When James's planned trip to northern Michigan for a fishing trip fell through at the last minute, we decided to take the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek that he was scheduled to test out up there on our own road trip isntead. So, we pointed the vehicle east toward the familiar shores of Lake Erie, where I spent many winters while growing up in Cleveland and Toledo. There's something deeply intimate about sharing pieces of your childhood with your partner, and this impromptu road trip became the perfect opportunity to create new memories in places filled with my old ones.
Comfort for the Journey
As the passenger for most of our adventure, I had plenty of time to appreciate the Pathfinder's comfortable interior. The leatherette seats with cloth inserts struck a nice balance between the rugged aesthetic of an adventure vehicle and the comfort needed for hours of highway driving. The heated seats and excellent climate control system kept us cozy despite the winter chill coming off the lake.
One of the things I appreciate most about road trips with James is our conversations along the way. The Pathfinder's cabin was impressively quiet, even with its all-terrain tires, which made our hours of catching up and reminiscing effortless. The panoramic views through the large windows connected us to the landscape while we remained snug inside our mobile cocoon.
Exploring Lake Erie's Winter Beauty
Our journey began about a 90-minute highway drive going East towards Cleveland and then we headed back meandering along Lake Erie on back roads.
This included a scenic drive around Catawba Island, where we explored the peninsula's winding roads with Lake Erie visible on both sides. We made our way to Marblehead Lighthouse, a spot we had visited together many years ago during summer. We made our way to Marblehead Lighthouse, a spot we had visited together many years ago during summer. It's always a great spot to explore regardless of the season. Each visit offers something new to appreciate about this iconic Lake Erie landmark and the islands that we hope to explore this summer once it gets a bit warmer!
There was something magical about revisiting this place in such different conditions, adding another layer to our shared experience of this iconic Lake Erie landmark.
From there, we ventured to Port Clinton where we ducked into The Brick House for some delicious fried walleye bites. There's something uniquely Midwestern about sitting in a warm tavern with comfort food while watching ice formations drift across the lake through steamy windows. James is generally more of an ocean fish guy who prefers salmon to lake fish, but I love sharing the flavors I grew up with. He's beginning to love trying walleye and lake perch on road trips like this where we can create new food memories together—one of those small but significant experiences that strengthen a relationship.
We finished our day with visits to Magee Marsh and the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Bundled up for a romantic walk on the boardwalk, we were rewarded with the majestic sight of nesting bald eagles in the distance, their white heads visible even without binoculars. The marshland was transformed by winter, offering a stark beauty quite different from its lush summer appearance. Having these peaceful shores almost to ourselves, with just these magnificent birds for company, felt like a private showing of nature's winter wonders.
The Pathfinder Rock Creek proved to be the perfect companion for our journey. Its higher ground clearance handled the occasionally icy parking areas with confidence, and the intelligent 4WD system gave us peace of mind as we ventured down less-traveled coastal roads. The spacious cargo area easily accommodated our overnight bags, camera equipment, and the local wines and cheeses we collected along the way.
Building Memories Together
Road trips have always been our favorite type of getaway. As we've discovered over years of marriage, exploring the world around us creates memories that outlast any souvenir. Here are five road trip activities that have helped us build lasting connections:
- Custom Road Trip Playlists: Create a soundtrack for your journey with songs that hold special meaning for both of you. James and I take turns adding tracks that either capture the mood of our destination or remind us of moments in our relationship. The Pathfinder's sound system brought our playlist to life as we cruised along Lake Erie's shoreline, each song sparking conversations about shared memories.
- Photography Challenges: Take turns giving each other specific things to photograph during stops—"something blue," "a texture that tells a story," or "something that makes you think of me." Comparing results often leads to meaningful conversations about how you each see the world.
- Local Flavor Stops: Seek out hometown eateries that serve regional specialties. We stumbled upon The Brick House in Port Clinton, where we enjoyed walleye bites - crispy fried chunks of freshly caught fish—along with other delicious pub fare that perfectly complemented the cold winter day. There's something special about huddling together in a warm local spot, trading bites of food while watching the gray winter sky through the windows.
- Sunset Picnics: Pack a small cooler with cheese, fruit, and wine. About an hour before sunset, find a scenic overlook or quiet spot and enjoy nature's show together. The Pathfinder's spacious rear cargo area made for a perfect picnic preparation space when the weather was too chilly to sit outside.
- Memory Lane Mapping: If one of you is familiar with the area, create a personal tour of meaningful locations. Sharing childhood haunts, college hangouts, or simply places you've always wanted to visit together strengthens your shared narrative and deepens your connection.
As we drove home with the heated seats warming us and the winter sun setting over the dashboard, I reflected on how the best vehicles for couples aren't necessarily the most luxurious or the most powerful - they're the ones that facilitate connection. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek, with its balance of comfort and capability, had provided the perfect backdrop for our spontaneous Great Lakes getaway.
Road trips with someone you love are never just about the destination. They're about the conversations had, the unexpected detours taken, and the shared experiences that become part of your collective story. Whether you're exploring familiar territory or venturing somewhere new, the journey itself becomes a thread woven into the fabric of your relationship—something we were reminded of during our weekend with the Pathfinder.
James's review can be found on his site, ManTripping.com with more photos.
