While I was growing up in Columbus, we rarely headed north. Most of our extended family was south, rather than north, of Franklin County. So I grew up steeped in southern-Ohio cooking (rhubarb pie was one of my faves!) and I developed a deep love for Southern Ohio.
After living in NE Ohio since 1989, settled now midway between Cleveland and Akron, I've developed a different perspective on the whole state...and southern Ohio has become, by my way of thinking, a great spot for a long weekend or mini vacation. Here, I offer a few reasons why:
Hocking Hills, Lake Hope, and Ravenwood Castle
Hocking Hills is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and certainly on any Ohio visitor's list of must-see spots. Hocking Hills (think Old Man's Cave, just for starters) is memorable, but why not make your visit there even more extraordinary and spend a night in a castle? Yep, a real castle exists just on the edge of Wayne National Forest (umm... I can almost smell the pine needle carpet now) in New Plymouth. A Night in the clock tower of the medieval castle will set you back $210, but you can stay in a cute "wagon" cabin for just $55. Check out the website at http://www.ravenwoodcastle.com/castle.htm or call Ravenwood Castle at 800-477-1541. Don't let your royal ambition overwhelm your trip, though-Wayne National Forest and Hocking Hills State Park are the main attractions down there. The State Park site to learn about Hocking Hills is http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/h... and Wayne National Forest is nearby in Nelsonville and online at http://www.stateparks.com/wayne_vinton.h...
Wayne probably has a few secrets-it's 26,824 acres in size!-and one of the best parts isn't secret, but isn't very well known: Lake Hope is a gem of a state park, with camping, a swimming beach, boating, and a 23-mile singletrack bike trail (chosen as Ohio's top mountain bike trail by readers of "Mountain Bike Magazine") and the park is ENTIRELY within Wayne National Forest. Talk about a good use of resources. One word: Go.
Shawnee State Park Shawnee is one of the (many) gems of our Ohio State Park system. The smoke-free lodge is lovely, situated among (and with striking views of) lush and lovely hills. Just under a 2-hour drive from Columbus, it's a great getaway for swimming, fishing, boating (electric motors only, please) and camping or spending more luxurious nights in the lodge. Find the park website at http://www.ohiodnr.com/parks/parks/shawn... and while you're planning your trip, don't forget about Shawnee State Forest the largest of the state's largest, with 42+ miles of hiking trails, more than 90 miles of bridal trails, stately views and cool, green and shady days, courtesy of the impressive oak, hickory, sassafras, buckeye, black gum, pitch and shortleaf pine trees.
After living in NE Ohio since 1989, settled now midway between Cleveland and Akron, I've developed a different perspective on the whole state...and southern Ohio has become, by my way of thinking, a great spot for a long weekend or mini vacation. Here, I offer a few reasons why:
Hocking Hills, Lake Hope, and Ravenwood Castle
Hocking Hills is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and certainly on any Ohio visitor's list of must-see spots. Hocking Hills (think Old Man's Cave, just for starters) is memorable, but why not make your visit there even more extraordinary and spend a night in a castle? Yep, a real castle exists just on the edge of Wayne National Forest (umm... I can almost smell the pine needle carpet now) in New Plymouth. A Night in the clock tower of the medieval castle will set you back $210, but you can stay in a cute "wagon" cabin for just $55. Check out the website at http://www.ravenwoodcastle.com/castle.htm or call Ravenwood Castle at 800-477-1541. Don't let your royal ambition overwhelm your trip, though-Wayne National Forest and Hocking Hills State Park are the main attractions down there. The State Park site to learn about Hocking Hills is http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/h... and Wayne National Forest is nearby in Nelsonville and online at http://www.stateparks.com/wayne_vinton.h...
Wayne probably has a few secrets-it's 26,824 acres in size!-and one of the best parts isn't secret, but isn't very well known: Lake Hope is a gem of a state park, with camping, a swimming beach, boating, and a 23-mile singletrack bike trail (chosen as Ohio's top mountain bike trail by readers of "Mountain Bike Magazine") and the park is ENTIRELY within Wayne National Forest. Talk about a good use of resources. One word: Go.
Shawnee State Park Shawnee is one of the (many) gems of our Ohio State Park system. The smoke-free lodge is lovely, situated among (and with striking views of) lush and lovely hills. Just under a 2-hour drive from Columbus, it's a great getaway for swimming, fishing, boating (electric motors only, please) and camping or spending more luxurious nights in the lodge. Find the park website at http://www.ohiodnr.com/parks/parks/shawn... and while you're planning your trip, don't forget about Shawnee State Forest the largest of the state's largest, with 42+ miles of hiking trails, more than 90 miles of bridal trails, stately views and cool, green and shady days, courtesy of the impressive oak, hickory, sassafras, buckeye, black gum, pitch and shortleaf pine trees.
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