You often hear the terms microbrewery, craft brewery, and brewpub, especially in the context of a place for friends to gather. But what exactly do the terms mean? A microbrewery or craft brewery is an independently owned brewery that produces beer in much smaller quantities than large-scale corporate breweries. And just as the name suggests, a brewpub is a pub (public-house) that brews its own beer for sale on the premises.

The concept has certainly grown. For example, in 1979, only 89 breweries existed in the United States. By 2015, the number had grown to over 4,000. So, what makes them so special? Unlike mass-market breweries, which focus on low prices and advertising, microbreweries offer products based on quality, taste, and diversity, which results in new, unique, and superior beers.

In Hocking Hills, OH there are several breweries to choose from. Here are 4 located within 40 minutes of Cherry Ridge Retreat that are worth trying.

Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery

40 min. from Cherry Ridge Retreat

Brewing in Athens, Ohio since 2005, this uptown brewpub and public house offer 38 signature draft beers. With a taproom, brewpub, bakery, and farm, Jackie O’s offers more than just beer. They offer tastings, fresh breads and pizza dough, a light menu for dining in the taproom, and tours of the production brewery as well as the 20+ acre farm, where they grow their own resources for producing quality beer and food.

Devil’s Kettle Brewing

40 min. from Cherry Ridge Retreat

Located in Athens, Ohio, Devil’s Kettle Brewing opened their microbrewery in 2015. Brewmaster Cameron Fuller grew up around winemaking, but during college, his interest shifted towards beer. With a passion for craft beers, which he could scarcely afford, he decided to teach himself how to make his own. For the next 8 years, Fuller focused on perfecting his craft. After entering several of his beers in the Ohio Brew Week homebrew competition in 2013, Fuller not only won the most medals, but he took Best in Show. After a few years of preparation and hard work, he opened Devil’s Kettle Brewing, offering a world class brew system, a beautiful taproom and room to grow.

Little Fish Brewing Co.

33 min. from Cherry Ridge Retreat

Independently owned. Award-winning. Solar and wind power generated electricity. Locally sourced ingredients. Little Fish brews world class beer while sustainably supporting the local economy. They offer saisons and barrel-aged sours as well as hop-forward pale ales and subtly crafter lagers. Awards include the 2016 World Beery Cup Gold Award in the Belgian- and French-style Ale category.

Rockmill Brewery

46 min. from Cherry Ridge Retreat

This unique brewery, inspired by farms and Belgium, offers a cozy, home-like environment with lots of windows and crackling fireplaces. With a focus on quality over quantity, their Belgian-style ales are very drinkable. And with their very accommodating staff and a strict “Bring Your Own Food” policy, Rockmill Brewery makes you feel quite at home. Stop by Katzinger’s Deli in German Village on the way for a cheese plate that pairs with all their brews.

So, don’t delay. Head to Hocking Hills, try some new brews and then purchase your favorites. Bring them back to Cherry Ridge for a peaceful and relaxing experience. Just imagine yourself drinking a delicious cold beer around a warm fire in one of our adult-only luxurious cabins. Contact us today and we’ll help you plan your much-needed getaway.

While many travelers may equate vacation with the spring and summer months, there is something extremely unique and magical about winter getaways. Here are three reasons why you should plan your getaway at Cherry Ridge Retreat this winter!

1. Let it Snow – There is nothing like the quiet beauty of a fresh snowfall when everything outside is covered under a blanket of glistening white powder. You bundle up, head outside, and experience the crisp, fresh air, and peaceful, muted sounds that only wintertime provides. And our 140+ acres offer the perfect backdrop for such a breathtaking sight. Enjoy the snow up close from our miles of groomed trails or relish the views from inside one of our luxurious cabins.
2. Warm Fires – Who doesn’t love to bask in the warmth of flickering flames while the winter wind blows outside? Winter is the perfect time to curl up in front of the fireplace with a good book, a glass of wine or a steaming cup of hot cocoa. And all our cabins feature either a gas-log or wood-burning fireplace to enjoy during your stay. You can even brave the cold by bundling up and staying warm in front of one of our outside fire pits.
3. Save Money – Most places offer discounted rates during the less traveled winter months and Cherry Ridge Retreat is no different. Book your stay with us and take advantage of our specials and off-season rates for all our five-star accommodations!

We’ve highlighted just three reasons to plan your winter escape. However, there are many more. Contact us today so we can help you plan your winter getaway to our winter wonderland!

Hocking Hills State Park is a true nature lover’s paradise and has received international acclaim for its natural treasures. So, what could possibly make Ohio’s most visited state park more inviting? How about a new, 11,500-square-foot visitor’s center?

This new, first-class visitor’s center, which will replace the current 30-year-old one near Old Man’s Cave, will offer a variety of amenities, such as: one-on-one interaction with trained staff from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources; information about the fascinating history and geology of the area; resources for hiking, including safety precautions, hiking gear, and updates about current trail conditions and difficulty. Visitors will also find indoor flush restrooms for comfort and convenience, an information kiosk, and a gift store. This ADA accessible, two-level building will be ready to welcome visitors by November 2018.

In the meantime, come check out the historical and scenic natural features for which Hocking Hills State Park is known, from scenic waterfalls, towering hemlocks, and deep gorges, to unique rock formations, towering cliffs, and natural caves. Book your stay with us today and make Cherry Ridge Retreat your luxurious launching and landing pad as you head out to enjoy everything this region has to offer!

Hocking Hills State Park
19852 State Route 664 S
Logan, Ohio 43138
Admission is FREE

Did you know that less than 100 years ago, you could look up at the night sky and see millions of twinkling stars? Today, depending on where you live, you’re lucky to see a few hundred. And the Milky Way? More than 80% of the population cannot even see it. The reason? Light pollution. The good news is that light pollution has not affected us here in Hocking Hills, Ohio. In fact, we have some of the darkest skies in the nation! Which is why the John Glenn Observatory and Astronomy Park is being built here. Scheduled to open for the Spring Equinox, 2018, star gazers will be able to experience such awe-inspiring night sky gems as the moon, star clusters, planets, galaxies, and more. The observatory will feature a 28” permanent telescope and smaller moveable telescopes for incredible views, as well as on-site astronomers and other star experts to offer guidance and interpretation.

But that’s not all! Drawing on the countless generations of humans who used the motion of the sun to mark the important changes of the seasons by building fantastic structures like Stonehenge in England and Machu Picchu in Peru, the Observatory has designed an 80-foot Solar Plaza to allow the sun’s rays to fall upon a specific point on the first day of each of the four seasons. The plaza will also offer fun and educational programs for young and old alike, including a “solar system walk” that demonstrates just how big our solar system really is.

We are thrilled to offer visitors one more reason to visit Cherry Ridge Retreat. So, contact us today to plan your visit to a place where you can enjoy nature’s bounty to the fullest!

Whether you’re an avid hiker or you enjoy leisurely strolling through nature’s beauty, there are ample opportunities in Hocking Hills! One of the most spectacular hikes (and one of our favorites) is Conkle’s Hollow. Located just 30 minutes from Cherry Ridge Retreat, this is one hike you don’t want to miss!

Named for W. J. Conkle, who left his name carved in the sandstone in 1797 on the west wall of the gorge, Conkle’s Hollow is one of the deepest, most breathtaking gorges in Ohio. Its vertical cliffs of Black Hand sandstone rise nearly 200 feet above the valley floor. Hemlock, birch, and other hardwood trees tower overhead. On the ground, a plethora of ferns and wildflowers grow so thick, that little or no sunlight can reach the valley floor. This must-see preserve offers two trails to choose from depending on your age and skill level:

• The Lower Trail: Wheelchair and stroller accessible, this one-mile hike meanders along a creek through the hollowed-out gorge and provides awesome cliff views above. Allow approximately one hour to complete.
• The Upper Trail: This two and one-half mile rim trail circles the gorge atop the highest cliffs in the area, providing some of the most incredible scenery! Great caution is needed as this trail can be extremely dangerous in all seasons, and is not recommended for children. Allow one and a half to two hours to complete.

All trails are open dawn to dusk throughout the year. Pets are not allowed. Picnic tables and a restroom are located near the parking area.

Located off S.R. 374 in Hocking Hills State Park
24132 Big Pine Road
Logan, OH 43138
GPS Tracking: 39.452879, -82.572148

Visit our Web site for other great area attractions and let us know how we can assist you in planning your next Hocking Hills vacation!