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2010-04-28T11:17:00.001-04:00

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2010-04-28T11:11:00.001-04:00

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Hocking HIlls Ash Cave Fire Tower now open

2009-09-05T06:43:00.004-04:00

Dave and I hiked the Ash Cave to Cedar Falls trail yesterday evening, perfect day for a late afternoon/early evening hike. We saw exactly 2 people on the trail. Well, we saw them twice, once on the way out and once on the way back, but they were still just 2 people. The forest was absolutely lovely in the late day sun, and our tranquility was complete, except for those 2 people! By the way, this trail is 3 miles long, so a total of 6 to get back to the parking area.

We were thrilled to see that the Ash Cave Fire Tower is now open to climb. It's located on this trail, but also accessible from a parking area at the corner of State Route 374 and Chapel Ridge Road. Built in 1934, the tower is 80 feet tall and you can see far and wide from the top. We were a little concerned about the fragility of some of the platforms at the end of each flight of steps. They appear to be the original wood. While most of the steps have been replaced, it's obvious some of the platform boards are really, really old. In fact, on the first platform, two boards have fallen or been kicked off. I'll report to Forestry today.

Marsh Hollow is now Hocking Hills Green Certified!

2009-07-23T15:52:00.002-04:00

Marsh Hollow is very pleased to have been accepted into the Hocking Hills Green Certified program administered by the Hocking Hills Tourism Association. The program is a voluntary environmental program for the purpose of reducing the environmnetal impact of the Hocking Hills travel industry through communication, responsible resource management and stewardship.

While you can read about all of our commitments at www.hockinghillsgreen.com, I'd like to highlight the ones that are particularly important to me:

We have a longstanding recycling program to reduce materials going to landfills. What can our guests to do help? Bring refillable water bottles! We recycle way too many plastic water bottles. Our water is highly filtered and quite tasty.
All food and trash is stored properly to prevent access by wildlife. What can our guests do to help? Please don't throw food waste into the woods (and 99% of our guests do not do this!).
Guests are encouraged to follow the principals of Leave No Trace. And this means pet waste, cigarette butts, etc. I've heard numerous comments from our guests about dog doo on the state park trails. Please!
We have worked very hard to make our cabin energy efficient. This year we installed new highly energy efficient windows throughout the cabin. What can our guests do to help? Close windows and doors while using heating and cooling equipment.

There is so much that all of us can do to keep the Hocking Hills the amazing natural wonder that it is. Find out more at Hocking Hills Green Certified.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Laurelville Old Time Fireman's Festival

2009-07-17T06:48:00.001-04:00

TODAY THROUGH SATURDAY - 86th Annual Fireman's Old Time Festival in Laurelville; entertainment, rides, fish fry, parade all in the streets of Laurelville

FRIDAY - Talent Show at 5:30pm; Black Water Run bluegrass band at 8pm; midway opens at 6:30pm.

SATURDAY - baby contest at 10am; kid's big wheel race at noon; midway "matinee" from 1 to 5pm - all rides are one price; Queen's Tea at 3pm; Adelphi Community Band at 4:30pm; Grand Parade at 6pm; Ohio's most expensive cake auction at 9pm; square dancing at 9:45pm; Rt 56 & 180 in Laurelville.

We love the fish fry and will visit for multiple meals. And the local church ladies have a pie booth with the best pies ever. Buy by the slice or a whole pie.

Hocking Hills Trail Trolls start work on mountain biking trail

2009-06-25T14:31:00.002-04:00

There's a Trail Trolls Project Day on Saturday, June 27, 2009, and they'll begin work on the NEW mountain biking trail in the Hocking Hills State Park! According to Naturalist Pat Quackenbush, the group will be clearing brush. The Trail Trolls welcome new members, so if you're interested call 740-385-8003, ext. 213 to sign up. Although anyone interested in working on the biking trail can just show up at the family camp parking area near Old Man's Cave at 9 a.m. Don't forget your lunch.

The trail has been flagged and will run about 4 miles and will avoid the cliff areas. It will be challenging and is not intended for the beginning biker. The trail has 2 loops, with one being easier and the other being difficult - something for everyone.

Just one more reason to visit the Hocking Hills this year.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Visit us on facebook

2009-05-30T16:26:00.004-04:00

Marsh Hollow has a page on facebook now. I've been having a good time with the whole facebook thing (connecting with friends and family) and decided Marsh Hollow needed to be up to date too. Since the page is only 2 days old, there's not much there, but hopefully we collect some fans and reviews. Click on the picture below to see what it's all about.

Marsh Hollow

Trail Troll Day at Rock House

2009-05-28T07:25:00.002-04:00

If you plan to be in the Hocking Hills over the weekend, there's a great volunteer opportunity at Rock House. The new "Trail Trolls" group will be working on trails in that area. If interested, contact park naturalist Pat Quackenbush at 740-385-8003 ext. 213.

USA Today Recognizes Hocking Hills Tourism Assocation Program

2009-05-22T14:56:00.003-04:00

Just got this message from Karen Raymore at the Hocking Hills Tourism Association:

Hocking Hills Tourism Association
May 22, 2009
Hi Folks,

Every year USA Today has an issue on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend that features an attraction in each state. For the second year in a row the Hocking Hills has been recognized in this issue. Last year it was the Canopy Tours and this year it is the Flip Ultra camcorder lending program.

Click on Ohio and check it out;
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2009-05-21-free-summer-travel-map_N.htm

What a great way to kick off the 2009 family vacation season!

Karen Raymore, CDME
Executive Director
Hocking Hills Tourism Association
(740) 385-2750

Jimbo's Bar & Diner, South Bloomingville, OH

2009-05-22T07:13:00.004-04:00

Last Friday, Dave and I hiked the rim trail between Cedar Falls & Old Man's Cave, which is a MUCH easier trail than the gorge route. Still there are some hills to climb. Anyway, we passed by Jimbo's on the way home via Route 56 and had a very tasty dinner.

Jimbo's caters to the motorcycle crowd, and is open Thursday through Sunday, in season. Since they now offer outdoor dining, we sat in the shelter for a few brews and their excellent "Hog Burger". This is a pure pork, non-sausage, non-fatty, "burger" and it is very, very good. Jimbo himself took our order.

We are going to do another hike late this afternoon, and I might have to engineer our route home so that it goes past Jimbo's again. On Fridays, it's not busy, but I believe it gets hopping on Saturdays and Sundays.

Jimbo's is located at 23356 State Route 56, South Bloomingville, OH‎.

Honey Ridge: another great pet friendly cottage in the Hocking Hills

2009-05-16T07:58:00.004-04:00

Our friends Beth and Chuck are now welcoming pets to their beautiful cottage/cabin in the Hocking Hills. Honey Ridge, the name of their charming two-bedroom facility, is centrally located, lovingly maintained and just plain peaceful. And their rates are very competitive.

So, if Marsh Hollow is unavailable, or you are looking for a two-bedroom cabin, check out Honey Ridge.

Hocking Hills State Park Swimming Pool

2009-03-25T13:34:00.002-04:00

There's a very nice swimming pool at the Hocking Hills State Park Dining Lodge, located on State Route 664 near Old Man's Cave. It is open to the public Memorial Day through Labor Day. Here's the fee schedule:

$3.50 per day for adults (16 years and over)
$3.00 per day for youths (4-15 years)
Free for younger than 4 years

Passes are available at the drive-through camping check-in and at the gift shop, both also on Route 664 near Old Man's Cave.

Free swimming is also available at the small beaches at Lake Logan and the little lake at nearby Tar Hollow State Park.

But if you go to the pool at the dining lodge, be sure to have lunch at their buffet. Yummy!

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Power OUT 2009

2009-02-03T13:29:00.005-05:00

Like most of Hocking County, we lost power on Wednesday, January 28. While others came back on line day by day, our power was not restored until Monday, February 2 (by which time the damn groundhog had seen his shadow). We were pretty well able to deal with the loss of electric heat with our various woodburning appliances, a dependable kerosene heater, and propane gas stoves, but the lack of water - you need electricity to run the well pump - was the most difficult to handle. Especially when you're trying to keep horses and goats watered. By Sunday, I was scooping water out of our creek, and trying NOT to worry about what our neighbors upstream were putting in.

So we survived, and kept very busy. In addition to all the fire-stoking and water carrying, we worked a puzzle, read a lot more than usual, and went out to breakfast and dinner every day but one. Fortunately, Laurelville had power so everything was open, except one day the library was closed. We're grateful to the Ridge Inn for its excellent free wireless network (and we discovered their fabulous croissant french toast) and to the Village Cafe for filling our water carriers and for their tasty home fries.

But we've decided we are going to get a generator!

There's No Place Like Home Dog Boarding/Day Care

2009-01-27T15:23:00.003-05:00

There's No Place Like Home offers a great alternative to standard dog boarding, specifically a lot of attention and personalized services, and all in the beautiful Hocking Hills.

Recently, Dave and I went on our own almost 2 week vacation. While our ancient dog, Juice, "boarded" with my son and daughter-in-law, we decided to board Mac & Bode at There's No Place Like Home. Of course, I checked it out first and knew from the moment I met the proprietor, Anne, that the boys would be well cared for. The facility is located about 20 minutes from our home, and is even closer to U.S. 33. It includes a large outdoor playground with toys and structures to climb on, an indoor play area, as well as a separate room for the kennels. Mac & Bode were lucky enough to be assigned to the "family" kennel, which was definitely large enough for two large dogs (and Bode is extra-large).

When we picked them up at the end of their stay, there was none of the usual crazy excitement to get out of the kennel. They looked great and acted so normal you would never know they'd been in a kennel for 2 weeks. Of course, Anne and her husband gave them so much attention, it appears they didn't even miss us. Plus, they got complimentary baths, which probably was not on either of their "must have" lists!

There's No Place Like Home also offers dog day care. Both services, boarding and day care, are offered at several levels so you can choose as much attention that you want your dog to have. Prices vary for this.

If you are vacationing in the Hocking Hills, and don't have a pet friendly cabin like Marsh Hollow, No Place Like Home would be a great place to take your dog. You could keep Fido with you on the trails, then take him to the kennel for the night.

Visit www.tnplh.org for more information or e-mail Anne at anne@tnplh.org.

Yoga in the Hocking Hills

2008-07-30T15:12:00.002-04:00

Although I've had a passing interest in yoga over the years, lately I've become very interested and started looking for classes. I tried a cruise ship class, which was great because it was small, but the very well built instructor only looked at himself (can't blame him really). Then I took my daughter and daughter-in-law to Yoga on High in Columbus for a beginning class. I really liked the instructor, but there were at least 25 people in the class. Too many, so I went back to my tapes and DVD's.

Then I started to notice that the spas and massage therapy places in the Hocking Hills were starting to offer yoga classes. I've been going to the Inn at Cedar Falls on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for a very small class - only me so far! When the weather is nice, we practice in the garden which is lovely. Then, Blue Valley Massage, which offers massage services in our cabin and many others has started to offer a 6 p.m. class on Tuesdays. Joppa, the spa at Glenlaurel Inn, is offering yoga classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

So my timing has been good!

Here's a link to Yoga Journal's "Pose of the Day":

Yoga Journal Pose of the Daygreat free widgetsWidgetbox

BookCrossing.com Crossing Zones in the Hocking Hills

2008-05-25T11:18:00.004-04:00

One of our recent guests turned me on to a cool book sharing web site called BookCrossing.com. She left behind a recently read book, which she had picked up at a "crossingzone" in Canada. Inside were instructions for going online to register that I'd picked up this book (by its unique BookID) and what I was going to do with it. Since I'm a big reader, I love just about anything to do with books and sharing books.

So I've become a free member of BookCrossing.com and have created a Crossing Zone at our Marsh Hollow Pinewood Cabin and another at the wonderful Hilltop Bake Shoppe in Adelphi, just across the Hocking County line.

You'll have to make a reservation at Marsh Hollow to use our Crossing Zone, but you can stop by the Hilltop Bake Shoppe Tuesday through Saturday to look through the growing collection and pick up a new read. Or you can drop off a book if you'd like to -either already registered at BookCrossing.com or one you just want to leave behind.

And if you stop by the Hilltop Bake Shoppe, try the sour cream doughnuts. I guarantee these are the BEST sour cream doughnuts anywhere. And as I've mentioned in the blog before, the pizza is the best in the Hocking Hills.

When it's raining in the Hocking Hills: what to do with the kids

2008-03-19T13:52:00.004-04:00

So what do you do when it's raining during your Hocking Hills winter or early spring vacation, especially if you have kids along.

If it's only raining lightly, it's still a good time to go hiking. The waterfalls at Conkle's Hollow, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave & the upper and lower falls at Old Man's Cave will be awesome. This is also true the day after heavy rains. The best picture I have taken of the Ash Cave falls was in a light April rain.
Shopping at the antique and craft malls at Rempel's Grove in Logan can be very kid friendly. Just don't expect to spend as much time browsing as you normally would. Then have lunch at Olde Dutch. There's a petting zoo there too, but I'm not sure of the hours.
Schedule a potting (2 lbs of clay with 1 firing) or pottery painting class at Logan Art Gallery in downtown Logan. They are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 740-385-9455 for more information. Dave and I made terra cotta turtles with grandkids Maggie & Makenzie. Fun!
If you're in Logan for a art class, we also recommend a stop Hocking River Emporium, just across the street from Logan Art. Cool stuff, including hemp clothing. Then how about lunch at the Spotted Owl, the Sandstone or Julie's Cafe?
Visit Leota at Hutchison's Hilltop Haven in Rockbridge for a basket weaving class. Call 740-385-8130 for more information. Also sells dried flowers & arrangements. Leota is apparently quite a character! Our grandkids will be here in June and we plan to take them here.
Visit Parrot Place on the Ridge , on Thompson Road, to learn more about parrots as pets and to check out the great selection of bird related accessories, including wild bird feeders. You'll get to meet some pretty awesome birds. Call 740-332-3014 for more information. Hours are Thursday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For more shopping, consider driving down to Rocky Outdoor Gear Store in Nelsonville. If you don't come out of there with a new pair of boots or shoes, or some other article of clothing, you have more willpower than I do. It's on U.S. 33 in Nelsonville. We always eat at the Coffee Cup located on U.S. 33 just before you get to Nelsonville. Of course, there's other shopping and arty things to do in Nelsonville.
If the kids are just too full of energy, consider going roller skating either at Circle D (phone 740-474-5070) on Route 56 in Circleville, open 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays; or at Amanda Roller Rink (740-969-4131) in Amanda, open Fridays & Saturdays, 7 to 11 p.m.

As always, call first to make sure these places are open. If you've got other suggestions, please let me know and I'll add them to this article.

In our cabin, we always have games and puzzles available, plus now that we offer DISH Network satellite TV, your favorite programs are too.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Hocking Hills Roasters: Coffee in the Hills!

2008-02-28T14:10:00.005-05:00

Hocking Hills Roasters is just one more reason to visit Hocking County, and it's a particularly wonderful place to go when you want some indoor things to do (or when you're worn out from all of the outdoor things). It's located in the Hocking Hills Market on U.S. 33, south of Rockbridge. In two words: fabulous coffee.

Dave and I, and our friends Sherwin & Diane, made a stop there recently, to pick up some Ethiopian Limu coffee, roasted on site, and accidentally learned how to make a really good cup of coffee using a French press. The owner, Roger Varner, mans the shop on the weekends and he knows his stuff. He is very gentle about "adjusting" your ideas about how to make coffee. We have now learned from the master!

Hocking Hills Roasters also offers roasted nuts, fudge, Get Well teas and the largest, tastiest turtle (candy) I've ever had. Seriously, go there for coffee, but get a turtle too.

Mary from Marsh Hollow

Birds at our birdfeeder

2008-02-13T11:24:00.003-05:00

Lately, the birdfeeder at our home has been dominated by what I thought were starlings. After peering at them through binoculars, I finally figured out that they are not starlings at all, but are blackbirds & common grackles. This morning when I looked out, there were easily 50 of these and absolutely none of our regulars. I realize they all need to eat, but how 'bout some sharing? This is the first year we've had a blackbird/grackle "problem" at our feeder.

I went out and starting clapping loudly. They all flew off and within minutes the regular crew was back! Cardinals, blue jays, tufted titmice, dark-eyed juncoes, white breasted nuthatches, sparrows and nary a blackbird. I wonder how long this will last?

Mary at Marsh Hollow.

The Ridge Inn: New Restaurant in Laurelville!

2008-01-23T15:40:00.000-05:00

There is a GREAT new addition to dining in Laurelville: The Ridge Inn. My friends Beth, Beth, Kathy and new friend Pat met there for lunch today. I had the cusabi chicken salad and crab chowder. Crab chowder in Laurelville?! Both were wonderful. The salad included diced chicken, pecan pieces and dried cranberries tossed in cusabi dressing, a light cucumber flavor, and was served over mixed greens. The crab chowder was so good I ordered some for take-out - my Dave is sure to love it tonight for dinner.

Everyone enjoyed their lunch, including really, really good coffee. Kathy & Pat ordered hot tea and got to pick from a selection of very fine teas from Harney & Sons. Beth and I had biscotti for dessert, and Beth had a muffin.

So far, the Ridge Inn is only open for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday through Sunday. But they are planning their grand opening for next week and then will start serving dinner.

The lunch menu includes hamburgers, cusabi chicken sandwich, grilled cheese sandwich, chicken salad sandwich, the Ridge salad and the cusabi chicken salad. They also usually have 2 soups and 2 specials.

The building is brand new and the ambience is very fresh and modern. Since very few new buildings and businesses are ever added to the Laurelville village proper, this is a bit of a shock. But the design fits in.Almost all of the tables are near windows. Plus the second floor has a meeting room that can be reserved.

My friends and I HIGHLY recommend the Ridge Inn.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

P.S. I need to ask the owner why she named it "The Ridge Inn" when it is most definitely NOT on a ridge!

Yet another lunch at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

2007-11-02T09:17:00.000-04:00

My girls (Beth, Kathy & Julie) and I had our monthly lunch at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls on Monday. They offer yummie soups, salads & sandwiches, plus desserts on their lunch menu. I had the 1/2 a sandwich/bowl of soup combo for $8.00 (excellent chicken salad), then shared an incredible brownie & oatmeal-raisin cookies with Beth.

It's a little pricey but the high quality and rustic/cozy ambience make it all worthwhile. Plus you're only moments away from Cedar Falls, if you'd like to take a little hike before or after lunch.

If you are staying at Marsh Hollow, the Inn & Spa is a 25 minute drive. Or if you'd prefer in-cabin massage therapy and spa services, we recommend Blue Valley Massage.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Garden Accents Factory Outlet Going Out of Business!

2007-10-27T11:21:00.000-04:00

Oh! This is sad. Garden Accents Factory Outlet at Logan Clay (in Logan) is closing for good on October 31, 2007. We have purchased some wonderful, beautiful, durable clay garden decorations over the years from this outlet: bird baths, stepping stones and planters.

I've always thought that one of the problems with the store was not being open on Sundays. Hopefully, Hocking House will still offer some of these items for sale. Hocking House is the home & gallery of Jean Magdich, the artist responsible for many of the Garden Factory's creations.

I think I'll have to pop over to Logan on Monday to make my final visit. You should too.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Great Outdoor Adventure Show (previously Paul Bunyan Show)

2007-10-05T07:25:00.000-04:00

This weekend (October 5-7, 2007) check out the Great Outdoor Adventure show at Hocking College in Nelsonville. This used to be called the Paul Bunyan Show, but the Ohio Forestry Association "owns" the name and has ended its association with Hocking College after 75 years of togetherness. So the "Paul Bunyan Show" still exists and takes place the same weekend but it's in Guernsey County. It is much more geared to the timber industry.

The Great Outdoor Adventure show is for people who enjoy the outdoors. Visit the show web site at http://www.hocking.edu/goa/ for a schedule of events and a map.

There are some great extras with your $5 admission fee:

Dock dogs competitions - dogs running then jumping as far as they can into a pool; some of the finals on Sunday will be televised.
Robbins Crossing - a 19th century southeastern Ohio village, with costumed interpreters and craft demonstrators.

And Nelsonville also is home to the Rocky Outlet Factory Store, a great place for all of your boot needs, clothing, home accessories, etc. Three floors of great stuff! Rocky's always has a display at the show, but a stop at the store is a must. It's right next to the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway station on U.S. 33.

Plus the show is a great place to pick up a chainsaw sculpture.

Mary at Marsh Hollow

http://www.marsh-hollow.com/

Treats at the Apple House & Thornybrook Farms

2007-09-30T19:09:00.000-04:00

The Apple House in Laurelville, on Route 56 in the village, has great apples, but is also offering apple slushies and parched corn. We haven't tried them yet, but recent guests told us they are quite tasty.

About 4 miles east of Laurelville on Route 56, Thornybrook Farms has pumpkins, gourds, mums & other plants, delicious homemade cinnamon buns, apple dumplings and bread. They aren't open every day, but usually Friday-Sunday.

More Wildflowers

2007-05-05T16:48:00.000-04:00

I've seen a lot more flowers since my last posting, here are the few I've taken the time to try to identify:

Daisy fleabane
Dogwood
Garlic mustard
Lady's slipper
Perfoliate bellwort

And a strangely colored violet, mottled white and purple - haven't figure out what it is yet.