Quicker, faster, easier seem to be good for business these days ' unless you're the directors of Niches Retreat in McArthur, who seek to promote ecotourism education, encourage relaxation and more than anything, simply slow down with nature.
The world has become geared to high speed
but Niches forces you to slow down said Michael Houghton, a photographer who has been making the trip to the ecotourism spot for years and claims there is no other place like it.
Houghton, a Cincinnati-area resident, said he visits the rural retreat, which is 30 minutes outside Athens, to rejuvenate.
The new-age rustic feel allows you to chill out he said.
Three cabins on the 300-acre property offer one way to enjoy a weekend away.
The cabins have no electricity or indoor plumbing, but instead have natural lighting and compost toilets.
While they are simple in structure, they are furnished with comfortable yet beautiful furniture, said Sara DeAloia, an Ohio University graduate and director of Niches.
Niches also offers sites within the property for camping and picnicking. Included around the paths are hammocks encouraging people to sit and enjoy what is around them, DeAloia said.
Lou DeWein is the man behind this ecotourism location, which encourages travel and relaxation methods that also conserve the environment. He wanted to show people what a life closely connected with nature could be like and started the retreat 20 years ago.
When DeWein retired, DeAloia stepped up as the new director and has been working hard to continue DeWein's dream. The retreat became a non-profit organization five years ago and focuses on promoting good land usage.
Through mailing campaigns, a strong donor base and grants, Niches has raised $50,000 annually for the past few years to fund its operational costs.
Niches also has been working alongside another non-profit organization called Earth Touch that helped create the principles Niches directors follow to keep a close tie to nature.
DeAloia and assistant director Elizabeth Rihtar, also an OU graduate, have been brainstorming to create programs that will attract more visitors to Niches. A few of the programs they created are already up and running.
One of their more successful programs is a corporate detox that allows groups of employees spend the day at Niches Retreat. DeAloia and Rihtar cook the guests an organic meal and give them use of the property for the day.
The idea is to give people a place to relax
and that you don't need to go to California to do it
DeAloia said.
Another program they have created is the Real Food Revival. It is hosted on the last Sunday of every month and encourages people to bring a dish of their own to share. Each program is unique and costs vary significantly.
The Day Away program costs around $120 and includes three meals, use of the property, and a massage. Camping or cabin rental prices range between $90-$160 per person. The Corporate Detox program is tailored to each organization depending on its budget and what accommodations its members use.
Ohio University also has close ties with Niches Retreat. Sonja Marcus, resource conservation coordinator at OU, said the two places are working together to bring more people out to Niches.
I think it's a magical place you have to go there to understand
Marcus said. It's very comfortable and in-tune with the environment.
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Meghan Nicholson
