A cozy cabin getaway in the spring

Every year, we find a cozy cabin to retreat to with our dogs. This is our third cabin trip to Hocking Hills, and I don’t foresee us stopping this tradition any time soon. There is something about driving a few hours away with only the essentials and our pups to get away from it all. Our stay is only a few days long and that’s just enough. So far, we have gone in summer, spring and late fall.

If you make the trip in the fall, I recommend going in early fall when the leaves are at their peak. The temps are still relatively warm. Goin in the summertime is also highly recommended. Hiking opportunities are better in summer because the terrain is drier. Fall can be drier as well, as long as you go early on. Make sure to book well enough in advance because cabins sell out fast during these seasons!

It’s worth noting if you plan to visit in the winter, most cabin hosts will tell you to come in an all-wheel drive vehicle. The area is quite hilly, and driveways can be long and steep, making travel in snow a bit awkward.

Typing this post and taking pics to document our trip even feels better. I can think clearer and am feeling refreshed. I am more grateful for our little family and the small things that make up this life of ours. Coffee tastes better, food is more delicious. The whole stay is good for the soul. It also helps to be in a nature setting. Grounding yourself in nature works wonders for the soul.

I love that there are places that allow dogs. Pacino and Layla are fast becoming seasoned cabin visitors. Taking them along feels extra cozy. It’s adorable seeing them take in the new sights, sounds and smells. When the weather permits, we put them in their doggie hiking backpacks, put them on our backs and hike the nearby trails. This particular trip, we weren’t able to hike. However, the scenery at Old Man’s Cave where we hike is majestic and something out of a storybook. Mossy cliffs and caves with small waterfalls here and there paint the scene. Lush, green trees provide a sweeping backdrop. What’s not to love?

This marks the first time on a cabin trip I brought my yoga mat and block. I highly recommend it. This particular morning, I did a meditation on the back deck. The chirps and tweets of the morning birds and babbling creek elevated the experience. I will always remember that meditation every time I roll out my yoga mat.

Unwinding with a good book and a mug of hot coffee in front of a fireplace is a slice of pure heaven, in my opinion. That is one thing I wanted to check off my cabin bucket list. Our home has a fireplace; however, we have lots of wok to do to make it functional. Hopefully this lights a fire under my partner and me to get it going – hehe pun not intended. I highly recommend this love story/mystery/thriller by Rosie Walsh. I found this book on Amazon and it’s a New York Time’s Best Seller and is part of the Good Morning America Book Club.

This little girl looks at everything with curiosity and wonder. I love capturing her in moments like this. She is quite the observer and studies with intent focus. It’s adorable! I’m looking forward to creating more memories such as this in the future.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it!