This summer why not take the time to get away. With gas prices rising at the same rate as the temperature, a weekend retreat does not have to be far from home base.

This summer the Heather Mountain Lodge is offering local residents a special package to make that summer getaway that much easier. For the cost of a room, which is $125 per night for double occupancy, locals are being offered accommodation, a three course meal served in the lodge’s dining room, as well as continental breakfast the next morning.

This retreat is available all less than an hour’s drive from Golden. The lodge is situated 55 kilometres west of Golden, just on the border of Glacier National Park. Its location offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, as well as an abundance of recreation opportunities. In the winter the lodge operates as a base for Great Canadian Heli-skiing, but there are also plenty of great activities in the summer. Numerous hiking trails are available on visitors’ doorsteps when they wake up in the morning, as well as chances for biking.

The staff at the lodge take pride in their work, and are all helpful and enthusiastic.

“It is such a gem, and everyday it gets better. It is so unique,” said Dan Brackow, chef at the lodge. “We are trying to focus on giving really good service and really good value. My philosophy is, ‘The answer is yes, what is your question?’ We are willing to accommodate.”

Each room in the lodge provides guests with two queen beds, full bath and gorgeous views of the mountains. Wireless internet is offered both in the main lodge and in the rooms, and TVs are available in each of the rooms. Satellite TV is also available in The Wooly Toque Lounge on the main floor of the main lodge.

The lounge also offers guests a bar and a pool table. The lower level of the main lodge houses the ski storage room, with the hot tub out back.

With a large patio facing the mountains, a dining room and a lounge, the lodge offers a spectacular venue for hosting events. The lodge offers a deal for those interested in booking a wedding, that allows couples to receive use of the whole property if 20 rooms are booked for the wedding.

The lodge has also started to host larger groups.

“We’ve been starting to get into bus tours,” said Brackow. “We have been getting popular with European tours.”

Pulling into Heather Mountain Lodge guests are greeted with the timber-frame main lodge, which was originally built in 1996 as a heli-skiing lodge.

“The lodge has a mountain rustic theme,” said Brackow. “The dining room is made with all local post and beam wood. There are photos from the archive museum around the lodge.”

The lodge also offers beautiful surroundings for those looking for a chance to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature, and indulge in some delicious cuisine. Brackow has developed a seasonal summer menu that includes many items that are grown from the gardens located on the property.

“We focus on growing our own food as much as possible. Every year we grow a veggie and herb garden,” explained Brackow. “My menu is comfortable. It is food that I would like to eat, and then I present it at a whole other level.”

Guests eating at the restaurant can choose from three appetizers off of the menu, including Brackow’s Capresse Salad. The salad includes tomatoes from the garden, mozzarella cheese balls wrapped in basil, which are presented on a skewer and served with a balsamic glaze, for $12.50.

The menu offers a selection of light entrees and regular entrees. One delicious entree that is cooked up by Brackow is the grilled Alberta bison steak, which includes bison rib-eye served with Canadian blue ermite cheese, roasted red onions, a demi-glace and warm potato salad for $30.50.

As a treat for guests, either during a meal or as a souvenir, fresh squeezed pink lemonade and home-brewed wild mint iced tea is being sold by the glass ($3.50) and by the bottle (7.00). For a cool summer treat, try gelato ($2.50 for one scoop) served beside the main desk, from Gerry’s Gelati in Invermere.