 You’ve maybe heard the term ma and pa resort before and wondered… what? Ma and Pa? Sure sounds old-fashioned, maybe a little too rustic?  The term "ma and pa" was historically used to describe local family owned and operated general stores or drugstores. Today, ma-and-pa establishments are synonymous with various different types of businesses, including restaurants, bookstores, automotive repair shops, and insurance agencies.  And that is exactly what ma and pa resorts are, owner operated. At these resorts you will more than likely find two generations, maybe even three working side by side giving each Minnesota Resort its very own personality just like the personalities that own and operate them. In the 1980’s the term boutique hotel was born, these owner operated resorts have the same feel and philosophy. Riverside Resort was established in 1927 and we are in our fourth-generation of owners.  When you visit one of these resorts, you’ll soon realize that the resort owners live right on the resort grounds, raising their families while working. Now that’s multi-tasking. Your kids will play with their kids and many families create lasting relationships. Nothing is better than receiving a guest’s holiday card and to top it off is if that card photo is from, non-other than a Minnesota owner-operated resort. And while your kids might be perfecting their under-water head stand or casting off the dock with the resort children, their siblings, parents or grandparents will be scooping your minnows, helping you fuel up your boat, and making sure you enjoy your Minnesota Vacation. Sounds fun right? But what about that old-fashioned factor? Maybe you have to work? Maybe you can’t sleep without AC or you enjoy the convenience of WiFi. Perhaps you want to check out some of the newer and improved lake toys (Stand Up Paddleboards, Aquaglides, kayaks , etc.). Well, don't worry. At Riverside Resort, we have taken the time to update and even rebuild parts of the cabins. Along with that, we have several amenities for our guests comfort and enjoyment.
Now that this has been explained a bit more, book that vacation at Riverside Resort today! Written By: Karen Senger
Edited By: Kathryn Rupnow Photo Credit: Riverside Resort
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Fall is an awesome time to get outside. Come to think of it, it is great to get outside anytime of year. But, there is something about the fall season that is so appealing to many people. It could be the colors or maybe the cool evenings and bright sunny days. Maybe it is the quiet after a busy summer. Whatever your reason, TAKE YOUR TIME to really enjoy being outside.  You have many options. Below are just some to consider. Sit on a chair: Yes, just sit. Whether you are by water or in the middle of the forest, grab a chair and plan on just sitting and relaxing. TAKE YOUR TIME to just sit. If you are lucky enough to be by the water, grab a chair and just sit. Don’t bring your phone, i-Pad or music. Plan on just listening. It does take a little practice. You can sit by yourself or sit with others. No matter where you are, you can TAKE THE TIME to just sit.  Sitting by a lake or river: This is one of my favorites. There is something soothing about watching water. Riverside Resort lies right on the Cedar Island Lake. We can walk down and look at it whenever we want. It is GORGEOUS!!!. We really try to not take it for granted. It may be the same lake, but it is always interesting and different. The clouds are different, different boats go by, the waves are different, sometimes there are animals that pass by, actually one time we even saw an eagle swoop down and snag a fish. If you don’t TAKE THE TIME to watch, you are really missing something. Think about TAKING THE TIME to sit by water. It is awesome!!!  Hike: You can really appreciate nature by just walking in it. Riverside Resort is located only 1.5 miles away from the Glacial Lakes State Trail. You can also click here to check out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for MN State Trails for other trails in MN. If you would prefer to not take a trail, you can just walk on a quiet road. When you are out there TAKE YOUR TIME and pay attention to the noises. If you are quiet you will most likely hear the squirrels, chipmunks, and birds. These noises are always there, we just usually don’t take the time to listen. If you plan ahead think about taking a small chair or perhaps a bag lunch to take a break on the trail. Whatever you do, TAKE THE TIME.  Cabin: When you are lucky enough to rent a cabin, think about spending some time enjoying it. Some people enjoy getting out and spending very little time in their cabin and enjoy a very active vacation. This is great (and many times this is the type of vacation I take). But, make sure you take some time during your trip, TAKE YOUR TIME to sit and relax. If you are at a busy resort, it is fun to hear others hustle and bustle. If it is more quiet or secluded, you will hear nature all around you. Chances are you will hear the loons. They will be going south soon! And, do not forget to open your windows. Fall is in the air, the time to keep windows open may be coming to an end. Enjoy your time. Enjoy your vacations. TAKE YOUR TIME. Written by: Karen Senger
Edited by: Kathryn Rupnow Photo Credit: Riverside Resort  So you’ve decided to take your family vacation at a Minnesota resort, specifically Riverside Resort. Congratulations! And it could be that you’ve already decided what amenities your family would probably enjoy at a resort.
Some popular amenities at Riverside Resort are fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, splash mats, paddle boards, water slide, pontoons, and other ways to get you out on the water. But one amenity that many resorts have that you might not think about is sunsets! Everybody loves a good sunset. I doubt you’ve ever met anyone who said, “No. Not me. I don’t like sunsets at all.”  It could be that you live in an area where you can’t get a good view of the sunset. Maybe buildings or trees are in the way, or you’re at work so not free to watch the sky, or your house windows just face the wrong direction. A Minnesota resort is a great place to see a sunset, and it may be an amenity that you were not even counting on. What are the benefits of watching the sun set over a lake? ► Several places to view it — Choices include the picture window from the cabin, on a screen porch or deck, in a chair on the lake shore, on the end of the dock or out in a boat. Most should offer a nice, wide open view with no visual obstructions. ► Reflection — This benefit is often overlooked! Whether the lake you are on has a big expanse of water or small, you will get reflection off the water, and a mirror image if it’s a calm night. That’s two sunsets in one! Depending upon the colors in the sunset, it can make you feel like you’re in another world! ► Lake sounds — Along with the sunset you will get “lake sounds” which is part of the experience. You’ll likely hear the sounds of water birds such as loons, ducks, geese and herons. If you’d like to try your hand at photographing lake sunsets, visit this link for tips on the best way to photograph sunsets.  Written by: Jennifer Bateman
Edited by: Kathryn Rupnow Photo Credit: Riverside Resort  With every vacation there is that special moment that you don’t want to forget. Getting those moments caught on camera will keep them alive forever. Here are some tips to keep your Minnesota travel memories unforgettable!!!!  Family and Friends The first thing that people seem to regret is not taking enough photos of are family members. Family is something that everyone thinks will always be around, will live within a couple miles (or hours) or will have time to go on vacation with. But we all know that life gets busy, people move, and move-on. So, while on vacation I always recommend taking pictures of your family and/or friends. Take the candid pic of them eating the messy S’more, them jumping into the lake, or with that big fish. Family photos don’t have to be stiff, everyone wears the same color, and fake smiles; they can be the swimsuit group shot where half the people are sunburned and the other half pasty white and yet that one cousin always seems to get that nice tan within hours of the snow melting. Those casual photos of your people are going to be the ones that litter the fridge.  Nature Minnesota is exploding with the most beautiful scenery that you can imagine. When you are traveling around Minnesota make sure to capture as much of the diversity there is to offer! Get that shot with the loon, the one with the twisted tree, and don’t forget the one of the weird bugs you do not know what it is! When you are taking shots of the nature around you, you are learning about the points that make Minnesota interesting. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has a great site to find the best scenic and natural areas that you can explore when you are on your vacation or when you have an afternoon off! Click here for a DNR link to Minnesota Scientific and Natural Areas.
Important Events While we are traveling we experience life's greatest events: catching our first fish, camping the first time, engagements and weddings, birthday celebrations, and so many more. Remembering all of those special moments becomes easier when you take photos. There are options when these phenomena happen; you can hire a professional to get an outsider's perspective, a friend can capture the moment, a member of the group, or all of the above! When you are on vacation there is something special about being around the people you travel with and those who are important to us that no one wants to forget. Just don’t forget to let them slip by without a photo (or 10)! 
Selfies One of the viewpoints some often seem to forget is the selfie! Nowadays, we always think of selfies as tweens taking a photo of themselves in a bathroom mirror; they can be so much more! Also, if you ever do some solo traveling, that selfie might be the only physical proof of you being on that vacation! And, it is a great way to remember your experiences.  Written by Holly Senger
Edited by Kathryn Rupnow Photo Credit: Riverside Resort |
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