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Monday, August 23, 2010

Ohio Trip(Longaberger)...

I realized I hadn't shared our trip to Ohio with you. While most of the trip was spent visiting with my parents and going to little shops around their home, we did head over to the Longaberger Homestead. I had been there about 7 years ago and thought it would be fun to go again. Hubby and my oldest son decided to stay at my parent's home, as this wasn't quite their cup of tea, but my parents and the rest of us went. It's about an hour's drive from their home. I'm not a Longaberger collector, though I do have about 6 of their baskets. I'm happy they are American made, I just think the price is a bit silly.


So, as you are heading there, the first thing you see is their corporate headquarters building, a giant "basket" beside the freeway. You can see the handles peaking over the treeline a long ways away.
The kids thought this was really "cool".
Then it is about a 12 mile drive until you get to the homestead, out in the middle of nowhere!


Here is a pic of the some of the kids inside the main store right outside the toystore.
This is an old barn on the grounds. It used to house lots of craft vendors and the horse stalls held the basket makers who (for a fee) would help you make your own basket. All that is now gone, it's just holds some sale merchandise now and a small cafe.
Just in front of the main store is a "small" basket to take a photo in. Here are 6 of my munchkins with my parents.
The grounds are really beautiful and perfectly manicured. I wish I had taken more pics of them and the buildings. As you can see, we were one of the few people there. It was like being in an old fashioned town that was deserted. The store had barely anything it, not like it was 7 year ago. I fear they may be going under, or at least the homestead part of it. It's a shame too, because it is very pretty and quaint. It just so far out and they really don't have anything to bring the people in anymore(not in this economy).
Here is looking down the "main street". At the end is a GIANT basket of apples. (again, see the lack of people, this should be their busy season)
And here are my munchkins in front of it...
We didn't take the factory tour as the kids were getting hot and hungry, so maybe there were people and more excitement over there.

All in all, I'm glad we ventured out there, because I don't know how much longer it will be there.



Have a lovely day,

Tiff

6 comments:

  1. Looks like you had a wonderful time Tiff.We went there once but I dont have any of the baskets,they are so pricey.have a great week.what a quite day its been here.No kids they went back to school today.YEAH!so nice and peaceful ,lol.blessings michelle

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  2. I love Longaberger and you are right their prices are a bit silly...I have about 30 baskets and some of the pottery and wrought iron as well..but I have quit buying it unless I see it at a garage sale for $5.00..it is a beautiful place and sad that all of these businesses are failing due to this crappy economy...have a wonderful week..;)

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  3. I used to collect Longaberger. At the time, my boss was a rep for them, so I got everything at her cost, and other things at hostes costs when I had parties. The prices really are expensive, but I love them.

    I have always wanted to visit the Homestead one day. Love your photos!

    Enjoy your week!
    ~Carolyn

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  4. Great pictures - I want to see this for myself someday. I love their baskets but I agree the prices are too much for me nowadays.

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  5. Aww, It's good you decided to go and I'm glad you took photos and shared them with us all. I've never been there, but seeing your photos is enough for me. They are too costly for me.
    Hugs~Carol

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  6. Looks like you all had a wonderful time on your trip to Ohio. We just came back from there as well, although sadly we weren't doing any sight seeing. I'd like to take some time next time we go to see some of the area and maybe visit an Amish community.
    It's too bad that Longerberger was so
    deserted. :(
    I hope you're enjoyingthis bit of warm weather.
    Blessings~ Birgit

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