Read time: about 1.5 minutes. Published 2025-11-01

Not every trip is a luxury cruise, a decadent resort stay, or an epic expedition. Sometimes you just want to get away for a bit — visit family, explore a new town, or enjoy a quieter pace. Those trips can be just as memorable!

In 2013, we took one of those getaways to Dayton, Ohio — a mid-sized city between Cincinnati and Columbus. At the time, Victoria had family living there, Adam had a great-uncle in nearby Columbus, and – being an NFL fan – no trip to the area would be complete for Adam without a drive to Canton to visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Dayton itself offers plenty to do, including the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. For aviation enthusiasts, it’s a must-visit, but even if you’re not a huge airplane buff, it’s still a fascinating place to see historic aircraft and learn some amazing aviation history.

Another highlight was the 2nd Street Market, a lively spot full of local vendors. We picked up a few great gifts to bring home and enjoyed a fresh, delicious lunch from the market stalls.

Our side trip to Columbus was memorable for a more personal reason — meeting Adam’s Great Uncle Charlie for the first time. At 80 years old, he was still a character! He could play “Wipe Out” on the drums, had floor-to-ceiling speakers hooked up to his TV, and gifted Victoria a vintage deck of cards when he learned she collected them.

And then, of course, there was Canton. Adam, a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan (even through their more “creative” playoff exits), loved every moment at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Victoria, though less football-focused, still found some of the exhibits interesting from a historical and informational perspective.

No sandy beaches, ATV trails, or endless margaritas — but still a trip full of fun moments and great memories. Sometimes, the best vacation is simply getting away, seeing what makes a place special, and enjoying it for what it is. And if that’s the kind of trip you’re craving, we can help you plan it, too!