ATTRACTIONS NEAR THE RAILWAY
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is the number one visitor attraction in Athens County. However, there are lots of other things to see, places to eat and places to stay in Nelsonville, the Hocking Hills, Athens, and the surrounding area.
To help you plan your visit, we have compiled information on some other things to do, places to eat and where to stay.
For more information, please contact the Nelsonville Chamber (740-753-4346, www.nelsonvillechamber.com), the Athens County Visitor Bureau (800-878-9767, www.athensohio.com), Hocking Hills Tourism (740-385-2750, www.explorehockinghills.com) or Vinton County www.vintoncountytravel.com.
THINGS TO DO NEARBY THE RAILWAY
See the historic Nelsonville Public Square and browse through stores in its arts district.
Cool off at the aquatic center across from the depot.
Shop for a great deal at Rocky® Outdoor Gear Outlet Store.
Take in a show at historic Stuart’s Opera House.
Bike or hike on the scenic 19-mile Hockhocking-Adena Trail between Nelsonville and Athens.
Enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking and off-road vehicles (permit required) in Wayne National Forest, Ohio’s only national forest.
Learn about more Nelsonville activities at www.nelsonvillechamber.com (740-753-4346).
Experience the old west at Smoke Rise Ranch (740) 767-2624, www.smokeriseranch.com). The 2,000 acre ranch is located about 10 miles from the railway near Murray City on SR78. A working cow ranch with cowboys working daily, horseback riding by the hour on over 100 miles of trail, a variety of cabin and camping rentals, fishing ponds, hiking trail, pool, and a playground. Smoke Rise Ranch assists with the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s Ohio’s Friendliest Train Robbery.
See an exhibit at the Dairy Barn Cutural Arts Center in Athens (www.dairybarn.org, 740-592-4981).
Shop at the Athens Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Visit some of the numerous state parks of the Hocking Hills, including Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Lake Hope, Lake Logan, Rockbridge, Rock House, and Cantwell Cliffs.
Ride an ATV through the woods (740-592-2500).
Have a zipline adventure through the treetops at Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, the hottest new attraction in Ohio in 2008. (www.hockinghillscanopytours.com, 740-385-9477)
Discover five covered bridges.
Visit Lake Hope State Park or Zaleski State Forest.
WHERE TO STAY NEARBY THE RAILWAY
Baymont Inn & Suites – Athens (877-229-6668, www.baymontinns.com)
Hyde House Bed & Breakfast – Nelsonville (740-603-0508 or 740-753-3105, www.historichost.com) National Register Italianate mansion just three blocks from the depot. Private baths. Full breakfast included. Bicycle rack available.
Primrose Bed & Breakfast – Nelsonville (740-603-0508 or 740-753-3105, www.historichost.com) Once the home and office of Dr. Isaac P. Primrose, this colorful Victorian offers private baths, full breakfast, and a healthy dose of Nelsonville history and heritage. Three blocks from the depot. Bicycle storage on a covered porch.
Hampton Inn – Athens (740-593-5600, www.hamptoninn.com)
Baymont Inn & Suites – Logan (877-229-6668, www.baymontinns.com)
Holiday Inn Express – Logan (888-465-4329, www.holidayinnexpress.com)
Honey Ridge – South Bloomingville (740-332-1364, www.honey-ridge.com) Lovely, private 2-bedroom cottage on a wooded ridge, pet-friendly
Old Man’s Cave Chalets – Logan (800-762-9396, www.oldmanscavechalets.com) Over 50 A-frame and pet-friendly cabins, lodges, and log homes; swimming pools and hot tubs
Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls – Logan (800-653-2557, www.innatcedarfalls.com)
Hocking Hills – http://www.hockinghills.com/
Historic Hosts Vacation Rentals Vacation with History (877-364-4786, www.historichost.com) Unusual rentals in historic buildings for 2-10 people
Ravenwood Castle and Medieval Village – New Plymouth (740-596-2606, www.ravenwoodcastle.com) Rooms, suites and cottages with breakfast included
Fiddlestix Village – State Routes 93 & 56 (740-603-0508 or 740-753-3105, www.historichost.com) Restored historic lodging including a 1926 Baltimore & Ohio caboose, a vintage general store, the original farmhouse, and two whimsical cottages displaying large collections of the 1930s and 1940s kitchenware. About 17 miles from the Nelsonville Depot.
Nelsonville Chamber (740-753-4346 or www.nelsonvillechamber.com)
Athens County Visitor Bureau (800-878-9767 or www.athensohio.com)
Hocking Hills Tourism (800-HOCKING or www.explorehockinghills.com).
PLACES TO EAT NEARBY THE RAILWAY
Next door to the railroad is the Boot Grille inside the Rocky Outlet Store. Open from 9 am-8 pm Monday-Saturday, 10 am-6 pm Sundays, and working holidays 10 am-5 pm. It offers a wide range of selections, including the Boot Burger and Bison Burger, as well a brunch buffet on Sundays from 10 am-1 pm. Call (740)753-9100 Ext. 2329 for more information.
Other area restaurants include Fullbrooks Cafe and Rhapsody Restaurant among others.
There are also several fast-food restaurants including McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Burger King, and Sonic Drive-In.
For more information, please contact Athens County Visitor Bureau (800-878-9767 or www.athensohio.com), Hocking Hills Tourism (800-HOCKING or www.explorehockinghills.com) or Hocking Hills at http://www.hockinghills.com/.