Category Archives: Property Spotlights

Property Spotlight: Dr. Von D. Mizell–Eula Johnson State Park

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A Coastal Retreat Rooted in Resilience

Located in Dania Beach, just south of Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Von D. Mizell–Eula Johnson State Park is more than a coastal escape; it’s a living tribute to cultural resilience and natural preservation. Spanning over 300 acres, the park offers one of South Florida’s last undeveloped coastal ecosystems, making it a haven for wildlife, water recreation, and reflection.

Originally founded as a segregated beach, the park was renamed in honor of civil rights leaders Dr. Von Mizell and Eula Johnson, who led the fight for public beach access for Black residents in the 1950s and 60s. Today, the park stands as a symbol of progress, inclusion, and community pride.

New Event Coordinator Tiamara Hong is feeling optimistic about what’s ahead. “Excited is an understatement—overjoyed and optimistic is more like it,” she shared. With plans for new rewards programs, expanded community events, full-service weddings, and online restaurant ordering, she sees a future full of momentum and possibility at Mizell. “We want to be the place people think of first when they’re planning something special or just looking for a relaxing day by the water.”

Why Mizell Stands Out

  • Two and a half miles of uncrowded coastline: complete with beach chairs, shells to hunt for, and even seasonal Jacquemontia flowers along the shore
  • Whiskey Creek’s hidden sanctuary: this calm, mangrove‑lined waterway supports manatee sightings and paddle adventures away from the busy Intracoastal
  • Snorkel-ready reef access: drift into one of three offshore “Erojacks” reefs straight from the beach—no boat needed—and spot colorful marine life
  • Whiskey Creek Hideout perks: rent kayaks, paddleboards, beach chairs, and even beach wheelchairs; grab a bite with online ordering from the concessionaire
  • Event-ready infrastructure: seven covered pavilions, a boat ramp, picnic grills, and an environmental education center make it ideal for weddings, gatherings, or outdoor classes

The park also has excellent birdwatching along the Great Florida Birding Trail, paved biking on the 2.5-mile scenic drive, and beachside nighttime turtle walks.

With Guest Services, Inc. at the helm, a wave of purposeful enhancements and community-driven programming are on the horizon. Planned initiatives include:

  • Affordable, full-service wedding packages that make Mizell a go-to venue for couples seeking a scenic and stress-free celebration by the water
  • Expanded cultural and recreational programming, including new community events, family-friendly beach days, and guided night tours through Whiskey Creek
  • Local loyalty perks, such as discounted equipment rentals and special offers for Broward and Miami-Dade residents
  • Pop-up food and wellness events at the pavilions and Hideout Restaurant to highlight local vendors and engage returning guests
  • Digital upgrades, including online ordering at The Hideout and improved access to rental bookings and event info via mobile
  • Environmental education experiences, from reef-focused snorkel tours to nature walks celebrating the park’s biodiversity and history

These efforts are designed to deepen Mizell’s ties with the surrounding community while inviting more visitors to experience the park’s unique blend of relaxation, recreation, and cultural significance.

“This park has so much potential, and we’re already making great progress,” says Area Manager Matt Smith. “Our focus is on building strong connections with the community, improving the guest experience, and making sure our team has the tools and support they need to deliver something special here every day.”

“Integrating Dr. Von D. Mizell–Eula Johnson State Park into the Guest Services portfolio is a significant step,” says Laura Sherman, Vice President of Hospitality. “It reflects our commitment to honoring cultural heritage while elevating guest experiences. We’re focused on delivering thoughtful programming, community-driven events, and enhanced amenities that both celebrate the park’s legacy and create memorable moments for every visitor.”

Where Legacy and Leisure Meet

With its rich civil rights history, oceanfront access, and renewed commitment to community-centered recreation, Mizell is poised to become a standout destination in the Guest Services, Inc. portfolio. Whether you’re watching a sunset, launching a kayak, or attending your dream wedding, a visit to Mizell offers exceptional connections.

Property Spotlight: Silver Falls State Park

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Guest Services proudly expands its footprint in the Pacific Northwest with its first-ever property in Oregon: Silver Falls State Park, the state’s largest and most visited park. Surrounded by towering waterfalls, mossy forest trails, and canyon views, this new operation brings Guest Services’ signature hospitality to one of Oregon’s most iconic natural destinations.

“Silver Falls is Guest Services’ newest property and our first in the state of Oregon,” says Chad Taylor, Director of Operations, Hospitality. “It also just happens to be Oregon’s crown jewel.” With over 1.1 million visitors annually, more than 9,000 acres of forest, over 35 miles of trails, and 10 breathtaking waterfalls, Silver Falls truly lives up to its moniker.

Introducing Our Oregon Debut


From rich history to jaw-dropping scenery, Silver Falls offers an experience unlike any other in Oregon.

  • Established July 23, 1933, with Civilian Conservation Corps–built historic structures like the South Falls Lodge
  • Largest state park in Oregon at ~9,000 acres with more than 24 miles of hiking, 14 miles of horse trails, and a 4‑mile paved bike path
  • Trail of Ten Falls: a 7.2‑mile moderate loop dropping 800 ft that features 10 waterfalls, four of which you can walk behind
  • South Falls: the iconic 177‑ft cascade (Double Falls is the tallest at ~178 ft)
  • Wildlife & nature: Douglas firs, vine maple, abundant wildlife including deer, squirrels. Cougars and black bears exist, but are rare

Hospitality in the Heart of the Forest

Located just over an hour from Portland, Guest Services now operates South Falls Café, Ten Falls Trading Company, Foothills Ranch, Davidson Ranch, and Smith Creek Village, all catering to day visitors and overnight guests. The lodges and cabins, perched near the falls, provide group accommodations, event space, and full-service commercial kitchens.

South Falls Café: Positioned near the iconic South Falls trailhead, this café offers locally inspired grab-and-go meals, coffee, and refreshments perfect for hikers preparing to explore the Trail of Ten Falls. It’s a central gathering point for visitors to refuel and relax amid scenic views.

Ten Falls Trading Company: Attached to the café, this cozy retail space provides outdoor essentials, apparel, trail snacks, and souvenirs. It’s a convenient stop for picking up last-minute hiking gear or a memento from the park.

Foothills Ranch & Davidson Ranch: These two historic lodges are nestled deeper into the park and designed for group retreats, reunions, and weddings. Each ranch features:

  • Approximately 75 bunk-style beds
  • A large open gathering hall with a central fireplace
  • Commercial-grade kitchens for self-catering or hosted meals
  • Scenic surroundings perfect for camp-style programs and rustic celebrations

Smith Creek Village: Formerly closed to the public, this once-private corner of the park is now open and reimagined as a tranquil overnight destination. It includes:

  • Eight cabins with 1–3 beds each
  • Four larger six-room cabins with shared lounge areas and fireplaces
  • The Calypso Cabin, a renovated VIP suite often used by wedding parties
  • Two duplex cabins ideal for couples or solo travelers
  • A soon-to-open Big Leaf Market & Grill, with coffee, snacks, and a casual dining experience for campers and cabin guests
  • Direct access to Mackenzie’s Meadow and trailheads connecting to the broader park

Together, these properties offer an integrated hospitality experience in the heart of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most stunning natural destinations.

Looking Ahead to What’s Next

 

Exciting developments are underway at Silver Falls, including the upcoming opening of Big Leaf Market & Grill, which will offer coffee and hot meals to both hikers and overnight guests. New seasonal programming is also in the works, featuring birdwatching weekends, winter festivals, and expanded bike rentals. These enhancements align with Oregon Parks’ long-term vision for the North Gateway area, which includes a new campground, visitor center, and improved parking and guest services.

“This is kind of our tryout in Oregon, and there’s a lot of potential here,” Chad adds, highlighting plans to grow community‑centered programming, expand offseason events, and immerse guests in the park’s natural and historical richness.

Silver Falls State Park Press Release

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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