Historic Fiddlestix Village, Cabins in Hocking Hills, Ohio

If you’ve never been to the Hocking Hills region of Ohio, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. Not only is this one of the most beautiful regions of the United States, this region is also a hot bed of places to rent cabins.  Last fall, with its renowned leaf peeping colors popping along these country roads, I stayed at the historic Fiddlestix Village, located on state Route 93 South, just past state Route 56.

Located 40 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio, the Hocking Hills landscape frames the historic cabins of Fiddlestix Village.  Established in 2003, Fiddlestix is tucked amongst five acres, originally with a little farmhouse, desperately in need of restoration.  The owner Sue Maxwell began to add buildings, and now the property is a small “village “with three guest houses, an old grocery store, and a gift shop.  An old caboose is also part of the collection, and once restoration is complete, it will ultimately added as an overnight option.

The Living Room

I grew up in small town Iowa, which actually had a General Store (Ben Franklin’s Five & Dime) on Main Street. Overnighting in the historic Martin Country Store was a combination of really awesome and slightly unconventional. This oak building was bilt about 1920 by Samuel Jarret Martin, and the country store was relocated from its busy US 50 rural location in Vinton County. Donated to the Historic Host in 2012, Fiddlestix took on the job of preservation and restoration to turn into a guest lodge.

Set off by itself in Fiddlestix Village, step onto the huge porch and into the one-room “store.” To the right is a small sitting area to relax on antique furniture and pull out chairs.  The couch can pull out flat for sleeping for child. Listen to music (bring your own) or read a book. This area is definitely an unplugged vacation as the Hocking Hills area is generally a dead zone with little cell service.  Accommodations do not include TVs, although complimentary Wi-Fi is available.

The left of the open living area is a faux antique pot-belly stove. The walls are lined with original shelves, scattered with knick-knacks and reproductions matching the country store theme.

The Kitchenette is a soda-fountain-style, with a kitchen island, stools, and 1930s furnishings. A light breakfast is included (toast, jelly, fruit).

The vintage grocery area includes an antique postal station and again more shelving.

Overnighting in the General Store

Continue through the one-room combination living room, kitchenette and general store to discover a small bedroom with a King Bed, circa 1980s (to me).  Very nondescript, but really comfortable.  In fact, I slept exceptionally well my 2 nights here, likely due to no noise distractions except for Mother Nature.

A bare minimal bathroom is down the hallway with shower and vanity.  Missing in the bathroom is a mirror, but I found one in the hallway. Unfortunately the hallway has poor lighting, so applying makeup was a challenge.

Continue out the door from the hallway to be rewarded with a small deck and a view of the garden and woods, although my stay was in the fall and a bit chilly to be hanging outside.

Additional Historic Cabins are available for lodging: the Cookie Cottage and the Appalachian Quilt Cottage.

Among the buildings at Fiddlestix Village is a Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. The salt and pepper shakers are displayed in three large windows and a smaller one featuring the “theme of the month” shakers.  These are viewable from the outside looking in.

Hocking Hills and Fiddlestix Village are both hidden gems. The cabins are small, but the location is perfect to explore all the area has to offer.  For those preferring a more upscale option, consider the Inn at Cedar Falls.

Hooking Hills and Fiddlestix Village provided the accommodations for review; opinions expressed are my own. Photos © Diana Rowe