Book the BLA

05/28/2026

Behind every curated stay, thoughtful message, glowing review, and “we’ll be back” moment — there’s a team making it all happen.

Today, we’re spotlighting one of our VIPs: Fiona

Fiona is our Guest Relations lead - overseeing the full guest experience from inquiry to post-stay, she helps make sure every Book the B.L.A. stay feels easy, personal, and thoughtfully cared for. From guest communication and service standards to reviews and all the little details in between, she plays a huge role in how we show up for both our guests and the homeowners who trust us with their properties.

Coming off Memorial Day weekend and heading into our favorite season in the Brainerd Lakes Area, we’re extra grateful for the people behind the scenes who help turn lake weekends, family vacations, and up-north getaways into lifelong memories.

Fiona, thank you for the care, calm, and hospitality-minded energy you bring to the team. We’re lucky to have you and your smiling face!

Exceptional properties. Curated experiences. Lifelong memories.

05/27/2026

We’re speechless. 🚣‍♂️⛳️🌅

Bookthebla.com

05/24/2026

Memorial Day weekend in the Brainerd Lakes Area has always marked the feeling of summer arriving — cabins opening up, boats hitting the water, patios filling, families gathering, and lake memories beginning again.

🇺🇸But before all of that, this weekend is about remembrance.

It’s about honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, and recognizing the families and loved ones who carry that sacrifice with them long after the weekend ends.

As we celebrate everything that makes summers up north so special, we also pause in gratitude for the freedoms that allow us to enjoy places like this in the first place.

Whether you’re here for the weekend, opening the cabin, supporting a local memorial service or parade, or simply soaking in a quiet lake morning — we hope there’s a moment of reflection woven into it.

From all of us at Book the B.L.A. + Woods to Water Real Estate, wishing you a meaningful Memorial Day weekend. 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

Help Us Name Bigfoot! 👣

The Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center is inviting the community to help choose this year’s official Bigfoot name!

Stop by the Welcome Center May 22–28 to submit your best name idea for a chance to make Bigfoot history. After submissions close, the community will vote to decide the winning name.

📍 Name Submissions: May 22–28
🗳 Voting: May 29–June 3
🎉 Official Name Reveal: June 5 at 1:00 PM

While you’re here, explore Brainerd Lakes apparel, souvenirs, local gifts, and everything the Welcome Center has to offer.

Past favorites include Buford and Yeti Betti, what will this year’s name be? 👀

05/23/2026

05/23/2026

This Weekend in Nisswa!

05/23/2026

As we gather this weekend, let us remember the true meaning of Memorial Day, honoring those who never made it home and supporting the veterans and families who carry their legacy forward. ❤️🤍💙

One of the best ways we show our gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice is by supporting the organizations that continue to serve our veterans like the Crosslake Fifty Lakes American Legion Post 500, and community events like ROCK'N ON WHITEFISH, which supports homeless & wounded warriors.

Please join the community for a Memorial Day Service:

📅 Monday, May 25, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Pinewood Cemetery, Crosslake

Photo Courtesy Megan Buffington / Echo Journal
By Megan Buffington and Travis G. Grimler

05/21/2026

We’re excited to officially share that Mara Christenson has stepped into an elevated role as Owner Relations Lead for Book the B.L.A. by Woods to Water Vacation Homes.

If you’ve worked with Mara before, you already know the level of care, organization, and follow-through she brings to our homes, owners, vendors, and day-to-day operations. This next step is a natural fit — and a well-earned one.

In her expanded role, Mara will continue helping support homeowner communication, onboarding, property performance, and the overall owner experience as our portfolio continues to grow across the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Building the right team behind our homes matters. As we continue raising the standard for vacation rental management in the B.L.A., we’re proud to have people like Mara helping lead the way.

Congrats, Mara 👏

05/20/2026

Looking forward to hosting our guests in our incredible collection of homes in the B.L.A. so they can enjoy the magic we are so lucky to live in.

05/18/2026

🏡Thinking about getting into the vacation rental industry in the Brainerd Lakes Area? Now is the time to start the conversation.

Owners and chief executives gathered this May 11–13, 2026 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California — and our owner and founder of Woods to Water Vacation Homes, Colton, was one of them.

The 2026 VRMA Executive Summit brought together vacation rental leaders from across the country to discuss the future of the industry — from guest experience and operational growth to AI integration and evolving standards in vacation rental management.

As the Brainerd Lakes Area continues to grow as a destination market, we believe staying connected to where the industry is heading matters. Continuing education, innovation, and refining the way we serve both homeowners and guests are all part of building something long-term.

If you’ve been considering purchasing a vacation home, converting a property into a short-term rental, or learning more about the vacation rental market in the B.L.A., our team would love to connect.