OHventures' Greatest Hits!

With over 500 posts over 6 years, OHventures has definitely showcased a plethora of ideas to spark adventure in your life. We've whittled it down to the BEST of the BEST in this special edition post of "Greatest Hits" from OHventures! 

1. BrewBoat Cleveland: Part bike, part boat, and part bar, the BrewBoat on the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland is a one-of-a-kind experience that will guarantee to be a hit for you and your adventure-and-beer-loving friends.

2. Escape Room Downtown: While I am usually posting about adventures that exercise the body, escape rooms exercise the mind. They bring people together to use their brains to accomplish the goal under the given time limit, which is a huge adrenaline rush! Join us as we head to the Escape Room Downtown in Canton to tackle "The Missing Detective's Office"!

3. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: ALL ABOARD! The CVSR can be found in Northeast Ohio, running through the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (the one and only national park in the state of Ohio). The main portion of the railway runs northbound from Akron in Summit County, all the way to Independence in Cuyahoga County.

4. SegAway Tours of Columbus: SegAway Tours of Columbus offers a series of tours for anyone interested in uncovering hidden secrets about the city while leisurely gliding through the parkways, riversides, and sidewalks of downtown, Arena District, Short North, and Victorian Village. It was a challenging experience, but one I will never forget. I am hooked on Segways!

5. Findlay Market Cincinnati: Even on a Sunday afternoon, the Findlay Market located in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is booming with activity. As Ohio's oldest public market, the Market shows no signs of slowing down. 

6. Spartan Race Ohio: The Spartan Race was one of the greatest challenges I have ever embarked on, and one that was unforgettable and incredibly fulfilling for the adventurous spirit within me. On May 8, OHventures traveled to Cumberland to tackle all of the mud, obstacles, and burpees that make up the grueling course.

7. VeloSano 100-Mile Bike Ride: This epic fundraising event was held in Cleveland, with over 2,000 cyclists signed up to raise money in the months leading up to their bike rides. I raised over $1,500 for cancer research, rode 100 miles, over 4,000 feet of elevation, in the 90 degree heat, which took about 9 hours!

8. Kalahari Indoor Waterpark & Resort: With the nation's largest indoor waterpark, a candy shop with seemingly endless amounts of treats and desserts, one of the best arcade and gaming areas around, world-class spa treatments, a fitness facility, and a fine selection of adult beverages (including a swim-up bar),Kalahari Resort in Sandusky is anyone's dream come true.

9. Escape To Kelley's Island: Located in Erie County in the western basin of Lake Erie about 4 miles north of the Marblehead peninsula and 10 miles from Sandusky Measuring more than 4 square miles, Kelley's Island is the largest American island located in Lake Erie. 

10. CryoTherapy Plus: I survived -293 degrees Fahrenheit with Cryotherapy! Cryotherapy is an anti-inflammatory treatment involving skin exposure to ultra-low temperatures for a brief, controlled time, in order to help enhance athletic performance and recovery. Join us as we check out this Akron area full-service cryotherapy spa!

11. Cooking Class at Gervasi Vineyard: Being a frequent flyer at all three of Gervasi Vineyard's amazing restaurants,  and being a budding chef in my own home kitchen, I had been wanting to attend a culinary class at The Cucina for quite some time. 

12. Go Ape Treetop Adventure:  The Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course in the Cleveland Metroparks' Mill Stream Run Reservation.challenges participants with an outdoor obstacle course over 3,000 feet in length and is suspended up to 40 feet above ground, traversing bridges, zooming on zip lines, and hanging on ropes.

13. Bodhi Tree Guest House & Studio: This Buddhist-inspired getaway can be found off the beaten path, hidden among the trees and on four acres of the Appalachian hillsides of Southeast Ohio - complete with a Thai massage and a 60-minute float in a state-of-the-art float tank!

14. Stand-Up Guys Paddle Boarding: In the Akron area, at the Portage Lakes, there is a great company aptly named The Stand Up Guys, who offer paddle boarding rentals along the PLX for very reasonable prices! 

15. Rhinegeist Brewery: Nothing beats the atmosphere at Rhinegeist in Cincinnati. The wide open interior is available to reserve for private events, or you can come anytime to play cornhole, ping pong, foosball, or watch a ball game - all while relaxing with some locally brewed booze. 

16. The Lodge At Geneva-On-The-Lake: The romanticism of Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline is encapsulated to perfection at the upscale yet affordable Lodge at GOTL. I stayed here for a weekend in June and saw for myself all the fantastic pleasures that can be unearthed while staying at this hot vacation spot.

17. Mohican Tree House Cabins: Halfway between Cleveland and Columbus is an adventurer's paradise, an outdoorsman's dream, and one of the most unique attractions found in all of Ohio: I stayed overnight like Swiss Family Robinson in these AWESOME accommodations!

18. Tree Frog Canopy Tours: The tallest, fastest, and longest zip line in all of Ohio! Pictures say 1,000 words.

19. Columbus Pedal Wagon: My family & friends hopped aboard this contraption that required us to use our man-power to wheel the wagon from bar to bar to bar in the streets of the Short North one football Saturday in October. 

20. Kayak The Bay at PIB: Between drinking wine and barhopping on 4th of July weekend in Put-In-Bay, a group of college friends decided to get a workout in and kayak the beautiful waters of Lake Erie surrounding South Bass Island. 

21. Open Air Safari at The Wilds: Seeing camels, giraffes, ostriches, and antelope within hands-reach was an experience I will never forget, thanks to my visit to The Wilds in Cumberland. Think of it as a zoo but 1,000 times cooler.

22. Columbus Brew Adventures: Being driven around in a van and taken to various breweries throughout Columbus for grub, fun facts, and of course booze? Can't get much better than that!

23. Horseback Riding at Faith Ranch: If I could go horseback riding every weekend, I would. The city boy in me became a little bit country when I ventured to the town of Jewett to embark on an hour-long horseback trail ride at Faith Ranch.

24. Monumental Workouts in Canton: The McKinley Monument in Canton is not only a massively historic landmark, serving as the resting place for President William McKinley, but it is also becoming a hotspot for fitness enthusiasts who run the stairs and attend boot camp classes here!

Cool & Cozy Ohio Cabins

Photo by OHventures

The idea of sleeping under the stars, awaking to birds chirping, and bonding with friends in the great outdoors is my idea of an amazing night. It's difficult to see the stars with bright city lights, and even harder to hear the chirping of birds while traffic whizzes by. A uniquely Ohio lodging getaway can help to remedy this!

If you pick the right cabin in the right place, you can wake up and head out on a hike, embark on a canoe ride, or enjoy a nearby festival. While there are literally hundreds of options out there, below are some of the greatest spots to rent a cabin or overnight in a unique lodging facility in Ohio. For a comprehensive listing of cabins found at all Ohio State Parks, visit this site.

1. Island View Cottages: Why bother planning a vacation to far off places like Florida or Mexico, when you can take a getaway to Ohio's own Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island? Book an overnight stay to maximize your island experience.

2. Mohican Tree House Cabins: If you have ever had a desire to live Swiss Family Robinson style for a day, or if you wanted to bring back childhood memories of the tree house you had in your backyard, now you can!

3. Geneva State Park Campground: Stay in the cedar cabins at this 698-acre state-run park in Geneva (Ashtabula County), which is situated along the Lake Erie coastline, and has thick forested and marshy inlands. 

4. The Hocking Hills Caboose: Have you ever slept overnight in the cabin of a train? This unique location allows you to do just that - but in the middle of the woods! 

5. Nomad Ridge at The Wilds: Located on 10,000 acres of land in Cumberland (Guernsey County) in Southeast Ohio, The Wilds is one of the world's largest and most impressive wildlife conservation facilities. Come to The Wilds and stay in one of the yurts on Nomad Ridge. A yurt is somewhat of a hybrid between a tent and a cabin, and the ones found at Nomad Ridge are all decked out!

READ MORE AT OHIO.ORG!

Red Maple Inn

Photos by OHventures

Every once and awhile, I find it necessary to escape from the fast-paced world of the big city by visiting Ohio's serene countryside. Nestled not far from Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and Cleveland is Geauga County, home of the world's 4th largest Amish community, and a perfect place to make that restful retreat.

This summer, I was invited to stay at the Red Maple Inn, a beautiful boutique hotel located in the small town of Burton in the heart of Geauga County's Amish Country. With unbeatable views of lush green fields, a selection of spacious rooms, and hearty Amish-style breakfast buffets, the offer to stay was impossible to pass up.

Arriving at the Red Maple Inn, I was "greeted" by Rut Maple, a horse and carriage crafted out of recycled steel parts by local artist Chris McConnell. This striking artwork sits right outside the entrance of the hotel, and sets the tone for the whimsical stay guests are about to experience.

There are 17 rooms and one suite available, each with handmade furniture crafted by the Amish from various types of wood. This makes each room a bit different from the others. However, all rooms come with a flat screen TV, fireplace, coffee maker, balcony with outdoor furniture, and my personal favorite: a jacuzzi tub! Talk about relaxing!

All guests have access to an on-site fitness facility, a library and gaming nook, You can also enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres at certain times during the week. After enjoying a glass of red wine and checking into my room, I went out to explore the surrounding area.

Railroad car at Century Village Museum

The Red Maple Inn is located in walking distance to a number of worthwhile tourist stops. For starters, a small footbridge leads you from the hotel property to the Century Village Museum, a series of buildings and artifacts that serve as an authentic representation of life in the Western Reserve during the 1800s.

Burton Log Cabin & Sugar Camp

Walking a little further takes you to Burton Square,the center of town, modeled after the village greens of New England. Here, you can visit the Burton Chamber of Commerce Log Cabin & Sugar Camp, where pure maple syrup and other related products are made and sold. I took home a bottle of syrup, as well as some maple candies for my aunt (she loves them!).

Nearby is Warren's Spirited Kitchen, a rather new establishment in Burton, with a more modern feel to it. I sat and enjoyed a cocktail (a Cleveland Old Fashioned) while listening to a local guitarist, before retiring to my room at the Red Maple Inn.

On my way home, I stopped at Mary Yoder's Amish Kitchen for a home-cooked meatloaf dinner. If there's one thing that's consistent in the Geauga County Amish Country, it's how flavorful and filling its food is! I went home with a full belly and a happy heart!

READ MORE AT OHIO.ORG

Brandywine Falls

Photos by OHventures

Brandywine Falls
8176 Brandywine Rd.
Sagamore Hills, OH 44067
(234) 380-3789

I am pretty certain that I have found one of the most gorgeous places in Ohio: Brandywine Falls. Part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the falls are part of the Brandywine Creek, which is a tributary of the Cuyahoga River. These majestic waters fall from a height of 86 feet, making it one of the largest waterfalls in the entire state (click here for a map of all of the significant waterfalls in Ohio).

On top of being one of the tallest waterfalls, Brandywine Falls is certainly one of the most scenic in the state. You can access the falls by a series of wooden pathways built to overlook the water. From there, you can also take dirt and rock-covered trails to the base of the waterfall. It makes for awesome photos, as shown on this blog!

The falls are dog friendly, too. Slider definitely enjoyed trotting alongside me and soaking in the sights on a recent visit to Brandywine Falls in May. Additional amenities of the park include public restrooms, a 1.5 mile gorge trail (which bypasses the man-made boardwalks mentioned above), and a nearby bed and breakfast, called The Inn at Brandywine Falls.

Top 10 OHventures of 2015

2015 brought the most out-of-state adventures and vacations than any other year in the past. I went to Washington,DC; Detroit; Siesta Key, Florida; Chesapeake Bay, Maryland; Las Vegas, and Chicago, to name a few. However, despite the jet-setting across the country, I still stayed true to my Ohio roots! This year brought some of the most high quality and exciting Ohio adventures to date! 

As with every year (see 2012, 2013, and 2014), I give to you the Top 10 OHventures of 2015. There were many to choose from, but if you needed to see the best of the best, here they are (in no particular order)!

Use this list to start planning some awesome bucket list items to do in 2016.

1. VeloSano 100-Mile Bike Ride: This epic fundraising event was held in Cleveland, with over 2,000 cyclists signed up to raise money in the months leading up to their bike rides. I raised over $1,500 for cancer research, rode 100 miles, over 4,000 feet of elevation, in the 90 degree heat, which took about 9 hours!

2. Kalahari Indoor Waterpark & Resort: With the nation's largest indoor waterpark, a candy shop with seemingly endless amounts of treats and desserts, one of the best arcade and gaming areas around, world-class spa treatments, a fitness facility, and a fine selection of adult beverages (including a swim-up bar),Kalahari Resort in Sandusky is anyone's dream come true.

3. Escape To Kelley's Island: Located in Erie County in the western basin of Lake Erie about 4 miles north of the Marblehead peninsula and 10 miles from Sandusky Measuring more than 4 square miles, Kelley's Island is the largest American island located in Lake Erie. Join us as we drink, eat, sightsee, and adventure on the island, and for an added bonus, read about our flight to the island!

4. CryoTherapy Plus: I survived -293 degrees Fahrenheit with Cryotherapy! Cryotherapy is an anti-inflammatory treatment involving skin exposure to ultra-low temperatures for a brief, controlled time, in order to help enhance athletic performance and recovery. It's one of basketball prodigy LeBron James' favorite things to do after games, which was reason enough for us to check out this Akron area full-service cryotherapy spa!

5. Cooking Class at Gervasi Vineyard: Being a frequent flyer at all three of Gervasi Vineyard's amazing restaurants (The Crush House, The Piazza, and The Bistro), and being a budding chef in my own home kitchen, I had been wanting to attend a culinary class at The Cucina for quite some time. I had the chance to be a student this October in the "Great Fall Grilling" class with Chef Meg Feller as my instructor.

6. Go Ape Treetop Adventure: This past April, the Go Ape Treetop Adventure course opened to the public in the Cleveland Metroparks' Mill Stream Run Reservation. The Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course challenges participants with an outdoor obstacle course over 3,000 feet in length and is suspended up to 40 feet above ground. The course gives you the opportunity to see the world from a bird's eye view as you navigate the treetops like a monkey by traversing bridges, zooming on zip lines, and hanging on ropes.

7. Bodhi Tree Guest House & Studio: This Buddhist-inspired getaway can be found off the beaten path, hidden among the trees and on four acres of the Appalachian hillsides of Southeast Ohio. Booking a room earlier this summer allowed for me to retreat from the busyness of life, clear my mind, and treat both my body and soul. I opted for a Thai massage coupled with a 60-minute float in a state-of-the-art float tank!

8. Stand-Up Guys Paddleboarding: In the Akron area, at the Portage Lakes, there is a great company aptly named The Stand Up Guys, who offer paddleboarding rentals along the PLX for very reasonable prices! The Stand Up Guys are totally laid back and willing to work with you on rental times and the location on the lakes in which you will launch from. I was able to convince my dad to try it out for the first time ever as a birthday gift to him, and I dragged my mom along too. 

9. Ultimate Beer Run: Team OHventures (Me, Matt, Megan, Matt #2, Jess, Megan #2, & Jim) united in our green & gray OHventures t-shirts, party beads, and oversized neon sunglasses to tackle the challenge of the Ultimate Beer Run head on! The Ultimate Beer Run isn't about who is the fastest or the fittest. It's about good people, good beer, and tons of good costumes!

10. Rhinegeist Brewery: Rhinegeist is a brewery situated in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Over The Rhinein Cincinnati (which is located in Hamilton County). Nothing beats the atmosphere at Rhinegeist. The wide open interior is available to reserve for private events, or you can come anytime to play cornhole, ping pong, foosball, or watch a ball game - all while relaxing with some locally brewed booze. Take a tour to learn about the history, or enjoy the awesome rooftop bar for a 360-degree view of Cincinnati.

Best Ohio Overnight Adventures

The back deck of Bodhi Tree Guesthouse in Athens (Photos by OHventures)

Some call it a "stay-cation," but I call it an escape from reality! If you want a unique and exciting place to stay in Ohio, I can not say enough good things about the following list of places. These are not your typical lodging options! Stay overnight high above the ground in a tree house, or in Ohio's oldest historic hotel! Book a room with amazing lakeside views, or in the thick of the woods. Or, get adventurous by staying where you can wake up and experience a float tank or a water slide! Check out our top picks for awesome lodging in Ohio, and consider booking yourself a room!

1. Bodhi Tree Guesthouse & Spa: The Bodhi Tree Guesthouse & Studio in Athens is approaching its one year anniversary of being in business, and is quickly becoming a premier Ohio destination for rest and relaxation. This Buddhist-inspired getaway can be found off the beaten path, hidden among the trees and on four acres of the Appalachian hillsides of Southeast Ohio. Travelers can choose to stay overnight in one of four beautifully furnished guest rooms, each with different sized beds and amenities. In addition to being a cozy wooded bed and breakfast, Bodhi Tree also offers meditative and therapeutic services, such as Thai massages, private yoga classes, and a refreshing and revitalizing flotation tank (an extremely unique and rare experience in the area).

2. Mohican Tree House Cabins: If you ever had a desire to live Swiss Family Robinson style for a day, or if you wanted to bring back childhood memories of the treehouse you had in your backyard, now you can! The Mohicans, located in Glenmont, Ohio in Knox County, have these exciting accommodations available for anyone to stay! Borrowing technology from the zipline industry, the treehouses are constructed upon platforms with heavy-duty bolts and hardware fastened to the trees to ensure safety, and to provide flexibility for when the trees inevitably grow in size over the years. These cabins are nestled in the treetops starting at around 20 feet in the air, allowing for beautiful picturesque views of the Mohican Forest, and providing a peaceful refuge for birdwatching or reading with a mug of coffee.

3. The Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake: The romanticism of Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline is encapsulated to perfection at the upscale yet affordable Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Immaculate views of the state's northernmost shore and an array of activities and attractions for folks of any age are at your fingertips when staying at the Lodge. Dine at the Horizons Restaurant and take a dip in the outdoor pool, or in the Great Lake itself!

4. Kalahari Indoor Waterpark & Resort: Kalahari Resort is primarily known for its impressive indoor water attractions, which makes it a year-round destination for travelers from near and far alike. To get the most out of your stay (especially if you came a significant distance), it's recommended you reserve a room to stay for a day or two (or three or more)! From world-class spa treatments, to a fitness facility, to a fine selection of adult beverages (including a swim-up bar), you'll be surprised how much fun can be had!

5. Golden Lamb Inn & Restaurant: The legendary Golden Lamb in Lebanon (Warren County) is known across the state (and country) for its extensive history and impressive guest list! Established in 1803 (the same year that Ohio became a state), the restaurant and inn holds the title of the oldest continuously operating business in the State of Ohio! In over 200 years of operation, The Golden Lamb has served up hearty comfort foods and offered overnight stay for such prominent figures as authors Mark Twain (Samuel Clemons) and Charles Dickens, as well as twelve United States Presidents, including William Henry Harrison, Benjamin Harrison, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, Ulysses S. Grant, Howard Taft, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and more!

6. Mohican State Park Lodge: The Mohican State Park Lodge lies right in the middle of the extremely popular and incredibly massive Mohican State Park, which is 1,110 acres in size and icnldes 5 miles of the scenic Clear Fork Branch of the Mohican River that runs through. The recreational opportunities available to the park visitor include fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping, mountain biking, hunting, horseback riding, backpacking, and boating. There's so much to explore, that you can't possibly do it all in just one day. That's why thousands of people a year choose to stay at the Mohican State Park Lodge by reserving one of its 96 guest rooms. Lodge rooms are available in double, queen, and king size, and are all complete with fantastic amenities to make your stay relaxing and comfortable. flat screen televisions with DVD players, balconies, patios, free wifi, coffee makers, mini fridges, and full baths are just some of these amenities. All rooms are smoke-free, and some are pet-friendly.

Mohican State Park Lodge

Photos by OHventures

Mohican State Park Lodge
3116 OH-3
Loudonville, OH 44842
1 (800) 282-7275

The Mohican State Park Lodge lies right in the middle of the extremely popular and incredibly massive Mohican State Park, which is 1,110 acres in size and icnldes 5 miles of the scenic Clear Fork Branch of the Mohican River that runs through. The recreational opportunities available to the park visitor include fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping, mountain biking, hunting, horseback riding, backpacking, and boating.

There's so much to explore, that you can't possibly do it all in just one day. That's why thousands of people a year choose to stay at the Mohican State Park Lodge by reserving one of its 96 guest rooms. Lodge rooms are available in double, queen, and king size, and are all complete with fantastic amenities to make your stay relaxing and comfortable. flat screen televisions with DVD players, balconies, patios, free wifi, coffee makers, mini fridges, and full baths are just some of these amenities. All rooms are smoke-free, and some are pet-friendly.

Lounging in our room at the Mohican State Park Lodge!

My family and I stayed in two connected double rooms this October, and had an absolute blast! During our visit, we took advantage of several of the many health and recreation facilities available on site. We swam laps in the heated indoor pool (there is an outdoor pool as well that is open during summer months), relaxed in the sauna, strolled on the lighted and paved walking paths on the perimeter of the lodge, played billiards and ping pong in the game room, and enjoyed a campfire on the patio that overlooked the scenic lake (pictured below).

This view can't be beat, and can only be seen at the Mohican State Park Lodge

In addition, we ate some fantastic food at each of the two on-site restaurants. An amazing restaurant, Bromfield's Dining Room, has fantastic views and serves up delicious grub, like the homestyle meatloaf (pictured below), and delicious breakfast dishes (try the quiche or the biscuits & gravy)! We also ate personalized homemade pizzas and tasty sandwiches at Boxers Lounge, which is the more casual dining option at the lodge. Boxers Lounge also offers a full bar with seasonal beers and mixed drinks.

The lodge also offers up adventure packages, or help and guidance in finding what adventures you can embark on in the area. Our group took a challenging hike on the nearby Lyon Falls Trail to see the iconic covered bridge (see below). We were surprised with just how difficult the paths were, so be sure to come prepared with plenty of water and appropriate hiking gear should you choose to go!

Loads of tourist attractions are located just minutes away from the Mohican State Park Lodge, including Tree Frog Canopy Tours (the state's tallest, fastest and longest zip line course), Loudonville Canoe Livery (the Mohican area is Ohio's canoe capital), and Mohican Adventures, to name a few.

To soak in the beauty of Ohio at its finest, the Mohican State Park Lodge is a no-brainer. Book your room now to breathe in the fresh air for yourself and to bring out your adventurous side!

Kalahari Photo Blog

Who: Adults and kids alike! Groups of 2-36!
What: Kalahari Indoor Waterpark & Resort
When: All year 'round, rain or shine (or even snow - it's indoors!)
Where: Sandusky, Northwest Ohio
Why: To experience waterpark thrills any time of the year, to pamper yourself with its many spa options, and to drink & dine in style
How: Book an African-themed room and get your bathing suit ready!

All photos by OHventures

Time for the Lazy River

Ready to hit up the slides!

The Mud Hut 21 & Over Swim-Up Bar!

Outdoor hot tub area connected to the swim-up bar

Kalahari's very own bowling alley

Cheetah Race - dueling slides!

African-themed decor at Kalahari

Kalahari Indoor Waterpark & Resort

Swahili Swirl

With the nation's largest indoor waterpark, a candy shop with seemingly endless amounts of treats and desserts, and one of the best arcade and gaming areas around, Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio is any kid's dream come true. However, if you're looking for a getaway without the kids, Kalahari has just as much excitement to offer couples or groups of adults. From world-class spa treatments, to a fitness facility, to a fine selection of adult beverages (including a swim-up bar), you'll be surprised how much fun can be had!

Kalahari Resort is primarily known for its impressive indoor water attractions, which makes it a year-round destination for travelers from near and far alike. To get the most out of your stay (especially if you came a significant distance), it's recommended you reserve a room to stay for a day or two (or three or more)!

There are 890 guestrooms and suites, which can accommodate anywhere from two to 36 guests. These room styles are unique and spacious, and are all beautifully decorated with an African theme. The largest room available is the Entertainment Suite, which is perfect for bachelor or bachelorette parties, a spring break destination, or celebrating milestones with friends.

All rooms include a flat screen TV, mini fridge and high speed internet access. Certain rooms also include a balcony patio, fireplace, whirlpool tub, wet bar, and other amenities. All rooms also include wristbands that grant you access to the waterpark.

I recently spent a night in the Nomad Room (which included an awesome patio overlooking the outdoor water recreation area) during a 2-day visit to Kalahari Resort. Of course, the first thing on my list to do was to visit the waterpark.

The indoor waterpark is the size of three football fields and jam-packed with colorful slides and contraptions! There are designated areas for children below a certain age, and other areas that are for all people above a certain height. There are several extreme rides, which were a priority for me and my friends. These included the Zip Coaster (basically a water roller coaster), FlowRider (stand-up surfing and body boarding on a simulated wave), and my absolute favorite, Swahili Swirl (a giant blue raft ride that can seat up to 4 thrill-seekers).

The Mud Hut Swim-Up Bar!

After the adrenaline pumping attractions were out of the way, it was time to relax on the Lazy River tube ride and wade in the Wave Pool, where every 15 minutes, waves pumped through the pool of water. It was also time to head to get a cocktail at the swim-up bar, the Mud Hut. Here, you can sit on an stool submerged just below the water and enjoy one of their special alcoholic concoctions, frozen or on the rocks. The water at the Mud Hut is warm, like a hot tub, so you can truly kick back and enjoy yourself.

Breakfast served all day at the Ivory Coast

All of the waterpark fun can work up an appetite, so thankfully there is a great restaurant selection at Kalahari. My favorites were The Reserve Restaurant & Bar, and the Ivory Coast Restaurant (with its adjacent Ivory Coast Lounge bar). The Ivory Coast serves breakfast all day and both locations have fantastic staff (Aimee and Trisha were superb)!

Every adult who visits Kalahari Resort should book an appointment at Spa Kalahari! There's a long list of massages (relaxation, hot stone, deep tissue, etc.), body treatments (herbal fusion detox, gentleman's sugar scrub, etc.), spa packages , and other ways to pamper yourself during your visit. Men and women both can enjoy facials, manicures, pedicures, or tanning sessions. If you do happen to have children with you, the Junior Spa can help make them feel like princes and princesses.

Next time you think about taking an excursion with friends or your significant other, consider Kalahari Resort so you can get the perfect combination of thrills and relaxation all in one place!