Outland Adventures

  Small Towns We Didn’t Expect to Love When you travel full-time, you learn something quickly: the places you circle on the map aren’t always the ones that steal your heart. Sometimes it’s not the big-name destinations or the “Top 10” travel lists that stick with you. It’s the towns you pulled into for gas. The places you planned to stay one night. The spots you almost skipped. Today we’re sharing a few kinds of small towns that completely surprised us — and why slowing down in places like these can turn a simple stop into a core memory . The “We Just Needed Groceries” Town You know the one. You’re low on snacks. The propane situation is questionable. The GPS says it’s the closest stop. You pull in expecting a basic strip mall and leave three hours later because: There’s a locally owned diner with pie that tastes like someone’s grandma made it. The hardware store still has creaky wood floors. The cashier calls you “hon” and means it. There’s a tiny mural tucke...

Historic Eateries & Odd Cafes: January Edition – Wayne, Medina & Summit Counties Winter in Northeast Ohio is perfect for exploring cozy cafés, retro diners, and quirky spots with character. From Amish comfort food to coffee shops with a creative vibe, here are real, verifiable places in Wayne, Medina, Summit Counties , and Barberton that are perfect for a café-hopping adventure. 1. Der Dutchman – Walnut Creek, Wayne County Why Go: Open since 1964, Der Dutchman is a classic Amish dining experience. The rustic, cozy setting pairs perfectly with hearty comfort food. What to Order: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and any of their famous homemade pies. Odd Factor: The attached bakery and gift shop sell Amish jams, fudge, and unique crafts. 📍 445 S Jefferson St, Walnut Creek, OH 44687 🌐 derdutchman.com 2. Swensons Drive-In – Akron, Summit County Why Go: Since 1934, Swensons has been a local Akron institution, famous for its burgers, fries, and chocolate malts. Retro carh...

  Small-Town Eats: The Best Mom-and-Pop Diners We Found This Season 🍳🥧 One of our absolute favorite parts of RV life isn’t just the winding roads, odd roadside attractions , or quiet nights parked under the stars—it’s the food . Specifically, the mom-and-pop diners tucked into small towns you’d miss if you blinked too long while driving by. 🚐✨ This season, our Outland Adventures took us through Illinois,  Indiana , Kentucky , Ohio , and Tennessee —and we found some seriously memorable small‑town eats. These are real places we stopped, real meals we still talk about, and real locals who made us feel welcome the moment we walked in. Pull up a vinyl booth seat and let’s dig in. 🍔☕ 🍳 Frankie’s Village Restaurant – Near DeMotte / Lake Village / Roselawn, IN Frankie’s is the definition of a classic small‑town diner—the kind of place where breakfast is king and nobody leaves hungry. What we ate: Hearty breakfast plates with eggs cooked just right, crispy bacon, hash browns, a...

  🎄 The Joy of Finding Hidden Gems in Small Town Travels (Holiday Edition) There’s something downright magical about small towns during the holidays. Maybe it’s the twinkle lights strung across Main Street, the handwritten signs for bake sales, or the way time seems to slow just enough for you to actually breathe . 🚐✨ Here at Outland Adventures , we live for those unexpected moments—the ones you don’t find on travel apps or glossy brochures . Holiday small-town travel isn’t about rushing from attraction to attraction; it’s about wandering, noticing, and letting the season surprise you. 🎁 Why Small Towns Shine Brightest at the Holidays Big cities do holidays loud. Small towns do them right . ❤️ During the winter months, even the most unassuming town can transform into something straight out of a snow globe . Courthouse squares glow with lights, local shops decorate their windows with care, and everyone seems just a little friendlier. Some of our favorite things to stumble upon i...