Bay Springs Inn and Marina is located in Centre, Alabama, about 15 minutes from downtown. The property has a total of 21 rooms, 30 RV sites, four campsites, the Dutchman, and a four-bedroom lakehouse for guests to stay in. All the RV sites, besides seven of them, have full hook-ups. The premises is located on Weiss Lake, with a private dock and boat ramp. Patrons have to provide their own boats or jet skis unless they are renting them from any nearby business on the lake. The Gathering Place is an event building where multiple activities are hosted by the business throughout the year. The building is also available for visitors to rent for parties, reunions, weddings, etc. Terri, the owner, has turned her business into a Christian property allowing any guests to join the weekly bible studies held at the property.
Located in Centre, Alabama, The Bay Springs Country Inn and Marina is currently owned by Terri Hyatt. The property consists of about 7 and a half acres of land. There is only one office in the inn, which is relatively small. An outside patio is connected to the inn, serving as the only common area attached to the building. A bathhouse is available for guests staying on the campground. One is by the marina and another near the middle of the property.
There are a total of 21 rooms, one cabin by the marina, a four-bedroom lakehouse, a tiny home called the Dutchman, four campsites, and a total of 30 RV sites that are for long-term rentals. Of the RV sites, only seven do not have hook-ups. All of the 20 rooms are located in the one-story inn. All units are the same size, besides the two that are king rooms. Three rooms have a queen and a full; the rest have either a full or twin.
The inn is located right next to Weiss Lake and has its own private dock, boat ramps, and private boat slips that visitors are able to rent. All water equipment must be provided by individual guests; there are businesses on the lake that rent boats and jet skis. Common activities at the lake include fishing for crappie, bass, and catfish. The majority of the lake is privately owned by individuals. There are nearby walking trails in Little River Canyon and Cherokee Rock Village.
A bait shop is located on the premises, which sells jigs, live bait, boat plug-ins, poles, tackle, snacks, and drinks. There is also boat detailing, repairs, and winterizing services available. Visitors that would like to buy things like snacks and drinks can find them in Terri's office, which doubles as a small store.
Events held by the Bay Springs Inn and Marina include a Fourth of July celebration in the event center, featuring a firework show. Whether one is a guest on the property, driving through town, or visiting for the water recreation on the lake, everyone is welcome to join the festivity. The property also hosts a Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner for anyone to join.
Pets are allowed on the property and in the rooms; however, there are restrictions on breeds, including pit bulls. Quiet time on the property starts at 9:30 PM until the morning. There are no time restrictions on the harbor or the lake; patrons are allowed to stay out as late as desired. Terri, the owner, mentions that her guests have enjoyed the quietness of the property and hopes they feel at home when staying at the inn. One visitor remarks that the business has a “great atmosphere, quiet and a great lake if you want to fish as well.” Terri attributes the atmosphere of her property to "the Lord’s presence" and says that patrons have told her "the same thing".
The owners and staff interact with patrons throughout the property, especially at the bate store. “Hospitality and Cleanliness are Our Top Priority” is the motto of the Bay Springs Inn and Marina. One guest said, “I was pleasantly surprised at what a nice experience it was. The room was clean and very comfortable, and the owner was very nice and ready to accommodate.” Most patrons remark to the owners on the cleanliness of the edifice. The company is about a mile and a half from town, with cotton fields surrounding it, making it so there is relatively no traffic disturbing visitors’ stay. Guests have commented on the relatively ideal location of the establishment.
The inn is open year-round, with the busiest time of the year falling between February and April. This time of year is crappie fishing season for the lake, which will usually bring in high amounts of guests. There is no specific trend in the demographics of those who stay at the inn and marina; visitors usually come individually, as a family, couples, or friends. Terri says that she sees a high amount of repeat guests, with some coming over the span of 30 years with their extended families.
The lake is a big draw for visitors to the area, same with Cherokee Rock Village, where they have face rock climbing. Another nearby attraction includes the Exotic Animal Preserve, which is about 15 minutes away from the property. Terri recommends that her patrons eat at Tony’s Steak Barn when in town, and Fuel City, which sells barbeque, or any locally-owned restaurants. Reunions are a common event to take place on the premises, with the event center being a relatively big draw to certain demographics.
The Bay Springs Inn and Marina has been owned by Terri Hyatt for 15 years but was established in 1981. The original owner was Kenneth Mackey, who was the one to build the marina and the inn. Terri remarks that she was led to own the Bay Springs Inn and Marina by the Lord. In 2007, after talking with her pasture was directed to stay at the property. The property was available to buy, so Terri and her husband purchased the business. Terri has found her favorite part of the job to be meeting everyone who comes to their inn.
The business was originally a fish camp, but after being purchased by the Hyatts, it was remodeled. The property received new paint and cleaned the inn. Five years ago, Terri was able to buy the marina and add it to her business. The owner calls her business a Christian company and tries to create a Christian atmosphere. Patrons are welcome to join bible studies held on the premises every week.
In 2014 an event building was added to the land, which Terri calls the “gathering place.” Guests can rent the building for weddings, showers, retreats, meetings, and birthdays. Every Thanksgiving, the building is used for cooking a big dinner for anybody who wants to join. It is primarily meant for those who don’t have a family to spend the holidays with. Another change to the property was tearing out the old boat ramp and putting in a new one. The next plan of the inn is to add more cabins to the edifice.
130 County Road 112
Centre, Alabama 35960
United States
Campground
Terri Hyatt
Kenneth Mackey
