Buried treasure and nature’s riches fill the Hocking legends and wilderness. Among the caves, waterfalls, gorges, and rock outcrops are the unclaimed lore of robbers, the unmarked graves of early settlers, remains of ancient Indian civilizations and natural splendor. 

Conkle’s Hollow looks much today as it always has – one of the deepest gorges in Ohio, it has steep cliffs plunging to a valley floor so dense with plant life, sunlight is blocked at its deepest depth. The setting is perfect…for a tall tale. A petroglyth is rumored to have adorned the gorge wall, created by a band of Indians who stole huge sums of money from settlers along the Ohio riverbanks. The wall carving was an arrow pointing across the hollow to a hiding spot only reachable by climbing a towering hemlock. After the settlers gave up the hunt for the thieves, the outlaws returned to find the hemlock destroyed, thereby making it impossible to reach the treasure buried in the rocky wall of the gorge. The petroglyth, having long eroded away, leaves only the mystery of whether or not the money is still somewhere to be claimed. 

Nearby, another legend and natural wonder exists in what was once referred to as Robbers Roost, known today as the Rock House. The Rock House is the only true cave in the Hocking Hills region. It is a corridor located halfway up a 150 foot cliff measuring 25 feet high, 25 feet wide and stretching 200 feet long. Its structure includes natural windows cut through the stonewalls and porous rock in the rear of the cave where Native Americans lit fires to cook and warm the cave. There is even evidence of a drinking water supply maintained by manmade troughs used to contain spring water that entered through the wholly sandstone. However, such amenities later made this an ideal hideout for robbers. 

Old Man’s Cave is one of the most popular natural attractions in Hocking Hills and also serves as the final resting place for some of its earliest inhabitants. A hermit by the name of Richard Rowe lived and died there. He is buried beneath the ledge of the cave. Before Rowe, two brothers who built a cabin by the cave’s entrance are also buried nearby. Old Man’s Cave has a bit of everything for nature lovers along its stretch of valley offering waterfalls, streams, forest, and wide variety of plant life, cliffs and undercut rocks. It is also part of the Buckeye Trail and America's Discovery Trail. 

Perhaps the most impressive natural treasure in the region is Ash Cave, Ohio’s largest recess cave. Its massive horseshoe shape spans 700 feet wide, 100 feet high and comes complete with a cascading waterfall. Its name is telling of its history. Several thousand bushels of ashes were discovered there (one measured 100 feet long and 30 feet wide). The ash remains included pottery, arrows, animal bones, flints and additional evidence of Native American campfires dating back hundreds of years. Today, the enormous cave-like ridge features impressive views from top to bottom. While hiking up the inner side behind the falling water, people on the ground floor look like ants. 

Conkle's Hollow, Rock House, Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave are just several of the many adventures to be had at Hocking Hills. Visitors will also enjoy the scenery of Cedar Falls – the best waterfall in the region; breathtaking Cantwell Cliffs; and Rock Bridge, a natural stone arch. 

Known as the hot-tub capitol of Ohio, Hocking Hills begs an extended stay by offering an abundant selection of rustic to modern lodges, cabins, cottages and campsites. Nearby towns provide great shopping excursions for antique and craft lovers. For the more adventurous, there are activities such as zipline canopy tours, horseback riding, rappelling and kayaking. Side trips include train rides on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway and a tour of the nation’s only washboard museum. Throughout the year, unique activities and events include moonlit canoe rides, standing under a meteor shower, taking a winter hike to see the frozen waterfalls, as well as plenty of birding and fishing. 

The ingredients needed to make a Christmas town are pretty precise and well known. For starters, there must be quaint shops, sidewalk gatherings, singing in the air, visions of yesteryear, smiling faces, perhaps a train depot and of course Santa Claus.  

If you want to have yourself a merry little Christmas, over hills we go to places like Orrville, Dalton and Smithville deep in Ohio’s northeast Amish Country.  

It makes sense to start the season by decorating Christmas trees. The Wayne County Historical Society and The American Red Cross can help. Join them at the Festival of Trees November 20 – 29.  

The Historical Society will open the General Reasin Beal Homestead, Kister Building, the 1873 Schoolhouse, Mercentile Store & Ladies Dress Shop, Log Cabin, Outdoor Bake Oven and Old Firehouse so visitors may experience how pioneers celebrated the holidays. Of course, the many decorated Christmas trees and decorations are a highlight of the visit. The proceeds of this event, held early in the season, will help local families recover from disasters and emergencies. What better way to get into the spirit than giving.  

Since Christmas trees need ornaments, it’s time to dig out the boxes of decorations from the attic. No doubt some favorites will be missing or broken. Maybe it’s just time to add some new keepsakes to the collection.  

On November 21, Cat’s Meow Village holds its annual open house. Cat’s Meow® has been turning special moments like the holidays into cherished memories for decades. Some say their unique wooden keepsakes are purr-fect. If you are looking to add that special touch to your nativity, nothing is better than handmade miniatures.  

From miniatures buildings to a scene larger than life, head to Orrville and find yourself Home for the Holidays on November 27.  

The entire town lights up and comes out for a stroll to kickoff Christmas season with a jolly mix of food and fun activities. Local merchants show what it means to live up to the reputation of being Ma & Pop shops. They spoil everyone with goodies whether they are out for a leisurely stroll or to start checking things off their holiday shopping list.  You may have to step aside for the groups of carolers. About the time of the downtown tree lighting, Santa appears …on a fire engine.   

Wait a day for Orrville Christmas at the Depot. On November 28, the historic railroad station has its model trains running, hot cocoa flowing and Santa riding 40 miles of rail with youngsters of all ages. The classic passenger cars and diesel engine pull into the restored 1868 station, signal tower and cluster of old buildings serving as an educational center and promising youngsters special memories. Trains and Santa create a magical combination this time of year.    

After all that activity, you may work up an appetite. That’s good because on December 5 and 6 it’s time to feast at the Dalton Holiday Festival. In addition to the Fireman’s Ham Dinner, there’s a fantastic holiday parade, juried craft shows, entertainment and plenty of activities for the kids.  

Then cap off the start of your holiday season with Christmas in the Village.  

Smithville Community Historical Society invites you to partake in Christmas past by roasting marshmallows, singing carols around a pipe organ and gathering in the pioneer village’s historic buildings. Open and decorated for the holidays are the blacksmith shop, 19^th Century Carriage Barn, Church, Log Cabin, Sheller House and Mishler Weaving Mill. The 1895 mill will have demonstrators busy weaving things from table cloths to rugs. They are available for purchase and make a nice Christmas gift. 

In just the last week of November through the first week of December, you’ll see why it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across Wayne County, Ohio. Begin your holiday plans at www.waynecountycvb.org to plan your trip to join the festivities and get into the Christmas spirit.

By Jan Myers

If you're looking for inexpensive ways to getaway, shop and relax this winter, then Coshocton County is a great place to start.  This is not your typical overcrowded holiday shopping destination. In Coshocton, you will meet friendly residents and enjoy the charm and safety in this quaint rural community. 

You'll find yourself de-stressing while leisurely enjoying delightfully different shopping and dining experiences at Historic Roscoe Village (www.historicroscoevillage.com), Unusual Junction (www.theunusualjunction.com), the Nationally-Accredited Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum (www.jhmuseum.org), Woodbury Outfitters (www.woodburyoutfitters.com) , and Pearl Valley Cheese Factory (www.pearlvalleycheese.com). 

Coshocton also has four excellent wineries where you can find great wine and wine-related gifts – Raven's Glenn Winery (740-545-1000, www.ravensglenn.com), Rainbow Hills Vineyard (740-545-9305) Shawnee Springs Winery (740-623-0744, www.shawneespringswinery.com) and Heritage Vineyard Winery (740-824-4314, www.heritagevineyardwinery.com). 

While at Heritage Vineyard, you'll be right across the road from Gospel Hill Lighthouse (www.gospelhill.org) (Yes, I said lighthouse!) where you'll have a striking view of the surrounding countryside. As far as they know, the 65-foot lighthouse is the largest inland lighthouse in the country. Tours are free and be sure to take a camera.   

You may even choose to arrange your stay in Coshocton during one of their winter events.  To revive your holiday spirit, the traditional Christmas Candlelightings, held the first three Saturdays in Historic Roscoe Village are sure to rekindle your sense of wonder and delight.   

For nearly four decades, the Coshocton Community Choir (www.coshoctoncommunitychoir.org) has shared a musical message of peace and joy with audiences who travel from across the state for their annual Christmas Festival concert held the first Sunday in December.   

Another live performance of the holiday sort is The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge, which will take place at the Triple Locks Theater (www.footlightplayers.com) this holiday season. 

Coming up on February 13, 2010 in Coshocton is the Sweetheart Big Band Dance (www.coshoctonlakepark.com) where you can swing to the live tunes from that famous era in an actual dance hall Pavilion that was once on the big band circuit. Call for ticket information at (740) 622-7528. (This would make an ideal holiday gift!). 

To compliment the Valentine Weekend, you may want to take part in the Chocolate Extravaganza (www.pomerenearts.org/events/chocolate.html) held on February 13.  Then on Sunday, you won't want to miss the All Ohio Youth Choir (from the Ohio State Fair) reunion concert (www.coshoctoncommunitychoir.org).    

In Coshocton, you'll find a variety of  lodging options from their premier site Coshocton Village Inn & Suites (www.christopherhotels.com) to the Super 8 Motel (www.super8.com) to the Roscoe Hillside Cabins (www.hillsidecabins.net), to the Roscoe Motor Inn (www.roscoemotor.biz) and numerous other guest houses, inns and lodges.   

Find out about all the affordable getaway packages in Coshocton at www.visitcoshocton.com or call them at 1-800-338-4724.

Christmas lights – whether traditional or spectacle – illuminate wonderment every holiday season in small towns across Southwest Ohio's Ohio’s Butler County.  

Some prefer strolling through yesteryear in full nostalgic Victorian splendor and others prefer astonishing, synchronized, mega light displays. Still, others want nothing more than to celebrate the season in the most humble of ways. Within the Butler County borders, all of these ways to celebrate the season are thriving.  

If you want spectacular, there are two great choices; Holiday Lights on the Hill, featuring millions of lights, and Light Up Middletown,  featuring a Hot Air Balloon Glow. If you seek to experience an old-fashioned Williamsburg-type Christmas, there’s The German Village Christmas Walk in historic Hamilton. And for those that want to walk through 20 life-size Biblical scenes, there’s the illuminated outdoor Christmas Walk at the Niederman Family Farm.  

Holiday Lights on the Hill at Pyramid Hill is a drive-through winter wonderland that dashes through the snow of Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park’s 265 acres of rolling hills, lakes and woods. The outdoor sculpture park becomes even more remarkable when sublime nature and 80 pieces of monumental art are joined with three million Christmas lights creating festive and romantic holiday scenes. Animated displays are around every corner and even atop the iced-over ponds. This is a driving tour only, no walking. For holiday hours and admission information, call 513-868-8336. Holiday Lights on the Hill is located at 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road in Hamilton, Ohio. 

Another prominent light display is a short reindeer ride from Hamilton to Middletown.  

Light Up Middletown is a drive-through light display with a twist – about a dozen hot air balloons illuminate the winter night sky adding a special glow to the season. Enter via Christmas Tree Lane, through a 40 foot tunnel of lights, around the reflecting pool with floating swans, under the leaping deer and visit the penguin village and butterfly forest. Santa and Mrs. Claus may be found at historic Lock Tender’s House Museum inside Smith Park. The display expands each year to include new and unusual animated groups. For holiday hours and admission information, call 513-423-1877. Light Up Middletown is located at 500 Tytus Avenue at Smith Park in Middletown, Ohio.  

If you prefer a modest winter’s gathering and walking to the modern marvels, stop in for a Dickens’ classic at a historic old-world neighborhood that still has a twinkle.  

Welcome to The German Village Christmas Walk in Hamilton. This historic nine-block area’s streets and alleyways were built in the early 19^th Century. It is a combination of eclectic and unusual architecture including Queen Anne, Italianate, Gothic and Greek Revival. The German Village Historic District comes to life during its Christmas Walk much like its heyday back in the 1840s when the completion of a nearby canal brought in droves of German immigrants, making this their home and business center. Surviving the ages are the buildings now on the National Register of Historic Places, red brick ways and lampposts. During the Christmas Walk, carolers, strolling musicians and horse hooves from carriage rides echo off the timeless buildings. Other highlights include a marionette show, Santa and real reindeer! It is free to attend on December 6 from 12-5pm. For direction to this charming neighborhood, call 513-892-4904.   

If a 19^th Century Christmas isn’t traditional enough, take a pilgrimage to a nearby Christmas walk of Biblical proportions.  

Niederman Family Farm hosts a special celebration that is free to all who want to capture the true meaning of the season. Visitors enjoy tens of thousands of lights that illuminate the path. Fifty speakers set the mood with Christmas music as you view a life-size nativity and more than 20 other Biblical scenes. In addition, there are hundreds of decorated trees and live animals in the open barns. The walking path is wheel chair and stroller accessible. Free hot chocolate and cookies plus entertainment are inside a heated barn. For holiday hours, call 513-887-0725. Niederman Family Farm is located at 4972 LeSourdesville-West Chester Road in Liberty Township, Ohio.  

Whether you’re seeking a tranquil setting or dazzling light displays, illuminate your holiday season with Christmas wonderment in Southwest Ohio’s Butler County. Conveniently located off I-75 between Cincinnati and Dayton near Indiana and Kentucky, a trip to Butler County begins at destinationbutlercounty.com or by calling 888-462-2282.

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By Robert Carpenter

The number of people from Ohio who have made outstanding contributions to society is enormous.  The legacies of the famous—and a few infamous—would fill volumes.  A smattering of biographies includes the world’s greatest inventor, numerous titans of industry, the first man on the moon, eight presidents and one king.  

The gift of the king didn’t produce the same upshot to the nation’s progress as, for example, the benefaction of Kettering or Edison, but it’s also fair to say that during his reign he influenced the social order of our country more than any man elected to the nation’s highest office.   

His humble origins certainly didn’t portend an empire.  Born into the working class, he grew up answering to names such as Willie, Clarkie, and Gabe. He dropped out of school to toil in the oil fields, a tire factory and at farm work. But all of that was forgotten by the time he reached the pinnacle. And no one disputed the anointment of Clark Gable as “King.” 

Recalled by many as an overnight success, his career took years of perseverance. As a young man he worked his way west from Ohio with a second-rate theater company—ending in Oregon as a department store tie salesman. It was there he met his first wife and manager—seventeen years his senior—who saw the uncultured but strikingly masculine potential. She had his bad teeth fixed, fortified his chronically undernourished body and coached him in lowering his naturally high-pitched voice before heading for Hollywood in 1923.  

Still, the coronation was a long way off. His first venture in Tinseltown met with little success and he retreated to his love of the stage. But in the early Thirties with talkies revolutionizing the arts, Gable was back, transforming the role of the leading man with panache never before seen.   

The crowning followed the 1936 movie, It Happened One Night. Ed Sullivan polled readers of his newspaper column resulting in twenty million fans declaring Clark Gable the “King of Hollywood.” Such was his influence, that in correlation to a scene where Gable was bare-chested after doffing his shirt, men’s undershirt sales nationwide went into the dumpster.  He went on to make his best-known film in 1939—Gone With The Wind—one of sixty-seven. Until his death in 1960, he never once abdicated the throne. 

Regardless, and atypical of stardom, Gable never forgot from whence he came. He made constant references to his unpretentious Ohio origin, and once told a reporter “Look, I eat, sleep and go to the bathroom just like everybody else.”  

It was strange then, that his birthplace of Cadiz, Ohio displayed no acknowledgement of Hollywood’s most famous celebrity. For years the only things existing on the location where he was born in an upstairs apartment, was a garage and flower garden—the house having long since been demolished—hardly proper recognition of royalty. 

The inattention ended in 1984 when a group of Cadiz citizens formed the Clark Gable Foundation, raising money to place a monument on the spot where the house once stood. With numerous tourists stopping daily just to stand on what they deemed hallowed ground to take pictures, it was realized that the sovereignty of the foundation’s namesake deserved much more.  

Their needs were answered in 1991 when they received a sizeable endowment from longtime Cadiz resident Isabelle Clifford. In 1999 after much research and preparation, the foundation opened the Clark Gable Museum—an authentic reconstruction of the house where William Clark Gable came into the world on February 1, 1901. 

Perhaps the lack of homage in Cadiz was due to Gable’s residence only as an infant. His mother died seven months after his birth and his father moved to Hopedale, a small town a few miles to the east. Almost anyone in Hopedale can point out the house where Gable spent his formative years, but it’s a private residence. Other than the stories passed down, the house is the only Gable reminiscence in Hopedale. 

Given the past oblivion, the Clark Gable Foundation has made a special effort to honor his beginning in their town. The two-story replica of his birthplace, and a bed and breakfast next door, are decorated in the period of his boyhood. The museum is filled with memorabilia from his early days of southeastern Ohio simplicity through the years of Hollywood glitz.  You can see the sled he rode down the formidable Hopedale hills and the 1954 Cadillac that symbolized success. There is the receipt for $10 charged by the doctor for his delivery that blustery February morning, to collectibles from the height of his career. Time Warner/Turner Entertainment, owner of rights to most of Gable’s movies agreed to provide stills and films. Both of the rooms in the small bed and breakfast are equipped with VCRs and tapes, as well as books in reference to Clark Gable. There are also keepsakes from his best-known wife, (there were five) actress Carole Lombard, and as proof of early interest in the performing arts there is a program listing him, at age nine, as the performer of a duet and solo at the Patton Opera House in Hopedale.  

In the past ten years visitors to the museum have come from nearly every state and several foreign countries. Gable’s only son, John Clark Gable (born after his death) and stepdaughter Joan Spreckels, as well as many cast members from his movies, have toured the museum. 

Number 138 Charleston Street isn’t and wasn’t befitting of majesty, but it’s a sincere portrayal—and you’re hastened to remember one of Gable’s most unassuming statements:  “This ‘King’ stuff is pure bullshit,” he said.  “I’m just a lucky slob from Ohio who happened to be in the right place at the right time.” 

Sure, every success is attended by a bit of luck, but it takes more than coincidence to be a king.  You be the judge.  

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday thru Friday. For information on the museum and the B&B, call 740-942-4989.

To go to Johnson's Island, exit at the SR 269 exit ramp, follow the ramp and bear to the right (South) onto SR 269. The first intersection will be Bayshore Road. Turn left (East) onto Bayshore and travel East 5.9 miles to Gaydos Drive. (Before reaching Gaydos, be careful to remain on Bayshore Road as it bears right (East) while Hartshorn Rd. goes straight (North). Turn right (South) onto Gaydos and drive to the tollgate and causeway to the island. Once on the island, proceed straight after stopping at the four-way intersection. The Confederate cemetery is a short distance on the left (East) side. Please remember to bring $2.00 (payable by either dollars or quarters) to pay the toll to the island.