Sequoia & Kings Canyon
National Parks, CA – December 2014 / Newsmaker Alert
/ Nestled amongst picturesque forests and meadows and steps
from the famed General Grant Tree, John
Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon’s Grant Grove Village has been lending itself
to unforgettable national park trips for close to two decades. A fixture
of countless family getaways and outdoor adventures, the rustic stone-and-timber
lodge offers intimate and inviting quarters for guests in all seasons.
Now, its welcoming atmosphere is further enhanced and equipped to deliver
an authentic national parks experience after a full remodel of the lodge’s
36 rooms.
Partnering with local Darden Architects, concessionaire Delaware North Parks & Resorts devoted approximately $400,000 to update everything from carpeting, bedding and window treatments to headboards, lounge chairs and fans. In keeping with Delaware North’s GreenPath philosophy; which applies environmentally conscious practices across all facets of business; all furniture, carpeting, fabric and blinds are eco-friendly. Much of the wood furniture is crafted from sustainably sourced hickory saplings that would not be able to grow healthily in nature and would have to be removed, while other pieces are constructed from reclaimed wood. Fabrics, such as those used for upholstery and duvet covers, are also handpicked from an environmentally dedicated vendor. For both Delaware North and Darden Architects, it was crucial to maintain the integrity of the lodge and its surroundings, as well as add to the guest experience with a warm aesthetic that speaks to the scenery of Kings Canyon. “We wanted to choose items that look like they’ve been here, not just thrown in as part of a new update,” explained Darden Architects’ DeDe Darnell. “Our goal as a company is to build onto and support the locations we are fortunate enough to operate on, not interrupt their natural beauty and systems,” added General Manager Brandon McCarter. “It is wonderful to see a change that will better serve our guests also better highlight our gorgeous surroundings and decrease our environmental impact.” More updates include thicker walls for tranquil sleep and, for the first time ever, flat screen TVs in each room. The lodge is also now featuring works from local artist Jane Ziegler, who knows a thing or two about making John Muir Lodge feel like home – she works at its neighboring Grant Grove gift shop. Ziegler gains a great deal of inspiration from the sights and sounds of Kings Canyon, and the Darden team worked closely with her to choose 24 prints showcasing vistas return guests would easily be able to recognize or first-timers would want to visit. Curious guests can enjoy the all-new John Muir Lodge and a great deal with the Midweek Bed & Breakfast Package, which includes an overnight stay and breakfast for two at Grant Grove Restaurant. Rates start at $129 for winter and $149 for spring. Beyond the lodge, more exciting developments are in the works for Grant Grove Village. Its cozy cabins, which offer lodging from late spring through early fall, will be debuting interior furniture and soft goods updates by May 2015. And, the onsite Grant Grove Restaurant will be completely rebuilt and redesigned to align with the theme of authenticity and sustainability, planned for completion in 2016. To learn more about lodging in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, please visit VisitSequoiaKingsCanyon.com. About Delaware North Parks
& Resorts
About Sequoia & Kings
Canyon National Parks
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Delaware North
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