Tucked away in the heart of Central Florida, near the quiet shores of Lake Wales, sits a place that feels like stepping into a storybook. Chalet Suzanne Resort and Restaurant was a whimsical lakeside hideaway that enchanted travelers for decades with its quirky architecture, world-class dining, and unforgettable charm.
Though the resort closed its doors in 2014, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its magic. This beloved spot was more than just a place to eat and sleep – it was a true original, a family-run treasure that drew visitors from across the globe.
From astronauts to honeymooners, everyone who visited left with stories to tell. Its unique blend of fine dining, cozy rooms, and lakeside beauty made it a one-of-a-kind destination.
Let’s explore what made this forgotten gem so special and why it still captures imaginations today.
A Family Dream Born From Hardship
Bertha Hinshaw started Chalet Suzanne during the Great Depression after losing nearly everything. With determination and creativity, she transformed a small roadside tearoom into a thriving resort and restaurant that would become legendary. Her vision was to create a place where guests felt like family, and she poured her heart into every detail.
What began as a survival effort grew into a beloved destination that spanned generations. Bertha’s son Carl and his wife Vita continued the tradition, adding their own touches and expanding the property. The family’s commitment to hospitality and quality never wavered, even as the world changed around them.
Visitors often remarked that stepping onto the property felt like entering another era. The warmth and personal attention guests received made every visit memorable. This wasn’t just a business, it was a labor of love that reflected the resilience and spirit of its founders.
Architecture That Defied All Rules
Walking through Chalet Suzanne felt like wandering through a fairytale village. No two buildings looked alike, and nothing followed conventional design rules. Colorful rooftops, mismatched towers, and winding staircases created a playful, enchanting atmosphere that delighted every visitor.
Carl Hinshaw designed and built much of the property himself, adding rooms and structures whenever inspiration struck. He used salvaged materials, antiques, and unexpected elements to craft spaces that were both functional and fantastical. Each room had its own personality, with unique furniture, tile work, and decorative touches.
Guests loved exploring the property’s nooks and crannies, discovering hidden courtyards and charming details around every corner. The architecture wasn’t just unusual, it was an experience in itself.
This whimsical approach to design made Chalet Suzanne instantly recognizable and utterly unforgettable, setting it apart from every other resort in Florida.
Soup That Traveled to the Moon
Chalet Suzanne’s famous Romaine Soup earned a place in history when NASA chose it for the Apollo 15 and 16 moon missions. Astronauts enjoyed this creamy, flavorful soup while orbiting Earth and walking on the lunar surface. Talk about out-of-this-world dining!
The soup’s selection wasn’t just luck – it met NASA’s strict requirements for space food while maintaining exceptional taste. Carl Hinshaw worked closely with space program officials to package the soup in special tubes suitable for zero gravity. This achievement brought international attention to the tiny Florida resort.
Even after the moon missions, the soup remained a bestseller at the restaurant and through mail order. Guests would order cases to enjoy at home, spreading the Chalet Suzanne experience far beyond Lake Wales.
The soup’s fame became a point of pride for the family and a conversation starter for every visitor who dined there.
Dining Rooms With Individual Personalities
Forget generic hotel dining – Chalet Suzanne offered intimate spaces that felt like eating in a collector’s home. Each dining room featured different themes, colors, and decor, from cozy corners with antique furnishings to bright spaces filled with unusual treasures. Guests never knew quite what to expect.
The family collected items from their travels and incorporated them into the restaurant’s design. Colorful tiles from Europe, unique light fixtures, and eclectic artwork created visual interest in every direction. Tables were set with mismatched china and vintage glassware, adding to the charm.
Many couples requested specific rooms for anniversary dinners or special occasions, returning year after year to their favorite spots. The intimate scale meant servers could provide attentive, personalized service.
Meals felt less like restaurant visits and more like dinner parties hosted by dear friends who happened to be incredible cooks.
Guest Rooms Like Tiny Museums
Staying overnight at Chalet Suzanne meant sleeping in a space unlike any hotel room you’d ever seen. Each accommodation was individually decorated with antiques, quirky furniture, and unexpected touches that made guests feel like they’d stepped into someone’s private collection. No corporate blandness here!
Rooms featured elements like ornate headboards, vintage dressers, colorful tilework, and unusual architectural details. Some had cozy reading nooks, others boasted lakeside views through charming windows. The eclectic mix somehow worked perfectly, creating spaces that were both comfortable and conversation-worthy.
Guests often spent time simply admiring the details in their rooms, discovering new treasures with each glance. The personal touches made visitors feel special, as if the room had been prepared just for them.
This attention to creating unique experiences rather than standardized spaces kept people coming back for decades.
Award-Winning Culinary Excellence
Chalet Suzanne’s kitchen earned recognition from food critics and culinary organizations nationwide. The restaurant received prestigious awards and appeared in countless travel guides as a must-visit dining destination. What made the food so special was the combination of classical techniques with creative, homestyle touches.
The menu featured dishes prepared from family recipes passed down through generations. Fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and artistic presentation elevated every course. Signature items like the chicken Suzanne, broiled grapefruit, and various soups became legendary among regular visitors.
Portions were generous but never overwhelming, allowing guests to enjoy multiple courses without feeling stuffed. The kitchen staff took pride in consistency, ensuring that dishes tasted the same whether you visited in 1960 or 2010.
This commitment to quality dining in an unexpected location made Chalet Suzanne a true culinary treasure worth seeking out.
Private Airstrip for Flying Guests
How many restaurants can you fly directly to? Chalet Suzanne had its own private airstrip, making it a favorite stop for pilots exploring Florida. The novelty of landing your plane and walking straight to lunch attracted aviation enthusiasts from across the country.
Carl Hinshaw, himself a pilot, understood the appeal of combining flying with fine dining. He maintained the runway and welcomed aviators with the same warmth extended to all guests. Flying clubs would organize group trips, making Chalet Suzanne a destination for weekend adventures.
The airstrip added another layer to the resort’s unique character. Guests dining on the patio could watch small planes arrive and depart, adding excitement to their meals.
This unusual amenity demonstrated the family’s willingness to embrace unconventional ideas and create experiences that went beyond typical hospitality offerings.
Ceramic Studio and Handmade Tableware
Vita Hinshaw’s artistic talents extended beyond cooking, she operated a ceramics studio on the property where she created much of the tableware used in the restaurant. Guests ate from plates and bowls that were literally one-of-a-kind, handcrafted right there at the resort.
The studio also produced decorative pieces and gifts that visitors could purchase as souvenirs. Vita’s colorful, whimsical designs perfectly matched the property’s overall aesthetic. Many former guests still treasure their Chalet Suzanne ceramics as reminders of special visits.
This integration of art and hospitality added depth to the dining experience. Knowing your meal was served on handmade pottery created by the owner’s wife made everything feel more personal and special.
The ceramics became collectibles over time, with enthusiasts seeking out pieces at estate sales and antique shops long after the resort closed.
Lakeside Setting and Natural Beauty
Lake Suzanne provided a serene backdrop that enhanced every aspect of the resort experience. Guests could stroll along the water’s edge, enjoy peaceful views from their rooms, or simply relax in the natural Florida landscape. The setting offered a welcome escape from busy highways and tourist crowds.
The property’s gardens featured native plants, colorful flowers, and shaded pathways that invited exploration. Birds and wildlife added to the peaceful atmosphere. Many visitors appreciated the chance to connect with nature while still enjoying luxurious accommodations and dining.
Sunsets over the lake became cherished moments for couples and families alike. The combination of quirky architecture and beautiful natural surroundings created a balanced environment that felt both exciting and restful.
This harmony between the built environment and nature contributed significantly to Chalet Suzanne’s enduring appeal.
Generations of Loyal Visitors
Countless families made visiting Chalet Suzanne an annual tradition, returning year after year and introducing new generations to its charms. Grandparents who honeymooned there would bring their children and eventually their grandchildren, creating layers of memories tied to this special place.
The guest book told stories of proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, and reunions celebrated at the resort. Regular visitors formed friendships with the Hinshaw family and staff, making each return feel like coming home. These personal connections transformed casual guests into devoted fans.
People traveled from distant states specifically to dine at Chalet Suzanne, planning road trips around a meal there. The loyalty and affection guests felt went far beyond typical customer satisfaction.
When the resort closed, many people mourned the loss as if saying goodbye to a beloved family member.
Legacy That Lives in Memory
Though Chalet Suzanne closed in 2014 after nearly eight decades of operation, its impact continues to resonate with those who experienced it. Former guests share stories online, post vintage photos, and keep the memory alive through their recollections. The property’s uniqueness ensures it won’t be forgotten.
The closing marked the end of an era in Florida tourism, representing a shift away from quirky, family-run establishments toward corporate chains. What made Chalet Suzanne special – its individuality, personal touch, and refusal to conform – became increasingly rare in modern hospitality.
People still search for information about the resort, hoping to learn more about this remarkable place or share their own memories. The Hinshaw family’s creation demonstrated what’s possible when vision, creativity, and dedication come together.
Chalet Suzanne remains a shining example of how one family’s dream can touch thousands of lives.
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