Stuck behind a tractor: It’s every Millennial’s nightmare. Trying to get from Destination A to Destination B, sailing at a steady 5 mph above the speed limit, blasting the radio when BAM!-- There’s Farmer Joe. Ambling down the road at 15 under in his piece of farm machinery that a tiny car or motorcycle might be able to squeeze under if the rider were short or dextrous enough.
This is a very real scenario on the Foothills route, which winds past golden cornfields and gently sloping pastures where horses flick their tails in the breeze and cows stare back at you as you drive by.
And suddenly you realize: Stuck behind a tractor is just what you needed. Slow down, turn off the radio, open the windows and enjoy the ride.
1. Utica
Perhaps best known as the home of Velvet Ice Cream, this quaint village in northern Licking County is the perfect spot to find that “diamond in the rough” antique you didn’t know you needed, or to sip a cup of coffee and watch the world go by. Just for a day, check your Paleo at the door of Watt’s restaurant, the type of family-owned joint where folks stop in for meatloaf and mashed potatoes and discuss the latest town happenings. Settled in 1810, Utica maintains its foundation of deep community roots and supporting local: Stop by one of its orchards for a day of apple or peach-picking, try a sample or three and you’ll understand why.
2. Eden Church of Christ
Beyond the village and out onto country roads, relish the moments you may find yourself caught behind a piece of slow-moving farm machinery. As the route winds past picturesque farms and fields, don’t be surprised if you begin second-guessing your office job and wondering if you should have chosen the simple life (but there’s the whole manure thing…). Situated on a hilltop down the road from the Walsh Christmas Tree Farm, Eden Church of Christ is one of several century-old buildings (including a handful of churches) you’ll pass along the Foothills route. Pull into the parking lot and listen to the birds as you take in the vista around you: An old country cemetery sits across the well-worn road, a silent resting place under the vast expanse of sky.
3. Old Schoolhouse
By now you should have learned that it’s worth it to be “that person”--the one with the line of traffic behind you as you slow down to enjoy the scenery along the way. On Pleasant Valley Road south of McKee Hill Road, an ancient one-room schoolhouse gradually sinks to the earth, a bittersweet homage to earlier days. Its bell tower still stretches proudly to the sky, the awning over the front door still intact, as if to say it’s not going down without a fight. There is room alongside the road to pull over for a photo or moment of reflection (or, you know, to let the other cars pass).
4. Hanover
A true one-stoplight town, the community of Hanover is the kind of place where families faithfully crowd the stands every Friday during football season and kids occasionally drive their tractors to school. If you’re road-weary, pull into The Cottage Restaurant to fill your tank with whatever type of homemade pie is on the menu. (Speaking of tanks, there’s also a gas station across the street.) Whether you’re a kid or grown-up, follow High Street (also known as Licking Valley Road) through town and check out Legacy Community Park, a playground, walking path and ballfields marked by a locally made sculpture whose leaves are imprints of local schoolchildren’s hands--a testament to what a community can do when it works together.
