When Joseph Van Meter and Jillian Hewer stumbled upon the idea of buying Mill Creek Resort, they were actually looking for a home and jobs in beautiful Northern California. That’s exactly what they got, a rustic place to live above a restaurant and store along with several cabins, an RV park and campgrounds to manage. Joseph explained, “We were looking for houses and we ran into this resort. Jillian has always wanted run a place like this so we just did it.” The couple have been busy adding their own touches ever since they bought the place and are enjoying the adventure.
It seems to have become a perfect fit for both of them I noticed as Joseph showed me around. Inside the main building are the store, café and bar. He pointed out his current line-up of craft brews on tap. They cycle in their favorite brews to keep a nice variety. There were several to choose from.
When they arrived they realized they had a reputation to keep up with for the great burgers and shakes served in the past at this resort, and that they have done. We greatly enjoyed the famed lunch. I savored every bit of my strawberry milkshake as my friend enjoyed her chocolate malt. Juicy burgers followed with a heap of freshly made french fries, all delicious.
We came in June and enjoyed a full summer menu with a variety of lunch items including several wraps to choose from. Enjoy the Soup & Salad Combo or choose a specialty salad like the Mandarin Chicken Salad served with wontons, tomatoes and mandarin oranges, all tossed in a lime dressing. Hot Dogs, Quesadillas and favorites like Beer Battered Fish & Chips were also on the menu. They had several burgers available. I couldn’t resist the Lassen Bacon Cheeseburger topped with barbecue sauce and a crisp onion ring. It was great. The Eruption Burger is topped with pastrami and pepper jack. A Chili Burger was also on the list of 11 choices on their burger menu.Joseph said they source locally as much as possible.
They enjoy hosting special events like barbecues, and community and public events. They are open during the holidays when they greet families who have returned year after year to celebrate their holiday traditions in the forest at Mill Creek Resort.
The property hosts a variety of wildlife on its varied terrain. The lower campground is set on Mill Creek while “Little Mill Creek,”as they call it, runs amid the RV park and cabin areas.
We asked Joseph what type of wildlife they’ve encountered so far. Along with the birds and wildlife commonly-seen in the mountains, he said they’ve seen bears fairly often and in the marshy wetlands have seen mountain beavers. An occasional river otter has also been spotted in a culvert.
If you want to get away, I mean really get away, but still enjoy a bit of convenience and perhaps some good company, plan a trip to Mill Creek Resort.
One and two-bedroom cabins have gas heat for those chilly mountain evenings and holiday gatherers. Cabins range from $110 to $155 per night. RV sites are $35 per night, $180 weeky and seasonally $450 per month with 3 month minimum. The resort closes during mid-winter from February through April. Call for details.
They take care that cabins are stocked to ensure your stay is comfortable and your packing a little bit lighter. They provide linens and towels in each cabin’s private bathroom and each fully equipped kitchen has a full size refrigerator, stove/oven, toaster, coffee maker, & cookware.
Enjoy a deck outside with chairs and a picnic table/barbecue area. Just below the restaurant deck kids enjoy a playground. A laundromat, store and the café offer extra convenience on your vacation or weekend getaway.
Joseph and Jillian also enjoy displaying local art and offer locally made products for sale in the store. Come visit soon. It’s three miles off Highway 36.
