4th of July 2017

Road Trip Number 2 was on the 4th July 2017.  The fourth was on a Tuesday... so I thought I might as well take the whole week off right. (Michael always has the 4th off... must be rough) 

So we ventured off...

Stop 1: Detroit Lakes 

Many games of beanbags, boat rides, Jet Ski, paddleboard and breaking in the "Garage Bar". We also took a classic stop to Zorbaz for some Macho Nachoz. 

Worlds Largest Otter in Fergus Falls

Stop 2: Cushing 

Again, Lake Time! Not the focus of this blog so I am going to skip over this. HOWEVER, I will say my dad made handmade life-size Jenga that was AWESOME! 

Stop 3: Nisswa 

To be honest, we (Cassi) spent a good chunk of the day shopping, but we stopped at Big Axe Brewery for beer and lunch and they did not disappoint. Then we stopped at Gull Dam Brewery and played a game of life sized beer pong, which is basically basketball, so for a couple of hockey coaches, it look double the amount of time it should. The beer was okay, but the venue must be what people go there for! Next stop, the Iron Waffle, which is only open until 3 and we left the brewery at 2:50. (Made it at 2:57) and we had ice cream sandwiches but instead of cookie, it was a waffle... talk about amazing! Also downtown Nisswa does Turtle Races. I am easily entertained and really wanted to do it but it was more of kid thing...

Stop 4: Baxter/Brainerd 

We went with my family to Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter for some GREAT BEER. The Jalapeno had to come home with me in a Growler... Their venue is brand new, and they went the whole 9 yards there. The patio is great size, inside is nice and large with unique touches. We also ordered in Raferty's pizza, which was AMAZING, and that was not the beer talking. After dinner, we went to Roundhouse Brewery, I could not do a whole flight, considering this was the fourth brewery of the day. However, the IPA I had was very good. The venue is amazing as well; they are located in an old train station, not much of a patio but still cool. 

Stop 5: Crosby 

We stopped in Crosby to rent some bikes to take around town, but when Michael found out that they have some of the best mountain biking trails in the area we changed our minds. We had never mountain biked before but we did it anyway. We ended up staying out on the trails for 2 hours and went 8 miles. We were BEAT after that; luckily, we had packed some sandwiches so we did take a break to eat those. After biking, we needed more food so we went to Red Raven for a beer, and shared a sandwich, which was delicious. 

Stop 6: Warba / Grand Rapids 

 My Cousin lives in Warba so we spent night with them went for a boat ride, had some BBQ & just relaxed. It was a great night! The next day we went into GR for lunch. We ate at Bixby's in the YMCA, very cool spot and very good food. 

Paul Bunyan #1 - Brainered, MN
Deer - Deerwood, MN

Stop 7: Bemidji  

Since we were venturing back to DL to spend the next weekend at the lake, we decided to head up to Bemidji, where we found cute shops downtown & PAUL BUNYON! 

Paul & Babe - Bemidji, MN
Large Northern Pike - Deer River, MN
Big Fish Supper Club - Bena, MN

Stop 8: Detroit Lakes 

More Lake time and perfect weather to go with it! 

On the way there we saw....

Worlds Largest Paul Bunyan - Akeley, MN
Worlds Largest Tiger Muskie - Nevis, MN

Stop 9: HOME!!! 

To our very cute kitty. :) that we literally had to facetime at one point! (Thanks to Dee & Addi for watching him)

Total States: 1

Total Countries: q 
Total Days: 10

Total Miles: 800