Moochdocking in Cuyahoga Falls: Two Weeks of Family, Fun, and So Much Love

After the beauty and quiet of Millersburg, our next stop was something completely different—Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where we spent two full weeks with my best friend and her family. Honestly, her family is like my second family, so pulling the Airstream into their yard for our very first “boondocking” experience (or in this case, “moochdocking”) felt both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. We quickly joked that we felt like invading house guests, but they welcomed us with open arms and made us feel right at home.

Of course, no first-time experience is without its lessons. My husband bought what was supposed to be a “universal” part for our generator… turns out, not so universal after all. We ended up truly boondocking with generators for the first time, and let me tell you—it just isn’t our thing. Having to head out in the middle of the night to refuel was far from glamorous and definitely not something we’ll be signing up for again anytime soon. What saved the nights, though, was cracking open all the windows for a cool breeze and turning on a nighttime concert. We hooked up the speakers, set up a spotlight, and filled the yard with music under the stars—it’s one of those simple joys I’d highly recommend to anyone with an Airstream.

The visit was all about quality time with the kids—ages 17, 9, 7, and 2—and let me tell you, we packed a lot into those two weeks. There were hikes through the local trails, Target runs (multiple, because let’s be honest, Target is always an adventure), and even a nail salon trip. I introduced the 9-year-old to the magic of Ulta, and we may have created a new makeup enthusiast in the process. Meanwhile, the 7-year-old and my husband spent hours opening Pokémon card packs, trading, and celebrating every rare pull like it was Christmas morning. And the 2-year-old? Just watching Sing2 through his little eyes was pure joy.

Food and local staples added their own flavor to our visit, thanks to my best friend who showed us her go-to hometown spots. We started with Salay’s farm stand, which perfectly captured the small-town, rural Ohio charm. Their fresh fruit and vegetables were top notch, but the star was the sweet corn on the cob. They had a food cart that dipped it straight into butter, and it was heavenly. Biting into it instantly took me back to my Indiana roots, reminding me of the State Fair sweet corn I grew up with—juicy, buttery, and absolutely unforgettable.

And then there was Swenson’s—oh, Swenson’s. We went not once, not twice, but three times during our stay. Their burgers and famous drinks are an Ohio classic we just couldn’t resist. It’s the kind of comfort food that somehow tastes better every single time you order it.

We also carved out time to explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which still amazes me that it sits right in the middle of Northeast Ohio. The highlight was visiting Brandywine Falls, a stunning 65-foot waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Standing there, listening to the roar of the water and taking in the view, I felt like I was worlds away from the suburbs. It was such a powerful reminder of the natural beauty tucked right into this part of Ohio.

Those weeks were filled with laughter, late-night chats, small-town adventures, and everyday moments that felt like treasures. Time with them always reminds me how lucky I am to have a second family who feels just as much a part of my story as my own. Leaving was tough—we already missed them the moment we pulled away.

Next up was Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania, where we were excited to trade “moochdocking” in a backyard for lakeside camping surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The road was calling again, and we couldn’t wait to see what adventures the next stop would bring.

Patrick and I on one of the many walks around Ohio