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Travel Date June 2023: Welcome back to my van life adventure! As I continue my journey towards the Arctic Circle, the open road beckons with promises of new experiences and discoveries. This leg of the trip took me through the states of Ohio and Indiana in the Midwest, and it was a captivating ride.
Cincinnati, OH: A Smashburger Reunion:
My road led me to Cincinnati, Ohio, where I had the pleasure of meeting an old work friend for dinner. We decided to savor the moment with some mouthwatering smashburgers at Heyday, but not before enjoying a few beers at Woodburn Brewing. Our decision to indulge in burgers down the street at Heyday stemmed from a casual conversation where I mentioned my fondness for burgers. The combination of good company, delicious food, and a relaxed evening at the brewery made for a memorable stop on my journey.
Columbus and Bexley, OH: Exploring Culinary Delights and Music in the Midwest
The charming town of Bexley, Ohio, along with nearby Columbus, invited me to stay a while. During my visit, I had the privilege of staying with my sister in Bexley. One evening, we explored the vibrant scene in Columbus. We savored live music and craft beers under the open sky at Land-Grant Brewery, where we also had the chance to savor the flavorful BBQ from Sweets & Meats BBQ food truck—a delightful treat to satisfy my taste buds. On another night, we ventured to a new Cajun-inspired restaurant in town called Noahla Seafood, where we enjoyed a delightful culinary experience. And, of course, I couldn’t leave Bexley without indulging in Graeter’s ice cream, a sweet treat that perfectly complemented my van life adventure. It was the ideal way to wrap up my stay in Bexley, Ohio, and prepare for the next leg of my journey.
 Sweets & Meats BBQ Columbus, OH |  Land Grant Brewery Columbus, OH |  Crawfish from Noahla Bexley, OH |
Carmel, IN: Lunch and Sculptures:
My journey continued to Carmel, Indiana, where a lunch stop with a cousin at Joe’s Butcher Shop provided me with delicious sandwiches to enjoy in the great outdoors. Wandering through the town, we marveled at the artistic sculptures that added a unique charm to Carmel’s streets. It’s amazing how van life allows me to immerse myself in local culture and discover hidden gems like these.
Heading North Towards the Great Lakes:
With each mile, I inched closer to the Great Lakes, a majestic destination on my road to the Arctic Circle. The anticipation of what lay ahead filled the air, and I couldn’t help but feel the excitement of the journey.
My van life adventure continues to unfold, taking me through the Midwest of America, one memorable stop at a time. From the flavors of Cincinnati to the quaint charm of Bexley and the artistic allure of Carmel, each destination adds a unique chapter to my road trip story. As I head north towards the Great Lakes, I’m reminded that the beauty of van life lies in the journey itself. Stay tuned for more adventures on the road to the Arctic Circle!