Avoid the mall and do the Hocking Hills Holiday Treasure Hunt
Plus, six fun things to do in Hocking Hills this November
Are you a Hocking Hills completist who also likes to shop? The type of person who absolutely must experience as much of the region as possible? Or maybe you’re simply looking to do some holiday shopping away from the mall, or even just looking for a fun way to explore more of the region.
Enter the Hocking Hills Holiday Treasure Hunt. Simply visit six of our 27 participating stores and get a stamp from each. You can then drop off or mail your completed entry form, and by doing so be entered to win any of the 27 prizes offered by the stores, in addition to the grand prize of a weekend getaway in Hocking Hills for four people.
That whopper of a grand prize consists of two nights in a cabin, canopy tours, canoe tours, adventure golf, candle-making, lunch and dinner — all for four people. For more on the prizes available at the participating stores, head to our Hocking Hills Holiday Treasure Hunt homepage.
The promotion runs through Dec. 13. Winners will selected Dec. 15 and all prizes will be delivered to winners by Dec. 24.
Wayne National Forest Every Kid in a Park Pass
Got a fourth grader interested in exploring Wayne National Forest? Check out the forest’s new Every Kid in a Park Pass. Fourth graders and their families are eligible for free access to the federal lands and waters nationwide, and as Ohio’s only national forest, you’ll have access to grasslands, wildlife refuges and waterways. You can pick up your pass at the Wayne National Forest visitor centers in Nelsonville, Pedro, and Marietta.
- When: Pick up your pass from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Where: Wayne National Forest
Flea & Farmers Market
Held every weekend — yes, even in winter — this large flea and farmers market offers unique items you won’t find anywhere else, in addition to collectibles, antiques, crafts and in-season produce.
- When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- Where: Hocking Hills Market
Kid-Friendly Haunted House & Halloween Crafts
Sure, Halloween’s over, but in Hocking Hills, the spooks linger. Hear ghost stories, feast on freaky snacks and explore the Mad Scientist Lab at this Haunted House! Costumes are encouraged, reservations are not required, but are appreciated.
- When: Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays through Nov. 05.
- Where: The Bowen House Community Center for Arts & Education
First Friday Walkabout
This monthly series highlights Lancaster’s museums and galleries while also providing visitors with snacks, entertainment and exclusive gallery tours. (There’s also often a popular scavenger hunt.) November’s theme is Downtown is a Good Bet.
- When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6
- Where: Downtown Lancaster
Stained Glass for Beginners
If you’re looking for a new hobby or perhaps something you can make yourself and give as a gift, look no further! Greta and Marc Hanesworth return for their third class series of stained glass work at the Dairy Barn! You’ll make your own simple stained glass project, in addition to learning basic techniques and tricks of the trade.
- When: 5:30-7:30 Thursdays, Nov. 5-Dec. 3
- Where: The Dairy Barn, 8000 Dairy Ln., Athens
Santa Train
Get in the holiday spirit with this two-hour train ride with Santa, a 40-year-old Nelsonville tradition. Santa travels through the heated coaches and visits with each child, hearing their special requests before the Big Day. Each child also gets a candy treat. Be advised, this does sell out early, so make sure you reserve your spot.
- When: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 28-Dec. 20
- Where: Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, Nelsonville
