With temperatures hovering just around freezing and snow almost guaranteed, January is a beautiful time to spend either indoors with a steaming cup of hot chocolate or outdoors exploring the winter wonderland of southeast Ohio. Whether your New Year’s resolutions include picking up a new hobby, getting more exercise, or soaking in more local culture, here are some Hocking Hills events to put on your calendar for January.
Glass Blowing Classes
Glass production played a large role in the history of Ohio, and now you can delve into that history by taking a glass blowing class at the Ohio Glass Museum in Lancaster. On January 14, from 10 am to 12 pm, the museum will host a series of blown glass ornament classes so you can give it a try. Who knows? You may discover a hidden talent! The museum also offers four-week glass blowing sessions so you can practice and develop your new skills.
Hocking Hills Winter Hike
The annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike, now in its 49th year, is one of the season’s biggest events. On January 18, between 9 and 11 am, join thousands of nature lovers for a trek through Hocking Hills State Park, starting at Old Man’s Cave and ending at Ash Cave. It is free to participate, and hot bean soup and other refreshments are available by donation. A shuttle will also be available to take hikers back to Old Man’s Cave. Many people travel to Hocking Hills for this event, so accommodations fill up quickly. Reserve your cabin online today.
Daniel Bachman & In Search of Blind Joe Death
After the Hocking Hills Winter Hike on January 18, head to Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville for a celebration of American guitar music. Daniel Bachman is a well-known Virginia musician who plays what he calls “psychedelic Appalachia.” He just released his fourth record titled Jesus I’m a Sinner. The event will also involve a screening of In Search of Blind Joe Death: The Saga of John Fahey. Fahey was a true artist on the guitar, with a repertoire spanning from blues to Brazilian. His music has influenced many of the top bands of the past few generations. The film is a biographical documentary that has been featured in film festivals across the country, winning the prestigious Remi Award at the 2013 Worldfest International Film Festival. If you love music and Americana, this is an evening you don’t want to miss.
Comfort Food Cruise
On January 25 and 26, enjoy some local comfort food while also helping those who don’t have enough to eat this winter. Ten restaurants are participating in the 2014 event. Each restaurant will offer a comfort food item for $15, of which $5 goes to support local food banks. Contact the Hocking Hills Tourism Association for more information.
Hocking Hills is stunning in every season—in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom, in summer when birds flit through the lush vegetation, and in fall when the leaves turn and the animals start to search for the perfect place to hibernate. But winter, with its snow-covered trees and frozen waterfalls, may be the most beautiful time of all. Don’t take our word for it. Come see for yourself!
