We recently spent 3 nights at Mountain Home Lodge for a mini honeymoon. We stayed 5/19 - 5/22. Let me start off by saying that if you are considering staying here: DO IT!!! It was a really amazing experience and we could not have been happier.
The owners Brad & Kathy are possibly the nicest people that have ever run a lodge, on the face of the earth. One of them was always in the main lodge, ready to help with anything we could possibly need. They knew who we were, checked in every day on how things were going, and catered to every single one of our needs. I have social anxiety and generally don't like talking to people, but it felt more like being with family than talking to lodge owners, lol!
We stayed at the Ponder Rock cabin and were so pleased. It's got big, beautiful windows, so it stayed cool in the heat, and was bright and wonderful during the day. This is a weird thing to mention but the window coverings were also fantastic, they didn't block the sun, but filtered it, so the room was comfortable and bright, but not overwhelmingly so. The shower had two shower heads, which is something I absolutely love! Bed was comfortable, lots of nice amenities, and the housekeeping staff does a great job of keeping things clean. And of course, one of the most amazing things about this place was the view! My husband and I would sit peacefully and eat breakfast on the deck, looking out at the field & mountains. It was so peaceful and perfect!!
Another thing that we absolutely loved was the food. We started every morning with the complimentary breakfast. It was cooked fresh in the morning and was completely different each day. There was so much food that I often couldn't finish everything, lol! I am vegan and not only did they make my husband a huge, delicious "normal" breakfast, they also made amazing vegan meals for me. Usually a vegan breakfast for me at a restaurant is a serving of premade fruit salad. Here, it was tofu scramble, hash browns with mushrooms, bagels with vegan butter and jam, cereals with almond milk, blueberry pancakes, and the list goes on. I was so shocked by how amazing everything tasted, and how knowledgeable they were about catering to my dietary needs. It was so great to wake up and head down to a breakfast that I knew I would be able to eat and enjoy. We did the packed lunch on our last day and ate them in the car. It's pricey, but so worth it. Husband and I got wraps filled to the brim with deliciousness, and a ton of snacks and sides. We both said they were the best wraps we've ever eaten! We also did the complementary appetizer and wine in the evening. This was at the same level of deliciousness as everything else I've discussed. Seriously, the food is so amazing here and I loved knowing I could trust them with my dietary restrictions.
Finally, their 2 cats (Ritz & Cracker) and dog (Milli) were so adorable. Milli would lay on the deck near us at breakfast and keep an eye on things. She was so sweet and well behaved!!
We're so excited to come back to Mountain Home Lodge on all of our special anniversaries, and would highly recommend it to any travelers in the...
Read moreWhen we booked mountain home lodges Pounder Rock cabin, we were excited for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of full-time jobs, kids, and pets. What we didn't know was what a special place Kathy and Brad had created for their guests. Our adventure started once we headed up a gravel road. At first, we thought we'd take a wrong turn - but no sooner that thought than a sign on a tree, "Mountain Home Lodge 2.2miles." We knew we were on the right track. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Sierra and Millie, the MHL doggies. Brad came out with Carlos to say hi, ask if we needed anything- and loaded up our things to take to the cabin. Brad made sure we knew how the things worked, turned on the music, and left us to settle in. The cabin was perfect! Chairs in front of the fireplace, fluffy king-sized bed, large jacuzzi tub, rocking chairs and table on the porch, and a comfy couch in the loft to watch a movie.
Small details were not missed - light toiletries, kurieg, and coffee. Blankets on every chair inside and out and plenty of towels. Did I mention the water pressure was awesome!?
Around 5:30, we headed to the Lodge for appetizers prepared by Kathy- squash soup shots with crustini, cream cheese, strawberries, and a balsamic glaze. The view was amazing while we munched on our goodies. Kathy and Brad are so friendly and full of easy conversation.
After appetizers, we headed back to our cabin and played a couple round of chess - the upstairs hutch had a few games for us to play. We fired up the jacuzzi tub and enjoyed a drink while basking in the mountain. Millie and Sierra stopped by to say goodnight, which we loved being dog people. We sat on the porch with them and watched the sky change from light to dark.
In the mornings, there is a delightful breakfast offered. Everything was delicious. Kathy and Brad made lovely recommendations for things to do and food to eat. We were considering a hike, and millie and Sierra offered to come along. Unfortunately, we didn't have time for a hike- but we will definitely go with them next time!
While we ate breakfast in the lodge, we decided to check out the mountain with the binoculars. I think my husband spent most of his time peering at the mountain with the binoculars at the Lodge and cabin. But like I said, the small touches make this place special.
It's definitely a wonderful place to unplug. The quiet, views, and accommodations are amazing. I'm so happy to add Mountian Home Lodge to our not so far- feels like a real...
Read moreWhile preparing to compose a review of our incredible two day getaway at the Ponder Rock cabin this past weekend, I decided to browse through a few of the previous reviews that other guests have written. Every one reflected our own experiences and were spot-on. Brad, Millie and Seirra’s warm welcome the moment we drove up set the tone for an amazing retreat. Our belongings were transported to the cabin for us as Brad accompanied us to the front porch to ensure we knew where everything was and to answer any questions we had. It was so easy to ‘unplug’ from the rest of the world while here! The hospitality and attention to detail were exceptional and no creature comfort was spared, from the warm blankets on the front porch rocking chairs, large umbrellas, hiking packs, robes, delicious coffee, stocked beverage refrigerator and fresh cream for the coffee, to the hand written personalized post card welcoming us back (it had been 7 years). It was raining when we got there but it only added to the ambiance with the fireplace, cozy blankets and relaxing music on the surround sound stereo. The second day was sunny and we enjoyed the fall colors on a hike with our personal guide dogs Millie and Sierra who were full of personality! It was such a treat to have them along with us! The appetizers and wine in front of the grand fireplace on a rainy evening were delectable and the breakfasts delicious and well prepared. The Butternut Squash soup, street tacos and homemade granola Kathy prepared were out of this world and her warm personality made you feel like you'd known her forever! It is apparent that Brad and Kathy love this lodge and what they do. It reflects in everything about this place. My husband and I HIGHLY recommend a stay here. It will truly become a favorite getaway as it has become ours. Thank you Brad and Kathy! We are already looking forward to...
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