By Amy Barnes
Photos provided by Dunlap Hollow
A Romantic Getaway in Hocking Hills, Ohio: Discovering The Cave in Dunlap Hollow
Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, tucked away in Southeastern Ohio, lies Hocking Hills — a hidden gem of natural formations filled with trails, meandering streams and waterfalls, lush greenery, rolling hills and nine beautifully kept state parks and state forests. Rural farms align the small highways around Hocking Hills, peppered with old barns and the occasional groups of cows out to pasture. Winding through country roads, 34 curated acres of nature’s splendor await visitors at Dunlap Hollow, a cluster of B&Bs surrounded by tall pines and designed for unplugging and getting away with friends, family or that special loved one.
This quaint destination offers a serene escape, scenic beauty and tranquil ambiance, creating an ideal getaway from the bustling city life. Dunlap Hollow offers a range of cozy accommodations; the charming bed and breakfasts boast rustic charm and modern amenities, setting the stage for relaxation. The properties include an immaculate A-Frame that accommodates ten, The Cottage, a 1920’s home which sleeps four in one room (a queen bed and two bunks in a loft) and The Cave, a cozy 1500-square foot dwelling built into the side of a cave, with space for six guests. On a recent winter weekend, I had a chance to get away with a dear friend to The Cave for a few days. As we pulled into the long, snow-covered gravel driveway on a dark and cold winter’s evening, we discovered the warmly lit and immediately welcoming dwelling — our “home” for the next couple of days.
From the moment we ascended on the patio, my companion and I were filled with wonder and awe. Its meticulous décor begins outside. Surrounded by abundant scenery, the landscape welcomes us with crisp, fresh air, the calming scent of pine and a night sky delightfully free of light pollution. The outdoor space exudes warmth and charm. The patio opening features a well-heated (covered) hot tub, along with a fire pit surrounded by a charismatic assembly of Adirondack chairs. Lit from within, The Cave’s exterior is fully framed in glass, offering a peek inside that appears immediately cozy and inviting. The five glass panels, in fact, are bi-fold doors that can be folded all the way to the edges of The Cave to create a large open space that seamlessly flows from the inside out. Upon entering, we were delighted by the luxurious and thoughtfully designed space, which utilizes the cave’s natural rock as part of its décor on the ceiling and along the back walls.
Inside, the B&B lives up to its promise: photos gleaned earlier online accurately depict its accommodations: A full kitchen, chalky black and accented in deep violet tile; an elegant library area filled with artfully arranged old books, with a cozy couch, several thick, fluffy blankets and anchored by a wood-fired stove. The open space includes a billiards area along the cave’s back wall. A table for two, ready for a game of chess, is adjacent to the pool table. Other games, such as Uno, Rook, Sorry, and Monopoly can be found inside drawers and among the library’s shelves. The library area also features integrating an array of books covering multiple topics. The Cave’s perimeter is flanked on both sides by two full bedrooms and baths; one accommodates two and includes a stand-up shower and clawfoot bath. The other room accommodates four and includes two Murphy-style bunks that pull down from the wall and may be accessed via an adjacent ladder. Its attached bathroom includes a stand-up shower, built into The Cave’s wall, with a full sink.
Equally as comfy as it is cozy, The Cave’s décor is the star. Rustic and natural elements abound, accented by brass, wood, artisan ceramics, gold tones and plants. The highlight, however, are the gothic arches and matching doors, each painted to pair with the rich jewel tone shades selected to complement the space. Several design elements mimic this shape throughout the home, including patterns on etched glasses and the shape of the dining seating.
Another highlight is the fully outfitted kitchen, filled with spices, dishes, pots and pans and a large refrigerator/freezer. While my travel companion and I were solely focused on the getaway and chose to bring and cook our own gourmet cuisine during the stay, (he is a talented chef; sculptor by trade), there are several breweries, wineries – and a few restaurants nearby. Within twenty miles are also a couple of major grocery and retail stores; a guide provided by the B&B’s owners offers multiple options in nearby towns.
Among the local offerings are Glenlaurel (A Scottish Inn & Cottages), which offers Haggis as an option among its six-course meals and Rhapsody, a casual fine-dining restaurant at Hocking College, which is run by professional chefs and managers, along with students from Hocking College’s Culinary Arts, Baking, Hospitality and Event Management programs.
In the mornings, there is no greater treat than enjoying a cup of coffee by the wood-fired stove, followed by a relaxing dip in the hot tub during a light winter snow. The three adjacent trails on the property are perfect for climbing in between, provided one has ample attire to stay warm during the cooler months. The owners of the B&Bs, Bryant and Amy, leave a visitor’s guide and a trail guide inside each of the properties for visitors to learn more about activities and amenities in Dunlap Hollow and surrounding areas (Lancaster, Logan and Nelsonville). A trip to the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center in Logan offers several brochures and information on things to do in the area. On site is the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum, showcasing nearly 3500 pencil sharpeners. A few additional popular attractions — outside of the numerous state parks and forests, are the nearby towns of Logan and Lancaster, which feature quaint town squares and local art galleries. The 24/7 Hocking Hills Mini Golf and the nearby Columbus Washboard Company in Logan — the only manufacturer of handmade washboards and vintage laundry products in America (which includes an on-site museum) round out the area’s unique offerings.
To learn more information about Dunlap Hollow, visit dunlaphollow.com.
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