Lake Grassy Resort Has Been Sold

LAKE PLACID - Having spent more than 3,000 nights in motels during his vast travels, Irving Baker thinks he knows what people like in overnight lodging.

He was born and raised in New York, but ran away from home at age 16 and hitchhiked to Wauchula. He spent a year there picking cucumbers, oranges, and planting cabbages and then joined the Marine Corps.

Loving to travel, he has been in every capital of the United States. He drove trucks, accumulating 2.5 million miles by the time he semi retired in 1994 as a teamster. It was then he settled down. For five years he owned a restaurant and a golf course in St. Paris, OH.

It was where he met his present wife of 35 years who owned a bar and restaurant. Together they bought another restaurant and ran it for 11 years. "We came here every winter, and then bought a home." Baker said. "Both Lake Placid and its people are beautiful."

Lake Grassy Resort was originally built in 1983. Baker bought it in 2002 and sold it in 2006. After complete renovation, it is now re-opened. This intimate resort of 13 rooms sits on the private Lake Grassy.

Off-season rates are in effect until Nov. 15. Rooms range from $100 to $175, and all are non-smoking. Two are end rooms with no lakeside access. One is for handicapped. Four have a kitchen, bedroom and a living room with a queen-size pullout couch. Six are larger suites. All of these have a separate patio with tables and chairs and with both parking lot and lakeside access. Plasma flat-screen TVs and DSL computer access is in every room.

Baker said they get an equal number of overnighters and those who prefer extended stays for a week or month.

"What appeals most to people is that our suites are so modern now," he said.

A dock and boat ramp on Lake Grassy is perfect for fishing or boating. A separate buoyed area with a white sand beach appeals to swimmers. Baker's plans are to add a rental pontoon boat and a gazebo for parties that will provide relaxed, shaded views of the lake.

Baker's sister-in-law, Diane Baker, is the manager and his granddaughter Missy also works at the resort and helps with the computer. Discount rates are given for extended stays.

Lake Grassy Resort is located at 1865 U.S. 27 S. in Lake Placid.