The ultimate getaway close to home at Medix Run Lodges
By Patricia Nugent
Looking for the perfect destination to disconnect and get away from it all?
Discover the panoramic valley vistas waiting just outside your cabin door at Medix Run Lodges, a short drive into Pennsylvania.
Cozy, spacious and well-appointed cabins and lodges are overseen by gracious hosts and owners John and Elizabeth Bartholme, who built them in 2005. These homes-away-from-home open for the season on Friday, March 31, offering some of the best nearby fishing, hiking, recreational vehicle riding, canoeing, kayaking and wild game viewing in the state.
“About 1,700 elk roam this area year-round,” says John. “Our 70 acres of land feature trails where people can observe them.”
Beautifully Rustic Accommodations
The 11 fully furnished and air-conditioned lodges and cabins sleep up to eight people, ranging in size from efficiency cabins perfect for two, to the larger lodges, which come as big as four bedrooms with queen-sized beds and two full baths. Many feature decks and screened-in porches.
“Everything needed to ensure an enjoyable stay is provided, including kitchens with dishes, pots and pans, microwaves, coffeemakers, toasters, refrigerators and freezers,” he says. “Our smaller efficiency cabins appeal to those looking for a more spartan experience. They do not have indoor bathrooms, showers, so campers can use our two adjacent bath houses for showering and restrooms. The kitchens are furnished with a microwave, fridge and freezer, toaster and outside park-style charcoal grill.”
Unlike other places like Airbnbs, which sock you with hidden charges for cleaning and linen, everything is included in your cost at Medix Run Lodges.
John reports the rates are comparable to a hotel, ranging from $120 per night to $240 per night for the bigger lodges.
The “Little Chapel in the Woods”
At the end of a cobbled brick lane, the Fred Bartholme Memorial Chapel, or as it’s become known in the area, “Little Chapel in the Woods,” was voted one of the top 10 overlooks in Northcentral Pennsylvania.
With its white board and batten exterior, copper roof, and wooden wraparound observation deck overlooking the breathtaking panorama, John erected, with the support of friends and family, the chapel in 2021 to honor his dear father, who passed away in 2020.
“Ideal for small weddings, vow renewals, memorial services or family prayer services, about 100 people each day visit the chapel,” he says, noting there’s seating for up to 50. “The interior features hand-hewn beams in the ceiling, and the white pine benches and altar were crafted by a local artisan. The chapel was built by a local Amish family. Every three or four weeks, we invite people to join us for a non-denominational service.”
So Much to Do
In addition to fishing, hiking and immersing yourself in nature, there are countless things to do around this thriving part of PA.
“There are lots of new restaurants, breweries, wineries, festivals, crafts stores and antique stores opening up here, as well as state parks,” he adds.
At the end of an invigorating day, guests here are welcome to kick back and make good use of charcoal or propane grills and firepits adjacent to the accommodations. Tell some stories. Do a little stargazing. It’s all part of the enchanting spell cast at Medix Run Lodges.
Medix Run Lodges is located in the heart of Elk County, at 1997 Rock Hill Road in Weedville, near Benezette, Pennsylvania. The destination is a little over a three-hour drive from Cleveland. Some of the cabins are dog-friendly. Call 814-787-5214 for more information or visit MedixRunLodges.com for a virtual tour of each cabin and lodge. You can book your stay online. For some absolutely amazing photos and videos of these magnificent elk, check out Medix Run Lodges’ Facebook page.