The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls: Nature Welcomes All
In the heart of Hocking Hills country, the gorgeous grounds of The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls awaits city-weary visitors looking to put away the technology and invest time and energy in relaxation rather than rat race digital existence. To celebrate a milestone birthday for my mother and indulge in outrageously fine food and spa treatments, we bravely trekked over desperately winding roads and under seriously sunny skies a few hours south of our hometown to the highly recommended retreat.
The Spa is Ready to Rock, Roll, and Relax Clients
One weekend is not enough to embrace every spa extravagance offered and choosing the right spa treatments may have been the only “difficulty” experienced while at Cedar Falls. Extensive research of the treatments offered combined with knowing one's own personal preferences was helpful in deciding between options. Eventually I realized there were no right or wrong decisions – only which ones would I choose this trip and which ones would I save for future visits.
For my mother, I chose the half day spa package, and for myself I chose à la carte options: an ionic footbath and a Thai yoga massage. My mother wanted simple, relaxing procedures and I preferred intense decompression rituals. Additionally, ages, energy levels, intense work weeks, and risk-taking ability were taken into consideration when choosing spa treatments – and for this trip $600.00 was budgeted for the spa and we hit the number on the head once we tipped for stellar service.
Restaurant Downright Decadent – and Worth Every Extra Cent for True Cuisine
Like the spa, reservations are required at the restaurant and neither are without budgetary consideration for the money-conscious traveler. For once, however, I not only allowed myself the indulgence of C-note dinner, I reveled in the extraordinary cuisine prepared by schooled, experienced chefs: hearty, yet health-conscious breakfasts, gorgeous green salads and stacked sandwiches for lunch, and soul and spirit fulfilling dinners. Additionally, many dishes were prepared with organic, locavore materials, with some dressings and desserts created specifically for the Inn & Spa.
The desserts were a hedonistic, not-to-be-missed funland of the senses - and the ideal follow-up to dinners featuring fresh seafood and choice, meaty steaks, accompanied by crisp, fresh vegetables, perfectly pearled risotto, and/or creamy potatoes. Selections of wines, beers, and cocktails were grand accompaniments to our meals, and never overshadowed the intricacies of the cuisine.
Balance Located in Natural Surroundings that Held No Price Tag
While working class travelers may not be able to plan for every contingency nor foresee every charge, I planned for a minimum $1500.00 weekend six months in advance (fuel, food, lodging, spa, tips). One might also use the term hyper-planned, but in any case, I was able to accurately assess the total cost. This is a once every few years type of trip - with the spa and food so decadent and rich as to be almost overwhelming. The items discovered to balance my unusual non-frugal two day whirlwind were spending time with a beloved other and simply appreciating the grounds and nature embracing the Inn & Spa. All aspects of this trip offered vivid insights, valuable experiences, and truly unique memories and there is simply no price tag for that.
Rhonda Baughman - Dr. Rhonda Baughman is a graduate of Kent State (Honors College), Antioch Univ. McGregor (Midwest), and Argosy University, Chicago.
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