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Photo by Baldwinsville Messenger

The Red Mill Inn in Baldwinsville is observing its fifth anniversary.

Located on riverfront in the heart of the village, the 32-room facility continues to gain in popularity, not only as a place to stay, but for a wide array of catered and special events ranging from conferences to baby showers, wedding receptions and other special events.

Recently, Jimmy Wulforst became general manager, bringing with him extensive experience in all aspects of the hospitality business, having operated major hotels and resorts in the western United States. With an enthusiastic and positive attitude, Wulforst has been winning new friends by spreading the message both locally and far and wide of what the Red Mill Inn has to offer.

The Red Mill Inn's popularity and uniqueness is attested to by the return business in the way of visitors who rave over the attractive and warm ambiance of the rooms and conference facilities and the personal service they receive. The hotel also has a 43-car parking lot and is equipped with high-speed Internet and teleconferencing systems designed to accommodate business travelers. All rooms have cable TV, a DVD/CD player as well as individually-controlled heat and air conditioning, and a full size iron and board.

History of 'The Red Mill'

John McHarrie and Stephen Baldwin, among the first settlers of Baldwinsville, built what today is the Red Mill Inn as a three-story gristmill in 1828. It took two years and thousands of man hours to complete. Throughout its history, it was referred to as "The Farmers Mill" and "The Red Mill."In 2005, Mercer Milling Co. moved to a new facility, leaving doubt as to the future of the 150-year- old "Red Mill," as it was called.

It was the sole survivor of the flour and grist mills and other local industries that once lined the banks of the Seneca River through Baldwinsville. Local entrepreneurs Jay Bernhardt and Jake McKenna felt this historic landmark should be preserved and transformed into a high-end hotel. The community wholeheartedly supported the effort and over the course of a year the structure was completely renovated. Former Mayor Dan O'Hara, now State Fair Director, lauded Bernhardt and McKenna as "professionals who understand economic development." It is officially owned by J&J Enterprises.

Since then, The Red Mill Inn has become one of the village's most prized functional historic landmarks. Every effort has been made to preserve the architectural and historical integrity of the building, which is enhanced by an appropriate interior motif, which reflects good taste in blending the old with the new.

One of a kind

The Red Mill Inn is unique in the fact that it draws clientele traveling by car and by boat as it is located along State Route 48 adjacent to Lock 24 of the New York State Canal System. During the navigation season many boaters traveling through stop off and stay at the Red Mill Inn to see the sites and patronize other local businesses.

The rooms are on three floors and guests have full access to the activity room and business area. The rooms include a variety of double queen and king size beds. Also featured is a variety of suites with panoramic views of the river, canal and surrounding landscape. The Bernhardt Suite offers a board-room atmosphere suitable for corporate meetings. The hotel is decorated in a "Mission" style, reflecting the simplicity of the Arts & Crafts movement in America a century or more ago. The overall decor preserves and accentuates the historical nature of the building.

The Red Mill is a green facility. That means it is energy efficient, and all cleaning supplies are made of natural ingredients not harmful to the environment. Coincidentally, The Red Mill Inn Store offers its own line of botanically-formulated personal products as well as souvenir glasses and mugs.

The handsomely appointed first floor banquet room is moderately priced and accommodates up to 150 people. The hotel has a list of caterers suited for any event. Assistant Manager Pam Christensen has become well known in this field and has received wide praise for her attention to detail.

Since it opened in 2006, The Red Mill Inn has hosted numerous events, one of the most notable being the annual four-day Wild Carp Classic that draws seasoned carp-angling professionals from a wide area.

One of the new amenities being planned is a small bar, with a flat-screen TV. It will feature a selection of New York State wines and bottled beers as well as soft drinks, but no draft.