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.
Ringing in the New Year in Hocking Hills
December 21, 2013
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.
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.
Give the Gift of Hocking Hills
December 16, 2013
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
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!
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
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!
Enjoying Winter in Hocking Hills
November 21, 2013
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:
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
PS – Looking for some gorgeous photos? You may enjoy our Winter Wonderland Pinterest Board!
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!
- 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.
PS – Looking for some gorgeous photos? You may enjoy our Winter Wonderland Pinterest Board!
A Very Hocking Hills Thanksgiving
November 12, 2013
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Celebrating Thanksgiving Dinner in Hocking Hills
November 4, 2013
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!
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
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
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?
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
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
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?