{"id":3533,"date":"2012-11-02T15:41:22","date_gmt":"2012-11-02T19:41:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=3533"},"modified":"2017-11-19T10:04:14","modified_gmt":"2017-11-19T15:04:14","slug":"bluffton-ohio-maintains-small-town-charm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/bluffton-ohio-maintains-small-town-charm\/","title":{"rendered":"Bluffton, Ohio maintains small town charm"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s a short jump off the highway, but it\u2019s a worthwhile detour when traveling north on I-75 in northwestern Ohio. About half way between Lima and Findlay, Bluffton, Ohio<\/a> is a small community that still has a thriving Main Street. With a population of approximately 4,000, it\u2019s one of those towns where you\u2019ll likely get a warm greeting from each person you meet.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Bluffton was founded in 1832 by Swiss Mennonites and Irish Catholics. Originally called Shannon, it is now home to Bluffton University. Two of the school\u2019s more famous students include Hugh Downs and Phyllis Diller.<\/p>\n

Bluffton became famous in 1932 when John Dillinger drove into town, filled up his car with gas across from the Dari Freeze, and then proceeded to rob the Bluffton Bank of $6,000.<\/p>\n

Things are much calmer now and people pay for what they want. Wandering pays dividends when you discover bigger than life murals on building sides. \u00a0Shopping opportunities\"\"<\/a> abound.<\/p>\n

Black Lab Trading Company<\/span> is the place to go for collectibles, country & primitives, toys, scrapbooking, and children\u2019s\u2019 clothes. Allow plenty of time for browsing\u2026and buying.<\/p>\n

Across the street, there\u2019s another shop called Groves Bears that looks to be the place to go for parents and grandparents, with Steif bears for adults and children.<\/p>\n

Et Cetera<\/a> is like opening a giant closet, with thousands of \u201cgently worn\u201d clothes and hats neatly arranged for easy browsing. Way in the back, there\u2019s a variety of household items, games, videos and books to hunt through. When you find your bargain, it might only be 50 cents. Worth a look.<\/p>\n

Deer Creek Shoppe<\/a> is the local antique and collectable store at 124 Main.\u00a0 They offer free antique appraisals throughout the year.<\/p>\n

\"Bluffton,<\/a>Ten Thousand Villages has a store at 111 Main and offers a wide selection of fair trade handicrafts, many of which would make unique gifts for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re hungry from all the shopping, Bluffton Dari Freeze<\/span> is noted for their hot dogs.\u00a0 \u201cBest hot dogs east of the Mississippi\u201d reads the sign, so it must be true. Rumor has it that their pork sliders are excellent also. With a choice of two-dozen different flavored shakes, you\u2019ve got yourself a meal.<\/p>\n

Coming up the day after Thanksgiving is the annual Blaze of Lights parade and Christmas lighting celebration.\u00a0 (Watch the video for highlights from last year\u2019s celebration.) But stop into Bluffton, Ohio anytime for a laid-back, nostalgic day of wandering and shopping.<\/p>\n