For most people their hometown is boring, but once in a while they discover something truly magical. This experience usually comes through someone else. Using emotions we become interested. This happened to me on July fifteenth while bike riding with my cousin, Alisha. She was visiting us from Springfield, Ohio three hours from the small town of Vermilion where I live. Trying to juggle summer homework, a job, scholarship essays and Cross Country practice, I was stressed about how to entertain my ten year old cousin. Deciding to multi task I would tour Vermilion with her to take gather ideas for this blog. On the thirty minute bike ride to downtown Vermilion, I planned a route that would take us from my house to Romps Dairy Dock, a soft serve ice cream stand. We would bike past a miniature golf, to Huggies, a popular coffee shop. I would also show her Ritter Public Library and Main Street Beach. Our adventure was off to a great start and I could not wait to see how it turned out.
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At our first stop, Dairy Dock we both purchased medium cones, Alisha's was strawberry and mine was chocolate. Dairy Dock is a place frequented by both locals and tourists. On a sunny day, people flock to enjoy a cold treat. While there, I enjoy sitting in a small tree located in a field near the ice cream stand. After showing this to Alisha, it became her favorite spot too. We took several pictures and laughed when the bottom of our cones broke, spilling melted chocolate on to my shirt. This is where I stopped viewing our trip as a chore. Vermilion became new, exciting and an experience I would always remember.
After the last traces of ice cream were consumed, we rode across the road to Huggies. Alisha wanted to use the restroom and I bought some candy as a souvenir. Huggies is known for its unusual snacks and drinks. I have fond memories of visiting the shop before school and drinking hot chocolate with my Dad. After searching through boxes of candy, I picked out some lemon fizzers. Alisha returned from the restroom and we left for our next destination, the library.
About a year ago our library was renovated and expanded. They built a second wing and added a salt water aquarium. This is where Alisha and I sat enjoying the candies I had bought. We had the good fortune to visit while the fish were being fed. Small frozen shrimp were poured in. We also watched a man hold a piece of seaweed under water so the fish could eat it without it floating away. Alisha was awestruck by the fish and sea life inside the tank. Later she told me this was her favorite part of the trip. When we had seen enough of the fish we left the library and visited Main street beach.
While at the beach Alisha, and I waded in the water. We decided against swimming because we did not want to get our clothes wet. If you are ever in Vermilion I recommend visiting the beach. It is the perfect place to relax and play in the water. As we left, I reflected on today's journey. I had truly enjoyed myself today, touring my home town made me remember what an interesting place Vermilion is. Soaking wet and satisfied, Alisha and I mounted our bikes and started the journey home.
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