Shopping Miamitown

CHRISTY SCHUTTE | CIN WEEKLY CONTRIBUTOR

Ever wonder where the word 'knick-knack' came from? Well, it quite possibly originated here in Cincinnati, in a tiny little shopping strip in Miamitown, where knick-knacks, antiques and collectibles line the shelves and overflow into stairwells in shops.

(No research was actually done about the origination of the word - I've just never seen so many knick-knacks in all my life).

If you're looking for a unique and interesting gift, or if you have a passion for antiques or collectibles, you'll want to spend an afternoon shopping in Miamitown, which is mainly known for its many antique shops.

NAN DEE'S TREASURES
6756 Ohio 128
(513) 353-9597

As owner Nancy Dog Holmes puts it, "You name it; we got a little bit of everything." In each of the seven rooms, you'll find a few pieces of antique furniture, such as a large possum-belly cabinet from around 1910 ($895).

You can buy antique hats at Nan Dee’s Treasures. (Photo by Meggan Booker/CiN Weekly)

Holmes specializes in smaller items, such as fine dishes, antique collectibles, new collectibles, pottery, cut glass, lamps, pictures, plates, records, ash trays, swanky swigs, soda bottles, decanters, sheet music, books, furniture, cups, plates and Christmas collectibles.

Her prices range from $1.50 all the way up to $1,200, so you're bound to find something that's within your budget.

She has a nice collection of blue and pink-colored glass Fenton collectibles, including vases ($18 to $28), a unique antique Trico Japanese tea set from the 1920s ($145) and ceramic hand-painted Lefton mugs ($40), figurines ($40) and dishes ($25) from the 1950s.

And remember all those cartoon character drinking glasses from fast food restaurants in the 1980s? Well, she even has a collection of those.

HOURS: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

GLASS CREATIONS
6786 Ohio 128
(513) 353-4455

"The Lady and the Tiger" is a $15,000 stained-glass from Glass Creations. (Photo by Meggan Booker/CiN Weekly)

This stained-glass studio has some beautiful and extraordinary items. The shop, which has been in business for 20 years, also teaches jewelry-making and stained-glass classes and sells supplies to hobbyists.

The front room of the store has slates of stained glass in a wide array of colors, where you can buy your own creations or pick out something to be custom made. The store sells items, such as jewelry (from $15), that have been handmade by the owners, Steve and Diann Cottrill, as well as items, such as sun catchers (many for $22.95), from various companies throughout the United States.

One item appropriate for a wedding gift is a framed wedding invitation with pressed flowers in stained glass ($40). Some really beautiful and colorful blown-glass balls (small, $22.95 and large, $44.95) looked fascinating hanging in the window.

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday

HOMEMADE IN THE COUNTRY
8028 W. Mill St.
(513) 353-4037

This store, which is an old house that uses the kitchen and rooms as part of its display, is quaint and cozy - just like you'd picture a country home should be. If you love candles, this shop is for you. From the moment you walk in, the delicious smells start sending subliminal messages that Dutch apple pie or pecan praline scented candles are a must-have for your home. Shop owner La Vonne Weiss says that the store specializes in country decorating accessories and has "anything to make your home comfy." I found Yankee Candles and some that look like cinnamon rolls ($12.98), skillets and pies ($16.98). The store also has country cards ($1.98), various pictures, home décor, pottery, Christmas decorations, baskets, bath salts, lotions and body creams. It even offers a nice variety of Country Warm Colored Paint for your home. This store offers a Valued Customer Program where if you buy into the program for $20, you're entitled to 20 percent off all of your purchases.

HOURS: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10:30
a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

MERRY'S GO ROUND ANTIQUES
6818 Ohio 128
(513) 353-1119

At Merry’s Go Round Antiques, an antique oak cabinet contains a Staffordshire dish set. (Photo by Meggan Booker/CiN Weekly)

This 150-year-old building has two floors of antique furniture, glassware, pottery, books, dolls, toys and collectibles. I found it had an especially nice collection of furniture.

One of the owners, Mary Rueve, said that was the store's biggest draw for customers.

Another owner, Jim Diersing, is knowledgeable about antique books and offers a nice collection ($2 to $10); he said this was the next best reason shoppers came to the store.

The store has beautiful antique chairs ($150 each), tables ($100 to $200), mantels ($350) kitchen hutches and china cabinets ($500 to $600).

HOURS: Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

GUIDO'S RESTAURANT
8007 Ohio 128
(513) 353-9900

If you're looking for a place to take a lunch break, some local folks might send you in the direction of this family restaurant, home to the "Miamitown Burger" ($3.55). Naturally, if you're going to Guido's, you have to try this 'giant burger with lots of stuff on it,' as one local shop owner put it. The menu also offers a large variety of lunch meat double-decker sandwiches ($3.90). If the no-carb trend is more your style, Guido's has a few salad options ($1.75-$4.75).

HOURS: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday - Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday