HOULTON, Maine — Jim Brown, owner of Rideout’s Lodge and Cabins in Weston, was the guest speaker at the Houlton Rotary Club July 21.
Brown became just the fourth owner of Rideout’s Lodge and Cabins on East Grand Lake in Weston in May of 2012. Located about 35 minutes south of Houlton on U.S. Route 1, just 2 miles past the Million Dollar View.
They have 13 rental cabins comprising 14 units; a lakeside lodge & dining room; 16 rental power boats and a fleet of canoes & kayaks.
Rideout’s was founded in 1947 and has attracted people from all over the world to fish, vacation and relax in southern Aroostook County. They continue to enjoy many “legacy” guests; some of which have come to Rideout’s for 40-plus years. The lodge is also very busy cultivating new guests using various methods.
They serve dinner Wednesday through Sunday for the majority of the time they are open weekends at both the beginning and end of their traditional season with special dinners now and then for Mother’s/Father’s day as well as luncheons for groups as well as hosting several wedding dinners.
Jim, his wife, Kim; daughter Emily; son Parker; and Lucy the dog have a camp on Old Bark landing in Orient where his family has had a long history. Buying Rideout’s was a large life decision for Brown and his family but one that they are very happy to have made for many reasons.
Thus far, business has been up about 20 percent over last year, Brown told Rotarians. While that figure was slightly below his expectations, it was well ahead of the industry norm of 3-5 percent.
Guests come from all over, with 28 percent originating from Maine and 21 percent from Massachusetts.
During the early season, many repeat salmon fisherman and legacy customers with some new people based on marketing are the typical guests. In June, the focus turns to bass fishermen; same blend of legacy and new customers. By late June, guests are a combination of fishermen and families once school gets out. In July, a smaller number of “hard core” fishermen still attend, with the higher concentration being families for summer vacations.
Brown is now on the Maine Tourism Association board, joining in June of this year, and is the northernmost member of the group. He plans to bring a voice to northern Maine on the board.
For more information on Rideout’s Lodge and cabins, visit www.rideouts.com.
