One of the coolest things about being a parent is discovering new places with my kids. While I've lived in Ohio for pretty much my entire life, I still, to this day, find myself discovering hidden gems and new-to-me places. The Salty Dog Museum in Shandon, Ohio, is one of them. While my kids are (sadly) beyond the "cars and trucks" phase, they're still impressed by vintage vehicles -- and I know that even my 12-year-old's interest is piqued when a fire truck wails by our house. So needless to say, Salty Dog Museum is a delightful hidden gem and fun day trip here in our little corner of Ohio.

Every parent will tell you that kids love cars and trucks and things that go. Whether your tot's into watching the garbage truck each week or you take your kids to community "Touch a Truck" events, there's something about automobiles that never fails to capture the imaginations of little kids...

...and big kids! Adults, too, love the automobile. But perhaps no one more than Ron Miller of Salty Dog Museum in Shandon, Ohio. Located about 45 minutes north of Cincinnati, Salty Dog Museum is Miller’s homage to the American automobile; it's a classic car museum and (wax polished) hidden gem.

Salty Dog Museum houses dozens of vintage vehicles hailing from 1911 to the 1970s, all restored to spotless, shiny splendor. Admission to this hidden gem is free; however, it’s open by appointment only.

Contact information for this museum is available on the Salty Dog website, and the phone number is 513-265-8750.

Housed in multiple showrooms, visiting this museum is a total sensory, fully immersive, wholly awesome experience.

The museum boasts dozens of well-known classics Model As and Ts. These cars are absolutely stunning to look at, and kids can touch and investigate each and every one. In a separate showroom, you’ll find a lineup of shiny-red, vintage fire trucks -- for admiring from far and near.

A grandfather himself, Miller is wonderful with kids and, on the day we went, demonstrated a siren using an old-fashioned hand crank. He even let my kids try, too—after letting them climb aboard, of course. How fun!

For kids (and grown-ups), is there anything better than a museum where you can touch things? And talk to someone who's truly passionate and knows their stuff? There isn't. Miller knows this, and happily, he's incorporated numerous kid-friendly features into what could be a very un-kid-friendly experience.

Also, is there anything more adorable than seeing a tiny human next to big cars? There isn't. What a fun place for families to explore!

Did you know about this hidden gem museum in Ohio? The Salty Dog Museum is a delightful treasure that shows how beautiful and wow-worthy vintage vehicles are! Please note that admission to this hidden gem is free; however, it’s open by appointment only, as owner Ron Miller is often busy working at his eponymous body shop next door.