Columnist Leah Keiter talks about all Uncle Buck's has to offer, including horseback trail rides, a beer garden and an authentic saloon restaurant.
After spring break, coming back to Athens and the usual grind can feel a little dull, so this week, I chose to write about a spot that I feel has some life and offers some interesting things to do on a boring spring day. That is Uncle Buck’s Riding Stable and Dance Barn in New Marshfield, where you can do anything from get married to relax in the Lady Buck Saloon for drinks and dinner.
The name conjures up a certain visualization, and part of the classic Athens feel of Uncle Buck’s is why it’s so fun. Perhaps the coolest and most fun attraction offered at Uncle Buck’s is the guided horseback ride through various trails in and around the Hocking Hills region. The riding options range from one to two and a half hour long rides, and they are perfectly fine for those who do not have horseback riding experience (like me).
Named as a nod to the history of coal mining in the region (and a bucket that was left by the trail for 20 years), the first trail is called the Coal Bucket Trail, and it is an hour long ride. Next, the two-hour long Lookout Rock Trail takes riders along Raccoon Creek and under Lookout Rock itself and includes views of many different Athens landmarks, like the abandoned railroad bed.
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The newest, and in my opinion coolest, trail ride offered is a two and a half hour long journey exploring Moonville. If the creek cooperates, it offers an up-close look at the haunted Moonville Tunnel itself, along with the Moonville Cemetery. The Moonville Tunnel will definitely get its own column sometime soon, so if you’re not sure what it is or why its haunted stay tuned — just know it’s a spooky place to visit if you’re into the haunted Athens thing.
In addition to the rides being fun because they’re to great Athens spots, many of the horses at Uncle Buck’s have been rescued either directly by Uncle Buck’s employees or through the horse rescue Last Chance Corral. Thanks to Uncle Buck’s, those horses are able to live out the end of their lives filled with love and attention from riders and admirers, as the website boasts, “If you enjoyed your ride, kiss your horse and tip your guide!”
Stables and trail rides aren’t the only thing Uncle Buck’s has to offer: The dance barn is also a venue for wedding receptions and other big events an organization might be planning. Baby Buck’s Beer Garden features 4,000 square feet of space to enjoy drinks and the warm spring weather with friends, and the Lady Buck Saloon is (obviously) a saloon style restaurant with an "old timey" atmosphere, perfect for some pre-horse ride snacks.
Uncle Buck, Lady Buck and Baby Buck are named after the owners of the place: a married couple and their daughter. The riding season starts March 19 this year, and exploring parts of the Hocking Hills and Zaleski State Forest on horseback is a great way to both get a little more of the Athens County experience and make the most of the gorgeous spring weather headed our way.
Trail rides are $30, $60 and $90 a person, depending on how long the trail ride is, and you can visit Uncle Buck’s for a walk in the beer garden, dinner at Lady Buck’s or just a chance to sneak a peek at the horses any time. It is located five minutes from Lake Hope at 73930 Buck Lane in New Marshfield.
Leah Keiter is a junior studying journalism. Have you been to Uncle Buck's? Email her at lk969912@ohio.edu.
