Many people who travel to the heartland find it easy to spend hours walking around all of the unique stores and shops that line the winding roads of the countryside.

From small village markets to shops with hand-crafted leather, items made in Amish country are made with patience, care and love.

One of the more unique specialty shops is Log Cabin Furnishings, owned by Marion Miller. The shop was created as a progression from the family's cabin building company, Walnut Valley Log Homes.

In business since 2004, Log Cabin Furnishings offers a wide variety of log and rustic furniture and decorative pieces.

"We felt the need for a rustic store in the area and that is how we came to that conclusion to open," Miller said. "We basically have everything that you could think of furnishing for a rustic, lodging feel."

Miller said they run sales throughout the year and are always adding new merchandise to the store.

Customers keep coming back to Log Cabin Furnishings for the quality, as well as the service.

Craftsmen at the store, as well as other local woodworkers, can build custom pieces for clients out of log. If a customer can think it up, they will try to make it for them, Miller said.

It all goes along with the work-ethic of a family owned and operated business, he said.

"We are a family business and that means it is a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere which seems to draw people in," Miller said.

Another interesting place to spend a day shopping is the Walnut Creek Antique Mall.

Manager Leroy Raber said keeping the store stocked with items that please a variety of people is key to having a place that people keep coming back to.

There are 45 vendors in the mall, each offering customers different items like glassware and furniture.

"We cover pretty much the whole field as far as antiques," Raber said. "Everything is interesting in its own right. What a custom finds interesting depends on the customers. They come in and have ohhs and ahhhs over different things. Which is why the variety is great."

And then there's the pricing.

"Most of the vendors are very competitive with their pricing," Raber said. "I would say that I am the type who doesn't mind dealing if it has to be done, especially on pricier pieces. We have very good customers and I try to do for them what I can."

Reporter Christy Johnson can be reached at 330-287-1638 or cjohnson@the-daily-record.com.