This post is sponsored by Ohio, The Heart of it All.
I was absolutely thrilled to be able to attend the opening weekend of Season of Joy at Sawmill Creek last weekend. This destination is a place where you can escape the hectic pace of life and truly immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season. From November 17 to December 31, the 200-acre woodland resort invites you to experience the true spirit of the holidays in extraordinary ways.
Get ready for a jolly good time! Sawmill Creek Resort has a smorgasbord of delights waiting for you: sip on festive cocktails, groove to live musical performances, or get creative in one of the holiday workshops. Deck the halls with holiday magic, bask in twinkling lights and inhale the sweet scents of the Season of Joy. It’s an unforgettable winter extravaganza that’ll leave you refreshed, inspired, and brimming with holiday cheer.
Check out my 3-day Itinerary to inspire your Sawmill Creek Resort visit during the Season of Joy.
Day 1 – Friday: Arrival at The Season of Joy
4:30 PM: Check-in
Arriving at Sawmill Creek Resort is like stepping into a winter wonderland. Twinkling lights greeted us as we drove through the entrance, setting the perfect tone for our festive weekend. We checked in, dropped off our bags, changed into something a little more festive, and set out to enjoy the first evening of Sawmill Creek Resort’s Season of Joy.
Room Tour
From the moment I stepped into my room, it was evident that comfort and luxury took center stage. The bedding here is an absolute dream, with cloud-like softness that guarantees a perfect night’s sleep. And let’s not forget about style – the decor is on point, creating a chic and welcoming atmosphere, complete with a warm and cozy fireplace.
Of course, modern amenities are a must and Sawmill Creek Resort doesn’t disappoint. A sleek flat-screen TV and high-speed Wi-Fi make staying connected and entertaining a breeze.
Whether you’re in a standard room or treating yourself to a suite, the comfort levels are off the charts. Sawmill Creek Resort is more than just a place to stay; it’s a destination for relaxation and indulgence.
5:00 PM: Enjoy the Talented Sawmill Carolers
Get ready to be swept away by the enchanting sounds of classic Christmas music. The Sawmill Carolers, a quartet of exceptionally talented singers, are here to serenade you with their captivating four-part acapella harmony. Picture snow-kissed evenings, twinkling lights, and the warmth of holiday cheer – that’s the magic they’ll weave through their melodic voices.
Grab a festive cocktail and join them for a magical performance that transcends time and place, transporting you to a world of seasonal joy.
Roaming | 3:30 pm, 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm
6:30 PM: The Mistletones
Join the spirited trio of Holly, Dolly, and Carol as they channel the timeless allure of the iconic Andrew Sisters, delivering a dose of holiday magic through the finest tunes of the season. With their beautiful voices with a pinch of comedy, The Mistletones promise to fill your evening with jingling joy, transporting you back in time with their unforgettable performance. Don’t miss the chance to revel in the nostalgia and festive cheer they bring to every note.
7:30 PM: Dinner at The Miller’s Table
Situated in the heart of Sawmill Creek, The Miller’s Table beckons with a unique fusion of North Coast charm and festive joy. Embraced by locals and travelers alike, this welcoming restaurant beautifully encapsulates the serene allure of its wooded surroundings.
The Miller’s Table invites you to indulge in the perfect blend of Christmas cheer and culinary excellence. Every menu item I ordered exceeded my expectations. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the festive ambiance and savor the delectable offerings that make every visit a celebration of the holidays.
Menu Suggestions:
ROASTED PEAR SALAD | Baby Arugula, Maple Roasted Pears, Goat Cheese, Pomegranate Arils, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Apple Cider Vinaigrette
PISTACHIO CRUSTED LAMB CHOPS | Lyonnaise Potatoes, Pickled Red Onion, Seasonal Vegetable
MUSHROOM RAGOUT | Wild Mushroom Linguini, Cremini & Local Wild, Sliced Mushrooms, White Wine, Cream, Truffle Oil, Shaved Parmesan
Cocktails Suggestions:
BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE: Bullet Rye Whiskey, Gingerbread Syrup, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters
THE MILLER’S TABLE
Bar Service 3:00pm – 12:00am
Dining Room 4:00pm – 10:00pm
9:00 PM: Fireside Family Christmas at Sawmill Creek Rotunda
Step into the enchanting world of Fireside Family Christmas, a heartwarming experience reminiscent of classic Christmas TV specials. Immerse yourself in the joyous journey of a family’s Christmas Eve, brought to life with captivating songs, delightful surprises, and the cozy warmth of a crackling fireside.
As the evening unfolds, the Fireside Family Christmas show unfolds, promising a magical blend of nostalgia and festive cheer. This special performance encapsulates the spirit of traditional Christmas specials, offering a harmonious mix of songs and surprises in an inviting fireside atmosphere.
10:00 PM: Cocktails at The Hideout
Discover the allure of The Hideout, a festive bar and lounge nestled in the heart of the main rotunda, offering a perfect escape into the spirit of Christmas. Immerse yourself in the holiday magic as you savor our one-of-a-kind cocktails, handpicked wines, and craft beers, that elevate your seasonal celebrations.
Explore the mixologist’s special holiday creations, a must-try addition to your festive experience. A visit to The Hideout is essential for those seeking a cozy nightcap. Choose a holiday cocktail to enjoy at the bar or take the experience to your room, indulging in the warmth of your fireplace.
I stopped by and treated myself to the delicious holiday cocktail, “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU,” featuring Tito’s Vodka, St Germain, Spiced Cranberry Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, and Dry Vermouth. Elevate your holiday spirits at The Hideout, where every sip is a celebration of the season.
Day 2 – Saturday: A Day of Festive Fun
8:30 AM: Breakfast at Harvest
Begin the day on a festive note at Harvest, where a hearty breakfast sets the tone for a day filled with holiday cheer. Dive into a delightful spread featuring fresh fruit, hearty protein options, locally sourced pastries, and aromatic coffee and tea to energize your day.
10:00 AM: Work It Out
Part of self-care is keeping your body moving even on vacation. Sawmill Creek offers a top-of-the-line gym to help you do just that. Equipped with TRUE Treadmills & Ellipticals, and the Echelon Reflect Touch Smart Fitness Mirror you’ll have all the tools to get a proper workout in.
11:00 AM: Go For A Swim
Dive into relaxation and rejuvenation at the indoor swimming pool of Sawmill Creek Resort. Nestled within the heart of this picturesque retreat, the pool offers a serene oasis regardless of the weather outside. Surrounded by large windows that invite natural light, guests can bask in the warmth while enjoying breathtaking views of the resort’s lush surroundings. The indoor pool at Sawmill Creek Resort provides a perfect escape to take a refreshing swim or simply unwind by the water’s edge.
12:00 PM: Lunch at Creekside Market
After a good workout and a quick dip in the pool, head to Creekside Market for lunch. There is an array of sandwiches available along with chips, baked goods, and beverages to complete your meal.
2:00 PM: Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop at Harvest
After lunch, take your first Holiday Bootcamp class and join the Cookie Decorating Workshop at Harvest. This hands-on experience will guide you through step-by-step instructions on how to decorate delicious treats for the holidays. Sage and I had a great time getting creative!
Harvest Restaurant | 2:00 pm | $20 per person
3:00 PM: Christmas Charcuterie Board Activity at Harvest
One of my favorite things to create and enjoy when entertaining is a good charcuterie board. I was very excited to attend the Christmas Charcuterie Board Activity at Harvest. This guided activity at Harvest helped us to create a stunning display of artisanal meats, cheeses, and delectable accompaniments, perfect for sharing and celebrating the holiday season.
Harvest Restaurant | 3:00pm | $35 per person
4:00 PM: A Taste of the Season – Christmas Cocktail Activity at Hideout Christmas Bar
After the Charcuterie Board workshop head on over to the Hideout to learn how to elevate your spirits with an exclusive guided Christmas cocktail activity at the Hideout Christmas Bar. Learning from talented mixologists as they guide us through creating our signature holiday cocktails is the perfect way to elevate our holiday gatherings.
Hideout Christmas Bar | 4:00pm | $25 per person
5:00 PM: Live Entertainment
If you missed any performances by the Sawmill Creek Carolers or The Mistletones this would be a great opportunity to catch them!
7:00 PM: Dinner At The Miller’s Table
Returning to The Miller’s Table for another delightful dinner experience is a great way to end the day. There are many more festive menu items to explore!
9:00 PM Santa S’mores & More | Creekside Market
Indulging in a cozy experience at the custom cocoa and s’mores bar is a must. Stop by Creekside Market and pick up a s’mores gift box. Then head outside to the fire pit to roast some marshmallows and sip on a tasty hot chocolate.
Day 3 – Sunday: Breakfast and Departure
9:00 AM: Breakfast at Harvest
Enjoy the final breakfast at Harvest, savoring the flavors of the season.
11:00 AM Check-out
As our festive weekend comes to a close, we’re checking out of Sawmill Creek Resort with our hearts full of holiday cheer and our heads full of wonderful memories. It’s been a Season of Joy we won’t forget.
Season of Joy
Sawmill Creek Resort
400 Sawmill Creek Drive
Huron, Ohio 44839
Shana Was Here 