Chelka Lodge

We made it through the season, and what a season it was. We are now closed until next May and will start taking reservations for the 2021 season on Monday, January 4. Today was our first chance this year to venture up into The Narrows and the scenery was spectacular. Issie also seemed to enjoy the views. The hard work continues for a few weeks as we prepare things for what is typically a pretty harsh winter. We are hopeful of getting away for a bit but will be here in Jan...uary anticipating your emails and phone calls. There will be a few changes next year, which we will detail soon, but for the most part the changes will be limited to fine tuning how we operated this year which will become the new normal. We hope everyone has a safe and uneventful winter. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2021!

That elusive bass that has been teasing everyone down at the boathouse all summer was finally outsmarted. Not to worry though, he was returned to the lake and is awaiting the next fisherman (or woman). The season is winding down and we have closed all of the motel units for the year. The Carriage House apartments have some availability through Columbus Day Weekend. The lakefront efficiency units were sold out up until closing but we just had a cancellation for Columbus Day Weekend. Will probably go fast so reach out to us if you are interested. Update: the efficiency unit has been reserved but we do still have some availability in the apartments.

First we want to thank you all for your comforting, thoughtful words after the passing of our beloved Sophie. She was such a wonderful part of our lives and the lives of so many of our guests. Despite everything, this has been a very good, though hectic summer season. Our long-term retirement plan has been to scale back on our opening and closing dates which happened this year, albeit unplanned. This spring we opened the Efficiency Units and Housekeeping units on time in Ma...y and opened the Motel units in mid-June. Given the staffing situation up here, that worked out very well. This summer has been a struggle, and exhausting, for a variety of reasons. We have made the decision that we are going to do things in the Fall, similar to what we did in the Spring. We have decided to shut down the Motel on September 21 and keep the Efficiency units and Housekeeping units open through Columbus Day Weekend. And for those of you who have gotten wind of major changes coming to Chelka Lodge in the 2021 season, there are changes coming, though not as dramatic as originally proposed. While opening and closing dates have not yet been determined, we will be fully operational next summer. Our sons and daughters in law have decided they want to join the fray and take over much of the daily operation of Chelka Lodge. We will still be here, but will hand off the reins as we transition as much as we can to them. We have developed many long- term relationships with our guests over the years, and shuttering the motel would mean losing many of those relationships. We trust that our plan will be relatively transparent to our guests and that you will continue to enjoy Chelka Lodge for years to come. The Fall up here is spectacular and if you have not visited at that time of year you should try. September is filling up very quickly but there is still some availability. October is wide open at this point. Keep us in mind for a getaway. Best, Judy and Dave (and Isabella, aka Issie)

Sophie died sometime overnight. She had been sick, had spent time at the vets this pas week, but could not find the cause. She died at home. We are devastated. For over 11 years she has been a part of our family. She was such a peaceful, loving dog-not a mean bone in her body. Her only "fault" was her love for food, which got her in trouble when she stole sandwiches, etc. from guests! We will miss her so much.

Looks like people are starting to think "vacation". We don't keep track of such things but we believe today was a record. 20 individual reservations made today for this summer! Judy had her knee replacement last Thursday and all she is capable of doing is answering the phone, which she did a lot. May, and the first half of June, were obviously very quiet here but we are hoping for a turnaround. Do whatever you think is right for you, but LG is starting to turn the corner. Last week restaurants began outside dining and tomorrow, Wednesday, inside dining begins. The cruise ships have also begun to operate and the outlets are open. Go to www.chelkalodge.com to check availability.

A beautiful day is in store, a day on which outdoor dining is being resumed in the area. We are looking forward to visiting the many fine restaurants in Bolton Landing and know that our guests are looking forward to the same. The efficiency and housekeeping apartments are currently open and the motel will open on June 19. The reservation calendar is filling up so please visit our website at www.chelkalodge.com to check availability.

A large block of rooms - basically everything - has just become available from July 31 to August 8. A large group who had reserved the entire property will not be returning this year. Efficiency units, motel units and Housekeeping apartments are ALL available for this prime summer period. If interested, please get to us as soon as possible.