When you first went through the gate at Innsbrook, what were your initial impressions? 

The IBK community reflected a common mindedness of nature and family. There were many details we enjoyed such as speed limit signs encouraging us to relax, the lakes without gas-powered motors and the immediate harmony with nature. As we drove through, we were awed by the water fowl and other birds, the deer and native wildlife. We were encouraged by the numerous nature trails that offered an opportunity to see different aspects of the wilderness.

What peaked your interest to purchase property at IBK?
When we first looked into Innsbrook, our kids were teenagers with hectic social lives that were highly meshed with social media and online connections. We hoped to find a distraction for all of our busy schedules. We decided to purchase a chalet and it has been life-changing.

How long have you been part of the IBK community?
We built our chalet on Kitzbuhl Lake in 2005 with many early settlers and are currently building a permanent cottage on Lake Tyrol that will be our forever home.

What are your favorite activities or events at Innsbrook?
It’s clear we value the closeness to nature at Innsbrook, even in the winter. Some frequent activities we do are chopping and splitting wood, karaoke at the Clubhouse Bar & Grille, concerts at Charrette Creek Commons, outdoor get-togethers and getting away from it all. Most of all we look forward to connecting with great friends on Kitzbuhl Lake. At IBK, we’re able to reconnect as a family and as a couple.

Do you have special décor or items that bring back fond memories?
Many memories have been made in the room that Dan Meisner of Innsbrook Construction built onto the back of our chalet overlooking Kitzbuhl Lake. This is our refuge and area for mandatory wildlife viewing on the weekends.

There are several items that link us to Innsbrook. The cabin had a small ornamental pig with a chef hat. We’re fond of the American Honey light-up bottle. I also cherish the wind chimes we received as a gift from my sister who has cancer.

Do you have any Innsbrook traditions?
We built with many of the original settlers on Kitzbuhl Lake. One of our favorite family traditions is what we call Aquatoberfest, getting the boats together and celebrating the end of the season. We also enjoy nature walks with the IBK gang and walking every trail. The trails are well-maintained and full of awesome sights, sounds and smells. We often enjoy listening to the whippoorwills with the windows open.

Any lesser known facts about Innsbrook you would like to share?
A hidden treasure at IBK is the huge diversity of birds; we have seen seven varieties of woodpeckers.

How would you describe Innsbrook using one word?
SERENITY!

Any thing else you want a new guest to know?
Cathy and I don’t have family in St. Louis, and our kids live out of town. IBK has become our tribe. We have formed really close friendships while building our cabin at Kitzbuhl. We also have forged new friends with the Nature Group and many other clubs at Innsbrook.

The community is one of the aspects we cherish.  We raised our family in Chesterfield, but we go to IBK every weekend to enjoy our extended family and our tribe.