WALDO FOR BOLOGNA JOURNAL - OHIO TUESDAYTRIPS

Waldo for Bologna Journal
                                               4/6/2021

“Where’s Waldo” is a famous saying and a set of children’s search books. For the TuesCrew it was a
directional question for a very small town on US-23 north of Columbus, Ohio. We had heard a rumor of a
Famous Bologna Sandwich there which one must experience. The TuesCrew loves these kinds of
sandwiches and thus was birthed the latest Ohio TuesDayTrips adventure.

Heading up SR-235 and SR-47 through Bellefontaine, West Mansfield, Richwood and Prospect, we
eventually arrived in Waldo. We could have gone faster routes, but why? For us it’s all about the journey
and it gave Deb, Bev and Jim time to chat about politics and news pundits while Ken kept track of the
navigation system.

                   Waldo has little to offer in its small downtown area other than taverns, a Post Office
                   and the Waldo Village and Township Hall. Outside the Township Hall is a War
                   Memorial to those who served from the area. There is also an old water pump and
                   bell that once was in use. It’s actually the prettiest spot we came across in the whole
                   village!

There is also an Historical Marker for “Harrison’s Military Road”. North
Marion Street, which runs north and south through town, is also SR-423 and
part of this road. During the War of 1812, General William Henry Harrison led
his troops along the Military Road north of Waldo towards Fort Meigs in the
Toledo area. Many of his troops eventually settled along the route.

The TuesCrew’s planned destination was G&R Tavern across the street from the hall. The signs plastered
around the building state that they have “The Famous Bologna Sandwich”. We noticed that parking in
the area was packed with vehicles. It seemed as if half of Ohio was inside G&R for lunch! We gave our
name and we were asked to wait outside until a table came open for us. It took a little over fifteen
minutes, but we were fine as it was gorgeous weather.

Once seated, we had quick service from our waiter. All of us ordered the G&R Bologna Sandwich with a
side of Onion Rings. WOW-Moment! We realized why the sign says, “Famous” and why they were

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All rights reserved © 2021 Kenneth Davis.

packed even in this tiny tavern, in a tiny village, surrounded by miles of farmland, on a Tuesday. The
Bologna is G&R’s own recipe and the sandwich is built with Monterey Jack Cheese, Pickles and Onion. It
came on a tiny Styrofoam dessert plate. Seems a bit strange, but one ignores the plate presentation with
the first bite! Wide-eyed with smiles, we focused on the massive and delicious sandwich and onion
rings. Little was said other than comments about how good it was and who we know that needs to come
here and experience it.

G&R also has various pies available for dessert. The cream pies are displayed in the dining area so one
has a hard time not ordering up a slice. We chose to have ours to go and picked from the fruit pies as
they would last longer in the car. We were just too full to eat them on premise. By the way, be sure to
bring cash as G&R does not accept Debit or Credit Cards. (There is an ATM inside to assist if needed.)

                                                         Dutch Apple Pie

Across the street from G&R Tavern is the Tin Star Saloon. On a sign outside, they advertised they make
their own Pork Rinds. Deb and Jim had to get some to try. Tin Star was not very busy compared to G&R,
however, they had few empty seats. They bought a bag of Bacon Pork Rinds and then we walked around
the building to see Tin Star’s nice patio for a future summer adventure.

Having exhausted our time in Waldo, we headed back west and southwest toward Mechanicsburg
through Pharisburg, Marysville, Chuckery and Irwin. Marysville has a great downtown we will return to
visit in the future. The other places held little interest for us.

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In Mechanicsburg we stopped at Simple Comfort’s Coffee Shop. A Christian themed coffee shop, they
feature Hemisphere Coffee Roasters coffee which is also located in Mechanicsburg. The coffee was
excellent! We also ordered some Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peach Turnovers, and a Scone. The treats
were good, but the cookies and turnovers seemed to be a bit under cooked. We had a great time sitting
around a table and chatting about various subjects.

                    After coffee, we made a quick, unsuccessful stop at a local hardware store just
                    down the block to look for some Canning Jar Lids. It seems canning lids are rarer
                    than diamonds these days. Most stores are unable to get them and those that do
                    are sold out immediately. It’s another long-term side effect of COVID-19…

Leaving Mechanicsburg in the rearview mirror, we talked about future trip desires especially
surrounding National Parks and other sites out west. Once we arrived at Deb and Jim’s we sat on their
patio eating some of the pie we brought from G&R and the Pork Rinds. The pie was nominal, but the
Pork Rinds were awesome! As we munched, we continued the discussion on travels and Joan joined us.
The TuesCrew was whole!

It was a great day. The weather was awesome. The trip planning consisted of a Bologna Sandwich for
lunch. Everything else was haphazard and found along whatever route we took. A fantastic, inexpensive
journey across Ohio’s backroads and little towns. We try to always, “stop and smell the roses”. And,
some of the best are those that are hidden from the normal paths of life.

   “If You Are Not Willing To Risk The Unusual, You Will Have To Settle For The Ordinary.” - Jim Rohn

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All rights reserved © 2021 Kenneth Davis.