I apologize; it's been a while since I've posted. Many things can get lost in the shuffle with the holidays and going back and forth between shopping, cooking, family, and trying to get my cats to stay out of the Christmas tree. I go out when I can, but there are only a few festivals or outdoor activities in the winter, so I will bring it indoors.
I did manage to make it to one venue, and some of you have already been there, but that's OK. It's an establishment that holds a special place in my heart for various reasons. This time, when we returned, we found a few changes in the works, which was very exciting.
Memory Valley takes you to Shawnee Lodge in Friendship, Ohio, without further ado.
Location
Did you just say Friendship, Ohio? Yes, yes, I did. How is that not the most outstanding name for a village you ever heard?
Anyway, you're coming from the Portsmouth area on Route 52. In that case, you know that you will find Friendship, Ohio, over the Scioto River and through West Portsmouth.
Before you go to West Portsmouth, stop by Loft's Coffee Shop in Portsmouth to get your coffee fix. Then head over to the West Side, where you can visit the Union Mills Bakery and pick up some sweet treats and baked goods before heading out.
As you head toward the lodge, you will come across various residences. During this drive, it may seem like you're going the wrong way, but as long as you pass Camp Ono, the Boy Scout Camp leading to the lodge, you're going in the right direction.
You will know you're close when you see the lake at the bottom of a valley. If you're quick enough, you can see the lodge on a tall hill with robust views.
Once you are on the road to the lodge, you will go up a very steep hill, and when I say up, I mean up. You'll reach the top, and then you're going to wonder where the heck is everybody. That's when you see it. Shawnee Lodge is in all of its glory.
The building is impressive with its dark wood exterior and warm, inviting lights. The place practically asks you inside, but also may give you Stephen King vibes, but don't let that spook you. The lodge is lovely.
Cabins
Before you get to the lodge, there is another road off to the side where you first entered. If you follow it, you'll come across the cabins, each decked with amenities for your ideal camping trip. You can sit outside and work up a fire in the pit, roast S'mores, and tell stories about the fire. This is the typical getaway for you and your guests tired of suburban or city life.
Speaking of getting away, it can be challenging to get a Wi-Fi signal while you are in the cabins. I'm not saying it's impossible, but make sure you connect to the lodge Wi-Fi. Remember, you are in the woods. If you want to avoid being found by work or anyone, then this is where you get that freedom.
The cabins are neat but trim. If you plan on having a large group, be aware that even though the rooms are decent-sized, it gets a little tight when it comes to the TV area. Don't worry. There is a nice covered patio on the back, so if you need to stretch while inside, this is the perfect place to do it.
My theory as to why it's so small is that the idea is to keep you outside. Inside is for limited breaks. The lodge wants you to explore, and you can follow plenty of hiking trails. But, again, we're talking about the winter. Some of you may not be avid hikers in the winter but want to keep to the outdoors, so this is the perfect way to do it.
The Lodge
Alright, let's get to the main event.
The lodge, as I said, is impressive. You're going to enter through some glass doors and into the lobby, where, depending on the time of year you visit, it is decked out in the seasonal decor. At the time of our visit, it was right before Christmas, so everything was warm, inviting, and eager to make you stay.
The front desk for check-in is located just across from the gift shop. Once you check-in, you will be directed to your room.
This visit was so enjoyable because few people were here during this time. As a result, the lodge has taken this time to renovate the rooms.
The last time I stayed in this building, the rooms were nature-themed, which is still the case. This time, it has updated nearly everything else, from the rafters to the beds and bathroom.
My favorite part? The bathroom mirror. I know that's weird, but they have taken their cue from online videos and went for that soft light feel. When he saw it, my husband looked at his reflection and saw the lights reflected back in his eyes.
"I look like a robot," he said.
He's right. But you also look like you're ready for your close-up on camera. Seeing your reflection get the filtered treatment is weird but oddly gratifying.
Enough about the mirror. Let's get back to the lodge.
Don't be afraid to explore. My daughter and I were all over the building. We went upstairs and took in the views from there. Everything is enchanting.
Below us, from the balcony, you can see people in the lobby area talking to each other, playing board games, and even listening to live music. Seriously, there are troubadours to serenade you while you sit in the lounge.
The Buffett
Of course, I can't visit a location without hitting the dining area. The lodge has a meal area, so you don't need to go to town for food. The dining hall serves various foods from their menu, but on that night, it was buffet night.
Buffet night consisted of pulled pork, ribs, rolls, green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Drinks are Coke products.
The meal wasn't too shabby; their ribs had a lot of fat, but they were cooked decently. As with all buffets, there is a danger to keep going back over and over to load up on your plate, which you feel free to do. Still, in doing that, you may be too tired and bloated for activities. Namely, the swimming pool.
Activities
As I mentioned, you can enjoy board games and music at the lodge, but if you have little ones, you will see the gaming area if you head downstairs.
This is a big deal. You will spend and spend hard on these little games. Remember, arcade games aren't as plentiful these days, but with their few little games, your kid will think they hit the jackpot; I know mine did.
However, even though the game room is everything a small child can dream of, the big event is the pool.
Open until 11 PM, patrons can use the pool all day if they wish, and there's even a hot tub you can lounge in while your kids splash around. My husband tried the hot tub and found the pool warmer than the tub. So, hopefully, the hot tub and pool area are on the list for renovations.
Rooms
OK, so back to the rooms. The updated beds are a delight, but the pillows may be disappointing if you are a side sleeper. Make sure you double up so you can have good neck support, but all in all, the bed and the stay were a delight.
Now, the TV stations are humble. Also, remember you are on top of a huge hill, so TV reception is spotty at best. For some reason, the sports channels came in with alarming clarity; everything else had "snow" on it. I'm unsure what that's about, but watching it hurt. Then, there would be times when a brief "screech" would belt out from the TV speakers as channels struggled to maintain the view. Don't be put out by this fact. Again, you're on top of the hill, and they are renovating, so things might be in flux until everything is finished. Don't let the idea of no access to TV be a turn-off. You're in nature, by the way. Go take a walk.
Conclusion
Shawnee Lodge is a beautiful spot to return to Nautre for a spell.
Even though the building is in a state of renovation, don't let that stop you from attending. Go eat at the dining hall, walk through the woods, enjoy the views, or lounge in the lobby and listen to live music.
You're meant to be entertained here but not titillated. Take a breath while you are here, and enjoy your own company. You deserve it, and Shawnee Lodge would love to have you.
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