KENMORE, Wash. — Kenmore Air has been flying floatplanes from the shores of Lake Washington since 1946. The Lodge at St. Edward State Park —a getaway in a former seminary — was built in 1931. These businesses are about 2 miles apart as the floatplane flies. So close that Kenmore Air shows up on a mural at the Lodge.
"I think if you ask the team at Kenmore air, they said they've been flying over St. Edward Park for 77 years at this point,” said Corey Roettgers, general manager of The Lodge at St. Edward State Park.
"Kenmore has been flying over St. Edward for an awful long time," said David Gudgel, Kenmore Air’s COO. "And we saw the amazing work that had been done to restore that building."
Today, these longtime neighbors are working together to bring guests something special. A room with a view unlike any other.
“A match made in heaven I truly believe, or in the skies at the very least," Roettgers said.
It's a package that includes a one-night stay at the historic lodge, complete with house made sweets and a bottle of St. Edward signature bubbly from Treveri.
And then, a trip to Kenmore Air. Vehicle may vary, but the ride could be in The Lodge's vintage limo.
"We ride in style around here," Roettgers explained. "And so most guests go over in our 1938 Pontiac tour. It's become a bit of a hallmark of the property."
When you arrive at Kenmore Air, your floatplane awaits to take you on a scenic flight over iconic Seattle sights from the skyline to the Space Needle. Usually, the tour includes a spin over The Lodge at St. Edward, for a one-of a kind look at the place you'll be laying your head later.
After all, this has been the neighborly thing to do for the past 77 years.
Guests love this package.
“They return in an amazing mood virtually every time,” Roettgers said.
And the two long-time neighbors now collaborating on the shores of Lake Washington love it as well.
“We're really excited to continue this relationship, and look at other ways to support each other, and to really create a retreat in your backyard,” Gudgel said.
Sponsored by Kenmore Air. KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email.
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