Lakes Area Heroes: An Introduction

What is Lakes Area Heroes?

Hey everyone, this is Isaiah Moengen, and I'm proud to introduce you to Lakes Area Heroes, a non-profit organization that I founded. I also happen to be an agent with Woods to Water Real Estate, but today, I want to share a little-known part of my life that has been incredibly meaningful to me. Lakes Area Heroes is more than just an organization; it's a passion project that emerged from my deep connection to the community and my upbringing as the child of a firefighter, paramedic, and first responder. I have a profound love for my family and my community, and through Lakes Area Heroes, I've found a way to bring these two passions together to support our local heroes.

Before I delve into what we do at Lakes Area…

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Slow Down to Speed Up

Slow Down to Speed Up

Navigating the Ever-Changing Real Estate Landscape

In the world of real estate, change is a constant companion. As we navigate through evolving market trends, one truth stands out: the value of thorough preparation cannot be underestimated. In today's market, sellers find themselves facing pickier buyers and the impact of higher interest rates. Amidst this backdrop, a cautionary tale emerges — the significance of fully preparing homes for showings and the market.

Quality Over Speed

Picture this: homes that are meticulously prepared for showings versus those rushed to the market. The difference in outcomes is stark. Turnkey properties, which have undergone a deep clean and necessary maintenance, are drawing the…

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Fall in love with the North.

Your guide on where to eat, stay + play in the B.L.A this season.  

We're turning the corner to the most colorful time of year Up North. We've rounded up a list of the best spots to see the fall colors + places to stay + local bars and restaurants to hit to get the most out of the short Fall season. Check it out! 

CATCH THE COLORS

Paul M Thiede Fire Tower Park

PEQUOT LAKES, MN | 5230 COUNTY ROAD 11, PEQUOT LAKES, MN

Climb this historic 100 ft fire tower dating back to 1934 for some of the most picturesque views of Pequot Lakes - floods of color for miles make for some epic takeaways from this bird's-eye view. Walk their 3,000 feet of wooded walking trails through the woods before or after. The park is open year-round from dawn to…

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Paul Bunyan Trail Tour: A Seasonal Guide

There's still time to get out on the trail before the summer weather passes us by.

We've rounded up a list of summer must-stops for your time on the trail this month. 

POPULAR summer ACTIVITIES ON THE TRAIL 

• Biking
• E-biking 
• Rollerblading 
• Hiking/Walking 

Trail Towns 

• Brainerd 

• Baxter 

• Merrifield 

• Nisswa 

• Pequot Lakes 

• Jenkins 

• Pine River 

• Backus 

• Hackensack 

• Walker 

• Benedict 

• Laporte 

• Guthrie 

• Nary 

• Bemidji 

Fun facts:

→ The trail runs over 115 miles from Bemidji, MN to Brainerd, MN.

→ Named after the giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan of American folklore (check out the Babe statue…

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Outdoorsman Update: Issue 18 | Hunting season is around the corner

Summer is flying by! We are just a month away from kicking off hunting season!

Fishing reports are saying the fishing is getting a little tougher. Anglers can have luck on live bait or trolling crank baits have been effective. Fishing for big pike this time of year is a favorite!

Behind the dirt tip → August is go time to get the fall plots in. Make sure to plant right before rainfall to maximize your germination. Don’t be afraid to over-seed your clovers and chicory mixes, however, do not over-seed your brassicas. If you are in need of food plot seed I am a dealer for Domain!

Get those trail cameras out and start taking inventory of all the bucks. I typically get all of my cell cameras out this time of the year, and put a solar panel on to last…

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What's happening at the Lakes for Labor Day Weekend

It's a summer sendoff in the Brainerd Lakes Area!

 Find out what's happening at the Lakes for Labor Day Weekend. 

Wednesday, August 30th

traveling art pub 

August 30th from 2-4pm at On the Rocks at Grand View Lodge. $35 per person. Buy tickets here! 

Thursday, August 31st 

Trivia night and Thirsty thursday 

August 31st from 7-9pm at Big Axe Brewing Co. in Nisswa. Half-off beers during Trivia with an appetizer purchase!

BAR BINGO AT the commander

August 31st from 6-8:30pm at the Commander Bar in Breezy Point. Check out their events calendar on their website for weekly bingo, meat raffles + live music all year round! 

Nisswa farmer's market

August 31st from 8-12:30pm at the Nisswa American Legion…

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Professional Vacation Home Management in the B.L.A.

We hear it daily… “People self-manage their rentals all the time, how hard could it be?” Or, “Management companies charge fees, wouldn’t it be cheaper if I just did it on my own?”  

Don’t get us wrong, there may be instances where self-managing is the right option for you. Some people have ample free time, live in close proximity to the property, or have prior short-term rental experience. Maybe renting it is a temporary solution for a few months or, some people may be a glutton for punishment. Regardless, we’ve learned that self-managing simply isn’t a viable long-term solution for most owners. We know because our clients tell us!

When you partner with a professional management company you’re getting a trusted partner, a “boots-on-the-ground”…

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Spotlight on 5 Pines on Ossawinnamakee

Your quintessential Up North cabin awaits!

Experience a relaxing weekend getaway in Breezy Point and Crosslake, MN 

[BLOG CONTENT WRITTEN BY TAYLOR HILDRETH + ADAPTED FROM TAYLORJOHILDRETH.COM.]

Minnesota is renowned for its picturesque lakes and serene natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for a weekend escape. If you're looking to immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of Breezy Point and Crosslake, this blog post will guide you through an unforgettable getaway, including a new must add cabin to your weekend adventures. Prepare to enjoy the best of the Brainerd Lakes Area and the dream Minnesota lake life!

Day 1:

Morning: Start your weekend in Crosslake by immersing yourself in the great outdoors. Drive over to…

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Outdoorsman Update: Issue 17

Summer in the B.L.A! There's nothing like it.

Hope you all are enjoying the sunshine and the lake life while it's here. 

One of my favorite parts about living in the B.L.A. is having access to all of the amazing lakes nearby. Also can't beat a good patio on a summer evening!

Fishing reports so far have been steady with game fish such as Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye! Anglers are reporting a good evening bite on live bait for walleyes. Panfish can be caught at just about any dock, so grab the kids and have some fun!

BEHIND THE DIRT TIP → Summer is full tilt for Land Services. Between setting up properties and creating food plots, the sweat equity happens now! 

When planting a food plot this summer make sure to follow this simple tip…

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Head North for the 4th! Fourth of July events + happenings in the Lakes area.

The best time of the year in the North! Check out local events for the 4th of July.

Friday, June 30th 

Live music by mark mraz 

4-7pm at Big Axe Brewing Company. Event details here. 

live music at zorbaz on gull 

6-9pm at Zorbaz on Gull featuring Tail Gunners. 

LIVE MUSIC AT QUARTERDECK RESORT 

Live music at Quarterdeck Resort featuring Tony Williams from 7-10pm! 

Tony sammis at quarTERDECK RESORT 

Enjoy live music by Tony Sammis back to back on Friday, June 30th and Saturday, July 1 from 4-7pm with more live music in the bar at Dock 77 immediately following. See the Facebook event page for more information! 

PONZI SCHEME AT the commander bar 

Enjoy live music by Ponzi Scheme both Friday and Saturday night from…

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