Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall in Lancaster, Ohio is on my short list of favorites. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

I admit it — I have the collecting bug.

Some things I like to collect remind me of my childhood, like 1960s-era Matchbox cars. Others bring a sense of nostalgia for me, such as old metal signs and thermometers, soda pop bottles, root beer mugs, Ohio State glasses, record albums from the 1960s-1980s and other collectibles.

I also have collections of pocket knives, hardback books from favorite authors, stamps, coins and postcards. I have slowed my gathering instincts in recent years and I’ve even sold off my entire collection of golf balls that filled up about two shoeboxes. I would guess that none of my collections are particularly valuable, except to me.

There are many ways to acquire all these unnecessary but pleasurable trinkets and toys – Ebay, Facebook Marketplace and other online selling sites, old-fashioned live auctions, estate sales, yard and garage sales, flea markets and antique malls.

I’ve used all of these methods, but I have most often ended up at antique malls. Local vendors sell their wares at a central location, and customers can shop just like at any other store. Online purchases are just not as fun, and you have the added risk of whether to trust the unknown vendor on the other side of your computer screen.

Going to antique malls provides the thrill of the hunt. You never know what you might find at these places, and sometimes you get to meet the seller face to face. It’s just a fun thing to do in the winter, as long as the roads and weather are suitable.

White Pillars Antique Mall in Norwich, Ohio, is a former motel on the National Road. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

About 25 years ago, I began photographing barns, covered bridges and other Ohio scenes as a way of filling time and doing something I enjoyed. I then pursued selling framed prints of my best photos at a craft mall located in Logan, Ohio. Right next to that craft mall was an antique mall, and I usually found myself visiting there when I made monthly visits to the craft mall to check and replenish my inventory.

After that, I began collecting, going to many different antique malls all over the state of Ohio, and even a couple in West Virginia. I also attended flea markets and a couple live auctions. Live auctions are by far the most thrilling way of acquiring interesting items, if you are adventurous, patient and have an entire day to spend.

Flea markets are a blast, too. By far the absolute best flea market for antiques, vintage items and collectibles is the Springfield Antique and Flea Market, held monthly at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ohio. This is one of the best flea markets in the nation. The “extravaganza” shows, held in May and September, are mind-boggling. Plan to spend an entire day – or as long as your legs and cash will hold out — at this flea market.

Springfield is the epicenter of antiques and collectibles in Ohio. In addition to the flea market, it’s home to what’s claimed to be the largest antique mall in the nation, Heart of Ohio Antique Center, as well as Springfield Antique Center, which is also very large.

Antique malls and shops are typically small family-owned businesses. Many of them either struggled or closed permanently during and after the 2020-21 coronavirus pandemic, so when you shop at a local antique mall, you’re also helping the local economy.

So here are the top five favorite antique malls in Ohio that I have visited. You can find plenty more in Dusty Tires at Antique Malls and Shops.

Heart of Ohio Antique Center – “America’s Biggest and Best Antique Center,” this is truly a superstore with 122,000 square feet, more than 800 vendors and approximately 1,450 booths and showcases and a café area. 4785 E. National Road, Springfield (937) 324-2188.

Logan Antique Mall – More than 100 vendors and an always changing supply of quality antiques and collectibles in the Hocking Hills area. Located near other shops and Olde Dutch Restaurant at 12795 SR 664 S., Logan (740) 385-2061.

Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall – Located in a former shoe factory, this historic antique mall has 60,000 square feet and more than 200 vendors. If you like creaky wooden floors and a building with lots of character, you’ll love this place. 310 Forest Rose Ave., Lancaster (740) 687-1760.

Vogt General Store – This was once a general store, established in 1888. But for many years it’s been an antique shop in the heart of Amish Country that is full to the brim with dusty, rusty gold. If you come here, put on old clothes, gloves and get ready to dig. Bonus: it’s located close to Troyer’s Trail Bologna store and factory. 6501 SR 515, Trail (330) 893-2544.

White Pillars Antique Mall – Former Route 40 motel building has a full line of antiques and collectibles including glassware, lamps and lamp parts. Close by are White Pillars Christmas House, Zanesville Pottery, Mathews Antiques and National Road Flea Market. 7525 E. Pike (US 40), Norwich (740) 872-3720.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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