Historic Downtown Urbana

Urbana’s downtown Monument Square shopping district is in the National Register of Historic Places. The oldest downtown building, constructed in 1811, served as military headquarters during the War of 1812 and today houses Carmazzi’s Delicatessen and Candy Store, a classic general store and family-owned business since 1893. The downtown features a diverse selection of boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, locally-owned restaurants and a farmers’ market—plus several special celebrations, including  Art Affair on the Square, a juried event that attracts artists from across the state on the third Saturday of July.

In Darke County, visit Greenville’s KitchenAid Factory to see how the number one American-made stand mixer is produced. The one-hour guided tour takes visitors from the machine shop through the assembly line and on to customer service. Then visit the KitchenAid Experience and take part in the live cooking demonstrations and hands-on projects. Shop the world’s largest selection of first-quality and refurbished KitchenAid products - everything for the serious cook. Many other fine specialty shops and restaurants are found in historic downtown Greenville.

For information, contact Darke County Visitors Bureau 800.504.2995, www.visitdarkecounty.org; www.kitchenaid.com/experience

You’ll find hours of great shopping, food, and fun at this unique stop. Niekamp’s Farm and Flea Market, south of Celina, features 55,000 square feet of flea market, firearms & sporting goods and specialty items all under roof. The lively farm market offers Amish meats & cheeses, a complete line of turkey products, bulk candy & snacks, and private label items. Have dinner with tasty homemade foods and crispy fried chicken, as well as fresh bakery products. Open year round, seven days a week.

For more information, contact Auglaize and Mercer Counties CVB at 800.860.4726, www.seemore.org; www.niekamp.com

The Wapakoneta Antique and Specialty Shops are quietly nestled in the midst of historic downtown buildings. Hunt for unique treasures and gifts at the multi-dealer Auglaize Antique Mall, with 200 booths and showcases, and more than a dozen other shops within easy walking distance of pubs, eateries and historic sites, including the beautiful Auglaize County Courthouse. From handmade candles and dolls, to buttons, to original art pieces, to antique toys and primitives, there’s something for all interests in downtown Wapakoneta.

For information, contact the Auglaize and Mercer Counties CVB, 800.860.4726, or visit the websites, www.seemore.org; www.wapakoneta.com

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Marie’s Candies in West Liberty! The third generation is now involved with the family business that now offers over 80 varieties of chocolates, including assortments and custom corporate gifts. Each guest receives a free delicious sample. Staff members share an interesting history of the candy industry.

Information is available at www.mariescandies.com or from the Logan County Convention & Tourist
Bureau at 888.564.2626 or www.seelogancounty.com

Visit DeShia for all your country, primitive, and traditional décor for your home. They have so much to choose from including candles by Yankee, McCalls, and Swan Creek Soy Candles; framed prints; dried and silk florals; Boyds and Bearington Bears, Willow Tree Angels, furniture; quilts, baskets, rugs, birdhouses, wreaths, gourmet foods, & so much more. They are also an authorized dealer of Vera Bradley accessories & an independent distributor of Senegence International products. Come browse their shoppe, then relax in The Gathering Room Café while sampling a selection of gourmet foods & refreshing beverages.

Contact the Van Wert Area CVB at 877.989.2282

Located in Sidney, Allison’s Custom Jewelry offers a stunning display of gems of all kinds. They specialize in quality certified diamonds, colored gemstones, platinum and silver jewelry. Tours offer an insightful view of the business from both sides of the counter, and questions from guests are highly encouraged. Four GIA trained employees are on staff full-time to assist customers. Jewelry design services are available as well as repair, sizing and engraving. Visit the “Diamond Mine”, with sparkling walls of quartz crystal and a flowing stream.

Contact the Sidney Visitors Bureau 866.892.9122, www.visitsidneyshelby.com; www.allisonscustomjewelry.com

Originally named in honor of William Henry Harrison (Tippecanoe), Tipp City owes it’s history to the Miami and Erie Canal. The canal & locks are just east of downtown, which now boasts some of the finest shopping in Miami County. Antiques, nostalgia, memorabilia & collectibles line the shelves of Tipp City’s quaint shops. Folk art & Amish furniture, along with prints, jewelry, pottery & baskets are featured in nearly two dozen downtown locations. Visit the Hotel Gallery, where 15 shops feature work by local artisans. Specialty food shops & cafes dot the historic streets where “casual” is the order of the day.

Contact the Miami County VCB 800.348.8993, www.visitmiamicounty.org.

The downtown district of Bellefontaine has many sites unique to Logan County including the First Concrete Street, the Shortest Street, the Logan County Courthouse and the historic Holland Theatre (by reservation only). The Holland Theatre is the only Dutch-style atmospheric theater in the United States, and perhaps the only one existing in the world. While downtown, stop at various coffee shops and retail stores including Peachtree Books & Co. for a memorable shopping experience. The Black Tie Café, a downtown eatery, offers tuscan-style with excellent food & service.

Contact Logan County Convention & Tourist Bureau 888.564.2626 & visit www.seelogancounty.com

Old-fashioned small town friendliness with big town variety make Apple Tree Gallery a perfect stop for antiques, home décor and gifts for every holiday season, especially Christmas. Located in the heart of Piqua's National Historic District, this uniquely beautiful, locally owned Christmas store has glowing hardwood floors and perfectly restored tin ceilings—the perfect backdrop for their huge variety of specialty items for every taste and budget. Opening in 1994 as a general antique store, the business stands today as a destination for antique lovers & collectors of fine blown glass & European ornaments. Many wonderful events take place upstairs including Piqua's "Victorian Christmas" event.

Contact Miami County Visitors Bureau at 800.348.8993; & visit www.visitmiamicounty.org