Author Archives: Kat Summers

Ahh, fall time. Leaves are changing, families are gathering, and group selfies are taken. Whether you are with your family or at a Friendsgiving, capturing that perfect fall moment is a must. Check out these few locations that will make you want to stop and say, “But first, let us take a selfie.”

BIG SUR LODGE

When you think of fall, you think of tall trees with bright leaves. The Big Sur Lodge is surrounded by the redwood forest, making it the epitome of autumn. Group selfie opportunities are found all over the place: from the heated pool and swimming hole to the largest tree in the park measuring 31 feet in diameter – The Colonial Tree. We are going to go “out on a limb” and say that is the perfect place to take your group selfie. But, if that doesn’t sound fall-like enough, there is also hiking, wine tasting, and wildlife all through the “mini-Yosemite.” LEARN MORE

NORTH CASCADES LODGE AT STEHEKIN

If you want a group selfie with nature, North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin is the place for you. To get to the quiet lodge, you have three options: fly in a plane, ride a boat, or take a beautiful hike. Having the fall foliage shown from a whole new perspective in your group selfie will make any newsfeed unique. When you get to the Lodge, make sure to partake in the Red Bus scenic tour, kayaking, or horseback riding for that extra autumn magic. So, throughout your entire trip at the Lodge at Stehekin, there are so many opportunities to get that social media worthy pic that it is hard to choose just one!  LEARN MORE

BEAR MOUNTAIN INN

Bear Mountain Inn is the perfect escape from city life. The colorful foliage and historical presence create the perfect autumn aesthetic for any social media group selfie.  Not only will the view be breathtaking, but there are so many activities held on the grounds to keep you feeling that fall atmosphere. A variety of guided hiking tours are offered weekly for those adventure seekers, and the spa is opened for those wanting to relax before the holiday season. For the perfect photo opportunity, while on your hike, try to find the brightest-colored leaf to add that pop of color to your social media feed. LEARN MORE

ECHO BLUFF STATE PARK

If you have seen the Netflix show, Ozark, then you should be very eager to visit the Lodge at Echo Bluff. This Lodge is centered in the Missouri Ozarks and is the perfect getaway for any outdoor enthusiast or traveler. When you think of fall, you think of relaxing on a rocking chair in front of a bonfire surrounded by all the things you love – including your favorite pup! Yes, you can enjoy life in Echo Bluff with your favorite adventure buddy by your side. All social media worthy moments with your dog are found here—kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, geocaching, and, most importantly, cuddling! LEARN MORE

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK LODGES

Being 14,410 feet above sea-level is one thing, but also being on an active volcano is another. At Mount Rainier National Park, you get both! Being the most glaciated peak in the continental US, the Paradise Inn and National Park Inn are both great places to really disconnect from the world and enjoy the company and fall spirit around you. Afternoon tea in front of the fireplace or enjoying a glass of wine overlooking the fall foliage views are both great moments to capture for social media. LEARN MORE

All these places offer a wide variety of opportunities to capture that perfect autumn aesthetic with your friends and family.

Don’t leaf us hanging, and make sure to tag us in your favorite fall group selfie location! #bigsurlodge #lodgeatstehekin #bearmountainin #echoblufflodge #mountrainer

Keep your social media connection in a place of internet disconnection.

You just took the most perfect photo with your friends dressed in lederhosen and dirndl while drinking steins of endless beer. You need to post it online ASAP. So, you scroll to your favorite social media app, apply filters, and press post! But, you come to find there is no Internet! Don’t panic!

When you come to Bear Mountain’s Oktoberfest, don’t let Internet limitations stop you from making posts online. We have tips on how to stay on top of your offline social media game.

Instagram

The Instagram creators know we need access to our social media at all times. In a recent update, all of Instagram’s features are now available for use even when offline.

It’s very simple. Just go through the picture posting process as you normally would while on the Internet – pick photo, apply filters, add caption, etc. Once you are done, press post! It will give you a “posting failed” message, but that’s okay. The app already recognizes it is in a “dead” zone, and will automatically post your photo as soon as you get back on the Internet.

Don’t think Instagram stopped their features there! If you like, comment, or direct message an Instagram post while offline, it will automatically process those actions as soon as you’re back online.

Twitter

You will have to go old-school for this one, but you can text your tweet! Here’s how to do it:

Before leaving for Oktoberfest, make sure your Twitter settings are set correctly for text tweeting.

1. Go to settings
2. Click “mobile”
3. Insert your cell phone number under “Activate Twitter text messaging”
4. Text “GO” to 40404

Anytime you want to send a tweet, just write your message in a text and send it to “40404”; that’s it!

Now, there may be some spotty cell reception since so many people want to show-off their time at Oktoberfest too. But, that shouldn’t stop a social media mogul like you!

Another way to tweet is to save your message as a draft. Compose your tweet like you normally would. However, don’t press post. Instead, click the “x” in the top-left corner and choose the option to save your tweet as a draft.

This tweet will be moved to your Twitter draft folder, which you can find by clicking on the quill icon on the bottom-right-hand corner. You can access this at any time and hit post.

Facebook

If you liked texting in your tweets, then you’re in luck! Facebook also allows status updates sent over text. You can also sign up to receive updates from friends you are “subscribed” to and your Facebook chat! Do we need to remind you this is all without the Internet?

Again, before leaving for your amazing Oktoberfest experience, check to see if your Facebook settings allow you to text in updates.

1. Go to your account settings
2. Click “mobile”
3. Insert your cell phone number under “Activate Text Messaging”
4. Text the letter “F” to 32665
5. Go through the confirmation process sent to your phone

Ta- dah, you’re all set! You can now show your Facebook followers the fun you’re having just by texting “32665” with your status.

If you want to post more than a status, like a picture, for example, you can set up that post similar to Instagram’s offline posting process. Create the post you want to upload and press “share” once finished. Again, it will come up with a “posting failed”/“not connected” message. That is okay because the system will automatically post it for you once you connect back online.

Snapchat

There is a trend within the social media outlets because Snapchat processes offline posts very similar to Instagram and Facebook.

Whenever you see the perfect Snapchat moment, just snap and share it as you normally would. It will say “failed to upload”, but it will be added to your Snapchat queue. Once you get Internet access again, tap on your queued snaps and they will be uploaded in the same order in which you posted them.

You won’t be able to add geofilters. However, everyone will know you are at Oktoberfest with the German-themed foods and attire in your photos!

There you go! Those are all the ways to keep your social media connection, while enjoying a time of internet disconnection at Bear Mountain’s Oktoberfest!

Follow Bear Mountain online to stay updated on all things Oktoberfest, as well as any fun activities happening at the Inn!

Hospitality leader ends the use of plastic bags at more than 350 properties across the United States; Now exclusively offers paper and reusable bags.

FAIRFAX, VA. (PRWEB) AUGUST 27, 2018
Guest Services, Inc. today announced that the company will immediately stop using plastic bags at more than 350 properties across the country, continuing its industry-leading sustainability campaign.

Following its recently announced “Skip the Straw” initiative to reduce single-use disposable plastic, Guest Services will instead offer guests eco-friendly reusable or paper bags at its managed and owned hotels, state and national park operations, senior living communities, dining venues and retail outlets.

The changes will take effect immediately.

“We are extremely proud of this most recent development in our ongoing and meaningful sustainability efforts,” said Gerry Gabrys, chief executive officer of Guest Services, Inc. “We expect our latest action to reduce the amount of plastic bags entering the environment by millions annually. We also hope it will help build heightened awareness while encouraging other companies and organizations to operate with more environmentally friendly strategies.”

Plastic bags are a well-known source of pollution. Hazardous to wildlife, they can also block sewage systems, resulting in floods that cause major infrastructure damage.

“Guest Services looks forward to announcing continued sustainability platform expansion in the near future and we thank our valued guests for joining us in our commitment to protect and preserve the environment,” Gabrys said.

For more information about Guest Services, Inc. and its environmental initiatives, please visit https://www.guestservices.com/about-us/sustainability/.

About Guest Services, Inc.
Since 1917, Guest Services has worked tirelessly to earn our reputation as the premier hospitality management company in the United States. We are proud to provide a wide range of customized hospitality management solutions for clients involved in dining services, resorts and hotels, state and national parks, senior living communities, unique retail outlets, special events, condominium management and fresh produce distribution. Today, we stand at the forefront of the hospitality management industry, providing the highest quality food, lodging and leisure services for our valued clients and guests. Guest Services is proud to serve more than 35 million guests annually at over 350 properties nationwide.