My friend, MIL, and I are driving from Houston to Buffalo, NY in July and want to plan our route by visiting good quilt shops along the way. We are actually heading to pick up my friend's sister in Buffalo and go to QBL in Syracuse. This is my 4th time at QBL, 2nd for my MIL, and at least 11th for my friend, but usually we fly in.

Anyway, we thought it would be fun to drive and shop along the way so now we are working on what route to take. We will most likely drive through Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and the western part of Pennsylvania. I know this probably seems vague, but any suggestions that you have would be appreciated. I do have a copy of the Quilter's Traveling Companion so I am looking up shops in that.

Thanks for any suggestions you offer! :D :-D

There are several in the Columbus, OH area. One not to miss is the Glass Thimble, not too far off route 71. Two houses were connected together and you just wander from room to room. Parking is in the rear. Other good ones are Quilt Trends, Quilt Beginnings, and Red Rooster.

I am a former Buffalo resident. When ever I go back home there are two places I must stop at.
1. Favorite Fabrics - a board member here, an internet shop but they let you come a shop .... very good prices for the latest released fabrics. Wonderful staff! Do check the hours since they are an internet "store" they do not have traditional retail hours.
They are in Orchard Park... FYI you will think you are lost when you try to find it.. The first time I went I had to call from the parking lot to get to the right building. It is sooo worth the stop.
http://favoritefabric.com/
2. The Quilt Farm- its in a real barn that has been converted into a quilt shop, on both floors. Prices are not as favorable as Favorite Fabrics .. but it is a REALLY big traditional quilt shop. I typically do both in the same day , first Fav Fabrics , then The Quilt Farm. This one you will think you are lost as well since its really out on a farm area , no other retail in the area.
http://www.quiltfarm.net/

If my time was limited and I absolutely had to pick just one ---It would be Favorite Fabrics.

Take along strapping tape, 2 inch clear tape for putting over addresses, pens and typing paper/computer paper, addresses==you'd be surprised at how these will leave your mind when you're tired and trying to write them down.
You can get boxes at any US Post Office, but have to get your own from stores if shipping by UPS.

What? You're not going to buy enough to ship? I'll bet you do!!

It will be a bit out of the way, but if you have time visit the Berlin, ohio area. Millers Dry goods, Helping hands, and Zincks are all worth the trip. There are many more in the area, you could spend a lot of time just in this area. Also, if you are coming up 71(I would guess you would be)Country Charm in Ashland is nice too. Not far off the highway. Doesn't look like much from the road but she has a ton of stuff inside. Very nice lady!

yes, Berlin OH is a good stop.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-63814-1.htm

I'm so excited to get these tips! And, Ramona, what good advice. I was already worried about space in my RAV 4 and figured that shipping would be an option, but that is as far as I got.

We will be taking two machines with us, both computerized. A friend thought that heat might be bad for them while we are shopping. Does anyone know anything about that? She suggested putting them in coolers. :-)

I'd make the Holmes County area in Ohio a "must see" if I were you. Its south of Canton, Ohio and smack in the middle of Amish and Mennonite country. Check out Millersburg, Ohio and quilt shops near there. Many of the businesses employ local quilters. You can see web sites for many of these prior to your trip. Helping Hands has terrific sales.
Here are some quilt shops:
Miller's Dry Goods - in the village of Charm, Ohio
Helping Hands - Berlin, Ohio
Zinck's Fabric outlet - East Berlin, Ohio
Grandma Fannie's Quilt barn - Berlin, Ohio
Swiss Village Quilts - East Sugarcreek on St Rt 39
I imagine there are more - contact 1 & you can get a list.

Also, go to this site for Ohio quilts for sale:
Ohio-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/buying-a-quilt-in-Amish-country.
My hubby is from Ohio & we used to live near this area.
Not quilting, but also a great store to visit in the area is Lehman's in Kidron, Ohio- Google it & see all they offer for the home, garden, etc, much of it crafted by or sold for the Amish & Mennonite. Run by Lehman family for generations, it was originally founded to serve the non-electric needs of Amish families, & still has many items for a simple life. I buy canning & kitchen items from them - order on line & have it shipped to me.
Have a wonderful trip, even if this location is not in your path. It would be so fun to travel with a quilter who understands that your car brakes for fabric.

Hancocks in Paducah,KY and a stop at the Quilt Museum.

There is a new shop west of Syracuse. It is Patchworks.
It is on Rt 20, just east of Skeaneatlas NY. The building is new. It is something like 5000 square feet. You can't miss it as you come over the hill. It will be on your right.
They also carry yarn. The price range is $8 to $14 or so and the quality is the best.
In Skeaneatlas, you can eat at Doug's Fish Fry. Best around.