Hocking Hills weekend update

WEEKEND UPDATE
February 2, 2012

According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.




NOW through February 13th - Nelsonville Music Festival 2012 Ticket Pre-sales; - Stuart's Opera House is excited to announce that our 8th annual Nelsonville Music Festival will be May 18-20, 2012 at Robbins Crossing on the campus of Hocking College. A limited number of earlybird weekend passes will go on sale Wednesday, February 1st for the price of $65. On Monday, February 13th the 2012 lineup will begin being announced and ticket prices will increase. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit our website at www.nelsonvillefest.org or call the Stuart's Opera House office at (740) 753-1924.

FRIDAY (through Feb 28th) - Katie Lehman Exhibit at the Bowen House - Tuesdays through Fridays 3pm to 6pm; Saturdays 1pm to 4pm; A photographic collection of people who graduated from or attended several of Hocking County's high schools that existed prior to consolidation with Logan High School, along with quotes and stories from their past. The Bowen House, 196 Market St, Logan; 740-385-0344 or www.bowenhouse.org; FREE

FRIDAY - Cedar Falls Stroll - 2pm; 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. Hocking Hills State Park; Cedar Falls, State Route 374; call 740-385-6841 for more info; FREE

FRIDAY - Girl's Night In - 5:30pm to 9:00pm - Ladies, are you overworked, stressed out and tired of your regular routine? Treat yourself to and evening of fun. Girl's Night In features a Vendor Show, Snack Buffet, Door Prizes, Raffles with lots of Cash and Carry items. Vendors include Pampered Chef, Longaberger, Avon, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Tupperware, Baked Goods, Jewelry, Baskets by Rebekah, Kacy Worthman Photos, Relay for Live, Celebrating Home, All the Buzz and more. $5 which includes 5 raffle tickets and free snacks. Hosted by the Scenic Hills Senior Center, 187 S Spring St (corner of Front & Spring St.) Logan; For more info call Marjie at 740-385-6581.

FRIDAY - Russell Moore & Illrd Tyme Out and The Hart Brothers - 8pm to 10:30pm; Stuart's Opera House brings a wonderful night of Bluegrass music to Nelsonville with the award-winning (7-time International Bluegrass Music Association's "Vocal Group of the Year"!) Russel Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out! Joining this Georgia Bluegrass supergroup will be local favorites The Hart Brothers. If you love bluegrass, you will not want to miss this show! $20 - $30; Stuart's Opera House, 46 Public Square, Nelsonville; 740-753-1924 or http://www.stuartsoperahouse.org

FRIDAY - Karaoke Night at the Brass Ring - 9pm to 1am; Once defined as a form of torture or "Japanese Horror", karaoke is guaranteed to get you out of your shell and make you laugh till your sides ache. Come with your friends or come alone and make new friends. Karaoke Night at the Brass Ring will entertain you as you entertain others. Of course, you don't have to sing but just try to resist joining in the fun. The Brass Ring Restaurant, 14405 Country Club Lane, Logan; 740-380-9412

SATURDAY - Wonders of Old Man's Cave - 10am; Meet the Naturalist at the Naturalists' Cabin, behind Old Man's Cave Visitor Center, for a short hike to discover some facts about the history of the area and the rock formations that are found throughout the park. Hocking Hills State Park; Old Man's Cave, State Route 664 S; call 740-385-6841 for more info; FREE

SATURDAY - Wild Weekend Discovery Series - 10am, noon & 2pm; Bring your kids and enjoy this free fun-filled educational program that's designed for kids' preschool to 5th grade. Learn about different types of rocks and minerals with Naturalist Sarah Forrest. We will have many different types of rocks to explore. You're encouraged to bring your own favorite rock to study. There will be three 1 hour sessions starting at 10am, noon, and 2pm. Due to the length of the program, visitors are asked to remain on the office grounds during the program. Space is limited to 15 seats per session. Call today to pre-register at (740) 753-0101. The Wayne National Forest features its Wild Weekend Discovery Series during the first Saturday of every month. Don't forget to get your Smokey card punched each time you participate, on your 6th visit receive a patch! Here's an updated list of other educational programs that will be offered; Wayne National Forest Headquarters, US 33, Nelsonville; 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 Cave Visitor Center, to explore and take a closer look at some of our native residents. Naturalist will be available to explain and answer questions. Hocking Hills State Park; Old Man's Cave, State Route 664 S; call 740-385-6841 for more info; FREE

VALENTINE'S DAY HAPPENINGS

SATURDAY, February 11th - Annual Sweetheart's Hike at Ash Cave - 5pm to 7pm; Take your sweetheart on a romantic stroll to Ash Cave in the soft light of dusk. Afterward, enjoy a cozy fire and refreshments. Meet at the Ash Cave parking area. Hocking Hills State Park, Ash Cave, St. Rt. 56; 740-385-6841 for more info; FREE

SATURDAY, February 11th - Fall in love all over again at the Lodge in Hide A Way Hills. We are celebrating Valentine's Day with a fantastic Dinner menu and dancing. The fire places will be burning, the mood will be set, all your favorite songs will be played by the DJ the only thing missing is you and your special someone. Our executive chef has prepared a special menu for the evening; Blackened Salmon with Gorgonzola Crème $16, 10oz Porterhouse Pork Chop with Peach Glaze $16, Pecan Crusted Chicken with Honey Glaze $14, Herb Crusted Filet Mignon with Mustard Sauce $19, Sausage, Peppers and Onions over Pasta $13; all entrees include grilled asparagus and smashed potatoes. Dinner starts at 5pm; call to make your reservations today 740-569-7944; Lodge in Hide-A-Way Hills, 29042 Hide Away Hills Road, Sugar Grove

SATURDAY, February 11th and Tuesday, February 14th - Bring your sweetheart "inn" for some extra "loveinn"! Chef Anthony will sweep you off your feet with the following menu. Begin with Baked Brie w/Fig and Pear Chutney followed by your choice of Shrimp Bisque with a Chive Creme Fraiche or Rocket Salad w/Shaved Fennel, Pine Nuts, Pomegranate and Parmesan w/Champagne Vinaigrette. For your entree select from Braised Beef Short Ribs w/Cognac-Green Peppercorn Reduction, Lobster Ravioli in a Sherry Creme Sauce or Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi w/Maple Beurre Blanc. Dive into this delectable dessert: Fresh Strawberries w/Dark Chocolate Fondue and Inn-Made Chambord Chocolate Truffles. $49 per person; reservations required; call 800-653-2557; Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, 21190 St. Rt. 374, Logan.

SATURDAY, February 11th & Tuesday, February 14th - XXOO...Valentine's Dinner at the Grouse Nest Restaurant; On Saturday February 11th, there will be two seatings. The first at 5:30pm and the second at 8:30pm. We have 12 tables that seat up to 4 available per seating. On Tuesday February 14th, we have one seating available at 6pm. Five course, chef hosted dinner includes Salad Course of baked goat cheese with garden lettuces, roasted figs, pear and toasted almonds; Seafood Course of lobster meat served with boursin cheese on crostini topped with Prosciutto; Appetizer Course of fennel and chorizo strudel; Wild Game Course of chili-rubbed venison with caramelized berry sauce and puree of parsnip; Poultry Course of duck confit with grand cru gruyere and angel hair pasta; Dessert is chocolate Frangelico Bavarian two layer chocolate custard with whipped cream in the middle. $100 per couple for five course meal or $150 per couple for five course meal with wine pairing for each course. Reservations required - call 740-332-4501. Seating is limited. Grouse Nest Restaurant is located at Hocking Hills Resort, 25780 Liberty Hill Rd, So Bloomingville (just west of Ash Cave, off State Route 56)

SATURDAY, February 11th - Valentine's Day Dinner at The Brass Ring; Your choice of soup or salad, entrees - Rack of Lamb, Filet Mignon, Surf & Turf, Seared Mahi Mahi, Five Cheese-stuffed Chicken and Chef Moe's famous desserts: Milk Chocolate Mousse or Wild Berry Vanilla Cheesecake. Appetizers available too. Also, special menu for two served on Tuesday, February 14th. $65 per couple; $35 per person. Call for reservations - 740-380-9412 or 740-385-8966; The Brass Ring Restaurant, 14405 Country Club Dr, Logan (just off St Rt 328).

SATURDAY, February 11th - Valentine Chocolate Choo-Choo - 5:30pm to 9pm; Enjoy an evening of wine and chocolate decadence! A catered event by Rhapsody restaurant at Historic Robbins Crossing and a train ride with music, wine and chocolate treats! For details and to purchase tickets, visit our website. $35 - Tickets are limited to 300 people, so reservations are recommended! Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, 33 E Canal St, Nelsonville; 740-707-1585; http://www.nelsonvillemainstreet.com.

TUESDAY, February 14th - Special Valentine's Day Dinners offered at Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, Grouse Nest Restaurant and Brass Ring Restaurant - see details above.

Upcoming Events:

SATURDAY, February 11th - Annual Winter Walk - 10am; Hocking Soil & Water Conservation District invites you to join us at the Bishop Educational Gardens for a brisk winter walk. The leisurely hike will give us a chance to look for signs of animals that aren't necessarily dormant during this time of year. In fact, many animal species don't wait for spring to begin courting. Come out and join us for some fresh winter air & get those stir-crazy children outdoors, too! Come prepared for the weather with good hiking shoes or boots, appropriate dress and a walking stick if you have one. Some challenging terrain. Hot beverages, soup & cookies will follow the hike. Reservations required - call 740-385-3016; Bishop Educational Gardens, 13200 Little Cola Rd, Rockbridge; FREE

SATURDAY, February 11th - Sweet Second Saturday - 5pm to 8pm; On the second Saturday of each month, we dress up the dining room and have live music & great dinner specials. You can even bring a bottle of wine, if you like. Come join us for a great Saturday night out! Reservations appreciated, but not required. The Ridge Inn Restaurant, 16178 Pike Street, Laurelville; 740-332-0300

THURSDAY, February 16th - Wildlife Workshop - Bats - 6pm; What are they? Which ones are in Ohio? What is the economic & ecological importance of bats? Why should people care about them? What is White-Nose Syndrome & why should you be concerned? How do you manage for bats?
Join the Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District & Katrina Schultes, Wildlife Biologist with the Wayne National Forest, for this informative workshop! Logan-Hocking Middle School Theater, 1 Middle School Dr, Logan; Registration required - call 740-385-3016.

ONGOING:
FRIDAYS - All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry at The Olde Dutch - 4:30pm to 8pm; Deep fried Pollock, French Fries and Cole Slaw for just $7.99. The Olde Dutch Restaurant, 12791 St Rt 664 S, Logan; 740-385-1000

FRIDAYS - Prime Rib Night at the Millstone BBQ and The Brass Ring Restaurant. The Millstone BBQ is located near the Holiday Inn Express on Grey Street in Logan and The Brass Ring Restaurant is located at 14405 Country Club Lane (just off St Rt 328) in Logan.

SUNDAYS - $5 Brunch at the Lodge, most entrees are $5 - 10:30 - 2:30; The Lodge at Hide-A-Way Hills; 29042 Hide-A-Way Hills Rd, Sugar Grove; 740-569-7944 for more info

SUNDAYS - Breakfast Buffet with Omelet Station and Pancake Station - 10am to 1pm at the Millstone BBQ. The Millstone BBQ is located near the Holiday Inn Express on Grey Street in Logan; 740-385-5341

MONDAYS through THURSDAYS - Bush's Restaurant Deals of the Week; Buy one dinner at $7.99 or more and get the second one half price (of equal or lesser value); Bush's Restaurant, 428 E Front St, Logan; 385-7639

TUESDAYS - "Wing Night" at The Lodge at Hide-A-Way Hills - 5pm to 9pm; $.49 wings with choice of 6 sauces (dine in only) and Comfort Food Tuesday's; The Lodge at Hide-A-Way Hills; 29042 Hide-A-Way Hills Rd, Sugar Grove; 740-569-7944 for more info

WEDNESDAYS - Yoga in the Hills - Blue Valley Massage & Traveling Spa - call 888-74-PEACE (747-3223) for location; $10 5pm to 6pm; 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!

WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS THROUGH SUNDAYS - Beginner Bead Making Class - 11am, 1pm, 3pm & 5pm; (1 hour class) Beginner Bead Making Classes. Have fun learning to melt glass while making your own glass beads and charms for bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Everything is supplied that you need to make beautiful glass beads. Ages 14 and up. $25 per person; call for reservations and class times - 740-385-1384; Liquid Light Gallery, 18345 Krinn Unger Keck Rd, Logan

THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS - Stained Glass Workshop - 10am to noon; Learn basic copper foil stained glass techniques with Audrey Martin. Classes are two hours long and all supplies are provided. At the end of the class you will walk away with your completed project and the knowledge to dive into more sophisticated glass projects. Fee: $25; All supplies are provided. Contact Audrey Martin, 740-596-1913 to schedule your stained glass workshop. 63775 SR 56, Creola, Ohio 45622, just 3 miles east of Ash Cave at Scenic Way Gifts and Art Glass Studio. Call for additional days and times.

Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday - Flea & Farmers' Market at Hocking Hills Market; US 33, Rockbridge

Every Saturday & Wednesday - Athens Farmers Market's - 10am to 1pm. Come meet the farmers and producers behind the local food movement. Look for vendors selling produce, meats, eggs, cheese, jarred products, baked goods and lots more. Location: Market on State, 1002 E State St , Athens; for more info call 740-593-6763 or visit http://www.athensfarmersmarket.org/

DAILY - Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum - Mon to Sat, 9am to 5pm; Sun 11am to 5pm; Rev. Paul Johnson began his collection over 20 years ago. His Pencil Sharpener Museum, previously located at his home, has been moved to the Welcome Center and is open daily. This amazing collection of over 3400 pencil sharpeners has been featured in national magazines and is reputed to be the largest collection in the United States. Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center, 13178 St. Rt. 664 S, Logan; 740-385-9706; FREE

DAILY (Mon - Sat) The Columbus Washboard Company Museum and Gift Shop - There is so much history from our company and building's past that we wish to share it with everyone. The tour will not only provide historical information, but will also include the opportunity to observe the manufacturing of washboards, and participate in making music with the washboard. The factory will operate daily, as usual, with our washboards being produced one at a time by hand. We are the only manufacturer of washboards remaining in the United States. Our gift shop features our washboards, memorabilia and new line of vintage soaps. The Museum is a WiFi hotspot and offers snacks and beverages, for a place to relax and take care of business. Tours will be offered Monday through Friday at 10:00am, noon, and 2:00pm; Saturdays by appointment. Special arrangements will be made for large groups. Museum hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am to 3:00pm; $4 for tour which includes souvenir magnet. Columbus Washboard Factory, 14 Gallagher Ave, Logan; 740-380-3828

Through 2012 - "Logan and Hocking County...A Timeline"
New Exhibit at the Historical Society features several hundred years of the county's history condensed into four panels on display. The timeline includes Native Americans, the first settlers (1798), the Civil War, the Hocking Valley Railway, and more...up to the year 1917, when Logan celebrated its centennial. Winter Hours: Fridays 1pm to 4pm & Saturdays 11am to 5pm; Hocking County Historical Society 64 N. Culver St.(740) 385-6026
www.hockingcountyhistoricalsociety.com

Through Feb 28th - Katie Lehman Exhibit at the Bowen House - Tuesdays through Fridays 3pm to 6pm; Saturdays 1pm to 4pm; A photographic collection of people who graduated from or attended several of Hocking County's high schools that existed prior to consolidation with Logan High School, along with quotes and stories from their past. The Bowen House, 196 Market St, Logan; 740-385-0344 or www.bowenhouse.org