We woke to a true winter wonderland this morning. The snow had transformed our surroundings, and Greer was so excited. While I was outside capturing a few photos of the snow, I spotted a skunk crossing our path—but I wasn’t quick enough to snap a picture.
Once we were packed up and ready to go, we hit the road. Along the way, we passed a quirky road sign that read, “Prison nearby. Don’t pick up hitchhikers!”—another moment too quick for a snapshot, but one we couldn’t help but chuckle at.
Our first stop was for fuel in Dundee, about 30 miles south of Ann Arbor. After a smooth further two-and-a-half-hour drive, we finally arrived in Dayton, Ohio, and made our way to the National Museum of the US Air Force. By then, the weather had improved significantly, with temperatures climbing well into the double digits. The museum itself is enormous, spanning 104,000 m², and is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. With over 360 aircraft and missiles on display—from World War I relics to modern marvels, including presidential aircraft—it was a treasure trove of aviation history. Highlights included the Memphis Belle and Bockscar, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress that dropped the “Fat Man” atomic bomb on Nagasaki in the final days of World War II.
After grabbing a bite at the museum, we set off again, driving another hour to Cincinnati, Ohio. There, we explored Findlay Market, a celebrated local landmark. Although the market was predominantly stocked with meats, we did manage to stumble upon a wee fudge shop which clearly called our name. A leisurely wander around the area led us to an empanada shop that Greer simply had to try.
Our next stop was along the riverfront, where we checked out both the Great American Ball Park (baseball stadium) and Paycor Stadium (football stadium). The lingering effects of recent flooding along the Ohio River were still evident, adding a somber note to an otherwise lively area.
Dinner was served at the Yardhouse, where we settled in to watch the Red Sox and catch the end of day one of the Masters. The food was delicious, and the hearty portions ensured that no one left hungry.
Finally, we were back on the road for one more hour to Lexington, Kentucky where we witnessed an amazing thunderstorm roll in—an electrifying finale to a day filled with memorable sights and unexpected adventures.