A New Year, A Full Heart, and Big Ideas Brewing at the Lodge

Before I say anything else, I need to start with thank you.

To everyone who has ever stayed here, celebrated here, gathered here, or simply passed through for a night: I would be absolutely nothing without you. Truly. From our brides and grooms spending their last night as fiancés laughing in the pub, to family reunion groups filling the halls with stories and chaos (the good kind), to couples just stopping through for a quiet weekend away, and of course, my summer regulars who come back year after year, you are the heart of this place. Without all of you, this place would just be a building, and I would be one lonely innkeeper.

Being able to host you, meet you, and get to know you has been the best part of my job. I mean that. Hospitality has a funny way of introducing you to people from every walk of life, and I feel incredibly grateful that my job allows me to do exactly that. Thank you for trusting me, supporting a small business, and letting Highland Lodge be a part of your memories. 💛

To the new year and new beginnings! Gotta love a sunset pic

Now… how is it already 2026?! I swear it feels like just yesterday I bought the lodge and started this whole adventure. So much has happened since then, and the start of a new year feels like the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead.

Over New Year’s and into this past week, I was incredibly lucky to take some time off for my honeymoon with my husband, Nate. 🌞 We soaked up the sun, unplugged from projects and improvement lists, and took a much-needed break. And while we had so much fun relaxing, one thing we did a lot of was excursions, getting out and about, taking private tours, and exploring the islands we visited with local guides who really knew their stuff.

Honeymoon pic! We stayed in Old San Juan and loved seeing the fort and reading about the history of the island.

That experience got my wheels turning.

It made me think… why don’t we do more of that here?

Who wouldn’t want a guide to local hidden gems, favorite forest spots, scenic backroads, or those “you’d never find this on Google” places? It’s not something I see offered often around here, but I think it could be a really special, fun thing for guests and a way to involve the community, support other small businesses, and shine a light on the little guys (like me 😉). The Midwest is full of quiet magic if you know where to look.

One of my favorite forest spots. Locals, can you guess where?

Traveling always gives me perspective. And yes, I’ll admit it, whenever we travel, I can’t help but quietly judge other hotels, restaurants, and event spaces. Not in a Karen way (lol, can you imagine), but in a hospitality-brain-never-turns-off way. You notice the little things: how you’re welcomed, what amenities actually matter, and how thoughtful details can completely change a guest’s experience.

It’s also a good reminder that taking breaks matters. Burnout is real, and nobody wants a crabby innkeeper running the show. Stepping away helps you come back refreshed, inspired, and excited. I learned a lot on this trip. got me thinking I should take more trips to better educate myself, it's a business expense, right?! (My accountant would absolutely not let that fly… but it is worth a shot. 😂)

Coming home felt really good, though. I’m beyond thankful to my mom, Tracy, for watching the lodge while we were gone. Having that support makes all the difference.

I LOVE THIS LADY, I couldn't do any of this without her

Now that I’m back, I’m diving headfirst into projects, ideas, and reconnecting with future couples who are considering getting married here at Highland Lodge. And I’ll be honest, our 2026 calendar is filling up fast. I don’t think I’ve ever had this many events on the books this early for next summer, and I couldn’t be more grateful!

I’ve also been brainstorming some public pop-up events. Maybe live music? Maybe a sip-and-paint night? Maybe a guest chef pop-up? Trivia? Something cozy, something fun, something that brings people together!

But here’s where YOU come in, and yes, I’m looking at you specifically, through the screen👀.

What kinds of events would you actually come to?

Because I can’t host public events if no one shows up! Then it’s just me and the crew pouting at the bar, drinking our sorrows away, with that one regular who always shows. Nobody wants that. 😅 So PLEASE, drop a comment, send a message, or shoot me an email and tell me what you’d love to see!

As we head into this new year, my hope is that this next summer will be our busiest yet. While many dates are filling quickly, I do still have availability for weddings, rehearsal dinners, private events, family get-togethers, and quiet weekend getaways.

The best advertising will always be word of mouth. If you’re reading this and you, or someone you know, might be looking for an event space or a peaceful escape, give us a shout-out! Support small businesses. Otherwise, all we’ll have left are stale Hiltons and Marriotts everywhere… and honestly? I’m much more into hidden gems and hole-in-the-wall places😉.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this journey.

With so much gratitude,

Elle 🍻