My great grandfather, a hotelier, started it all when he purchased the 111 South Broadway property. Shortly after, he invited my grandmother, grandfather and their first child to live in the north building. As the story goes, a dozen or so people had driven up the hill and knocked on the front door asking if they had any vacant rooms. My grandparents took it as a sign and started renovating the once hospital into a hotel. They began hosting guests in overnight rooms in 1944.

They celebrated family events at the property over the years and heard from friends how idyllic the location was for these festivities. But it wasn’t until my parents took over the business in the ‘90s that the event arm of the Inn was officially created.

They renovated what was once my grandparent’s living room, bedroom, and sewing room into the dining room space that is used for our indoor events today. They made design decisions that have withstood the test of time, opting for many bright windows and beautiful hardwood floors.

Wedding couples and event clients loved the new space, but some noted how they wished they could host more guests than the space’s 100-person capacity allowed.

A few years later, my parents moved our iconic gazebo from the south end of the hill to a more central location, creating an optimal space for larger tented events.

I grew up watching - and working - special events at the Inn. I celebrated many of my own there too, including birthdays, my high school graduation party, holidays with family, and more! So it was incredibly special for my entire family when my husband and I chose to celebrate our wedding reception at the Inn.

During our wedding planning process, I came across a list of the traditional symbols that mark each anniversary. You may have heard of the 25th year being your silver anniversary, 40th being ruby, and so forth. When we started talking about our 80th year festivities for the Inn, I revisited that list and scrolled pretty far down to find which symbol represents the start of the eighth decade. Eighty is the oak anniversary, symbolizing strength and wisdom, like that of a mighty oak tree.

In our 80th year, we are reflecting on the strength we’ve had as a family, passing the Inn’s keys generation to generation, working together, weathering small business storms, all while celebrating our successes, learning from mistakes and continuing to grow.

But most importantly, we have so much appreciation for the support from our guests and clients and for all they have taught us over the years. Our strength and wisdom is really… Thanks to You! 

We are grateful to be the location of so many special Saratoga memories throughout our 80 years and beyond.

To learn more about events at AWI, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..