Victor Criswell

Lourdes Camp was recommended (thanks Owen O'Neill ([email protected])as a possiblilty for a wedding rehearsal dinner in June 2003.

Have you had any experience, attended any functions there, or been to the Camp. If so what were the positives and/or negatives.

Owen O'Neill

Me again - what a surprise! I neglected to mention my specific experience there. I worked a weekend bartender for several years for a couple different Syracuse area catering services. We did a large outdoor summer wedding reception at Lourdes camp. Ther were adequate but not posh bathroom facilities and a large, flat open grassy area directly on the lake on a beautiful point of land protruding out into the water. It can get windy (it was very windy the day that we were there) and there is no shade out on the point. Our clients had a large tent with clear sides that rolled down so variable weather conditions were not an issue (there is a tent rental company in Auburn that is very reputable and serves the entire central NY area). I have not seen what indoor facilities may or may not be available at Lourdes nor do I know if they have conventional picnic area. It's an obscure enough question/location that you may not get adequate feedback in this forum. if that's the case, check the discussion forums at www.syracuse.com there may be someone participating . the wedding forums who has some experience to share. Good luck and have fun!

Owen O'Neill

Me again - what a surprise! I neglected to mention my specific experience there. I worked a weekend bartender for several years for a couple different Syracuse area catering services. We did a large outdoor summer wedding reception at Lourdes camp. Ther were adequate but not posh bathroom facilities and a large, flat open grassy area directly on the lake on a beautiful point of land protruding out into the water. It can get windy (it was very windy the day that we were there) and there is no shade out on the point. Our clients had a large tent with clear sides that rolled down so variable weather conditions were not an issue (there is a tent rental company in Auburn that is very reputable and serves the entire central NY area). I have not seen what indoor facilities may or may not be available at Lourdes nor do I know if they have conventional picnic area. It's an obscure enough question/location that you may not get adequate feedback in this forum. if that's the case, check the discussion forums at syracuse.com

http://www.syracuse.com/forums/weddings/

There may be someone participating in the wedding forums who has some experience to share. Good luck and have fun!

Merilee

I have never attended a wedding rehearsal dinner at Lourdes Camp, but I was there once for another event. I remember it was also known as 10 Mile Point and it was on the eastside of the lake. Pretty scenery. There was a covered outdoor pavillion with picnic tables and benches and I recall there was a gradual incline down to the lake. The diningroom and kitchen are very plain and bare. The diningroom had picnic tables and the benches were painted green. The kitchen was large and had double ovens that looked like a pizza oven in a pizzeria, and next to that there was a stove. On each side of the doorway leading into the kitchen were openings in the wall so that you could look out or in. The openings had counters where you could place dishes of food while it was being served. One of the walls had a handpainted mural of mountains, trees, clouds, and I think a green cabin. There was what I would call a main lodge building and it was very rustic and had a fireplace. I also remember seeing cabins and someone mentioned that they had bunk beds, but they (the cabins)weren't heated and you had to bring your own linens. I can't say I have anything negative or positive to state about the place, just that it's very plain, rustic, and casual. I guess my question would be about your son's and future daugher-in-law's tastes and those of her family and their expectations for the wedding rehearsal dinner, not to mention your own of course. I've attended casual and formal wedding rehearsal dinners, but never one in a setting such as Lourdes Camp.

xxx

It certainly would be possible to have a dinner here, but I would heed Marilyn's advice about thinking about what your expectations are, etc. Also, (and I'm not trying to be funny here) you need to make sure that camp is not in session, or you will have a lot of little campers around! Are the bride and groom in the area? Can someone take a look at Lourdes and see if this is where you want to hold this event? Also, have you looked into Hobbit Hollow? Of, if that is too expensive, maybe renting a hall and having your event catered?

Diandra

Message to xxx: I think it's Merilee, not Marilyn. Anyway, I can't imagine hosting a wedding rehearsal dinner or anything else like that for that matter at Lourdes Camp unless the bride and groom are true campers and nature lovers. And if it happens to rain or if it has rained, you'll need your rainboots! In my opinion it's not "nice" enough for lack of a better term.

Owen O'Neill

It's great to see Fodorites appearing who are knowledgeable about my hometown! Just to clarify - I mentioned it to Victor as a possibility because in his other post (the one that prompted this post) he mentioned needing to find a place where they could do a rehearsal dinner for 65 people on a relatively modest budget. Their plans include the possibility of hiring a BBQ type catering servcie or possibly even doing the food themselves. My experience with Lourdes Camp was that it was indeed rustic but might meet the needs of someone who understood its limitations (many of which I was unaware of). The event I worked at there was very upscale with a huge tent, multi course dinner and an outdoor dance floor with live band. YOu point about rainboots and weather concerns is a good one but if I was on a budget and had to choose between Lourdes or an American Legion hall, I'd be inclined to go with Lourdes as it is such a beautiful location

Nigel

Don't know if you want to impress even just a little, but this place won't at all.

Owen O'Neill

Nigel - Victors original post indicated that they were working on a budget. Local firehalls, VFW posts and American Legion halls were among the locations considered as possibilities that will work in the price range and allow outside caterers. There was no indication that that they were trying to impress. I'm sure he'll get enough info here and elsewhere to make an informed decision. If the weather was to cooperate (a good likelihood in late June), the lakeside location of Lourdes is more impressive than any firehall or VFW post I can think of, despite the rustic accomodations. As a matter of fact, one of the best weddings and receptions I've ever been to was held at the lodge in Highland Forest, up on top of the hill in Fabius. Picnic tables, draft beer, a big salad bowl and foil pans of ziti and lasagna heated up on an open fireplace inside the lodge. Very casual and rustic to say the least but a great view and a nice place. The people make it what it is. I suspect Victor, his family and friends will have a great time wherever they go. Hopefully, our advice (yours included) will help them make an informed decision.

Victor

WOW!! THANKS TO ALL OF WHO COMMENTED. Your information certainly helps in our decision and research.

I have used Fodors before for looking at travel destinations but have never posted a help or response. Great website for a lot of reasons.

Kate

Diandra - why was is necessary to point our a poster's typo? - Anyway, I think this post would have made a little more sense to you if you had seen a few of the other threads Victor posted - as Owen pointed out, Victor has a few specific needs and is merely gathering information (from everyone) so he will know what his options are.

That said, I was wondering if Victor has had the opportunity to see if the Welch Allyn Lodge was available. There facilities are beautiful, it is a mile (or 2) from the village, so it would be convenient for your guests. I have attended both formal and casual events there, but I don't know if you can bring in your own food, or if you are required to use their caters - who are excellent, although I would expect, expensive. Good luck!

Victor

Thanks Kate ([email protected])

I have contacted Welch Allyn Lodge. As of a month ago the Lodge was booked through 2004.

Vanessa

Ooh ooh! Pick me, pick me! Pick my idea because it's the best. Don't pick that other person's idea because it's stupid, ugly, expensive, cheap, and a waste of time. Why do so many people get defensive when someone else's opinion differs from their own? Victor asked for both sides. Since this is a travel forum used by people who love to travel, wouldn't it be safe to assume we are a tolerant and diverse group of people?

Merilee

Victor, if you are still reading responses to your post I have another suggestion for you. My niece Nicole graduated from Syracuse University a few years ago and she told me about a place named Krebs in Skaneateles. She said it's open from May thru October and that they cater (on site) any type of event. She also suggested a place named Gilfillan's in Camillus. On another note there's a small college in Syracuse named LeMoyne and it's very possible they have an event room that they will rent to you. I know of a small college in Rockland County (too far for you I'm afraid) that has several rooms they rent. It may be worth a try.

Amy

If you have decided against a catering situation, let me know.. there are a ton of good restaurants in Syracuse that could fit your bill (not too costly, but nice just the same). Have you thought about calling around the Otisco Lake area? It isn't very far from Skaneateles (closer than syracuse), and they have a couple places (the Marietta House, in Marietta, NY comes to mind.. not for a place to host the catering though.. it's more of a banquet hall-type place).

HTH!
-Amy

Abbey

Merilee's suggestions are good; Krebs may be expensive, but you never know until you ask. Also check the Blue Water Grill, again it never hurts to check . . . LeMoyne is a good idea, but you would need to plan about an hour's "drive time" for your guests.

Bride's mom

Victor

How many people are you expecting at this rehearsal dinner?

Having been down this wedding road 4 times (4 daughters) I ask because catering can be fairly expensive when you add in dishes, silverware, glassware, etc. Then you also have to include wait staff. If your group is under 50 you might be wise to get some smaller restaurant prices too.

Victor

As of now we are projecting approximately 65 people for the rehearsal dinner. Why so many? Because almost everyone is traveling some distance from out of state

I have contacted the Krebs house.

Victor

Merilee, Amy, Abbey
I have contacted the Krebs house and Marietta House. They are under consideration.

I had not heard of Gilfillan's in Camillus or Blue Water Grill. I will check those out. Thanks.

Abbey

Hi Victor, hope your plans are moving along . . . Gilfillan's is what some may refer to as the Westhill Country Club, it is about 20 minutes from Skaneateles in Camillus. As Owen said, the routes to and from Skaneateles are 2 lane roads, and they are not well-lit highways, you may want to think about your guests driving to and from the rehearsal dinner especially if they choose to stay in Skaneateles. I drive Rt. 321 from Skaneateles to Camillus often in the evening and I'm always very cautious on the twisting roads to keep a look out for deer, etc.

Anyway, Blue Water Grill is a nice casual restaurant in the village on the lake, good food, friendly atmosphere. I don't know if they can accommodate a group of your size, but if they can't they might be able to offer an alternative.