Avon families and visitors from near and far experience a history lesson, a one-of-a-kind shopping trip and a delicious meal all in one unique setting at The Shoppes of Olde Avon Village.
The Shoppes are located at 36840 Detroit Road on the former Mathias Alten farm, and each building has a long story and a creative current use.
The journey began in 1995 when Ron Larson bought the “front house,” which now is home to the Tree House Gallery and Tea Room operated by his daughter Jenna.
“My dad has preserved and saved quite a few buildings in Avon and brought them to their forever home,” she said.
The Larsons operate businesses in three of the buildings and serve as landlord to the other shopkeepers.
The Tree House serves lunch daily and also offers an eclectic collection of gift items as well as a wine shop.
The Tree House menu includes popular lobster bisque, and all items are made from scratch.
Jenna Larson also has many catering clients.
She has worked in the Tree House since she was 16 and took over running it 15 years ago after her father decided to open the Strip Steakhouse nearby.
The steakhouse operates in the Blackwell Barn, moved to the site from Knox County by Ron Larson in 2003.
The German-style barn is typical of what would have been found in the Avon area as well, he said.
The Strip is a destination restaurant specializing in USDA prime beef as well as tempting desserts and craft cocktails.
“We have a great group of creative individuals,” Ron Larson said. “Part of my task is to bring that creativity.”
The Larsons also operate Stone Eagle Farm on another historic property, supplying both fish and produce to the Tree House and Strip.
Other buildings on the property include:
• An 1882 Train Depot and 1918 Baltimore and Ohio Caboose, home to the Railway Barbershop.
• The 1840s George Clifton Barn which serves as an event venue.
• The 1857 Gibbs-Binns House which is home to Chez Michel French Market and was moved to the Olde Avon Village in 1987.
• The 1843 Lewis House which houses Details, an upscale gift shop and was moved to the property in 2002.
“We try to highlight what was,” Ron Larson said. “Each one of the buildings has its own flair.”
The Shoppes currently has a few vacancies, Jenna Larson said, but the landlords are particular about leasing to small businesses based locally.
“We know our customers on a first name basis,” she said. “We see them regularly, and that’s the best part of operating a small business.
“Everyone who come in here is like family.”
The Larsons also work to give back to the community sponsoring local school groups and others as well as answering more than 700 letters to Santa last Christmas.
“We try to make sure everyone has a sense of participation,” Ron Larson said.
Jenna Larson added: “We are an impactful part of the community.”
