Contemporary Cabins
If you’re in the market for a fun, easy escape, look no further than Athens County in southern Ohio! Our recent family road trip to Hideaway on the Hocking, 15 minutes south of Athens, was quite the rejuvenation vacation. We were greeted by warm spring weather and sunny skies, making for the perfect start! Even though it rained off and on through the weekend, it didn’t stop us from making the most of our time. We explored the property on foot, soaked in the hot tub several times, grilled delicious dinners, and ended each evening around the fire pit, toasting marshmallows for s’mores under the stars and twinkling fairy lights.
The Hideaway presents different year-round opportunities for a serene or active getaway with a touch of luxury. I highly recommend reserving one of the three Retreats—stunning glass-front houses overlooking a bend in the Hocking River. We stayed in The Falls, a charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a spacious upper deck, covered patio with outdoor furniture, and a gas fireplace in the living room that made the cooler evenings comfortable and cozy. The Falls Retreat had all the comforts of home – and then some! We can’t wait to return in the summer or fall to enjoy even more of this beautiful spot!
Modern Interior
The Falls Retreat boasts a bright and airy interior with 16-foot glass windows and an open floor plan that invites you to relax and unwind. On the first floor, you’re greeted by glass and screened doors leading into a bright kitchen featuring a large center island surrounded by counter height stools—perfect for a casual breakfast or a game of dominoes, of which we played many! The living room, with a plush sectional sofa, beckons you to kick back and chill out. Whether you’re snuggled up with a blanket by the fireplace, enjoying a round of board games, or catching a movie on the Smart TV (complete with streaming apps!), there’s no shortage of ways to unwind. If you prefer a quiet moment, simply open the tall screened windows to let in the fresh air, and listen to the peaceful sounds of chirping birds and the trickle of the nearby falls while curled up with a good book.
The two bedrooms were perfect for our family, but the space can accommodate up to 6 people with the queen sleeper sofa. The ground-floor master bedroom, featuring a king bed, is off the kitchen and overlooks the patio. It’s equipped with a wall-mounted smart TV, wall fan, and a closet stocked with everything you might need for a weeklong stay—extra towels, plush robes, floor fans, and other thoughtful essentials.
Upstairs, the second bedroom is equally inviting, with a comfortable queen bed and its own private bathroom. Both bathrooms feature walk-in showers and are stocked with high-end toiletries, including luxurious, eco-friendly ROAM shower products from Indianapolis. There’s also a charming little work station (or in Madalyn’s case, a fabulous make-up vanity) that overlooks the great room. A door from this area opens to a second-floor outdoor patio, where you can take in the scenic river and fire pit below—another perfect spot to start the day with a cup of coffee or unwind with a drink after a day of adventures.
Well-appointed Amenities
We like to cook when we travel, so I tend to pack half the kitchen for our road trips. But at Hideaway on the Hocking, we didn’t need to worry about that! This place is a chef’s dream. They’ve thought of everything—from top-of-the-line cookware and bakeware to beautiful glassware and barware, including patio-friendly dishes for outdoor meals. One of the nice touches was a tray full of local products providing a taste of Athens County. It included Shag Bark chips, Integration Acres paw paw salsa, Court Street Coffee, and a selection of Herbal Sage Teas. You’ll also find a full assortment of utensils, plus a closet stocked with countertop appliances, a loaded spice rack, Bluetooth speaker for your perfect playlist, and even a mini Coleman lantern for a nighttime walk. And don’t forget the record player and binoculars for some nostalgic vibes and wildlife spotting! The thoughtful touches don’t stop there—there’s a generous supply of toiletries, comfy indoor and outdoor blankets, and a gas grill complete with all the accessories you need for a perfect barbecue. Plus, they make it so easy to keep the hot tub fresh! After your soak, they’ve got pre-portioned chlorine flakes to add, keeping everything in tip-top shape with zero hassle.
Personalized Experiences
This weekend was exactly what we needed— a double-wide napping swing, endless rounds of dominoes, rejuvenating hot tub soaks, peaceful, albeit muddy river walks (for them, not me!), and, of course, rounds of s’mores. While at the Hideaway on the Hocking, One of the highlights of our stay was the old-school ice cream-making experience we added on. The kids had a blast! Everything we needed was provided right from the start—the wooden bucket, ice, rock salt, hand crank, electric churner, vanilla beans, and fresh milk and cream from Hideaway’s own dairy farm. Gabe got things rolling, and Madalyn took over the churning process—doing it all by hand, of course. They really earned their sweet reward! And to top it off, cones, cups, sprinkles, and cherries were included. It was a great way to make the best of a rainy few hours!
The Hideaway offers an impressive variety of nearly two dozen experiences that can be added to your stay, turning your getaway into something personalized and unforgettable. From intimate, romantic picnics and soothing in-house massages to decadent charcuterie boards, breakfast-in-bed boxes, and even a Private Chef to prepare a gourmet meal, there’s something to elevate every moment. While we didn’t get to fully explore the property on foot due to the weather and time of year, Dan and the kids took a post-rain (and slightly muddy) River Walk hike that stretched along the Hocking River, leading them to a pretty quarry pond. The 400-acre property boasts a network of trails winding through hills and woods, offering countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re into fishing, kayaking, or hiking to summits for panoramic views, outdoor enthusiasts will truly appreciate the area. We can’t wait to return in the warmer months to experience even more of the magic Hideaway on the Hocking has to offer!
For more unique lodging options at Hideaway on the Hocking, check out the their colorful vintage cabooses-turned-suites! Read more in my article “Choo Choo Charm: Sleep in Style aboard Vintage Railcars.”
