After two weeks of being iced in and two more weeks of dreary weather, one of my best friends and I busted out of Kentucky and journeyed across the river to visit the Ohio Valley Antique Mall (OVAM) in Fairfield, Ohio. I had never heard of the place, but according to their website, it’s a big deal. And they are not exaggerating, it seems even larger than the TWO acres that it occupies in an otherwise mediocre strip mall just outside Cincinnati.
We got there around 11am and left around 3:30, so we didn’t see everything there is to see. Their theme for February is “Mid Century Modern,” so there were several displays of furniture and decor from that era. There was also a lot of spring/Easter items out, a little bit of St. Patrick’s Day here and there, and some Christmas which I suspect hang on year-round.
I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, just browsing. I also enjoy looking through books and records, and I’m also partial to nostalgia items from my childhood. There were a couple of booths with collector’s glasses that fast food places used to offer when I was a kid in the 80s. I still have mine and recognized a lot that I saw but there were a few that I hadn’t seen before. I also ran into one of my most beloved Christmas gifts-Barbie’s Corvette.
Most of the booths were neat and well-curated, with prices clearly identified and descriptions of the items. We both felt like prices were pretty fair. The items were a little different than what our local shops have: less glassware overall, less pottery, and except for a few minis, none of the nesting hens that are so popular here. There was a lot of furniture, lots of collectibles (a whole set of Hard Rock Cafe hurricane glasses, for example), and not surprisingly, a fair amount of Cincinnati Reds stuff. There was a lot of big pieces like vintage vending machines, gas pumps, etc. that gave it an almost museum-like experience. I saw one young lady curiously trying out a rotary phone.
I’m a sucker for vintage Christmas and there was a huge display of blow molds. I resisted the urge to buy one but I really loved a particularly mischievous looking mouse.
So what did I buy?
The first item that landed in my basket, was a Fiesta waffled egg shaped plate. It came with a free Easter bunny collectible. I don’t collect Fiesta ware but I do like it and I thought this plate would fit in nicely with some of my existing Easter decor.
Next, I picked up these two metal Corona buckets. I’m not a Corona drinker, but I thought they’d make cool planters for the pool deck.
The checkout line was long but moved quickly. The mall was well-staffed and efficient. Some dedicated employees wrapped up breakables while the cashier did their thing so they kept things moving.
If you decide to go, here are some tips/info:
Go early! It became progressively more crowded as the day went on which made it hard to look around.
Bring snacks. There is an on-site “cafe” which consisted of two women and a microwave. I had hoped for real concession stand popcorn, but nope, it was Act II. There are tables and chairs, vending machines, and a water fountain to refill your tumbler. There is a Wendy’s in the parking lot and a Burger King close by if you want to dash out for something heartier.
They have both carts and baskets for shopping. Some of the booths are tight, so I wouldn’t grab a cart unless you need one for a large purchase.
While I wouldn’t bring either myself, it’s apparently kid and dog-friendly.
Bathrooms were clean, which is always a plus.
Wear comfy shoes because there’s a lot of walking!
I definitely enjoyed my trip and look forward to going back this fall! Do you have a favorite place to go “junking”? Tell me all about it!
From the heart and from the holler,
Minda
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