Area guide

The inside scoop on where to go, what to do or where to find the best of the best in the area cross category.



In the Brainerd Lakes Area, our local farms aren’t just about producing food—they play a vital role in strengthening and sustaining the community. Buying local doesn’t just mean fresher produce and better flavor; it means investing in the people who make northern Minnesota thrive. And whether you’re picking up veggies at the farmer’s market, signing up for a CSA, or heading out to a U-pick farm, there are so many ways to access this homegrown goodness.

Why Buy Local?

When you buy from local farms, you’re not only enjoying the freshest fruits, vegetables, and meats, but you’re also supporting sustainability, boosting the local economy, and keeping family farms alive. These farms use eco-friendly methods and focus on producing food…

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ACBS Vintage Boat Week and International Show

SEPT 11 - SEPT 14 | BAR HARBOR SUPPER CLUB, NISSwa, MN
The Antique & Classic Boat Society's International Boat Show will return to Gull Lake September 8-15, 2024. The 49th edition of this renowned gathering is themed "Woods And Water II" and will again be situated at the famous Bar Harbor Supper Club in Lake Shore, Minnesota. The ACBS International Boat Show consistently draws some of the top vintage boats in the world. The opportunity to see over 100 of the finest boats on the planet assembled in one place will make this an extraordinary show! Don't miss it. See the event page for details. 

Cheers to 3 years - Anniversary Party at MN Traders Co.

SEPT 14 | MN…

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A sunset on Summer 2024 (sigh).

We've rounded up all of the local happenings in the lakes area to make the most of the last days of the season up north. Let us know if we'll see you!

FRIDAY

Meat Raffle at JJ's Pub

AUGUST 30 FROM 5:30 - 8:30PM | JJ'S PUB, BREEZY POINT, MN 

A weekly staple in the Lakes area. View their full weekly events schedule. 

Meat Raffle at Crosslake American Legion

AUGUST 30 AT 5:30PM | CROSSLAKE, MN
Every Friday! Tickets on sale beginning at 5:30pm + drawing begins at 6:30pm with dinner specials. See their event page for updates!

Live Music at Snarky Loon

AUGUST 30 FROM 6-9PM | JENKINS, MN
Live music by the Rusty Zippers & craft beer! See their event page here.

Meat Raffle…

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Off the Rails Spring Market

APRIL 26TH & 27TH | NORTHERN PACIFIC CENTER, BRAINERD

Browse over 150 vendors all in one place at the Northern Pacific Center. Early access and general admission tickets available for purchase here. For more general information on the event, visit their Facebook event page. 

Tequila and Dinner Night

MAY 3RD FROM 5:30-8:30PM | NATURE LINK RESORT 

Hosted by Prairie Bay Grill, enjoy a 4-course meal with tequila pairing options at Nature Link resort in Nisswa. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for more info + to register. 

Kentucky Derby Party 

MAY 4TH FROM 4-7PM | MN TRADERS CO., PEQUOT LAKES
Dress up in your best derby attire, enjoy a themed spread of food and featured cocktails with race viewing!…

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Hello, I’m Dan Eigen, also known as Walleyedan. My wife Shelley and I own and operate Walleyedan’s Guide Service. We have 6 guides that are working under our name and there are days we call on others to fill in during busy times. Of course, each of the guides is great, and have their favorite fishing techniques, species they like to target and their favorite lakes. I’ve been guiding my whole adult life — and looking back on my fishing career, it’s the people that I have met along the way that make it so special! We have so many repeat guests and I have so many memories with them! There’s one group in particular, from Iowa, that have renamed me “RockbassDan”. And it has become quite the joke! And this winter the story got even better as I was guiding…

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The Mortgage Pre-Approval Process and Its Game-Changing Benefits

by John Kinkeade, Branch Manager of Refined Lending / Baxter, MN 

Buying a home is a significant milestone in one's life, and the journey toward homeownership often begins with a crucial step: mortgage pre-approval. In this blog post, we'll delve into the intricacies of the mortgage pre-approval process, exploring its steps, and shedding light on the benefits it offers to prospective homebuyers.


Understanding the Mortgage Pre-Approval Process

1. Application Submission: The journey starts with the completion of a mortgage pre-approval application. This involves providing detailed information about your financial history, income, debts, and assets. The lender uses this data…

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Content by Isaiah Moengen, Woods to Water Agent. Photo by BlazeAir Productions 

Winter may bring a chill to the air, but for savvy homebuyers, it also ushers in a season of unique opportunities in the real estate market. In this blog post, we'll explore a valuable off-season tip for buyers – one that encourages embracing the chill and turning the winter months into a prime time for finding your dream home. 

THE OFFSEASON ADVANTAGE

House hunting during the colder months may not be as popular, but it comes with its advantages. Sellers looking to make a move during winter might be more motivated, presenting an opportunity for buyers to negotiate favorable terms, including potentially flexible pricing. 

UNCOVER HIDDEN GEMS

Winter can…

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It's finally Winter in the North. Can you feel it? 

brave the cold for a game of bingo, trivia, or a good old-fashioned local meat raffle. See ya there?

BINGO 

Wednesdays | ERNIE'S ON GULL | EAST GULL LAKE, MN 

Join for Bingo and grab a smash burger and any tap beer for $12 bucks through the Winter season. Visit their Facebook page for more info.


 
Wednesdays | nisswa American legion | Nisswa, MN 

Each week starting at 6:30pm. Check their calendar and Facebook page for updates. 

 
Thursdays + saturdays | The Commander | Breezy Point, MN 

Thursdays at 6:30pm & Saturdays at 2pm upstairs at The Commander in Breezy. Full menu + bar offerings as well! View a full list of their events. 

 
THURSDAYS | snarky loon…

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*PLEASE NOTE WITH THE UNSEASONABLE WEATHER, WE RECOMMEND YOU CHECK EVENT PAGES FOR UPDATES LEADING UP TO THE EVENT DATE FOR CANCELLATIONS, ETC. 

Breezy Point Ice Fest 

JANUARY 5TH + 6TH | BREEZY POINT RESORT, BREEZY POINT, MN 

Enjoy specialty drinks, great food, and ice skating on Breezy Bay with a full schedule of events. See more info on their Facebook page. 

Haapajoki Memorial Cup 

JANUARY 6TH | BAXTER, MN 

The Jake Haapajoki Memorial Cup is a 3 on 3 hockey tournament in memory of Jake Haapajoki who took his life in 2018. Jake was a bright, loving, and caring kid who could always make everyone laugh. In his memory, the tournament raises money for suicide prevention and awareness and funds a scholarship to give to students at…

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By Isaiah Moengen, Realtor® 

Welcome to the world of Real Estate. Ever heard some of those wild stories about buying and selling houses and thought, 'Can that really be true?' Well, you're not alone. Whether you're looking to buy your first place, thinking of investing, or just curious about all things real estate; we're here to guide you on your journey! 

Myth #1: Spring is the Best Time to Buy or Sell

The Truth: While spring is a popular time for real estate, it's not the only time to make a move. Every market is different, influenced by local economic trends and the balance of supply and demand. The right time to buy or sell is when it matches your personal needs and the market's conditions.

Myth #2: You Need a 20% Down Payment for a…

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