Cleveland has its fair share of incredible antique stores, but there's one Northeast Ohio antique shop that's worthy of a journey a few times a year. With thousands of square feet of space and hundreds of antique dealers peddling collectibles, oddities, and tchotchkes, you truly never know what you're going to find in this space. Each visit is a treasure hunt with new discoveries waiting to be made! Pull on your comfiest walking shoes, fuel up with some good food, and let's get ready to walk this massive antique mall near Cleveland.
In an unassuming strip mall near the I-71 overpass in Medina sits a building with an almost Streamline Moderne flair.
This is the Medina Antique Mall. For more than a quarter of a century, it has overlooked Route 18 and tempted unsuspecting shoppers with its massive collection. And when I say massive, I mean massive!
As soon as you step inside, however, you'll find yourself surrounded by 52,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles.
The Medina Antique Mall is one of my favorite shopping centers in Medina County, and it's a bit dangerous for people like you and me. There are so many tempting trinkets that it's good to set a budget before you visit, because it's easy to go wild here.
With more than 500 dealer spaces and more than two decades of business, the Medina Antique Mall is one of the most trusted destinations near Cleveland for a treasure hunt.
You can start the treasure hunt by following the Medina Antique Mall on Facebook, as they post regular updates of their offerings. However, their collection is ever-evolving, and something you see might be snatched up by a savvy shopper before you make it out. You'll want to come with an open mind!
The newest things here are from the 1990s, but the oldest... well, some things seem downright ancient.
Vintage and antique items line the shelves, from comics and toys to stained glass and jewelry. Quality varies from "upcycle worthy" to flawless, so the price point can range from mere pocket change to thousands of dollars. Know where your budget stands and, if you decide to buy something big like furniture, have a plan to get it home.
Some of the dealer spaces are thoughtfully curated with a specific theme in mind.
Personally, I love vintage clothing, but local consignment stores can get a bit pricey. Sometimes, you'll find an incredible deal on wearables at the antique mall, so it's worth doing some digging if you enjoy vintage fashion.
Others are filled to the brim with a wide variety, challenging your inner sleuth to a scavenger hunt.
Books, glassware, furniture, knickknacks... truly, there's a little bit of everything in this 52,000 square foot space.
Many antique afficionados come here looking for local objects, and there's no shortage of them.
From vintage license plates to signs and merch from long-standing local businesses, the Northeast Ohio presence is incredibly strong here. I've spotted tons of Medina County records and photographs here, too!
However, antiques from all over the world line their shelves, so there's always at least one thing in this massive space that will speak to you.
If international treasure hunting sounds appealing, you've found your new favorite one-stop-shop. There's a great deal of Asian and European history hidden here, too, so don't be afraid to look closely and see what's hiding on the shelves.
However, to effectively scour this huge building, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind.
First of all, don't touch the glassware if you're not planning on buying it. It's super easy to drop something or knock it off the shelf, so use the utmost caution. If you're bringing kids or a grownup looky-loo who has to look with their fingers, a buddy system will be to your benefit.
Wear comfortable shoes, because you're going to be walking across thousands of square feet of carpeted concrete.
And if you want to stop and take a break, don't expect to be able to sit on a lot of the antique furniture. Instead, swing by the cafe in the back of the store for some sweets and sips.
If you're carrying a purse or a bag, opt for a small one. It's easy to bump into things in the tightly-packed space.
Some booths are packed so tightly that squeezing inside is a gamble. Keep your bag close to your body so you don't bump into something, and always be aware of your surroundings. It's okay to divide and conquer this space over several trips... sometimes, that's the best way to get a great view of everything the store has to offer!
Come to have fun, because there's no shortage of adventure at the Medina Antique Mall.
You can visit this incredible local landmark at 2797 Medina Rd, Medina, OH, 44256. It's right off the highway, so come planning to have fun... and with future visits in mind, too!
This massive antique mall near Cleveland is worthy of a few visits each year, as its offerings are ever-rotating. You truly never know what you're going to find!
Do you love discovering oddities and antiques? Treat yourself to a trip to Dittrick Medical History Center right in Cleveland!
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