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Local Business Spotlight: White Pine Lodge
White Pine Lodge
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Local Business Spotlight: White Pine Lodge

The Local Business Spotlight highlights our local business community’s economic strength and innovation. This feature is brought to you in partnership with Visit Cook County and the Cook County Chamber of Commerce.

In less than six weeks, Chris and Allison Short will celebrate the start of their second summer season as the new owners of White Pine Lodge.

In the fall of 2022, they purchased the lodge, formerly Big Bear Lodge, from Andy and Ida DeLisi.

Since taking over ownership, Allison Short said, “It’s been a blast.”

“We’re having a lot of fun figuring it out together,” she said. And the community has been so welcoming, helpful, and supportive.”

In the last year, Chris and Allison have added their flair and personality to the lodge by incorporating draft beer and homemade pizzas, hosting community events, and adding a campground.

The new White Pine Lodge campground features four campsites with picnic tables and fire pits and is available year-round.

“People are excited to see another campground on the trail,” Chris Short said. “Which ends up being a good asset for the business.”

As the summer season nears, Chris and Allison said they are excited to see the returning guests and hopefully meet some new faces this year. “We’re excited for summer to come,” Chris Short said. “It’s our second full summer.”

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Chris and Allison Short, the owners of White Pine Lodge, for the latest edition of the Local Business Spotlight. Chris and Allison Short talk about their passion for the business, homemade pizza recipes, and the upcoming summer. The audio of the feature is below.