May 23-24
Day 54
Sunday morning we left South Bend for our last stop in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, to meet up with our fun and fabulous pickle Ball friends, Terry and Vickie Medlar, before finally heading home. We had met Terry and Vickie this past winter (during Covid) on the pickle ball courts in Key West. Both of them were super challenging opponents on the court and two of the most amazing people off the court. The four of us quickly hit it off and we had lots of fun playing pickle ball, sharing many laughs and enjoying, as much as we could of the Key West Covid life together. We were so happy to keep a connection with them over the winter and looked forward to including a stop on this trip to visit them. Although it was a short visit, it was so wonderful to give them both a big hug and spend a nice afternoon together.
We pulled into Punderson’s State Park Campground around 2pm and set up. Vickie and Terry were kind enough to drive over to pick us up. They were excited to show us their hometown of Chagrin Falls. As soon as we drove down into town, we could see instantly why they loved this absolutely charming and picturesque little village. The historic architecture, quaint shops, art galleries and vibrant restaurant scene were just idyllic. The town was named for a beautifully scenic cascade falls that runs right through the center of town. A set of stairs, with an observation deck, brought visitors front and center to the falls with views of a restaurant patio balcony perched above the river. Vickie enjoyed telling me about the many holiday events that Chagrin Falls runs throughout the year, including the magical lights that turn this little town into a Thomas Kincade painting at Christmas time and the annual Blossom Festival held every Memorial Day weekend with hot air balloon launches, carnival rides, food vendors and parades. She was super disappointed that this Memorial Weekend’s events would be cancelled due to Covid.
After a wonderful lunch on the outdoor patio of M-Italian, we headed over to Vickie and Terry’s home, outside of town. They lived in an absolutely gorgeous little neighborhood with a home that is straight out of the pages of ‘Better Homes and Gardens’. I can see why they just loved it here. The next time I redecorate the house, I am hiring Vickie. She has absolutely amazing taste and incredible interior decorating skills. I wanted to live there. After the home tour, we sat out on their back deck and enjoyed some more time together. Terry was still glowing from his excitement of entering a raffle to win a new Mist Red 2021 C8 Corvette and telling us about getting the call from the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green Kentucky that his ticket had been pulled. We couldn’t think of a nicer, more deserving person to win!
We were so glad we were able to make the stop to see them on the way home. Thank you so much Vickie and Terry for your wonderful hospitality and friendship. We are so looking forward to getting together again next January and maybe with some major pickle ball training and practice, we might finally be able win! Raymon and Rebecca, we miss you too! Come visit us!!
Time to head on home!
A beautiful state park with camping, tennis, golf, swimming and a club house.
Downtown Chagrin Falls, OH. Incorporated in 1844. Childhood home of Tim Conway.
Bill Watterson, author of the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes also grew up here.
The town grew quickly around the river and falls with the building of flour, woolen and paper production mills.
Best pickle ball players in Chagrin Falls!
