Azure West/Jefferson Jimplecute
The Steamboat Inn has long been a beloved part of the community. Built in the 1980s using historic homes from Marshall, the inn offers a charming and nostalgic experience for visitors.
In October 2020, Alex and Lana Mushik became the new owners, moving from California to fulfill their dream of becoming innkeepers. Originally from Ukraine, the couple immigrated to the U.S. in 1994, and after years of working in business, real estate, and engineering, they fell in love with Jefferson’s quaint small-town beauty. They were eager to share the Steamboat Inn’s charm with guests, offering a unique blend of history and comfort.
However, disaster struck on December 26, 2023, when a fire, caused by a dryer in the back of the building, threatened to undo everything they had worked so hard to build. The fire damaged much of the Inn, leaving Alex and Lana heartbroken. Despite the devastation, the Mushiks were determined to restore the Inn rather than count it as a total loss, as their insurance company had suggested. “We didn’t just want to rebuild,” Lana said. “We wanted to restore it.”
Their resolve and hard work paid off. Through months of dedication, they managed to save much of the building’s original charm, including its antique furniture, hardwood floors, and mantels. The rooms, while updated, have retained their original themes. “The hardest part,” Lana shared, “was making everything feel the way it did before.” But after nine months of tireless effort, the Steamboat Inn is once again ready to welcome guests.
Despite the challenges, Alex and Lana found encouragement in their community. The support and kind words from their neighbors provided the emotional strength they needed to see the project through. The reopening on September 29th, 2024 became a joyful occasion, with the community coming together to celebrate. Flowers, pumpkin gourds, and congratulations poured in as friends and supporters gathered in the beautifully restored common room, enjoying snacks and conversations around festively decorated tables.
With the Inn now open once again, Alex and Lana are excited to return to what they love most, hosting guests and sharing the beauty of their historic Inn. They look forward to providing visitors with a memorable and relaxing stay in one of Jefferson’s most charming homes. The Mushiks’ journey is a testament to their resilience, love for their Inn, and the community that supported them through the journey of restoration.