This weekend, I packed up the car, gathered my three porcupine companions: Annie, Cody and Julie, and set off on a road trip to the Lexington Book Bash in Kentucky. The drive itself was a mix of anticipation and excitement, as we had planned to make a few memorable stops along the way.
Our first detour was to the stunning silo mural in Toledo, Ohio. I had passed it several times on I-75, always intrigued by the vibrant artwork, but this time, I was determined to see it up close. The weather wasn’t on our side—it was raining, and my porcupine companions weren’t thrilled about the idea of getting their quills wet. So, while they stayed cozy in the car, I ventured out on my own. Seeing the mural up close was even more impressive than from the freeway.
Next, we stopped at the Kewpie restaurant in Lima, Ohio, a local gem I had heard about. As soon as we pulled up, I noticed the drive-thru line was long, stretching down the road. I decided to park and hop out instead of waiting. The moment I opened the door, the smell of burgers hit me, and my stomach growled in response. I’m so glad my porcupine companions are vegetarians—I didn’t have to share my greasy, delicious burger. They did give me a few disapproving looks when I didn’t order a milkshake, though. It wasn’t on my mind at the time, but I’m sure they would have appreciated a sweet treat!
Continuing our journey, we made a stop at Jungle Jim’s International Market. This place is a paradise for food lovers, with aisles filled with exotic ingredients and treats from all over the world. My porcupine friends stayed close, eyes wide at the sheer variety, though I had to remind them that we were just browsing and not stocking up for the winter! Afterward, we drove through historical downtown Cincinnati, taking in the architecture and the vibrant city life, before heading into Kentucky for the final stretch to Lexington.
Finally, we arrived at the Lexington Book Bash, and it was everything I had hoped for and more. The energy in the room was contagious, with authors and readers alike buzzing with enthusiasm. I met new readers who were excited to discover my books, and it was heartwarming to reconnect with fellow authors I hadn’t seen in ages. One of the highlights was swapping stories with other writers, exchanging tips and experiences. The porcupines were a hit too—many attendees asked about their adventures.
On the way back, we took the scenic route through Kentucky backroads to Cornelia, Kentucky, to see the Walking Dead Mural. The drive was breathtaking, with horse farms and ranches dotting the landscape. My porcupine pals were captivated by the sight of the horses grazing peacefully in the fields. After admiring the mural and exploring the historic downtown, we eventually made our way to I-75 for the final stretch home.
Seeing the majestic horses up close was a treat, and my porcupine companions were utterly fascinated by the gentle giants. As we finally pulled into the driveway, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this trip was more than just an event—it was a journey filled with discovery, connection, and a few prickly friends who made it all the more special.
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