Meet Brianna and Marissa, sisters from Upstate New York

Meet Brianna and Marissa, sisters from Upstate New York whose lives were changed by an unexpected opportunity. What began as a simple job at Howe Caverns grew into an experience that shaped who they became, filled with confidence, community, and memories that still make them smile.

Both sisters first discovered Howe Caverns through a local job fair in Schoharie. Before long, they weren’t just employees, they were part of the Howe Caverns family.

Brianna served as the café manager and head event coordinator. Later, she helped run the H2OGO Ball attraction during the Howe High Adventure era, which later closed in 2020. Marissa split her time between the café and guiding tours underground. Along the way, they formed lifelong connections, especially with the owners, whom they still speak of with deep affection.

Brianna fondly recalls the bustling banquet days: exhausting yet unforgettable. After the crowds left, the music would come on, everyone would jump into cleanup together, and laughter filled the café. She also remembers the H2OGO Ball occasionally stalling, sending her sprinting down the hill to give it the heroic push guests needed to keep rolling.

Marissa collected her own set of stories from her time underground. She navigated the boats (and got them stuck), mastered the infamous Bridal Altar “awkward silence,” and found humor in every challenge. She happily admits that she took full advantage of the ice cream machine, making cones so large that they nearly toppled over.

Both sisters describe Howe Caverns as a place that helped build the foundation of who they are today. For Brianna, it was a crash course in multitasking, hospitality, communication, and performing under pressure. Meeting guests from every walk of life, “a melting pot,” she called it, prepared her for a future in the hospitality industry and, later, a career in commercial real estate. For Marissa, Howe Caverns was her first real job, one that taught responsibility, time management, financial awareness, and the value of a strong work ethic. She carries those lessons with her now as a special education teacher.

Still, their most treasured memories were the unscripted ones: sneaking underground on hot days to cool off, feeling at home in a place that felt uniquely theirs, and belonging to something special. Both agree Howe Caverns is unlike anywhere else. It’s a natural wonder that leaves its mark on everyone who spends time there.

When asked what they would share with others today, their messages were simple:

Brianna’s advice: “Take the leap. Being uncomfortable helps you grow.”

Marissa’s message: “Enjoy every moment life has to offer.”

To Brianna and Marissa, thank you for sharing your journey and for being such an important part of the Howe Caverns legacy. Your memories, laughter, and lessons live on here. You are loved deeply, and you will forever be Howies. Seeing you return now as mothers and sharing this place with your children felt like welcoming family home again. We love you! Thank you so much for visiting