When you own a Minnesota resort, some common questions often pop up from interested people. One question we hear a lot is, "So I suppose you have all the same guests year after year? You know, repeats?" The answer is "Yes." We do have a lot of guests who have made a visit to the resort an annual tradition. I'm kind of surprised that this seems to be common knowledge! But it is true. A certain number of guests who stay at Minnesota resorts are people who stay at the same one year after year!The Minnesota resort industry is pretty unique in that as the owners, we really get to know our guests and enjoy those relationships. Just as families get excited to come on vacation, we as owners also look forward to seeing our "repeats" every year to give a cheery "Welcome!" and catch up on their lives.One such guest is Cliff from Ames, Iowa. As far as we know, Cliff holds the record in repeat years with a whopping 44! Here is the story he wrote for me, and gave me permission to share."I had fished some in Minnesota in my youth when my family vacationed on Gull Lake but at that time I only used a hand held drop line over my finger. We learned that Jennifer's folks, Cal and Sheila Moe, had become owners of Two Inlets Resort from Sheila's brother, who was a friend of the family. We decided to spend our vacation there one year. To the best of my recollection, that first year was 1973, and at the end of the week I hated to leave, having had such a wonderful time. Cal and Sheila were wonderful hosts and became dear friends, and Cal helped me learn how to fish, introducing me to the Beetle Spin, which became my favorite lure. The second year Ruth and I came for two weeks and in later years often came for three weeks. One year I recall it was four weeks and we still hated to leave at the end of our vacation. Over the years our children visited us, bringing with them their children. When Ruth died in 1993 I missed coming to Two Inlets Resort, but the next year, 1994, I had all my family come during a three week stay at Two Inlets Resort. Also, that year I brought a new partner, Peggy, who also liked to fish. Peggy and I have returned each year since 1994 for two weeks at Two Inlets Resort. During those years our children have joined us and they too learned to love this place. A few years ago we started scheduling a fall trip during September, a beautiful time at the lake. Our time at Two Inlets Resort was always very special, as we enjoyed the lake and the Park Rapids area. It was also special because of the special treatment we received from Cal and Sheila initially and then from Jennifer and Bob when they assumed ownership. They have treated us like family and we have felt as if Two Inlets Resort, and specifically Cabin #7, was our second home. We always looked forward to our trips there and experienced wonderful times there."Like all of us, Cliff's age is advancing. I don't know his exact age, but I know he's over 90. I was visiting with him on his check-out day this year and he shared that he was pretty sure that this was going to be his last year. Cliff said, "The rest of the family is going into Park Rapids tonight for dinner, and we were invited to go along. Peg and I talked it over and gracefully bowed out." Then he said something that really struck me. "We just don't want to leave the lake."I'm sure every resort owner in the state of Minnesota can tell a similar story of history, tradition and sentimental value. If you're reading this post and have yet to find your Minnesota resort, why not give us a try? We always have room for new guests!Until next time ~~ JenniferJennifer and her husband, Bob, for 22 years have owned and operated what they believe to be the best family resort in Minnesota.
