Buy Local - any one know where I can buy a telescope?

Sorry, but I don't think there are any telescope makers are here in Toledo. Not real sure how you will buy local.

Only two stores in the Toledo area....Dicks, which may be too corporate and Gander Mountain, which may be run by a local franchisee, about as close as you can get to local.

Give Wild Birds Unlimited a call:

Wild Birds Unlimited
5236 Monroe Street Suite D
Toledo, OH 43623-3199
Phone: (419) 841-7219

maybe woodville surplus. I used to work there and if an item wasnt stocked or never ordered, we could special order it from the distributer. If they dont have it, check other hunting stores or shops that have binoculars and/or hunting scopes

IDK how high tech you want but Learning Express next to Koto Buki on Monroe has some really nice ones. It's a a franchise but the location is locally owned I believe. Their service is great, free gift wrapping, and you get double reward points on Monday.

I want to say that I've seen them at hobby shops, but I could be wrong. There are also several on craigslist at the moment.

We have one in our basement that we haven't taken out in years. Its a little dusty but like new.
I am not sure whats its worth.

Wild Birds Unlimited may sell spotting scopes for birdwatching. Some differences exist between a spotting scope and a telescope. I'm assuming you mean a telescope for astronomy.

"I would love to buy local."

If you can't buy one at a local store, then maybe try building your own reflecting telescope. It would be an interesting home project.

Newtonian telescope :

Then find some nerds to hang out with.

Toledo Astronomical Association

• Next monthly meeting is Dec 2, 2011 at McMaster Hall.
• Next event is Dec 10, 2011 - Olander Park - Lunar eclipse pancake breakfast beginning at 7am till ?
• Club telescopes
  • The association maintains two large scopes under the dark skies of Pioneer Scout Reservation approximately 55 miles West of Toledo, Ohio. The first of these scopes is an 25" f4 Dobisonian mounted Newtonian Reflector. This instrument does have an electronic drive with "go to" capabilities. The second is equatorially mounted 12" f15 Maksutov-Cassegrain reflector manufactured by J.W. Fecker. In addition the Association has a portable 12.5" Meade Newtonian reflector that is used at viewing events in the general Toledo, Ohio area.

University of Toledo - Ritter Planetarium-Brooks Observatory

• Build a Telescope - a 20-page PDF file

It's been a long time since I was at the Franklin Park Mall, but I believe they have (had) a Discovery Store. They had telescopes then more geared for kids/amateurs.

If you want something like a Celestron unfortunately I don't know any local resellers.

I still don't get the buy local thing.
Chrysler is 20% owned by Germans and people still work there. Should we not buy their products?
Should we really take a strong stand and not work for any big companies that have come here and provided jobs for "locals"?

^^^^
Don't worry, WalMart and Applebee's will still be able to keep the lights on. It's not all or nothing, just to throw some business to the community when you can. Studies have shown that doing so increases the economic base, creates more good jobs and reduces environmental impact.

there's one in the window of the pawn shop on the corner of alexis and secor. I look at it every day while I wait at that light.

got a tripod and everything - looks nice

I think the Discovery store at the mall has closed. Used to get a lot of neat things there.