It was an absolute dream, and we couldnt have asked for a better location or team. Enjoy wining and dining with a spectacular mountaintop view. Get Our Wedding Planner App On Your Mobile Device. - Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go! When they announced their purchase of Sun Mountain Lodge this week, Seattle-based GEM Real Estate Partners celebrated the uniqueness of the lodge and the experience people have there. When Executive Sous Chef Willi Nordby stops by my table and notes that I chose the quail stuffed with emmer farro, he nods and points, saying the emmer farro comes from Bluebird Grain Farms just over there. On my hike the next morning, Ill pass the wild rock rose from which Nordby foraged petals to top my dinner entree. Chris, our wedding coordinator, was there for anything and everything we needed. The Cowboy Dinners are run seasonally (and they add a Cowboy breakfast during part of the summer too). V especially enjoyed the wagon ride and laughed pretty much the entire time, appreciating the movement, the sound of the horses clip-clop along the trail and the conversation with wagon-mates and new friends. CLICK HERE to order a visitors guide and state highway map. Your email address will not be published. Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada. Exterior lighting is cast down to keep nights atop the bluff as dark as possible, perfect for star gazing. They also had hot chocolate if you prefer). Sun Mountain is an unusual property, with a great reputation and special location, they said. Then, after a moment of reflection, they said it might be more accurate to say theyre realizing just how much they dont know. Guenther, who grew up in a family that owned, developed and managed hotels, has a lifetime of involvement in the hospitality industry. The farm-to-table approach isnt a novelty at Sun Mountain. The serenity the Haubs hoped to preserve and to share is on full display; its practically showing off. Youll find everything from ways to save at thegrocery store,online shopping deals,free or affordable family eventsin the Northwest,dining discounts,frugal DIY tipsand much more! Its about nourishment and learning. Lakefront activities include rental rowboats, canoes, paddleboats, kayaks and sailboats. The on-site spa offers a full range of treatments for men and women. But then I finally got here to the old building it wasnt like this it was the older place. Pricing and amenities for each cabin vary slightly. It did not disappoint. There is a bedroom with a queen bed and bath upstairs, another bedroom with another bath downstairs, and a twin day bed in the living area. They can disconnect. Visit www.sunmountainlodge.com for accommodation details, room rates and special events. Sun Mountain Lodge is the perfect romantic location for your wedding, reception and honeymoon. The site offers a deligh We fell in love with Sun Mountain Lodge during our first visit to Winthrop! THE DETAILS. There are also winter sleigh rides. Several trails lead from the lodge into the surrounding meadows. She is calming and easy to work with, has ongoing relationships with other vendors in town, has fantastic ideas, and is enjoyable to work with. The steak was great, and they had a green apple dressing option for the salad which I also loved. Each of the four Loft Suites have two bedrooms, 1 3/4 baths, a full kitchen, a dining and living area, a gas burning stove, plus a lovely verandah. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. He grew up downhill skiing at Stevens Pass and tried the Methows Nordic trails last winter. I could get used to this kind of picnic, not being responsible for anything, not making dinner, helping with the fire, or setting the table. Novie McCabe scheduled for second Olympic race. Other diners were young families, grandparents with grandchildren, extended families on a large group trip, and long time friends who chose this destination to catch up. (Notably, the black flies and mosquitos keep my rosy perspective in check.). The lodge has an exercise room, two outdoor seasonal swimming pools and two hot tubs (with incredible views) that are open year round. While Guenther was introduced to Sun Mountain at an early age, Madden came to the Methow for the first time last year. The Lodge offers spectacular outdoor wedding sites, such as the bluff in front of the Lodge overlooking snow-capped Mt. When they stop, it is silent except for the sound of wind through the birch trees and Wolf Creek -- heavy with winter snow melt rushing below. It was so beautiful. "It was for the job interview. In the winter, the groomed Nordic ski trails are accessible right from your door. Once he shed the heavy parka and snow pants and familiarized himself with the equipment, he was hooked. Couples neednt worry about finding a caterer, as their reception meal can be provided by the lodges prestigious staff. All driven by their absolute love for the area. While Sun Mountains owners have invested considerably in upgrades and expansions, the lodge is not an imposing castle on a hill. Mary helped me brainstorm and bounce ideas to create the perfect day. After dinner, another one of the cowboys taught the kids how to toss a lasso to try to rope the fake bulls on the logs. The full Cowboy Dinner experience is approximately a 3 hour experience. Since the sale closed just last week, they said theyre still getting their bearings. A dip in the pool after a day on the trails provides a welcome respite. Once you arrive there is an area set up where they have a BBQ with the meat options (BBQ Chicken, Steak and Hot Dogs for our trip), and a table with sides (salad, beans, watermelon and cornbread). We arrived at the clearing, those that came by horseback put their horses in the corral, and we all gathered with coffee and cocoa while the cook finished making dinner. One of Guenthers and Maddens first plans is to meet every one of the lodges almost 100 year-round employees. The comfortable, lodge-style rooms feature original artwork, exposed timbers, and handcrafted furniture and fixtures. Weddings at Sun Mountain Lodge are granted a stunning setting for outdoor celebrations. We knew we wanted to get married at Sun Mountain lodge from the first time we visited. Many others just enjoyed going downtown, or off into the Cascades for some adventuring. The venue (and view) speaks for itself and the Sun Mountain Lodge catering was amazing. Definitely a nice break, allowing me the opportunity to get to know some of the others there. Guests visiting from out-of-town can stay in one of the sumptuous bedrooms for a good nights rest before exploring the area. As dinner was winding down one of the cowboys took out his guitar and started playing some music around the fire. The former owners wanted to keep the negotiations very quiet and it was an off-market transaction. I am gluten-free, and the cook had special options for me including cobbler without the crust, which was much appreciated. You can find current rates and times available here. GEM founding partners Erich Guenther and Collin Madden said theyre excited to own the property. I would highly recommend Sun Mountain Lodge if you are looking for a romantic, rustic, mountain wedding! With their commitment to the local economy, working with local farmers is a natural thing for us to do, Charlton says, despite the challenges of a short growing season. The Dining Room at Sun Mountain Lodge hews to the farm-to-table ethos, featuring local produce, meat and grains. I tried to avoid the desserts but ended up cleaning up their leftovers. Not only did Chris and the staff help to coordinate our beautiful wedding, but they also hosted us for a wonderful Cowboy Dinner rehearsal dinner, lake-side barbecue welcome dinner, and farewell brunch for our semi-destination wedding weekend. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. With 360-degree views from its hilltop location, Sun Mountain is an exceptional place, with a sense of elegance and tranquility inside and out, Madden told the Methow Valley News. It received a complete cleaning to remediate smoke damage and all furnishings were replaced before reopening in October. For fresh air later in the night, you can drift onto the adjoining courtyard and patio. Were elated to just own the property, he said. GEM owns office buildings, apartment buildings and hotels in and around Seattle, but this is the companys first property outside that area. cramer Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop, Washington, 25 Free Things to do in Seattle with Kids, Ski Resorts with Adaptive Skiing Programs, Vacation Ideas for Special Needs in San Diego, Twilight Movie Road Trip Quest for Filming Locations in the Northwest, Twilight Movie Prom Scene Location at the View Point Inn, Twilight Movie Road Trip : Filming Locations in St. Helens, Oregon, Twilight Movie Road Trip : Finding Bellas House, Twilight Movie Road Trip : Forks High School, Twilight Movie Road Trip : The Cullens House, Twilight Movie Road Trip : Mimis School of Dance, Aromatherapy Shower Steamers Recipe with Essential Oils, How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a 2016 Mercedes Sprinter Van, Thule Chariot Special Needs Bike Trailer, Jogging Stroller and Ski Trailer, Thomashilfen Swifty Stroller / Pushchair Review. Chris and the We knew we wanted to get married at Sun Mountain lodge from the first time we visited. These suites sleep up to six people. The Lodge provides the very best in catered meals, romantic dinners, and creative rehearsal dinner options such as the Cowboy Dinner Ride or a wine cellar dinner. He was raised in Seattle in a family in the milk and ice cream business. Among the four distinct options, Sun Mountain has a total of 112 rooms. The weather continued to clear as we made our way along the trail and through the woods to the clearing where we would have dinner. It is the perfect venue for a romantic, mountain wedding that is quiet and secluded but still has all of the amenities to make for easy wedding planning. Were attracted to the experience, Guenther said. You take about 35 to 45 minutes each way, and then the dinner and some entertainment while you are out at the old homestead. They were there to help at a moments notice, give advice, or just say hi. By clicking 'Send', I agree to WeddingWires Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Photo by Marcy Stamper Follow the Lodge on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. While the fire burned parts of the trail system, the lodge and grounds were untouched. Set in the picturesque countryside of Winthrop, WA, Sun Mountain Lodge is a wedding venue. People can come here to get away from the telephone, the noise, the TV (there are none in the guest rooms). That is all I hear. Sun Mountain Lodge as it stands today was redesigned in 1989. In winter, Sun Mountains over 200 kilometers of gently sloping, groomed trails draw cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Chris is a very personable and reliable planner. And neither should you. The staff are absolutely incredible and the views, activities and amenities cant be beat. There were a number of beverage options (Cowboy coffee which was actually from a local roaster and was delicious, water and lemonade. 40 odd million dollars later, they stayed true to the restaurant, but they built this thing out and it just kept going and going. The Haub brothers bought the lodge in 1987. All staff along the way was helpful, friendly and accommodating. The project to rebuild the lodge depended on local craftsmen. The library is the smallest space and can fit up to 12 guests. When I could get to the telephone, I called my wife and said Ive found the place where I want to spend the rest of my life.". Bedding, paint color and artwork are subdued; the views from the windows are the star. You can also cook up a game of horseshoes, volleyball, pool, foosball or ping pong. The Haubs paid attention to tree preservation; work was delayed by three months to accommodate a blue spruce that was in the path of the main lodge expansion. Gardner with a breathtaking view of the Methow Valley far below, or the tranquil, tree-shaded shores of Patterson Lake. I remember because I had no idea where it Welcome to Thrifty NW Mom! Dinner was traditional cowboy food, but I doubt that the cowboys had it this good. We are a one-stop resource for ways to save money all around the Pacific Northwest! Rainy Day Activities for Kids In The Northwest! For me, it was as simple as choosing one of many resort trails. For summer celebrations, guests can embrace the great outdoors in a party tent that holds up to 250 people. The Pasayten Room, the largest indoor space, accommodates up to 216 guests. Jack Barron opened Sun Mountain Lodge in 1968, which he conceived as a rustic mountain-top resort that would blend in with its surroundings. Ny only advice is to leave room in your budget for unexpected changes, food prices changed with inflation.