Road Trippin' : Boutiques Edition

In this edition of Road Trippin' we are exploring some retail therapy! 

Butler County, Ohio always makes for an unforgettable road trip experience. Whether you're coming to adventure for a day trip, weekend getaway, or staying a week, there's a lot to do while you're here... especially if you love to discover local boutiques and shop their one-of-a-kind products! Butler County is full of unique local boutiques that all offer something different. Whether you're shopping for yourself, for gifts, for vintage, or for new— these local shops have it all. We've included a wide variety of local boutiques that offer everything from gifts, accessories, art, home decor, antiques, women's fashion, plants, beauty products, books... and more! Not to mention, this road trip route makes for a fun day spending time with friends, browsing locally made goods, discovering new favorites and finding things you won't see anywhere else. Who's ready to shop?

1. Pendleton Art Center

1105 Central Ave. | Middletown, OH 45044

In the heart of Downtown Middletown, it's hard to miss the colorful exterior of the Pendleton Art Center. Inside, guests will discover three floors encompassed by a wide variety of art. A number of the studios have their own hours where you can stop in to shop for one-of-a-kind art, or be sure to plan your trip during one of their First Friday events! The first Friday of every month, the PAC is open in the evening offering live music, cafe specials, and all the artists are there to open their studios for shopping. Each studio is completely unique and specializes in different mediums. Discover all of the wildly cool art like JellyDoodles (pictured above), handcrafted candles by The Wicked Wick, abstract art by Maura Lisa, Ancestor Art by Glenda Miles, and much, much more. 

Road Trip Tip: The Pendleton Art Center is surrounded by some pretty amazing street art! While in Downtown Middletown, don't miss your chance to see the cool public murals around town... especially Jammin'— the large musical mural right across from the PAC at Governor's Square — or Port Middletown a few steps down the street. 

2. LahVdah

3417 Princeton Road | Hamilton, OH 45011

Venita Allen, owner of LahVdah, has created something so special in Downtown Hamilton. Her shop specializes in bath bombs and beauty products that Venita makes by hand with all natural, organic ingredients. What started out as making homemade soaps and candles has now evolved into an ever-growing line of skincare products and more, with a mission dedicated to helping people. LahVdah stands out among most beauty brands, providing makeup, lotions, and skincare free of any gluten or chemicals in their products. A lot of Venita's customers call LahVdah their happy place— stop in and see why. 

Road Trip Tip: Don't leave LahVdah without trying out one of Venita's lip balms! It's one of her most popular products and there are a ton of different fun flavors and scents. Due to the natural ingredients, many people with allergies or sensitive skin find that lahVdah makeup doesn't cause any negative reactions. 

3. Wildfire Hygge Goods

127 N Second Street | Hamilton, OH 45011

Comforting, cozy and chic— Wildfire is the boho boutique of your dreams. Hygge (pronounced "hew-guh") is a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment — whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary — as cozy, charming, or special. Wildfire is a curated collection of special, hygge-inducing goods and gifts that the owner Sarah picks out herself. There is always variety of home decor, plants, and planters to choose from as well as locally made jewelry, candles and perfumes. Every visit to Wildfire is a new experience with the same whimsical atmosphere. 

Road Trip Tip: Right down the street from Wildfire is another wonderful boutique called Sara's House (mentioned in our Road Trippin': Antiques Edition!) Sara's House offers beautiful gifts, rare vintage items, repurposed antiques and different collections every season. 

4. Made to Love

6 S 2nd Street | Hamilton, OH 45011

A short walk from Wildfire through Downtown Hamilton will lead you to another stop, Made to Love. This boutique sells a range of artisan goods from decor, to accessories, to leather purses. What's so special about Made to Love is their mission— all of their profits are donated to creating educational opportunities for Haitian children. The team at this boutique buy locally made items from Haitian Artisans, which also helps to create long-term, sustainable employment. All of the goods you'll find are sourced directly from Made to Love partners that help create generational change that lifts communities out of poverty and build hope within families.  

Road Trip Tip: The t-shirts and sweatshirts sold at Made to Love have the saying "Education can change the world," on them and they make a great gift for the teachers in your life! Not to mention they are super soft and comfortable— and the profits go towards creating more educational opportunities. 

5. Miller St. Boutique

702 Niles Road | Fairfield, OH 45014

This boutique offers hand selected pieces any fashionista is bound to love. Miller St. Boutique is all about helping you find clothes you can feel good in— both stylish and sophisticated. In addition to fashion and accessories, owners Stephanie and Tara keep their shop full of fun and interesting finds. This is a great place to shop in every season too, with special collections for the holidays, Fall decor, and even a Flower Bar in the Spring! 

6. Juniper

9 E High Street | Oxford, OH 45056

Once you're in Oxford, you'll have to get a taste of Juniper style with a selection of boutique clothing, jewelry, gifts, and skin care. Specializing in women's fashion, this boutique is always restocking new trendy styles ranging from fancy to casual. 

Road Trip Tip: Juniper is located in the heart of Oxford and all its charm. The famous Bagel & Deli Shop is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch and a bit of a legend in the area because these bagels will blow your mind! It's a fantastic foodie experience with over 96 different wild bagel combinations. 

7. The Apple Tree

28 E High Street | Oxford, OH 45056

Right down the street from Juniper is another boho-chic dream, The Apple Tree. This locally owned boutique that has been in business for over 40 years offering trendy styles, unique gifts and popular accessories. This shop is fairly large with a section dedicated to clothing, a section dedicated to home decor, and another for gifts and adorable accessories. Here you'll find a great mix of top name-brand items and locally made products. 

Road Trip Tip: Keep up to date with The Apple Tree to see all of their new styles, seasonal offerings and gift ideas! The boutique updates their social media frequently with new products so you can check out what's on trend. 

8. Iron Rose Mercantile 

1050 Central Avenue | Middletown, Ohio

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Let your creativity shine through with their apparel and accessories, like these adorable pink beaded earrings! Iron Rose Mercantile is curated for all shapes, sizes, and styles so everybody can feel empowered. This rustic chic boutique carries everything from clothing, bags, one-of-a-kind accessories, and more. Sizes range from S-2XL and include a variety of different designs and styles.

9. Seraph by the River

118 Main St. | Hamilton, Ohio

From art to antiques, crystals and jewelry, plants, home decor, incense and so much more— you can find it all here at Seraph By The River. They create one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories that can all be found at the shop. Seraph By The River also carries the popular Magnolia Pearl clothing line. Part of the wonderful and welcoming atmosphere at Seraph By The River is meeting the shop animals. When you visit,  you will see Salem the cat roaming around, along with two parrots named Jupiter and Comet. 

Ready to Road Trip?