As sad as it may be, many of the classic mom and pop shops from our childhood are no longer around. Those places we used to visit with our grandparents, who had likely visited them as a child as well, just haven't been able to survive in modern society. Thankfully, there are a still few nods to our past around town, and one of them is just a short drive away in Bethel. Ben Franklin is a craft store and five and dime near Cincinnati that is still cherished by many and is a lovely trip back in time.
Ben Franklin Crafts is a third generation, family-owned shop located in Bethel. As it was in the past, you can find a little bit of everything inside this charming shop.
There are a few Ben Franklin stores left in the country, but it's one of those places that you'll likely be surprised to see still open. However, locals love this place and countless memories have been made inside its walls.
If you love a good craft shop, then you'll love the inside of Ben Franklin. Not only do they sell fabrics and many items to go along with them, but each aisle is also stocked with treasures - and some pretty unexpected ones.
Ben Franklin is one of the few stores where you can still purchase games, puzzles, and model toys right off the shelf. With so much online shopping these days, it is refreshing and even nostalgic to walk inside and browse the unique items.
And like any good five and dime, don't forget to check out the candy selection. The old-fashioned sweets will definitely bring back memories, and you can't beat the cost for a few pieces of your favorite.
Ben Franklin is also a great seasonal store, so you may want to plan a visit around Halloween or Christmas. You'll find costumes, decor, and gift items that you won't find anywhere else.
Have you ever been working on a project or needed an item for something and thought, "Where in the world can I get this?" The answer is probably Ben Franklin Crafts. Luckily, this five and dime is still around and you can take a step back in time for yourself with just a short drive from Cincinnati.
Ben Franklin Crafts is surviving thanks to a family-owned atmosphere and loyal customers who enjoy stepping back in time. Did you know this five and dime was still around? What similar stores from the past do you miss? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Ben Franklin Crafts is located at 305 W Plane St., Bethel, OH 45106. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on Sunday.
And while you're in Bethel, check out this wonderful winery, featured in a previous article here.
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