Rusitc luxury in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio
A glimpse at patio dining
I arrived at the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio after a week of busyness–the kind of busyness that makes one wonder when life will calm down. It didn’t take long–just a walk through the wooden gate, past lush hanging flower baskets of the inn’s back patio, and a step into the beer and wine fest going full swing. Checking into my room could wait.
Inn at Cedar Falls’ owners, wife and husband team Ellen Grinsfelder and Terry Lingo, are known for hosting a great time and building community with splendid food and drink that makes for a perfect weekend stay. The beer and wine fest, featuring libations from several local breweries and offerings of area wine distributors, happens a couple times a year and is just one example of how Ellen and Terry are champions of what Hocking Hills has to offer.
Garden art
No matter the season, whether it’s the last hoorah of summer when people head to Hocking Hills State Park for a hike to nearby Ash and Old Man’s Caves, or come in droves for leaf peeping in the fall–or the crisp cold for a winter walk, Ellen and Terry are known for pointing people towards fun.
The inn is a perfect hub for days spent exploring the area that includes: rappelling, zip lining, kayaking, horseback riding, canoeing or just meandering along miles of trails. Cedar Falls is within walking distance. Ash Cave is as well, although, it is a bit of a hike.
The Inn and Spa are a reason, though, to stick around and chill.
After savoring appetizers cooked up by the inn’s chef, I headed around the inn’s property. Each spot had it’s a place to sit and relax. There’s the roof top garden with a vantage point of the rolling hills that seem to stretch for miles. Past the flower beds is the grove of trees where rope hammocks offer a gentle swing. One of them had a tangle of a mom, dad and their young daughter who didn’t seem to be in a hurry to hop up any time soon.
In the evening and at night, the inn’s fire pit provides a hangout place to enjoy a glass of wine and the company of friends and family. For those who prefer indoor R&R there is the “Common Room” in the center of the inn’s main guestroom building. Here, I snagged a magazine for evening reading and a teabag for hot tea later. Each room has a coffee maker and the common room has a microwave.
Bob White Room
My room–the Bob White- a two twin bed honey of a room, could be the definition of elegant sweetness. The furniture– upscale country cottage and antique, had a welcome home feel. The motif was an ode to flowers and birds, and I particularly liked the birds featured in the floor lamp design. The writing desk that included a journal of other guests’ musings was another homey touch–so was the fresh baked cookie, a signature treat of an Inn at Cedar Falls stay.
Although the bathroom added to the room’s warm hospitality with its basket of complimentary lip balm, soap and lotion, the bed sheets were bliss. The Comphy Company sheet sets are sold in the inn’s gift shop. I was tempted to buy a set. All rooms also include a small refrigerator, an iron, an ironing board, a hair dryer, soft cotton bathrobes and slippers.
An ode to birds
In addition to the guest room building where I stayed, Inn at Cedar Falls has cottages and renovated 19th century cabins situated in the woods. Both cabins and cottages feature gas log stoves. The cottages come with a two-person Jacuzzi tub as well as a shower. All accommodations have private baths.
Guest rooms, cottages and cabins don’t have TV for TV watching, but the cabins and cottages do have DVDs, a DVD player and a TV for movie watching. Cell phone service is spotty but there is WiFi.
Whether an overnight guest or not, it’s possible to treat yourself to a gourmet meal. Lunch and dinner are available to those popping in for a day or a few hours visit, but reservations are recommended. Meals are served in the inn’s original 1840s log cabins and outside when weather permits. The food is gourmet American. I had a mussel pasta dish that was superb. When possible, the chef uses local ingredients. Ellen and Terry’s family recipes are also on the menu repertoire.
Fresh flowers and great food are dining room features
If you’re an overnight guest, breakfast is included. The full breakfast menu includes: a selection of eggs, bacon, sausage, steel cut oatmeal with a variety of toppings, juice, coffee, tea and toast. Fresh baked muffins and specialty items like French toast with caramel and whipped cream are other options. Also, guests can help themselves to homemade granola, yogurt and fresh fruit.
The Inn at Cedar Falls also has a sack lunch that guests and non-guests can order. This a swell option for anyone heading out for a hike, but not interested in hauling food from home or going grocery shopping.
To up the luxury, head to the Spa at Cedar Falls. Services range from facials to full body massages. Couples massages are the most popular. The spa’s treatments also include: mud wraps, reflexology, warm bamboo massage, satin body scrub and more. Each treatment is designed to reflect the relaxation that Hocking Hills and the inn exudes. Spa appointments are recommended, but you don’t need to be a guest to book a spa treatment.
Spa at Cedar Falls, couples room
Room rates $135 to $300+. Dinner rates $30+ On weekends, two nights are required.
Check out the inn’s website for upcoming events like the cookie baking classes in December. Also, there are seasonal package deals and specials.
Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls
21190 State Route 374
Logan, Ohio 43138
(740) 380-7489 or 1-800-653-2557
Online reservations, click here. For spa reservations call 800/653-2557. You can also check rates on Booking.com.
Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein, member of Midwest Travel Writers Association.
I was a guest of the Inn at Cedar Falls.
