Woods to Water Blog | Page #5

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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Mid Winter Outdoor Update: The BLA is an outdoorsman’s paradise.

 
...EVEN IN THE WINTER! ICE FISHING, SNOWMOBILING, PREDATOR HUNTING, SNOWSHOeING AND SHED HUNTING ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITES!

The local fishing reports are still reporting good crappie bites at evening/night, as well as some walleye. Ice fishing can get a little tougher during the middle of winter. Try moving out a little deeper or finding some good structure to set up on. During the day, one of my favorite things to do with a group of friends or family is set up a bunch of tip ups in the shallows. I like to use big suckers and shiners for a good pike and bass bite — and if you are lucky sometimes a walleye! 

There's tons of outdoor events happening in our area this winter —…

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There's plenty of fun to be had in the Brainerd Lakes Area during the winter. Check out our list of fun activities below to get outside and enjoy the TRUE NORTH.

Sledding, Tubing, Snowboarding and Downhill Skiing

The Brainerd Lakes Area offers excellent downhill skiing, snowboarding, and some of Minnesota’s best tubing with one of the largest tubing hills in Minnesota at Mount Ski Gull located just a short drive north of Brainerd and Baxter.

BIG SEV SLEDDING | BRAINERD

Sledding hill located at Hitch-Wayne Park off South Seventh Street. Sleds available for public use. 

FRITZ LOVEN PARK | LAKE SHORE

Bring your own sled and take a visit to Fritz Loven park for its awesome free to the public sledding hill located near the park on top…

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[insert negative temps]   

WINTER IS HERE, BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOUR GOALS OF HOMEOWNERSHIP HAVE TO BE PUT ON HOLD. OUR VERY own woods to water agent PAUL AUGUSTINACK ANSWERS A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO THE WINTER HOUSING MARKET!

"Should I wait until Spring to buy?"

→ As long as you don't mind moving in the cold, the winter in our area is actually a great time to buy. Sellers selling during the winter often have a reason or some motivation to get a home sold, which can be leveraged to help negotiate. There are also normally fewer buyers shopping during the holidays and winter months. Fortune favors the brave in the case of moving through the winter. According to many local lenders, the pre-approval applications have slowed way…

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Winter is in full force in Minnesota, let's take advantage of every minute of it!

Lakes are starting to fill up with ice fishermen and snowmobiles have hit the trails. Hunters have just a little over a week to fill an archery tag with that season ending on December 31st. Local ice reports are saying that there is solid ice but all this snow calls for some slushy conditions. With the cooler temps recently, it should help. Many anglers report a good walleye bite on Gull and Pelican. Shiners and rainbows have been doing well. Crappies are also starting to hit on some of the smaller local lakes as well.

I can’t help but to think about spring and food plot season already as deer hunting season is coming to an end. I am already planning my food plots…

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