Cantwell Cliffs I Hocking Hills

 

    In October, My mom, Natalie and I took a girls trip to Hocking Hills, Ohio for my moms birthday. We left on a Monday morning and it took us about 1hr and 45min from Dayton. Natalie was so excited to see our cabin even though we couldn't check in till 3. We went to check it out before doing any hiking or getting lunch. We stayed in the Ridgeback cabin through Cabins By The Cave. It was beautiful on the outside because it was surrounded by an array of orange, red and yellow trees. 

    After we checked out the cabin, we decided to take a short hike and then grab lunch. We drove over to Cantwell Cliffs to hike along the cliff floor. The trail is about a 1/2 mile with views of the cliffs above you. Right at the beginning of the hike, you go down a steep set of stairs called The Fat Women's Squeeze.   

The Fat Women's Squeeze

The Fat Women's Squeeze

     

You then can squeeze between where a rock broke in two and hike down to the floor bed 

    The whole hike is really nice and not to difficult. There is a huge cave you can explore by climbing huge boulders. Natalie and I enjoyed this but we were sad that there wasn't any water flowing at the waterfall. We really enjoyed this hike, especial for the first of many more the rest of the week.  

 

    After the hike, we were ready for some food and WINE!!! I was excited to check out Hocking Hills Winery. My mom and I shared an 8 glass wine flight for $10. I tried Lilly of the Valley, Sweet Chardonnay, 2019 Riesling and a peach slushy. They were all so good, that I bought a bottle of each of the wines. We also ordered the Explorer Board, which was delicious. Natalie must have been hungry because she scarfed down most of the tray so mom and I were still hungry. We ended up ordering the Winery Medley also. To top of our wonderful experience, we bought yummy chocolate truffles from Wren Valley Truffles. They were amazing. I'd say our first day at Hocking Hills a success.  

 

  

     

Indian Mound Reserve Cedarville, Ohio

This summer we went on many hikes. One of our favorites was hiking at Indian Mound Reserve in Cedarville, Ohio. There are steps that lead you down to the creek and a trip before we had heard you could swim. Natalie could wait to go back. This trip we meet some friends, Isla and Addy for a little stroll and splashing in the creek. I'm pretty sure the girls had a blast. We can't wait to go back next season and spend the day. I will for sure bring water shoes next time! 

 

Canoeing with Bellbrook Canoe Rentals

Looking for something fun to do this summer? We had a blast canoeing with Bellbrook Canoe Rentals. Last Thursday, Spencer, Natalie and I hopped in a canoe and headed down a 5.2 mile trip on the Little Miami River. The weather was perfect. Before heading out, we stopped at Five Below and bought some water guns to keep us cool on the river. It was a perfect solution for keeping Natalie entertained on the long trip.

Spencer brought along his hammock to relax on the banks of the river but Natalie's energy kept us moving. While he relaxed, Natalie played in the soft sand along the river. 

Natalie enjoyed being able to help out and row at times. She also enjoyed moving around the canoe sitting in the front and in the middle. I think her favorite part though was spraying Spencer and I with her water gun. 

After our canoe trip, we stopped for ice cream at the Dairy Shed in downtown Bellbrook. Spencer said they have the best root-beer floats. Natalie got cookie dough with Reese's Pieces and I got peanut butter yogurt with Reese's Pieces. The definitely do not shy away from toppings. We loved canoeing and can't wait to hit the river again. Hopefully, next week!!