Blog

Reflections on Our Second Careers as Innkeepers

By Sharon Mellor

Now that we are settled and have a few years at Buckhorn Inn under our belts, many of you have
asked how we are finding our experience. You have been curious about how we have
transitioned from life in Chicago to roles as innkeepers. Because we are approaching
Thanksgiving, I thought I would imitate another Hoosier, David Letterman, and offer our Top
Ten List of things for which Jack and I are grateful.

10. Living in the Greenbrier House. For those of you new to the Buckhorn Inner Circle, Jack
and I built the Greenbrier House in 2016 with the idea that we would rent it as an Inn
accommodation until we retired—an event that we thought would be five or six years away. And
rent it out we did. But after only a year I retired from my position as a CEO, and Jack arranged
to work remotely as` Vice President/CFO for the company he co-founded. Many of you who
have stayed in our house told us how disappointed you were when we moved here and you could
no longer rent the Greenbrier House. We are sorry to disappoint you—-but Jack and I love our
home and are so glad to live here!

9. Observing the local wildlife. Admittedly there have been instances when I have asked Jack
what kind of place he brought me to —like the time I opened my patio door and almost stepped
on a copperhead snake. Or the times a bear has destroyed our bee hives and chicken coop. But
we are thrilled to see the wildlife right on Inn property. We have seen bear, deer, foxes, a
bobcat, owls, hawks—all from the comfort of our deck. Jack put up a trail cam which captures
great wildlife shots. Of course it also functions as an “Eddie Cam”, capturing scenes of mowing.

8. Admiring the historical Buckhorn Inn. John and Lee made it seem easy, but Jack and I were
surprised by the work necessary to maintain buildings that were erected in 1938! We treasure
the charming details of the Inn—like the refinished original wood floors in the dining room.

7. Participating in Buckhorn Inn foodservice. The Inn is rightly known for the quality of the
food—from the hearty breakfasts, to the gourmet sack lunches, to the afternoon treats, to the
delicious dinners. Working at the Inn prompted me to study wine and earn an expert
certification. Jack was surprised when my first case of “homework” was delivered to our door—
but tasting those wines was on my syllabus! I enjoy helping select our wine list offerings and
pairing them with our dinners.

6. Serving breakfast at the Inn. Jack and I arrived with no serving skills but a desire to do well.
Libby was so kind in helping us get started! Usually Jack mans the coffee pots and I take orders
when we are working. We love getting to meet new guests and greet familiar faces. When I have
a few seconds to chat, I really enjoy finding out where you are from and how you are enjoying
your get-away to the Inn.

5. Jack was always interested in beekeeping, so moving to Tennessee gave us the opportunity to
explore that interest. When we have a honey harvest it is a pleasure to give guests small sample
jars and provide some to the kitchen to be used in sweet breakfast entrees and in dinner
desserts.

4. Keeping in touch with guests. I enjoy communicating with our followers on Facebook and
Instagram, and now on Threads. Thank you for all the comments and the “likes”! Jack and I
crack ourselves up with our annual Facebook April Fools Pranks. Thanks for humoring us by
appreciating them!

3. Adding items to our gift shop. We were surprised at how many of our guests want to bring a
little Buckhorn Inn home with them. I was delighted that my holiday ornaments were so
popular that we now introduce a new limited edition each year! Don’t forget to get your 2026
bear ornament before it is gone. It was fun developing our Scent of Serenity, which is now
available in a candle. I learned a lot about combining different top, base and heart notes that
capture the vibe of the Inn. Jack takes credit for bringing caps back to the gift shop—they have
been very popular. He also had the great idea for our hiking shirts—the high-tech fabric is great
in any weather.

2. Working as part of the Buckhorn Inn team. We both enjoy working with, and learning from,
Lee. She has a fabulous vision for the Inn and the know-how to make it a reality. We admire
our co-workers and enjoy working with them. We are fortunate to have many long-time
employees and are always impressed with their knowledge and education. They have taught us
many new skills. Jack manages payroll for the Inn and is very impressed with the relatively
small number of team member hours that keep the Inn functioning at its best.

1. You! Our guests bring the magic and the history that makes the Buckhorn Inn experience so
special. We recently met a lovely lady who made her first visit to Buckhorn Inn when she was 11.
She is now 80! We also learned that a couple visited the Inn on their honeymoon in 1959 and
have visited regularly since then. Thank you for welcoming us and know we are always looking
forward to your next visit!