Dear Honey Run Friends,
I intended to make this letter about my gratitude for this month. I have been on a two-and-a-half month run without a day off due to our staffing shortages, and I finally forced myself to honor a planned 4-day trip with my sister to Alaska. I thought the highlight would be the time off, the quiet of the basecamp I was visiting a little north of Fairbanks, and the time to rest and recenter my soul. These things did occur, and I am grateful, but what caught me off guard was the true enjoyment I encountered with the entire staff at Borealis Basecamp.
I have worked at The Inn at Honey Run for a little over twelve years, and I have always enjoyed my interactions with you, the guests. You have become a part of our family, and some of you are even famous favorites of the team. I have never experienced this from the guests’ perspective at any hotel here in the United States. I spent four days at the hotel in Alaska, and met most of their staff through different interactions. The hotel was nice; the environment was beautiful, but it was the staff that made this trip memorable and would even make me consider returning to this freezing cold environment for another visit.
I get it now. I understand why so many of you return to The Inn often and reconnect with your favorite team members. You enjoy watching us do our daily jobs and interacting with us amongst the busyness. It’s those short conversations with one of the maintenance people working the grounds, or a brief encounter with your housekeeping team member, front desk attendant, or dining room attendant. It is learning their story, sharing your story, and marveling at the circumstances that made your lives cross paths at this moment in time at this magical boutique resort.
I am so grateful for those hardworking hotel workers who work tirelessly to provide each guest with a memorable experience. I have always been proud of our team at The Inn, but now I know how you feel. I will see these valuable moments in an even brighter light than I did before.
If you are looking for an experience in Alaska, I would highly recommend this hotel. And if you go, say hello to Sarah or Rachele at the front desk, Dakota and Liv as they clean your igloo, Morgan at the reindeer farm, or Andrew and Niko who are finishing out the latest igloos. There are so many more I want to thank, but I will not bore you with my connections. It is time for you to make your own.
Book a trip up to The Inn at Honey Run and spend time talking to Madison, Katie, or Geoff at guest services. Watch Zack and Chuck run all over the property fixing issues and maintaining the grounds. Experience the cleanest rooms around thanks to Ashlee, Melissa, Alma, Cali, and Makenzie. Taste the exquisite cuisine in Tarragon that Bret, Jeanine, and Melissa have prepared for you. Enjoy your dining experience while being served by Teresa, Jessica, Liz, Heather, or Tim. Carla and Virginia are the glue that hold our operations together in HR and Accounting. You may bump into them or see them out caring for the cats. Don’t forget to say hello to our resident cats – Oscar, Hank, Bizzy, Velcro, and Lady Gray. You can also stop and say hello to our sheep BaaBaa, Rupert, Paulina, Maggy, and many more. Yes, they are all named!
The work that we do at The Inn is work, but it is so much more. It is a daily opportunity to meet new friends and welcome back familiar faces. I love our interactions and getting to meet all of you. I am humbled and amazed at all the great stories you share, and I am grateful that you allow us to be a small part of your life. I am the luckiest man in the world for being here at The Inn at Honey Run at this moment in time. It has taken me a number of years, but I finally understand why Marge loved this inn so much and why she always asked me if I loved it. I do, and I get it Marge. We are not running a hotel, we are facilitating an experiential meeting of guests and team members in an idyllic setting. What a life we have!
Happy Thanksgiving from your thankful Innkeeper,
Jason
Good Morning Jason,
What a beautiful message! My husband and I are hoping to return to the Inn this coming year!
Jason,
Lynda and I (Lynda Bibler) have been coming to the Inn the last 8 years. We have enjoyed it so much we are now scheduling twice a year, the last two years.
We have always been impressed with the staff, how friendly they are, how efficient and caring.
Last week we got a call from Madison asking us to change our dates in May because of a scheduling conflict. She told Lynda we would be comped a day because of it. We were more than happy to change our schedule. As long as we get there in May to this paradise is all that matters.
Thank you for all you do!
Jerry Fitch
I agree! You’re the luckiest man. I haven’t been to the Inn for a long while. My husband and I are from the “Marge” era. But I just want to say that you absolutely hit the nail on the head, it’s the the staff, owner, and spirit of Honey Run that keep people returning. I still have images of Marge standing at the doorway to the dining room for Sunday Raid the Kitchen super. Her smile and heart and encouragement were contagious. And one evening, forgive me but I believe his name was Ross, handed us a huge bowl of popcorn he’d made for us, knowing our plans to watch a movie that night. I cherish every memory made there.
♥️♥️♥️
Thank you, Jason, for breaking my heart. Your message of inclusiveness really struck a chord, and I especially love the holiday get-together in the cottage. This season, however, we are opting for an old fashioned family Christmas at home. So we send our regrets but add our sincere wishes for joy and laughter to you and your team members. See you in the spring.
Jason,
Marge (my Aunt) would be very happy you love “her” little piece of God’s world like she did. She never had her own children so her Inn was her baby and her legacy. I knew, and I believe the family knew, that the Inn, Margaret and those that made the Inn special, were her priority and most valued treasures. Even though I took a little back seat in her heart it was so special to get to share her dreams and aspirations and to see what the Inn became and what it will become. Loving the Inn is her gift to us all!
Keep up the spirit of making the world just a little bit better than how you found it!
Looking forward to seeing the Inn
I have visited the Inn several times and each time I love it. I am going to have my 80th Birthday in Feb. and would like to spend a couple of nights at the Inn next year. Will have to save up my pennies. God bless you and all that you do!!
Jason, you and your team are just beyond the best!!