Hill’s Resort upscale, year-round getaway

There are some outstanding resorts that are not just for the out-of-state visitors in North Idaho. Hill’s Resort on the shores of Priest Lake is one of the best.

North Idaho has some of the best quality-of-life escapes available. There are good reasons why so many people are visiting and moving to the area. Pine-covered mountains, four seasons, rich variety of wildlife and beautiful, clean lakes are some of the best reasons to live here.

Located on the shoreline of Luby Bay near the small town of Priest Lake, Hill’s Resort has been used by several generations of Idaho and Spokane residents as a very comfortable getaway in a fairly remote setting. In the summer, grandparents bring their grandchildren back to the same cabins that they enjoyed as children.

There are several resorts to choose from along the lake’s west shore, but Hill’s is the most developed and upscale. There are activities year-round, depending on the season. In the summer, there is boating, hiking, four-wheeling and fishing. Hill’s resort sponsors a mushroom festival in the fall. The area is known for its numerous wild mushrooms with more than 450 species identified. In the winter, the snowmobiles and the cross-country skiers are most prevalent. But there is plenty of room for those who just want to kick back and relax.

This year marks the 40th anniversary for the resort. In 1946 George Hill bought some property on the shore of Priest Lake. The land had a few cabins on it that were used as guest cottages. Hill had been a military pilot. He had visions of developing a quality resort some day. He met and married his wife, Lois, and they began a budding resort venture. They built additional individual cabins and remodeled the old ones. Later, condominiums/guest rooms were constructed and more lakeside cabins. Through hard work and persistence, their business became successful. Hill’s Resort flourished in a classic Idaho family business manner, examples of which can be found all over the state. They became involved in community events and organizations and became respected as civic leaders. George Hill died in 1990.

The resort now has 90 guest rooms, an 18-hole championship golf course, a lodge with dining room and lounge, marina and gift shop. Typical of what is found in an Idaho family business, their three children, Craig, Teri and Scott, have grown up and taken over the main responsibilities for the resort.

The resort is a hands-on family business. If you stay, whether you know it or not, you may come face-to-face with at least one of the family. Lois is still very much involved in the day-to-day activities. For example, she ensures that fresh flower arrangements are found around the lodge. Daughter Teri explained that her mother was just as instrumental in the success of the resort as her father.

Craig is the general manager, Teri is event and dining room coordinator and Scott is the head chef. The resort has won several awards for its accommodations and food. It has been featured in national magazines Redbook, Family Circle, Parents, and Meetings and Conventions.

The resort features large family or group accommodations. Some of the cabins and condominiums have enough rooms and beds for four to 12 guests. Many of the rooms have two or three bathrooms and a fireplace or Franklin stove. Nearly all have microwaves, and some include a dishwasher, and clothes washer and dryer. While bath and kitchen towels are found in all the units, daily maid service is not provided.

The restaurant is open for all meals. Here are some of the award-winning offerings found on a recent dining room menu: Cedar Salmon, $24.50; Pepper Steak, $27.50; Rosemary Chicken, $19.95. Locally harvested huckleberries, wild morel and chanterelle mushrooms are used in the food preparation. Expect a unique dining experience with a view.

Hill’s Resort combines an Idaho outdoor quality of life location with an indoor, upscale overnight experience. The Hill family and their staff will bet on it.