Arizona Mountain Inn

Astronomers from Widener University

wpadmin — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:10:41 +0000

Harry Augensen is a professor from Widener University in Pennslyvania. Widener University is one of fourteen member institutions which form a consortium known as the National Undergraduate Reserch Observatory (NURO). Harry comes to the Inn once or twice a year with a group of astronomy students to conduct research with the 31-inch reflecting telescope at the Lowell Observatory. Harry and his students have been staying at the Inn since 1995! Enjoy these photgraphs that were taken by Harry and his students.

Sew Sisters

wpadmin — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:09:54 +0000

For the last 6 years a group of very special ladies come to the Inn to make the most amazing quilts! The arrival of the 12 sew sisters does not go unnoticed as they unpack their sewing machines and all necessary equipment at the Hogan. The Hogan becomes their special quilting studio for a week each July. They have the process of setting up in the Hogan down to a science. They know how much space is required per person and where to move the furniture already in the Hogan to make everything fit. These divas of pins and needles have created some of the most unique and beautiful works of art using fabric and their imaginations. Using the well-equipped kitchen, the divas produce nightly gourmet meals that rival the best of restaurants. We look forward to their visit every year and to the special projects they are able to create!

Sunny Remembered

wpadmin — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:50:21 +0000

We have many guests that come to the Inn who enjoy bringing their dogs. I believe the dogs enjoy the beautiful pines and fresh mountain air as much as their owners do. Myles and Emily Mazur have been coming to the Inn with their daughter, Julia since 1995. In 1998 they started bringing their new addition to the family with them, Sunny.

Sunny loved being at the Inn. She adjusted to ‘cabin’ life quickly. She seemed to remember it and got into the routine as soon as unpacking was completed. Sunny and Emily would get up every morning and walk to the gas station to get a newspaper then come back for coffee and breakfast.

Flagstaff was Sunny’s favorite place to be. When Sunny was younger she loved to hike and walk with her family. She was like a little mountain goat and always happily took the lead. She loved to sit at the base of a tree, looking up and waiting for a squirrel to move. She never got close to catching one, but she loved the thrill of the chase!

Sunny was the youngest-looking dog I had ever seen. She came with her family to the Inn for 14 years and every year I would ask her age because she looked like a puppy, even when she was 16 years old!

Unfortunately, Sunny passed away in January 2011 after a sudden illness. I was so sad when I heard the news because I could so clearly see little Sunny’s happy face. This story and pictures are in memory of Sunny and the happiness she brought while here on earth. Here’s hoping that she is still chasing squirrels amongst the clouds.

AZ Mountain Inn – the Perfect Place for Asking Her

wpadmin — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:51:28 +0000

Patrick called the Inn in December to make a reservation. He explained to us that he wanted to propose to his girlfriend, Mina at the Inn. He asked if we could help him surprise her. We told him we would love to help him with his surprise and started to strategize as to the best way to do it.

Typically we do not serve pancakes for breakfast, however, we thought we could make a few and put “Will you marry me?” on them. Apparently, prior to their arrival the young couple got into a little spat. Patrick informed Mina of his plan to propose to her while in Flagstaff, but now he wasn’t going to any longer knowing full well that he would still. Mina was very disappointed.

The morning of the proposal breakfast my staff and I prepared the pancakes and wrote “Will you marry me?” on them. We were a little nervous, but tried to remain calm and act normal which for us can be a challenge in normal situations. Patrick and Mina arrived for breakfast and started eating. A few minutes into their breakfast, I approached Mina with a covered plate. I told her we were trying a new breakfast item and I would love her feedback. She was very accommodating and said she would love to try it.
I sat the plate down, turned and walked away. I only took a few steps when I heard her scream, “Oh my gosh!” I turned around and she had her hands to her mouth screaming. Patrick got down on one knee and popped the question! Mina was so excited and through her tears said, “Yes, yes, yes, I will!”

It was all very exciting and very romantic. Although pancakes are probably not the easiest food to travel with, Mina was determined to take them with her. All in all, it was a great proposal! We wish them all the happiness in the world. They said they’d be back to visit on their anniversary!

Winter Fun at the AZ Mountain Inn

wpadmin — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:50:46 +0000

Here is a video clip of kids taking full advantage of our sledding hill! Oh so fun!

Fall Colors in Flagstaff

wpadmin — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 18:09:59 +0000

If you are planning on heading up to Flagstaff to see the fall colors, here are some beautiful pictures submitted by a Flagstaff resident that shows you what you can expect.

History of the Arizona Mountain Inn

wpadmin — Tue, 29 Sep 1998 11:51:57 +0000

The 13 acres for the Arizona Mountain Inn was purchased by Ray Wanek in 1948. Downtown Flagstaff seemed very far away at that time. Ray built Cabin 1 in 1949. He met Pauline and they married in 1953. He wrote a poem for her that is posted on a tree by Cabin 1. Pauline was not nearly as ‘rustic’ as Ray. She preferred The Ritz Carlton over a cabin in the woods. She told Ray that she was not going to live in the middle of nowhere without neighbors especially since Ray was a travelling salesman and she was often home alone. Hence, Cabin 2 was built in 1956.

Gradually all of the cabins were built over the years. Cabin 16 was built in 1969. The Wanek’s and their 4 children lived there. The Hogan was the very last cabin built in 1988. The intent was to have an outdoor Ramada, but the city did not approve the structure. So it was converted into a round Hogan instead.

The main Inn was built in 1981 and was the last Wanek family home. Once the kids were older and moved away, they decided to turn the Inn into a B&B. The cabins were originally used as long term rentals especially for NAU students and teachers. Eventually they were turned into short-term vacation rentals.

Brian and Mary Bostwick vacationed at the Arizona Mountain Inn on their honeymoon in Cabin 9 in February 1998. A discussion ensued regarding future plans since they both were in the technology industry at the time. Brian’s work history included several years in the construction industry. He felt it wouldn’t be too difficult to build cabins similar to the ones at the Inn. One thing led to another and the Bostwick’s decided to meet with the Wanek’s to inquire about building a similar establishment. Unbeknownst to the Bostwick’s, the Inn was for sale. Ray and Pauline said they would know when they met the ”right” people to sell the Inn to. The sell was complete in September 1998. The Bostwick’s have owned the Inn ever since.

Following in Ray’s footsteps, Mary wrote Brian a poem for their 2nd wedding anniversary. It is posted at Cabin 9. (The poem is on this Web site under Accommodations, Cabin 9.)

Unfortunately Ray passed away in September 2003. He loved the Inn and put all of his heart and passion into building and running it. His family scattered his ashes by Cabin 1.

The poem that Ray wrote to Pauline was:
In the Spring of ’53
Underneath this very tree
I asked Pauline to marry me.
She saw the rings and squealed “Eeeeee…” (Pauline doesn’t like this line…understandably.)

It’s been super years, now 25
Full of love and joy to be alive
Four fine children God has given
This land and life in Him we’ve striven

Now we go on together praising Him!