Seasonal, Local Pawpaw Spa Facial, Dishes, Cocktails Featured at Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

LOGAN, OH, August 04, 2012 (Press-News.org) Available mid-September through mid October, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls in Ohio's spectacular Hocking Hills region will reprise its popular Pawpaw Spa Facial, along with a special pawpaw menu and pawpaw-infused cocktails. The offerings debuted to rave reviews in 2010 and are back again in 2012, being made available as soon as the local wild fruits become ripe and ready to pick.

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls Spa Director, Randall Wellman LMT, MS, studied the homegrown wild pawpaw and its innate ability to soften and moisturize the skin and provide a natural anti-wrinkle treatment, then developed a proprietary spa facial treatment.

"Pawpaws make the perfect spa treatment ingredient," said Wellman. "Their benefits, as a 'super food' include offering tremendous nutritional value. In fact, pawpaws exceed apples, peaches and grapes in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, anticarcinogens and beneficial bioactive compounds," Wellman said.

Offered at just $45 as soon as the indigenous pawpaw comes into season, the 25-minute Pawpaw Spa Facial is created from local pawpaws, which are mashed and mixed with other local ingredients, such as honey, ground oats and organic yogurt. The spa facial begins with a light facial/lymphatic massage. The pawpaw mixture is then spread onto the damp face and neck. Green tea bags are placed on the eyes, and the guest is invited to relax for 12-15 minutes. The therapist performs a therapeutic scalp massage while the pawpaw mixture works its magic. After the relaxation period, the face and neck are rinsed with lukewarm water.

In addition to its usefulness as a spa facial treatment, the pawpaw's delightful tropical flavor makes the perfect mixer in the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls Tavern. Pawpaw pulp is being used by the inn's mixologists to create a wonderfully tasty Inn Pawpaw Martini, as well as other pawpaw cocktails. Executive Chef Anthony Schulz also has created Pawpaw Creme Brulee, and is crafting other pawpaw sauces, dressings, chutneys and desserts.

Chef Schulz will also be a judge at the annual Ohio Pawpaw Festival, which runs from Sept. 14-16. The festival will be held at nearby Lake Snowden located in Albany, OH. Along with cooking contests, the festival includes pawpaw recipes, food and beer; a pawpaw eating contest; Pawpaw Double Nickel bicycle ride and more.

The largest edible fruit native to the United States, a pawpaws' flavor resembles a blend of various tropical fruits, such as banana, pineapple, and mango. A favorite food of Native Americans, European explorers, settlers and wild animals, pawpaws are wild-harvested in southeast Ohio and are enjoyed by many locals in the Hocking Hills. Pawpaws are highly nutritious, high in vitamin C, magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese. They're also known to be a good source of potassium and several essential amino acids, and contain significant amounts of riboflavin, niacin, calcium, phosphorus and zinc.

A Hocking Hills Tourism Association Certified Green destination, The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is located 1/2 mile above Hocking Hills' scenic Cedar Falls. The region offers a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, bird watching, canoeing and fishing, as well as exquisite photo opportunities. The Inn's pampering spa offers a full compliment of services, including couples massage, girlfriend getaways, bridal parties and group events. Fine American cuisine is the specialty at the Inn's restaurant and meals are prepared with the finest herbs, produce and ingredients. The Gathering Place at The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls caters to weddings, family reunions, business retreats and organizational brainstorming sessions of up to 50 guests. Reservations and complete information on the Inn, Spa and Gathering Place are available at www.innatcedarfalls.com or (800) 653-2557 (800-65-FALLS).