URGENT UPDATE: The popular Woodlands Inn and Resort remains closed with no timeline for reopening as safety concerns mount. Authorities in Plains Township confirmed that the venue was ordered shut following a power outage due to unpaid bills by PPL Electric Utilities on November 25, 2025.
Officials state that the building inspector, Jason Humenanski, has yet to meet with the owner, who is currently out of the country. “It would be irresponsible to establish a timeline without talking to the other party,” Humenanski stated, emphasizing the importance of a thorough inspection before any reopening can occur.
The abrupt closure came just before Thanksgiving Eve, one of the busiest nights of the year for the venue. This decision has forced the cancellation of a highly anticipated performance by the band M80 and the annual Thanksgiving Day buffet dinner, impacting numerous guests and local businesses.
During the inspection, Humenanski uncovered serious “life-safety issues,” including open junction boxes and malfunctioning sprinkler systems. “I’m a building inspector. It didn’t have any relevance to my decision-making,” he remarked, underscoring the critical nature of the health and safety violations discovered.
Although power has been restored to the property, it is irrelevant to the code violations that must be addressed before the Woodlands can welcome guests again. The local Japanese restaurant tenant, Shogun, has apologized to customers, urging them to visit sister locations like Myst Mountain Top in Fairview Township.
In a heartbreaking turn, a couple celebrating their engagement was evacuated just two days into their seven-night stay. Community members are feeling the impact deeply; a representative from the local Swoyersville Sailors mini-football program expressed disappointment after their annual banquet was forced to be postponed. “It’s disappointing, especially during a time of year when it’s already hard to book anything last-minute,” they shared.
Local alternatives to the Woodlands are already filling the gap. Jerry Mitchell, general manager of the nearby Holiday Inn East Mountain, has indicated that they can accommodate some of the displaced events. He encourages those affected to reach out directly for assistance.
As the community awaits updates, the urgency of resolving the safety issues at the Woodlands cannot be overstated. Local officials and residents alike are hopeful for quick action to restore this beloved venue to its former glory. Stay tuned for more developments as they unfold.
