Dock Side Destinations -
Water. Who would have ever thought that after millenia; the unknown would become a playground and a place to escape. What was once critical for food or transport, is now where we blast across the waves with family and friends doing various water sports or relaxing in peace from today’s chaotic lifestyles. Visiting the Brainerd Lakes Area almost requires that you do something involving water. Using your own boat or renting one from one of the many local rental shops… It guarantees you will live the Lake Life promised in the ads.
Our adventures took us to the famous Gull Lake as we first met up at Ernie’s on Gull - a lakeside restaurant known for their giant “beach chair” visible from a quarter mile away. While catching some sun on the beach, you could also join in the fun of volleyball tournaments and more. This was already setting the tone for our day on the water as we started off with appetizers and drinks, planning the water excursion. Our tour guide was docking as we finished up and Captain “Brett” brought the experience and knowledge we never saw coming.
We wanted to see the different style of houses and innovative concepts that people came up with during their beach builds. Upon seeing them, one cannot help but compile your own future design as ideas of your own personalized build are being seeded. With what seemed like a century’s worth of knowledge on Gull Lake and its residents, Captain Brett would narrate the lake tour on houses, their history and residents.
When Grand View in Nisswa came into view, we saw its history on display along the shoreline. I’ve always been a sucker for scenery. Since the appetizer at Ernie’s had sufficed for the moment, it was now time to eat. Entering the channel in the City of Lakeshore, we passed by more beautiful homes as Bar Harbor came into view. The Nautical atmosphere with its welcoming Lighthouse and docks beckons you to stop in. I would need a houseboat and a week to make all the stops that Gull Lake has to offer with all the food and fuel stops.
As we went under the bridge arriving at Zorbaz on Gull; its color and landscaping invited us up as we ascended the terrace. Going inside, we had one thing in mind… Pizza. With the wide selection on their menu, we had already blurted out the kind of pizza we were after and they were instantly on it! I don’t know if it was the cheese melting or myself melting with each bite, but I continued eating long after I was full. Once we paid up, we headed back to the water and with the time slipping away from enjoying all the scenery, we continued along the west shoreline, heading south where the QuarterDeck was visible from a distance.
Having to at least approach and take pictures of its beauty on display, I’m now making plans to go there for dinner sometime soon. As the day was winding down, we headed back to shore where we had parked at Ernie’s on Gull. Now that the Lake Life experience was underway with only a single lake, I hear the Whitefish Chain (chain of lakes) in Crosslake has a myriad of dock stops like Moonlight Bay, The Wharf and more that bring food, music and atmosphere to the water. So get ready for summer ideas as Brainerd Live Magazine will guide you to the experiences that the Lakes Area has to offer.
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