Hocking Hills Tourism Association | Ohio Tourism and Travel Blog

Hocking Hills Visitor Video of the Week

1800hocking — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:45:41 +0000

What memories did you create on your last vacation? Did you take the family on an adventurous hike through the woods? Did you learn something new and exciting about nature? Or maybe you and the kids dressed up like Bigfoot and scared that pants off of mom.

Everyone loves the vacation experience. Whether it’s a week-long excursion or a weekend getaway, the fun times and carefree relaxation create lasting memories that can be cherished all year long. And even though vacations can be unique and personal, it’s hard not to want to share these experiences with friends.

The Hocking Hills Tourism Association wants you to share your experiences!

Have your own Hocking Hills video to share? Post it on our Facebook page wall for our fans to see. You don’t need to be an Academy Award winning director to make a great video about your Hocking Hills experience. Just keep the camera rolling during your hikes and adventures and have fun with it! You will be amazed with what you come up with. Whether you make a fun-filled family video or a creative nature documentary, we can’t wait to see it.

Throughout the year visitors share their vacation videos with us showcasing all the fun they have had exploring Old Man’s Cave and all of the other great attractions the Hocking Hills have to offer. We love watching them so much, we thought: “why not share our favorites?” Each week, we will upload our favorite video to our Facebook page for our Hocking Hills Visitor Video of the Week.

We love watching our visitors’ videos and we know you will too! Connect with us on Facebook or Twitter, or follow our blog, to get tuned in. We hope you enjoy them as much as we have!

Here is the first Visitor Video from the Stevens Family.

Hills offer scenic alternative to crowded, costly beach spring break

1800hocking — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:02:59 +0000

With winter school closures leaving many families facing a shorter spring break this year, Ohio’s scenic Hocking Hills region offers an inexpensive, close-to-home spring break option, without requiring costly, time-consuming air travel. Travelers of all ages will be entertained as well as inspired by the region’s adventure, culinary and other unique offerings. Easily accessible from any city, Ohio’s Hills are just an hour’s drive from Columbus, OH.

Fun for Families: This beautiful region is home to many unforgettable, affordable activities, making it an ideal family Spring Break destination. Mom and dad get a break from staying in the same room as the kids with one of the region’s fully-equipped cabins. Available for as few as one or two nights, most cabins feature a full kitchen where families can prepare quick and inexpensive meals. But the area offers plenty of family friendly restaurants as well, from casual cafes and old-fashioned diners to relaxed Mexican and BBQ restaurants. Kids and parents alike love the free and natural attractions offered in the area, including hiking hundreds of miles of trails or touring America’s last remaining washboard factory. Families can also experience the Hocking Hills by horseback, kayak, canoe, canopy tour, ATV or the historic Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Nelsonville’s Rocky Boots factory outlet store offers great deals in three stories of outdoor gear, boots, cloths, home and fashion accessories, food and more. Families also love golf, mini-golf, historic museums and a petting zoo.

Perfect for Couples: Getting away from the hustle and rush of the city, couples will enjoy a secluded and romantic spring escape in one of the region’s many cozy cottages, historic B&Bs or charming inns. The area offers intimate two-person cabins, often decked with a relaxing hot tub. Couples can enjoy a candlelit dinner out or have a traveling chef deliver a gourmet meal right to their cabin. Romance is inspired during a peaceful stroll past picturesque waterfalls or a relaxing couple’s massage at a spa or in their cabin. A romantic scenic air tour with dinner or a hot-air balloon ride for two is also available. New this season, a two-person canopy tour allows couples to enjoy breathtaking zip line scenery side by side.

Bonding for Friends: Groups of couples, guy or girlfriends will find an abundance of lodges and cabins that offer loads of deluxe amenities and plenty of room for up to 20 guests at a wildly affordable shared price. Many cabins feature a covered hot tub, private patio with grill and more. An inexpensive getaway, friends will enjoy a homemade meal in a fully-equipped kitchen and an evening of relaxing together surrounded by the beauty of the Hocking Hills. The region’s many nearby attractions offer great bonding fun, including free hiking, adventurous zip lining, ATVs, rock climbing, rappelling and more.

Located 40 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio’s Hocking Hills region offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make every day feel like Saturday, with plenty of Admission: FREE activities. The region boasts a wide variety of affordable lodging, from camping, cabins and cottages to hotels and inns. In addition to hiking trails, parks and forests, the Hocking Hills area offers unique gift and antique shops, canoeing, horseback riding, golf and more. Complete traveler information is available www.1800Hocking.com or 1-800-Hocking (800-462-5464).

Comp or press rate trips and outstanding photos and video available. Contact Amy Weirick, (614) 848-8380, amy@WeirickCommunications.com.

Naturalist Events & Nature Programs March 2010

1800hocking — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:52:34 +0000

Hocking Hills State Park Presents:

Maple Sugaring in the Hills

Saturday & Sunday 13-14, 2010 Tours 12 to 4 PM
Join us at the naturalist cabin at Old Man’s Cave for the first look and taste of the season.
Pancake breakfast located at the Dining Lodge from 9am to 4 pm.

Friday March 5
3:00 PM *CEDAR FALLS STROLL – Join the naturalist to explore Cedar Falls and discover the unique natural & cultural history of this area of the park.

Friday March 19
7:30 PM WOODCOCK WATCH – Is this just another “snipe hunt”? No. What is an American Woodcock and why would I want to watch one? Well…this bird has one of the most elaborate courtship rituals of many of Ohio’s avian friends and one of the most intriguing to observe. Bring along a pair of binoculars and meet the naturalist on the Expedition Trail located behind the naturalist office to find out. (Unfortunately, this bird is weather-dependent so keep your fingers crossed for clear skies.)

Saturday March 20
10:00 AM *THE WONDERS of OLD MAN’S CAVE – Meet the naturalist at the Naturalist Cabin for a short hike and discover some facts about the history of the area and the rock formations that are found throughout the park.

2:00 PM HOCKING’S BIRDS OF PREY – Join the naturalist at the Naturalist Cabin for a closer look at Ohio’s hawks, owls, eagles and vultures.

March 2010 Activities flyer

* Print off and take this schedule with you on the next hike(*) that you attend from the regular program schedule here at Hocking Hills State Park. When you join the naturalist for a hike and get this slip signed 5 times at different hikes you will then be eligible to purchase our emblem to show how avid a hiking fan you really are. Any hike that appears on the Hocking Hills State Park program and activity schedule is eligible. Have fun and we’ll see you at the next hike!

Latest Member News

1800hocking — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:22:44 +0000

The next regular HHTA Board of Trustees meeting will be March 15th; noon at the Welcome Center.

2010 HHTA Annual Dinner & Meeting – February 25th at Lee’s Banquet Haus; 5:30 pm, Dinner at 6:15; $22

Congrats to Big Maple Log Cabin and Hocking Hills KOA Campground, the newest Hocking Hills Green Certified businesses.

If you are interested in becoming Hocking Hills Green Certified but were unable to attend a workshop call Karen at 740-385-2750. You can set up a meeting to get all the info on becoming Hocking Hills Green Certified.

The Grouse Nest has announced new menus this month – Wild Game and From the Garden. The two new menus will be created from indigenous foods of Ohio and organically grown produce from the Hocking Hills. The Neighborhood Specials for under $10 will continue to be offered nightly and currently kids under 10 years old eat free.

The historic Pythian Theater and lodge building in downtown Logan is for sale. The building has a rich history, a 600+ seat auditorium, stage and orchestra pit. Upper levels feature great open space, including a stage and open area on the third floor. Contact Carol Mackey at CMC Real Estate Group for more info; 740-380-1555

On February 26th Senator Tim Schaffer and the Perry County Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Development Center will host an Economic Development Summit at the New Lexington Community Building, 600 Senior Center Drive, New Lexington. The Summit will begin at 9am and run until 12:30pm. State funding and financing incentives will be presented with a focus on small business and entrepreneurs. The event is open to the public and free. To register call 614-466-5838.

Please advise visitors about the Hocking Hills State Parks’ new “Carry In, Carry Out” policy – all waste and recyclables carried into the Parks must be carried out. Help keep the Hocking Hills clean and green.

Valentine Gift Giving Tips

1800hocking — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:29:36 +0000

The pressure’s on, only a couple shopping days left to Valentine’s Day. Admit it, this is mostly a ladies’ holiday. Here are a dozen tips for choosing the perfect gift for your Valentine.

No matter how many times your sweetheart has said she is going to take Marie Osmond’s advice, and join Nutrisystem – DO NOT give your Valentine Nutrisystem.

Sending flowers? Have them delivered to your sweetheart’s office. The only thing better than getting a dozen long stem red roses for Valentine’s Day is getting them delivered in front of co-workers. This year have them delivered in the morning on Friday, February 12^th.

Let’s talk jewelry. If you can’t afford the real thing don’t buy anything.

If the sign on the door says you have to be 21 to enter DO NOT shop for a Valentine’s Day gift in that store.

Buying clothes? Find out your sweetheart’s size then buy at least 2 sizes smaller. All women want to believe the man in their life sees them as a size 2. And don’t forget that gift receipt.

Candy, to give or not to give. If your Valentine is on Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Atkins, South Beach, Nutrisystem, The Zone or any other weight loss program DO NOT buy a heart shaped box of chocolate. Consider chocolate dipped strawberries – only 1 point per berry.

Taking your Valentine out to dinner? Be sure to make a reservation. The fact that McDonalds does not take reservations says it all.

Making a special Valentine dinner yourself? Get good carry out. A dirty kitchen is not a Valentine’s Day gift.

Unless you are absolutely sure your Valentine has shopped at Victoria’s Secret in the recent past DO NOT buy her gift there. If you still decide to go with a Victoria Secret gift be sure to have a back up gift handy, preferably something in a small velvet box.

If you can buy it at the same place you can get a semi truck washed – find a new store. There is nothing at Pep Boys your Valentine wants.

On a budget? Consider a bouquet of a “dozen deeds”. She’ll love 4 “I’ll do the dishes tonight” and 4 “Sunday breakfast in bed” and 4 “We’ll watch something other than “Cops” tonight” certificates. Get really creative and curl each certificate around the end of a stick to make the bouquet.

Want a guarantee? Bring your sweetheart to the Hocking Hills for a romantic getaway. This is one gift guaranteed to earn you very special Valentine’s Day rewards.

Mark Your Calendar: Exciting Activities Coming Up In Hocking Hills

1800hocking — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:20:09 +0000

THROUGH FEBRUARY – “Between Fences”The exhibition is about our homes and the land on which they are built. It’s the story of the settling of the United States and the creation of communities. It’s about different kinds of fences, where they’re used, and the materials used to make them. It’s about why people build fences. It’s about intimacy and conflict, creativity, and industry. Between Fences is about defining ourselves as Americans-our philosophies, our lifestyles, our values and beliefs, our national ethos, and our national borders.

The exhibition consists of an introduction, five content sections, and a conclusion. The sections of the display are: This Land Is My Land, Farm and Fence, Don’t Fence Me In, Good Fences Make Good Neighbors, and Building Borders. The Bremen Area Historical Society will also have local displays to make the exhibition more pertinent to our area. Activities will be offered to make the exhibition more interactive.

Hours of Operation:
Sundays: 1-4pm
Saturdays: 10am-5pm
Weekdays: 4-7pm except as noted
February 15: 10am-4pm
February 17: 11am-2pm
February 23: 11am-2pm
February 25: By invitation only

For more information visit www.bremenvillage.com or call 740-569-7313; FREE

Every Wednesday – Yoga in the Hills - 6pm to 7pm; This class is offered surrounded by the beauty of the Hocking Hills. Weather permitting, classes are outside on our wonderful deck among the trees. This class is perfect for the beginner or those recovering from injuries. Groups are welcome! Call ahead for details – we may be having class, with our wonderful instructor, at a waterfall near you! BlueValley Massage & Traveling Spa – call 888-74-PEACE (747-3223) for location; $10

Every Friday through Sunday – Flea Market at Hocking Hills Market – 9am to 5pm; A large flea market with many outside and inside vendors every weekend – Friday through Sunday. (Held indoors over the winter towards the back of the Market.) Unique items, antiques, collectibles, beautiful crafts and outstanding in-season produce; FREE

FRIDAY – Cedar Falls Stroll – 3pm; Join the Hocking Hills State Park Naturalist to explore Cedar Falls and discover the unique natural and cultural history of this area of the park. For more info call 740-385-6841; FREE

SATURDAY – Hidden Hocking; BrokenRocksFalls – 10am; Come and see something off the beaten path. Join us for a hike through Old Man’s Cave to the little visited BrokenRockFalls and see what makes this place so special. Meet the Naturalist at the Naturalists’ Cabin located behind the Old Man’s CaveVisitorCenter. For more info call 740-385-6841; FREE

SATURDAY – Hocking’s Wildlife at the Cabin – 2pm; As you pass by on your hike today stop by the Naturalist Cabin, located behind the Old Man’s CaveVisitorCenter, to explore and take a closer look at some of our native residents. Naturalist will be available to explain and answer questions. For more info call 740-385-6841; FREE

February 12th – Nelsonville Fire Dept. Spaghetti Supper – 4pm to 7pm; Enjoy a Spaghetti Supper at the Nelsonville Elks Club, 54Hocking Street, Nelsonville. Call 740-753-4346 for more info

February 12th & 14th – Valentines Day Dinner – beginning at 5:30pm; Bring your sweetheart in for some extra “loveinn”! Chef Anthony will sweep you off your feet with a fabulous Valentine’s Day menu. Entree selections include Roasted Filet Mignon with Pink Peppercorn Demi, Broiled Lobster Tail with Champagne Pear Slaw, or Sun-Dried Tomato Ravioli in a Chianti Tomato-Fennel Sauce. Reservations begin at 5:30 p.m. each day. $49.00; call 800-653-2557 for reservations; reservations required. Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, 21190 St. Rt. 374, Logan

February 13^th – Sweethearts Hike at AshCave – 5pm to 7pm; Take your sweetheart on a romantic stroll to AshCave in the soft light of dusk. Afterward, enjoy a cozy fire and refreshments. Meet at the AshCave parking lot. For more info call 740-385-6841; FREE

February 13th – Gen. William T. Sherman’s Birthday Party – 6:30pm to 9pm; Come help us celebrate General Sherman’s 190th birthday! The evening will feature Sherman experts Frank Bullock and Chris Evans, with Appalachian Old Time Fiddle Music provided by the Grifters. Appetizers will be provided. Cash bar. Reservations required by Feb. 10, 2010. Call 740-654-9923 for reservations. $10; Annie’s Bistro on Main, 161 E Main, Lancaster

February 14th – Helmet Liner Party – 1pm to 5pm; Join Marti Dolata help send a warm valentine to Ohio National Guard personnel serving abroad. Spinning Turtle Yarn & Gifts is sponsoring a helmet liner and warm scarves drive to help keep “Buckeyes” serving abroad warm. 21 W. Columbus St, Nelsonville; call 740-753-3885 for more info.

Call 740-385-6841 for info on all Hocking Hills State Park activities & programs.

Planning a visit to the Hocking Hills State Park? The Hocking Hills State Park is part of a pilot program called “Carry In, Carry Out”. This means whatever you carry into the park you need to carry out, all waste and recyclables. Most National Parks have already adopted this policy. Please help keep the Hocking Hills clean and green.

Winter Events Planned for Ohio’s Hocking Hills’ Visitors

1800hocking — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:53:03 +0000

Hocking Hills, Ohio, offers its 45th Annual Winter Hike, featuring miles of scenery, and a bean soup and cocoa lunch to follow.

Travelers are discovering a new level of winter events in Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, with unique ways to experience the great outdoors this winter- and in one of the Midwest’s most beautiful natural regions. Various winter events, activities and accommodations are available for visitors this season.

The region’s many spectacular waterfalls often freeze in winter, creating dazzling sculptural formations. Visitors can experience this scenic winter wonderland during the 45th Annual Winter Hike, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010. This winter hike tradition brings visitors, families and nature lovers together on a six-mile trek past frozen waterfalls, ice-lined caves and snow-sparkled trees. The hike runs from Old Man’s Cave, through Cedar Falls to Ash Cave. Starting at 9 a.m., the exhilarating trek takes three to five hours and features a lunch of bean soup, muffins and cocoa amid the beauty of Cedar Falls. Another winter hike, the Feb. 13 Sweetheart Hike in Ash Cave is a leisurely 1/4 mile hike that also ends with refreshments.

The Hocking Hills’ beauty can also be enjoyed by participating in the region’s extraordinary scenic air tours. Starting at $30 per person for two people, skilled pilot, flight instructor and amateur comedian Harry Sowers gives an incredibly informative and entertaining tour of the region in his Cessna.

“From the air, you can really see the ‘bones’ of this beautiful land during the winter,” Sowers said. “Our flying guests clearly see the caves and the gorges, and viewing them from the air gives visitors a whole new perspective on the unique geological footprint of this area.” Sowers added that travelers are highly encouraged to bring their cameras.

Thrill-seekers will love the year-round adventure of Hocking Hills Nature Trails, a one-of-a-kind ATV park with expert ATV instruction, rental and miles of private trails available all winter long. Guests will experience adventures unlike anything else as they cruise through twisting forested nature trails surrounded by Hocking Hills’ sparkling winter scenery.

Other winter activities for visitors in the Hocking Hills’ parks include ice fishing at Rose Lake and Lake Logan, cross-country skiing and sledding. In addition, tree climbing (offered in temperatures above 40°F) and animal tracking hikes are available. Winter offers the best time to track Hocking Hills’ wildlife, with evidence of deer, fox and beaver. For bird lovers, with the normally abundant fall foliage gone from the trees, winter is an ideal time for bird watching in the Hocking Hills. In addition, dramatic black vultures, red-tailed hawks and great horned owls are more visible in winter months.

For more information about Hocking Hills’ winter events, visit www.1800hocking.com.

Hocking Hills Offers Holiday Light Displays, Winter Ice Skating and Christmas Shopping This Holiday Season

1800hocking — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:09:20 +0000

Majestic scenery, delicious dinners and memorable holiday activities make Hocking Hills, Ohio, the perfect place to visit this holiday season. Throughout December, the stunning Hocking Hills region will host the Nelsonville Christmas Parade, a Holiday Trail of Lights at Lake Hope State Park, “mallternative” shopping events and more. Hocking Hills captures the spirit of the season with a long list of holiday activities.

“Nothing is more memorable than stepping away from the hectic holiday season for a lighted stroll into the majestic Ash Cave on Saturday, Dec. 12,” Karen Raymore, executive director of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association said. “Once visitors arrive, they’ll enjoy a cozy fire and refreshments as they listen to carolers’ songs reverberate in the cave. A visit with an old-fashioned Santa and helping decorate a Christmas tree with treats for wildlife make the experience unforgettable.”

Hocking Hills visitors can also enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping with “Christmas on Main Street” in historic downtown Logan. A Holiday Treasure Hunt runs through Wednesday, Dec. 16. Guests who visit six of 21 participating merchants are entered to win one of more than 20 prizes. Logan Town Center offers several other holiday celebrations for visitors this season, including the Hocking County Children’s Chorus, performing “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Dec. 11-13.

The flea market at Hocking Hills Market, in Rockbridge, offers unique gifts, antiques and much more. The market runs every Friday to Sunday this holiday season from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hocking Market’s many independent shops, a bookstore cafe’ and an old-fashioned silver diner serving fine Italian cuisine, offer a wonderful stop for Hocking Hills visitors.

The Lake Hope State Park’s Holiday Trail of Lights runs nightly from until Dec. 31 and features a hike through the forest, illuminated by more than 100,000 lights. Both the Hocking Hills State Park and Lake Hope State Park have special weekend events to celebrate the season.

North Pole Nelsonville occurs when downtown Nelsonville transforms itself into a winter wonderland, featuring Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s North Pole Express and Santa Trains, every Saturday and Sunday through Sunday, Dec. 20. Ice skating is every weekend until Sunday, Jan. 3. The last Friday of every month, from 6-10 p.m., “Final Fridays” incorporate fine dining, fine arts and uncommon gifts with fun activities surrounding Santa’s Village.

A delicious way to celebrate the Holidays is with the “Taste of Dickens” at Glenlaurel Inn. Every Sunday and Wednesday in December, Glenlaurel hosts a traditional Dickens five-course dinner with exquisite culinary creations and readings from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” between courses. Decked out in the finest trimmings and festive, old-time décor, Glenlaurel creates a truly remarkable holiday experience.

Hocking Hills visitors will get in the spirit at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls with a holiday cookie-making class Friday, Dec. 11.

For a special holiday meal, a month-long dining celebration at Shaw’s Inn & Restaurant in Lancaster features weekly Christmas dinners throughout December. A Southern Christmas Dinner, until Thursday, Dec.10; a traditional English Dinner, Dec. 11-17; a Williamsburg Christmas Dinner, Dec. 18-23; and a French Holiday Dinner, Dec. 26-30. Reservations are encouraged.

For more information about Hocking Hills’ holiday events, visit www.1800hocking.com.

About Hocking Hills
Located 40 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio, Hocking Hills offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make every day feel like Saturday, with plenty of admission-free activities. The region boasts a wide variety of affordable lodging options, from camping, cabins and cottages to hotels and country inns. In addition to numerous hiking trails, parks and forests, the Hocking Hills area offers unique gift and antique shops, canoeing, horseback riding, golf and more. Complete traveler information on accommodations, festivals and the many sites in the Hocking Hills region is available at www.1800Hocking.com or toll-free at 1-800-Hocking (800-462-5464).

Ohio’s Frozen Wonderland Provides Winter Haven

1800hocking — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:11:08 +0000

Head towards the Hocking Hills of southeast Ohio, and the Buckeye State’s highways give way to twisting, turning hill-hugging roads. In fact, it’s such fun to drive the ribbons of roads in this region of Ohio that Car & Driver Magazine frequently test drives the newest models on these remote byways.

WINTER WONDERS

Just a few hours from home, the Hocking Hills region transports you far away from the winter doldrums. Winter in the Hocking Hills is a crisp, clean white wonderland. The area is fast becoming one of the nation’s premiere sites for natural scenic beauty, known for plentiful waterfalls, spectacular rock formations and rolling hills, offering visitors truly breathtaking scenes. And when all those waterfalls freeze to dazzling crystal formations, the effect is simply magical.

There are winter horseback rides through the region’s gorgeous terrain. Miles and miles hiking trails through three state parks, state nature preserves and state and national forests, which offer incredible views and wonderful hiking. Hocking Hills State Park, for example, includes seven different areas, each boasts distinctive features that make it worth experiencing, including:

Ash Cave: The largest recess cave, Ash Cave’s path is fully wheelchair accessible, carrying hikers to a misty 90-foot waterfall.

Cantwell Cliffs: A massive overhanging horseshoe-shaped cliff with dramatic, scenic vistas.

Cedar Falls: A succession of beautiful valleys pours into a steep-walled gorge where visitors are amazed by a rushing waterfall, which flows magnificently over 50 feet of cliff face.

Conkle’s Hollow: This deep gorge offers hikers the natural beauty of blackhand sandstone cliffs tower 200 feet over the narrow gorge of a serene, shaded, valley floor. The rim trail is available for more experienced, cautious hikers, offering a thrilling view of Conkle’s Hollow and the surrounding hills.

Lake Logan: One of the finest fishing lakes in Ohio, Lake Logan sports northern pike, bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and saugeye.

Old Man’s Cave: Named after a Civil War-era hermit, Old Man’s Cave features waterfalls, swirling pools, deep gorges and massive rock formations.

Rock House: The only true cave in the park, this grand tunnel-like corridor is situated midway up a 150-foot cliff.

In winter, these beautiful outdoor treks become a refreshing break from the stale indoors. After the sun sets, stargazing is magnificent here. City lights are far, far away, preventing them from disturbing the glittering nighttime sky.

OHH & AHH

After a brisk woodland hike, visitors can soothe their weary bones in a bubbling hot tub, while stars twinkle overhead and snow sparkles all around. A glass of wine or a soothing massage by the fire in your own log cabin revives, making the city seem a million miles away. A number of local massage therapists offer mobile treatments that are surprisingly affordable, making a visit to the Hocking Hills especially memorable.

Beyond the great outdoors, dozens of unique gift shops, antique shops book stores and other boutiques offer distinctive shopping and hidden treasures. The completely renovated Hocking Market brings together a host of artisans, antique dealers, hand-crafted furniture shops, vendors and even a book store and diner to offer a destination that’s a must see while in the Hocking Hills. A seasonal flea market adds even more unique shopping to the Hocking Market.

The natural vistas and positive energy if the Hocking Hills make this part of Ohio a haven for gifted artists. Travelers reap the rewards as they discover their creations. For visitors who’d like to try their own creations, the talented professional artists of Logan Arts Center in downtown Logan lead classes in jewelry making, pottery, painting and more, letting travelers take home a special souvenir they made themselves.

The nearby Bowen House offers events and exhibitions by local artists. Just down the road, Logan Clay Company has partnered with an area sculptor to create line of beautiful and weather resistant garden art that includes handmade bird baths, paving stones, sculpture and more.

Not just artistic creations are made in downtown Logan. The nation’s last surviving washboard factory continues churn out the old-fashioned laundry devices, though many of its customers today are crafters and musicians. Tours are offered to visitors. Or just stop by the Columbus Washboard Factory for a picture in front of the world’s largest washboard, which hangs just outside the company’s front door.

The options for accommodations in the Hocking Hills are as incredible as the scenery. Whether travelers prefer a large modern hotel with an indoor pool, a warm country inn with a renowned chef and gourmet cuisine, a charming bed and breakfast or a serene log cabin tucked away in a woodland setting, the Hocking Hills offers more than 100 different places to stay. Some accommodations are designed for romantic escapes. Others are large and comfortable, the perfect place for families or groups of friends. Some others even welcome dogs.

EXTRAORDINARY ESCAPES

Many of the region’s countless inns, hotels and cabin and bed and breakfast outfits offer special weekend rates and packages. Some offer additional discounts in winter, especially for mid-week stays. They may include breakfast, or special indulgences to make your stay extra memorable.

IF YOU GO

To plan their Hocking Hills winter escape and order a free Winter Savings Pass and Visitor Guide, travelers can call 1-800-HOCKING or visit www.1800hocking.com. Reservations and complete visitor information are available online.

Give a Recipe and Get a Recipe!

1800hocking — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:33:51 +0000

For the Holiday season you can now Give a recipe and Get a recipe on our Facebook page! Please share your own Holiday recipes and stories that make the dish special. Then try a new recipe from a fellow Hocking Hills fan. We kicked things off with our own family favorites – Mom’s Cashew Christmas Candy and Smokey Links & Pineapple. You can find our recipes in the Notes section of our Facebook page. Here’s the recipe for Mom’s Christmas Candy to give you a taste of what you’ll find.

Mom’s Cashew Christmas Candy

2 12oz packages of Nestlé’s Butterscotch Morsels
1 12 oz package of Nestlé’s Semi Sweet Morsels
12 oz whole cashews
1 large bag of chow mein noodles

In a double boiler melt the Morsels until creamy. Stir in cashews. Stir in chow mein noodles a cup at a time, mixing thoroughly. Continue adding chow mein noodles until nuts and noodles are completely covered with morsel mixture. Place spoonfuls of the mixture in 2” clusters on to wax paper covered baking sheets. Let cool in fridge. Tips: don’t overdo it with the chow mein noodles. Don’t try the milk chocolate morsels and use only Nestle – I’ve tried other brands and it just doesn’t turn out right.