ILLINOIS — Located in Mount Morris is a regional gem that for over 80 years has provided an outdoor experience for anyone looking to getaway from it all, and the latest victim of the deadly coronavirus pandemic. It is a story about COVID-19’s other deadly secret that no one is talking about, the death of the American Dream.
That grave description is how White Pines Resort described the situation today, as the resort announced on their Facebook page that it would be closing its doors for good. Closed, due to their inability to keep their doors open because of state of Illinois restrictions.
“We have some very important news to share with you all”, the resort told their fans early Wednesday afternoon. “Beth was forced into bankruptcy due to the delayed reopening and restrictions from the Illinois Governor that has been placed on all restaurants and not being able to have events of over 50 people until there’s a vaccine.”
Owner Beth George, who has owned White Pines Resort for the past 31 years, shared a video on Wednesday explaining the closure.
The Resort said it is a loss of freedom of speech for all business owners during this time, feeling as no one has a say in their own destiny. Not even after 31 years of working so hard at it. The resort has cabins for rent, a restaurant, and a theater on-site.
White Pines said they are hosting a going out of business Gift Shop sale May 18-20 from 10 AM – 6 PM. “Please consider purchasing a momento [SIC] and help us pay back our brides who were planning their wedding here.”
White Pines Resort website reads;
“Nestled in a clearing deep in the forest of White Pines State Park, less than 2 hours west of Chicago, discover White Pines Resort. The showpiece of the resort is a massive log lodge built in the 1930’s which is home to a restaurant known far and wide for its delicious home-style cuisine, generous portions and friendly staff. The restaurant is also host to the Pines Playhouse, a live theater experience which has been providing musical and comedic entertainment for over thirty years. Adjacent to the landmark restaurant is a charming and rustic gift shop filled with nostalgic flavors and precious mementos. Authentic, cozy log cabins provide overnight lodging just a stone’s throw from the lodge. Natural beauty abounds with miles of hiking trails that crisscross over bubbling streams and along moss covered limestone bluffs. This hidden gem is ideal for romantic escapes, family outings, corporate retreats, weddings and weekend getaways from Chicago. Enjoy an amazing experience guaranteed to create good olde fashioned times with family, friends and loved ones which harkens back to a time of simple pleasures and treasured memories.”