Back in May when we were in the middle of covid pandemic, we have launched Families of Bass Lake Campaign. The main purpose of this campaign was to really get to know our families. We asked people to share their special stories and memories from Bass Lake and submit their applications. While the program was open to anyone who has stayed at the Pines Resort before, we were mainly looking to point out the most loyal patrons and advocates of our brand:

• Guests and families who have been coming for years and/or staying multiple times a year.
• Customers, who have a unique connection to our Resort.
• Those, who share special memories or fun traditions, related to Bass Lake and the Pines Resort.

We have received just a little over 50 applications and contacted 8 families to answer additional questions and finally picked 3 families to introduce to you.

McAlister Family

Heather’s story and connection to Bass Lake is really special. It starts when she was just a toddler and spending her summers at Bass Lake. Now, she is about to open a new chapter of her life and she is doing it also here at Bass Lake, where she is about to get married to her fiance, Naaman.

She started coming to Bass Lake as a toddler with her family. Originally, it was a way to celebrate her dad’s birthday in September and then the annual visit shifted into the Summertime and it became a family tradition to travel to Bass Lake each Summer.

McAlister Family has many wonderful memories from Bass Lake and their annual trip to The Pines Resort is really an opportunity to get away to a Home Away from Home. It is also a trip down memory lane and they enjoy retelling their stories and remembering all those great summer days spent at Bass Lake throughout the years.

When asked about three words that remind her of Bass Lake, Heather answered: Peaceful, Happiness and Paradise!

The fact that the Resort is not a typical Hotel, each room is really self sufficient with full kitchens, spacious layout that allows for family gathering, but also lets you step away and relax was something that McAlister family values the most. They love the privacy that the Pines Resort offers, but most of all – they enjoy the charming Village of Bass Lake, close proximity to all amenities (market, restaurants, recreation). They appreciate the fact that they can just get away, rejuvenate, and spend quality time as a family.

The Pines Resort was also a part of many family events and celebrations, starting from celebrating dad’s birthday each September, celebrating cancer remissions of their loved one, coming for birthdays, attending concerts to the big one, coming up in a little over a month – Heather’s wedding!

We asked Heather to answer some questions for us:

What’s your typical day/itinerary like when at the Pines?

Heather: When at the Pines, we like to wake up and have a cup of coffee on the balcony before we make breakfast. That is usually cereal, a bagel, or eggs with toast. Then we get all our stuff together and drive down and park in front of Duceys. Traditionally, we rent a pontoon boat from Tommy at Bass Lake Watersports. Finding a cove that is not too busy can be challenging at times. We enjoy Willow Cove and that is where we usually set up our camp for the day. We play country music and read books and get our daily dose of vitamin D.

For lunch we like to BBQ on the pontoon; usually hot dogs or hamburgers that we bring in an ice chest. When the sun starts to go behind the mountain, we head in to drop off the boat. We always stop for dinner at Duceys and enjoy the view of the sunset from the patio. And then we head back to the room to enjoy the evening on the patio playing dice games or building a puzzle before going to bed.

What’s your favorite meal from Ducey’s?

Heather: Hands down the burgers and fries from the upstairs Bar & Grill. Simple, yet so delicious. During our stay, we order them at least 2-3 times. The loaded tots are a close second though.

Any favorite spots in the area that you enjoy visiting?

Heather: Yes! We always love to catch a movie at the local movie theater when we are in town. My dad is a big movie buff. Also love to get pizza at the pizza place right next to the Pines. Miller’s Landing is always popular with my family to grab ice cream or a snow cone as well.

Why should people come and visit Bass Lake?

Heather: Everyone should visit Bass Lake because it really is a little piece of heaven on earth. The smell of the pines and the peacefulness of watching the sunset over the water every evening is unlike any sight you have seen.

What advice would you give people looking into coming to stay at Bass Lake?

Heather: My best advice is to always come with loved ones. You want to be surrounded by love and laughter because the memories you create will last a lifetime. I do not think anyone comes to Bass Lake and doesn’t love it. Remember to bring a sunscreen, a bathing suit, floatie, good food, drinks, and your loved ones. Definitely, plan to grab a Ducey’s burger and enjoy the water in any way you possibly can!