Greetings and love from our family to yours. As we welcome the New Year we wanted to take a moment to reflect on all that 2020 has encompassed, and we imagine all of humanity is likely doing the same thing.
For Leatherwood Mountains, it has been a year of extreme highs and lows. The same as years past, we began the year planning for many fun-filled activities here at Leatherwood Mountains Resort. Our wedding calendar was full, we were just a few weeks away from what would have been another successful endurance ride, followed by the excitement of Merlefest, Mule Days, and even another Outlander weekend… and then we had to pull hard on the reins and come to a screeching halt. With the county commissioners completely shutting down our rentals, as well as any large gatherings, we simply were not sure what would happen next. The beginning of the pandemic left us wondering if our little business could weather the storm. So much fear and uncertainty seemed to pull the rug out from under our plans for the start of our season.
After hunkering down for a couple of months, we were allowed to slowly welcome people back to this wonderful development. The dedication and team effort which our staff put forth was a shining example of what we can accomplish when we work together. We are simply in awe of the effort and resilience that was shown during this time. As there were certainly dark clouds in the sky, evidenced by the unbelievable amount of rain we have gotten this year, so too did the sun shine. An unexpected result of this pandemic is that 2020 has put Leatherwood on the map as a “safe haven” for new friends and old, seeking a safe and peaceful retreat from the world. We believe strongly that the discovery of our “socially distanced by nature” experience will resonate in the hearts and minds of our guests for years to come. Because of this, we have been able to show our employees how much we value them in ways that we couldn’t in years past. We have been able to make some additions to our resort, such as a new outdoor area for the restaurant… another example of friends and families working together, as many Leatherwood residents helped us with this construction project. It is inevitable that another storm will come, but with the team that we have on our side, as well as some additions to the tools in our belt, we will be prepared to build, rebuild, and build again when needed.
As with any time of reflection, we want to make sure and honor some of the losses that we have had this year. As with many people in the world right now, we have felt the great loss of sweet, beloved friends and family members, who have now become our guardian angels from heaven above. Heading into 2021 we have friends and family that have moved on from Leatherwood to be closer to their families, or just to follow a different path on life’s journey. Just like many of our property owners, our animals are considered family as well. This year, we laid to rest several of our most beloved equine companions that will always hold a great place in our heart. We will miss all of the friends that moved on to other pastures but find comfort in knowing that we will see them again.
When one door closes, another opens….. We are so excited to have so many new property owners here at Leatherwood!! We are proud to say that the tradition of wonderful people becoming property owners continues. This year has been quite the year for real estate sales in our development, and with multiple homes being built right now, the future for Leatherwood Mountains is bright!
As we say goodbye to 2020, we welcome 2021 in a new, yet somehow familiar, way. We have learned that nothing is certain, and have been reminded of what is important. The love and heartfelt support of friends and family… a sense of working together… realizing the commonalities in others, and not just the differences. We have done our best to weather the storm which was 2020. And through it all have seen astounding beauty during the darkest days. We enter this new year with hope. Hope for health. Hope for peace and unity. And hope that we will see you all again soon! May this coming year bring peace, health, happiness, and prosperity to all.
May God bless you and yours,
Leatherwood Mountains Resort
