Destination Up North 2018 Up North | Page 21

beer on tap is the Scotch Ale which tastes like chocolate and deep caramel with a hint of fig. Mark said, “Master Brewer Doug Stoffer is a chemist and has won awards on two different continents for his beer.” Root beer, regular pop, and water are also available. Tours are available by request. Hungry? “Gull Dam Brewing is expanding into the Twin Cities where our market share is even bigger than in the Brainerd area.” Mark said, “The humor behind that name led to the easy marketability of our brand.” Seven Nights a Week! The tap room is open Wednesday through Sunday in the Winter and every day in the summer except Mondays. The 3,400 square foot event center is open to the public year round and caters in for wedding receptions, high school reunions, and business meetings. Visit gulldambrewing.com. Chris French and his wife started Big Axe Brewing Company almost three years ago in Nisswa, Minn. As a native of the Brainerd Lakes area, Chris knew he wanted to open his brewery in the central Minnesota tourist destination. Big Axe Brewing Company is unique in that there is a full restaurant attached to the brewery. Chris’ brewery has 12 beers on tap as well as homemade root beer and cream soda. He names the beers after old folklore stories of the legendary creatures of the north woods. Chris used to do the beer brewing but now has handed that off to his brewer. The variety of beer caters to styles that people like and are popular with customers. Chris has some customers who always like to get the same beer but he said he has more customers come in saying: “What’s new?” Impromptu tours of the brewery are common. With the restaurant attached, customers can choose to sit down with friends and family and enjoy a menu that includes soup and salad, chicken wings, and sandwiches. There is also a kid’s menu. Local artists play live music during the evenings. Bar trivia is offered on Thursdays. Since last summer, Chris said they have been canning their beer for distribution in and around the Brainerd and St. Cloud area and the Twin cities. Chris works full-time in IT in the Twin Cities where his wife also works as a physician. On weekends, they do the “reverse commute” and drive up north with their four kids to their cabin. The brewery and restaurant are open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Visit bigaxebrewing.com. Serving Prime Rib Hand Cut Steaks • Walleye • Ribs Pasta • House Made Soups 619527fs3/12/17 14819 Edgewood Drive, Baxter, MN 56425 • 218-828-8400 www.blackbearlodgemn.com Windows, Sunrooms, Doors and Awnings Your Window, Door & Sunroom Store CALL NOW FOR IN-HOME CONSULTATION 218-829-5590 | 888-829-5590 11316 State Hwy. 210, Brainerd | betterlivingconcepts.net Family FUN for all AGES! Follow Us! 218.454.1602 northlandkartkountry.com Highway 371 North • Brainerd 3 GO-KART TRACKS Can Am • Indy • Bullit • Jr. Karts BATTING CAGES • BUMPER BOATS • BUNGEE BOUNCE WATER WARS • NASCAR SIMULATORS • JUMP SHOT CLIMBING WALL • VIDEO ARCADE • MINI GOLF Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. - Call Ahead for Spring & Fall Hours destinationupnorth.com 21