Recently, I promised two of my grandchildren, Oliver, 5, and Sloan, 6, that we’d go on an adventure. I was barely out the door when Oliver exclaimed with an impatient grin, “Nana, hurry up, you are taking for ages!” With that gentle nudge, I picked up the pace and off we went.

I expected a day filled with laughter and discoveries. What I didn’t expect was to come home feeling more grateful than ever to live in a place where kindness is a way of life and people go the extra mile.

Our first stop was Asher’s Chocolates, where the kids took their time choosing the perfect treat. As they pondered their options, the friendly woman behind the counter stepped out and offered each of them a lollipop. It was such a simple act, but one that put a smile on their faces, and set the tone for the day which turned out to be generosity without expectation.

Next, we visited the Pomeroy Academia Covered Bridge, a picturesque, historic covered bridge tucked in the heart of Juniata County. At first, they weren’t exactly thrilled about seeing “just a bridge,” especially after the excitement of a candy store, but the moment they caught sight of the enormous wooden structure, their eyes lit up. They took off running across the uneven floorboards, giggling and leaping with joy. I stood there watching them, my heart full, knowing these small moments were becoming big memories.

On the way back to the car, we paused at the informational sign, and I shared a little history. Did they absorb every fact? Probably not. But I hope they felt the magic of learning about the past and how it connects us all.

From there, we meandered through the backroads (okay, maybe I got a little lost) until we arrived at Lovetwo Eat Farm in East Waterford. Owner Dan Love welcomed us like family. He handed each child a bag of bread to feed his eclectic mix of animals–goats, sheep, donkeys, cows, a Scottish Highland cow, even a Zonkie (a zebra-donkey hybrid) and a Zebu! Then he introduced them to his farm’s giant black pipe slide, an unusual attraction that brought lots of laughter and multiple trips. Before we left, Dan even let them pick a few goodies from his “kid-only prize tray.” They left beaming.

Next, we made a pit stop at the Walnut Cheese Nook for lunch. Along the way, Sloan suddenly announced that she was really craving an egg salad sandwich, not exactly a common request from a six-year-old. I gently warned her that it might not be on the menu. But sure enough, there it was listed on the daily specials board the moment we walked through the door. She couldn’t have been happier, and neither could I.

Our final stop was a quick detour to see the enormous rock formation near the Arch Rock exit. I explained what an exit was and why this one had such a special name. Even if they didn’t totally grasp the concept, they loved posing for pictures with the giant arch behind them.

At the end of the day, we returned home tired but happy, our hearts full and our car and bodies dusted with memories of dirt roads and laughter. What began as a simple outing with my grandkids turned into a vivid reminder of why I love where I live. In our rural community, people wave from their porches, offer lollipops with a smile, make time for children, and always go the extra mile. It’s in these small, unscheduled moments at bridges and barns, local restaurants and winding roads, that the beauty of small-town life truly shines. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I leave you with this quote by American novelist Richard Peck, “Anyone who thinks small towns are friendlier than big cities lives in a big city.”

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Rhonda S. Kelley is the executive director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.