The "road" less traveled.

I drive around 60 miles every day as I commute between taking classes in Findlay and my job and home in Kenton. Usually, I commute on state route 68 as it’s the most direct route to take. Driving this every day can, at times, be mind numbing as you see the same things each and every day, so to counter this, at times I try to change it up and find a different route. A road less traveled, if you will.

While doing so is not always best depending on how soon you need to get where you need to be, if you have time, you’d be amazed at what you can find. When I lived in southern Ohio, I used to take a regular Sunday afternoon drive just to see what I would find. You would never know where you’d end up, or what you’d find. But I wonder sometimes, in our haste to get from place to place, we miss so much right under our noses.

The majority of my drive each day

Take my drive from Findlay to Kenton each day. While farmland isn’t the most appealing to many people, you cannot help but appreciate the feel of a place like this.

I usually drive around noon, which is an ideal time. The sun is high in the sky, very little shadow, morning is over, but the afternoon has yet to begin. At this time of the year, a common sight will be farmers out in the fields, either planting or working the ground getting it ready to plant.

Another sight is an old country church. This particular one is located off a side road near 68. To look at any of them, one building is not much different than any other, but they each have their own story to tell. Imagine the number of individuals, who have worshiped there, were baptized, married, or attended funerals at any one of these churches. There’s an old saying that if a building could talk, imagine the stories it would tell.

As you move into Arlington, you’ll notice Markey Moes. This is a small establishment which serves all kinds of food. When I was younger, I can remember Terry’s BBQ Chicken being here, and I also know it’s been a stop for the elder President Bush and President Clinton when they both campaigned in the area.

Driving through Arlington, you’ll also notice painting on the road in front of the school. This fall, it’s been fun to drive through this community because both their girls and boys basketball teams were able to make it to the state finals. There were signs and streamers, showing support to the program all over town, and these markings on the road in front of the school are what remain.

Driving south of Arlington, I usually pass a friend of mine who is also talking classes in Findlay. She has classes later in the day so drives up later. I don’t usually see her but if I do, I try to wave.

A small community, Williamstown, is also south of Arlington, and if you continue south, you’ll end up in Dunkirk. You’ll know it because the road going into Dunkirk is in need of paving and is not the most comfortable ride. 

Once you get downtown you’ll notice the Dunkirk Dairy Dream. I sometimes stop here for lunch on my drive because the food is great, and they make the best chocolate milkshakes in Hardin County. Highly recommend.

Just down from the Dairy Dream is Rodabaughs Meat Shop. This opened a couple of years ago, run by some people who I grew up with. They usually have a good selection of quality cuts, and can supply just about anything you'd want from a meat shop.

As you travel to the south end of Dunkirk you’ll pass another old church. This was a Methodist church but it wasn’t like many old churches. This particular church was disbanded and the property sold to someone. We used to joke about someone buying it and turning it into a house. (I think that may be happening but who knows. It’d be interesting to see)

Southside Six is also located on the south end of Dunkirk and is also a good stop to make, especially if you are looking for a great slice of pizza. Southside Six is one of the best places in the area for pizza. (and in a county with over a dozen pizza places, that's saying something)

This house is also one that I pass every day. Its south of Dunkirk and has looked abandoned for years. Although you wouldn't know it from the outside (save for the lawn). I don’t know, but I wonder what happened to this house because (again from the outside) it looks like it’s alright and would be a good house for someone, but you have to think that inside, it would be a different matter. In any case I think about this house when I pass it each day.

A bit further south is the Hi Road Drive In. This is a rarity in this part of the country as you don’t see many drive-in theaters in operation anymore. It’s not the only one in the area (I believe there is one in Bluffton) but nevertheless, is another sight to see and destination along St Rt 68.

After that, you’ll end up in Kenton, which is where my drive usually ends, at my office downtown. 

Again, many times, in our haste to get from place to place, we miss so much along the way. If given the chance, think about all the places located along your drive each day, and think about the places, the history, and the stories that can be found in each of those places. I know, you’d be amazed at what you'd find.