Sometimes you just have to go. We live such busy lives and there is always something to do. The house needs cleaned, There’s yardwork. Your behind in a project. You have overscheduled yourself. There is always an excuse, but just go.

For several years, I have said I want to check out the Banana Split Festival in Latrobe. And something always came up. Not this year. But we will get to this.

First. Say what you want about social media. I can say alot, but without a friend on Facebook saying he was interested a yard sale dedicated only to halloween decorations, I would not have started the day in Ingram. And, more importantly, I would have two more way cool animatronics to add to the display this year, including a rare electrified man and a fortune teller. Going to be a fun spooky season.

After adding a short road trip that started early, I could have easily said that’s enough, but a the sweet treat beckoned. And even with gas prices way high, sometimes the investment is worth it. Getting out and about certainly helped my mental state. So, off to Latrobe I adventured.

I have not been in Latrobe’s main street area for quite some time. And frankly, I was surprised. Kudos to the small businesses, civic leaders, and community members for the hard work in reviving the area. They also put on a great party to celebrate one of their treasured inventions, the banana split.

I enjoyed walking the streets and talking with the vendors. A soon to be new restaurant, smartly opened its doors and served a signature cocktail for the event, a banana split martini. It was a great way to start the day, and I look forward to returning for dinner.

It was nice to pop into the open shops not just the vendors. Melissa and I enjoy supporting small businesses and meeting new entrepreneurs. We enjoyed the Mystical Thrift Shop and the Electique Boutique for their uniqueness and can do community spirit. Electique provides a fun space for local artisans as well as a wine tasting. The owner’s passion comes through in conversation and it looks like Melissa will collaborate with her on some future events.

I wrote about hiding in plain sight. That could describe Latrobe. It can also describe collaboration. You never know what idea can come about if you don’t strike up a conversation and ask.

Yes, there were yummy treats all around the streets. We did get our non-alcoholic traditional version of the banana split. But first, we had to try UnderDogz. This has to be the best hot dog I have had in a very long time. Give them a follow on Facebook. They are great people doing what they love.

The day was long. The day was tiring. The day was perfect, because we just got in the car in went. Thank you to a great family in Ingram that loves Halloween. Thank you Latrobe for celbrating your history, present and future. Thank you to all who do what you love – you inspire us.