Communities With CHARACTER

From downtown Logan to Nelsonville to Laurelville, the city streets of Hocking Hills are as explorable as they are unique. Get to know these three communities that call the region home.

By Wendy and Mike Pramik

Downtown Logan

Complement an adventurous day of hiking and exploring with a relaxing one discovering distinctive stores and eateries in downtown Logan.

Discover handmade gifts including jewelry, soaps and pottery by local artists at Homegrown on Main. Support global artists and ethical practices by purchasing handcrafted items at Gifts That Give Back Buy supplies for do-it-yourself projects at Saving Hardware, which has served Logan for over 70 years. Find lots of Funko POP! figurines and pop-culture merch at Funkocity Gifts & Collectibles Shop for upscale resale items and antiques at Vintage en Vogue. Take home a plant or make someone’s day with a bouquet from Flowers by Darlene Refuel at one of several dining destinations, including The Feed for classic American burgers and fresh-cut fries, and M & M Family Diner where the tables are graced with checkerboard tablecloths for meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Head to Pizza Crossing for perfect pizzas, pasta and subs, and Maya Burrito Co. for burritos, salads and quesadillas made true to the owner’s Mayan roots.

Tour a distillery at Hocking Hills Moonshine and sample small-batch libations, such as 120-proof Buckeye Lightning. Wash down wings and cheese curds with a Bloody Mary at Shamrock Irish Pub. Sip on wine, craft beers and premium spirits at newcomer bistro 58 West. Or enjoy a beverage on the go, as downtown Logan is a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)

Slow down and schedule a massage, facial or yoga class at Inner Wisdom Wellness, home of holistic services meant to reduce stress and realign your senses.

Can't Miss

Celebrate Logan being the home of the last remaining washboard factory with music and good eats at the Washboard Music Festival, June 15–17, 2023.

Nelsonville

Nestled into the hills, Nelsonville is a small town that thinks big, with a world-class theater and several eateries that cater to a wide taste spectrum.

Take in a concert, movie or other event at Stuart’s Opera House, a restored, 19thcentury theater on the city’s historic Public Square. Then, take a trip to the Mediterranean at Little Italy Pizza for a tempting array of thin-and-crispy hand-tossed and pan pizzas.

For a more formal dining experience, seek out Rhapsody Restaurant, a posh destination co-operated by nearby Hocking College’s Culinary Arts, Baking and Hospitality and Events Management programs. Indulge in pistachio crusted salmon, butternut squash ravioli or spicy bang bang chicken. Or visit Starbrick BBQ in the Rocky Outdoor Gear Store. It began as a food truck but is now a dine-in destination serving succulent meats and scratch-made sides.

Can't Miss

Take in community pride and Appalachian spirit at Parade of the Hills, Aug. 16–19, 2023. It’s a four-day Public Square celebration with parades, a 5K run, a pie auction, a fiddling contest and great food.

Laurelville

This western Hocking County village welcomes those exploring the region at one of three Hocking Hills Visitor Centers Step inside to book a cabin, pick up a map or learn about the fascinating history of this Appalachian wonderland.

Stop at Laurelville Fruit Farm, a thirdgeneration orchard established more than a century ago, where you’ll find seasonal treats including apples, peaches, plums and cherries.

Still hungry? Drop into Mam’s Rusted Skillet for a heartwarming variety of comfort foods. Or head to the Ridge Inn Restaurant, which is well-known locally for serving Jo’s Famous Donuts every weekend. It also has a menu full of hearty favorites, including sandwiches, meatloaf, spaghetti and Tuscan chicken pasta.

Can't Miss

Friends of the arts flock to the hills for the annual Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival each September. Shop local art in a variety of mediums, savor delicious food and, of course, take home your own beautiful blown glass pumpkin.