Some days it feels like it happened just yesterday. Some days it feels like it happened decades ago. But in reality, a year ago today we were running around like crazy trying to get everything in order to open our doors for the very first time, to present to you downtown Boone’s first boutique hotel.
Isn’t it funny how time moves like that?
All of the anticipation, the excitement, the apprehension, the laughter (so much laughter), and even the tears…there were so many emotions involved in bringing this project to life. If I close my eyes, I can feel the ghosts of those feelings so clearly. Perhaps they’ll never leave me. Opening a business is a big deal. It’s a special experience, and being able to be a part of that is something that I’ll never forget. Even though my personal role at the Horton has shifted over the years, I’m so proud to still be a part of this company that is so invested in our community.
Since downtown Boone’s first boutique hotel is turning one, I’d like to say: cheers to the Horton’s first year! It’s a pretty special birthday, and I think it’s fitting to dedicate a post to reflecting on some of the memories that we’ve made, thanking our community for all of the love that YOU’VE showered on us, and dropping hints about some new things we’ve got in store for you as we move into our second year of business.
Reflecting on the good times…
There were so many great firsts this year. From completing the renovation of our space (right down to the pillows on our beds), to shaking up our first cocktail, to assisting our first check-ins, I could go on and on. So many special memories were made.
I asked owners, Denise and Fulton Lovin, and managers, Andrea Morton and Ellen Williamson, to reflect on the year. Here are a few things they loved and some things they had a lot of fun with.
Denise, Owner & Operator
“I really enjoyed the ribbon cutting and coming together of community members and staff. The excitement was contagious.”
Fulton, Owner
“It was fun to install the two copper fire pits and hear the overwhelming happiness with them.”
Did you vote on the fire pit design?! I still remember that Facebook post being one of the most popular ones we’d ever posted.
Andrea, Director of Operations
“I would say a good memory I have would be our first big day of training the staff before we opened our doors. Particularly walking the new housekeepers and front desk staff through the hotel and showing them around. Pointing out all the small and big details to pay attention to. Revealing all the hard work to them and telling them just how it is all going to fully function once we finally have guests in the space.”
Ellen, Director of Food & Beverage
“I’m most proud of all that we have accomplished in such a short time. The family we have created, the relationships we have curated with our community, and watching our staff grow into adults under our care.”
It’s true. We have some amazing staff.
What’s in store for year two?
Well, we can’t make any specific promises, but let’s just say we’re striving to give you guys more of what you want. We’re thinking more creative specials and packages, for sure. We love being able to work with different businesses in the community and offer unique add-ons for our guests.
We’ve also recently released a new cocktail menu called Drinks of Our Fathers. Of course we’re keeping our signature Horton cocktail menu, but we’re hoping that this new menu showcases our wide range of liquors and makes ordering your own favorite classic a little more accessible. From tweaking our food menu, our liquor menu, and coming up with more creative specials, we’re looking forward to year two. And we’re looking forward to getting your input on all the things.
You’re invited to our birthday party!
You’re invited to the Horton’s first birthday party! We’re planning a special evening on Thursday, February 13th, 2020. Come on out, and show Boone’s first boutique hotel some love. It’s going to be a really good time. We’re celebrating with $1 Old Fashioneds, live music with Max n Min, and other special treats and surprises.
We hope to see you there, and from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
This project was made possible because of you. We are so grateful for your input, support, and the love that you’ve shown us from the very start. The Horton wouldn’t be what it is today without you. We look forward to growing older with ya’ll by our side, saddled up to the bar, getting cozy in our rooms, or noshing in the lounge. Ya’ll are the best!
Author: Megan Biddix
