Ten years ago, if you would have asked me what I loved about Van Wert I would have coldly answered “nothing” and continued by letting you know I couldn’t wait to move far, far away. Now, with the help of my trusty walking partner, Caesar, I could probably rattle off ten things instantly that I love about the town.
In previous posts, I’ve talked about how walking your dog has both mental and physical benefits for both you and your pup. But for me, one unexpected benefit I’ve noticed through our walks, is how much I’ve grown to love and appreciate my hometown.
Typically, Caesar and I walk in one of four spots: Decatur’s River Greenway, Van Wert’s Bike Path, Hiestand Woods/ Reservoirs, or around Van Wert City. While I always enjoy the woods, occasionally it’s nice to break up the monotony and walk around town – our town-walks often offer us something new to look at and, unlike a path that goes one way with little chance to go a different direction, walking through town offers a variety of paths that we can make as long or as short as we’d like.
Like I said, walking around Van Wert with my best friend has done something unexpected for me: it’s taught me about my home and has helped me to grow to love it. Admittedly, before our weekly walks, I couldn’t have told you where most businesses were located. I’ve lived in Van Wert County my entire life, but it wasn’t until I began walking Caesar around Van Wert City that I really began to learn about Van Wert and what it has to offer.
Through our city walks, I’ve been able to admire architecture, find new and interesting businesses, learn where many people live, and discover which parts of town may be struggling a little bit more than others. (I’ve also learned which streets could really use a sidewalk.) I’ve watched some places change as new owners move into the location; I’ve watched homes removed through the Land Bank project; and I’ve admired the dedicated landscaping skills of many.
Some of my favorite streets to walk on include Main, Washington, Jefferson, and Walnut; I’ve concluded that these streets have the best houses to look at. On our walks, I like to admire old buildings and homes. I often notice the little details that surround them, making them unique – some of the best pieces of architecture are on Washington Street, where there are magnificent churches, large old homes, and of course, “The Castle.”
Occasionally, someone will ask me, “Where is *such and such* business located?” Because of the walks Caesar and I take, often through downtown Van Wert, I’m usually able to tell them. I couldn’t have done that before. In fact, walking has allowed me to learn about all of the different types of businesses located downtown. I guess, in a way, walking has made me more nosey about the location of things and people.
Sure, you could drive around town and learn about places, but walking makes you go slower and makes you take the time to look around. While zooming by in a car, we might not really appreciate the little details of a building or home. We rush by, taking little note of what makes a place unique, and I think that’s part of why many (including a younger me) think that Van Wert is ordinary, with nothing special to offer. Often, many of us forget to just stop, take in our surroundings, and appreciate what makes a place different or special. Walking forces you to do that.
Of course, the best part of these walks is Caesar. It’s because of him that I am even going on walks and appreciating Van Wert. Growing up, I, like many teens, thought Van Wert was boring. Taking the time to walk around and admire what we do have has made me realize how much history is in our little town and how important it is to preserve that. With the right mindset, nothing is boring. Plus, with a walking partner like Caesar, there is plenty to do and see.
These days, I’ve made it a little challenge to take photos of Caesar in front of historic or recognizable structures. The Van Wert County Foundation has been working hard in the community to lift Van Wert up. With a project being conducted downtown and one at Hiestand Woods, my photos may serve as a before and after in some cases. I can’t wait to see Van Wert continue to change and offer us new and interesting sights!
Every time I take William walking with me I end up carrying him.. lol poor little guy has baby legs xD
I do notice when I walk around Decatur though that I seem to notice more that’s going on around town. I always notice the banner that hangs on 2nd street displaying what will be coming up next. I look at all the businesses downtown and of course I always walk down the new Madison Street Plaza.. It’s so pretty at night with the lights!
Take Cesar there when it’s night and take a picture.. it would look beautiful!