Gull Lake ice out expected this week – Open water benefits 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener committee

Volunteers with the 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener Planning Committee gathered Monday with Smiley the Nisswa Ox as they prepared for Tuesday’s ice-out operations. The 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener events, hosted by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber with Grand View Lodge and the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce, will be May 8-11 in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Ice logging operations will begin Tuesday to remove ice from Gull Lake now that visitors demand spring and in preparation for the 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener.

Beginning with Hole-in-the-Day Bay near Grand View Lodge, the lake ice will be “logged” by using ice augers and chainsaws to cut 8-foot by 10-foot sections of ice that will then be pulled out of the lake by oxen, the eighth generation of Babe the Blue Ox descendants used for ice-out operations.

Gull Lake is expected to be open by the end of the week.

“Visitors to the Brainerd Lakes Area tell us they are ready for spring-like weather,” said Kathi Nagorski Leary, Brainerd Lakes Chamber Communications Director. “They want to see open water, green grass, and hear birds sing again. It’s been a long winter. So, we thought we’d do our part to give them what they want.”

Volunteers with the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener are excited to be involved and relieved to have open water, especially after the 2013 icy opener in Park Rapids.

This year’s event will be May 8-11, hosted by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and Grand View Lodge in collaboration with the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce.

“Grand View Lodge prides itself on its commitment to excellence,” said Frank Soukup, Grand View Lodge Director of Marketing, and co-chair of the 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener. “We are not going to leave to chance whether ice out will be in time for our Grand fishing opener. Our 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener allows us the opportunity to spotlight one of the finest vacation destination regions in the country. We will not allow ice to stand in the way.”

After the waters of Gull Lake are opened up, snow-making machines, through equipment modifications, will be used to spray warm water in Hole-in-the-Day Bay.

This warm water will maintain the open water until Mother Nature starts to cooperate with the Brainerd Lakes Area by providing spring-like temperatures.

This is an environmentally friendly, green operation.

Water for the rain-making equipment will first be pumped from Gull Lake, warmed through Grand View Lodge’s pool, then sprayed back into Gull Lake.

“We may be delirious from the long winter to try such an adventure,” Leary said. “But we look forward to ice out and want to wish everyone a Happy April Fools’ Day.”

The 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener will be hosted by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, with Grand View Lodge as headquarters for the event, and in collaboration with the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce. The 67th annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener will spotlight fishing and the many recreational and travel opportunities in the Brainerd Lakes Area. More information can be found at www.explorebrainerdlakes.com.

Grand View Lodge Gearing Up for 2014 Governor’s Fishing Opener

 The last time Grand View Lodge hosted the Governor’s Fishing Opener (GFO) was in 1976 with Governor Wendell Anderson. Thirty-seven years later, we are again honored to be the host for this kick-off celebration for summer tourism May 8-11, 2014.

The GFO provides the Brainerd Lakes community with an opportunity to highlight local fishing and other recreational activities, businesses, and several points of interest. It has an estimated value of one million dollars of media exposure, which will be extremely beneficial for promoting future tourism in the lakes area.

As the 100 year anniversary of Grand View Lodge is right around the corner, this event has the opportunity to bring in “300 plus media personalities to the grounds of Grand View Lodge to cover not only the Fishing Opener, but also highlight the area’s long standing history,” said Frank Soukup, Director of Marketing at Grand View Lodge and GFO Co-Chair

The weekend also includes several exciting events for both Grand View Lodge guests and participants of the Governor’s Opener and locals alike.

This year is the first time the Kid’s Fishing event is held over two consecutive days for more than 130 kids. Garfield Elementary of Brainerd and Nisswa Elementary School 4th graders will be participating in several enriching educational experiences both in their classrooms, and at the fishing event located on the beach of Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake. These events are sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources MinnAqua Program and will not only deepen their knowledge about fishing and the eco-system, but also their respect and love for Minnesota’s natural resources.

The public is invited to the free community picnic on Friday, May 9, in downtown Nisswa. The town of Nisswa will close its Main Street for this event, which is estimated to draw more than 5,000 people. The picnic festivities start at 4pm and include various family-fun activities, food, vendors, giveaways and live entertainment featuring Minnesota’s own Gear Daddies starting at 8:30 p.m.

Also, the boat raffle drawing will be held Saturday evening for the $38,1110 valued Larson 2014 FX1750 DC boat provided by Larson Boats. You can buy a $5 raffle ticket at Grand View Lodge, the local chambers and other sponsoring locations. Find a complete list of sponsoring locations by visiting winthisboat.com.

The Governor’s Fishing Opener is truly a celebration of the community. Come enjoy the festivities and be a part of the kick-off celebration for summer! For more information, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.mngovernorsopener.com.

A Day at the Spa

After another challenging Minnesota winter, it’s safe to say most everyone is ready for spring to arrive. To celebrate the meltdown, Glacial Waters Spa is offering their Day at the Spa package for those who need a spring retreat.

The new package is probably the most incredible package ever made available at Grand View, but is limited to specific times for those who can take advantage of it.

A Day at the Spa is $175 per person for the first night and $50 per person for additional lodging nights only (excluding spa services) Sunday after noon – Thursday. It offers guests deluxe lodging with breakfast, PLUS guests can choose up to five services from five different categories (one service per category) from the Day at the Spa Menu to be used in one day. Click here to view the services offered.

Better yet, if guests decide they need additional spa services, they can receive 50% off any spa service the next day. Click here to see a list of all services Glacial Waters offers. For more information, or to book your Day at the Spa package, please call 866-801-2951 or click here.

What’s New at Grand View Lodge

Grand View Lodge aims to consistently improve the guest experience year after year. In the beginning of 2014, plans were laid to renovate, remodel and improve several locations and buildings on-site.

Twelve cabins are being completely renovated this spring while several other units are getting brand new carpet and furnishings, kitchen updates and interior work. This yearly continuation of property-wide improvements showcases Grand View’s commitment to updating and upgrading our classic units and buildings for better guest satisfaction.

The Norway Center is also receiving a much needed facelift that will bring a whole new look and feel with it’s new carpet and wall coverings. There also are plans for construction of several new Homes on Nokomis units.

The social team is excited to announce they will have four brand new 22’ pontoon fleets, an assortment of new adirondack beach chairs and that the fitness center will receive some updates in equipment.

The entire Grand View Lodge family welcomes you to visit us this summer whether it’s on business or a family vacation and experience these new updates for yourself. The continuation of re-investing in our property and offering our guests the best service and amenities are our highest priority.

Summer Value Days

Enjoy a fun-filled summer at Grand View Lodge with our mid-week Summer Value Day package for rates and dates that are sure to suit any budget.

The Summer Values Day package starts at $160 a night and includes deluxe lodging with breakfast buffet daily, adventurous activities and events for the entire family, plus all the standard amenities that Grand View has to offer. Click here to see a sample of the 2014 summer activities lineup.

Our units are booking fast, so if you’re looking for a Grand View getaway for you and the entire family, make sure you book today. Call 866-801-2951 or click here for more information or to make your reservation.

The Pines is Blooming with New Golf Carts and GPS System

 Grand View Lodge may be known as the most rewarded golf resort in Minnesota, but now they will also be known as one of the leaders in golf technology.

Every new golf season produces course and technology updates, but the 2014 year at the Pines Golf Course boasts of 104 new Club Car Precedent i2s and Visage GPS System. The new Club Cars have plenty of upgraded features and the latest in drive train technology. Rain club covers, waterproof storage areas and a trendy white body with light gray seating will take the fairways in full swing.

With this new GPS system in place, the Pines is focusing on being the best “pace of play” resort courses in the state!  This system allows both the pro shop and the customer the ability to see the pace of play.  This combined with our friendly player assistant staff will allow the Pines’ pace of play to be excellent even on the busiest of days.

The Visage GPS System is also what a golfer could consider his own personal concierge service and caddy. The touch screen technology provides yardages to front, pin and back of green and to any point you touch on hole. It also tracks distances of the tee ball hit, flyover at tee box and pace of play. Golfers can also order food and beverages on every hole and enjoy an electronic scorecard that can be instantly emailed at the end of the round.

If you haven’t played the Pines in a couple years this year would be the time to do it.  The Lakes & Woods course updates were very well received. The tee box renovations and Lakes #7 green are maturing nicely and the golf course conditions will truly be at their peak this season. Grand View Lodge is making sure that the Pines meets all your expectations as one of the best golf experiences in the state.

Minnesota native, G.B. Leighton will headline the Tent Party

Speaking of golf experiences, the Annual KFAN Golf Opener is right around the corner this May 2-3. Golfers can be the first to test out these new technological updates, along with experience several course improvements. For $309 per person, golfers can enjoy a 2 nights stay with deluxe lodging and breakfast daily, plus 3 days of unlimited golf at the Pines, the Preserve and the Garden courses. Golfers will also enjoy food, tap beer, giveaways and live entertainment featuring G.B. Leighton at the Saturday night Tent Party.

For more information or to book your KFAN Golf Opener package, please call 866-801-2951 or click here.

Farm-Fresh and Local

In celebration of the Annual 67^th Governors Fishing Opener – which is being proudly hosted at Grand View Lodge – the resort’s talented culinary team created what they consider the perfect farm-fresh pairing for your “catch of the day.” This sweet corn risotto recipe reflects the new Lodge Dining Room menu that offers locally grown and harvest ingredients and seasonally fresh meats, fish and seafood. (For a printable version of these recipes for your recipe box, click here, print and cut.)

Local Artist Selected for Grand View Lodge Wine Labels

Grand View’s Winter Culinary and Wine Experience weekend, sponsored by MN Monthly Magazine, was another great success this past February 7-9, 2014! With over 100 vintages, culinary classes and wine seminars, a soup challenge, annual artwalk and special guests, Amy Thielen and Robert Sinskey, the weekend was tastefully sensational.

The weekend kicked off on Friday with the Robert Sinskey Vineyards Wine Dinner with special guest host Robert Sinskey. Saturday afternoon showcased several culinary classes and wine seminars such as the Tasty and Warm Soup Demo presented by Cooks of Crocus Hill, Cheese 101 presented by Great Ciao, Sushi & Sake Basics presented by Grand View Lodge and Southern Wine and Spirits, Loide Oils and Vinegar Tasting and so much more. Click here to view all classes and seminars.

Attendees were also able to sample ten distinctively different soups and vote for their favorite during the soup challenge. Taking 3^rd place was the Lobster Bisque soup created by Grand View Lodge Sous Chef, Peter White. 2^nd place was the Curried Chicken Wild Rice soup created by Grand View Lodge Breakfast Chef, Steve Wacholz. The 1^st place soup was the Bourbon Shortrib soup created by Grand View Lodge Banquet Chef, Shawn Lowman. Click here for the winning soup recipe.

Saturday afternoon also featured Amy Theilen, Minnesota native and the host of Heartland Table on Food Network. Amy demonstrated her Midwestern classics – Glorified Rice Pudding with Candied Pineapple & Old Fashioned Pounded Cheese. Later in the day was a meet-and-greet and book signing. Amy is a 2011 James Beard Award-winning food writer, she has written for Saveur, Men’s Journal and the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and recently published her book, “The New Midwestern Table.”

Later that evening, attendees tasted over 100 of the finest wines from 20 vendors and variety of culinary flavors delicately prepared by our talented chefs during the de’Vine Grand Tasting. Click here to see what vendors and culinary stations offered.

The de’Vine Artwalk followed the Grand Tasting and gave attendees a first-handed opportunity to vote their favorite canvas from the top 10 submitted. The final artwork chosen was from local artist, Maralee Gazelka.

Maralee’s ‘Moonlight Reflections’ was chosen for the 2014 Chardonnay vintage label and was inspired by a photo she took from a friends home on Gull Lake off of Hunter’s Point, while the ‘Restful Moments’ will be featured on the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon vintage, which was inspired during a quiet, peaceful walk on a beautiful fall day with her husband Paul.

Maralee not only will have her artwork featured on both vintages, but will also receive one case of each wine, a $200 Gift Card to Grand View Lodge, and a certificate noting her creation and achievement.

The evening concluded with the talented Divas Through the Decades which is a musical tribute to some of the most influential female vocalists in American pop music, featuring songs from the 40’s, through today’s current hits! The weekend wrapped up with an exclusive Champagne Brunch Demo in Cru Restaurant and Wine Bar on Sunday morning.

 

Give Back During Your Next Corporate Retreat!

March is the official Community Service month at Grand View Lodge, offering several unique and charity-focused teambuilding experiences for your company’s next corporate retreat. There is also an excellent meeting package tied into the month’s offerings for corporate groups.

The March meeting package includes lodging, dinner the night of your arrival and every additional night you stay, meeting room space, breakfast, lunch, all-inclusive resort amenities and a complimentary bonfire for just $195/night/person and is inclusive of tax and services. Groups will also have the opportunity to take part in several community service oriented activities focused on teambuilding for an additional charge.

The first teambuilding activity is with Kids Against Hunger – a non-profit organization working to help supply food not only to countries of need but also to people right here in the state of Minnesota. Kids Against Hunger’s Brainerd Lakes organization is one of many 100% volunteer organizations. All of the food is purchased through donations and packed by volunteers. Your team can produce a highly nutritious, specially formulated rice-soy casserole with 21 essential vitamins and minerals for $25 per person. This activity lasts two hours and requires a minimum of ten people.

Crafts & Craft is a brand new teambuilding activity, where individuals make fleece tie blankets all while enjoying a tasting tour of several Minnesota Craft beers. Attendees may take home their blankets for family members, their fury friends, or they can donate to one of our suggested charities. Crafts & Craft is $25 per person and lasts two hours.

Our third teambuilding activity is the Benevolent Bike Build. It’s a Grand View scavenger hunt with a higher purpose.  Follow the clues, solve the puzzles and gather your treasures as a team (tasks may vary in difficulty at the discretion of the planner).  Your treasure will consist of pieces to a bicycle(s) that the whole group must then assemble.  Once the bike is built, they will be donated to Bridges of Hope – a faith-based nonprofit organization that links families to community supports and resources. The Bike Build activity lasts two hours long and requires two to six people. There is a $100 set-up fee and costs $150 per team.

Grand View Lodge’s Community Service month package and pricing is only offered during the month of March, so make sure you take advantage of this excellent opportunity to help your team grow while working for the good of others. Book today by calling (800)-368-1885.

Gear Daddies to headline FREE Community Picnic in Nisswa

Event part of 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener

BRAINERD LAKES – Now that’s a keeper! The organizers of the 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener have landed the Gear Daddies, recording artists behind the Billy’s Live Bait album, to headline the free community picnic May 9 in downtown Nisswa.

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber, with headquarters property Grand View Lodge and in collaboration with the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce, will host the 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener on Gull Lake with festivities planned May 8-11.

The community picnic is the largest public event that is a component of the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener. It is a celebration of the community and provides an opportunity for a community to showcase its personality. For the first time, Main Street in Nisswa will be closed for this event, which is estimated to draw 5,000 people.

Frank Soukup, of Grand View Lodge, Governor’s Fishing Opener event co-chair, noted that the committee has been working diligently to make the 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener one of the state’s grandest. “It will give the state of Minnesota a true sense of what it means to travel to the Brainerd Lakes Area and just how great our lakes, recreational opportunities and residents truly are here,” Soukup said.

The Gear Daddies, hailing from Austin, Minnesota, will headline the stage from 8:30-10 p.m. The Gear Daddies became an important part of the Twin Cities music scene in the late ‘80s to early ‘90s.

The band’s most notable mainstream success was it played “Stupid Boy” on Late Night with David Letterman in 1991. “I Want to Drive a Zamboni” is the band’s best-known song, having been featured in the movies, “D2: The Mighty Ducks” and “Mystery, Alaska,” as well as on the television program Malcolm in the Middle. It is often played during intermissions at hockey games throughout North America. Band members include Martin Zellar, Nick Ciola, Randy Broughton, and James “Billy” Dankert.

“The Governor’s Fishing Opener community picnic truly is a celebration of the community,” said Carol Altepeter, Explore Minnesota Tourism Regional Manager and Governor’s Fishing Opener Event Coordinator. “The hosts this year – a team effort of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, Nisswa Chamber of Commerce, and Grand View Lodge – are creating a remarkable event for the entire community as well as the media representatives who will visit the Brainerd Lakes Area.”

For any groups or individuals interested in helping out or becoming a sponsor, please call the Brainerd Lakes Chamber at 218-829-2838.

About 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener
The 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener will be hosted by Gov. Mark Dayton and Brainerd Lakes Chamber, with Grand View Lodge as headquarters for the event. The event is being coordinated by Explore Minnesota Tourism, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The 67th annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener will spotlight fishing and the many recreational and travel opportunities in the Brainerd Lakes Area. More information can be found at http://www.mngovernorsopener.com.