Ohio is a midwestern state in the Great Lakes region. Beyond the industrial centers and busy highways lies an array of country escapes. From the Appalachian plateaus, to the Hocking Hills, and the shores of Lake Erie to the plains, opportunities have been created to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Amish country is a culinary and shopping delight. The quiet lanes, horse-drawn lifestyle and renowned craftsmanship make it a premier attraction. Temperatures can be extreme in Ohio and some terrains require 4 X 4 vehicles in winter but the near standard hot tubs, fire pits and warm welcomes make the journey worthwhile.
Island View Cottages
The two Island View Cottages are located in Put-in-Bay, on the north side of South Bass Island, Lake Erie, Ohio. Miller Ferries offers passenger and vehicle service to Put-in-Bay (an 18 minute trip).
There is nothing between the Island View cottages and the lake< besides a large manicured lawn. Both cottages sleep 6 and have a screened-in front porch and their own private section of the garden. The property is geared toward outdoor living with fire pits and picnic spaces. Lakeside Cottage is pet-free and Yellow Cottage is pet-friendly. There is a pet park nearby where dogs can roam free and socialize. Guests might enjoy the wineries, mountain biking and go-carting.
Address: Island View Cottages, 1872 Langram Rd, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456, Phone: 419-285-RENT, Facebook
Amish Country Cabins, Ohio
Set in Amish country on the outskirts of Millersburg, in a private and peaceful setting, there are five cabins on this wooded property. The rustic log cabins have homely touches such as patchwork comforters as well as all the amenities necessary for a very pleasant stay. There is air conditioning to combat the summer heat and fireplaces and hot tubs to ward off the cold. The kitchens are fully equipped and there are fire-rings for outdoor cooking. In the nearby Amish community, there are restaurants, live entertainment and opportunities to shop for quilts, furniture and baked goods.
Address: Amish Country Cabins, 4899 Township Road 351, 44654 Millersburg, Amish Country Cabins, Phone: 330-231-7931
Briarwood
There are three cabins on this property which is off the beaten track in Amish country. It is close to Walnut Creek, Sugar Creek and Berlin, in a peaceful wooded area teeming with birds and other wildlife. The Briarwood cabin is a large, modern, double-story building which sleeps four people. The Twilight cabin at Briarwood has a gambrel roof with skylights and is suitable for a couple. The Hemlock cabin has a cavernous 24 foot high living space and loft and sleeps four. An off-road vehicle is necessary to access the property when it snows. Amish buggy rides can be arranged through the proprietors.
Address: 3451 Township Road 157, Sugarcreek, OH 44681, Phone: 330-893-4005
Mohican Country Cabins
This 28 acre property is a little over three miles south of Loudonville, the 'Canoe Capital of Ohio' and home to the Mohican State Park, the Mohican Memorial State Forest and Landoll's Mohican Castle. here are four options for vacation accommodation. Cedar Cottage has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and sleeps four. The double-story Rustic Chalet A-frame sleeps six people on the ground floor, upper floor and a loft area which overlooks the great room. Pine Ridge cabin has a large deck and room for four, in the master bedroom and sleeping loft. Groceries and other supplies can be purchased nearby.
Address: Mohican Country Cabins, State Route 3, Loudonville, Ohio 44842, Phone: 330-749-7403
Antler Ridge Cabin
The Cabin and The Cottage are located close to Chesterhill, on a 32 acre semi-wooded property which is considered to be a refuge and hunter's paradise. Semi-guided hunting tours are offered on neighboring land. Hunting season lasts from September to January and deer and wild turkey are fair game. There are also squirrels, foxes, chipmunks and many bird species on the property. Bear tracks have been seen near the stream which runs through the valley on the land. The night sounds include frogs, crickets, coyotes and owls. The cottage and cabin accommodate two people each and well-trained pets are allowed.
Address: Antler Ridge Cabin, 6025 State Route 377, Chesterhill, OH 43728, Phone: 614-915-4994,
Buffalo Lodging Company
Buffalo Lodging Company in the Hocking Hills area and has a range of properties in its portfolio. Guests can choose their own views, locations and style of accommodation. The properties sleep between two and twenty-two people in secluded, remote properties and sites close to towns. Couples, families and large groups are catered for in cozy cabins, spacious cottages and lodges with high vaulted ceilings. In the Hocking Hills there are cave trails, state parks, horse ranches and wineries to visit. Other outdoor activities include hiking, canoeing and fishing. Several of the properties are pet friendly and there are last minute deals to be had.
Address: Buffalo Lodging Company, 27740 Risch Road, Rockbridge, Phone: 855-442-2246
Hocking Hills Cabins, Ohio
Hocking Hills Cabins with their cathedral ceilings and loft sleeping areas are designed for romance. Three of them are suitable for couples and the two-bedroom cabins sleep 4, in two bedrooms. The hideaways are secluded in wooded areas, ideal for taking long leisurely walks along the many trails on the property. Extras such as a romantic breakfast for two, cakes for all occasions, chocolates and picnic lunches can be ordered beforehand. Intimate weddings can also be arranged on site. The wedding plan includes the minister's fee, flowers, photographs, a cake and one night's accommodation for the bridal couple.
Address: Hocking Hills Cabins, 14801 Burcham Road, Logan, Ohio 43138, Phone: 800-385-4161
Oakwood Cabins
The five cabins at Oakwood, namely, Acorn, Beechwood, Chicory, Dogwood and Tucked In, accommodate a maximum of two adults each. They have covered porches at the front and back and are thermostatically controlled all year round. Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave and Cedar Falls are close by and schedule events most weekends. Oakwood Cabins offers a 10% discount for honeymooners and guests celebrating their anniversaries. Winter rentals, repeat visits and long mid-week stays also attract discounts.
Address: Oakwood Cabins, 28180 State Route 93, New Plymouth, Ohio 45654, Phone: 877-596-2211
Sojourners' Lodge & Log Cabins
The lodge and log cabin at Sojourners' Lodge & Log Cabins have been divided into six luxurious suites, each accommodating 2-4 people. The suites each have a living room and fully equipped kitchen, one or two bedrooms and a bathroom. The décor celebrates nature and the local wildlife. Guests share the communal porches, overlooking a beautifully manicured lawn, woodlands, farmlands and the valley beyond. There are several hiking trails and biking tracks laid out on the 20 acre estate. Extra services such flowers, chocolates and gift baskets can be arranged. Seasonal discounts and special rates for senior citizens apply. The property is in Amish country, 15 minutes from Berlin.
Address: Sojourners' Lodge & Log Cabins, 2156 Durstine Rd. Dundee, Ohio 44624, Phone: 330-359-5320
Tranquil Acres Cabins
Tranquil Acres Cabins are spaced 350 feet apart. In winter, the lights from the main house give some sense of company but when the leaves have their spring, summer and fall foliage, the cabins are totally secluded. There are five cabins, most designed for two people. There is abundant birdlife, several nature trails through the woods and a fishing pond with a catch and release policy. The property is indeed tranquil. No smoking, alcohol or pets are allowed and there are no televisions in the cabins. There are several tourist attractions in nearby Millersburg, Berlin and Walnut Creek.
Address: Tranquil Acres Cabins, 6815 OH-39, Millersburg, OH 446549, Phone: 330-674-0996
The Hocking Hills Caboose
This authentic 1950s caboose is set in a steeply wooded valley in Hocking Hills. It has sleeping space for five people, including two in the cupola. It was one of a hundred built in 1949/50 by the International Car Company for Seaboard Air Line Railroad. Its livery changed three times, from red to orange and then grey. Until 1980, cabooses were compulsory on each train. When it was retired, it was sold for $300 to John Holt, the present owner and member of the Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad. It was converted to holiday accommodation The Hocking Hills Caboose.
Address: The Hocking Hills Caboose, Phone: 513-655-5809
Geneva State Park Campground
Situated on Ohio's northeastern shore of Lake Erie, Geneva State Park Campground offers a range of holiday accommodation. There are electric and non-electric campsites, full hookups for RVs and 12 cedar cabins which sleep 6 each. The 698 acre park provides much to do on land and in the water, in all seasons. The lake, estuary and freshwater marshes host a number of fish and bird species. There are docking facilities for boats at the marina and fish cleaning stations for successful anglers. Fishing charters are available on the lake. There are sports fields and courts and an amphitheater for outdoor events in the park.
Address: Geneva State Park Campground, 4499 Padanarum Rd, Geneva, OH 44041, Phone: 440-466-8400
Possum Lodge Cabin
The Possum Lodge Cabin sleeps eight people in two bedrooms and a loft area. There are large porches at the front and rear of the double-story structure. Wildlife abounds and there are several hiking trails on the 64 acre, wooded property. The wildlife feeding station attracts birds, turkeys, foxes and deer. The cabin is near Freeport, between Lakes Piedmont and Clendening. Further attractions in the area include adventure sports, hunting on 20000 acres of public land and hiking the 110 miles of trails. There are several quaint towns to explore and wineries to visit.
Address: Possum Lodge Cabin, 76405 McElhaney Rd, Freeport, Ohio 43973, Phone: 740-400-9228
Cabins by the Caves
There are more than twenty properties available through this company in Hocking Hills. The caves referred to are Old Man's and Ash Caves but there are state parks, creeks, lakes and much more to experience in the area. The accommodation ranges from cozy cabins for two, to lodges that can accommodate twenty people. Wifi is available and pets permitted on some of the properties. The 'Small Wedding' package includes 2 nights accommodation for the bridal couple and five guests, photographs, flowers, a cake and a gift basket. Guests can request groceries to be delivered and an in-cabin dining service is offered.
Address: Cabins by the Caves, Logan, Ohio, Phone: 614-322-2283
Chalets in Hocking Hills
This rental operation was established in 1988 and was the original agency in the area. They started with 16 of their own A-frames and now manage more than 50 properties, including cabins, chalets, cottages and lodges. The properties range from rustic to modern and are all situated in secluded areas around attractions such as Old Man's Cave, Lake Logan, Rock House and Conkles Hollow. Some permit pets. There is year round access, with seasonal rates and discounts for repeat visits. Packages available when booking accommodation, include a visit to a masseur, theater tickets, a zipline flight, rock climbing and rapelling.
Address: Chalets in Hocking Hills, 18905 State Route 664 S, Logan, OH 43138, Phone: 740-385-6517
Lazy Lane Cabins, Ltd.
This vacation home rental company has several properties in its portfolio, from rustic one-room cabins to large French-style family homes. It operates in the Hocking Hills area, one gas tank away from anywhere in Ohio. The properties all have their own acreage and could be set in the woods, at the side of a lake or on one of the hills. They are all equipped with basic amenities and many have luxuries such as hot tubs. Extras can be ordered through the company, including branded bathrobes, in-cabin massage, bouquets of flowers or a bed of roses. There are nine state parks in the area.
Address: Lazy Lane Cabins, Ltd., 16757 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, Phone: 877-225-6572, Facebook