TheBurg

26 | theburg | 07.17 J ohn Keats once said, "e poetry of the Earth is never dead." But in today's pressure-driven and wired society, it's easy to lose sight of the beauty that surrounds us. To claim that we are a population that is constantly "on," is hardly an exaggeration when the smart phone has morphed into an appendage. Perhaps that is why the public has followed the Allenberry story so closely. After 70 years of serving the community as a bucolic, serene retreat, the landmark's future became uncertain when the Heinze family decided that it was time to sell. Few could blame them for craving a bit of relaxation, but John Heinze, who is now in his 80s, felt the need to explain anyway, jokingly calling himself and his siblings "a little too long in the tooth" to continue operating the facility. Suddenly, families around the region were reminiscing about bygone days as they awaited the fate of the beloved landmark. SOFt SPOt Lucy Gnazzo grew up in Boiling Springs and worked at the property while in high school. She returned for proms, bridal showers, family dinners and plays. "ey supported the students by providing them with jobs, and I even recall visiting as a very young child during the holidays for a reading of 'e Night before Christmas,'" she said. Gnazzo, like many, has a soft spot in her heart for Allenberry. It is a love that spans generations. "Allenberry was one of my Aunt Doris' favorite places, and she'd take the nieces, nephews and grandchildren," she said. When Gnazzo was seeking a picturesque area for her daughter Lauren's senior photos, Allenberry, with the Yellow Breeches as a backdrop, seemed a no-brainer. "So many memories and milestones," she said with a sigh. e property lingered on the market for a few years. Right before the historic resort was slated for public auction, Michael Kennedy and a group of investors sprang into action to save it. Since then, Kennedy and his team have been hard at work updating the property to bring it into the 21st century, while preserving its 1700s-era charm. Renovations to the existing structures should be completed by mid-summer. News of the new and improved Allenberry came as a relief to Gnazzo and many others who cherish the memories created there. "It's fulfilling to see the passion behind the renovations and fabulous to see the investments," she said. "It's going to be a tremendous resort for the region." rOMANtiC & ruStiC ose, like Gnazzo, with warm memories of Allenberry will be pleased to know that it's returning much as it was—as a resort with lodging, dining and entertainment—only in fully updated condition. Staying the Night For those interested in an overnight stay, the options are many. e 1800s-era, 4,000-square- foot renovated Mansion is especially popular with wedding parties and features four luxury rooms, complete with kitchen, dining room, living room and wraparound porch that overlooks the scenic Yellow Breeches. RESORT REBIRTH After a full renovation, Allenberry reopens to visitors, to the community. bY StePhANie KALiNA-MetZger

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