Behind the Lens

"Exploring the Midwest, one bite and backroad at a time."

From Fort Wayne to the Open Road

We believe that the best stories aren't always found on the major interstates or in the biggest cities. Often, the most incredible history, the friendliest people, and the most unforgettable meals are waiting just off the beaten path.

Based out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, we started this channel as an excuse to grab a camera, hop in the car, and explore our own backyard. What started as weekend day trips quickly turned into a passion for documenting the local businesses, historic downtowns, and hidden gems across Indiana, Ohio, and beyond.

Whether we're hunting down the ultimate cup of hot chocolate or exploring a centuries-old antique mall, our goal is to bring you along for the ride.

Why a YouTube channel?

We love the video possibilities that sites like YouTube allow. We've watched other travel content creators for years, getting inspiration from their travels. But we noticed one thing - most creators showcase big-ticket destinations and once-in-a-lifetime destinations. Destinations that may be out of reach for many viewers. We wanted to focus on something different - the greatness in our own backyards!

The Journey So Far

The Beginning

Grabbing the Camera

It started with a simple idea: stop driving past the small towns and start driving into them. We packed up our basic camera gear and hit the local backroads, eager to see what we'd been missing.

Finding Our Niche

Small Town Travel

We quickly realized we had a soft spot for small towns. We decided to highlight the hidden gems all around us. People don't generally see them as vacation destinations, but food and fun can be found all around us.

The Culinary Quests

The Hot Chocolate Showdown & Beyond

We introduced dedicated food reviews to the channel. From comparing high-end local chocolatiers to small-town diner classics, we started treating local Midwest cuisine with the respect (and appetite) it deserves.

Today

Growing the Map

From the hidden gems of Bryan, Ohio, to the sprawling countryside of Indiana, we are continually expanding our radius, meeting incredible locals, and building a community of fellow backroad explorers.