“That would be perfect, and you’d need to add on to the inn, of course. Maybe build a second wing behind the owner’s cottage,” I suggest.
“Why would I do that?” she asks.
“Um, well, you only have, what, a dozen guest rooms?”
“Fifteen,” she answers.
“The bridal party would take most of those,” I point out.
“Okay,” she says.
“Where would the guests stay? Lake Mistletoe is a small community, so it’s safe to say, most weddings would be a destination event. You’ll need adequate housing for everyone. The last thing any bride wants is for her friends and family to travel from afar to her celebration, partake of the wine and bar, and then have to venture too far. You need to have, at a minimum, forty to fifty rooms available.”
Willa shakes her head. “I don’t want to add to the inn. Its size is part of its charm, and we don’t have enough year-round business to sustain the staff that addition would require. I’d rather help to fill the rooms at the other inns and rental homes in town. They’re all close by—most are even walkable, weather permitting.”
“Hmm, I guess that could work, but you’d make more money if you offered the accommodations yourself, and the cost of the addition would pay for itself in no time,” I say.
“I get that, but this idea is about making more money for the entire town, not just for myself and the Gingerbread Inn. I want Lake Mistletoe to thrive and to show it has more to offer than just the holiday festivities. Sun Valley is a few miles away, and it is huge and hosts these grand events and galas, but we can offer an option for people looking for a more intimate venue. Plus, there is so much to enjoy in our town and the surrounding mountains. We can plan guided hikes and fishing excursions for the guests. I could work out a skiing package with Sun Valley Ski Resort. The community center could do kayaking lessons on the lake. The possibilities are endless.”
“You’ve thought this through,” I say.
“I have. I love the quaintness of our town. I don’t want to turn the inn into some huge resort. I just want to add nuanced features to enhance the experience. It’s not just a business; it’s a home.”
“It’ll be an expensive endeavor,” I say.
“Yeah, I know. I already ordered the material for the enclosure. That alone set me back thirty grand, but my dad and I crunched the numbers, and it should pay for itself in no time. I’ll do an entire marketing campaign, introducing the new event venue, and offer planning services.”
“Do you have an event agency in town?” I ask.
“No. That’s where I was hoping to pick your brain. Do you think you could show me the ropes while you’re here? I have a degree in hospitality management, but I could use guidance in event planning,” she asks.
“You plan to take that on yourself?”
“Yes. I think I can handle it. I might have to hire a couple more staff members if it takes off, but I had a hand in party services at my former job in Miami. If you’ll help me, I bet I’ll be able to pick it up quickly.”
“I still can’t believe you gave it all up to stay here in Idaho.”
She shrugs. “I realized I had been working myself into the ground. It wasn’t the life I wanted any longer. I wanted more.”
That sounds familiar.
“Okay. Let’s do it. When does the construction begin?” I ask.
“I’m saving some costs, hiring Bob to do the installation of the atrium structure. He’s using Barry, Bran, and Keller as his crew. The frame, glass panels, and roofing will be delivered tomorrow.”
“You’re lucky to have all those people to pitch in on short notice.”
“Everyone needs some help now and then, and nothing beats having a village to support you. That’s what this community is all about. Neighbors helping neighbors.”
I love that.
“I’m shocked you’re starting now. What about the holidays?” I ask.
“Bob promises they can be done in under two weeks. If all goes smoothly and they can get it finished by then, I’m hoping to have the Holly Ball moved from the conference center to here. It would be a much more festive venue. I’ll host it for free. It can be my test run.”
“What is the Holly Ball?”
“It’s a new thing the town is trying. A chance for everyone to get dressed up and dance the night away. There is going to be a buffet, bar, and door prizes. It will be the town’s first annual ball. All the ticket sales will go to the Lake Mistletoe conservation fund. The fund helps maintain the lake, pedestrian bridge, and the walking trail.”