Downtown Wooster Has All This? (Yes, and Even More)

When my husband, Bobby, and I took our recent “stay-cation” we spent a few hours in downtown Wooster, Ohio. Let me say, that a few hours is really not long enough to see everything Wooster has to offer. We were, however, there long enough to get a reminder of how varying the establishments are.

We started our tour at the now closed First Amendment for what turned out to be our final taste of their terrific burgers. While I am sad to see it closed, I am glad to have had a chance to reminisce with Bobby about the good times we had shared there. You can read more about that here.

Here are a few places that we visited that day:

• Friendtique — This is a resale store with just about anything you can imagine. The profits go to support LifeCare Hospice. I had been looking for a lamp to replace the Tiffany lamp I had sitting on a table near our front door.  The lamp had to be sturdy enough to withstand five cats jumping up and down on the table. Turns out that I found the perfect one at Friendtique. Plus they gave me a deal, too!

• Motts Oils & More — Bobby and I had a great time learning about and tasting various balsamic vinegars and infused oils. Click here if you want to read more about that experience.

• Everything Rubbermaid — This is a favorite destination of mine whenever I spend time in downtown Wooster. I like to see all the different types of containers Rubbermaid has. I usually start on the fourth floor, as that is their bargains floor. Kids can enjoy playing on the third floor with the Rubbermaid toys. The second floor is primarily kitchen related. The first floor has industrial type equipment and sheds. Bobby and I actually almost bought a shed. It was marked down to a crazy low price. The only reason we didn’t is that we needed to make sure it could fit our bikes. Which it didn’t.

• Gallery in the Vault — I had never gone into the store before. It is a wondrous place with all kinds of different artwork. I recently found out that this store will be closing in just a few days (on January 23). I’m glad to have gotten the chance to see it before it closes. If you’re near Wooster I would suggest a visit there, if only to say you saw it, too. (Unfortunately, the business is no longer there.)

• Salvage Sisters — This store is in the lower level of Liberty Commons, near Templeton’s Bakery. The store is full of re-purposed furniture and other cool gift items. Two that caught my eye. One was the jewelry that was made from old silver utensils, like forks. The other were old books where the pages were folded to form different types of pictures or letters, like a heart or the word Hope with a cancer ribbon. (Hard to explain, but cool when you see it.) It looked like the owners would take orders and fold a book with any word you would like.
• Templeton’s Scottish Bakery and Coffeehouse — This bakery is also located on the lower level of Liberty Commons. It is a new establishment, that took over where Faithful Little Cupcakes used to be. (They moved to a different location in downtown Wooster.) Bobby and I enjoyed a Millionaire Shortbread and hot chocolate. Bobby had said the shortbread was good, but when I saw the one with chocolate and caramel, I had to try it! It was melt-in-your-mouth kind of good.

 

• White’s Jeweler’s — I don’t typically go to jewelry stores in general, but this time I was on a mission. I had found an old Bulova watch when I was doing some cleaning. It needed a new battery. This seemed like a perfect time to have it replaced–no pun intended! While I was waiting, I noticed their sign indicating that they have been a family owned business since 1928.
• Amish Country Essentials — I had visited this store at Window Wonderland in November, but hadn’t purchased anything. This time I was on a mission. I wanted to try one of their soaps to see if it would help my chronically dry winter skin. Each time I have gone in, there has been helpful staff who explained the different types of soaps and lotions and what they are good for. (Unfortunately, it is no longer in Wooster, but the company’s Berlin, Ohio, location remains open.)
• Local Roots Market and Cafe — I have seen this little shop grow over the years. It offers locally grown or raised foods as well as local artisan items. I picked up some local raw honey on this trip. They also offer a place to sit and relax, while enjoying lunch or coffee.

There are plenty of other places to visit in downtown Wooster. I’ve said it before, but I’m glad I live here. There is so much to see and do in this vibrant town. Can’t wait to check out some more places here. Do you have a place you always visit in Wooster? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.