Created: 08/17/2009 9:37 AM KSTP.com | Print |  Email By: Vineeta Sawkar

SAWKAR: Preserving The "Mom And Pops"

A slice of Minnesota sunshine in the summertime up north..what more can a frazzled mom ask for? My family and I had a wonderful time swimming, biking and fishing just north of Bemidji last week. I like a vacation with no itinerary, no timetable or really any plan. The only thing on our minds was relaxing and soaking in the sun from what turned out to be the perfect week to head up north.

Over 13 years of marriage, we have stayed in many wonderful Minnesota resorts, hotels and bed and breakfasts but I must say there is something about those iconic "mom and pop" resorts that really stand out to me. I truly love them.

We stayed at a place called Kohl's Resort on Big Turtle Lake. It is everything you want from a mom and pop place. Jim and Debbie are the owners and they treated us like house guests. The bonus with their place is that they have an indoor pool which is handy with our unpredictable summers. There is a family sandcastle building contest and even a minnow race. I love the feel of these types of places and my family enjoys exploring different ones every summer.

I highly recommend the website www.exploreminnesota.com when you plan your next vacation. One of the travel counselors I called suggested Kohl's with a list of many others that might fit what I was looking for.

So, here I am, rested and relaxed and back to the grind. I really come back with a fresh outlook and renewed energy and a sense of excitement as a I look forward to another.... three days off next week! Don't you love summer vacation?