Are your weekends sometimes so activity-packed that you welcome Monday's return to work just to catch your breath? As Mother Nature shows off her splendor one last time before winter sets in, fall is a great time to plan a restful weekend getaway far from the bright lights of the big city. Recharge your batteries at one of these delightful cabins within convenient distance from your home in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
Distance From: Cleveland (198 miles) | Columbus (58 miles) | Cincinnati (138 miles)
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Getting back to nature doesn't have to mean giving up your favorite leisure-time amenities. The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls features charming 1840s cabins nestled deep in a natural setting that includes trees, caves, rock formations, and waterfalls. A log cabin also houses Kindred Spirits, the Inn's casual fine-dining restaurant with an open kitchen layout and seasonally enclosed patio. Enhance your feeling of serenity with a massage, body wrap, and other pampering treatments at the onsite spa. Visit the website for information on special packages and promotions.
Distance From: Cleveland (174 miles) | Columbus (92 miles) | Cincinnati (193 miles)
Get up close and personal with nature at the appropriately-named Antler Ridge Cabin. Sightings of deer, turkey, foxes, and other wildlife let you know you're miles away from the city. At night, sit on the deck and relax to the ambient sounds of owls, frogs, and crickets. Semi-guided deer and turkey hunting tours are offered in season. Antler Ridge has three luxury cabins, the newest of which sleeps up to 12 people. Amenities in all three include air conditioning, washer/dryer, TVs and DVD players, outdoor gas grills, and fully-equipped kitchens.
Distance From: Cleveland (190 miles) | Columbus (48 miles) | Cincinnati (127 miles)
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Looking for some quality time with your significant other? With four cabins built for two, Ash Ridge Cabins is designed with couples in mind. Located minutes from Hocking Hills State Park but far from urban life, Ash Ridge is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities by day followed by a quiet evening indoors. Furniture in all four cabins is custom-built by local Amish craftsmen. Maple Lane, Lovers Loft, and Sweetheart Cabins are equipped with brand-new game rooms and indoor hot tubs, while Cuddle Bug Cottage has a game room and open-air hot tub. Spacious windows in all units allow plenty of natural light along with spectacular views.
Distance From: Cleveland (78 miles) | Columbus (87 miles) | Cincinnati (194 miles)
Do you feel like it's impossible to truly get away in our wired world? With no TVs or WiFi service, Tranquil Acres Cabins lets you go off the grid and tune in to nature. The five cabins are situated at least 350 feet apart for a welcome sense of solitude. For larger groups, Sleepy Bear Cabin has a new basement suite that includes a second bathroom and kitchenette. Another recent addition is a pavilion overlooking the catch-and-release fishing pond. Spend the day exploring the nature trails on the grounds, then unwind in your private hot tub or sitting in front of your remote-controlled gas fireplace.
Distance From: Cleveland (83 miles) | Columbus (72 miles) | Cincinnati (179 miles)
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Like many areas in Northeast Ohio, Mohican State Park owes its spectacular scenery to the Ice Age. More than 14,000 years ago, glaciers traveled across the landscape, carving gorges and creating mineral and rock deposits. Mohican's centerpiece, Clear Fork Gorge, plummets 300 feet deep and measures more than 1,000 feet across at its top. The park has several recently remodeled two-bedroom cabins along the Clear Fork River, some where pets are permitted, that sleep up to six guests. Anglers flock to Mohican for largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, white crappie, and brown trout. If you want more active pursuits, check out the park's numerous hiking and biking trails, some of which pass the Gorge as well as two waterfalls and a covered bridge.
Distance From: Cleveland (33 miles) | Columbus (157 miles) | Cincinnati (265 miles)
Anchored by a stunning 150-acre natural "kettle" lake, Punderson State Park offers a wide range of activities to satisfy all ages. Rent a boat at the marina for a day of fishing or sightseeing out on the water. If you want more lively pursuits, challenge family and friends to traditional golf, disc golf, volleyball, basketball, or horseshoes. Lace up your walking shoes or rent a bike and hit the 11 miles of trails, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife or bird sightings. Each of the park's 26 cabins sleeps up to six guests and pets are allowed at some.
Distance From: Cleveland (114 miles) | Columbus (107 miles) | Cincinnati (211 miles)
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Could there be a more authentic name for a rustic cabin than Possum Lodge? While the cabin itself is in a woodsy, secluded setting, the location offers easy access to a diverse assortment of activities. Nearby Salt Fork State Park, bookended by two lakes, provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating. Zipline tours, wineries, and quaint towns to explore are all within a 30-minute drive. The roomy cabin is designed to be a "home away from home" with a luxurious great-room layout that includes a floor-to-ceiling wood-burning fireplace and satellite TV. Front and rear covered porches hold a gas grill and tavern-style seating so you can enjoy the views while dining or simply lounging with a cold drink and good book.
Distance From: Cleveland (79 miles) | Columbus (123 miles) | Cincinnati (235 miles)
Historic Marblehead Peninsula is one of Northeast Ohio's more popular getaway spots. Kaspar's Lake Breeze Cabins, located on the shores of Lake Erie, makes a comfortable home base for exploring the many attractions of the area. Marblehead Lighthouse stands guard less than a mile away, while legendary amusement park Cedar Point is visible directly across Sandusky Bay. Kelleys Island and South Bass Island, home of Put-In-Bay, are only an hour away by ferry. All cabins are fully furnished, including color TVs and free WiFi service. Ask about nightly rentals during fall months.
Distance From: Cleveland (75 miles) | Columbus (91 miles) | Cincinnati (207 miles)
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Amish Country is an appealing blend of culture, history and scenery. Immerse yourself in the full experience with a stay at Coblentz Country Cabins. Situated on a gentle hillside overlooking a pond, the cabins are less than 1/4-mile from downtown Berlin and its collection of antique malls, craft and gift shops, and vintage clothing boutiques. There's even a classic general store where you can find anything from gourmet food products to home decor items. Seven cabins offer lodging for up to 10 guests, with amenities including hot tubs, fireplaces, TVs, and full kitchens.
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Photo courtesy of the Orchard House Bed & Breakfast
From April through October, you can enjoy a unique camping experience at the Orchard House. Enjoy sleeping on a comfortable queen-sized bed with a down comforter, a private half-bath in the main manor, and a secluded outdoor solar shower — all set amongst lush forest backdrop. As an added bonus, you'll have full access to all of the best amenities including gourmet breakfasts, an add-on massage, tent-side refreshments and a bonfire at the end of every night. You can make a reservation by visiting this pagePhoto courtesy of Grahm S. Jones via Nomad Ridge at the Wilds
We can't think of a more spectacular glamping destination than Nomad Ridge. This awe-inspiring park, created by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, offers private yurts full of unique accent features like bamboo flooring and Asian-inspired decor. Sit on your own personal deck, nestled among the trees next to the animal pasture areas. Or take in the sweeping view of the Wilds from the observation deck where you can see everything from rhinos to red-tailed hawks. And in the evening, relax by the fire and look up at the stars in the open sky! You can make a reservation by visiting this pagePhoto courtesy of Clay's Park Resort
This spacious, 500-acre resort offers an RV park, a campground, an event center and a water park, so no matter how you're looking to spend your "glamping weekend", you're sure to have a blast at Clay's Park Resort! Settle into one of their custom-built canvas tents, each featuring one queen bed, one set of bunk beds and a day bed, along with a charcoal grill, a hammock, a fire ring and a picnic table. The area also boasts a stocked fishing lake, kayaks and canoe rentals, miniature golf, and a heated indoor pool. You can make a reservation by visiting this page