America’s Heartland is a shopper’s paradise.
Deeply embedded in the Midwest are makers and chefs who, through their products, reflect their city’s culture, such as at Cleveland’s West Side Market. Other spots, like Legends Outlets Kansas City, combine designer stores with entertainment and professional sports. At Shipshewana Flea Market, shopping surpasses expectations with more than 400 vendors. Galena’s Main Street delights visitors who may feel as if they’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie, while history adds its own twist to goods found throughout the Amana Colonies’ seven villages.
West Side Market
Cleveland, Ohio
Dubbed the “Cathedral to Food,” West Side Market is the largest and oldest continuously operating public market in Cleveland, Ohio. Built in 1912 in the historic Ohio City neighborhood, the market’s impressive arched Guastavino tile ceiling, created by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino, delights the eyes. Simultaneously, more than 70 purveyors delight the senses, and locals regularly shop alongside visitors. Vendors include the much-loved Pierogi Palace; Ohio City Pasta, which has a teaching kitchen and event space; J&J Czuchraj Meats, selling its famous jerkies; and Theresa’s Bakery’s, boasting awesome apple fritters.
Relish Cleveland Tours offers a three-hour Ohio City Tour focusing on the market and its roots, which are embedded in the surrounding neighborhoods.
“We introduce several vendors who talk about the history here, and how the market has been shaped by the many cultures in Cleveland with their different cuisines,” said Susan Chapo, owner and chief experience officer for Relish Cleveland. “People can then zero in on vendors they want to buy from for take-home or to enjoy eating here. Tours also go up to the balcony for a bird’s-eye view of the market and the amazing architecture while tasting Franks’ Bratwurst.”
After the market, visitors can pop into several neighborhood breweries and coffee shops. Just north, Hingetown’s locally owned shops beg to be explored. Nearby, Victorian-era Franklin Castle claims to be one of the most haunted houses in America and offers guided tours. Several miles away, the captivating Rock & Roll Hall of Fame explores the evolution of music.
Legends Outlets Kansas City
Kansas City, Kansas
In Kansas City, Kansas, Village West combines Legends Outlets Kansas City with loads of entertainment. Boasting more than 100 outlet stores, from Coach to Levi’s, as well as dining and entertainment options, the mall’s fountains and courtyards offer spots to relax and enjoy a sweet treat.
Within the complex, Sporting Kansas City, a men’s Major League Soccer team, plays their home games at the adjacent 18,500-seat Children’s Mercy Park stadium, and NASCAR races take place at the Kansas Speedway. Catering to all types of entertainment, there’s an AMC theater, First Amendment Brew HaHa comedy club, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, and Dave & Buster’s arcade and sports bar with event space. For the perfect hub within Village West, groups can stay at the newly opened Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City.
“It’s our full-service hotel with a resort-style indoor-outdoor pool, fire pits, hammocks, lawn games and private cabanas,” said Ritz Dasgupta, senior manager, integrated marketing communications for Visit Kansas City, Kansas. “The indoor pool has a basketball hoop, climbing wall and a retractable NinjaCross obstacle course. Plus, guests can enjoy arcade games at the hotel’s Fin City Family Entertainment Center.”
In addition to excellent shopping and entertainment, Kansas City melds a dynamic blend of Midwestern hospitality and history. Its diverse ethnic neighborhoods showcase an intermingling of cultures. Vistors can explore the Eastern European neighborhood of Strawberry Hill, taste Latino cuisine on Taco Trail bus tours or learn about the history of the Underground Railroad in Kansas.
Shipshewana Flea Market
Shipshewana, Indiana
Spanning 30 football fields, the Shipshewana Flea Market in Shipshewana, Indiana, is one of the largest Midwest flea markets. Treasures abound for every budget and taste. New, repurposed and vintage finds span home décor, clothing, plants, tools, bulk foods, signage and luggage. It’s open May through September on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; the Monday of Memorial Day and Labor Day; and one weekend in June and August. Events include three seasonal Ship-Chic Craft Shows, a year-end Lights of Joy celebration and several swap meets.
“Instead of trying to wander 400 stalls, my tip is to check out the vendor directory and make a Top 10 shopping list,” said Lora Gates, marketing director for Shipshewana Trading Place. “Also, some vendors come in for a short time and aren’t part of the directory, so it’s always a new shopping experience. If groups stay at our Farmstead Inn overnight, they can experience both the market and auction.”
Year-round on Wednesdays, six to nine auctioneers simultaneously sell thousands of antiques and collectibles at the Shipshewana Antique and Miscellaneous Auction. Livestock and horse auctions are held weekly. Food trucks and covered food courts with picnic tables serve up American fare, such as barbecue chicken, sloppy Joes and fried pies. At the main entrance, the Auction Barn Restaurant features comfort food.
Historic Main Street
Galena, Illinois
Voted one of “America’s Best Main Streets” by Fodor’s Travel, the Main Street in Galena, Illinois, deserves the accolades. More than 125 storefronts feature clothing, jewelry, collectibles and cuisine. The “Illinois Made” program showcases Illinois creators and artisans such as those found at Eshelman Pottery, where simple, lead-free vessels take center stage. Galena Spoon Co. features new and vintage hand-carved wooden spoons and handcrafted kitchen boards and bowls. Shoppers can watch spoon-carving demonstrations or opt for a three-hour spoon-carving class. Studio workshops at Board & Brush feature a variety of DIY wood signs for a one-of-a kind souvenir.
“Our Main Street is steeped in history and looks much as it did in the 1800s,” said Fallon Oldenburg, vice president of marketing at Galena Country Tourism. “It’s very hilly and picturesque and reminds visitors of a Hallmark movie. Approximately 85% of our buildings and homes in the historic district are on the National Historic Register.”
Guided walking ghost tours feature a historian recounting authentic stories from Galena’s past and present. Amelia’s Under the Lamplight Dinner Theater features three-course meals and is located near a variety of restaurants, ice cream shops and coffee houses. Blaum Bros. Public House, an extension of the Blaum Bros. distillery, offers wine, high-end craft cocktails and craft beer on tap. Visitors can cap off a day of shopping at Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery’s downtown tasting room or at the winery’s nearby vineyard, where groups can take tours or linger on the wraparound deck while sipping a glass of wine.
Amana Colonies
Amana, Iowa
Established in the mid-1800s, the Amana Colonies in the Iowa River valley are among the nation’s longest-lived communal societies. This German community boasts historic buildings and small shops, many owned by descendants of the original settlers via the Amana Society. They stock quality goods created using centuries-old techniques. The High Amana General Store looks much as it did in 1857, with its original tin ceiling and glass-topped display cases filled with gifts, toys, housewares and food.
Galleries sprinkled throughout the colonies feature regional artists’ paintings, photography, pottery and more. Hand-built furniture highlights 1850s craftsmanship. Located in a historic granary, Heritage Designs Quilting & Needlework sells nearly 4,000 fabrics. The Amana Arts Guild supports blacksmiths, coppersmiths, tinsmiths and broom makers while offering hands-on classes.
“Shopping in the Amana Colonies is a journey through our German heritage,” said Alicia Schmitt, interim director for Amana Colonies Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Sampling food, chatting with shop owners and finding one-of-a-kind treasures makes for a fun experience.”
The Amana Heritage Museum tells the colonies’ story and showcases their culture through special programming and exhibits in its three 19th-century buildings. Numerous festivals, such as Maifest, Wurst Festival and the Tannenbaum Forest Festival, celebrate all things German.
Visitors can also sample Germanic food, beer and wine. The Ox Yoke Inn serves family-style fare and offers an outdoor biergarten. Bringing a taste of the colonies home is easy with eats and treats from establishments such as Ackerman Winery, the Amana Meat Shop & Smokehouse, The Chocolate Haus, and Amana Coffee & Tea.
