Robert Wagner

For all of you die hard, kick off weekend enthusiasts, be prepared, the rumors are true. We have been able to verify that ALL bars at the resort will have last call at 12:30 and the doors will close at 1 AM.

The good news! The Foggy Goggle is dramatically expanding! The entire floor, where all of the picnic tables were will now be ALL FOGGY. There's even a new bar that replaces the food concessions. The picnic tables have been replaced with tables and there will be a real menu!

Families that used to camp out on the picnic tables will still find them. They've been moved back where the bit of the burgh was. You'll also find some new vending and game machines to keep the kids entertained.

We spent several hours yesterday with CEO Eric Mauck who very kindly took his time and gave us the grand tour and vision of where Seven Springs is headed. He shared this new policy and MANY EXCITING PROJECTS that are under way. Wags picked up his ski pass yesterday and will be out on the slopes this weekend. He'll snap some shots of what's yet to come and we'll have a slide show and more details posted by Tuesday! Check back in with us!

Southwind 135 $485,570

Southwind 142 $473,765

Southwind 48 $575,000

WoodRidge 9014 $330,000

Southwind 134 $506,365

Southwind 111 $800,790

Southwind 101 $459,506

Southwind 138 $460,035

SunRidge O9 $266,500

12 Ridgeview $107,000

1929 South Ridge $267,500

8 Lake View $150,000

5107 Summit Drive $210,000

1145 Tanyard $145,000

WOW! Our posting on the graphic designer hire has turned to what's happening for those night owls who have enjoyed evening entertainment and libations at Seven Springs. In all honesty we heard about a week or so ago that there were going to be changes on when the bars would be making last calls. As we were getting ready for our National REALTOR meetings we thought we would report on this when we got back.

Apparently the Halloween bash was the first "big" event that the new hours were in place. We're doing our best to track down the actual new policy and as soon as we hear it from a credible source we'll report back! As of today what we are hearing is the Matterhorn last call is at 12:30 and all accounts will be closed out by 1 AM. We checked the info on the Seven Springs web site to see if anything was posted as a notice but it looks the same to us.

This would be a big change and you would think that it might be mentioned in one of the priority 7 e-mail updates so customers aren't surprised. We've yet to verify if the other bars, Foggy Goggle, Bavarian, Helen's and hotel bar have new times. Personally, our late night outs are past history (long gone) so we can't speak first hand about what is or isn't happening out there, that's for you to share!

When we return next week we have been invited to meet with CEO Erik Mauck and report on the updates and new projects for visitors at Seven Springs. We're excited to have this opportunity and look forward to sharing with you! Stayed tuned!

Here's some background info for those of you who are just becoming acquainted with our markets. Way back in 2006 both Seven Springs Mountain Resort and Nemacolin Resort had their applications in for a category 3 resort slots license. In Pennsylvania this allows for "permitting of a maximum of 500 slot machines in well-established resort hotels. They must be well-established with no fewer than 275 guest rooms under common ownership, not located within 15 linear miles of any other licensed slot machine casino, and already offering substantial year-round recreational guest amenities on their premises."

Just when we heard the ka-ching of the one armed bandits coming to the Laurel Highlands BOTH Seven Springs and Nemacolin withdrew their applications. Since that time there have been rumors that Hidden Valley, an up and coming resort with regards to amenities and facilities has been considering submitting an application.

Recently we were notified that the Gaming Control Board had completed a two day hearing for Valley Forge Convention Center Partners, L.P. and Bushkill Group, Inc. (Fernwood Hotel & Resort). They now will decide whether to award both available licenses (there are only 2 available), just one, or neither. The outcome will have a direct effect upon the rumor mill for Hidden Valley!

During the application process for Seven Springs we saw a reduction in listings as the anticipation of a big pay day was looming in the future. Southwind, a new construction, ski in and out, gated community broke ground and set record sales prices. The Southwind factor combined with the low listing inventory lead to increased prices for resale properties.

Hidden Valley has BIG plans for the resort and could easily follow this pattern IF indeed they went after a license. That choice may not be available to them once the Gaming Board makes their decision! We'll keep you posted!