- At The Campfire -
Love of the Minnesota Lake Resort Life and the Nature Surrounding It
Welcome to the official blog about our Minnesota lake resort, our Carribean Cabin, and all things outdoors! Created by Heather Sams to share stories and tips about her and Brian's experience running Campfire Bay Resort for the last 23 years, it has transformed to share articles about crafts, activities in Central Minnesota, and our love of nature and desire to protect it by a myriad writers in the Sams' family.
With twice-a-month posts, you're sure to find gems on nature, outdoorsy activities, wellness, as well as travel, and our community of friends and family not only in our own little microcosm here on Fish Trap Lake in northern Minnesota, but beyond.
Life at a Minnesota lake resort is different than other types of hospitality businesses, and the stay you'll have is unique. But we will do our best to tell you about it right here. WIth so many stories over so many years, we love to share them with our guests around our central fire pit, right by our lake. For those of you who can't make it to the firepit, though, we invite you to this blog. So grab a blanket, cozy up, and join us on At The Campfire.
They might not be everyone’s favorite creature, but bats are some of nature’s most underrated heroes. Silent, swift, and essential—these little mammals do more good than most people realize. Although I missed it by a few weeks, I still wanted to write a blog post about bats in honor of Bat Week, which takes place…
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There is so much to get excited for at the end of the year. Good food, time with family, gifts, and long chats around a dinner table or by a fireplace are constants for most families in November and December. But that doesn’t mean we don’t get a little catch in our chest every now…
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Look up — the sky is on the move! Honking geese, dancing cranes, and speedy little songbirds are all heading south for the season. It’s nature’s biggest commute, and you’ve got a front-row seat. An Overview of Migration Imagine a life with warm, sunny winters and no TSA lines to get there. Sounds nice, right?…
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Up here, we don’t just survive the cold — we lean into it. A little steam, a splash of lake water, and a lot of deep breaths later, you’ll remember why saunas are the best kind of therapy nature has to offer. Scientifically Proven Benefits The benefits of sauna use are pretty remarkable when you…
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As the days grow shorter and the crisp Minnesota air carries the scent of pine and earth, the forests around our state begin a stunning transformation. Green leaves give way to fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep oranges, turning every trail into a living painting. It might feel like magic—but it’s actually science doing its…
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After years in the land of 10,000 lakes, summers in its waters, and fires on the shores, a question often springs to one’s mind. It’s a question that most people who live in Minnesota ask themselves at some point or another: should I buy a cabin? Cabin Ownership vs. Renting Maybe you’ve spent years going…
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There’s a chill to the air. Leaves are turning as orange as your campfire. The sky darkens to a dusty purple, and then deepens to show off the Milky Way. What better time to cup your hands around a mug of cocoa, tug a blanket around yourself, and get lost in the shadows creeping from…
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As nostalgic and fun as having everyone to your house for a large feast can be, it can get taxing, too! There’s the cooking, the entertaining, not to mention the simple fact of having to make sure your house is ready to host everyone. Enter: a holiday getaway. In 2019, my family left the Twin…
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We all want our precious vacation time to be everything we hoped for—whether that’s fun-filled days with family or a peaceful retreat. With so many accommodation options out there—resorts, vacation rentals, hotels—how do you choose the best fit for your needs? 🏨 Resorts vs. Vacation Rentals: The Key Differences I’ve stayed at resorts, vacation rentals,…
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Summer is drawing to a close. You’ve been grilling month after month, and as mouth-watering as all those burgers and brats have been, you’re looking for something new. How fortuitous then, that you’ve found this post! After a summer of grilling and smoking meats (or even just attending barbecues), you can start to lose inspiration…
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