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