Woods to Water Blog

A three day Gull Lake getaway feat. Love Lake Manor

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

Summer adventures are right around the corner, and what better way to get away than in Minnesota’s premier chain of lakes- the Gull Lake Chain? This beautiful Minnesota destination offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. 

The Brainerd Lakes Area (Gull Lake Chain) is located just over two hours north of the Twin Cities, making it the perfect cabin week away, after what might be the longest winter ever. Trust me, you’ve earned the trip. 

As someone who both lives in the BLA & has had the opportunity to participate in a few local staycations here’s how I’d spend three days in the…

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Will the snow ever go away? I sure hope so! 

Anglers are still having luck with a good panfish bite. Be careful as the ice conditions change rapidly with warmer temps on the horizon. 

→ Shed hunters wait patiently for the snow to melt to find some white gold! I was recently down south for the Iowa Deer Classic and got to get out and see some awesome sign! 

As the snow starts to melt and temps warm up, it makes for a perfect time to frost seed. The best time to frost seed is when there is minimal snow and the temps are above freezing during the day and back to freezing at night. This environment naturally allows nature to pull the seed into the soil giving it great moisture and seed to soil contact — making it a great spring food plot and a…

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Waiting 'til spring to sell? It's never too soon to prepare yourself and your home. Here's 5 things to start thinking about before you're ready to get on the market.

Get an agent involved early

Working with a local agent will help you go to market in the best position to achieve your goals. Pricing and selling your home successfully revolve around experts that are knowledgeable in the current market who can offer invaluable insight and guidance in the home preparation process. A successful home sale means getting the right agent involved, and getting them involved early so that you can dive into the process with a streamlined approach from the very beginning.

Make improvements and pre-inspection repairs

Walk through your home with your…

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Spring is on its way in the Brainerd Lakes Area [at least we hope] and there are tons of upcoming events to choose from! 

WILD GAME DINNER + FUNDRAISER AT CRAGUN'S RESORT

March 19th at 2pm. See their event page for tickets + more information.

BRAINERD LAKES HOME SHOW + EXPO 

March 24th at the Essentia Sports Center. See their website for more info + tickets. 

WILD GAME FEAST 

March 24th from 5:30-9pm at the Getaway Adventure Resort in Pequot Lakes. Tickets are $125/person. See their Facebook event page for tickets. 

COMEDY NIGHT AT SNARKY LOON BREWING CO. 

March 24th at 7pm. Get your tickets in advance in person at the brewery or via their Facebook page. 

LAKES AREA HEALTH + WELLNESS EXPO 

April 1st at the…

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Where to stay, sip + shop in Nisswa, MN.  

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

 

Picture this, you’re 12 years old and on your way to summer camp for the first time. You are surrounded by the feelings of excitement for a week of freedom, nature, new experiences, and up-north vibes. It’s the first time you got the taste of independence. Now as an adult, there’s something so nostalgic about those cabin vibes and summer trips, and I truly believe it’s because it brings you back to those memories.

If you’re saying, “yes! I know exactly what you’re talking about,” I have found the cabin for you and it’s located in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes area in Minnesota.

The location

Clark Lake…

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Minnesota’s best St. Patrick’s Day celebration is back again: here are the details! 

Get your green on [so you don't get pinched] and head over to Crosslake, MN March 16th-18th for some good old fashioned St. Patty’s Day fun.

Map courtesy of Crosslake St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration Facebook 

Weekend pro tips: 

→ Purchase a lanyard for access to discounts around town! See the full list of participating businesses here. 

→ Get there early for parking and a good spot to view the parade. The weekend attracts over 20,000 out of town visitors! 

→ New this year! Shenanigans VIP experience including preferred curbside front row parade seating, access to the VIP tent + more. Get the full details or purchase on the Crosslake Chamber…

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Whether its your first time or you're just looking to relocate...

The real estate market is ever-changing and its more important than ever to have an agent you trust by your side to help guide you through the process! Here's 5 important tips to consider before investing in your next property! 

Decide how much "home" you can afford.

What price home are you in the market for? In addition to estimating monthly mortgage payments, have you factored in other expenses such as insurance, property taxes, utility payments, and maintenance costs? 

When you talk with lenders, they’ll help you understand the maximum mortgage you qualify for. Then you’ll need to make a decision about what price house and which loan amount up to that maximum feels most…

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Spring is near! ... hopefully.

FISHING HAS SLOWED DOWN A LITTLE BIT, BUT THERE ARE STILL SOME GREAT OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD IN THE B.L.A! 

This month brought all kinds of twists in the weather! From freezing temps to 40 degree days and even rain! However, anglers still report a good evening and night crappie bite. With hopefully some warmer temps coming, one of my favorite things to do is get a group of family and friends together and watch tip ups and enjoy the great outdoors.

Reminder to anglers →  Be sure to get a new license at the end of the month and remove your fish houses!

With some of the snow starting to melt these last few weeks, I got the itch to put some boots on the ground, and scout some hunting ground and shed hunt along the…

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A spotlight on Loonstar Lodge in Crosby, MN.

[blog content written by Taylor Hildreth + adapted from taylorjohildreth.com.]

Welcome to Crosby, Minnesota. A small former mining town that is arguably the most up-and-coming tourist destination in Minnesota. In the last seven years, this town has expanded, added new additions of shops and restaurants, and has become a must-ride mountain biking location. If you’ve been able to explore this area, you already know what a gem it is, and I’m sure you’re already planning a trip back ;) if you haven’t made an adventure throughout Cuyuna/Crosby, it’s a must-add to your Minnesota bucket list. Located about 20 minutes from Brainerd, MN and just over two-hours from the Twin Cities, Crosby is in a great…

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The Paul Bunyan State Trail: Connecting the Brainerd Lakes Area + beyond.

History 

The first 50 miles of this multi-use, recreational trail from Brainerd/Baxter to Hackensack, MN was paved with asphalt and opened in October 1983. The trail pathway follows the original railroad line built in 1893 by Burlington Northern and is now among the longest paved trails in the nation at approximately 115 miles.

Popular Activities on the Trail 

  • Biking 

  • E-Biking 

  • Rollerblading 

  • Hiking/walking 

  • Snowshoeing 

  • Cross Country Ski 

  • Snowmobiling 

Trail Towns 

  • Brainerd 

  • Baxter 

  • Merrifield 

  • Nisswa 

  • Pequot Lakes 

  • Jenkins 

  • Pine…

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