When is the last time you stayed at a lodging facility that greeted you with a big, tacky,
flashing neon sign? I don't know about you, but those kinds of places tend to set the bar pretty low for me. They are a constant reminder that you get what you pay for - a stinky room, a lumpy bed, thin towels made of sandpaper, shampoo that turns your hair to straw and soap that dries your skin out.
Well, last Thursday, I was picked up by a shuttle at the Medford, Oregon, airport and driven to such a place called Weasku Inn in Grants Pass. I was indeed greeted by a big, tacky, flashing neon sign - but the Tacky Stopped There.
The Weasku Inn
Combine Ralph Lauren-style living with the best that the Pacific Northwest has to offer, and you pretty much have nailed the Weasku Inn experience.
The Weasku is situated on a beautiful piece of land along the Rogue River. The property has several cabins along the river - some with jacuzzis - all with a deck and a wonderful, peaceful view. The pictures tell the story the best (click to enlarge).
I was in for a surprise my first night. I usually fall asleep with the TV on (which magically turns itself off at some point). At the Weasku, I had a TV in my room, but I assumed that, at best, only a few channels would come in given that I was in the middle of the rustic Pacific Northwest. Once again, my assumptions were wrong. My cabin TV had more channels and better reception than my three TVs at home. I slept quite well that first night...and the second...
The staff at the Weasku is top-notch. Eric, the site manager, is there to serve you at all hours of the day and night. Randi (see picture) manages the front and does a wonderful job of making you feel right at home. Tracy was there every day to make sure our meal experience was flawless.
Travel and Leisure magazine named Weasku Inn as one of the country's "Top 25 Great American Lodges." If you're planning a getaway to Oregon, this is THE place to stay. Its central location gives you day trip access to the mountains, Pacific Ocean, fishing, wineries and the theatre (in Ashland).
Memories of Deer Cliff Inn
One of the reasons I loved the Weasku Inn so much is because it reminded me of Deer Cliff Inn, a restaurant started by my grandparents back in the 1940s outside Preston, Idaho. The restaurant sits right next to Cub River and is known as the "most romantic spot in the West." Guests can enjoy dining on the patio or dancing in the "Big Room" on the weekends.
Deer Cliff also has a handful of rustic cabins along the river, and just like at the Weasku, there is nothing more magical than walking out of your cabin into a fresh, new day to spend a relaxing time with friends and family. It was fun to learn that Tracy (mentioned above) had been to Deer Cliff.
Stay Tuned
This week, I'll share a few more stories about my adventures at the Weasku Inn and the Grants Pass region. It will give you a glimpse into what else I do besides blog. ;)
- Wednesday: Is This a Business Conference or Am I On Vacation?
- Thursday: Shawn and Ron's SecondLife
- Friday: Mrs. Curtis' First Airplane Ride
- Saturday: Caleefohneea, Here I Come!
I'll never forget Deer Cliff Inn and the surrounding area. This was the first time I've ever hiked to the head of a river. It was amazing! But my favorite part of Deer Cliff was watching Tamara's 90 something year old grandma Tyra ( the Queen ) being picked up by her 90 something year old "friend". It was priceless! They danced the night away.......
Posted by: Charlene | Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 09:52 AM