MOUNT GILEAD — You can get a bite to eat and shop for antiques or gifts downtown and still be near the shadow of the iconic Victory Shaft monument on the square.

Sames & Cook offers a unique setting for coffee or a light meal, surrounded by antiques and memorabilia.

Breakfast is served all day and lunch includes paninis, quiche, lunch wraps, soups and salads. Their popular oatmeal cake is served for dessert as well as a selection of muffins, cookies, pie and ice cream.

Owner Karen McClelland sells a variety of coffee and specialty coffee drinks, and offers a new menu that includes breakfast sandwiches, omelets, muffins and waffles.

Sames & Cook Hardware opened at that location in 1880 as Sames & Strubble.

If casual, home-cooked food is on your mind, The Rusty Horseshoe sits on the northwest corner of the square, offering daily specials for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfasts are popular and served all day. For the hearty appetite they offer The Six Shooter. It is three eggs cooked to your liking, one pancake, three strips of bacon, one sausage patty, home fries and choice of toast.

Other dining options in the village include La Cabanita for authentic Mexican cuisine, Pizzaburg Pizza is very popular for pizza and subs and Grill & Chill for a hot dog, stuffed pretzel or an ice cream treat.

Speaking of treats, 8 Sisters Bakery recently added several pasta dishes to its established pastry line. Desserts and a kids menu are available. It is closed on Sundays and Thursdays.

For those who like to shop, On The Square Antiques was opened last spring by Kerry Wintrich. The shop at 18 W. High St. has two floors filled with hidden treasures.

“I love antiques and we have so much here from farmhouse to cottage, plus up-cycled items like that wine rack,” she said pointing to the wall.

“We get people from Sunbury, Delaware and Columbus who come up here to shop.”

A couple from Lexington came in to browse on a sunny Friday afternoon.

Wintrich encourages others to open antique and vintage stores so that Mount Gilead can become a destination.

Other specialty shops offer flowers and musical selections.

You can purchase floral arrangements and gifts at Mary K’s Flowers.

“We are putting in our fall gift items and Christmas containers, plus quilts, bath balm, soaps and more,” said owner Andrea Miller.

Just across the street sits Legend Records, where you can find a large selection of albums. It is advertised as “your place for clean vintage vinyl.”

They stock heavily in rock, jazz, country and soul artists and also carry posters (200 alone from 1980s bands) and vintage concert shirts.

Locally-owned businesses have long been the backbone of the village’s downtown shopping district. This holds true for Marengo, Cardington, Edison, Johnsville and all parts of Morrow County where family businesses provide goods and services to their neighbors and friends.

Pastries are popular at 8 Sisters Bakery. It recently added pasta dishes for lunch.
https://www.morrowcountysentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2018/11/web1_8-Sisters-3.jpgPastries are popular at 8 Sisters Bakery. It recently added pasta dishes for lunch. Erin Miller | Aim Media Midwest

On The Square Antiques has two floors of treasures.
https://www.morrowcountysentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2018/11/web1_AntiquesonSquare1-3.jpgOn The Square Antiques has two floors of treasures. Erin Miller | Aim Media Midwest

Legend Records features albums, posters and more in the world of music.
https://www.morrowcountysentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2018/11/web1_Legend-Records-3.jpgLegend Records features albums, posters and more in the world of music. Erin Miller | Aim Media Midwest

Gift items are available at Mary K’s Flowers.
https://www.morrowcountysentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2018/11/web1_MaryKFlowers-3.jpgGift items are available at Mary K’s Flowers. Erin Miller | Aim Media Midwest

The counter at Sames & Cook offers coffee and more in a unique setting.
https://www.morrowcountysentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2018/11/web1_SamesCook-3.jpgThe counter at Sames & Cook offers coffee and more in a unique setting. Erin Miller | Aim Media Midwest

 

By Anthony Conchel

Aim Media Midwest