Fishing in the Alexandria Lakes Area – Video Updates, Tips & Tricks by Mike Frisch
10% Off Golf & Cart for Visitors!
Visitors staying at our lodging properties can receive 10% Off Golf & Cart at participating Golf Courses! Discount card will be administered by the lodging properties in association with your stay. You may mention your desire to obtain the discount card at booking, upon check in or at any time during your stay.
Find list of participating lodging properties HERE , and participating Golf Courses listed on ChainofLinks.com
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Offer valid at participating Chain of Links Golf Courses only. Discount applies to green fees and cart only. Taxes and additional fees may apply. Please mention the Chain of Links discount card at time of booking tee time. Must present and surrender discount card at time of green fee/cart payment. Participating Chain of Links Golf Courses reserve the right to not honor discount based on circumstances such as available tee times, special events or other special circumstances (mention discount card & confirm upon booking tee time). Not valid on special event and/or tournament registration. One card per person per course. Expires one week after issue date. Discount card must be filled out and authorized by lodging property to be valid. Customers may be required to present booking confirmation/lodging receipt at time of redemption. Offer valid only with accompanying stay/lodging at one of the lodging properties listed on ExploreAlex.com/dt_hotels . Number of valid discount cards issued for multiple guests per lodging booking is based on actual approved room occupancy. Maximum available number of discount cards per person per lodging booking is based on max number of different Chain of Links Golf Courses consumer plays for the duration of lodging stay. Discount is non-transferable and void if copied. Excludes all other goods and services. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Other exclusions may apply. No cash value.
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Summer Walleye & Bass Tips – Mike Frisch’s Video Update
Fishing in the Alexandria Lakes Area – Video Updates, Tips & Tricks by Mike Frisch
Share Your 4th of July Photos and WIN!
There is endless fun in the Alexandria Lakes Area over the 4th of July holiday, from the Star Storm fireworks show to all the summer lake fun! Explore Alexandria wants to see your great photos, so we are giving away gift certificates for area businesses! All you have to do is share your pictures using the hashtag #ExploreAlex for chances to win!
How to Enter the Contest:
- Share your photos on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #ExploreAlex (must be public posts) OR
- Share your photos on Facebook and tag @ExploreAlexMN , or post to our Explore Alexandria MN page (must be public posts)
Numerous winners will be randomly drawn on July 5th for gift certificates in the Alexandria Lakes Area! Prizes include gift certificates to Lake Darling Resort, Scandinavian Gift Shop, Mary Becker AVON, Glenwood State Bank (Visa Gift Cards!), Past and Present Home Gallery , Holiday Inn, Willy T’s Tavern & Grill, Elden’s Fresh Foods , Spirit Cove Lodge Bed & Breakfast , Lake Miltona Golf Club and more to be announced soon!
Official Contest Rules on Next Page
Bass are Chomping! – Mike Frisch’s Video Update
Fishing in the Alexandria Lakes Area – Video Updates, Tips & Tricks by Mike Frisch
Memorial Day Fishing Tips – Mike Frisch’s Video Update
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Fishing Season in Full Swing – Mike Frisch’s Video Update
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Walleye Opener Tips – Mike Frisch’s Video Update
Fishing in the Alexandria Lakes Area – Video Updates, Tips & Tricks by Mike Frisch
Early May Crappie Bite – Mike Frisch’s Video Update
Fishing in the Alexandria Lakes Area – Video Updates, Tips & Tricks by Mike Frisch
Let’s RIDE! Alexandria Area Snowmobile Trails are OPEN!
The Alexandria Lakes Area is full of snow! The entire 360-mile system of Douglas County’s snowmobile trails are OPEN! Get your sled going and get ready to ride! Douglas Area Trails Association is busy consistently grooming the trails for good riding. For the most up-to-date trail conditions and openings, check HERE.
For lodging options, many on or near the trail, click HERE.
No sled? No problem! Snowmobile rentals are available on the trail at the Snow Center at Arrowwood Resort, 320-762-1124
Must-Do Fall Fun in the Alexandria Lakes Area
Autumn is a much-adored season for many reasons…cool nights around a campfire, pumpkin patches, cozy sweatshirts, and of course the beautiful vibrant colors of foliage during a Minnesota fall. Couple all that with some fun activities and special events, and you have the recipe of a perfect Autumn Getaway! Here is a list of some activities and events not-to-miss in the Alexandria Lakes Area this fall. So grab your pumpkin latte and hit the road!
1. Fall Colors
You can’t let the autumn season pass you by without enjoying fall colors. To help you find some of the best areas, we have an entire article for the Fall Color Hotspots in the Alexandria Lakes Area! You can find the Fall Color Hotspots HERE.
Grape Stomp Festival
Come experience the Grape Stomp and Fall Festival held annually at Carlos Creek Winery! The three day festival, September 14-16, is packed with excitement including 18 bands on 4 stages, over 150 food, juried art and marketplace vendors, a man cave featuring craft beer, wine tasting, and of course Grape Stomping!!
Each day has a special theme with costume and grape stomping competitions. Sunday is “Deal Day” with specials on wine and merchandise throughout the festival, and a Silent Auction that benefits the Lakes Area Humane Society. FREE Shuttles run from the Douglas County Fairgrounds and many Alexandria hotels, plus there’s plenty of on-site parking. See below for the full schedule and details!
Full details can be found at www.ccwgrapestomp.com
Goin’ to the Lake : Alexandria!
WCCO’s Pat Kessler & Esme Murphy visited Alexandria for their Goin’ to the Lake segments! Lots of unique Alexandria attractions were visited, and they also tried a few things for the first time including stand up paddleboarding and being in a radio theatre play. See the segments below as they visited Spirit Cove Lodge Bed & Breakfast, Hangloose MN at Lake Carlos Marina, Lakes Area Radio Theatre, Legacy of the Lakes Museum and Bugaboo Bay!
SPIRIT COVE LODGE
STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING
LEGACY OF THE LAKES MUSEUM
LAKES AREA RADIO THEATRE
Alexandria Area Snowmobile Trails are OPEN!
The Alexandria Lakes Area received numerous inches of snow that got many miles of Douglas County’s snowmobile trails OPEN! Get your sled going and get ready to ride! Douglas Area Trails Association groomed the Central Lakes Trail and is readying other stretches of the over 360-mile trail system. For the most up-to-date trail conditions and openings, check here.
For Valentine’s Day : Give the Gift of a Romantic Getaway!
Love is in the air! It’s that time of year again to remind the ones we love how much they mean to us. Flowers and candy are safe bets, but the gift of memories on a romantic getaway to Alexandria is always a winner! There are plenty of great lodging options from comfy hotels to unique resorts and bed & breakfasts to spice up the romance, and there’s plenty of things to do to stay busy. More information below on how we can help, lodging specials and a list of ideas for a fun romantic getaway in Alexandria.
Here’s how Explore Alexandria Tourism can help you with your gift:
- First decide that you are going to give the gift of a getaway to the Alexandria Lakes Area (good choice!)
- Contact our office either by email info@explorealex.com or call 320-763-0102
- Let us help by providing you with the goods to give to the gift receiver ….. and we will also give you all the materials you will need to plan your getaway! The items will include a high quality 8.5X11 printout to give (below), plus some other trinkets and swag.
- Contact us soon and let’s talk about the fun! To ensure we get your materials in the mail in time, please contact us at least 4 days before you need the items.
Need some ideas for your getaway? Consider the following:
Carlos Creek Winery
On top being a great place to visit generally, Carlos Creek Winery also has special events and options for you and your sweetie! Full details on all these events can be found HERE
ZOMBIE LOVE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER! This show and dinner has it all! High drama! Comedy! A love story! …and Zombies, of course! Make reservations for either February 10th or February 17th.
WINE & DINE YOUR VALENTINE! Enjoy beautifully paired wine and food courses in an intimate setting with the people you love! Make reservations for this February 14th 4-course meal event.
CHEESE, CHOCOLATE & WINE PAIRING! Featuring a special Valentine’s Wine, Dessert & Cheese pairing for only $35! No reservations needed. Available February 17-18th.
SPARKLING SUNDAYS! Enjoy an unlimited buffet of donuts, muffins, fresh fruit, Mimosas, Pointsettias (Cranberry Juice + Minnescato) and weekly special mimosas all for just $10. Available every Sunday this month.
Ice Skating at Noonan Park
Take a leisurely glide on the ice at Noonan Park! Warming house on site and ice skate rentals are available at Cowing Robards.
Shop Unique in Downtown
Everyone knows one key to the heart…shopping! Take a couple’s stroll through dozens and dozens of unique shops in Downtown Alexandria. She will love it!
Visit the Copper Trail Brewery
After a long 70 year wait, brewing is back in Alexandria! Visit Copper Trail Brewing for a taste of their locally-brewed beers. Also part of Alexandria’s Craft Beverage Trail … the Skal Crawl!
Tour the Whiskey Distillery
Visit Panther Distillery for tours of the facility as well as a fun gift shop. Also part of Alexandria’s Craft Beverage Trail … the Skal Crawl!
Outdoor Adventure
The Alexandria area has dozens of parks, trails and hundreds of lakes for outdoor winter fun. Visit our Winter Guide for ideas and listings of great parks and trails.
Couples Spa Treatment
Immerse yourselves in deep relaxation for your mind and body. Darling Reflections Spa has dozens of options from Couples Massage, Hot Stone Treatments, Detox, Body Scrubs, Foot Treatments, Masks and more! See their full options HERE
Couples Paint & Sip
Create a work of art together! Art Bar 39 will be hosting special couples wine & paint events. Staff will be on hand to teach you everything you need to create two pieces of art to hang together. Various events February 10-24th, visit their website for more information.
Candlelight Hike/Ski/Snowshoe
Come enjoy a romantic evening in Lake Carlos State Park by candlelight! Hit the trails, where you will be guided by the full moon and candle luminaries. Then warm up by the wood stove or enjoy snacks and refreshments in the Lakeview Warming Shelter. February 24th. More details HERE
Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra Concert
Take in the beautiful sounds of the orchestra as they perform favorites from the theatre. February 10th at 7pm and February 11th at 2pm.
Beer & Wine Tasting
Taste test a variety of wines, spirits and Minnesota themed beers and appetizers. Raffle and games will take place at the event for a chance to win prizes! February 16th, more details HERE
Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing
Andes Tower Hills has endless fun for everyone, regardless of your experience level. Lessons and rentals available on site, and there is always good snow with their snow making machines regardless of the season’s snowfall totals. Also, get your second day free with their 2 for 1 Weekend Special…more info on the 2 for 1 HERE
Special Lodging Offers:
Spirit Cove Lodge Bed & Breakfast offers a Simply Romantic! escape for couples with a quiet, relaxing ambiance for enjoying an amorous moment together. Valentine’s 2018 special: Complimentary bottle of wine with your stay. Valid February 9th through February 17th. Reservations required. Mention ExploreAlex Romantic Getaway promotion.
Take your darling to the shores of…Lake Darling! Arrowwood Resort has a variety of accommodations from guest rooms, suites, townhomes and cottages. You’ll find plenty to do with all the on-site amenities which includes Darling Reflections Spa, Lake Cafe Restaurant, Rafters Bar, Big Splash Waterpark and more! February Couples Package includes: Overnight accommodations, couples massage, chocolate covered fruit and champagne! Rates start at $189 per night.
2 for 1 Skiing or Snowboarding!
Winter fun has begun at Andes Tower Hills! Featuring numerous downhill runs and lifts ranging from beginner to expert, and equipment rentals and lessons onsite. Take advantage of the 2 for 1 Weekend special! You’ll get two days of ski or snowboard rentals, plus lift tickets (regular price) for the price of one when you stay overnight at one of the area’s lodging facilities! Find eligible lodging here. Make sure to keep and present your rental/lift receipts and lodging receipt. Call Andes at 320-965-2455 for more details and to confirm your participation in this offer. See you on the slopes!!
ANDES 2 for 1 WEEKENDS:
Explore the Alexandria Lakes Area at the Big Ole Bicycle Festival!
Share Your Pics and WIN on Little Ole’s BIG summer tour!
Legacy of the Lakes Museum :: New Season, New Exhibits
Package Deal :: An Alexandria Experience “To Die For”
Get a fun and entertaining experience in the Alexandria Lakes Area at one low package price! On top of all the great things to do in the lakes area, take advantage of this excellent deal to explore great theatre, entertainment and food. You get everything for the low price of $49 per ticket! All the details are below:
Romeo & Juliet
Alexandria Area Arts is delighted to present this classic story. William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. This tragic love story has been adapted for this stage by Alexandria’s own Philip Goellner.
Lakes Area Radio Theatre
Before television, radio variety shows were one of the primary sources of entertainment. This tradition is alive in Alexandria! Located on the shores of Lakes Geneva, Lakes Area Radio Theatre records ”old time” radio shows. Live music, their own sound effects and lively actors help bring the stories to life. Enjoy 2 original radio plays by an Alexandria author and a treat from Roers Bakery with this special discount package!
Alexandria Escape Room
Check out one of Alexandria’s newest attractions! Test out your problem solving skills and try to escape the themed rooms within an hour! The Escape Room Alexandria has three great rooms to choose from: Aunt Bea’s Cabin, Bank Heist and the Baker Street Mystery. One adventure is included in the package price!
Dinner at Pike & Pint Grill
Also included in the package price, a delicious meal at Pike & Pint Grill! Choose from one of four entrees: 1/2 Rack BBQ Ribs, Fish and Chips, Japanese Pan Noodles or Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Shrimp or Chicken. A perfect way to get ready for the evening’s theatre production!
FULL SCHEDULE & DETAILS:
Tickets are available by calling 320-762-8300, in person at the Alexandria Area Arts Theatre or online at AlexandriaAreaArts.org . (if purchasing by phone or online, please stop by the theatre on or before April 21st to get all the tickets for each stop) If you need overnight accommodations, click here for lodging options.
Celebrating Big Ole through the Years
Alexandria’s famed and beloved Viking statue Big Ole will turn 52 years old this April! He has had a long history over all those years in Alexandria, including slightly different looks and locations. During most of 2016 Big Ole underwent structural repairs and got a new paint coat, adding yet another chapter to his long history. Let’s take a look back at some of the past photos and history of our giant Viking as we welcome him to his first full year of his new look! A special thanks to the Douglas County Historical Society for providing some photos and history!
Built in 1965 by a fiberglass sculptor named Gordon Schumaker, Big Ole was an addition to the Minnesota display at the World’s Fair in New York. The display also featured the Kensington Runestone in an animated scene to illustrate “Minnesota, Birthplace of America.” It took a special trailer to transport the 28 foot tall/4 ton Big Ole from Minneapolis to New York, but he arrived safe in time for the World’s Fair opening on April 21, 1965. The photo below is Big Ole at the World’s Fair in New York, May 1965.
Catch Cupid’s Arrow in Alexandria for Valentine’s Weekend
Love is in the air! It’s that time of year again to remind the ones we love how much they mean to us. For Valentine’s Day we shower our loved ones with flowers, chocolates and surprises. While the flowers and candy are safe bets, many of us may struggle with the surprise part. Luckily Cupid’s arrow never misses in Alexandria, so make it easy on yourself and plan a romantic get-away! There are plenty of great lodging options from comfy hotels to unique resorts and bed & breakfasts to spice up the romance. Additionally, this following list will help you with all the other details:
Lakes Area Radio Theatre
Try something new! Lakes Area Radio Theatre is performing two live radio shows featuring romance. For only $8 at the door, you and your sweetheart can be part of the live studio audience and see “Life of Riley” & “My Favorite Husband.” Friday, February 10th at 7pm. More info here.
Holiday Season Celebrations and Events
It’s the time of year again to take in holiday season events from music and plays to the simply joys of beautiful seasonal decorations. On top of special events, there are also great ways to enjoy the season with fun outdoor Winter Activities in Alexandria! To help you make the most of the season we have a list of 17 holiday celebrations and events to enjoy in the Alexandria, MN lakes area! You can find additional information on our Events Calendar and more winter resources in our website’s Winter Guide will help you plan some fun activities.
1. Downtown Alexandria’s renowned Christmas Lights
The Holiday Season really ramps up the day after Thanksgiving with the Runestone Museum‘s Christmas at the Fort and Lighting Ceremony. If you missed the festivities this year, don’t sweat! It’s only the beginning of the season and the lights on Broadway are shining bright every night! Stroll through a festive Downtown atmosphere while gazing at the beautiful window displays in the stores. On top of having unique local businesses to shop for everyone on your Christmas list, the lights and decorations Downtown will certainly add some cheer to everyone who experiences it.
Collection of YOUR Fall Color Photo Submissions!
The autumn season in the Alexandria lakes area has been outstanding in 2016! Great weather complimented an extremely long fall foliage season which lasted from early September to late October. Explore Alexandria wanted to see all your great photos while exploring autumn around Alexandria, so we ran a contest which got users submitted by tagging us or using the hashtag #ExploreAlex. Thanks to everyone who shared their awesome fall photos! So much talent out there, so here is a collection of most of the submissions. ENJOY!
