Quaint Jacuzzi Cottages with Views of Surrounding Countryside and Skiing Access

Spruce Hill Inn & Cottages is set on sprawling wooded acreage in Ohio's countryside. During the winter, the hills hide under a blanket of fresh snow, and when it melts in springtime, it reveals some rolling waves of green. Though the colors change, the objective remains the same every season: people come here to relax in a quiet, secluded atmosphere.

Spruce Hill's cottages sit upon hilltops connected by meandering walkways; they all feature sitting areas with windows or private decks that look out to the countryside. If you want to see the scenery up close, there's direct trail access to ski slopes next door.

Spruce Hill's 28 private cottages are arranged in clusters around the woodland property; some face the neighboring mountains, and others look out onto a tranquil pond. Though the views vary from cottage to cottage, each A-frame dwelling comes stocked with similar homey amenities including dining areas, fireplaces, and jacuzzi tubs. Cottage 124 is perched on a hill close to the skiing trails; it's decorated with pastel-colored walls and a covered “tiki” bar. The furnished deck on Cottage 15 has some of the best farmland views, and guests can fix homemade meals at the kitchenette inside.

Mansfield, Ohio: Rural City with Family-Friendly Attractions and Countryside Trails

Mansfield is located in north central Ohio about halfway between Columbus and Cleveland. In a region covered with flat farmland, the city stands out: it has many peaks that reach as high as 1,400 feet. Even more unusual, this rural midland spot has been the setting for a number of major motion pictures, including Air Force One, Tango & Cash, and The Shawshank Redemption, which filmed its famous prison scenes at the Ohio State Reformatory in town. Originally built in 1886, this Gothic-style penitentiary no longer houses inmates, but it's still open for overnight ghost hunts as well as ghost tours, which Frommer's called among the best in the country.

The Historic Carrousel District, located about 7 miles from the inn, is home to the charming Richland Carrousel Park. It's an indoor merry-go-round adorned with 30 horses and 22 other intricate animal figures that were designed, hand-carved, and painted at the largest wooden-carousel manufacturer in the world—less than 10 minutes up the road.

You can also take advantage of golf, biking, and hiking opportunities along the 18-mile B&O Trail. During the winter, skiers, boarders, and tubers flock to Snow Trails Ski Resort, one of the few skiing destinations in the state.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.