|
|
Our customer testimonials prove that the right bank can make a big difference. When it comes to both banking and lending, our customers know that a community bank has their needs in mind first. Find out why others have chosen to trust us for their financial solutions. Amity Flats
Amity Flats is a small beautifully restored inn in historic Amity that caters to wine country visitors and residents. Owned by locals Rob Kistler and Barb Bond, their “everybody wins” approach to hospitality ensures guests are introduced to the local businesses and people that make Amity special. Joining the hospitality industry was “kind of an accident,” Barb recalls. A previous colleague had suggested the idea of converting the building in Amity at 418 S. Trade Street into a wine tasting room. Though it was in terrible condition, Barb and Rob saw the potential. The purchased the building in 2012 and began renovations. Rob, being an architect, enjoyed the revival of the poor old building. “Initially we figured we’d use the top floor as an event space, but as we talked with people who actually have expertise in these things, it became clear that the best use of the space was short-term lodging for wine country visitors.” Maintaining the historic features of the building while also introducing modern features to enhance comfort and reduce environmental footprint was a priority during the renovation. The building features large rooftop solar panels, energy efficient windows, repurposed materials, complementary bikes, and an electric vehicle charging station. Visitors can choose from five rooms, all uniquely and beautifully decorated by Morris Design. “Kim selected and arranged the furnishings, including everything from chairs and tables to tableware, creating interior spaces that look modern and feel comfortable, while the original brick walls preserve a historic sense.” Local craftsman, Tyler Cunningham, designed and constructed the bed frames and side tables using reclaimed wood from the building itself. Barb notes, “The trees that provided that wood were well over 100 years old when they were harvested in the early 1900s. So they may have been growing before the Revolutionary War or even before the Mayflower brought the Pilgrims to the New World.” Since day one, they have used a secure self-check system. Upon arrival, guests will find Brigittine Monastery fudge samples plated on the bed and fresh coffee from McMinnville-based, Flag and Wire Coffee Company. Barb herself replenishes the coffee canisters before guests arrive to ensure the perfect cup of coffee in the morning. Coupons to the downstairs Amity Baker & Café and local wineries, as well as a complimentary bottle of pinot noir from the Eola-Amity Hills, and a welcome letter from Barb and Rob also await guest’s arrival. Surviving the pandemic was not easy for the Amity Flats team. “2020 was heart-breaking,” Barb recalls. Their saving grace came from the shift towards long-term stays. Fast forward to 2021, and things completely turned around. Barbara suspects their existing “no contact” check in, and the fact that they are based in a fairly remote location, led to a resurgence of guests in 2021. “Economically it has been our best year yet. Most of our visitors came from Portland, Seattle and other nearby cities. I guess you might call these ‘staycations’, but instead of staying in place, they are vacationing locally at safe places within a reasonable driving distance. I like to call them ‘loco-cations’.” To learn more or to book your own ‘loco-cation’, visit amityflats.com. Photos courtesy of Kirkpatrick's Graphics. |
