Birthday Thrifting and Antiquing in Ohio

This weather has been so frustrating for me. I love to be able to pop in to the newest thrift store, and all the snow and cold has not made that easy.

So for my birthday, my husband decided to take me to a few antique malls in Ohio.

First we stopped in Findley at the Jeffreys Antique Gallery. Was a nice size mall right off the highway. Every time I have gone south on 23/75 I would wistfully glance at the mall, hoping for a stop. It was a nice large mall, with prices all over the place, depending on dealer. I was on the lookout for some pyrex and kitchen things to add to my collection. I found a yellow dot bowl; need the blue and green to finish my set. Also found a 404 butterprint to finish the bowl set my mom had given me; she had broke hers long ago. and a couple other small pieces. I also picked up a childhood tiny toy I had, a Porky Pine; A Walt Kelly character from POGO the comic strip that was a give away by Proctor and Gamble in 1969 when you bought shampoo or dishwashing soap.

Then we went down to Wapakoneta to the Auglaize Antique Mall. The town was small, with some abandoned machinery type plants. But we went into the downtown area. The buildings were those great old brick kind, lots of character and charm. There were actually 5 shops with old things. The only one that proved fruitful was the large mall. Nice people running it. Found a salt and pepper jadite set with tulips on them, many other pieces of pyrex, including one of my Holy Grail pieces; Green Wheat! Only $12. It did not have a lid or cradle, but I basically skipped with joy to the cash register.

We then had a great evening stay at the Hampton in Lima. We ate supper at Olive Garden and I had a toasted marshmallow chocolate martini and the lasagna. Then we checked in and went down to the hot tub, which we had all to ourselves. It was wonderful to just soak in the bubbly goodness after a long day of antiquing. Afterward we made some hot tea and had a couple of freshly baked white chocolate raspberry cookies from the front desk. We then settled in for the evening and watched some basketball.

Saturday we got up and ate breakfast. It was a standard waffle, and hot oatmeal with walnuts, raisins and cinnamon sugar. There also were eggs and cheese in a round shape to put on top a bagel with a sausage patty. Not half bad.

Next stop was Springfield. And there was a snow advisory out. The roads had a bit of icy patches, as it was sort of freezing rain coming down. But we pushed on.

 I had read on Martha Stewart about the Heart of Ohio mall. So I was really eager to see it for myself.  It was a huge place right off the highway.
First impressions....well they are all about security there. I am unsure if they have a ton of theft, but they have people standing guard at the exit and entrance. No large purses or bags. Since it is winter, I had a bulky coat on. Man I was followed around, finally my husband just took my coat to the car. Prices were high I felt. I wonder if it was due to the rent being high?
Anyway, I bought 3 items; a glass figurine of Lady (Disney) from the early 80's parks, a 403 friendship bowl (been wanting something from this pattern for a long time, but never seen anything under 20) and a 403 spring blossom. Overall I was disappointed, and probably wont ever go back.

We then went to the sister mall of the Findley one. Springfield Antique Center. Not as nicely organized, but I managed to navigate myself around. Prices were much more in line with what I thought they should be.
I found a Fire King Tulip bowl. Have wanted one since I saw it on pinterest. For $20, I will take it. It had one tiny smudge on one flowers, but I can look past that. They are so pricey every time I saw one, about $50-75, even faded and damaged ones. And the full set goes for $120-210. That was my only purchase, but I did see many things I could have brought home.

Here is a picture of all my goodies;