HANDS ON IN THE HILLS

By Chez Chesak

When you need a change from the quiet and solitude of nature (or perhaps it’s just raining one day), there are all sorts of active and experiential attractions throughout the Hills.

If the weather does turn, we’ve got you covered with a variety of active indoor options. You can bury the hatchet at Hungry Buffalo’s Bury the Axe, which also serves a full menu (including kid’s meals) and cocktails, beer and wine. You can also find local artisans’ handcrafted items, gifts, keepsakes and Hungry Buffalo merchandise in their general store. If you’re feeling more cerebral, take on the persona of a crime syndicate safecracker and workout your powers of deduction in the ‘The Great Heist’ scenario at Hocking Hills Escape Games. Or you can get in touch with your olfactory side at the Hocking Hills Candle Works and make scents of it all, handcrafting your own candle.

Still wanting to be outside but perhaps just looking for something a little more interactive and social? Putter around the landscaped gardens of Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove, which is located near a petting zoo, ice cream and candy shop, canoe livery, bookshop and restaurants. Meanwhile Hocking Hills Mini Golf is professionally designed, wheelchair friendly and located next to the shops at Hocking Hills Market. The market offers antiques, crafts, furniture and a seasonal flea market.

High Rock Adventures EcoTours

Let loose and take a shot with Adventure Trek’s archery lessons and other expertled activities or, if you’re looking to get higher, go on a guided climb or rappel with High Rock Adventures EcoTours They also provide fully guided nature tours and nature therapy based on the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing.

If the kids (or adults) need some new stimulus, the Hocking Hills Gem Mine and Gold Rush will keep them engaged and focused as they pan for gems on a 75-foot-long sluice. Located in a KOA, they also have a rock shop filled with gemstone items like jewelry, geodes, gem trees and home decor. The 21-acre Butterfly Ridge Butterfly Conservation Center is dedicated to — you guessed it — preserving butterflies and their habitat. It includes hiking trails, a nature center and a tree house. Feeling cuddly?

Muddy Boots Farm and Fox’s High Rock Farm allow you to interact with rabbits, camels, goats, donkeys, pigs and more. Fox’s also offers kid’s gem mining and wagon rides.