Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time. From wine tasting to shopping to visiting historical sites, there’s sure to be something on this list to keep you occupied.
Here are 21 fun things to do when it rains in Hocking Hills.
If you’re a fan of beer, why not go tasting at Brewery 33 in Logan? It’s the only brewery in Hocking county. And don’t forget to get your Route 33 BrewTrail passport stamp!
If wine is more your speed, head over to the Hocking Hills Winery for a flight of wine. We highly recommend their wine slushies! (Tip: ask for a half peach and half raspberry slushy)
If it’s a chilly day of rain, grab a seat by the fireplace to warm up. They often have musical acts for entertainment.
Beer, wine and….moonshine? Yep, in the Hocking Hills you’ll find moonshine of the legal kind. Hocking Hills Moonshine offers tours so you can learn all about their operation. Don’t forget to buy a bottle to take back to your cabin later.
If shopping is more your style then drinking, Hocking Hills is full of charming shops. The whimsical Wind Chime Shop has quite the selection with over 2000 chimes in stock at any one time.
After you’ve picked out the perfect wind chime souvenier, head next door to the Candle Shop and the Christmas Treasures Gift Shop.
Stroll through the Logan Antique Mall looking for the next treasure for your home. WIth over 100 dealers, there’s quite the variety of things to keep you interested as you browse this shop.
Visit the only remaining operating washboard factory in the United States in Logan. The Columbus Washboard Factory offers tour where you can learn all about the history and uses of washboards ranging from laundry to musical instrument.
While it will only take you a few minutes to peruse due to its tiny size, the Pencil Sharpener Museum is a quirky thing to see. This fascinating tiny exhibit is located on the grounds of the Hocking Hills Regional Center in Logan.
If you’re looking for even more things to do, the friendly folks at this Welcome Center will have lots of great ideas to offer.
Rocky Boots has an outlet store in Nelsonville. But they have so much more than just boots for you to browse, The Rocky Outlet Store includes lots of outdoor gear, clothing and even a restaurant. The Rocky Grill calls itself “the home of the bison burger.”
If you enjoy wandering the aisles of sporting goods and camping stores, you’ll have a grand time browsing here.
Also in Nelsonville is the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Travel back in time as you step aboard a steam train.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers all kinds of theme rides ranging from elegant dinners to costumed Halloween events. Most of the train rides are kid friendly.
Check out the many hands on exhibits while learning about the state park in the state park’s Visitor Center. The exhbits on the upper level concentrate on highlighting the different trails and things to see in the area.
The lower level displays information about the history and geology of the area. There’s even a large scale cave replica to explore.
After you’ve learned all about the hills, you can sit on the covered porch and listen to the rain or browse the gift shop.
If you’re willing to put on your rain jacket and venture out into the elements, a rainy day is a great time to experience the many waterfalls in the Hocking Hills area.
Ash Cave is a short 1/4 hike with big rewards at the end of the trail. You can stay dry by standing under the cave overhang as you enjoy the water spilling over the edge 90 feet above.
Here are some other great Hocking Hills waterfall hikes.
Get those knots worked out by getting a massage in your cabin. Hocking Hills Traveling Spa will bring everything needed to relax all your cares away. In addition to massage, the spa offers facials, yoga sessions, meditation and more.
From the Hocking Hills State Park area, Lancaster is approximately a 45 minute drive.
Take a tour of a historic flour and grist mill that was powered by the water of the Hocking River. This majestic wood and stone building will bring to mind simpler times, plus it is located in a beautiful setting.
Saturdays and Sundays May – October the mill is open for tours. However, you can still view the exterior of the building year round dawn to dusk.
Right next door to the historic Rock Mill is Rockmill Brewery.
Sit in the taproom and enjoy a flight of their Belgian inspired beers. On chilly days there will be a cozy fire in the fireplace for you to relax next to while you sip your beer.
While you’ll be inside during the rain, once you discover this beautiful location you’ll definitely want to come back when you can be outside to enjoy the bucloic setting.
Rockmill is also a stop on the Route33 BrewTrail.
From the Hocking Hills State Park area, Athens is approximately a 50 minute drive.
Some of Ohio’s most celebrated beers are from Jackie O’s. If you’re mostly interested in tasting their beer, head to the taproom.
However, if you’re looking for a great place to linger over a meal consider their Public House Restaurant.
The West End Cider House serves ciders made from Ohio apples – and wow, do they taste good! Ranging from dry to sweet, there’s one for every taste. Cocktails, wine and snacks are also on the menu.
The historic brick building is a great place to chat with friends or family over a drink.
Enjoy the beautiful Lake Hope from the comfort of their dining lodge. Try to get a seat by their large windows overlooking the lake.
All their made from scratch food is terrific, but if you are a fan of barbeque, be sure to give their hickory smoked pit meats a try. And if it’s Sunday, you can’t go wrong with trying a little bit of everything on their affordable buffet.
Need some culture in your life? Check out the current exhibitions at The Dairy Barn Arts Center.
Once you get to Pleasant Hill Winery, there will be no doubt in your mind about how it got its name.
Do some tasting to select your favorite wine and then stick around for some appetizers. The interior is cozy and inviting, so you’ll definitely want to linger over that glass of vino.
This worker owned restaurant serves local food in a modern Mexican style. After you eat at the Casa Nueva, head over to their cantina area for some music.
Tip: If you’re headed there for dinner, try to avoid peak hours. It gets busy!
Eclipse Company Store is housed in – you guessed it – the old company store for the tiny town Eclipse. Hocking Valley Coal Company built this small town of homes and the store around 1900. Today the company store is a beer hall with over 40 craft beers on tap.
Many evenings they host bands, so stick around for some good food and listen to some music.
There’s plenty to do on a rainy day in Hocking Hills and its neighboring areas. You might just find yourself hoping for a little rain so you have a reason to do some of these fun things.
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You forgot to mention Le petit Chevalier Vineyard and Winery only 10 min away from Ash Cave