Nemacolin Blog

Congratulations! Associates of the Month Recognized

2012-01-18T08:28:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our Associates of the Month!

Our friend, and National Speaker, Consultant and Author, John DiJulius once said... "You can have a great product, but it takes world-class service to create brand loyalty." We would like to take the time to recognize and congratulate our Associates of the Month for delivering world-class service and embodying the Nemacolin culture and spirit.

Thank you for all you do!

Associate of Month, Back of the House
Don Butler - Engineering

Associate of the Month, Front of the House
Adam Checton - The Tavern

Rising Star of the Month
Stan Plume - Butcher Shop

Leader of the Month
Michelle Lacek - Front Desk

Meet Kira!

2011-12-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort would like you to meet the newest member of our Wildlife Academy family... meet Kira!

Kira is a Bengal Tiger and is approximately six months old. She currently inhabits the Wildlife Academy Nursery and will reside there for the remainder of the winter. In Spring 2012, Kira will be relocated to a larger outdoor enclosure as part of our Animal Habitats. Currently, guests can meet Kira on our Safari Tour or Nursery Tours.

General Bengal Tiger facts:

Bengals are the most common sub-species of tiger.
They are native to India and other portions of Southeast Asia.
Tigers are the largest member of the cat family.
Bengal tigers are carnivores (meat eaters).
They are solitary (meaning they live alone, not in groups).
Tigers usually hunt at night and will drag their kill to a safe place, such as up a tree, to eat it. They can consume more than 70lbs in one sitting and will then not eat for days.
They are excellent swimmers.
Each tiger has a pattern of stripes unique to each individual (just as our fingerprints).
Bengal tigers are usually brownish-orange with black stripes however, there is a rare mutation that produces white tigers.

Kira will make special appearances at our Holiday Wild Animal Shows. For more information, please contact our Wildlife Academy at 724.329.6961.

Karen Brindle
Wildlife Academy Supervisor
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Some Healthy Tips To Get Through The Holidays...

2011-12-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that the holidays can consume quite a bit of our energy and time. However, the season of giving doesn’t mean you have to give-up on your workout routines and/or your healthy lifestyle goals.

Our Fitness Supervisor, Susan Pelfrey, provides us with some tips to stay on track as we navigate through the temptations and stresses of the holidays.

Stay committed to your workouts. This may mean cutting back on some days but don’t cut out all days! Make three cardio sessions a week your goal. Studies show we can maintain our current fitness level even if we reduce the frequency. The secret here is we must maintain the intensity of the workouts. Therefore, going from five to three workouts each week during the holidays will not undo your good deeds from the summer and fall as long as the intensity is the same.
Introduce multi-joint exercises to save time in the weight-room. Examples: lunges with shoulder presses, wall squats with bicep curls, push-ups over an exercise ball or walking planks on the Bosu.
Continue to be aware of calorie intake. This time of year we are tempted with office goodies, family favorites, weekend parties and very little will power. Set yourself up for success by not skipping on meals throughout the day.
Make a check list of goals for the day. For example: I will not shop through lunch today. I will eat five veggies and five fruits today. I will only have 5oz of wine at the party tonight. I will shop with a list. I will allow myself 150 calories today that are totally guilt free. You get the picture.

And, our favorite rule to live by... remember, it is the holidays, so don’t try and be perfect. Enjoy this time of year. Just make smart choices and be willing to hold your ground. Come January 1st it will have been so worth it!

Do you have any tips that you live by or would like to share to help others continue their healthy lifestyles throughout the holiday season?

Susan Pelfrey
Fitness Supervisor
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Visiting our Resort? Did you know Nemacolin offers complimentary Fitness Classes to guests 16 years and older. Click Here to download our Fitness Calendar.

The Nemacolin Gingerbread Dollhouse Debuts...

2011-12-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

Whether it is our life-size Gingerbread House or a sprawling Gingerbread Village, one thing is for certain, the arrival of our sweet display will greet our guests during the holiday season. This year, the Food and Beverage Team at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort toyed with the idea of a Gingerbread Dollhouse. Over 220 hours later the dream became a reality and the Gingerbread Dollhouse has finally been revealed for all to smell and see.

This year's Gingerbread display included the following ingredients:

150 LBS. OF GINGERBREAD
1,700 GUMBALLS
108 ASSORTED AIR HEADS

18.75 LBS. RED LICORICE LACES

24 SPEARMINT BREATH SAVERS
20 LBS. ASSORTED SIXLETS
216 HERSHEY COOKIES & CRÈME
216 KIT KATS
48 LAFFY TAFFFY ROPES
6 LBS. ASSORTED LICORICE
30 STRAWBERRY MENTOS
108 MR. GOODBARS
10 LBS. GOOD & PLENTY
48 RAZZLES
72 ROLOS
96 KING SIZE REESE CUPS
30 LBS. STARLITE MINTS
10 LBS. ASSORTED TOOTSIE FROOTSIES
48 KING SIZE TWIX
72 YORK PEPPERMINT PATTIES
560 MINIATURE CANDY CANES
72 CANDY CANES
4 LBS. TROLLI APPLE O’S
200 CHARM BLOW POPS
5 LBS. CANDY BLOX
6 LBS. CHICKLETS
288 HERSHEY MILK CHOCOLATE BARS
240 ICE CUBES
12 PKGS. FRUIT STRIPE BUBBLE GUM
6 LBS. ASSORTED STARBURST
25 LBS. HERSHEY KISSES
30 LBS. SPICE GUMDROPS
18 LBS. CHOCOLATE ROCKS

A special thank you all our Associates who helped:
KANYA KNOX, CHEF KRYSTAL JENNINGS, CHEF DANILE MAULE, CHEF EARL MORSE, ANGIE KASSOUF, BEN ORENDORFF, BRIAN BARCUS, SHEENE HUSAR, ALICIA FALLAS, JOSH STILLWAGON, COURTNEY ZITO, JOSH LIND, GIULIANO GIACOPETTI, LEE PRATHER, KARA SHUTERLY, WILL WRIGHT, BRITTANY WERTZ

CARPENTERS: JEFF HESS & DAN SIMONIK

PASTRY CHEF AMBER FRAZEE

Want to see more images? Visit our Facebook Page to see our Album!

Congratulations To Our Associates Of The Month

2011-11-21T07:06:00.000-08:00

Each month, Nemacolin takes the times to recognize and honor our associates that embody the Nemacolin spirit and live the Nemacolin culture. These associates have given 110% and the Resort would like to thank them for their time, dedication and efforts.

Preparing for your next Nemacolin Woodlands Resort visit? Take a moment and memorize these faces. If you see our stars out and about during your next visit, please join us in congratulating them for their recent award.

ASSOCIATES OF THE MONTH

Heart of the House:
June King - Woodlands World

Leader of the Month:
Mandy Burnsworth - The Wildlife Academy

Front of the House:
Rick Burchaianti - The Woodlands Spa

Rising Star of the Month:
Bill Reicholf - Engineering Department

Zumba Fitness Joins Our Novemeber Fitness Schedule

2011-11-04T13:12:00.001-07:00

Please join us in congratulating Fitness Instructor, Christina Lee for earning her license to instruct Zumba Fitness®. Classes will begin this Saturday, November 5, 2011, at 9:00 am in the Woodlands Spa Fitness Center and continue each Saturday through November. Nemacolin Fitness Classes are offered throughout the week and include workouts such as Yoga, Pilates, aerobics and much more. The Fitness Classes are complimentary, change monthly and are designed for individuals 16 years of age and older.

Zumba Fitness® has become the latest "fitness-craze." More than a fast-paced Latin-inspired dance-fitness program, Zumba Fitness® has become a "fitness-party." Lee explains,"It is fun and exciting. There is just something about the music and energy that makes this not your typical fitness class."

Click Here to download our November Fitness Schedule. For more information, please contact the Woodlands Spa at 800.422.2736.

The Winners Have Been Announced...

2011-10-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Halloween is quickly approaching and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort takes the time each year to create our own spooktacle with an Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest that is open to our Associates. This contest has become quite competitive over the years with Departments planning their entry well in advance . Winners are determined by associate votes and the categories include: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Most Scariest and Most Creative.

Check out our 2011 entries and award-winners. Thank you to our associates for their time and effort. Until next year... (cue the witch laughter and lightening!)

The Favorite - Engineering Department

Most Creative - Props Team

Most Scariest - Laundry Department

The Woodlands Spa Team

Turfgrass Department

Carolyn Wilmonth, Falling Rock Food & Beverage Team

Activities Department

Human Resources Department

Congratulations to our Associates of the Month!

2011-10-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

A BIG Nemacolin thank you and congratulations to our Associates of the Month. Thank you for your hard work, commitment to excellence and above-and-beyond attitudes. We appreciate you and we know our guests do too!

If you see these Nemacolin Stars during your next stay, be sure to tell "Congratulations" on being named Associates of the Month!

ASSOCIATES OF THE MONTH

Rising Star
Valerie Stark – Purchasing Department

Back Of The House
Terry Hager - Turfgrass Department

Front Of The House
Karrie Kamp – Activities Department

Leader of the Month
Amanda Pompe – Tavern Restaurant

Happy Fall!

2011-10-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

We rang in the New Year with a blistery Winter, greeted Spring, kicked-off Summer and now are welcoming Fall. Seems as soon as we say hello to a season, we are turning around and saying goodbye. However, it is always Fall that makes us slow down, take a deep breath and realize, "wow, here we are in another season of fun." We know that the saying is true, "times flies when you are having fun," but we also think that there is something else about Fall.

It has to be the beauty of the season. Surrounded by the mountains of Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, rolling hills as far as the eye can see, and colors that pop against the bright blue sky. Warm tones of red, orange, green and yellow are scattered perfectly throughout. It is almost as if Mother Nature got out her crayon box and touched up the horizon. But it isn't just the colors. It is also the feel that Fall naturally brings. The smell that lingers in the crisp air. It is a season that feels alive, warm and inviting.

So, take the time this Fall for a much needed break. Even if it is to hop in your car and drive. Leaf peepers... We are not quite at peak but it is still worth a drive!

Happy National Customer Service Week!

2011-10-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

Happy National Customer Service Week!

We really do not need a special holiday to recognize our loyal guests and devoted associates, but since the first week of October is designated National Customer Service Week, we thought we would take the opportunity to shout-out our gratitude.

Thank you to our guests! YOU make what we do FUN. YOU make us strive to be the best and to push ourselves to be better. YOU make us proud of the service we provide each day. Thank you for choosing Nemacolin as YOUR resort.

Our guests return year after year not only because of our abundance of activities, championship golf, world renowned spa and award-winning dining options, but because of our associates! While it has been great to be honored throughout the years with industry leading awards and to be known as a travel destination that has something for everyone. What really brings our guests back is the way our associates make them feel. We receive emails and letters weekly from guests thanking us for their experience. Not one letter is received without the mention of our service or a reference to an associate by name. Think about your own travel experiences. The places that keep you coming back year after year. Why? We imagine it is because of the feeling you experience when you arrive and even more importantly how you feel when you leave.

What other ways are we celebrating National Customer Service Week?

Nemacolin is offering a chance to win a Complimentary One Night Stay
in the Chateau Lafayette or Lodge*

1 - Follow @Nemacolin

2 - Contest runs October 4 - 9, 2011. Ending at 11:59 pm on October 9, 2011.

2. Tweet this message exactly:
Follow @Nemacolin & RT WIN a 1-NT Nemacolin Stay in honor of Customer Service Wk! http://bit.ly/nN5LUG #contest

CLICK HERE for Contest Rules.

Buying Local This Fall Season

2011-09-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

Brent Wertz, Vice President of Food & Beverage and Executive Chef at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort shares images from his recent trip to a local Western Pennsylvania Auction. Nemacolin supports the "buy local" approach by visiting local auctions weekly to purchase produce needs for the Resort. This past week was pumpkin week and the resort was able to purchase many to decorate and prepare the Resort for the fall season.

Check out the video below of Chef Wertz when he was interviewed by WJAC TV at the Auction. Because of the water damage / flooding caused by Hurricane Irene and this season's other Tropical Storms, many Pennsylvania farms suffered large pumpkin crop losses. However, local farms near Nemacolin were spared.

Nemacolin Chef Is An Auction Addict... Buying Local Is A MUST!

2011-08-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like the local produce grown in Western Pennsylvania. This time of year the tomatoes are ripe, corn is super sweet and the onions are memorable. Yes, a memorable onion, who would have thought it to be possible? But as I walk the rows and rows of fresh local fruits and vegetables at local auctions while buying produce for all Nemacolin's restaurants, sometimes I think that the onions are so good that they look like they were photoshopped. That is what farmer attention and genuine caring for their products produces... it can be amazing.

There are countless reasons why buying local food is both rewarding and delicious, including enjoying the taste of fresh food, improved health and nutrition, environmental stewardship, and support for family farms and rural communities. But for me, and the many Chef's at Nemacolin it’s all about the unmatched flavor that the Laurel Highlands can add to a vegetable. The earthy garden that can make a huge difference between a red tomato and an Amish farmer grown tomato that was picked that day. In some cases, they might not be perfect, but when you put your nose close to them and bask in that natural fantastic smell of a freshly picked beefsteak tomato bursting with juice, there is no comparison to what you might find in a grocery store. I attend and buy from two to three rural auctions a week searching for the best of the best for our guests and get to meet some fantastic people along the way.

Developing a relationship with local farmers gives me an "in" with our local food system. At produce auctions I meet the farmer who has devoted his life to the vegetables he is holding and get incomparable insight about the growing seasons, upcoming crops, and often, take a tour of the farm our food comes from. There is nothing like rubbing elbows with the folks responsible for the food I serve and it allows me in some cases, to form fit crops to my needs and the needs of our guests.

Another significant reason to buy local, is to keep food miles to a minimum. "Food miles" refer to the distance a food item travels from the farm to your home. This all comes down to a Chef caring intensely about what they serve, getting the absolute best, and building strong connections to local area farms that are trying to survive.

I was speaking to an Amish gentleman this week about the comparison of his tomatoes to those grown in far-away places and he summed it up in a very short but meaningful manner. “Chef, relative to tomatoes from far and near it’s simple… gas ripens theirs and God ripens mine.” Hard to argue with a hardworking man who is so in touch with his product he absolutely dares you to compare.

Chef Brent Wertz
Food & Beverage VP, Executive Chef
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Sweater Vest Versus ( and?) Cardigan

2011-08-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

“No, it’s a cardigan but thanks for noticing.” Ah, one of the greatest lines in cinema history. 1994, Dumb and Dumber. Completely not golf related, but still ridiculously funny to me.

I don’t know exactly where I planned on going with those first few sentences, but the gist of this blog is to help you decide the begging golf attire question… sweater vest or cardigan? Big decision, I know! We are slowly climbing down the downward spiral to cooler temperatures and have to start thinking about fall fashion on the golf course.

I’m not talking about drenching yourself in a bright orange polo with an even brighter orange pair of pants with “matching” orange shoes and an even brighter orange hat. Which, I should mention is brighter than the bright orange pants. That’s a bit much to see on TV let alone in person. Let’s be a bit more congenial towards your fellow golfers and dress a little less loud. (On the other hand, if you can pull off the Loudmouth golf pants, hey, go for it!)

To me, the big decision for this fall is sweater vest or cardigan. I am a big fan of sweater vests. Always have been and always will be. But where did this newly popular cardigan come from? I’m a fan… but please don’t tell my sweater vests that are safe and secure in my closest eagerly awaiting to be released with the cool temperatures ahead. In fact, one of those sweater vests just might have the chance to be broken out this week (high of 71 degrees in the mountains). I’m not going to lie, I have missed that extra layer! I’m perplexed though…wearing a cardigan is a brave move, at least for me. The last time I wore a cardigan was in elementary school and it was not by choice. Do I free up a hangar in my closest for a nice, new cardigan? (Maybe if I start smoking I can pull off a cardigan?)

Ah, this is more the look I am going for…a classic look, but young. At this point, it’s not sweater vest VERSUS cardigan… it is sweater vest AND cardigan. Now the big decision is, do I start accumulating the same amount of cardigans as sweater vests or stay true to what I know? I’ll figure it out as time goes on I suppose (or until my wife goes shopping for me next).

I don’t claim to be an individual with vast fashion knowledge. Heck, I wear socks with sandals and horizontal striped Polo's with vertically striped pants and I don’t think twice about it. But what I do know is that if you don’t play golf well, at least dress like you know how to play. That’s my mantra and I hold true to it ‘till the very end of each season. Then I break out my tan cords for the winter. The End.

Ryan Carmen
Golf Operations Manager
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

A Make-Up Made Just For Our Guests...

2011-07-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

We are always on a constant search for new and better products at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort to enhance our guests experience and make them feel special. When it comes to make-up, that same philosophy applies. For over a year, our spa make-up artists searched for the perfect make-up, sampling over ten brands. After much research, we decided that Nemacolin could do it best by offering our own make-up – a make-up made just for you, our guest.

Every person has their own unique characteristics that they carry with them… it is their glow, presence, their AURA. Our make-up with its’ defining skin tones and colors allows your individual aura to shine.

Welcome to the world of minerals …where makeup delivers flawless coverage and acts as skincare. Rediscover the beauty of your skin with this collection of 100% per minerals. Made from the finest ingredients our ready to wear line gives your face the feeling of freedom. Unlike other makeups, you won’t find parabens, sulfates or synthetic fragrances. With so many colors to choose from in foundation, shadow, blush and lipstick you can create a variety of looks for every occasion! Whether it’s a party, an evening out or your wedding day, our artists will create a look that makes you special in every way.

So step into our spa and let our professional make-up artists work with you to bring out your inner aura. After a private consultation, step into our Spa Boutique to take your favorite colors home with you. The Woodlands Spa offers make-up applications, and lessons on how to apply. Our Spa boutique carries specialized pallets designed specifically for your skin tone (warm, cool, or neutral) and if those don’t appeal to you, our make-up artists can help you create your own. We also sell an on-the-go starter kit that has all the necessary items you’ll need for travel.

Elaine McKulka
Director of Retail

Lori Shubert
Director of The Woodlands Spa

My Experience At The James Beard House...

2011-07-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

The James Beard Foundation is a New York-based national professional non-profit organization named in honor of James Beard. The Beard Foundation promotes the culinary arts by honoring chefs, wine professionals, journalists and cookbook authors at annual award ceremonies and provides scholarships and educational opportunities to cooking hopefuls.

The James Beard House is an invitation only restaurant that allows up and coming Chefs from around the world to showcase their cuisine amongst a setting of foodies, writers and peers. So, imagine my excitement when the call came in.

In a young cooks career, there are several notable things that you set your sights on because the people you look up to - your mentors, your peers have told you that these are the things that matter most. "James Beard" is a name that has been tossed around by nearly everyone I have worked for in the last 10 years. Therefore, when that invitation came there was no containing my or my team's (Lautrec Restaurant) excitement.

So, I guess the story begins back in December when the phone rang and the invitation was extended. A few weeks later the date was set and then the mental part of the preparation began. The menu slowly formed itself with some of the best dishes we have prepared over the past year in Lautrec. Then the wine tastings began in order to select the most perfect pairings.

Six months seems like a long time to prepare for a dinner of 80 but the time flew by and before we knew it the time had come to prep, pack and load up the 15 passenger van for New York City. My team and I packed the 5 extra-large coolers to the brim and settled in for a 7 hour drive North. Of course, when we finally arrived in New York City the first thing all of us wanted to do was eat and eat we did! Then an early bedtime followed by a 7 am wake up call and off to the James Beard House we went.

We hit the ground running by 8 am and began prep as soon as we stepped foot in the kitchen. Being in that kitchen, cooking where notables such as Jean George, Thomas Keller, Alice Waters and so many others have cooked was unbelievable and humbling. Getting to see the corn wallpaper that my former mentor Patrick O’Connell picked out in the hallway was a reminder of the honor that it was to be a part of something so special.

We prepped for most of the morning and then took a break for lunch and a quick hike up to the Empire State Building. We prepped vigorously through the evening and began plating the Hors d'Oeuvres for a 7 pm reception. Each and every guest made their way through the small kitchen to greet the staff and catch a glimpse of what was in store for their evening. Everything started out relatively slow but once it got started, it got started. Chilled Heirloom Tomato Soup was pre plated and after that it was a blur, we did what we know how to do and cooked, cooked very well. Lautrec Signature Papardelle with Confit Farm Egg, Chilean Sea Bass with Caviar and Lobster Sausage, Elysian Fields Lamb with Summer Veg, a cheese course and then the slow down once again with the final course, Strawberry-Rhubarb Consomme. Everyone did an amazing job with the event going better than I ever could have expected. The teamwork was amazing!

The clean up then began but was short lived because it was time for the question and answer portion of the evening. Now for those of you that know me, public speaking is not my favorite thing to do, honestly I would rather cook for a million people then have to stand up in front of a group of people and speak, but it had to be done. Questions were answered, relationships were made and Holly Smith (Director of Wine & Spirits at Nemacolin) and I received our certificates for being a part of such an incredible organization and evening. We all left the house that evening feeling proud and accomplished but more importantly blessed for being honored in a way that we will all remember for a very long time. Definitely a trip and experience of a lifetime.

Click Here to view the Event.

Chef Kristin Butterworth
Chef de Cuisine, Lautrec
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Some Shopping Therapy After Your Adventure Session

2011-07-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

You climbed our treacherous rock wall…survived the plunge on the Fat Bird Flyer and you tackled our amazing new Off-Road Jeep Driving Academy. The next adventure on your to-do list should be to check out our NEW year round Adventure Shop.

Conveniently located on the first floor of the Nemacolin Woodlands Adventure Center, our new Adventure Shop has everything you will need to meet your next outdoor challenge from the latest in outdoor and ski apparel to healthy snacks and beverages. Featured brands that you will find at the Adventure Shop include Quicksilver Girl, Mammut, Spyder, Mountain Hardware, Merrell, and Jeep Official Merchandise.

Coming this winter, we are pleased to announce that we will add to this already impressive lineup by featuring products from Patagonia, Roxy, and the exclusive North Face Summit Series.

So relax and enjoy all of our outdoor activities in your new fashionable gear!

Mark Santore
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Retail Operations Manager

Here’s To Andrew Jackson…

2011-07-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

I never expected to see the day when the price of my morning cup of coffee would be neck in neck with the price of a gallon of regular unleaded but it’s rapidly approaching. As someone who has a slight (ok…major) problem with control issues, I despise the fact that I have no option but to pay the asking price or part with my second favorite beverage. I have already contacted my credit union to see if I can open a grocery club. My thoughts are that I should be able to save enough from a month’s worth of paychecks to purchase a week’s worth of groceries and maybe have a little leftover for a few of life’s little pleasures like pretzels or ice. In short, just as gray is the new black and 50 is the new 30, twenties are the new fives! Many (ok…many, many) years ago when I opened my first bank account, I remember cashing a five dollar check to have spending adequate money for the week. Now, it costs three dollars to get five and a crisp fifty might see you through til Wednesday, provided you don’t need to fill your tank so you may very well be surprised at the number of things you can do at a luxury resort while saying goodbye to just one Mr. Jackson.

If you are the active type and crave the great outdoors, you can navigate the indoor and outdoor climbing walls, play miniature golf, disc golf and receive additional discounts by purchasing an Adventure Pass and you’ll still have enough change to swing by PJ’s and enjoy a scoop of hand dipped ice cream.

If you feel artistic but haven’t quite found your medium, one cool twenty will provide a unique canvas with equipment and 200 rounds of Target Paintball.

If you like the gun but hate the paint and prefer Sporting Clays, that same twenty dollar bill pays for shotgun rental at the Shooting Academy.

If you are into nature but prefer the passive approach, part with a twenty and hop on the FatBird Express Train to see the property and the Wildlife Habitats.

If you happen to chip a nail during your outdoor experience or believe that the great outdoors isn’t all that great, a crisp Andrew Jackson can snag you a pretty polish change at the Woodlands Spa.

If you are thirsty and need to move indoors for a cool drink, wander into The WildSide and help yourself to a couple of cold domestic drafts, my first favorite beverage, a dozen delicious wings and keep the kids busy with game tokens all for less than twenty bucks.

If you find wine more appealing than a frosty beer (I guess it could happen), you and your special someone can each enjoy a glass of our house wine at the lobby bar and still keep it at an even twenty.

If you think that chocolate is one of the basic food groups, take Mr. Jackson to the Tavern and indulge in a Fudge Brownie Sunday and add the Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee for dessert.

If your culinary tastes tend to be more international, you might want to introduce good old Andrew to the Pan Asian menu on Sunset Terrace and dine on house fried rice and spring rolls.

And if you think I can’t go on and on, you don’t know me very well but take my word for it, you can experience a great deal of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort with Mr. Jackson as your traveling companion. Of course, we invite you to bring Mr. Franklin along for the ride just in case you come across the perfect sweater in one of our fabulous retail shops.

Zelma Kassimer
Director of Marketing
Nemcolin Woodlands Resort

The Butler Did It? Marple the Butler that is!

2011-06-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

Around here, with so many guests coming to “expect the unexpected”, many have come down with a case of “who done it.” Well, when it comes to unexpected and unparalleled service, which has become quite expected from our guest, one team comes to mind: The Butlers.

For many of our guests, their butler has become part of their Nemacolin Family. But, one butler in particular stands alone. He is not a Chateau Butler or a Falling Rock Butler, rather, he is a Resort Butler. He stands by quietly and ready to serve each and every guest. Silver tray in hand, he is always there just as legend says he has always been. He is Marple.

When I started at Nemacolin over six years ago, I meet Marple for the first time. He is a classic old butler- a true steward of service. What I later realized is, that although I was getting to know him for the first time, he had been a part of my life since I was a little girl- since the first time my parents brought me to Nemacolin for a day trip. When I realized this, I was working under another curator, so I asked about Marple. His response: “Ah, yes. The Butler… So, you want to know about Marple. Mr. Marple Mayham that is. Well, have I got a story for you!”

And, here it goes...
Legend has it that Mr. Marple Mayham was the first Nemacolin employee. He was hired by the Rockwell family who first owned the property. The Rockwells were a wealthy family from Pittsburgh who vacationed here. In the beginning, the property was a private hunting reserve. But, as more friends and family retreated to the Laurel Highlands, the Rockwells thought it would be a good idea to open an Inn.

Marple was hired to serve the guests, which he did loyally for many years. A strict servant of Nemacolin’s guests and of himself, Marple set a very rigid schedule. Each morning before he would start his duties, he would rise early to bird watch. Alone, Marple would peruse the grounds, binoculars in hand. Then, at precisely 7 am each morning he would take his post in the main lobby entrance (now the Hardy Lobby). One morning Marple returned with a large log. Mrs. Rockwell questioned him about it and he politely replied, “It is just a new hobby. Never you mind.” And, she allowed him to go about his merry way. But, one morning Marple did not return at his scheduled time. Mrs. Rockwell became concerned and gathered the rest of the staff. They searched the property high and low, but could find no evidence of Marple bird watching that day. When they returned to the Inn they unexpectedly discovered something very expected: Marple, standing his post in at the main entry. But, as they approached they realized that what they were seeing was not really Marple, but a wood carved figure of him, his character captured down to the simplest detail as if his spirit were trapped inside! Mr Rockwell reached forward to receive his last of many deliveries from Marple: a small tented note reading only, “Promise Kept.” as Marple promised to be at work everyday to serve the Inn’s guests.

Today, Marple stands post out side the Cigar Bar in the main hallway of the Chateau Lafayette. Maybe you have never noticed him or maybe he is quietly posed in the background of some of your favorite Nemacolin snapshots. We’d LOVE to see them!

Now, you can believe the legend or not, it's up to you. Some prefer to think that Marple is merely an idea embodied by the creative and whimsical sculpture “Marple” by Jack Dowd. In fact, this “Marple” was purchased by Mr. Hardy for the resort along with several other works by the artist. Ironic, that this Marple is reportedly identical to the original wood piece that showed up upon Mr. Mayham’s mysterious appearance. Some will argue that Dowd heard the legend of Marple and then worked him into one of his characters, as the transfer of the resort property and Dowd’s creation of the sculpture both occurred in the late 1980’s. Others think that Marple was in cahoots with Dowd. Still others find it to be just a coincidence or an amusing little story.

So, next time you are here and something unexpectedly marvelous happens, you may wonder- “Who did that?” Chances are it was your Butler or any of the associates here at Nemacolin waiting to serve you. And if it wasn’t…. well, chances are that it was Marple!

If you’re heading to Nemacolin any time soon, be sure to pack you camera because The Butler Did It video contest is back! Maybe you’ll capture Marple on film during your Nemacolin adventure?

Brenda Girod
Art Collection Specialist
Hardy Family Art Collection

Zip Away With The New Fatbird Canopy Tour!

2011-05-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

Looking for a new and exciting way to spend your next Nemacolin summer vacation? Well the NEW FatBird Canopy Tour at the Adventure Center is just what you thrill seekers are looking for! Situated 40' in the air, this high altitude jungle gym consists of swinging tires, cargo nets, log crossings, zip-lines and much more! Eight obstacles and one zip-line wasn’t enough for the associates and Adventure Center regulars, so we decided to add three new elements and three new zip-lines to the experience. The grand finale being the 1,060' Fatbird Flyer one of the longest zip-lines in Pennsylvania! The sun is out and it’s time to enjoy summer; we hope to see you at the Adventure Center this summer.

Watch our very own Fatbird tackle the NEW Fatbird Canopy Tour. It is such an exciting addition that our Yeti friend left summer hybernation for the experience too!

Nemacolin Banquets Team Unveils New Menu Items

2011-05-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

The Nemacolin Food and Beverage Banquets Team is excited to unveil many upgrades this season with new uniforms, tables, place settings and food displays. However, the grandest upgrade is also the tastiest with the incorporation of banquets "themed" tables including Chef Sean Eckman's favorite... "Relaxing Island Style." The table includes vibrant, fresh and flavor intense Caribbean, Southern Florida classics including Honey Vanilla Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Spiced Marinated Mahi-Mahi and Ginger Coconut Curry Shrimp served in Coconut Shells. Chef Eckman explained of the table, "Just seeing the tablescape you can immediate picture eating this food, poolside, steel drum band playing in background while you relax sipping on a Daiquiri." Now that is paradise!

Check out some images from the tasting and to see some of the new menu items that will be featured on this Summer's Banquets Menu...

Spa Tips From The Insiders...

2011-05-09T06:41:00.000-07:00

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort welcomes you to take advantage of the Woodlands Spa during your next getaway with us! Our international acclaimed Spa features forty well appointed treatment rooms, including four couple’s rooms, and offers nearly 100 treatments and services.

Obtain the ultimate relaxation by preparing for your next Spa visit with some Spa tips from our insiders...

Arrive early and take advantage of the facility. Use Steam or Sauna then take a cold shower and use the whirlpool to relax your body and begin the detoxification process.

Make sure to drink a lot of water during your Spa visit to keep well hydrated and to cleanse the toxins from the body quickly.

Find the Spa specials so that you can take advantage of multiple services and truly reach your goal. It is easier to escape reality and forget about day to day life in 80 minutes then 25 minutes.

Do not shave or tan before visiting the spa, it will make your skin sensitive.

Book a facial to receive massage movements that will enhance your muscle tone by lifting and firming.

Look for services that will replenish your body of vitamins and minerals lost from daily harmful environmental exposure.

Your mom was right, you shouldn’t pick at your face, leave that to the professionals. Your skin care professional will perform extractions which will minimize your pores and make your skin look clear during a 50 or 80 minute Personalized Facial.

Don’t be scared of a deep tissue massage. Yes you can be a little sore afterwards but that can be normal. Always communicate with your provider and drink plenty of water. One reason that you can be sore after a good deep tissue or sports massage is that the muscular and skeletal systems have both been manipulated and worked on just like if you had worked out or done some type of difficult activity. That’s why massage has been labeled the “lazy persons workout.”

Do you workout regularly? Swap your workout once a month for a massage. Your mind will be clearer and your body will thank you and perform better.

Do you have spa tips or secrets that maximize your Spa experiences? If so, please share with our readers. And, one additional tip... want to know the best places to find the spa specials at Nemacolin's Woodlands Spa? Each month a Spa Special is featured. You can learn about these specials through Nemacolin's Facebook and Twitter pages.

"Treat Yourself Good, Treat You Body Better!"
Stephanie Hostetler
Director of Spa Operations - The Woodlands Spa
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Tom Leonards of Stew Leonards Shares Insights With Nemacolin

2011-05-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Tom Leonard, President and CEO of Stew Leonard’s stopped by Nemacolin Woodlands Resort to share with our Management Team what makes their company such a success. It didn’t take long for us to see a parallel in our management philosophies: "Take good care of your people and they in turn will take good care of your customers."

The success of this family-owned business and their legion of loyal shoppers is largely due to their passionate approach to customer service and fostering a fun and fulfilling work environment, much like here at Nemacolin.

We’d like to thank Tom for his time and for sharing his story. Below is a clip from his presentation.

It’s Your Culinary Education

2011-05-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

With the hospitality industry ever growing, there are many ways to receive a culinary education. The three most common are:

1) Traditional culinary school where students study everything from gastronomy to foods from around the world, product identification, and culinary math.
2) A staggerie which is typical of studying overseas where individuals usually work under a well-respected chef and will learn the ideas and concepts from that chef’s career.
3) A formal culinary apprenticeship either overseas or here in the states. Here in the states most apprentices are young adults (with some exception) that work at a certified apprentice site (mostly resorts and hotels) while attending a local community college culinary program.

The reason I chose to write this article is because I am one of the chefs that lead our apprenticeship program here at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and I take great personal pride in the development of our students. Our students are under the careful eye of our Vice President of Food and Beverage/Executive Chef Brent Wertz, CEC, AAC; along with our chef leadership team including Executive Sous Chef Paul Haines who was just awarded “Chef of the Year” for the Laurel Highlands American Culinary Federation (ACF) chapter.

At Nemacolin our students work a full-time schedule in our kitchens on a rotational basis. Here the students learn the culinary basics to succeed in one of the most demanding career fields. As well, the students attend culinary classes at Westmoreland Community College which is where they receive their formal schooling.

Apprentices go through this program which takes approximately 3 years and in return receive an associate’s degree in culinary arts along with certification through the American Culinary Federation (ACF). In order for the students to finish the program, they are put to the test once they conclude their studies by passing a written exam and culinary cooking practical.

Over the past 2 months I have had the great privilege, along with a few other chefs at our property, to train 3 students to go through this vigorous process to reach their ultimate goal. This is an industry of passion, love, and dedication. Those that join the culinary ranks will quickly understand that they will miss out on important times of the year (holidays, birthdays, weekends off, and much more) but will grow to love the instant satisfaction of pleasing palates on a daily basis.

All options for culinary education have a unique style of training and the choice is yours. If interested in a formal apprenticeship make sure to check us out. You will enjoy years of studying under a variety of chefs with an immense amount of experience and receive certification from a Five Star-Five Diamond luxury property.

Seth Mahler
Chef De Cuisine, Falling Rock Hotel

Berlin Wall- A Gift of “Royal” Proportions!

2011-04-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

Today marks an important day in British history: The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton! It’s sure to be a joyous celebration. So, why so blue? Oh, you were not invited? Well, make yourself feel better by making a far less expensive trip to Nemacolin where our staff will treat you like royalty.

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort abounds with all the pomp and circumstance that a Royal Family enjoys with our own whimsy - we have our own castles and butlers, carriages and chauffeurs, equestrian activities, world class chefs, valuable family antiques and art, and entertainment for the whole family.

As you arrive to our Chateau Lafayette you might not expect to be in the presence of royalty, but you just might be! Did you know that Nemacolin has been host to numerous celebrities, not only in the sports and entertainment arenas, but also to actual royalty? One such notable figure is Lord Peter Palumbo.

Lord Palumbo, a former friend of the Royal Family, is also a dear friend of our founder, Joseph A. Hardy III. In fact, Mr. Hardy is so proud of his friendship with Lord Palumbo that he proudly displays a photograph of him in a place of honor in our Chateau Hospitality Suite, home of the Hardy Family’s “Lord of the Manor” memorabilia. That image is an iconic photographic, which shows Lord Palumbo with the late Princess Diana.

We are not sure if Lord Palumbo will present a gift to the new future King and Queen of England; however, he once presented a gift to our Lord Hardy! That gift is a section of the Berlin Wall. Our piece of the Berlin Wall is one of two sections once owned by Lord Palumbo. Both sections were painted by graffiti artist, Idiano (formerly know as Jürgen Grosse), an ex-East-German artist whose work appears in museums, public and private art collections, gardens and art galleries worldwide. Indiano painted 223 wall segments in just 7 months, many of which portray his “Totems”. Our segment clearly shows his totems as artistic symbols of peace. The second section owned by Lord Palumbo can be viewed today at Kentuck Knob, his Frank Lloyd Wright property located just 15 minutes from Nemacolin. To see this and other treasures be sure to ask about our daily complimentary Art Tour.

So, don’t be blue if you’re not attending the Royal Wedding… just stop by Nemacolin Woodlands Resort where we will treat you like royalty- because you are our honored guests!

*Be sure to view our Hospitality Suite to view the Hardy Family’s “Lord of the Manor” memorabilia and the image of Lord Palumbo and Lady Diana, and our portraits of other royalty on the second floor of our Conference Center, such as this 1500’s portrait of Henry VIII.

*Our section of the Berlin Wall can be viewed along Hardy Blvd near the Animal Habitats.

*Other items in the Hardy Family Art Collection once owned by Lord Palumbo include our Pitcairn Mailwing at the Pride & Joy Airplane Hanger and our vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle at the Woodlands Auto Toy Store.

Brenda Girod
Art Collection Specialist
Hardy Family Art Collection

“Little Bird” Meets “Fat Bird”… An Unexpected and Rare Bird

2011-04-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

“It’s a Bird”… “It’s a Plane”… “No, wait! It’s Fat Bird!”

Fat Bird? But, what’s Fat Bird?

Fat Bird is the name for the logo and mascot used by Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. A rare bird indeed, Fat Bird, does not actually represent any particular feathered friend; although, one could argue two origins of Fat Bird with good evidence: it is a whimsical interpretation of 1) the original Nemacolin Resort Logo, or 2) the famous sculpture “Little Bird” by Fernando Botero. No matter which argument you take, you would not be wrong.

Interestingly enough, the original logo for Nemacolin was a bird. That original logo, with a bird mid flight encompassed by circular text reading “Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa”, can still be found in the original Lodge section on the Lodge Circle’s entry doors. That bird representation, as recalled by many of our most seasoned guests, is reminiscent of Pennsylvania’s state bird: the roughed grouse. This was a fitting choice for the resort’s first logo as Nemacolin was originally a remote and private hunting lodge, and whereas the grouse is a crafty creature able to conceal itself in its surroundings for privacy and for protection from hunters. Just like the grouse, families and business professionals alike have flocked to Nemacolin’s private sanctuary to escape the rigors of everyday life. Not to mention that our Fat Bird too physically resembles the roughed grouse. The State of Pennsylvania’s Symbols Manual describes the birds as “distinguished by its plump body, feathered legs, and mottled reddish-brown color”- sound familiar?

On the other hand, we would not have our Fat Bird if not for our owner, Maggie Hardy Magerko, and her father, resort founder, Joseph A Hardy III; their appreciation for fine art; and their joint sense of humor. See, Mr Hardy has long been a patron of the arts. In fact, his Ar t Collection, which is displayed resort-wide, is an eclectic representation of his tastes. Both Maggie and Mr Hardy also enjoy a good laugh, which is evidenced in many of the pieces in the family’s collection. Perhaps most humorous in the Hardy Family Art Collection, however, are the works by Fernando Botero.

Botero, a Columbian artist, is well known in the art world for his “inflated” images of people, food, and animals. His work often pokes fun at masterpieces frequently studied in art history- likely inspired by his studies in Europe. A prominent theme in Botero’s work is the image of a bird. One such bird entitled, “Little Bird,” was created in bronze in 1988.

At some point after its creation, Maggie (likely with her father at the time) saw Botero’s “Little Bird.” The irony of such a large and heavy sculpture being referred to as ‘little’ no doubt struck the Hardy’s as humorous. Imagine, there sits a 3,000+ lb., overweight to say the least, bird… and it is being referred to as “little?” … well, there is nothing little about it. And, with no known meaning: there is sits, irony intended for whimsy sake, solely for the viewers’ enjoyment. As the story goes, Maggie loved it and wanted it to be used at the resort somehow.

With Maggie now in charge of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, the focus seemed to become an increasingly family friendly resort. Botero’s bird seemed to embody the whimsy of the new Nemacolin. A place that offers something for everyone, Nemacolin was becoming as rare a bird in the resort industry as Botero’s “little” bird was to the art world.

A bright businesswoman, Maggie knew that Botero’s work carried a copyright, which would make it nearly impossible to use “Little Bird’s” exact image for the resort’s new logo. But, living under the motto of her father, “nothing is impossible,” Maggie found a way. Therefore, as passed down from curator to curator, the story tells that Maggie took an image of “Little Bird” to wildlife artist, Barney Boller, and challenged him to create his interpretation of a “big, fat bird” thus resulting in our logo’s name: Fat Bird.

Boller created a Mother Bird and 100 smaller bronzes. Each of the bronzes were signed and numbered by the artists and were readily made available to our guests for purchase. Many guests have taken us up on the offer, from a lady in Kansas to President Bush, senior. As time when by, more and more Fat Birds hatched, in a number of mediums and sizes. Today you can buy fat birds in soap and chocolate; made of precious stones, valuable metals, and stuffing; and printed on just about everything from key chains to cookies!

So, on your next visit, tip your hat to Botero’s “Little Bird” as you turn into our main entrance, and smile as our Mother Fat Bird greats you at check-in in the Chateau Lafayette Lobby. And, next time you pass a new guest wondering, “What’s Fat Bird”, you can know with confidence and say, inspired by the words of our owner Maggie herself, “Fat Bird is Nemacolin’s mascot. He is fun and whimsical, just as are the expectations of Nemacolin’s guests.”

Brenda Girod
Art Collection Specialist
Hardy Family Art Collection

Introduce Your Passion To The Next Generation...

2011-04-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

I always think it's great when people want to get their young ones involved with fly fishing early. As I am out on the waters with them, I take a moment and think “this is the future of this great sport.” So if you are passionate about Fly Fishing, introduce your passion and try to get as many kids involved as you can. Regardless on how you do it, being bluegill on a pond or trout in a stream, these are going to be the next generation of conservationist to keep our sport going.

Mike Steiner
Fly Fishing Supervisor
The Nemacolin Field Club

Pan-Asian Meets Five-Star!

2011-04-08T08:52:00.001-07:00

2010 was an exciting year for Falling Rock Hotel at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. The year welcomed a new chef, introduced new dining and lodging concepts and was awarded the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award. With a new year, it is time to push on, continue to grow our offerings and execute the "above and beyond" attitude our guests expect.

Beginning this season the Food and Beverage team at Falling Rock will release a Pan-Asian concept for Sunset Terrace, a glamorous outdoor dining facility featuring panoramic view of the Laurel Highlands, soothing sunsets and exquisite service.

The infusion of Pan-Asian cuisine will add new excitement, flavor and flare to Nemacolin's existing Restaurant Collection. This new dining venue will be available for lunch and dinner starting Memorial Day Weekend 2011.

Guests will be able to experience all types of Asian fare at Sunset Terrace, as our Food & Beverage team will blend ethnic traditional cuisine with contemporary aspects. The menu will feature a wide array of offerings and will include appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and sushi, all of which can be enjoyed with beverage pairings to compliment one's taste.

We hope to see you this summer. Pamper your palate with great food and eclectic drinks and enjoy this new restaurant concept at Falling Rock.

Chef Seth Mahler
Chef De Cuisine
Falling Rock Hotel

Creative Cake Challenge

2011-04-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Teambuilding is one of the most requested subjects when we work with clients at the resort. We are great at delivering an experience that is memorable for the participants, and that is what matters the most.

Why do we say that? Our clients tell us.

Recently we had a group from one of the most prominent universities in the country at the resort. We channeled the Food Network and put together an out-of-the-box teambuilding activity at their request, an event that the entire group could participate in at the same time. After a deep discussion in regards to the goals of the programs, we put a twist on one of our popular programs and properly declared a "Creative Cake Challenge!" Each group was given all of the necessary supplies from food coloring to pastry tips and the challenge was to create a "Spring" themed cake while racing the clock. Under the supervision of our award-wining Chefs, the group designed, created and decorated their cakes, which were then judged by our very own Resort Pastry Chef.

The end? Well one team was declared the winner; however, all felt like winners after participating in one of the best teambuilding experience they have ever experienced. We always enjoy when a client tells us that.

Remembering MY Hero – The Dave Wieger Memorial Golf Event

2011-04-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

November 2, 2007, Red Lobster in Greensburg, PA. My wife and I have just sat down at our table. My phone rings. It’s my brother. I answer, he talks. My heart drops to my feet, my face turns pale white, my wife looks at me with a questioned glare. I look back at her with a tear in my eye. My best friend from high school was killed in action in Balad, Iraq just a day earlier.

Air Force Special Agent, Staff Sgt. David A. Wieger lost his life protecting countless other soldiers and civilians on Nov. 1, 2007 in Iraq. Born and raised in North Huntingdon, PA, Dave came from a very humble, happy home… a typical Pittsburgh family; work hard at what you do and you will succeed. Dave was beyond successful. He worked his way through the ranks while in the Air Force and eventually was invited to become a Special Agent with the OSI (Office of Special Investigations). Not just anyone is invited into this elite team… only the best of the best. Dave thrived in this new position; he loved the danger of it. He aided in the capture of over 20 individuals responsible for terroristic threats/actions while in Iraq. What eventually took Dave’s life was what he tried to fight… a road side bomb otherwise known as an IED (improvised explosive device). What an ironic turn of fate…

Fast forwarding to present day, The Dave Wieger Memorial Golf Event, which is entering into its fourth year, is continuously growing. It is on the brink of becoming a nationally publicized event thanks to The Folds of Honor Foundation with which all proceeds from The DWMGE are donated to. The FHF provides post-secondary education scholarships to children of fallen or injured soldiers. This was a carefully researched foundation due to the fact that Dave loved being around children and teaching them. While in Iraq, he would visit different towns and give the kids’ crayons and books; soccer balls and other toys. It’s not all guns and grenades over there… Americans are making a difference in a positive way and that is exactly what Dave, on his own time, set out to do while in that foreign land.

This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, May 28th at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort once again. Due to the increasing popularity of this charitable event, we have opened both Mystic Rock and The Links for participants. The 2011 event will include a presentation by Major Ed Pulido, VP of Public Relations and Veteran Affairs for Folds of Honor. Major Pulido is a former soldier who had his leg amputated after encountering a roadside bomb in Iraq – the same scenario that cost Special Agent Dave Wieger his life. Major Pulido’s two daughters are Folds of Honor scholarship recipients.

Anyone and everyone are invited to play in this event. If you are interested and are willing to join us for a fun day of golf, food and brewski’s, please visit www.ourherodave.com or the Nemacolin Events Calendar or contact me directly at 724-309-4405.

CLICK HERE to view a video tribute!

Thank you for your time.

Ryan Carmen
Golf Operations Manager
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
ryan.carmen@nemacolin.com
724-329-6474

Bring Back The Bunker...

2011-04-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

Wouldn’t it be fun to see the greenside bunker really be a hazard again? The way it is now, most top level players would rather be in the banker than on the grass that surrounds it. The shot has become a fairly easy task. The sand is such good texture and so well cared for that a player simply hits a few inches behind the ball and up it goes on the green for a tap-in par! Add to that the 60-degree wedges available now, and the bunker is anything BUT a hazard! Why have bunkers at all if they are not hazards?

Professionals and top amateurs actually aim to get in bunkers when they know they can’t reach or get on a green. This drastically changes course strategy, and bunkers, once regarded as a place NOT to be, have become a safe haven; not to mention the cost of maintaining them for the individual facilities and the time it takes players to rake them.

What if we left them alone? How would golfers handle un-raked, unkempt greenside bunkers? Well I have to believe that area would again be a place to be avoided. Would tour players be firing right at hole locations tucked behind bunkers if they knew it was a mess in there? Would they wail away on a par-5 thinking, “the worst thing that happens is I’m in that bunker”any longer? I don’t think so. Might be fun to see how strategies and scores might change.

Notice I said nothing of the fairway bunker. Fairway bunkers are still enough of a hazard that they are avoided at all cost; (which is the definition of a hazard anyway). Golf course architects still use them to intimidate players on the tee, make them play AWAY from the bunker, not hit AT it! So we continue to rake and maintain those. But let’s bring a herd of buffalo in on Wednesday after the pro am, have them stampede through the greenside bunkers and don’t rake them until Monday morning when the members play again! Only kidding about the buffalo, but I am serious about golf course strategy once again being a part of tournament golf. It would be fun to watch!

Dennis Clark
PGA Master Professional
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Congratulations Chef Paul Haines!

2011-03-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Chef Paul Haines!

Chef Haines was nominated and voted Chef of the Year by the Laurel Highlands Chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF). The American Culinary Federation, Inc. (ACF), is a professional, organization for chefs and cooks, that was founded in 1929 in New York City by three chefs’ organizations: the Societe Culinaire Philanthropique, the Vatel Club and the Chefs de Cuisine Association of America. They are an organization based on promoting the professional image of American Chefs worldwide through education of culinarians at all levels. They offer culinary competitions, certification, national apprenticeship program, regional and national events, magazines and much more to help foster the growth of professional chefs and the foodservice industry.

Chef Paul Haines, a native of Western Pennsylvania started his career through an apprenticeship at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in the early 1990’s. After serving locally as the Executive Chef at the Summit Inn and the Executive Chef at the Stone House, Chef Haines found himself back at Nemacolin where he became the Chef de Cuisine of the Tavern. After his second departure from Nemacolin, he went on to become the Chef de Partie of In-Room Dining at the Sea Island Company in Georgia. By gaining new experiences and learning new techniques, Chef Haines returned back to his home here in the Laurel Highlands to take on the position as the Tavern’s Chef de Cuisine at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort as well as the resorts sole ice sculptor. Chef Haines was promoted to Executive Sous Chef of Casual Dining in 2010. Since accepting the position, Chef Haines has had the opportunity to expand the casual dining experience by opening the CaddyShack Restaurant in the Spring of 2010. Chef Haines also over sees The Tavern, Wildside and Hungry Moose Restaurants.

Once again, congratulations Chef Paul on a job well done!

We Love Our Guests!

2011-03-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

We Love Our Guests! Nemacolin Woodlands Resort prides itself in outstanding customer service and providing our guests with a memorable experience. Thank you Ms. Donna T., a Senior Executive and Event Planner, for providing us with the opportunity to serve your team in customizing many one-of-a-kind corporate events. Read what we received after the most recent event:

"As a long-standing client, I have worked with Lori Glisan and her team where we started small with great themes and have now evolved to grand events. Each and every year has superseded the previous one. Our guests continually rate our conferences as “the best one ever” a resounding survey result year after year – simply amazing! The Nemacolin ThemeWorks Team will make you, the events coordinator, a standout! ~ Ms. Donna T.

Nemacolin's ThemeWorks Department is a professional team of event designers, specializing in taking your next special event to a new magical level with theme event decor, special lighting, entertainment and much more.

Below are images from the "Alice In Wonderland" themed event described above. In Donna's words, "it was a standout!"

Congratulations Susan!

2011-03-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Susan Pelfry, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort Fitness Supervisor, for becoming an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer!

The ACSM is the International Gold Standard in health fitness and clinical exercise qualifications. ACSM establishes the exercise guidelines that all other certifications use for testing. The ASCM certification provides a second to none bench-mark for competence in exercise and sports science and health and fitness professionals for clients and employers. It is the most rigorous in the industry, requiring the highest level of knowledge and skill and establishing the standard for all other certifications.

ACSM was the first to certify health fitness professionals and to date they have certified over 25,000 health fitness professionals in 44 countries.

So once again, congrats Susan on a job well done!

Fitness Center Adds TRX Suspension Training

2011-03-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort's Fitness Center is excited to announce a new fitness offering, TRX Suspension Training. TRX is a total body workout that uses your own body weight for resistance. TRX training will improve your core stability, balance, flexibility and overall strength. A great tool to prevent muscular imbalances, as so many of the smaller muscle groups are recruited to help balance out the movement. TRX training is very time efficient and a short 30 minute workout that will get your heart pumping and challenge core muscles you were never aware of.

Taught by Susan Pelfrey, ACSM CPT, Nemacolin's Fitness Supervisor and recently certified ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, TRX Training is considered an intermediate fitness level.

A 30 minute session is $45. Weight limit of 175 lbs. Please contact the Woodlands Spa at 724.329.6774 for more details.

The Ancient Art of Ayurveda

2011-02-22T10:34:00.000-08:00

Among the many services at the Woodlands Spa, Ayurveda is the most deeply rooted in the ancient arts. Ayurveda is considered by many scholars to be the oldest healing science. The knowledge of Ayurveda originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. This system places great emphasis on prevention and encourages maintaining health by paying close attention to balance in one’s life through right thinking, diet, lifestyle and herbs.

Just as everyone has an individual face or thumb print, according to Ayurveda, each person has a particular pattern of energy – an individual combination of physical, mental and emotional characteristics. At the Woodlands Spa before your therapist performs an Ayurvedic service they have you fill out a constitution card. This constitution card identifies three basic types of energy or functional principles called vata, pitta, and kapha. These principles are within all people and at different times in our lives there is a primary, secondary and least prominent.

Through insight, understanding and experience, Ayurveda presents a vast “database” of the relationship between causes and their affects, both immediate and subtle, for each unique individual. Once you know your most prominent principles your provider will customize a service for you and leave you with a number of recommendations on how to bring more balance into your life.

The Woodlands Spa Ayurvedic experiences include our very own...

Laurel Rebalancer:
After determining your dosha, your therapist will apply a blend of healing and exfoliating herbs and herbal oils to your body. You will then be comfortably cocooned in steamed towels aiding in further absorption – deepening relaxation and purifi cation and promoting a heightened sense of well being.

Highlands Emersion:
The original Bindi Herbal Body Treatment is at the heart of our Ayurvedic Ritual program. This luxurious treatment uses herbal infused oils and a botanical body mask to exfoliate, cleanse, detoxify and nourish, after which the body is immersed in a soothing hydrotherapy bath.

Hot Stone Shirodhara:
The ultimate in bliss! Soothing warm stone massage combined with Ayurvedic oils sets the tone for altered states of tranquility. Special oils are streamed on the “third eye,” causing the mind to become still and peaceful. Healing Energy Work is added to bring the body into balance allowing the mind to float away and the spirit to soar.

For more information on the services mentioned above, please contact Nemacolin Woodlands Resort's Woodlands Spa at 724.329.6774 or 866.344.6957.

"Treat Yourself Good, Treat You Body Better!"
Stephanie Hostetler
Director of Spa Operations - The Woodlands Spa
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Upland Bird Hunting Added To Field Club Amenities

2011-02-10T06:35:00.000-08:00

Is the outdoorsman inside you yearning to get out? The Field Club at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is just the place for you. We now offer Upland Bird Hunting on 275 acres of groomed strips of cover planted land. Natural cover is also present, making for superb upland bird hunting. The elusive ring-necked pheasant along with the unpredictable chukar are the birds we offer for release. Hunts include a professional guide and well mannered bird dogs to provide an educational, safe and memorable hunting experience.

Our Upland Bid Hunting season runs from September through mid April, Monday – Saturday. No license is required. Young hunters must be a minimum of 12 years old and have passed a hunter safety course in their home state. A parent or guardian (18 or older) must accompany young hunters at all times. Florescent orange is required to be worn while afield and is available for use. Rental guns, along with ammunition are available at The Field Club. Field dressing of your harvest is available for an additional fee.

Discover the benefits available to your group by hosting a Corporate Hunt at The Filed Club. A great teambuilding activity, Upland Bird Hunts provide an alternative setting to strengthen bonds and trust and open doors for networking and relationship building. Corporate packages can be customized for your group. Above is a picture from our last Corporate hunt.

For more information, please contact The Nemacolin Field Club at 724.329.6770.

Chuck Groff
Upland Hunting / Sporting Clays Supervisor
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Epic Conditions At Mystic Mountain!

2011-02-03T07:47:00.000-08:00

POWDER HOUNDS BEWARE!

70+ inches of natural snow has fallen on Mystic Mountain since December 1, 2010, keeping us on pace to crush our yearly average of 100 inches. Conditions have been fantastic and will continue to get better throughout February and early March. That’s right I said early March, we are extending our season until March 13, 2011 because our snowpack is so deep!

Great conditions are an even better excuse to take advantage of our Neighbors & Friends Nights every Friday from 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Our Friday night ski special includes a lift ticket and rental for just $20! New to the sport? On Fridays from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. we offer one-hour beginner lessons for just $25 per person; however, reservations are required. And, forget about the big group lessons that most resorts offer, Mystic Mountain's Ski School prides itself by offering one-on-one lessons so you get the most out of your time.

Saturday night the fun continues with our new Mystic Mountain Winter Concert Series! Come to the Hitchin' Post and experience live bands starting at 8:00 p.m. There is no better way to celebrate a day of skiing, then sipping on some cold beverages and listening to live music.

If cabin fever is setting in for you this winter... get our of your funk by strapping on those long boards and enjoying a day with us at Mystic Mountain! And you never know,with conditions like this... the Yeti even makes an appearance or two!

COME SHRED THE GNAR!

Matt Grobe
Director of Activities
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

The Importance of Beef in a Steak House

2011-02-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

One of the most common trends in our industry right now is a “fine dining” steak house. Chefs take you on a journey with trendy cooking techniques, uncommon foods from around the world, and a selection of beef to pleasure the individual’s style and palate.

Unlike how restaurants used to offer beef options (mostly when diners would only select the cut of meat they preferred), guests are now ordering the type of meat, option of grass fed, possibility to supplement such as wagyu or kobe, and lastly the option of aged or not. Our main focus is the concentration on aging beef, the styles of aging, and the benefits that come with it.

Most restaurants that offer aged beef on their menu will do this process in house if space allows. As for most chefs having their hands on every step of the process not only allows them to have a better knowledge of their product, it also gives a larger sense of ownership in the finished product.

The two major styles for aging beef are wet and dry aged. Wet aging beef is done in a vacuum sealed bag held at 32 to 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Since there is no importance on humidity or air velocity, this is the most common and inexpensive way to age beef. Wet aging only takes between 2 and 4 days and will help tenderize the product.

Dry aging beef is now a widely accepted and in most cases expected process for upscale steak houses. Dry aging is done for a period of 10 to 28 days while holding beef between 32 and 34 degrees Fahrenheit. The two other major characteristics with dry aging is having the humidity level between 85 and 100% and the air velocity of 0.5 to 2.5 m/sec. Since dry aging is more expensive, you will usually see high value cuts of meat such as loins and ribs go through this process. During the process of dry aging two things happen. Moisture evaporates creating a greater concentration of flavor and taste while the natural enzymes break down the connective tissues allowing for a tenderer product. Naturally there is product shrinkage and trim loss due to drying and surface mold.

Whatever your choice may be, the recognition of beef and its immense styles are endless allowing chefs to produce more flavors and focal points for you to choose from.

Seth Mahler
Chef De Cuisine - Aqueous
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Brews and Stews – Braise With Beer This Season

2011-01-26T04:59:00.000-08:00

As the temperature drop below freezing, kitchens everywhere are heating up with foods that bring warmth and comfort to frigid evenings. A thick and hearty stew may be just what the season calls for, so gather up the essential ingredients – savory beef, seasonal vegetables and of course your favorite brew and get into the kitchen and start cooking.

For a delicious twist on the typical stew, try braising your beef with beer for added flavor and tenderness.

Not familiar with braising? This cooking technique has been around since the 19th century, when stews like burgoo, bouillabaisse and gumbo became popular. Because braising gives even the toughest of meats tenderness and flavor – it’s the perfect way to make less expensive meats delicious. In today’s culinary arena, tougher cuts of meat such as brisket, shanks or short ribs are often simmered in a covered pot with beer in order to make the beef as tender as possible.

Braising Basics:
The key to braising lies in the heat, time and moisture used to cook the meat. When done properly, the connective tissue and collagen's in the meat break down and the flavors of the beef intermingle with the beer broth. Try using a stout or a dark beer to impart a sweet and malty flavor to the beef.

Here are a few tips to help get you started on your very own mouth-watering beef stew:

Begin by seasoning the cut of meat with salt and pepper and lightly coating it with flour.
Heat a small amount of oil in a large pot on medium-high heat. Sear or brown the meat on all sides to seal in the juices.
Add about ½ cup of beer (dark beer or stout) and cover the pan so that steam is contained inside.
Simmer on the stove-top or in the oven at 300 degrees until fork tender.
Serve the meat, using the cooked beer as a sauce or gravy.

You can also use this technique to incorporate beer into other recipes, including chicken cacciatore, braised monkfish, Sheppard’s Pie, goulash and beef bourguignon – a traditional French beef stew. I recommend experimenting with different styles of beer to see which you like best with different types of meats.

Once you’ve beefed up your meat with the juicy flavor of your favorite beer, incorporate it into your winter stew.

Add in your favorite seasonal vegetables – beans, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and root vegetables such as carrots, turnips or parsnips work well.
Stew them with your newly braised beef in a beer reduction. You can start with one of my favorites, like a Stone Mill Pale Ale, or select one of your own.

Thick stews with hearty pieces of meat and vegetables make the perfect one-pot meal. Aside from being delicious, it also makes for easy clean up! So whether you’re spending a night alone by the fire or cooking for out-of-town guests, a savory and hearty beef and beer stew will be sure to warm up cold nights this winter.

Cheers!
Chef Brent Wertz
Director of Food & Beverage
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Jump Start 2011...

2011-01-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

Lose weight, eat right, exercise... health related resolutions for the New Year are the most promised and broken. Our Fitness Supervisor, Susan Pelfrey shares some tidbits of knowledge to keep you on the right path towards a healthier YOU in 2011!

Increase metabolism through weight training. Train each major muscle group twice a week. Perform 8-10 exercises and 2 sets of 12 repetitions. This will improve your muscle to fat ratio and increase calories burned at rest
Hip to waist ratio is a better indicator of heart disease than BMI. Divide your waist measurement into hip measurement. Women should be below .85 and men below 1.0.
A healthy diet should include no more than 40 grams of added sugar daily. That is equal to just 6 teaspoons! A 12oz soda contains roughly 8 teaspoons of added sugar!
Keep a journal of your exercise and eating habits. Studies show we are 50% more successful of improving lifestyles and losing weight when we write things down.
About 70% of overeating is emotional. Food is intended to nourish and fuel our bodies. Learn a new coping skill when you’re stressed, bored or just mad at the world.

Next time you are at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort make time for fitness by visiting our Fitness Center and partaking in one of our weekly complimentary Fitness Classes. Click Here to download the Fitness Schedule.

Susan Pelfrey
Fitness Supervisor
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Top 10 of 2010

2011-01-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

Already 10 days into the new year and brainstorming and planning sessions are well underway to make 2011 one of the very best at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. But before we completely say goodbye to a great 2010 we wanted to take a moment to look back on some moments, highlights and accomplishments that made our 2010 memorable.

Nemacolin's Top 10 of 2010:

10. Fatbird Flyer Opens
Over 10,000 flights have taken place at speeds of up 60 mph since its opening in
May 2010.

9. Dining Excitement
Autumn goes green, CaddyShack reopens as BBQ Joint,
Tavern re-invents "Pub" menu & much more!

8. Snowmageddon 2010
Over 100" of snow fell in February 2010 alone making it the snowiest month ever recorded at Mystic Mountain. It also brought an extended season.

7. Nemacolin Partners with JEEP
The ultimate off-road experience! The Off-Road Driving Academy now features JEEP Rubicons with Ride Alongs & Instructional Series.

6. Over $70,000 donated to Breast Cancer Research
Through the donated production costs of the "Nothing is Impossible" Brighton Necklace, Pretty In Pink & Battle of the Bird Fundraising Events.

5. Record Setting Year on The Links Course
Most rounds EVER played on course!

4. We Meet The Butler!
Expect the Unexpected at Nemacolin. Our Summer Interactive Campaign - The Butler Did It welcomed guests to share their own stories through video with a chance to win a Three-Night Nemacolin Vacation Package valued over $2,000! Shh... We hear the Butler will be BACK in 2011!

3. The Prince is Born!
Nemacolin welcomed a rare White Lion, born on July 6, 2010. The population of White Lions is unknown but the most recent count in 2004 revealed 30.

2. Forbes Bestows Five-Star Awards!
Congratulations to Falling Rock and Lautrec for earning Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awards for 2011! There are 54 hotels designated as Forbes Five-Star, but only 6 resorts in the world boast Forbes Five-Star ratings in both the dining and lodging categories.

1. OUR GUESTS!
A BIG thank you to our loyal guests for supporting our Resort and being a member of the Nemacolin family. Our successes in 2010 are more than anything because of you!

You Know It Is A Nemacolin Holiday When...

2010-12-15T10:03:00.000-08:00

You know it is a Nemacolin holiday when... you walk through our Chateau Lafayette Lobby and are greeted by the sweet smell and whimsical charm of our Gingerbread display. The Lobby's Gingerbread display is a Nemacolin tradition that gathers our guests each year. With over 100 hours of labor our display includes a sweet tooth's dream. Plus, it is the details that make people come back, because each time you look at it, you see something new.

GINGERBREAD VILLAGE STATISTICS:

100 POUNDS OF GINGERBREAD
200 POUNDS OF POWDERED SUGAR
40 POUNDS OF EGG WHITES
25 ICE CREAM CONES
5 POUNDS OF PEPPERMINT STARLITE MINTS
5 POUNDS OF SPEARMINT STARLITE MINTS
100 GUMBALLS
500 GRAHAM CRACKERS
60 NERD ROPES
500 JELLY BEANS
144 KIT KATS
5 POUNDS OF GUMDROPS
5 POUNDS OF CHOCOLATE NON-PAREILS
250 MINI CANDY CANES
3.5 POUNDS OF HERSHEY KISSES
2 POUNDS OF NERDS
2 POUNDS OF MARSHMALLOWS
10 POUNDS OF CHOCOLATE ROCKS
200 HERSHEY BARS
180 TWIZZLERS
5 POUNDS SUPER SOURS
200 JUNIOR MINTS
396 COOKIES & CREAM BARS
5 POUNDS SNOW CAPS
200 REESE CUPS
5 POUNDS STRAWBERRY BON BONS
500 NELLA WAFERS
400 OREOS
50 LIFESAVERS
100 FROOTIES
2 POUNDS JELLY WREATHS
2,000 ANDES CANDIES
7 POUNDS JUJUBES
20 POUNDS OF FAKE SNOW

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE ASSOCIATES THAT WORKED ON THE VILLAGE:

KANYA KNOX, SHEENA HUSAR, STACEY HOLLIS, ALICIA FALLAS, JUSTIN WILSON, LACEY SCHRINER, JENNA ORMSBY, LISA FRANK, COLLEEN BURGESS, CODY GARLETTS, JOSH STILLWAGON, JANELLE HUTCHISON, NOEL MAHLER, JOHN BRETH, ANN LOPARO, JOHN GARTIN, KRYSTAL JENNINGS, BEN ORENDORFF, MINDY ELLIAS, MATT BELL, SEAN ECKMAN, BANQUET SET UP, BANQUET PROP TEAM,
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

WOODEN FRAME COMPLETED BY THE CARPENTERS OF THE NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

AMBER FRAZEE, BANQUET PASTRY CHEF

Hair Care Tips From Our Spa Experts

2010-12-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Don't stress out it is normal... we can lose over 100 hairs a day. If you use hair spray, gel, root boost, ect. those hairs may not fall out until you shampoo and that bond is broken. So until there is a small cat gathering in the shower drain or a patch of missing hair, do not worry it is completely normal.

Growing out your hair? Keep up on your trims, every 6 weeks is the average! Most women, when growing out their hair, skip trims so they can add length, but what happens when you try to stretch a cut is the everyday styling and shampooing cause the ends to dry and split causing your stylist to remove more inches. So keep up on your trims and length will come even faster.

Shampooing... WE DO NOT NEED DAILY SHAMPOOING! If you are a daily "shampooer" you probably shampoo because your hair looks "greasy." Take this challenge: let your hair go for the weekend, don't shampoo from Friday till Monday. On Monday shampoo and condition then skip Tuesday, wash Wednesday. Then continue to wash every other day. Your scalp is just like your skin, the more oil you remove (shampooing) the more oil you will produce. Think of the time you will save in the mornings. This will also help your color to last longer, because water and shampoo speed the fading process.

"Treat Yourself Good, Treat You Body Better!"
Stephanie Hostetler
Director of Spa Operations - The Woodlands Spa
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Congratulations to Our Associates of the Month!

2010-11-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

Our friend John DiJulius "THE Authority in Customer Service" is famous for saying, "World Class is not a hat you put on and take off, it is something you are to your customers, co-workers, at home and in your community."

We honor the Associates of the Month and thank them for their "World Class" skills and attitude and for contributing to the success of our Resort.

Maybe you will even recognize one of these friendly faces during your next Nemacolin experience.

ASSOCIATES OF THE MONTH

Rising Star:
Earl Guthrie - Autumn Kitchen

Back of the House:
John Quarrick - Engineering

Front of the House:
Jimmy Shaffer - Shooting Academy

Leader of the Month:
Anna Madsen Phillips - Accounting

Team of the Quarter:
Retail

2011 Membership Program Announced...

2010-11-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort Golf Introduces New Membership Program for 2011

2011 Links Memberships:

Individual Memberships - $500
Family Memberships - $1,000
Junior Memberships - $200

Plus, new for 2011... a Practice Facility Membership for just $100 gives you use of the Links Practice Facility, 10% discount at the Gazebo and CaddyShack Restaurants and Bag Storage.

DOWNLOAD the 2011 Links Memberships Brochure. Join and pay before
December 31, 2010 and receive up to $200 savings on select memberships.

2011 Mystic Rock Memberships:

Individual Memberships
Rock Corporate Memberships
Boulder Corporate Memberships

DOWNLOAD the 2011 Mystic Rock Memberships Brochure to learn more.

Winter Golf Tips

2010-11-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

So we know it is not "officially" winter; however, with the chance of snow tonight and tomorrow we know it is coming. Our Director of Golf, PGA Professional, Dennis Clark shares golf tips for the winter season.

There are things you can do to keep your game sharp in the off-season. Short of going to Florida on a regular basis, let’s consider a few of them:

Stay in Shape: The best thing any of us can do is stretch and strengthen our bodies. Pilates seems to be a very popular thing on the PGA Tour these days. There are a number of golf specific stretches within that discipline.
Train New Habits: Hitting into a net is effective if and only if you are practicing the right way. Many golfers groove BAD habits by practicing their old, flawed swings. The off-season is a great time to train NEW habits by doing drills. Take a fall lesson and seek efficient drills from the pro.
Television and magazines are fun but not always helpful. Knowing which of the tips applies to YOUR swing is vital.
If you purchase new equipment, make sure it is fitted properly!
Stay warm, healthy and safe.

I’ll see you in the spring!

Dennis Clark
Director of Golf, PGA Master Professional
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Fall Peak Is Here!

2010-10-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, have the colors popped! Just when we started to think the dryness this summer may have impacted the vibrant colors, Mother Nature came to our rescue and just in time. Last weekend was our 3rd Annual Fall Festival and not only was the event a great success, but the colors of the Laurel Highlands started to really show off.

We have been watching and each day this week, it seems as if the leaves intensify. Most "official" reports predict that our region is at about 80% peak level with the estimated period of peak season starting today, October 15, 2010 through October 24, 2010. So hurry, time is of the essence for Fall Leaf Peeping in the Laurel Highlands, but if you can't make a road trip we posted some images below to showcase the beauty of Fall across the Resort!

Pork Many Ways

2010-10-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

PORK MANY WAYS
Brined Loin, Crispy Belly, Bacon, Cracklins’, Onion Marmalade, Sage

The dream of any Chef is to be able to do as much “in house” as possible. Take extraordinary product and take it one step higher by putting your own personal touches on it to make it unique to you and your restaurant. This dish is just that…

Pork Many Ways is made up of Brined Tenderloin, Crispy Belly, Bacon, Cracklins' and Jus. We had the amazing opportunity of purchasing an entire pig and as a team breakdown each section start to finish. Curing, smoking, brining, frying, roasting, you name it, we tried it.

By taking the larger portion of the pork belly and milk brining it, roasting it and pressing it over night we get a nice white, crispy pork belly that is then glazed with the jus that accompanies the dish. The jus was made by taking the bones of the pig, roasting them and making our own rich pork stock. Taking this stock and infusing sage, thyme, garlic and onion help to create a deliciously aromatic sauce that can accompany all of the four variations of pork.

Next, we have the bacon, by curing and smoking our own bacon in house we have the ability to control the degree of saltiness, sweetness and intensity of smoke. Also, with the addition of certain flavors like cocoa, apples and cayenne we have now created something unique that compliments other aspects of the dish like the pear puree, egg custard and the sweet and sourness of the onion marmalade.

The final two preparations of pork found on the dish are the tenderloin and the cracklins'. The tenderloin is cider and garlic brined, trussed and cooked in our wood burning oven with pork fat that we have rendered in house for additional flavor to a juicy medium. The cracklins' perched a top the slice of pork add texture, crunch and a bit of spice as they are tossed in a mix of cayenne, salt and garlic powder.

A dish representing not only the versatility of pork but the countless opportunities a kitchen has in creating new dishes with it.

Kristin A. Butterworth
Chef de Cuisine – Lautrec
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Preparing For Our Fall Festival Weekend!

2010-10-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

The weather seems to be on our side (sunshine and 72 degrees) for tomorrow's
3rd Annual Fall Festival and Craft Beer Brewfest! As we drove around property today we were able to see other signs that a great event is upon us...

FROGGY Radio - Check!

Craft Fair Tables In Place - Check!

Bonfire Wood Chopped - Check!

Pumpkin Patch - Check!

Excited Associates - Check!

Everything is falling into place! Hope to see you there!

Spa October - Harvest Awakening Kur

2010-10-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

Woodlands Spa features the Harvest Awakening Kur during October!

Regularly $180 for an 80-Minute Service - Download our Monthly Special which includes a $50 savings on the service during the month of October!

The Harvest Awakening Kur is a fantastic combination of three different treatments and is a great option for guests that are looking for multiple experiences at our Woodlands Spa.

Your service starts in one of our private rooms complete with a massage table and a hydrotherapy tub. The service begins with a full body exfoliation with a cornmeal scrub, which your therapist will use to scrub your arms, legs, feet, back and stomach. It is a great way to get rid of any dry summer skin that is lingering and leaves your skin fresh and new.

After the scrub, you are wrapped in a warm desert clay and covered with steaming hot towels that help to further cleanse your skin and remove impurities. It also begins a detoxification process within the body. While you are wrapped in the heat, you will receive an extremely relaxing facial and scalp massage. An ideal combination to enter a relaxing state for dreaming.

After your facial and scalp massage, you will soak in our hydrotherapy tub enveloped in the steamy aroma of cedar and frankincense. The tub has high pressure water jets to massage key areas of the body, including your lower back, neck, shoulders and legs. It is a great way to experience a variety of services while never leaving the room.

Join us at the Woodlands Spa and celebrate the fall harvest with us!

Lori Shubert
Director of The Woodlands Spa
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Golf Is A Reaction Game

2010-09-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

To most of us golf seems like a deliberate, planned exercise where we act on the ball or we initiate the motion. Unlike baseball where we react to the ball hit our way or the pitch thrown at us; or tennis where we react to the serve of the opponent, in golf it seems there is no need to REACT simply because the ball is just sitting there. You could not be more mistaken.

In golf every shot we hit, every stroke we make, is a reaction to one of two things:

Either the shot you have just hit.
Or the shot you usually hit!

If you slice the ball, you will instinctively aim or swing to the left. If you hook the ball, you will instinctively aim or swing to the right. What’s more, these are involuntary responses; knee jerk reactions, not at all dissimilar to ducking from something coming directly at our head!

This is the very reason you are having difficulty with your alignment. I see no end to golfers on the lesson tee who think they are aimed at the target and, in fact, are not even close. And it’s not just aiming that is the problem. If, for example, you release the club too early in your downswing, you will instinctively pull up through impact. The problem is you are not aware you’re doing this! Unless it’s observed in a golf lesson or on video, you will never know the problem or the extent of it.

What to do? First of all, take a lesson. Get a look at your swing on video. You will be amazed at what you see! The only way to properly correct these flaws is to change the ball flight that causes them. The correction for a slice is hook. If you want to change your left-aiming, left-swinging habits, you need to start drawing or even hooking the ball. Your pro will help will this, but the sooner you do it the better. You probably have years of that ugly, over-the-top move that has held you back for so long, so get started with a lesson to correct it.

Remember this: YOUR DESIRE TO HIT THE BALL AT THE TARGET WILL ALWAYS EXCEED YOUR CAPACITY TO AIM AT IT!

Dennis Clark
Director of Golf, PGA Master Professional
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Fall Is Here!

2010-09-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

And so are the colors of Fall. In the last week or so the Laurel Highlands have really begun to showcase the beautiful fall foliage. Yellow hues were the first of the colors to begin showing at the tops of trees, but over the past week bright reds from the Maple trees which cover the area are the boldest.

Fall foliage viewing has begun early this year especially in the higher elevations as a result of the dry summer conditions. Regardless the foliage is beginning its' breathtaking transformation and really deserves a road trip. Foliage reports are predicting October 9 - 20, 2010 as the peak time for full color.

A Delicious Ending To Your Next Meal...

2010-09-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

CHOCOLATE TERRINE
Dark and White Chocolates, Cherries, Dehydrated Mousse

A twist on a classic French dish we take dark chocolate, cream, agar agar and gelatin and layer it with white chocolate, cream, agar agar, gelatin and cherries to create a contrast of flavor and color in our chocolate terrine. A terrine by definition is either a loaf made from force meat or the vessel for which it is created in. In the case of our dessert it is in reference to the vessel.

The creation of this dish is a process consisting of proper tempering, timing and patience to create perfectly balanced layers. Accompanied by a savory yet subtly sweet cherry sauce made from cherries, vanilla, brown butter, Black Muscat wine and balsamic, the sauce helps to lighten the dish slightly with acidity to cut through an otherwise rich end to the meal. The texture on the dish is the dehydrated mousse and the silver mint from the chef’s garden adds color and an additional depth of flavor.

Though simplistic looking in appearance this dessert start to finish takes over 4 hours to create and hopefully will help to show the guest that time and a whole lot of commitment went into making the finish of to their meal memorable.

Kristin A. Butterworth
Chef de Cuisine – Lautrec
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Autumn Is Going Green!

2010-08-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

In the process of "going green," Autumn is utilizing as many local resources as possible. In addition to being the first Permanent Business Partner of PASA (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture) we order many products from Penn Corner Farm Alliance, which is a 10 farm co-op that produces a wide variety of products ranging from fresh green beans to organic chicken. Autumn is also using a local Pennsylvania duck company called Joe Jurgielewicz & Son, a producer of some of the highest quality duck and duck products in the country. We also have some of the best lamb in the country in our back yard - Green County, Pennsylvania. Elysian Fields produces a wonderfully mild and consistent product. With all these local companies producing such high quality product it almost seems easy for us to go green. And to respect these local companies we pour as much love into our food as they do their respective products.

To learn more about Autumn, Click Here.
View Autumn's New Menus:

Ben Dansberger
Chef de Cuisine - Autumn
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Nemacolin Hosts 97th Pennsylvania Amateur Golf Championship

2010-08-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

Pictured are Cory Siegfried (Champion on Left) and Chuck Dannenberg (Assoc. President on Right

This past week the Mystic Rock Golf Course at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort played host to the 97th Pennsylvania Amateur Golf Championship. Cory Siegfried, who plays out of the Philadelphia Country Club, was the champion. He posted a 54 hole score of 208 that was 8 under par for the three days. Grant Martens, from Wildwood Golf Club, placed second at 5 under and Anthony DeGol, Scotch Valley Country Club, placed third at 4 under. The event was a huge success, thanks to the great weather and the volunteers and staff of the Pennsylvania Golf Association!

Click Here for more event details, including course stats and scoring.

What is next?
The Mystic Rock golf course will play host to the 2012 Pennsylvania State Open. The State Open was last held at Mystic Rock in 2006 where Kyle Davis (A) posted a 6 under to win the championship.

Meet Prince of Nemacolin...

2010-07-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Meet Nemacolin newest member of the family! Prince of Nemacolin was born at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort on July 6, 2010. His mother and father both reside at the Resort and are part of our Wildlife Academy. The Father is a White Lion, the mom is not but a white gene carrier.

Want to see the lions? Our Wildlife Habitats are free to the public and can be viewed by car. However, we recommend parking your vehicle and walking between Habitats.

Prince of Nemacolin is currently being featured in our Wild Animal Shows which takes place each Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

White Lion Fun Facts:

White cubs occasionally turn up among tawny lions in the Timbavati and Kruger National Park regions.
White lions are not a separate subspecies.
The population of the white lion is unknown but the most recent count was in 2004 and 30 were alive.
White lions are not albino lions. The white color is caused by a recessive gene known as a color inhibitor.
It has not been scientifically proven; however, many claim the white lions suffer a distinct disadvantage in nature because they are highly visible to prey and / or hunters.

Sneak Peak at 2010 Holiday Ornament!

2010-07-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Introducing... the 1st Annual Nemacolin 2010 Holiday Ornament!

This 2010 Nemacolin Woodlands Resort Limited Edition Ornament represents the holiday traditions and memories that have come to mean so much to our guests.

Our three dimensional ornament features the famed Chateau Lafayette, a benchmark for excellence in resort lodging, designed to replicate the famed Ritz Paris in France, flanked by red poinsettias, the traditional holiday flower.

To order your Nemacolin 2010 Holiday Ornament, please visit our online Nemacolin Shopping Experience or contact our Retail Department at 724.329.6014. Each ornament is delivered in a holiday green gift box with a nicely written story card.

NEW Off-Road Driving Academy...

2010-07-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

NEW! Nemacolin Woodlands Resort's Off-Road Driving Academy now features the JEEP Rubicons. Get behind the wheel and take to the course this summer!

1-Hour and 30-Minute Instructional Series and 30-Minute Ride Alongs are available!
Please contact a Resort Sales Specialist at 866.344.6957 for more details.

Meet Stitch!

2010-06-29T09:51:00.001-07:00

Meet Stitch!

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort's Wildlife Academy is dedicated to providing interactive entertainment and live animal programs with an emphasis on education. With a large variety of animal species calling Nemacolin home, we are proud to welcome the newest member of our animal family, Stitch, a Pensillata Marmoset.

Some fun facts about Marmosets:

Smallest primate in the world.
Even when full grown a Marmoset will weigh less than a pound.
Marmosets are found in the Tropical Regions of the Americas.
Marmosets feed on plant exudate's such as gum, sap and resin, as well as an insectivore diet.

The Off-Road Driving Academy Is Back!

2010-06-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Off Road Driving Academy At Nemacolin will be in full force this summer with the addition of the Jeep Rubicons! Operating daily for Instructional Series and Ride Alongs, these four door Rubicons are the most capable off-road vehicle to date at the Academy.

The Rubicons can tackle 40 degree side slopes and 60 degree inclines with ease. The vehicle is equipped with a rock track transfer case which allows the vehicle to go through rock gardens you wouldn’t dream of entering.

Our Instructional Series is geared toward teaching you the specifics of the vehicle and how to operate it safely in the field. The Rock Course at the Adventure Center that will allow you to get comfortable with how the vehicle handles rock crawls, side slopes, inclines, log crossings and water fording ponds. After each member has gone through the course, the rest of the time will be dedicated to driving on some of our 20+ miles of trails on property. The total duration of the trip lasts 1.5 hours and is offered at 9:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m and 3:30 p.m.

We also offer a Ride Along where one of our professional off-road drivers will navigate the vehicle through the Rock Course then out to the trails for a total trip time of 30 minutes. This trip is great for a family that wants to tour the property and get a little muddy while doing so. These trips are offered at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Take to the trails during your next Nemacolin visit. Our Off-Road Driving Academy is sure to treat the family with an experience you’ll never forget! Check out the video and see what I mean.

Matt Grobe
Director of Recreation
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Brighton "Nothing Is Impossible" Necklace

2010-06-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

Introducing the NEW... Brighton "Nothing Is Impossible" Necklace!

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Brighton Jewelry have teamed up to fight breast cancer with this limited-edition, beautiful heart-shaped necklace featuring Nemacolin’s own Fat Bird. The entire production cost of the necklace has been donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The necklace will be available only at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

RESERVE YOURS TODAY! The "Nothing Is Impossible" Necklace will sell for $60. The necklaces will be available for sale on August 10, 2010; however, pre-ordering is available ONLINE or by contacting Elaine McKulka, Director of Retail at 724.329.6014 or by email at elaine.mckulka@nemacolin.com.

Golf and Life

2010-05-24T06:02:00.001-07:00

Golf & Life
By Dennis Clark, Director of Golf, PGA Master Professional

I have been at this wonderful game for a big part of my life and there are days I still feel as though I have no idea what I’m doing. And other days that I feel like the best player in the world. But most of the time, like everyone else, I’m somewhere in between… I know all too well my imperfections: That same old, ugly backswing that has been my “trademark” for so long is still there. So are the early release and the occasional hitch at the ball. But somehow, through all my many foibles, I keep going and I keep trying to get better. Maybe this, my 61st year of life and 45th year on the course, might just be my year…

I keep going because I love the struggle; I keep going because I love the mystery. I love to try to solve the puzzle that can’t be solved; perfect the game that can’t be perfected. Why? Because on those days and in that very moment when it all comes together, there is nothing like the feeling a golfer gets from a well-hit golf shot. The same thing that some folks see in art, golfers see in the flight of a little, white ball against the big, blue sky. It is the flight to the unknown, abounding with all the innocence of our youth and with all our hopes and dreams riding on every shot. The fascination is still there for me after all these years, and that very fascination remains unsullied millions of shots later. Lose that and I’m afraid my race is run.

But little did I know that in my quest to improve, I was learning something much more valuable. I learned that golf can be a metaphor for life itself. The very core values that have sustained me at various times throughout my life were often revealed on the golf course: respect for others, honesty, integrity, fortitude.

Bobby Jones once said, “Golf is not always fair, but it is equitable." The breaks don’t always go our way but, in the end, they do balance. It took me a good while to realize that the world was not against me, nor was every misfortune “just my luck." I learned that on the golf course.

Ever thought about the difference in golf and some other sports? Well try this: On days when we play poorly in say, baseball or football, the manager or coach simply takes us out of the game. Not so in golf: we just keep hitting our ball until it goes in the hole. Don’t give up, do the best you can on every shot. I learned that on the golf course.

We police our own game. There are times when it would be easy to improve the lie of the ball, mark down a four when we made a five, or “shorten” our putt a little. But who am I cheating really? Myself, of course. How can I ever improve at a game when mendacity is rooted deeply in my soul? Good golf demands brutal honesty, there is no substitute, there are no shortcuts. I learned that on the golf course.

We share this planet. No man is an island, and everyone has the right to be here. It is incumbent upon each one of us to respect and honor that right. The same is true for the consideration we afford others when playing golf. They have every bit as much right to my considerate actions as I do theirs. I learned that on the golf course.

So go play now and have fun. Try on every shot, be courteous, and let the breaks fall as they might. And remember this: You’re playing the greatest game ever known to mankind. You’re part of a community of kindred spirits who understand this little secret: It’s not winning, losing or shooting lower scores, but how we play the game that makes a difference. Like life, the game has its ups and downs, its peaks and valleys. And the real test of our character is not how well we handle the peaks, but how we conduct our affairs while in those valleys.

Dennis Clark
Director of Golf, PGA Master Professional
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Take Flight... New Fatbird Flyer Opening

2010-05-13T06:32:00.000-07:00

Reach speeds of 60 mph on Nemacolin's NEW Fatbird Flyer, a 1,060' Zip Line. Soar over Mystic Mountain and view the Laurel Highlands at 300' in the air.

WATCH VIDEO

The Fatbird Flyer is opening the weekend of May 15, 2010. Schedule your ride today, by contacting a Resort Sales Specialist at 866.344.6957.

Coming Soon...

2010-05-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

Watch the construction and see the site for the New Zip Line being built at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. The Fatbird Flyer is 1,060' feet long and can reach speeds of 60 mph. The scheduled open date is May 15, 2010.

WATCH VIDEO

See you soon at Nemacolin!

Community Involvement

2010-05-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

The arrival of Spring means baseball season is just around the corner. Opening day for the Mountain Area Baseball League(M.A.B.L.) kicked off this past Saturday with a flurry of games both Saturday and Sunday. The M.A.B.L. consists of 250 kids from ages 4 to 15, playing on five different fields at the Wharton Township Park. Many people volunteer their time and equipment to prepare the fields for this seven week season.

This past Friday afternoon the park was a buzz with volunteers and equipment preparing the fields for opening day, leading the charge to help was Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. The Resort donated two infield rakes and the manpower to assist the M.A.B.L. prepare for opening day. Associates from the Turfgrass Management Department can be seen in the photos operating the infield rakes to smooth and create a professional playing surface for the kids to play on. This is just one of many community projects that Nemacolin Woodlands Resort Associates donate their time to help the local community.

BIG THANK YOU to the associates that assisted. The community and Resort appreciates your services.

*Pictured are Art Frazee and Gerald Hawk.

Brian Anderson
Certified Golf Course Superintendent
Director of Turgrass Management and Grounds
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

A NEW Dining Concept and Menu Has Arrived!

2010-04-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

Autumn, part of Nemacolin's Restaurant Collection now features menus inspired by regional cuisine using local farm and table ingredients. Look for much more improvements to the Autumn menu and restaurant as Autumn is seeking a "going green" destination. More to come...

Check out the NEW Dinner and Dessert Menus below.

NEW - DINNER MENU

NEW - DESSERT MENU

Want to treat your taste buds to the delicious options listed on the menus above? Be sure to contact one of our Resort Sales Specialists at 866.344.6957 to make dining reservations during your next stay!

Congratulations Associates of the Month!

2010-04-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

Join us in congratulating our Associates of the Month. THANK YOU for going above and beyond and for always striving to be the best. Your hard work is appreciated.
Again, Congratulations!!

Associates of the Month

Front of the House
Laura Wood - Security

Rising Star of the Month
Lindsey Sloan - The WildSide

Leader of the Month
Andrew Pero - Conference / Catering

*Not pictured - Heart of the House - Jessica Greer - Housekeeping

NEW - Little Tykes Ropes Course!

2010-04-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

NEW this season... The Little Tykes Ropes Course!

Mimicked after our 40' and 20' Courses, the Little Tykes Course is a great option and thrill for little ones to be just like Mom, Dad and their siblings. The course consists of two obstacle elements and a 120' Zip Line. Each child wears a harness and is tethered to the course, just like the adult course.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW!

Important Details:

Must be between the ages of 4 - 8 years old.
Maximum weight - 200 lbs.

To schedule the Little Tykes Ropes Course during your next Nemacolin visit, please contact a Resort Sales Specialist at 866.344.6957.

101 Reasons to Choose Nemacolin!

2010-04-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

101 Ways to have FUN = 101 Reasons to choose Nemacolin!

COMING SOON - 1,060 ft. Fatbird Flyer Zip Line!
Wine Cellar: Featuring 21,000 bottles of wine!

$45 Million Hardy Family Art Collection (check out the Berlin Wall)

50 ft. Climbing Wall

Nemacolin Woodlands Golf Academy: Led by PGA Master Dennis Clark.

Shooting Academy: 140 acres featuring 35 sporting clay stations spread across three courses.

Special Events: NEW! First Annual Five Alarm Mountain Madness ICS chili cook-off scheduled for June 12, 2010.

Wildlife Academy: Lions, tigers and bears, oh my!

9 Holes of Disc Golf

Vintage Airplane Museum

8 Lanes of Bowling at The WildSide

Off-Road Driving Academy featuring Jeep Rubicons

Orvis® Endorsed Fly Fishing Center

250 ft. Zip Line - WATCH VIDEO

Mystic Rock - "Best Course You Can Play" 2010 by Golfweek
Tennis programs led by Pro Fritz Schunck, a USTPA certified professional.
NEW! Jamaican Dog Sledding
Badminton Court
Wine Tastings by our resident Sommelier
Miniature Train Display at The WildSide
NEW! Little Tyke Ropes Course - WATCH VIDEO

Swing Into Spring: Spring Kidz Program

Antique Auto Museum: A dozen unique rides including a 1913 Ford Model T Speedster.

Paintball: Target & Combat!

Computerized 360 Fitting System at The Nemacolin Golf Academy

TIRED YET? Good thing we have...
24 Hr. Butler Service at Falling Rock

Replicated after the Ritz Paris, The Chateau Lafayette is the benchmark of excellence.
Enjoy seclusion with our Townhomes & Luxury Homes
Maggie Valley RV Park
10 Pillow Menu Option at Falling Rock
Infinity Pool at Falling Rock
Hot Stone Massage at the Woodlands Spa
Couple Massage, plus 100 other treatments available at the Woodlands Spa.
Relax and treat yourself at The Salon at Woodlands Spa.
Travel the world with Spa Voyage Kidz Spa for kidz ages 5 - 15.
Kidz Klub Programs
32,000 sq. ft. of Meeting Space for Social Events, Corporate Retreats & Gatherings.
Volleyball Court
Shop the ultimate in outdoor adventure at Woodlands World.
Safari Tour: Hop aboard our Safari Cart for a tour of the Wildlife Habitats and a chance to interact with some of the animals!
Group Golf Programs
Property Hiking Trails
Daily Fitness Classes
NEW! Ohiopyle Adventures
Walking Trail Rides
Archery
Fallingbrook Mini Golf Course
Teambuilding Programs! WATCH VIDEO

5 On-Property Indoor and Outdoor Swimming Pools

Jackson Pollock Experience

Biking: Take in The Laurel Highlands & 2,000 acre property.

Fly In! Private Airstrip

Bocce Ball & Croquet: A great way to play outdoors.

7 Slopes on Mystic Mountain

Shop Vera Bradley and Brighton at our Heritage Court Shoppes
Pony Rides

20' & 40' Ropes Courses

Private Lessons with golf professionals

800' Snow Tubing Park

2,400 sq. ft. Fitness Center
The Links - a challenging par-70 golf course.
Shop The Nike Shop at The Links

Dog Sledding: Featuring Nemacolin's very own sled dog team!
Air Rifle Range at Shooting Academy

Take to the pool slide at Paradise Pool.

Private Lessons from professional & experienced instructors.

Indoor climbing wall at The WildSide
Snowboarding welcome on Mystic Mountain!
Experience 'flotation' this winter with Snowshoeing.

Miniature Train Display at The WildSide
Cross Country Skiing

Visit Heritage Court -Specialty Shoppes with store front facades designed to resemble historical buildings along Route 40.
Fly Tying Lessons with Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides

All this reading making you hungry?

Lautrec: One of only 20 restaurants in the WORLD to hold both AAA Five Diamond & Forbes Five Star awards simultaneously.
AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, Aqueous, overlooks the 18th hole on Mystic Rock.
Check out our 8,500 gallon circular saltwater aquarium while you dine at Tavern.

Swim-up bar at Paradise Pool.
Grab some Ice Cream at PJ's, our 1950's themed Ice Cream Parlor.

Starbucks at the Sundry Shop.
‘Stay in’ and dine on delicious foods with Room Service.

Catch a bite or sip a drink overlooking the Infinitely Pool at Sunset Terrace.

Elements Cafe featuring healthy options.

"Best Breakfast on the Mountain" the Gazebo.

Fine dining at Autumn Restaurant.
The areas largest draft selection featuring 16 beers, at The Wildside.
Try to hang on for 8 seconds on El Torro, the mechanical bull at the Hitchin' Post.
Sip some tea, in the Tea Lounge.
Custom blended ice cream at The WildSide.
Enjoy the world’s finest bourbons, scotches and cognacs as well as an array of cigars at The Cigar Bar.

Now... Back to the List!
Pet Friendly rooms! Under our PET PROUD® Policy.
The region's premier Wooflands Pet Resort & Spa

Visit Humphrey the Moose and Rocky, Sugar & Boo Boo the Black Bears at our Wildlife Habitats.
Woodlands Animal Care Center
Short drive from Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob.

Shop the Kidz Shoppe at Heritage Court.

Nearby Fort Necessity Battlefield: Where the French and Indian War began here

White water rafting though our Ohiopyle Adventures Program.

Exotic Bird Display at The WildSide.

Kidz & Little Tykes Night Out Programs
65+ Arcade games at The WildSide.

Holiday fun! The holidays are a special time at Nemacolin with event traditions.

And the List goes on! What ways do you have fun at Nemacolin? Or what reasons bring you back?

Red Sheep Have Been Born!

2010-04-14T09:40:00.000-07:00

The best thing about working in the Recreation Department at Nemacolin is the "unpredictable factor" each day presents. You often hear... "Expect The Unexpected," read and see the how "unexpected" entered my day.

The day started off like many others, until... OPERATION RESCUE the baby Red Sheep.

Nemacolin's Wildlife Academy includes a number of Wildlife Habitats or animal enclosures, each featuring a variety of animals from red sheep and zebra to lions and black bear. When a baby is born the trained and certified associates at the Wildlife Academy must retrieve the baby for a period of time for our Veterinarian Staff to perform appropriate vaccinations and to complete a physical check-up.

Back to OPERATION RESCUE... After one of our adult red sheep delivered a baby, a team of six entered the habitat to locate the baby that was hidden within the rock caves. The mission was a success and to our surprise we found twins. Check out the mission below!

RED SHEEP FAST FACTS:

Can reach heights of up to three feet at the shoulder.

Can weigh up to 200 pounds.

Red Sheep are herbivorous and feed on a variety of grasses and shrubs.

Red Sheep are found in Southwestern Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Kashmir region of India.

Also known as Urial, Shapo or Arkhar in various parts of the world.

The Wildlife Academy at Nemacolin is dedicated to providing interactive entertainment and live animal programs with an emphasis on education.

Matt Grobe
Director of Activities
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Surprise Visit!

2010-03-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

Here at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort you can expect the unexpected! Like this morning when the Easter Bunny showed up a full 10 days early to deliver an Easter Basket to the child of one of our guests! Whether it is for your family at work, or for your loved ones at home Nemacolin makes sure the eggs not only get delivered on time but sometimes even ahead of schedule.

Thank you Easter Bunny!

P.S. - It is rare to catch a picture of the Bunny, but our Sales Team was hot on his trail. They snapped a quick picture of the bunny as he made his rounds. Nice work!

Answering The Call Of Duty!

2010-03-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

I learned a new job this past weekend at Nemacolin. Not since I joined the US Army had I learned a new job.

It was a gorgeous couple of days to do so. Blue, cloudless skies were prevalent and our guests had the Mystic Mountain slopes full, the shooting stands packed and some even stayed inside choosing to be pampered in The Woodlands Spa. It was everything we dream about as leaders. I just wish I was the one being able to snowboard, shoot or spa, but it just wasn't possible.

Nemacolin's rooms were all occupied again and an early group check-in meant that rooms had to be turned by noon. Therefore, we employed our "All Hands On Deck" policy and stepped up to assist our Housekeeping Team.

I have made a lot of beds in my time on this earth having spent ten years in the military. But, my skills were rusty in making tight hospital corners with crisp bedsheets. After a few attempts, I thought, "Well I am not so rusty after all!" Or so I thought. Each time my bed was complete, the supervisor came back and tightened them up... my ego was shot.

She didn't care what or how I did in the military. But thankfully for me, she didn't have a quarter in her hand. Drill Sergeant Dillingham did. He was one of many DI's at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri who would test your proficiency in bed making by bouncing a quarter of our sheets. Back then, that quarter would look like a basketball being dribbled by Lebron. We were outstanding at making a bed in twenty seconds in the US Army.

But that doesn't cut it for Nemacolin. As my supervisor said, "This bed is why people come to Nemacolin!"

"What?" I've been here for 12 years and I never heard that before.

"When our guests come back from their day, this bed will be perfect. It should make all their cares disappear, they need rest," my supervisor explained."And we make sure they get it."

"Ahhh, I see." It really did look inviting after she pulled that Burberry comforter up a little and fluffed the pillows. "Heh, maybe I could sneak a power nap?" I thought, because this is hard work!

No chance. My supervisor made that very clear. She had many things for us to do.

I made the toilet shine. She would make it sparkle. I swept, dusted, and loaded the dishwashers in our townhomes. She complimented me and corrected deficiencies. It was a great system.

And we had a blast. We had managers from all departments helping out their fellow associates. There was singing, teasing, smiles and laughter, all of which are typical when our leaders get together at Nemacolin. Especially when we have important missions to accomplish.

I was able to work with people from Mystic Mountain, IT, Sales, some of our butlers, bellman, valets and our amazing Activities Team.

We did more sweeping scrubbing, polishing and towel folding then I've done in a long time. And I look really good in a maids uniform, maybe better than I did in camo!

Tom Smith
V.P. of Sales
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Associates of the Month Announced!

2010-03-08T06:06:00.000-08:00

Take a moment and join us in congratulating our Associates of the Month. We thank these Associates for their hard work, commitment and above and beyond attitudes. Next time you are visiting Nemacolin Woodlands Resort look for their friendly faces!

Again, Congratulations!!

Associates of the Month

Front of the House
Marjorie Beachy - Reservations

Back of the House
Josh Rankin - Engineering / Mystic Mountain

Leader of the Month
Amber Frazee - Food & Beverage

*Not pictured - Rising Star of the Month, Michelle Lacek - Front Desk

Lessons on Leadership

2010-03-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

I have had the pleasure and privilege of meeting and becoming friends with some extraordinary leaders and visionaries. Recently I was at a CEO Leadership Forum at the Penn State Fayette Campus to enjoy a lecture by Mr. Bill Lambert, President and CEO of MSA and I was able to take away the following lessons on Leadership:

#1 BE EXTRAORDINARY
Have passion for everything you do, go above and beyond.. be committed to the task and the result!

#2 HAVE A VISION
Have a vision for what you want to do and who you want to be.

#3 KEEP LEARNING
Keep moving forward, always be improving and growing, never get lazy or complacent.

#4 BE RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE
Leaders take ownership for everything they do, all decisions… NO EXCUSES!

Ask yourselves these questions - "What lessons have I learned that improve my leadership skills?" and "What leadership motto's do I live by?"

Dennis A. Noonan
Vice President of Sales
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Historic Winter!

2010-03-01T05:58:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a winter it has been! We have accumulated over 100 inches of natural snowfall during the month of February, making it the snowiest month ever recorded at Mystic Mountain!! Now I know a lot of you are sick of the snow but trust me when I say that March will be the best time of the year to ski Mystic Mountain.

Why is that? Well for one our snow depth ranges from 55-80 inches of base (180 inches this year)! So the conditions are going to be epic all the way until spring. But the number one reason will be the weather. March typically delivers temperatures ranging from 43-60 degrees in the afternoon, and if you have never experienced true “Spring Skiing” this year will be your chance. Soft snow conditions will allow beginners to master their turns and advanced skiers will rip down the mountain and soak in the sun. Don’t wait for the snow to melt to start getting in shape for summer.

Get to Mystic Mountain for your last chance to ski this historic winter!!

See how Mystic Mountain Compares to some popular Colorado ski destinations:

Breckenridge - Colorado:
Base - 70 inches
Snowfall To Date - 194 inches

Crested Butte - Colorado:
Base - 60 inches
Snowfall To Date - 188 inches

Vail - Colorado:
Base - 48 inches
Snowfall To Date - 208 inches

Mystic Mountain - Pennsylvania:
Base - 70 inches
Snowfall To Date - 190 inches

Matt Grobe
Director of Activities
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Change... And How You Deal With It.

2010-02-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

There is an old cliche in business that change is good. Wouldn’t it be nice of it were just that simple? In business, just as in life….change is inevitable. Whether it
is good or bad, depends on what you do with it.

You can prepare for change all your life, but the moment it happens will still take you by storm. Change is going to cause some sort of fear and doubt because change makes things different and different naturally makes people uneasy.

So, what are you going to do with change when it confronts you and your organization? Jump on it! Be proactive and do everything you can to ease that fear and doubt as soon as you can. Remember, a strong culture runs much deeper than any individual or idea but it will take action to remind everyone of that.

First, ease that fear and doubt caused by change and then take a look around. Pay close attention to what is going on after change occurs. Who is stepping up and thriving on this change? What windows of opportunity have opened up now? And, most importantly, what actions need to take place to take advantage of those opportunities? New leaders and innovation will emerge, but don’t miss them because you are not paying attention.

Chris Plummer
General Manager
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Teambuilding At Nemacolin!

2010-02-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

Get Ready... Get Set... GO! Now is the time to inspire your team and promote creativity, bonding and trust. Nemacolin Teambuilding specializes in adventures for corporate groups, youth programs, universities, day groups, field trips and sports organizations.

Check out the video below featuring last week's
Ski Dummy Races Teambuilding Event at Mystic Mountain!

Here is what the group had to say:
“I wanted to thank you again for the terrific team building activity that you organized for our group. It was definitely a hit – they are still talking about it. It achieved all of my goals – to network and meet new people, have fun, laugh and enjoy the outdoors! It was nice to see our hard-working general manager’s act like kids again! Thanks again. It was one of the best- if not the best activities we have ever done!” - Bonnie S., PA

For more information or to plan your next Nemacolin Teambuilding Event, please contact Eric McElhone at 724.329.6396 or by email at eric.mcelhone@nemacolin.com.

Nemacolin Watches Undercover Boss!

2010-02-10T13:03:00.001-08:00

Nemacolin is always looking for more ways to introduce people to our great resort. Sure, we thought about a Super Bowl AD, but just could not come up with the right story board. So we watched the Super Bowl and while some of the commercials were great… it was what came after the big game and advertising that hit us... "UNDERCOVER BOSS!" Now, that is the ticket.

In case you missed it, Waste Management President and C.O.O. Larry O’Donnell went undercover within his Fortune 200 company, posing as a new recruit and worked along side his employees cleaning porta-potties and working the conveyor belt. Check it out Here.

Not expecting much from reality TV... I was blown away. Often, these shows are staged for maximum effect. If "Undercover Boss" was staged, Waste Management has more guts than I imagined. Their sins were right there for the world to see. Would anyone else have the courage to do that with their business? Kudos to Waste Management!

Some of the things Larry found out by visiting various job locations within the company were very shocking. In Syracuse, New York, female trash route driver, Janice, described the affects corporate's stress to maintain productivity had on her position. As a female truck driver, Janice would not stop to take a restroom break because of time restraints, instead she used a can. Yes, a can!

Larry was also fired during one of his jobs. At the Central Landfill in Pompano Beach, Florida, Larry could not pick up trash fast enough. Larry's boss for the day, Walter, told him it is not "rocket science," when Larry asked a few questions about how to pick up trash effectively. It was hilarious television. Unknowingly, Walter let the C.O.O. know he was not "able to cut the mustard." It was the first time Larry was ever fired from a job.

There were a few other interesting segments including Jaclyn, an administrative assistant that was doing the job of seven plus staff members due to budget cuts. Many of the challenges Waste Management faces comes from revenues that have remained flat. One of the basic ways to improve such a company is obviously becoming more productive.

Larry found that his decisions within the company may have gone too far. In the end of the show, after seeing the struggle the front line associates dealt with during their various day-to-day jobs, Larry revealed himself to each associate and made positive changes in each area.

In your business today, have you gone too far? Do you even know about the struggles your associates have? And if so, would you be comfortable letting national television watch?

We are! Sign Nemacolin up. Here we come CBS!

- For more info on Waste Management and the ways they are improving our environment through their Waste to Energy Plan, Click Here.

Tom Smith
Vice President of Sales
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

To Keep Or Drop "Resort"... That Is The Question.

2010-02-09T07:47:00.000-08:00

The other morning while I was hopping around various Internet sites gathering the daily news, I came upon this article in the Wall Street Journal. It is a well written article about how some resorts in the country are dropping the word “resort” from their names because it was a road block to landing some conferences. I hope some of you reading it get as mad as I did.

I do not believe that the experiences that last a lifetime between you and your children are made at a “Hotel or Lodge.” Do you really want to reward your best associates for a job well done at a “Conference Facility?” Can you build the relationships with potential or existing clients that lead to improved sales at a “Convention Center?” I don’t believe so.

I do believe that the operators of those properties dropping the word “resort” should have spent a lot more time developing their culture and motivating their people to create spectacular sales and marketing plans and less time convincing their owners and board of directors that dropping the word “resort” will solve problems.

We are going to keep the “Resort” in Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. It is what we are, our associates are very proud of that and all our guests deserve it.

Chris Plummer
General Manager
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Leadership is Trust.

2010-02-02T06:41:00.000-08:00

Nemacolin was recently honored to host a luncheon with the Greater Washington Board of Trade with guest speaker Meg Whitman. Meg proved that running a multi billion-dollar corporation is possible on the power of trust. She also found another role for technology beyond saving costs and creating efficiencies. Has your business done this?

We were fortunate to host Meg for a powerful lunch to begin her nationwide tour for her new book. In "The Power of Many," Meg who was the President and CEO of eBay, speaks to these two powerful attributes. She also identifies ten core values that steered her and can steer you to success without ethical compromise. During her decade at the helm of eBay, Meg transformed the tiny start-up into a nearly $8 billion global powerhouse. She revolutionized the way goods are bought and sold online.

The lunch was powerful and candid. She showed us that trust, authenticity and courage are not naive nor are they a luxury. They are essential tools we need in our business. Meg showed us that achievement can and should be teamed with optimism, trust and honesty. Her book offers the insights and motivation we need to propel ourselves to "the next level, or scale," as Meg said, "in business and in life." As I was driving home, I knew that we do a really good job at her key points, but where can we improve?

It made us delve closely into the trust our guests have when they visit Nemacolin. We have one opportunity to make their visit memorable. How can we engender more trust from our guests? It’s a question we will be working very hard to move to ‘the next scale’ on moving forward.

Meg Whitman was the CEO of eBay from 1998 to 2008, growing the company into an unparalleled engine of global e-commerce. Her thirty-year career includes helping many companies, including Stride Rite, Bain & Company, Procter & Gamble, Disney and Hasbro. In 2009, she announced her candidacy for Governor of California.

Tom Smith
Vice President of Sales
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Nemacolin Associates of the Month

2010-01-25T09:03:00.000-08:00

At Nemacolin Woodlands Resort we pride ourselves in recognizing the associates that make Nemacolin the world-class resort it is. When we ask our guests for feedback during their stay, responses include a variety of experiences regarding our accommodations, dining and amenities. However, the number one response we receive from our guests revolve around customer service, the way we made a guest feel, how a particular associate made their day or stay just that much better and even how a particular associate is on the list of reasons for why they return to our resort.

Please take a moment and join Nemacolin in recognizing our Associates of the Month. Thank you associates!

Associates of the Month

Front of the House
Beth Guthrie - The WildSide

Heart of the House
Rachel Kreger - Accounting

Rising Star of the Month
Dawn Bodes - Reservations

Leader of the Month
Lori Smith - Food & Beverage

Leadership Is About Caring

2010-01-21T05:30:00.000-08:00

It was evident this week when we went to Mystic Mountain to check on Terence and his company. Terence bought Mystic Mountain for the day, which means he has all of the slopes and Wild Pete's Tubing Park exclusively for his regional team of managers.

He cares. It's no wonder his region repeatedly sets new corporate financial goals.

As usual, caring was evident in the Nemacolin team as well. When we walked over to the tubing park, most everyone from Terence's company had left and Mike, Shea and Justin were sending tubes down to the bottom of the hill. "That's odd!" we thought. Why was the Snow Operations team doing that when everyone was finished and heading to the WildSide for some more fun?

Mike walked up and said, "You know we have a lot of guests still playing paintball (the field is located below and a several hundred yards away from our tubing park) and we were thinking they were going to be pretty tired, they have been down there a while now. We are going to go over to the field and surprise them. They can get a free ride back up the hill this way."

Brilliant.

And as we were walking back to the parking lot, here came Ben with Jackie on the back of the snowmobile. Jackie does all of the planning for the group. As she smiled ear to ear she said, "Tom, take our picture! We are having a blast! You guys think of everything."

Actually Jackie, we just smile a lot and take pictures. The amazing team at Nemacolin takes care of the rest.

Tom Smith
Vice President of Sales
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Are You Hugging “Them*” Enough?

2010-01-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

No. Not enough. You try, but it isn’t enough. “They*” are doing more with less and “they*” deserve recognition and praise. I know, stuff comes up. Travel gets in the way. Meetings pop up because… you are also doing more with less. Make the time!

Make “them*” aware of your appreciation. You can squeeze in a quick call, text or email. Or make the time to buy “them*” lunch or a drink. Remember, you are nothing without “them.*”

* Insert any of the following for “Them” and “They”: Associates, Family, Wives, Husbands, Kids, Moms, Dads, Pets, Treadmills, Books, Music, Mountains, Rivers, Oceans and anything else that contributes to your success.

Chris Plummer
General Manager
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Some Friends Stop By!

2010-01-14T08:53:00.000-08:00

Looking for some outdoor fun? Be sure to check out Mystic Mountain this weekend!
Above average snowfall, paired with our snowmaking efforts have created fantastic ski conditions. The weather forecast is calling for warmer temperatures going into this weekend, so expect the feeling of early spring skiing at its best!

Check out video from last weekend's snowfall. Some friends stop by!

To schedule your Mystic Mountain activities please contact a Resort Sales Specialist at 866.344.6957.

Yeti Sighting on Mystic Mountain!

2009-12-21T06:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday's snowfall brought approximately 12" of snowfall, reduced visibility, high winds and... a Yeti? This rare sighting was caught on film. Check out video below.

Mystic Mountain is scheduled to open December 24, 2009 with 100% of terrain open! Mystic Mountain's average base is approximately 16" - 36," snowmaking is still in progress and additional natural snowfall is expected throughout the week. Get ready for one snowtastic opening weekend!

Nemacolin University Kicks Off Monday!

2009-12-04T07:39:00.000-08:00

Nemacolin University kicks-off this Monday, December 7, 2009. We are thrilled that author and world-renowned speaker John DiJulius will be presenting his "What's The Secret?" an interactive seminar focusing on the 10 commandments of customer service. Known as "The Authority of Customer Service," John DiJulius has worked for companies such as Nemacolin, Lexus, Nordstrom, Starbucks, Panera Bread, Cheesecake Factory and many more, to help them to continue to raise the bar and set the standard in customer service. Click Here for the complete bio.

"What's The Secret? delves even farther into the customer service experience and, more importantly, explains how to focus the entire organization on this one key element to all business success. DiJulius has once again delivered a fine addition to any business library." -Maggie Hardy Magerko, owner and President of 84 Lumber Company and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Click Here to view more testimonials from leaders in almost every industry, regarding the impact John's seminars have had.

This is a seminar you do not want to miss! Click Here to register today... there is time, but seats are going fast!

The Holidays Are Here!

2009-11-25T08:39:00.000-08:00

When the smell of sweet gingerbread fills the air, it is a sign that the holidays are really here! If you are traveling to our Resort this Thanksgiving Holiday or within the next few weeks, there is no ignoring the Gingerbread Village displayed within our Chateau Lobby. This year's Gingerbread Village took over 100 hours and contains the following ingredients:

100 Pounds of Gingerbread
200 Pounds of Powdered Sugar
40 Pounds of Egg Whites
100 Ice Cream Cones
100 Peppermint Balls
5 Pounds of Peppermint Starlite Mints
5 Pounds of Spearmint Starlite Mints
100 Gum Balls
500 Graham Crackers
60 Nerd Ropes
5,000 Jelly Beans
144 Kit Kats
5 Pounds of Gumdrops
5 Pounds of Chocolate Non-Pareils
2 Pounds of Mini M&M's
250 Mini Candy Canes
3.5 Pounds of Hershey Kisses
2 Pounds of Nerds
200 Candy Canes
2 Pounds of Marshmallows
1 Pound of Red Hots
5 Pounds of Chocolate Rocks
Swedish Fish
200 Hershey Bars
180 Twizzlers
5 Pounds of Pretzels
4 Pounds of Shredded Wheat
5 Pounds of Candy Blocks
5 Pounds of Snaps
5 Pounds of Sports Balls
50 Life Savers
1,000 Frooties
10 Pounds of Jelly Wreaths
100 Blow Pops
80 Andes Candies
20 Pounds of Fake Snow

A special thanks to all the associates who worked to build this delicious masterpieces for all to enjoy! Happy Holidays from Nemacolin Woodlands Resort!

ATM Fees and Lollipops?

2009-11-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

I discussed the simplicities of the loyalty phenomenon in a previous post this summer. It’s the acknowledgment, the sense of urgency and sincerity that make the experience and set the foundation for loyal customers. And then, there are lollipops!

I have been a PNC customer for years, traveling past ten different banks to get to our local branch. Recently, PNC purchased a regional bank and opened a new branch closer to our house. So, naturally my wife decides to start using the new branch closer to home. With a car full of kids, she pulls into the new bank and the crying and screaming begins! “This isn’t the bank where the nice lady gives us lollipops! I want to go to that bank!”

Now, I bet banks across America spend millions of dollars on lollipops every year. I’m certain that meetings have been held about the money that could be saved by cutting out lollipops. What an easy way to save money, increase profits… and lose customers. Thank you to the new branch of PNC for not cutting out lollipops. You still have me.

Steve Yastrow wrote in his book “Brand Harmony” that “the strength of a brand impression in a customer’s mind is not built through powerful messages but by messages that harmonize in the customer’s brain.”

Nothing harmonizes a four year old’s brain like lollipops! And nothing harmonizes in this customer’s brain like happy four year olds, regardless of the increased ATM fees!

Chris Plummer
General Manager
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Thank You Veterans!

2009-11-11T09:48:00.000-08:00

It was in 1938 when Congress passed legislation designating November 11 as “a day dedicated to the cause of world peace to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day,' marking the end of World War I and honoring World War I Veterans. Today, November 11 is known as Veteran's Day, a legal holiday that honors Veterans of all wars and the military currently serving. As we honor our military service men and women today we should take a moment to look back on what this nation over the years has overcome. While in the wake of the Fort Hood tragedy, a national holiday that should each year hold a strong significance seems to take on a stronger sense of gratitude and meaning this year. This reminds us of an opportunity our Resort had this past September when various squadrons from the 911th Airlift Wing set to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan, stayed at Nemacolin for a few days for a program that was designated to ease the leading deployment for these troops and their families. During their stay our resort and our associates truly felt that we had experienced an opportunity to give back to them for the sacrifices they make each day for us. This Veteran's Day Nemacolin would like to take a moment and thank the 911th Airlift Wing, we are thinking of you and your families. We would also like thank you thank ALL our nations’ military, past and present for the commitment and sacrifices they make daily. Let’s not just thank you during this day but everyday for what you do.