Great
Escapes
Getaway to Blue Springs Lodge
If you dream of a cabin in the woods or on the lake, you'll love Blue Springs Lodge.
By Dave Webb
A cozy cabin near a lake full of hungry fish .... Pine trees towering overhead .... Peace and quiet away from the bustle of the city .... That's my idea of a great escape destination.
Those ideal conditions are what I found at the Blue Springs Lodge near Panguitch Lake. I stayed in the lodge on Feb. 7, after a long day of fishing and talking to fishermen on several lakes through southern Utah. I was very impressed with the accommodations and the hospitality of the proprietors, and I give the lodge a four star rating and highly recommended it to our readers.
Tracy and Lynn Armstrong operate the lodge. They offer four new cabins conveniently located on the southwest edge of the lake. When I arrived, I was immediately impressed with the cabins which are new, clean, and attractive with split logs on the outside and light-colored aspen or pine paneling on the inside. Exposed beams give the cabins a rugged look. Each cabin has a large bedroom upstairs. The kitchens are small but convenient, and the living rooms and baths are more than adequate. The cabins were obviously designed to shelter families or small groups in comfort.
As I explored my cabin, I was charmed by the homey atmosphere. As I settled in, I had the feeling: "I could live here." In fact, I would enjoy living there. I would like to spend the rest of my life in that cabin. It was that attractive and comfortable.
"They think of everything," I though as I noticed the coffee and chocolate packets on the counter next to the coffee maker, as well as the refrigerator and microwave. There were dishes and cooking utensils in the cupboards, dish soap and scouring pads under the sink, towels and hand soap and shampoo in the bathroom. All one needs to do is bring personal items, food, and fishing gear. The hosts provide everything else. Then I noticed a sign on the wall: "If you need something you don't find here, just ask and we'll get it." Very accommodating.
The cabins are designed for six people. They offer two queen beds, as well as one double. All are good, firm, and comfortable. The Armstrongs will furnish additional bedding for two other people, if desired. But they draw the line there. The cabins are large but more than 8 people would be crowding things too much.
Now I need to tell you what the cabins don't offer. No telephones and no TVs are part of the "escape" idea .... to get away from the city and the pressures of life .... to a place where it is tranquil, where one can talk to his spouse or children, and they might actually listen. Often it is possible to see deer, elk, and other wildlife, while sitting on the bench on the front porch enjoying a peaceful evening.
The Armstrongs enforce a strict "No Smoking" and "No Pets" policy, because it is much easier to keep the cabins clean and nice, as well as help protect their investment. There is a store and eatery just across the street, and restaurants and bars at other locations around the lake.
Tracy and Lynn are from Phoenix area. They've always loved Southern Utah, and Tracy's longtime dream was to operate a lodge. They spent some time searching for the right place and opportunity.
They had never been to Panguitch Lake, but in 1993 they camped there, and fell in love with the area. As they walked from the Forest Service campground over to the general store, they crossed a parcel of land, and noticed it was for sale. A couple days later, they owned the land, and immediately started planning where to put cabins. They built two units within a few months, moved their young family into one of them, and started renting out the other. They've added a cabin a year since then, and plan to build another one this spring. With the help of family and friends, they do most of the work themselves. By Memorial Day they will offer five cabins. Hopefully, sometime in the future, they will build a lodge on the property.
"We really didn't know what we were getting into," Tracy said. "It's been a challenge, but it's been fun." They chose the name "Blue Springs" for their lodgings, because it is the name of a small stream just behind the cabins, that flows into the lake.
Being new to the business, they have made a point of asking people what they want in a cabin. They have responded to suggestions, and say, "We've become better every year."
Tracy said they are debating whether to offer satellite TV. "Some people have asked for it. But it doesn't really fit with the image we've tried to create." More comments are needed. If you are interested, let them know what you think.
Panguitch Lake has long been a popular fishing hole. In fact, "Panguitch" is a Piute word which means big fish. The natural lake provides good fishing year round. It is one of our best ice fishing waters in the state. The stream below the lake also offers good fishing.
The area is now being discovered as a four-season playground. With Brian Head, Cedar Breaks, and Cedar mountain just up the road, it offers incredible skiing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, hiking and camping opportunities.
Tracy says when they are putting up a cabin they often have people stop by and say, "Can I buy it." Or, "Will you build one for me?" The cabins aren't for sale, but the welcome mat is out for those who want to enjoy them any season of the year. Tracy is also a real estate agent, and he can show property around the lake that is for sale. He also represents contractors willing to build exactly what one wants.
As for me, I'll let the Armstrong's own, maintain, and operate the cabins. I'll just go down to escape, to fish, to enjoy. Blue Springs Lodge, as of now, is one of my favorite escape destinations. Winter rates for cabins are $65 per night. Summer rates are $75 per night. There is an additional charge for more people. For reservations, call the Armstrongs at 1-800-987-5634.
