The future of the fashion calendar is uncertain. Each day offers new challenges for designers and their teams to overcome amid a health pandemic, an economic depression, and a global social justice movement. Planning for the next season is no longer business as usual, but small steps are being made. After months in quarantine, fashion houses have returned to work in France and Italy with an urge to rethink everything, most notably the fashion show.
Explore Brainerd Lakes and discover why this central Minnesota region meets all your vacation needs. Whether you are looking for adventure or looking for relaxation, you will discover endless options year-round in the lakes country. World-class golfing, fishing and boating, biking, snowmobiling, shopping – even bird watching or kayaking – are just some of the reasons people choose to visit the Brainerd Lakes Area. The region is an outdoor paradise, boasting more than 500 lakes and rivers as well as beautiful parks and forests. Throughout the seasons, you will find reasons – such as the festivals, the outdoor experiences, shopping for unique gifts, the breathtaking environment – to love it here. Discover why There is More to Explore™ in the Brainerd Lakes Area, Minnesota’s premier vacation destination.
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We’re here to welcome you when you’re ready to travel. With our abundant nature and pristine lakes, we have plenty of recreational activities perfect for small groups and social distancing. A change in scenery and a break from the noise is good for the soul. You may wonder what’s open and what to expect when you get here. Businesses are reopening and your health and well-being are a top priority!
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Our community has rallied behind Lake Country Cares, which is a COVID-19 safety campaign to build trust among our residents, visitors, and local businesses. Businesses are adopting practical measures to help prevent the spread of the virus. You can help, too. Consider bringing a mask (some of our stores require them), be mindful of social distancing, and wash hands regularly.
This campaign is endorsed by all 3 of our local hospitals, the cities of Brainerd and Baxter, Crow Wing county, area businesses, and 5 local Chambers of Commerce.
Open for Business:
Resorts, hotels, and campgrounds You’ll find availability at many of our lodging properties. You can spend time enjoying the sun and sand as resorts’ beaches are open. Pools and waterparks are open at 50% capacity. Campgrounds and their amenities are ready to welcome guests, too.
Restaurants Restaurants are open! You’ll need to plan ahead as reservations are required. You can sit inside or outside, but there are capacity limits. Takeout and delivery are still options.
Retail Retail shops—including boutiques and downtown shopping areas—are open at 50% capacity. You’ll be able to find the one-of-a-kind souvenir to remind you of your trip!
Golf Golf was one of the first activities allowed to open. Lucky for us, we’re a top golf destination in the country.
Salons and Spas If getting pampered is on your vacation bucket list, our salons and spas are open (with limits) and will have you feeling relaxed in no time.
Family Attractions Many of our family attractions are reopening. Paul Bunyan at Paul Bunyan Land is ready to start greeting visitors. You’ll also find mini golf, go carts, Brainerd Zip Line Tour, and Safari North Zoo are open.
Outdoor Recreation Outdoor recreation is open! You can rent boats, bikes, and kayaks to hit the water for fishing or just for fun. Parks and trails are open for hiking, birding, biking. Guided fishing trips and boat charters are open. Boat landings are open. You can find more information on the Minnesota DNR website.
Check Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan for the most up to date information on the state’s guidelines, including capacity limits.
And remember…Paul Bunyan loves visitors! Stop in the Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center to meet, say ‘hi’, take a pic with Paul and learn the lore!
I am so excited to be offering this one day Waterfall Workshop in Minnesota this fall! There is nothing that I love photographing more than waterfalls, and I can’t wait to share that love with you and show you how to create gorgeous waterfall shots. This workshop is open to all photographers. New photographers or seasoned photographers, I will work closely with you to make sure you get the most out of this workshop based on your experience level.
Date: September 26th, 2020 (back up inclement weather day is the 27th)
Time: 12:00PM – 7PM
Location: Banning State Park in Sandstone, MN
Cost: $400 (There is a $200 deposit required to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due by 9/1/2020.)
Gear Needed: Digital camera and a wide-angle lens are recommended. Neutral density filter (10 stop) and a tripod are a must. If you need help finding the right filter for your lens, I am here to help.
Optional Gear: If you have a remote for your camera you can bring it with, but no need to buy one if you don’t. A remote allows you to leave your shutter open longer than 30 seconds, which can be fun for cloud movement.
Students: To allow forenough distance between us, I am limiting the class size to 6 students.
Current spots left : 5
Schedule: We will spend the first half of the day photographing Wolf Creek Falls and the creek and river in the area. After that, we will drive to Big Spring Falls break for a picnic (BYO) then photograph Big Spring Falls, the Kettle River, and the surrounding landscape.
Activity Level: We will be hiking to both locations. The hike to Wolf Creek Falls is about 1.5 miles (one way), there are large rocks that you have to hike over. The hike to Big Springs is less than 1/2 a mile one way. It should be noted that there is no restrooms near either of the waterfalls other than the great outdoors. There are outhouses at Banning, but they are a hike to get back to.
WHATS INCLUDED
8 hours of hands-on instruction. We will be covering how to photograph waterfalls, moving water, creative compositions, landscapes, and environmental portraits. The workshop will also come with an E-book covering what you learned that day. After the workshop is over I will be recording a video of me editing some of the shots we take that day, so that you can see how to best approach editing your shots. A Facebook group will be created so that you can share your images, ask for critiques, and connect with other students. I will have some bottled waters available for you.
WHATS NOT INCLUDED
Transportation. State Park admission. Dinner (please pack yourself a meal).
My name is Beth and I am a portrait photographer that loves to wander. I call the beautiful state of Minnesota home. I love hiking and camping, we try to plan a handful of new adventures every year. In addition to being a portrait photographer I also teach online courses. You can ready about my most recent course Creating Epic Edits here – https://bethjsphotoschool.teachable.com/p/creating-epic-landscapes-in-photoshop
Martina brings Argentinian-inspired cuisine to the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis. You’ll find an array of seafoods and meats, as well as other delicious plates cooked over a wood-fire grill in an energetic, warm environment.
