Miami County’s Boutique Trail With Brandy Gleason

Miami County’s Boutique Trail has quickly become one of my favorite ways to spend a day. There’s something about exploring small, local shops that makes you feel connected to the community, and Miami County has a collection of boutiques that truly offer a unique shopping experience. Each and every community is distinct in its own way, with its flare and flavor—like a well-seasoned dish, they all have that secret ingredient that keeps you coming back for more!

My adventure started at Ark House Company, a charming store in downtown Troy! Walking through the door, I immediately felt at home with its lovely home decor and stylish array of upscale clothing. I spent more time than I care to admit browsing through their treasures and even walked out with a cozy sweater. Then I headed to The Blue Bow Boutique, where affordable fashion meets excellent customer service. I picked up a fun new outfit and left feeling like I’d found my new go-to spot for wardrobe updates. Designs From The Grove, a cute family-owned shop, was next on my list, and I loved their cozy selection of styles for both myself and my home. They also offer a $10 store credit for every $100 spent, so it’s definitely worth a visit! I couldn’t resist stopping at Echo Boutique, which brings modern, chic fashion to downtown Troy and now into my closet! Their selection was on-trend and affordable – a winning combo for any fashionista! Poppy Lane was nearby, and this sister-owned location features things for us curvy girls. They have something for everyone looking for trendy things in plus sizing.

At this point in my shopping journey I decided it was time for a little snack and pick me up. I grabbed a coffee at Purebred coffee shop in downtown Troy. With caffeine in hand and my list out, I continued to plan my shopping adventure.

Next, I made my way to Magnolia Mae, a space focused on self-love paired with a selection of functional wardrobe pieces! Who can go wrong with that? I also stopped by Four Acres, a boutique offering graphic tees and accessories for men and women. The laid-back, cool vibe of the shop made me want to stock up on their stylish designs with a 10% off your purchase boutique trail bonus.I finished up my day exploring Three Weird Sisters Studio; the name says it all, too. They have every kind of something for every kind of shopper. Plan to take time to explore this one because everything is unique and you’ll want to dig for treasures.

With all that shopping and exploring downtown Troy, it was time for some dinner at Old Scratch Pizza, a locally owned pizza shop, which was off-the-charts delicious, and then off to the Fairfield Inn and Suites for a good night’s sleep so I could continue exploring the next day.

After a heavenly night’s sleep, I woke up ready to start my day. I heard that Sam and Ethel’s, a hometown favorite restaurant in Tipp City, was where I should fuel up with breakfast before I started my day. It was fantastic, and the small-town diner feel was perfect for the day’s shopping vibe.

After a hearty breakfast, the first stop on my boutique trail was to explore Tipp City. To kick things off I started at Bella Gray Market. This trendy shop features gifts and goods made by local artisans, and I found a few items I knew would make perfect gifts. Plus, they offer a 15% discount on purchases, which made my finds even sweeter. A few doors down, I discovered Fox and Feather Trading Co., a delightful boutique filled with home décor, jewelry, and apparel. I loved the boho-chic vibe of this shop! My last stop in Tipp City was Hotel Gallery, a boutique that offers high-end clothing, shoes, and accessories with many locally sourced artisan-made items; take your time exploring finds here. I walked out with a hand-thrown mug for my morning coffee.

From there, I headed to Piqua and went to  Barclay’s Men’s & Women’s Clothiers, which has been in business for over 75 years. This shop is known for offering a great selection of men’s and women’s fashions, and they didn’t disappoint. Whether you’re looking for formal wear or something more casual, Barclay’s has it all. I also loved the fact that you can ask about changing sales and discounts – a nice bonus for shoppers like me who love a good deal. Next, I stopped by Bushel & A Peck, a playful screen-printing shop specializing in apparel and home goods. The craftsmanship and edgy creativity behind their pieces were impressive, and I couldn’t resist picking up a t-shirt for my daughter.

Breakfast was wearing off, so it was time to put up my feet and take in the beautiful views from Crooked Handle Brewing Company. Ordering some of their house-made cheese curds and huge handheld sandwiches had me and my friends sharing the flavors with one another! Before leaving, I took a walk along the new greenspace at Lock 9 Park next door, where in summer, there is a splash pad for the kids and events at the pavilion.

To finish my day, I made my way to West Milton and visited Revive It. This family-owned boutique that offers stylish home décor, clothing, and unique gifts. I loved the personal touches, and the 15% off storewide discount made it even more tempting to load up my shopping bag. While this might be the only shop in West Milton on the trail, you will want to explore it a little more. Lala Sugarland is a cute candy shop with items to help you get your sugar fix on. If you’re there during the summer, you have to get some of Tate’s Tasty Treats ice cream; it is a local favorite!

 

Exploring the Miami County Boutique Trail was such a fun and personalized experience. Each stop had its own charm, and I left feeling like I’d uncovered some real treasures. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, hunting for gifts, or just looking for a great way to spend a day, the Miami County Boutique Trail is an adventure worth taking!

 

(Two other stops on the Miami County Boutique Trail, Elias and Oliver and Pacific Coast Surf Shop, in Covington were closed for repairs during Brandy’s visit) 

 

Brandy Gleason is the CEO of Gleason Media, LLC. , chief writer at Gleason Family Adventure, and creator of the Ohio Road Trips Facebook group. She has written three books, 100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die, and co-wrote the Ohio section of Midwest Road Trip Adventures and Midwest State Parks, and 100 Things to Do in Ohio Before You Die will be released in 2024. She has spoken at National Conventions on education and conferences on travel, was a brand ambassador for THOR industries in 2021, and is currently a Heartland RVs brand ambassador.

Brandy loves to travel and explore and has a passion for the environment, sustainability, and the outdoors. She buckles up for a road trip any time she can, and her driving force behind her writing and social media is to encourage others to find their own adventures. One of her favorite quotes is “In order to write about life first you must live it.” by Ernest Hemingway, and she fully embraces each day.

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