Hocking Hills Tourism Association - Ohio Tourism and Travel Blog

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Comfort Food Cruise extended to Feb. 1-2 and 8-9 Posted: 29 Jan 2014 09:32 AM PST Support local food pantries while enjoying your favorite dishes in the Hocking Hills Cruise through the Hocking Hills this month as you indulge in 10 classic comfort foods. For just $15 a ticket, you’ll sample everything from biscuits and gravy and mac ‘n cheese, to cinnamon rolls and chocolate ice cream. We’re also excited to announce that $5 of each ticket sold will benefit local food pantries. Due to January’s snow, we’re now extending our Comfort Food Cruise to February 8-9. For two weekends you can sample hearty dishes from the region featured at your favorite Hocking Hills restaurants. Come down for the day, or spend both weekends cruising through all 10 of our participating restaurants. For our avid hikers, take time between dishes to trek through the winter beauty of the Hills. Don’t miss cave walls covered in ice beards or waterfalls frozen in suspended animation. Purchase tickets now, or call 740-385-2750 for more information. Featured restaurants and dishes: § Cinnamon Rolls – The Ridge Inn Restaurant 16178 Pike Street, Laurelville; serving from 8am to 2pm § Biscuits & Gravy – Pearl’s 1545 E. Front Street, Logan; serving from 8am to 2pm § Vegetable Soup – Boot Factory Grill 45 E Canal Street, Nelsonville; serving from 11am to 4pm § Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Rhapsody Restaurant 18 Public Square, Nelsonville; serving from 11am to 4pm § Pizza – Hocking Hills Dining Lodge 20020 State Route 664 S, Logan; serving from 11am to 4pm § Brownies – Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls 21190 State Route 374, Logan; serving from 11am to 4pm § Mac & Cheese – M&M Family Diner 34 W Main Street, Logan; serving from 10am to 3pm § Meatloaf – Millstone Southern BBQ 12790 Grey Street, Logan; serving from 11am to 4pm § Chicken & Dumplings – Olde Dutch Restaurant 12791 State Route 664 S, Logan; serving from 11am to 4pm § Chocolate Ice Cream – Ralph’s Ice Cream 26776 US 33, Rockbridge; serving from 10am to 3pm

Friends of the Hocking hills Jan 16, 2014

Friendly Update January 16, 2014 49th Annual Winter Hike! Join us on Saturday, January 18 for the 49th Annual Winter Hike! Enjoy winter's splendor on this 6-mile trek from Old Man's Cave to Ash Cave. Continuous start from 9-11 am at the Old Man's Cave parking area. Layered clothing and good footwear recommended. Refreshments are available at Cedar Falls for a donation. A shuttle bus returns hikers to Old Man's Cave. Stop by the Friends tent located at the top of the steps at Cedar Falls and say hello! Want to Hike with Friends? Check out our new Meetup! Click the Meetup logo to RSVP and for Meetup location and details. Our Missioin: “To foster a partnership between outdoor enthusiasts and Hocking Hills State Park that ensures a better place for nature education, while setting high conservation standards and raising a strong sense of responsibility for future generations.” Connect with Friends Are you looking for a new way to connect with Hocking Hills enthusiasts? Hikers, bird watchers, photographers, motorcyclist, and more are joining us on Meetup.com! Just go to www.meetup.com/Friends-of-Hocking-Hills-State-Park, sign up and stay abreast of all of our activities. We’ll list major events like Shoot the Hills and Poker Runs, but also work projects, fundraisers, and more. RSVP for events and have reminders sent right to your email inbox! Friends are waiting to get to know you at a Meetup! It’s time to Renew your Membership! We are looking forward to 2014 with great anticipation of projects and programs to help support and protect the Hocking Hills State Park for future generations. What we will be able to accomplish is largely dependent upon you, our members. It is your financial support and time volunteering at events and programs that make them possible. Please take a moment to renew your Friends Membership for 2014. 2014 Membership Application to renew your membership online or watch the mail for your 2014 Membership renewal form. Business/Organizational Members Let Hocking Hills visitors know your business supports Friends of Hocking Hills with the 2014 FHHSP Supporter door sticker and website logo. Join or renew your business membership today to receive a full year of benefits.Click Here for details of the 2014 Business Member programs. CLICK HERE, or download and mail the 2014 FHHSP Business Gift Form January Naturalist Programs Saturday 18 THE 49th ANNUAL HOCKING HILLS WINTER HIKE There will be continuous starts 9 AM until 11 AM. Meet us at the Old Man’s Cave parking area on Saturday January 18 to take the 6 mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to AshCave with a quick stop at Cedar Falls for bean soup and hot cocoa. Friday 24 2:00 PM -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. Saturday 25 10:00 AM - WINTER RAPTOR WATCH - Join the naturalist down at the Naturalist Cabin located behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center to discover why hawks, owls, eagles & vultures are more noticeable in the winter and what makes them so special. 2:00 PM - CABIN FEVER CURES – Ever wonder what the settlers did to pass time in the winter? Join the naturalist at the Naturalist Cabin to participate in some historical games & activities to help you pass the winter months.  Save the Dates! April 25-27 May 17 & Oct 4  Our Missioin:“To foster a partnership between outdoor enthusiasts and Hocking Hills State Park that ensures a better place for nature education, while setting high conservation standards and raising a strong sense of responsibility for future generations.” Thank you for your support of Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park (FHHSP) Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park 19852 State Route 664 South Logan, Ohio 43138 (877) 403-4477 (40FHHSP) info@friendsofhockinghills.org

Hocking Hills toursim blog January 2014

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Hocking Hills January Calendar

January 10, 2014

Don’t miss these upcoming winter events in the hills.

From the 49th Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike to our first Comfort Food Cruise, winter in the Hocking Hills is a must-see. Check out this month’s events to start your adventure.
Ridgetops & Hollers
When: January 10, 10 a.m.
Where: Ash Cave parking lot
Cost: Free
Reservation: None
Contact: 740-385-6841
About: Join the naturalist at the Ash Cave to learn the difference between a ridgetop and a ‘holler.’
Sheik Hollow Preserve Trek
When: Every Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., meet at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at State Rappelling Area parking lot
Cost: $40, advance purchase required
Reservation: Yes
Contact: 740-777-2579
About: Follow our guides on this interpretive trek through the fascinating, untouched State Nature Preserve with diverse rocks, caves, waterfalls, plants and wildlife in a protected area.
Cedar Fall Stroll
When: January 11, 10 a.m.
Where: Cedar Falls
Cost: Free
Reservation: None
Contact: 740-385-6841
About: 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.
Airplane Rock Trek
When: Every Monday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., meet at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at State Rappelling Area parking lot
Cost: $30, advance purchase required
Reservation: Yes
Contact: 740-777-2579
About: Explore the trail to Airplane Rock then descend into Long Hollow and search out Chapel Cave while guides interpret the diverse geology, biology and wildlife found along the way.
Chapel Cave Trek
When: Every Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., meet at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at State Rappelling Area parking lot
Cost: $30, advance purchase required
Reservation: Yes
Contact: 740-777-2579
About: Explore this easy two-mile loop, including a breathtaking box canyon, with a professional naturalist.
Spruce Hollow One-Way Trek
When: Every Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., meet at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at State Rappelling Area parking lot
Cost: $60, advance purchase required
Reservation: Yes
Contact: 740-777-2579
About: Our Spruce Hollow one-way trek is full of mature, open forest, fantastic geology, caves and waterfalls.
Hocking Hills Winter Hike
When:  January 18, continuous starts from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Old Man’s Cave parking lot
Cost: Free, donations for bean soup appreciated
Reservation: None
Contact: 740-385-6841
About: Enjoy winter’s splendor with 5,000 other hikers on our 49th annual six-mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave.
Winter Off-Trail Hike at Wahkeena Nature Preserve
When: January 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Wahkeena Nature Preserve
Cost: Free
Reservation: No
Contact: 800-297-1883
About: Go behind the scenes at Wahkeena Nature Preserve to experience stunning vistas while taking in the surprisingly rich diversity of winter wildlife.
Big Spring & Table Rock Trek
When: Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., meet at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at State Rappelling Area parking lot
Cost: $30
Reservation: Yes, advance purchase required
Contact: 740-777-2579
About: Enjoy this naturalist-led loop trek through the Hocking State Forest and take in some of the many geological landmarks including Table Rock, Amazing Grace, Big Spring and Bent Tree.
Wonders of Old Man’s Cave
When: January 24, 2 p.m.
Where: Naturalist Cabin located behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitors Center
Cost: Free
Reservation: None
Contact: 740-385-6841
About:  Discover some facts about the history of the area and the rock formations that are found throughout the park on this short hike.
Winter Raptor Watch
When: January 25, 10 a.m.
Where: Naturalist Cabin located behind the Old Mans Cave Visitors Center
Cost: Free
Reservation: None
Contact: 740-385-6841
About: Join the naturalist to discover why hawks, owls, eagles and vultures are more noticeable in the winter, and what makes them so unique.
Comfort Food Cruise
When: January 25 and 26, February 1 and 2 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Hocking Hills Region
Cost: $15 per ticket, free parking
Reservation: No
Contact: 740-385-2750
About: Try ten featured comfort foods at our participating restaurants while cruising the Hocking Hills, with $5 of every ticket going directly to local food banks.
Meet, Greet & Eat!
When: January 31 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Starbrick Gallery
Cost: Free
Reservation: None
Contact: 740-753-1011
About: Enjoy the 12th Annual Bowl-A-Rama at Starbrick Gallery, featuring the area’s finest potters spinning unique art bowls for you to fire up with our homemade chilies.

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Ringing in the New Year in Hocking Hills

December 21, 2013

tags: activities, day trip, events, hiking, hocking hills, Hocking Hills cabins, Hocking Hills Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park, ohio, vacation, winter

How is your holiday planning going? Do you have plans for New Year’s Eve yet? If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Hocking Hills – or still deciding – here are some ways to celebrate the New Year:
Find Lodging To Meet Your Preferences
Are you a cozy cabin dweller, or do you prefer a traditional hotel stay? Are you looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a cabin with a hot tub, or in a pet-friendly cottage? Whatever your preference, there is a lodging option for you. Hocking Hills has a variety of places to stay including hotels, motels, lodges, inns, cabins, cottages and bed and breakfasts.
Take Advantage of your Surroundings
There’s so much to do this month in Hocking Hills! If you’re in town for more than just the countdown, don’t worry – you won’t be bored. Indoor and outdoor adventures await you for the holiday – here are some we are looking forward to!  
Enjoy and explore the outdoors with an adventure trek: View the wintry terrain on a guided hike through Hocking Hills Adventure Treks. There are four for you to choose from the week leading up to the holiday:  Sheick Hollow Trek (December 27), Little Rocky Preserve Trek (December 28), Airplane Rock Trek (December 30), Big Spring and Table Rock Trek (December 31)
End the year with some local shopping: Trust us, you won’t want to miss the Logan Farmer’s Market. Visit the market on December 28 and  find locally grown produce and other homemade goods.
Ring in the New Year on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway: Bring 2013 to a close and welcome 2014 with the New Year Train at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Enjoy snacks along the ride, which concludes with a fireworks show at midnight.

Photo courtesy of Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

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Give the Gift of Hocking Hills

December 16, 2013

tags: activities, day trip, family, gifts, hiking, hocking hills, Hocking Hills cabins, Hocking Hills Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park, Holiday, horseback riding, ohio, tourism, travel, vacation, winter

Are you having trouble coming up with a gift idea for friends and family this holiday season? Give that gift of travel and adventure this year with the gift of Hocking Hills! Did you know many of our members offer gift certificates? That’s right, you can purchase gift certificates to different accommodations and attractions this holiday season in Hocking Hills. Here are a few ideas:

Gift Certificates to your Favorite Lodging
• Cedar Grove Lodging
• Bella Luna Log Cabin
• Mesa Vista Lodge
• Valley View Cabins
• Bear Run Cabins & Inn (also for the Bear Necessities Gift Shop)
• Glenlaurel Scottish Inn
• Lazy Lane Cabins
• Big Pine Retreat
• Watersong Woods Cabins
• The Tree House Inn
• Hocking Hills KOA
• Cooks Creek Cabins
• Frontier Log Cabins
• Marsh Hollow
• Honey Ridge Cabins
• Hocking Hills Resort

Photo courtesy of Tonya Prater

Gift Certificates for Hocking Hills Attractions
• Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
• Hocking Hills Adventure Trek
• Blue Valley Massage
• Equestrian Ridge Horseback Activities
• Stuart’s Opera House
Have you ever received a gift of Hocking Hills? Share with us in the comments below!

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Celebrating the Holidays in Hocking Hills

December 5, 2013

tags: activities, hocking hills, Holidays, Holidays in Hocking, ohio, social media, travel, vacation, winter

We love the holidays in Hocking Hills! We’re already getting ready for the upcoming holiday season, and we have so many things going on to help you get in the holiday spirit as well. Book a holiday-themed train ride, do a bit of shopping or simply enjoy all of the serene sights – we know you’ll have a great time!

 Photo courtesy of the Nelsonville Area Chamber of Commerce

Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy the holidays in Hocking Hills. What would you add?
North Pole Nelsonville
Get in the holiday spirit at the shops in Nelsonville. Downtown is transformed into a winter wonderland village, and most stores are open daily until 9 p.m. Stop by to see the beautiful decorations, or visit Santa’s Village on the Square.
Stuart’s Winter Wine Express
Calling all wine lovers! Sign up for Stuart’s Winter Wine Express on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Ride through the hills while enjoying wine and cheese. All proceeds benefit Stuart’s Opera House, a historic cornerstone of Nelsonville.
Holidays in the Country
Come out to Camp Oty’Okwa for the Holiday Banquet and Silent Auction. The evening includes musical performances and a gourmet buffet in a dining lodge. All proceeds go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Scholarship Fund.

Photo courtesy of Aleksander Cocek

More Family Fun:
Christmas in Ash Cave
You won’t find a holiday celebration more unique than Christmas in Ash Cave. Take a relaxing retreat on a stroll through the woods to Ash Cave, and when you arrive enjoy hot beverages and holiday music by the fire. You might even get a visit from Santa!
Festival of Trees
Join us every Tuesday through Saturday until December 19^th for views of beautifully decorated trees throughout The Bowen House, a non-profit center dedicated to the arts and social events.
Santa Train
The Santa Train is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Hocking Hills with your entire family. The train runs every Saturday and Sunday until December 22^nd at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Santa and his elf also visit the train.
What else would you recommend we add to this list?

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Enjoying Winter in Hocking Hills

November 21, 2013

tags: activities, cozy, dinner, hiking, hocking hills, Hocking Hills cabins, Hocking Hills State Park, snow, travel, vacation, winter

Don’t let the cold keep you away from Hocking Hills this winter. The next few months will be gorgeous – from the snow-swept hills to the caves dripping in icicles, the winter scenery is not to miss. Whether you prefer to experience the winter wonderland first hand, or enjoy the scenery from inside, here are a few ways to enjoy winter in Hocking Hills:

Winter in Ash Cave

Book your stay:
No need to fret over a place to stay when you visit – there are so many beautiful rentals in Hocking Hills – and a large variety, too! If you’re hoping to stay in a cabin, cottage, bed and breakfast, hotel or campground, you can find it all here. Bundle up by the fireplace, or relax in the hot tub outside. Keep an eye out for winter discounts!

Enjoying the Outdoors

• With so many trails and places to explore at Hocking Hills, why not take a hike to view the magic of winter? Explore on your own, or take a guided route. Check the event list for more information on guided hikes.
• Geocaching trails are becoming more popular each year. Never tried it? Grab a GPS and start your treasure-hunting adventure at a Hocking Hills trail today!
• It wouldn’t be Hocking Hills without sledding hill, would it? Lake Logan State Park Dam and Lake Hope State Park Dam are two great spots to fly and glide down the hills!

Photo by Randen Pederson

Warm Up Inside

• Create your own relaxation vacation. Check out the list of wineries and spas in the area and make plans for rejuvenation.
• Learn something new! Take a look at the list of museums and art shops and see the wide selection Hocking Hills has to offer!Shopping sprees never get old. Find a list of all of the top spots to look for unique items here.
• Try a few of the local restaurants. If it’s cozy home-cooking or burgers and beer you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.

What’s your favorite winter activity in Hocking Hills? We’d love to know – share your ideas in the comments below!
PS – Looking for some gorgeous photos? You may enjoy our Winter Wonderland Pinterest Board!

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A Very Hocking Hills Thanksgiving

November 12, 2013

tags: airplane rock trek, family, family-friendly, final fridays, hocking hills, hocking valley scenic railroad, Santa Train, Starbrick Gallery Holiday Open House, Thanksgiving, thanksgiving events in hocking hills, vacation, yoga in the hills

Are you one of the many travelers that will be enjoying this Thanksgiving holiday in Hocking Hills? Whether you’re joining us for Thanksgiving dinner, burning off off some of those extra calories on a hike, staging some beautiful family photos, renting one of our cabins for the weekend, or just in town for the day, there’s something in Hocking Hills for everyone in your family this time of year. Here are a few of the great events going on during Thanksgiving week:
What To Do The Week Leading Up To Thanksgiving

Guided Treks:  Join us every Monday for the Airplane Rock Trek.  This two-mile guided hike on Monday, November 25, will explore the trail to Airplane Rock and then descend into Long Hollow and search out Chapel Cave. Along the hike, you’ll learn about the diverse geology, biology and wildlife in the region. Advance reservations are required. Not in town on Monday? Join us for similar hikes on Tuesday (Big Spring & Table Rock Trek) and Wednesday (Chapel Cave Trek).
Farmers’ Market: Stop by the Logan Farmers’ Market, every Wednesday and Saturday. On Wednesday, November 27, find fresh produce, food and more – just in time for your Thanksgiving dinner!
Yoga in the Hills: Does the holiday season stress you out? Stop by Yoga in the Hills, Wednesday evening, to enjoy a yoga class surrounded by outdoor beauty of the Hocking Hills (weather permitting). Call ahead before making your plans.

Thanksgiving Dinner in Hocking Hills (Photo courtesy the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls)

Thanksgiving Day
Dining Out: Hocking Hills-area restaurants offer a variety of Thanksgiving day cuisine – from buffets to traditional four-course meals. Check out our post, Celebrating Thanksgiving Dinner in Hocking Hills for more info.

Santa Train (Photo courtesy Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad)

Enjoying the Weekend After Thanksgiving
Starbrick Gallery Holiday Open House: Visit the Starbrick Gallery from November 29 through December 24 for the gallery’s annual sale. On November 29, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. stop by for music, libations, raffle prizes and more, for the Holiday Open House to kick off the annual event.
Final Fridays – Nelsonville as the North Pole: Start your holiday shopping in the Historic Square Arts District in Nelsonville. Children will love visiting Santa’s Village on the Square to get a peek at a behind-the-scenes toy making wonderland.
Santa Train: Enjoy a family-friendly train ride with Santa! Santa and his elf helper will board the train, leaving every weekend through December 22, on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad. Purchase tickets in advance at http://www.hvsry.org.
Do you spend time in Hocking Hills during Thanksgiving? Let us know! Share a favorite memory in the comments, and tag our photos with #HockingHills on Facebook and Twitter.
For a full listing of local events, by date, visit http://www.explorehockinghills.com/events.

Visit Santa at North Pole Nelsonville (Photo courtesy AthensOhio.com)

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Celebrating Thanksgiving Dinner in Hocking Hills

November 4, 2013

tags: hocking hills, restaurants, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving dinner, turkey

Fall is in full swing in the Hocking Hills, and we’re getting ready and excited for the upcoming holiday season. Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays – and celebrating Thanksgiving in Hocking Hills can be fun and of course, delicious. Looking for a Thanksgiving dinner to remember during your upcoming visit? Avoid the mess and stress by eating at one of the local restaurants, or do some cooking of your own in a cozy cabin with your family and friends. Not sure where to get started? Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in Hocking Hills. Remember, reservations book very quickly, so make your plans today!

Photo by Rene Schweitzke

Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Buffet at the Olde Dutch Restaurant
Where: Olde Dutch Restaurant
When: 10:30 am to 5 pm
Prices: Adults: $14.99; Kids 7-10: $4.99; Kids 3-6: $3.99; Kids under 3 eat free
What you’ll get: At the Olde Dutch Restaurant you’ll enjoy mouthwatering turkey at the carving station, a salad bar with a wide variety of toppings, a soup station, delicious dessert bar and drinks.
Phone: 740-385-1000

Fall at Glenlaurel

Thanksgiving Feast at Glenlaurel
Where: Glenlaurel Inn
When: 6 pm
Price: $49 per person
What you’ll get: If you are hoping for an elegant dinner, reserve your place at the Thanksgiving Feast at Glenlaurel. Here you will celebrate the holiday with a 6-course meal with all of the traditional trimmings.
Phone: 800-809-7378

Photo by Stacy Spensley

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
Where: Inn & Spa at the Cedar Falls Restaurant
Prices: Adults: $42; Kids 10 and under: $21
What you’ll get: Searching for a family atmosphere this Thanksgiving? At the Thanksgiving Dinner at the Inn, you’ll find a hearty turkey or ham dinner with a variety of side dishes for adults and children to enjoy.
Please note: Thanksgiving dinner will be offered to guests of the Inn first. Off-ground guests may call and reserve a place on the waiting list. Rooms and cottages at the Inn are nearing capacity, so be sure to call early.
Phone: 800-653-2557
Prepare a Meal with Friends and Family – Reserve a Cabin in Hocking Hills
Do you find pleasure in preparing the Thanksgiving meal yourself or having a potluck with friends and family? Check out this list of local cabin rentals. Many cabins have kitchens and dining areas and you can make your own tasty turkey dinner while still enjoying the beauty of the Hocking Hills.  Don’t worry if the cabin you want is already taken; plan ahead next time – many cabins are accepting 2014 Thanksgiving reservations now!
Have you ever enjoyed Thanksgiving in Hocking Hills? Where did you feast?

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