One Resort – Lots of Options

By Marilyn Loeser

Cherry Valley Lodge has the distinction of being the only hotel in the nation that’s also an arboretum and botanical garden. Add to this a massive new indoor water park and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better getaway destination than this central Ohio gem.

Located in Newark, Ohio, lets start with the lodge itself.

It has a rustic feel, with its large open lobby, fireplaces, cozy seating arrangements and country-style decorating theme. Other public areas and the 200 guest rooms and suites also are decorated with an understated country grace.

The Gardens

From the main lobby, you can exit out into the Gazebo Garden. Paths wind in either direction with a gazebo situated over a small pond in the center. Benches are strategically placed along walkways and there’s always an opportunity for children to feed the ducks. Waterfalls, bluebird and purple martin boxes and an array of colorful plants make this a wonderful respite in your busy world.

The arboretum and botanical garden are recognized by the American Public Gardens Association and feature more than 2,000 plantings and some 400 species of birds and wildlife.

The Cascade Garden can be reached by following signs through guest room corridors and it’s well worth the hike.

This woodsy garden showcases trees and shrubs. Stepping stones meander through a collection of rare and beautiful specimens such as three-flower maple and Turkish hazel. Other varieties include beautybush and winter honeysuckle.

A steep slope adorned with spruce trees supports twin streams which cascade into a larger pond below.

CoCo Key

The second part of this resort’s name — Water Park — was added in December 2006.

CoCo Key is a 50,000-square-foot indoor water park featuring three giant waterslides, play areas, rafting river, a video arcade, gift shop and several restaurants.

Although connected to the rest of the resort, CoCo Key has been designed to reflect a Key West kind of atmosphere — constant sunshine, clear seas and welcoming tropical environment.

Capturing the relaxation of the Keys and the enchantment of an island, you’ll find brightly colored cabanas, swaying palms, fragrant hibiscus, native artwork and thatched roofs.

More resort options

Another new addition is the Banyan Leaf Spa, offering a complete menu of pampering: massage, hair styling, facials, manicures and pedicures.

In addition to CoCo Key Water Resort, Cherry Valley Lodge has a traditional indoor heated pool, exercise facility, 14-mile bike and jogging trail and children’s playground.

All rooms feature refrigerators, in-room coffee service, iron and ironing board, wireless internet access and 18 rooms have Jacuzzi tubs.

In addition to the restaurants located at CoCo Key, full-service restaurants include Sunflower's Restaurant and The Lodge Pub.

If you go:

Ready to relax, unwind and know your kids are in for a fun time?

Cherry Valley Lodge and Water Park is located just west of Newark at 2299 Cherry Valley Road.

For reservations, information on packages including admission to CoCo Key and area attraction information check the website at www.cherryvalleylodge.com.