SCHWENKSVILLE, Pa. (CBS) – The operators of the Spring Mountain Ski Area are renovating an historic inn in Schwenksville that dates back to the 1920s, a bold step they hope will turn northwestern Montgomery County into a destination site for thrill seekers.

The old Woodside Inn had been sitting vacant for two years, the owners giving up on the restaurant. So, Rick and Gayle Buckman stepped in and bought the three-acre property renaming it Woodside Lodge at Spring Mountain. Buckman says they’re pumping more than a million dollars into the rehab after hearing from customers who wanted overnight lodging.

“We see this as a natural extension of Spring Mountain Ski Area, right now we refer them to the turnpike interchanges to the hotels, but we think we can provide a more intimate inn experience for our customers.”

Plans call for a limited number of two-room suites, a bar with pub food, a banquet room and other amenities. They hope to lure people who might not want to drive to the Poconos. Spring Mountain has activities year round. The opening is planned for December.

Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio1060