Year Round Cabin Vacation in Licking, Missouri

Licking, Missouri, is a small city of about 3,000 people. Just about 12 miles west on highway 32, is a true treasure. A cabin for rent by the night sits nestled in the woods just far enough off the beaten path to give anyone a perfect retreat. It is available year round, although in the winter, you may want to have something with four wheel drive in case of bad weather.

The authentic rustic looking cabin is owned by Arlene and Michael Obrien. It has a fully stocked kitchen including microwave and coffee pot, just bring your own food. A full size side by side refrigerator and electric stove make this a great kitchen to test your talents in the art of cooking fresh caught fish. The living room has a very comfortable wrap around sofa with a pull out queen size bed, television with satellite service, and a vcr to watch your own favorite movies on.

And what would any cabin be without a fireplace? The fireplace, now gas burning for the safety of the guests, adds the perfect touch to your stay. With just a turn of the knob, you can have the fireplace steady burning, or turn off and on depending on the temperature.

A queen sized bed adds to the comfort of your overnight stay. A full bathroom with a shower complete with linens, rounds off this cabin. Decorated in rustic design, this cabin is tastefully done without being overbearing.

Outside the cabin is a fire pit ready for logs that are provided with the cabin. With seating arranged around the pit for 6 people, you can easily enjoy roasting marshmallows with the kids, or just sit and listen to the crackling of the wood and flames.

The other great feature of this cabin is the deck. Built on the edge of the bluff with sturdy rails, this deck offers a spectacular view of the river below, and from the mountain top you are nestled on, you can look across to the mountain tops miles away. This is a great place to watch the sun rise and set. I highly recommend having your morning coffee and cinnamon roll sitting at one of the tables provided. The deck also has an 45,000 but outdoor propane heater to keep the deck area warm for enjoyment even in the cold weather.

Other amenities that you may want to know is the availability of horse stalls for two horses, and a spacious kennel for one dog. Animals stay for free, so there are no extra charges to worry about.

There is rafting and canoeing in the river that runs along the bottom of the bluff, with great fishing spots and plenty of room for swimming and enjoying the sun on the gravel bars.

The cabin is nestled alongside the Mark Twain National Forest. Other nearby attractions include a short drive to places such as Montauk State Park where you can enjoy the springs, Current river, Paddy Creek Wilderness Area, and Gasconade River.

A three day stay here is not long enough to do everything that there is to do in this area. With dates booked in advance, you may want to plan ahead for your vacation in this cabin, and plan your activities with time to spare, as there are many flea markets and antique shops on the routes around this area.

Mammoth Spring, just across the border of Arkansas, is a must see, and you would want to plan on a full day dedicated to travel here and enjoy the sights. Other places you can see while you are there is Devils Well, just off KK highway. A great place to picnic and hike the path to the mouth of the spring. Along this route you will also find a ferry crossing at Akers, and just a short distance away, Round Spring and Alley Springs, a great way to spend your day. I would advise that you take a picnic lunch with you.

In Licking, you will find a grocery store, cafes, restaurants, and a large flea market to browse through. If the cabin life is not for some of your traveling companions, there is a motel in Licking with a pool.

To get further information about the cabin, you can visit www.cabins.com and search Missouri for the cabin listing.

Information in this review can also be found and cited at www.cabins.com/usa/mo/mo_texasco_001/mo_texasco_obriens_001.html.