Tom and Hobbs - Your hosts in Talkeetna, Alaska

Tom came to Juneau in 1984 doing computer consulting. On his first trip to the Alaskan interior in 1988 he stumbled onto the abandoned lodge near Talkeetna. It took years to understand all the reasons why, but he decided to buy the old lodge right on the spot.

He’d philosophized that his ideal situation would be the hospitality business. Computers were lucrative, but gourmet cooking had always been his passion. Traveling all his life, regularly meeting new people has become an important part of his life, too. 

Tom has cooked professionally since age 15. He was lead chef at the Lobster Pot when it was voted the fastest growing restaurant in the Philadelphia area. He was 'Chef du Lunch' at the Bastille in Crested Butte, Colorado . 

Hobbs came to Talkeetna in the winter of ’93 for what was supposed to be another stop amidst her travels that began in 1987 from her native England, through Africa, Corsica, Switzerland, Mexico and much of the U.S.

Besides a penchant for adventure, Hobbs knows the hospitality business by way of managing a B&B, teaching windsurfing, water-skiing, and sailing in the Mediterranean. She’s an avid gardener and superb baker, and has a way with tea and bread you’ll never forget.

Tom and Hobbs met in Talkeetna in ’93 and spent most of the next ten years not only restoring the lodge, but shaping it into a legend of frontier construction executed with artisan skill. Stone, wood and glass were combined to give a cohesive visual experience, whether cozy indoors, or touching nature outdoors.

Tom’s son Airon helps the family business maintaining our 17 acres of lawns, gardens and forest. The Inn’s lawns are perfect for bocce, badminton and croquet – it’s a big job but we’re always proud to share the fun and adventure with our guests.

The family blends their talents in ways guaranteed to provide you with an unforgettably pleasant stay. Hobbs eats vegetarian and Tom is as likely to cook a hindquarter as a souffle. They both know how to chop wood and field dress a moose. Like you, they have stories from the far corners of the earth and know quality whether they see it or dish it out.

They’re looking forward to meeting you.