doll and toy museum

Had read about this in newspaper and got interest. Watched grandchildren overnite and next day decided to visit with them. Entrance fee is under 5$. Woman ad desk started us on journey of rooms filled with wondrous dolls. Original Raggedy Ann and Andy, porcelain, wax, cloth dolls dating all the way back to early 1800's. Didn't know there were that many barbies and action figures. Had a train room with a few old electric models. Jackie Kennedy collection and a Circus collection with video a must see. Take some time and take the tour you won't be disappointed.

While in Ohio recently visiting my in-laws -- whom I love -- I was bored and looking for something new and different to do. I remembered that there is a doll museum not far from their home. I am a middle-aged male who is decidedly not a doll enthusiast, but I figured why not visit the museum and see what it has to offer. I am glad I did!The museum is stuffed with an amazing array of dolls. Of course it includes many variations of the classic "baby dolls" I was expecting, from cheap to expensive. They also have an extensive collection of Barbie dolls, along with her friends and accessories. In addition, they have on display several Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. Also included among the collection are:--toy soldiers, from small antique metal figures to G.I. Joe;--dolls based upon pop culture figures such as Elvis and the Beatles;--ethnic dolls from China, Indonesia, Mexico, etc;--historically significant dolls, a few hundreds of years old;--WPA Peter Cottontail dolls/stuffed animals;--dolls based upon Disney characters; and,--a great many many teddy bears.During my visit, there was an exhibit featuring Jackie Kennedy dolls.If all that were not enough, the museum has exhibits featuring model trains and a model circus.Friendly and knowledgeable staff. The collection is smartly arranged and nicely annotated. I learned a lot about culture and history as reflected in the dolls people produced, purchased, and played with.All in all, I spent a pleasant couple of hours browsing the museum. The admission fee is only $3.00. Well worth it! Worth noting: the museum shares a parking lot with the Hidden Lakes Winery, which offers award winning wines and a relaxing view of a six acre lake.