Revisiting your hometown can stir up a mix of emotions, and that was certainly true for me. With Mia by my side, we packed up the car and set off on a road trip that took us through Ohio, Michigan, and back to Florida—our own little adventure.
Our first stop was Cambridge, Ohio, my hometown. I met up with my friend Marsha, and we decided to take a nostalgic trip to Amish Country, a place I used to frequent while living there. We laughed as we took selfies inside a buggy, spotted horse-drawn buggies passing by, and indulged in good food and wine. The day was filled with laughter, pizza, and a bit of fun shopping—a perfect way to reconnect with both my past and old friends.
Once back in my hometown, I couldn't resist indulging in some local favorites. First on the list was a delicious pizza from Wally's Pizza, with its perfect combination of flavors. The next day, I treated myself to a classic Sloppy Joe with fair fries from the Trail Diner—an iconic spot in Cambridge, Ohio. Of course, I had to grab a pizza from Galaxy too; their little pepperonis and crispy crust are always my favorite, bringing back the best memories of home.
Trail Diner has always held a special place in my heart, a family-owned gem that's known for its mouthwatering Pizza Burgers, the iconic Bobcat Burger (named after the Cambridge High School Bobcats), and their irresistible ice cream. My personal favorite has always been their Sloppy Joe paired with a side of their famous fair fries. For as long as I can remember, they’ve been hand-cutting their fries fresh, and they’re best enjoyed sprinkled with malt vinegar for that perfect flavor boost.
Two of my friends have worked there for years, and I love how the diner embodies a true sense of community. The owner, who’s in a local band, is often there, making it a spot where you can always sit down with friends and catch up. If you ever stop in, be sure to tell Rob and April I sent you—they’re part of what makes this place feel like home.
I headed to Michigan to catch up with my friends, Lou and Barb, who used to live in Cambridge but relocated to be closer to their family. They hold a special place in my heart, especially because they fostered my dog, Mia, while I was searching for a new apartment to officially adopt her. It was a heartwarming reunion—Mia was just as thrilled to see her old friends as I was to reconnect with both my human and furry companions. It felt like a full-circle moment, revisiting those who played a key role in bringing Mia into my life.
Before leaving Cambridge, Ohio, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit my grandparent's old farm, a place where I spent most of my childhood. Their farm was a sprawling piece of land filled with cattle, sheep, and a bunch of stray cats, making it a haven of memories for me. After my grandparents passed, my dad and his siblings sold the property to the local school district. In a touching tribute to my grandparents and their legacy, the road leading to the new high school was named after them, ensuring their memory remains alive in the community. It’s a comforting reminder that even as things change, some pieces of the past are honored and remembered.
Overall, it was a memorable trip, though bittersweet at times. Being back in Cambridge brought a wave of nostalgia, especially as I found myself missing my parents who are no longer with us, the animals I grew up around, and the friends I had to say goodbye to again with no idea when I’ll see them next. While I carry a lot of fond memories from this visit, one thing I don’t miss is the cold weather—I just want to make sure that’s perfectly clear!
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