By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

Is the busy 9-to-5 life getting you down?

Perhaps what you need is a weekend spent in a quiet cabin nestled in the heart of rural Pennsylvania. Imagine — a little time away from all the hustle and bustle; a chance to reconnect with those who matter most. Located just past the Marilla Reservoir at 2060 W. Washington St., the folks at Willow Creek Cabin Rentals offer many unique rentals to choose from.

Owners Tom and Amy Craig started their business in 2017 with only one cabin and have since expanded to nine cabins and a converted school bus. The cabins offer amenities such as bathrooms, kitchens, heat and electricity Each cabin is a little different than the others.

‘We have two big cabins and two smaller ones, then we have Aspen, which is three mini cabins that go together so that the whole area can house up to ten people,’ said Amy Craig.

The couple stays busy throughout the year, renting in the winter as well.

‘We are popular with the Willow Creek Cabin Snowmobile Club,’ said Craig. ‘You can access Cabin… page A-10

Photo provided our property right off of that trail so we stay busy throughout the season.”

The cabins are also very popular with fishermen and other outdoorsmen and -women.

“When the fishing season opens up everything is usually rented out,” said Craig.

The couple maintain the cabins themselves. They have also done most of the work by hand.

“We get the cabins like a shell from the Amish people and expand from there,” said Craig. “We divide the rooms and make the kitchen and bathroom.”

She said after all these years, they have it down to a science.

“We go out regularly to touch things up and keep an eye on things,” said Craig. “There is a lot of upkeep with it but we just love them.”

One of her favorite parts of the business is getting to meet new people. She describes herself as a people person.

“We get people from all over the world who come back regularly every year,” said Craig. “We have had guests from Ohio, Buffalo (N.Y.) and Jerusalem.”

There is one hunter who hails from Spain who comes back year after year. People enjoy the quiet atmosphere and friendly hosts. Guests typically rent for a three-day weekend, but some book weeklong stays.

“We are fully equipped here with all the things you need so the only things you have to bring are your bedding and shower stuff,” said Craig. “We have coffee makers, refrigerators, stoves, pots and pans and really nice grounds outside with tables and fire pits.”

People regularly overpack, Craig said.

“I tell people not to worry too much about bringing a lot of stuff because if they need something we will get it for them,” Craig said.

Their location, just 8 miles from Willow Bay, means they are popular with those who want to enjoy a weekend on the water.

“We get a lot of people who like to go to the reservoir and fish,” said Craig. “We have a canoe and a boat that people can use and we can take them down to the reservoir.”

While she initially had some reservations about renting the cabins, Criag said that over the years guests have been incredibly polite and overall it has been a positive experience.

“People are usually very thankful that we are sharing this place with them,” said Craig. “Over the years we have met a lot of really beautiful people.”

They are also available for events like weddings.

“We have had a few weddings out here that were just beautiful,” said Craig. The business is just perfect for the two retirees, they said.

“Right now I am happy with the business base that we have because it isn’t too much to handle,” said Craig. “We can really focus on making everyone’s stay wonderful because we don’t have an overwhelming amount of cabins.”

Some guests book their stay as much as a year in advance. However, the Craigs strive to accommodate last-minute bookings as well.

“We usually have cabins that don’t book up over the weekends so we can take people last minute,” said Craig. “If you want a holiday weekend you might want to call in advance.”

Those who would like to book a cabin can call (814) 363-9773 or go to willowcreekcabinrentalsllc. com. The business also has an active Facebook page.

Photo provided