Along SR 23 South, in the dark, right before Christmas, there are houses every few miles that could win any Christmas light contest. Strands festoon every possible place one could put lights, and inflatable snow men or Santas, shine like beacons of cheer. Then there are places to notice along the way, that make you wish you had the time to stop and shop. In Waverly, there's the historic Emmitt House, where I once ate, in order to write a restaurant review. I recommend it. At night, it still carries the feel it must have when it was a hotel that welcomed travelers going along the Ohio Erie Canal. But, I was in a hurry and had dinner waiting elsewhere. Still, every time I pass the Emmitt House, I think about eating there again.

Along SR 23, there's a certain coziness. The cars passing through are rarely more than a few feet from the houses and businesses that are situated on either side of the highway. You can window gaze at 60 miles an hour. Although I-75, I-70 and I-71 are stoplight free and are faster ways of moving through Ohio, I recommend heading down a state road once in awhile to enjoy the view. Hopefully, you'll have time on your schedule to pop into one of the businesses and buy something--if not on the way down, then on the way back. I stopped at the Ohio Candle Company at the edge of Piketon. Yes, I did buy candles, but this is a gift shop deluxe with rooms made for browsing.