hidden treasure.
NORTH JACKSON ANTIQUES & UNIQUES
Location: 106 N. Salem Warren Rd., North Jackson, OH 44451
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
LEARN MORE
I had no idea that once I crossed the threshold of this antique shop, not only would I be greeted by the store’s resident cat, aka guide and welcoming committee; I would also be invited to learn about the various techniques of stenciling, transfers, and molds. I was even given the opportunity to stamp my own small cloth bag. I thought for a minute I was special, but K,C., the owner of shop, is known not only for her antique shop, she is also known to share her love of stenciling and crafts with others that happen to find there way to her door. The shop offers weekly classes in painting furniture and other decorative projects. (Drop-in anytime between 1-3, except Tuesdays.)
But let’s not forget in addition to all the refurbishing of furniture, the paints, molds, stencils, and classes, this shop is actually a place to find an eclectic selection of antiques, vintage glassware, jewelry, repurposed pieces, collectibles and home decor’. They even have a nice teacup selection, which is now down by one. It was a need.
I am so glad that K.C. decided to leave Colorado and move her shop to Ohio. She has created a fun shop to explore and more.
Holiday shopping idea:
Buy a gift certificate for one of the craft projects being offered by North Jackson Antiques & Uniques; or buy a gift certificate and include one of their rack cards with the 10% off your purchase listed on the back.
BIG DADDY’S ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
Location: 14250 W. Akron-Canfield Rd., Berlin Center, OH 44401
330.997.0004 | Facebook
Open select days.
Big Daddy’s has a nice selection of kitchen items including cookie jars, signs, furniture, home decorations, housewares, tools, and more. The store includes local vendor spots as well as the their own merchandise.
And yes, they even had a nice selection of tea cups. One holiday teacup and mini Santa tea pot later, I was on to my next stop.
THE CRACKED CROCK ANTIQUE SHOP
Location: 361 Lisbon St., Canfield, OH 44406
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-3pm
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A warm and inviting, beautifully decorated shop is what awaits you at The Cracked Crock. Although one of the smaller shops that I visited, just the attention to detail of the placement of all the antiques and handmade items give this store such a wonderful cozy holiday feeling. Take your time to browse. I found little treasures everywhere, including one-of-a-kind items, as well as a nice selection of primitive and vintage pieces.
The day of my visit shop owner Linda Matulek, was busy working on one of her very special projects. She was painstakingly adding a snowman design to an old screen door. During my visit Linda showed me how she felts her beautiful pillows. We talked about her past employment and how the store came about. Can you say the stars aligned and magic happened?
What I love about shopping small is that you get to know the owners and appreciate all their hard work and passion. It was such a pleasure meeting this shop owner and I look forward to returning again in my travels.
Purchase regret: One of the beautiful handmade pillows. Another reason I want to return.
But wait there is more…
THE KIDS ATTIC
Tucked away at the top of steps is a very special area called The Kids Attic. There you will find a delightful selection of children’s books, along with coordinating handmade items, like a child’s quilt made with coordinated book-themed fabric. Can a child ever have enough books?
SIDE TRIPS!
Side Trip 1:
Piccadilly Parlour Victorian Tearoom
Location: 114 S. Broad St., Canfield, OH 44406
Tele: 330.533.4749 | piccadillytearoom.com
If you love tea, call ahead, and make reservations at the Piccadilly Parlour Victorian Tea Room. This charming tearoom offers a nice selection of tea and menu options. A delightful place to rest, enjoy a tasty scone before heading out to find your next treasure. It’s also a great place to purchase a few holiday gifts for the tea lover on your list.
Side Trip 2:
TP Tools Auto Museum
Location: 7075 State Route 446,Canfield, OH 44406
1.800.321.9260 | LEARN MORE.
Open every Saturday from 10am to 3pm.
If your road trip brings you to the area on a Saturday, and you love cars, a pit stop at the TP Tools Auto Museum should be on your itinerary. Over 500 classic cars are on display. Don’t forget to bring your camera, because not only are you going to want to take photos of the cars, you are going to want to take photos of all the different store themes recreated. Did I mention FREE ADMISSION?
TP Tools Auto Museum | Photo credit: Tara Mady | YoungstownLive.com
WIZARD OF ODDS
Location: 10966 W. Akron-Canfield Rd., Canfield, OH 44406
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-4pm
LEARN MORE.
The “Yellow Brick Road” is waiting for you at the Wizard of Odds in Canfield. Antiques, glassware, records and players, jewelry, furniture, and collectibles can be found amongst all the various dealer displays. I even spotted pieces of Fiesta Dinnerware for those looking to add to their collections.
And just when you think you have been down all the aisles, there are side rooms to explore. Keep a look out for the bad witch. Seems she has stolen “Toto” once again.
KAREY’S VINTAGE STORE
Location: 6655 Stutz Dr., Canfield, OH 44406
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
LEARN MORE.
I didn’t know what to expect when I pulled into the parking lot of Karey’s Vintage Store. From the outside it looks more like an office building, but once you step inside you realize it is packed with home furnishings, vintage dishes, holiday decorations and more. There are plenty of unusual treasures to be found.
Holiday shopping idea:
Make sure you check out their collection of vintage cookie jars. Who wouldn’t want a vintage cookie jar stuffed with homemade cookies as a gift? This year, instead of buying plastic, give new life to an old dish or bowl. Fill it with candy or your favorite holiday treat. Have a friend who is not feeling well? Purchase a tea cup set, place in a basket or bag with flavored teas, a box of tissue, cans of soup and crackers, or a gift card to order out.
Hungry? May I suggest…
Giangelo’s Pizzeria Italian Restaurant & Bar
Location: 1315 Boardman-Canfield Rd, Youngstown, OH 44512
facebook.com/GIASPIZZERIA
Just a short ride from any of the Canfield stops, Giangelo’s Pizzeria Italian Restaurant & Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a nice dinner. During my visit I ordered a cup of Gam’s Crouton Soup (aka wedding soup), a chicken parmesan sandwich and side salad. Everything was delish. Yes, I forget to take a picture of the sandwich. Their other offerings include various pasta dishes, sandwiches, appetizers, soup & salads, pizza, calzones, Italian breaded chicken & wings, and more. You can view their menu online.
The restaurant is also right next door to the OH Donut Co. and the Spruce Home Decor & Gift Store. Two other stops in the area worth a visit.
MR. DARBY’S ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLE EMPORIUM
Location: 8574 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday 11am-5pm
LEARN MORE.
What can we say about Mr. Darby’s? My first encounter with Mr. Darby’s was when I led a bus group there and I had to round-up the stragglers who couldn’t stop shopping. Our poor bus driver. There was even a large table that came back on the bus with us. I still regret not buying the “Bigfoot Research Center” sign to hang in my office.
It’s been a few years since that visit and I am not sure how Mr. Darby’s found room to add even more vendors. I have a few friends that if they saw the collection of cast iron cookware and vintage bowls, they would be in their glory.
Mr. Darby’s is packed full of home decorations, cookware, furniture pieces, holiday decorations, tableware, home furnishings, and yes, even a large selection of Fiesta Dinnerware in various colors.
You can view a collection of store offerings on their website, but visiting in person is much better. Save the postage!
One of the things I have always enjoyed when visiting antique and vintage shops is coming across pieces that I own, like the butter churner pictured. Mine was handed down to me from my grandmother. I am not sure if that makes me vintage? Question for another day.
I wish I would have had more time to visit all the shops on the list for this article, but I do plan on going back and visiting a few more that were not open on the day I made my road trip to the area.
Finding those “Hidden Treasures” always makes for a great road trip! Perfect one, two or more day getaway.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Go online and request your guide. (The guides are also available at the various stops, but its nice to plan ahead.)
- Check open times for the places you want to stop. Not all shops are open everyday.
- Bring a cooler just in case you stop at a local market or eatery along the way.
- Bring cash for those stops that may not take credit cards.
- The turnpike (I-80) is nearby if you are driving that route. Don’t forget your EZ-Pass transponder if you have one.
MAKE IT A GETAWAY!
Not only can you enjoy treasure hunting, there are plenty of other unique stops that you are sure to enjoy in and around Youngstown, like The Butler Institute of American Art (admission is free); Fellows Riverside Gardens (admission is free); Arms Family Museum, OH WOW! Children’s Center for Science, and more.
Need help planning your excursion? Reach out to our friends at YoungstownLive.com.
Article and photos, unless noted by: MyOhioFun.com
Diane is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun received compensation from the Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau as well as banner advertising. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
