INN CUSTOMER SERVICE PART 1 -HOCKING HILLS

We feel that quality customer service goes beyond a simple definition. It is a way of life for us.

In Part 1 of this series, we will focus on the reservation aspect of outstanding service at our Inn.

One of the most important and detailed parts of planning a successful trip is making your reservation.

Our customer service staff carefully records all details about your stay. Your likes and dislikes, food allergies, special dates such as birthdays and anniversaries, and tidbits like your dog’s name or where your son or daughter goes to college, are all noted. Once all the information is gathered we suggest which accommodation will best suit your needs, whether it is a log cabin, comfortable antique furnished room or cozy cottage.

We are ideally located in the heart of the beautiful Hocking Hills area and nearby events are described. Our knowledgeable staff explains and sets up activity appointments such as ziplining, horseback riding, ATV riding, canoeing, rock rappelling and golf.

Special pampering add-ons for the perfect stay such as spa services, flowers, wine, picnic baskets and chocolates are discussed in detail.

Being a guest at our Inn is being a part of our family. Let us be your home away from home!

Ellen & Terry,
Innkeepers

Summer is here! What to do? What to do?

Dear friends,
The summer solstice has arrived, the sweltering heat is upon us and the hum of air conditioners can be heard in many neighborhoods. This means that the Hocking Hills and the surrounding areas are once again teeming with travelers from all corners of Ohio and its nearby states. If you've hiked all you can hike and are still looking for something to do in the area, there is no shortage of activities planned for the coming weeks.
Today kicks off the annual hand feeding of the Hummingbirds at Lake Hope State Park. Hold a small feeder in your hand and watch with delight as these beautiful Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds drink. You can feed the hummingbirds at Lake Hope Nature Center Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm until August 30th. As many as 25 Hummingbirds have been seem at one time. Stop by and try your luck!
If you are interested in being so up close and personal with the wildlife, you could always Bird By Kayak with Touch the Earth Adventures. On Saturday July 27, Julie Davis, president of the Columbus Audubon will lead a birding adventure on the waterways of Southeast Ohio. Experience and identify by sight and sound such birds as osprey, heron and various woodpeckers. The cost is $40.00 and kayaks are provided. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 740-591-9094.
If romance is in your plans, a torchlight canoe trip may be in order. Experience the Hocking River lit by torch light. The sounds of the evening animal chatter become the soundtrack for torch flames reflecting on the rippling water and the wonder of the moon and stars above. A roaring campfire, refreshments and entertainment await your return from what will surely be a canoe trip you will never forget. The Hocking Valley Canoe Livery will be your guides fro this adventure. Make reservations now to as to not miss out on the fun.
For the adrenaline seekers, visit the Hocking Hills Canopy Tour. Take a 3 hour tree top adventure along the Hocking River, over a cave and a waterfall. Professional guides will wisk you along 10 ziplines and 5 sky bridges and will give you the most unique view of Hocking Hills.
If it is in the air conditioning that you want to be, then make reservations now for the next cooking class at The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. Join Chef Anthony on July 22 as you learn to make quick finger foods that are easy and not time consuming. These are perfect for little get togethers with friends. Some examples are Prosciutto wrapped asparagus with Parmesan and Salsa Fresco with Pearl Mozzarella and Crostini. This mid week class is from 11:00am-2:00pm, includes lunch and the cost is $35 / person.
It just goes to show that, even when the hiking trails become crowded there is still much to do in Southeast Ohio. You don't have to look very hard to have an adventure!

Inkeepers,
Ellen and Terry

MOONLIGHT KAYAK LAKE LOGAN

I always wanted to try kayaking. And, to try it with Mimi and her company Touch the Earth Adventure. When my cousins and I were looking for something fun to do we decided to go on the Moonlight Tour, What a great time we all had. We met at Lake Logan with about 10 other people. Mimi instructed us how to paddle and kayak. After a short lesson, we carried our kayaks to the lake. Then, we spent two hours exploring Lake Logan and all it has to offer. Unfortunately, the moon decided not to show itself that evening. But, we still had lots of fun. It was a peaceful, relaxing evening. And, I wasn't even sore the next day. This will definitely be on my "to do" list again. Everyone should go kayaking at least once.

Ellen

Innkeeper

Repower America- Take Action

Dear Friends,

The last few weeks we have had more than our fair share of unseasonably warm days here in the Hocking Hills. During this supposed heat wave, it has been said more than once, "It's hot! When can we turn on the air conditioning?". I have been reluctant to do this for a few reasons and will stand my ground as long as I can bear it.

First and foremost, I love the smell of the fresh air that the spring brings. There is nothing better than being able to open all the windows in the house and let a breeze blow through, unless you suffer from a pollen allergy, that is. The old, stuffy winter air is replaced by the smell of flowers blooming, the spring rains and freshly cut grass. The fresh air seems to lift everyone's spirits.

Secondly, I dread the rising electric bill that results from the use of the central air. Our electric bill will normally double, and sometimes triple when the air is turned on. And even though I am expecting it, the "sticker shock" always gets me that first month. Each year I vow to "suffer through" the heat and not use the central air, but I always seem to give in in the heat of the moment.

This year I have a new and even more important reason for not wanting to turn it on. I have been reading about the energy crisis that is taking place in the world, and am convinced that everyone can make a difference.

Repower America has taken charge and is leading the fight for a more energy efficient world. Their idea that we should use fuels that are not expensive, don't cause pollution and are abundantly available right here at home may be the key to end our reliance on carbon-based fuels and ending the destruction of our planet.

These fuels are already available to us. According to the Repower America website, "Scientists have confirmed that enough solar energy falls on the surface of the earth every 40 minutes to meet 100 percent of the entire world's energy needs for a full year. Tapping just a small portion of this solar energy could provide all of the electricity America uses. And enough wind power blows through the Midwest corridor every day to also meet 100 percent of US electricity demand. Geothermal energy, similarly, is capable of providing enormous supplies of electricity for America."

We can begin the change, by making homes and businesses more energy efficient, increasing renewable energy generation and constructing a unified smart grid to carry electricity. We can begin transitioning to energy efficient plug-in cars to reduce our fuel usage.

Check out the Repower America website for more details on the current plans, meetings being held near you, and things you can do start conserving energy now. For us, it is resisting the urge to use the air conditioner. What is it for you?

For a Greener world,
Ellen and Terry

Innkeepers

The Bees are Buzzing in Hocking Hills!!

Dear Friends,
The April showers are hopefully over and the May flowers are blooming. Spring has sprung, the birds are chirping and the bees are buzzing... the Carpenter Bees that is. The nice weather seems to have brought out an influx of the ever annoying Carpenter Bees to the Hocking Hills area and to The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls.

These hairy, bee-like creatures are often mistaken for Bumblebees due to their similar structure and coloration. This species get their name from the fact that nearly all members build their nests in burrows in dead wood, bamboo, or structural timbers. Carpenter Bees prefer to build burrows in weathered, untreated lumber and their nests always have perfectly round openings. These creatures can cause damage to buildings when they build their burrows and often leave a mess in their wake.

Although the male Carpenter Bee is often aggressive and will defend his territory, he does not have a stinger. He can not sting you. The female Carpenter bee is mostly docile but will sting if directly provoked.

Green is the word, and if you want to get rid of Carpenter Bees without using insecticides you can try plugging the entrance holes with caulk. You can simply put caulk or putty in the holes and paint over them. The bees will not try to get out once they are trapped inside. Another method is to agitate the bees and then vacuum them out of the nest. This can only be accomplished if the nest is relatively new, and only in the early evening when the bees have returned to the nest and are relatively slow. A new colony will sometimes consist of only 20 or so bees, with one queen. If you notice that the colony is relatively small, you may want to consider waiting outside of the nest with a vacuum cleaner while poking the nest with a stick. If all else fails, good old fashioned bug spray will keep them at bay for awhile.

Once you rid yourself of the pesky bees, you will want to keep them from returning by keeping the dwelling painted or sided with vinyl.

Although sometimes bothersome, carpenter bees are not dangerous and generally do not cause any harm. More often they will just buzz about pollinating open faced flowers and will keep to themselves. With the flowers in bloom at the Inn, I have a feeling our Carpenter Bees have been hard at work this spring.

Ellen and Terry,
Innkeepers