Author Archives: Kat Summers

Silver Falls State Park Press Release

Guest Services, Inc., Launches Smith Creek Village At Silver Falls State Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pictured: Smith Creek Cabins.
(Photo Courtesy of Oregon State Parks.)

GUEST SERVICES, INC., LAUNCHES SMITH CREEK VILLAGE AT

SILVER FALLS STATE PARK

Expanded Hospitality Amenities Include Lodging, Dining, Retail, Market, Event Space, More

Click Here for Downloadable, High-Res Photos

SILVER FALLS STATE PARK, OREGON (June 2025) – Guest Services, Inc., the premier national hospitality management company and concessionaire for parks and public spaces across the United States, announces its official expansion into Oregon with the launch of year-round operations at Smith Creek Village inside Silver Falls State Park. This landmark park nestled in Oregon’s temperate rainforest welcomes 1.6 million annual visitors and is renowned for its 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls hike boasting 10 scenic waterfalls. With Guest Services as manager and operator of Smith Creek Village, the park will now offer an expanded slate of accommodations and amenities for the public to enjoy.

Slated for a full opening this June, Smith Creek Village will provide guests with full-service lodging, dining, retail, event spaces and future mountain bike rentals. Offerings include 19 distinctive lodging units designed to suit a variety of travelers, from solo hikers to large families and wedding parties, including:

Four family-sized lodges for up to 12 guests each.
Eight cozy tiny cabins accommodating two to three visitors each.
Four duplex-style cabins for two guests per unit.
One luxurious private cottage for four people.
Access to two nearby ranch properties, including the historic 1880s Davidson Ranch (known locally as Old Ranch) for event rentals for up to 100 guests during the day and 75 bunk-style accommodations for overnight use.

Dining options include South Falls Café, a fast-casual eatery located near the South Falls trailhead, and The Big Leaf Market & Grill, a full-service, family-friendly restaurant within Smith Creek Village. Here, guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals, grab-and-go items, beer and wine and shaded outdoor seating areas surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.

Retail services will be anchored by Ten Falls Supply Co., featuring hiking gear including trekking poles, waterproof backpacks, water bottles and trail snacks as well as souvenirs and sustainable, locally made goods, such as soaps, patches, apparel and local coffee roaster products. The retail concept also serves an educational function by integrating interpretive materials that promote environmental awareness and sustainability.

Supplementing lodging and dining are multiple venues for private and public events. Smith Creek Village features two indoor meeting halls and several scenic outdoor ceremony sites such as the Elopement Arch, Ceremony Lawn and Mackenzie Meadows—making it a sought-after wedding destination.

“Silver Falls is an extraordinary place, loved by locals and travelers alike for its unmatched natural beauty,” said JJ Condella, general manager for Guest Services, Inc. at Smith Creek Village. “We’re honored to help elevate the experience for every guest through thoughtful stewardship, warm hospitality and authentic, locally driven experiences.”

For more information on Guest Services, Inc., visit www.guestservices.com.

ABOUT GUEST SERVICES, INC.

Since 1917, Guest Services, Inc. has earned the reputation as a premier hospitality management company and national and state park concessionaire that has taken great care and pride in delivering best-in-class food, lodging, retail and recreation services. The Fairfax, Virginia-based company and its subsidiaries employ more than 3,500 staff at more than 250 facilities, which welcome approximately 30 million guests annually across the United States. Guest Services, Inc. is proud to welcome visitors at Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in Washington, several parks in the Washington, D.C. area and state parks such as Bear Mountain in New York. To learn more visit www.guestservices.com.

ABOUT SILVER FALLS STATE PARK

Often called the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls State Park is a standout scenic treasure that puts Oregon firmly on the national—and international—stage featuring 10 waterfalls including the 177-foot South Falls. The park offers scenic beauty, boundless recreational opportunities and historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps nearly 100 years ago. To learn more about Oregon State Parks including Silver Falls, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Vanessa Thill/Erika Pope
The Vox Agency
vanessa@thevoxagency.com /erika@thevoxagency.com
(469) 226-4723/ (702) 249-2977

Blue Spring State Park & Hontoon Island

Tranquil Kayaking Adventures

Blue Spring State Park’s exceptional Florida views and crystal clear waters offer swimmers, kayakers, fishermen, and guests an outstanding experience. Guest Services is honored to have now offered our services for over a year at this amazing destination in Orange City. Recently, we sat down with the new GM to discuss his background, the property’s exciting new developments, what it’s like on-site, and what the team is looking forward to.

Welcome to Blue Spring State Park & Hontoon Island
Discover these awesome parks, their concessions, kayak tours, boat tours, and all our offerings.

Two Hidden Florida Gems

Our operations management at Blue Spring State Park also expands to the neighboring Hontoon Island State Park. Located in the center of St. Johns River in Volusia County, the island is only accessible by private boat or park ferry that we also maintain and operate. It has a small museum, playground, retail shop, fishing spots, and 10 slips for boats to park.

Both of these outstanding properties feature great experiences that align with many of our other Florida properties. From the refreshing and awe-inspiring waters to the recreation classics like boating, canoeing, and fishing, our guests enjoy a wide variety of Guest Services premiere offerings.

Meet Ron Nance
General Manager at Blue Spring State Park and Hontoon Island
Ron tells us more about his background, his family, and his experience we Guest Services so far.

Manatee Festival

An annual festival in celebration of the adorable sea cows is held annually at Blue Spring State Park. The return of this exciting event last month saw a massive turnout due in part to its absence during the pandemic. “It went very well,” says Ron. “Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t really agreeing with us but the turnout was still fantastic. We had food, a beer garden, and ten or so vendors set up. It was terrific seeing so many come out to enjoy themselves.”

What’s Next?

The team looks forward to completing the construction of a pavilion and a deck as well as the addition of bike tours and various other upgrades. April 1st is the first day back for the season where they will be welcoming guests for tubing and swimming. The upcoming Firefly Festival is also a local favorite during which visitors enjoy the unique cascades of fireflies that light up the park.

The Horizon and Beyond
Learn what the team at Blue Spring is looking forward to, including finishing construction and a local partnership.

Meet the Team

Stacey Tyson – AGM

Nathanial Cook – Retail/Dock

Grace Dickinson – Retail/Dock

Angela Hatfield – Supervisor

Kennedy Dixon – Retail/Dock

Soren Anderson – Retail/Dock

Tonya Scott – Retail/Dock

Jonathon Perez – Dock

Jacob Seago – Retail

Zachary Sisk – Dock

Kimberli Kulik – Retail

Verania Sosa – Dock

Evan McElhaney – Supervisor

Debra Wood – Retail/Boat Tours

Susan Toner – Retail

Shane Fox – Supervisor Dock

Rebecca Keith – Boat Captain

Albert Thibodeaux – Ferry Hontoon

Ronald Woxberg – Boat Captain

Drake Neese – Supervisor Hontoon

Casey Meyer – Retail/Dock

Mariah Newcomb – Retail/Dock Hontoon

Thank you Blue Spring State Park and Hontoon Island team members for all you do!

Women’s History Month

Women are under-represented throughout history.

Around the globe, we are present in every industry and facet of life.

We’ve had to fight for our rights.

Thanks to the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women for celebrating the first “Women’s History Week” in 1978!

Then in 1987, Congress designated March as “Women’s History Month,” and since then, the National Women’s History Alliance selects and publishes the yearly theme.

2020’s Women’s History Month theme is Valiant Women of the Vote. The theme honors women who fought to win suffrage rights for women and for those who continue to fight for the voting rights of others.

Treat Yourself

Bear Mountain, NY: Be kind to yourself – feeling stressed? Take a breathe and slow down

Traveling to escape the city? Bringing your pet? Celebrate 2020 with 20% off your lodging accommodation for two or more nights and 20% off one lunch or dinner in Restaurant 1915, located in Bear Mountain Inn. Room discount available on accommodations in the Overlook Lodge or Stone Lodges. To reserve, please call the hotel directly at 845.786.2731 or Bear Mountain Inn.

The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, FL: Prioritize time with yourself, organize your to-do list

Enjoy a unique stay beside the world’s deepest freshwater spring. Hiking trails, boat tours, swimming. Visit The Lodge at Wakulla and book now!

Big Sur, CA: Spend time alone – journal your thoughts, walk in nature or enjoy a cup of tea

Use your vacation day to unwind and experience nature. Take a weekend out to visit “mini-Yosemite”! As a Lodge guest, you receive a complimentary day pass to all three state parks in Big Sur: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Check room availability here.

Facts about Females

The world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji, was published in Japan around A.D. 1000 by female author Murasaki Shikibu.
The first country to grant women the right to vote in the modern era was New Zealand in 1893. It wasn’t until 1920 that women got the right to vote in the USA.