Just the other day Beth pulled up a Facebook memory from 2010, in which she said, “I had never heard the word ‘Yurt’ before in my life and in the last 24 hours, I have heard it THREE times from completely different sources. Is this the next big hipster thing?”
It’s funny that this memory popped up, because we had recently discovered that a.) yurts aren’t exclusively a hipster thing, and b.) they’re incredible to stay in!
We’ve been to the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls a few times before, first in 2011 and most recently in 2015 as part of a Hocking Hills trip. We’ve had lovely stays there before, cozying up in the cabins and dining at Kindred Spirits, their on-premises restaurant.
But now, it was time for…
A yurt!
The Inn & Spa added yurts just a couple years ago. They feature three, lined up on the side of a hill behind the main restaurant and event building. And they were kind enough to invite us to stay overnight in one.
People commented on Instagram asking about the specifics. Is there electricity? Does it have a bathroom? What the heck is a yurt?
A yurt combines the luxuries of a hotel room or a small cabin with the immersive experience of tent camping. See above: a comfortable bed, chairs and a small heater. Not pictured are a small kitchenette and a complete bathroom with shower. And the whole thing is climate-controlled.
But the sides are made of a thick canvas, so like a regular tent you hear owls hooting at night, deer tramping through the woods, and birds chirping in the mornings.
Each yurt has a small deck with chairs. Because the yurts are built into the side of hill, you get a view down in the woods surrounding the Inn.
Because we were passing through on a quick visit, we didn’t explore as much of the region. Cedar Falls, Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, the John Glenn Astronomy Park – all of these lie within a couple miles of the Inn.
But we were treated to dinner at Kindred Spirits. The restaurant is a charming Frankenstein of buildings, starting with the original 1840s cabin from the site and ending with the modern event center. Guests enter through the cabin; in the front room is a small bar and host’s stand. You get to pass by the kitchen on your way to the dining rooms.
We started with a pair of cocktails: the light and refreshing cucumber margarita and the boozy but balanced Inn Manhattan.
Our appetizers included a Wisconsin cheeseball and artichoke dip, plus a tomato basil soup.
For the mains we selected a scallop special: three scallops plus selected sides of green beans and mashed redskin potatoes. Chef Matt Rapposelli and his team showed care for every element on the plate; even the sides were expertly cooked and seasoned.
And then the filet mignon, with broccoli and wild rice. Again, all executed well. Whenever we’re asked for our cooking preference on cut of meat, we leave it to the chef’s preference, which in this case was medium rare. Perfect choice. It arrived so wonderfully tender and seasoned. I had to force myself to slow down and enjoy every bite.
We ended the evening with a quick stroll around the grounds.
The next morning we woke with the early birds. As an early riser, I loved it, but if you prefer to sleep late – just remember that you hear everything through the canvas walls.
We took the opportunity to split a can of Crimson Cup cold brew and enjoy the beautiful morning.
Over the past couple weeks, I keep returning the memory of this morning. It was slightly chilly but not so cold you didn’t want cold coffee. Just crisp and clear enough that the sun warmed you up. I could have sat there forever.
But we had breakfast to attend!
The Inn & Spa includes breakfast at the restaurant with your stay. You can reserve a time the night before. The menu includes coffee, tea, fresh juices, and a do-it-yourself station with granola, fruit, and yogurt.
The old cabin, with its low ceilings and sloping floor, makes for a charming backdrop to breakfast.
Guests of the Inn can also order one entree each from the breakfast menu. (The restaurant is open to the public, mind you!)
I ordered the Rooftop Garden Omelet, loaded with vegetables and topped with a creamy hollandaise. Props to the sausage links and the crispy home fries.
Beth ordered Not Your Nanny’s Sammy, a croissant sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheese, plus a side of potatoes.
The breakfast was a fitting end to our stay. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!
If you want to visit:
The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
21190 State Route 374 (map it!)
Logan, OH 43138
(740) 385-7489
Find them on Facebook, Twitter (@innatcedarfalls), and Instagram (@innatcedarfalls)
In addition to the yurts, accommodations include guest rooms, cabins, cottages, and lodges. There’s also an on-site spa, and the restaurant is open to the public.
