Breezy Point – Starting A New Tradition

By Gordy Ginsberg

Breezy Point Resort has opened their new three level lakeside dining and meeting facility called Marina II. You owe it to yourself the time to check it out. For those of you familiar with the resort, the new building replaces the old dining facility right on Pelican Lake. Construction began after the end of last summer’s season and amazingly the building was open for guests on Memorial Day.

While blending seamlessly into the look of the old resort, you shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking this is your typical lodge dining room and bar. What you will find inside is a beautifully decorated, large and modern facility. Dave Gravdahl, General Manager of Breezy Point, gave me a tour of the new facility over the Memorial Day weekend.

Throughout our walk Mr. Gravdahl pointed out the many design and decorating features the designers used to create the inviting interior spaces. Re-creations of old resort artwork and brochures can be found displayed on every floor. Quiet sitting areas dot the building giving it an intimate feel not often found in new construction. Handmade light fixtures fashioned from twigs are works of art in and of themselves. Even the cabinetry in the second level bar was handmade, by one of the maintenance staff (try to find the locks hidden in the logs).

The Dockside Lounge occupies the main level, fronts the lake, and offers both indoor and dockside seating with perfect views of the lake. The atmosphere here is casual and family friendly. Dining and drinks are offered on the spacious patio as well as in the large indoor dining and bar areas. The large deck overlooks the lake and is the perfect spot to catch some sun while watching the people and boats come and go. Step in from the patio and you will find yourself in a fun and spacious lakeside bar and restaurant. Food on this level is casual comfort food for the family and includes your favorite burger baskets, soups, salads and pizza. After 9:00 PM the Dockside is geared for adults offering some of the best live entertainment in the area. Last but not least you won’t want to miss the Dockside performances by Elvis (Chris Olson). His shows are a legendary part of Breezy Point entertainment.

The second level of the new complex is home to Breezy Point’s new main dining room, the Marina II dining room. The atmosphere here is one of a cozy and inviting living room. Warm rich colors and a floor to ceiling fireplace set the tone for the wonderful decor. Wood floors and stone accents complete the inviting feel of this large yet cozy space. With nearly 180° views of Pelican Lake, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as Sunday brunch. There are a number of seating options to choose from. The large stone fireplace serves to separate the main dining room from the bar and lounge area. Semi- private dining rooms are also available for special occasions.

General Manager Gravdahl says that Breezy Point is the first resort in the Lakes area to offer an all inclusive option and guests on that program dine in the new Marina II restaurant (ask about their all inclusive golf packages). Dinner menu choices range from top notch steaks, BBQ ribs to pasta dinners, shrimp, walleye and salmon. Did I mention the bruschetta and steamed mussel appetizers?

The last stop on my tour with Mr. Gravdahl was the top floor Lakeview Ballroom. Occupying the entire third floor (over 4,400 square feet), this meeting, banquet and event space is set to accommodate all your needs. The room offers amazing views of the lake through wall to wall windows. Seating capacity for large functions is approximately 300 people. If you are considering a smaller group, the room can be sub-divided and re-configured for events of any size. This is the perfect location for weddings, reunions or corporate outings

Whether you are looking for a place to host your next corporate get together or reconnect with family and friends, you won’t find a better location than Breezy Point. One of Minnesota’s premier resorts has just gotten better.