Several small towns close to Cincinnati offer some of the best antique shopping outside of the city. In general, we have found the best antique stores to be right in Cincinnati, because the supply of antiques is simply much better in a larger city. We have also seen at least four billboards that advertise an antique mall to be the "biggest in the nation." How could all four of them be the biggest? Two of them turned out to be major disappointments. However, the following places shouldn't be missed in your tour of antique shops in the Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky tri-state area. All of the sites reveiwed below are a benefit to the Cincinnati area antiques region.

Lebanon, Ohio

Take the Monroe exit off of 75 and head east. The city of Lebanon is located about 30 minutes north of Cincinnati, off 71, just beyond Kings Island. The main street and numerous side streets are full of antique shops and malls. Many other stores selling crafts, candles, and textiles help fill in the gaps in your shopping. Lebanon is normally home to about 30 shops. Have lunch or dinner at the famous "Golden Lamb" restaurant. Lebanon is loved by shoppers for its small-town charm, especially around Christmas. While you are there, drive up some of the side streets and check out the historic homes in the neighborhood. The official website is www.lebanonantiques.com.

Miamitown, Ohio

Although smaller than Lebanon, Miamitown normally has about 8-10 shops that are definitely worth visiting. Its only about 15 minutes west of Cincinnati on Ohio S 128, just of exit 7 north of the I-74 275 interchange. You can spend a few hours here and then head back to Cincinnati or over to Lebanon. There are a few craft and specialty shops to support the antique market.

Waynesville, Ohio

You can drive North on either 75 or 71, and take the Waynesville exit. We have timed it both ways and it seems to be about the same. You're looking for State Route 73. Waynesville calls itself the "Antiques Capital of the Midwest", and for once it may be true. Prepare to spend a full day of easy shopping--almost all the shops are right on the main street, so you can park in one spot, tour up and down the street, and end up back at your car. Many of the 30 or so shops are in historic storefronts or in historic homes along the street. They also have a few art galleries with better-than-usual selections of fine oil paintings and other artworks. A few specialty shops cater to repair and craft items.

Two great restaurants will easily satisfy your appetite: the famous Hammel House Inn and the Der Dutchman Restaurant (for great German family-style eating!) There are other area attractions, including Caesar Creek State Park, about a mile away, and the Renaissance Festival, about two miles away.

Madison, Indiana

This is a bit of a drive but a nice day trip. It takes about an hour along scenic river route 56. If you're coming down from the north take route 50 west to 421 south and it's a bit faster. There are several respectable antique shops here and a couple of malls definitely worth browsing. The area is historic and the old buildings are definitely worth seeing. Stay in a bed and breakfast during their summer home and garden tour in May. Some of the historic bed and breakfast mansions offer a suite with river views, exquisite breakfast, and canopy beds. But book early because the bed and breakfasts sell out early. Don't miss the historic Laier Mansion (national historic landmark). Don't miss the wineries, especialy the Ovo Cafe. Famous for the Lumber Mill Antique Mall, Evan Sommerfeld Antiques, and the large Broadway Antique Mall. The official website is www.visitmadison.org.