Hello Kim and Big John,
it is always
great to hear from you
(via holiday newsletter).
Terri and I have already
started to talk about
coming up for the spring
wellnessweekend, we are
also planning to stay
for 3-4 days after the
weekendends. We both
love it at your
wonderful campgrounds so
much it wouldn't
be the same for
us if we didn't come up
there
each year.
I
also wanted to tellyou I entered your
campgrounds in the Oprah
Magazine and her web
siteas "the best
place to be closer to
God,
the best place to go to
relax,and how I feel
about Crow Wing Crest
Lodge feeling like
home."
Youboth are so warm
and kind I know why
everyone that stays with
you getsthat feeling of
going home when they
stay there.
I'm
not sure about itbut if I hear
from Oprah
I will let you know
right away because it
maybe on her Sunday
presentation of "A
wonderful place to go to
relax".They may want to
come and do a story
about it.
I told her about
thearomatherapy, and
holistic work that Big
John and you do and help
byteaching others
about it. I feel
really excited about
thisopportunity, O
andby the way I also
mentioned your brother
too. Hopeto be in touch
with you all soon
. . .
.
----- January 2013,
Kathy Wiemar
We were very
impressed with not only cleanliness, but the abundance of kitchen
supplies and the things that don't always get a good cleaning were CLEAN
(i.e. fans, curtains, hard to reach areas.) Everything was easy to
find, very clean, comfortable and very much the cabin setting we were
hoping for, for a relaxing vacation. Loved the cabin/homelike
feel. Our favorite thing about visiting was the fishing and QUIET!
(loved deck on cabin #18, being close to town, loved the welcome book.)
Would like to see us here more often!!
----
Liza & Brad, 1st time guests September 2012
New for us this year:
Norwegian Volleyball -- what a riot! And what a fun way to meet
other guests! Let's do it twice a week, we'll even help Kris with
the water balloons. :) CWC is a little slice of paradise.
Thank you for the wonderful healing activities - reflexology,
aromatherapy, tarot card readings. What a gift to come to such a
peaceful place. Thank you so much!
------- Michelle LaFrance Cabin #3, August 2011
Had a great time
at this wonderful northwoods gem!! Big John, Kim and Kris really excel
in making every guest feel welcome and special. Very warm and its like
its own little village in the woods. LOTS to do! Our daughter (12) and
son (16) were really pleased w/ the personal nature and variety of
things to do. Would soooo go again and would recommend this to anyone!-----Margaret
Vanderwarn, 1st time guests June 2011
Affordable vacation, and use of canoes and kayaks
is our
favorite thing, but BEST is the lakeside sauna (also the lodge -- having
the jukebox and all the percussion instruments available for us to play
with whenever we wanted was very fun.)
-----
Louise Quinn (new guests September 2010)
Kim & John & Kris - CWC means
so much to our family. We (in increasing numbers!) have been coming to
CWC for 33 years. Our 3rd daughter (Lindsey) took her first
steps in Cabin #1, that was 33 years ago! Our family lives in various
cities and states - the third week in July we spend the week together
and this has been a major factor in the close relationships we have.
Our children and now grandchildren, have gotten to know and love each
other at the Lake (teachers have asked if we own a lake because of the
numerous stories we tell). Anyway, what I'm trying to say is thank
you -- I can only imagine how much work it takes to keep it looking so
great. Gods Blessings!
---- Chris Schonning July 23, 2010
The chipmunks and the
wildlife are probably still the most amazing part of the trip for our
family. Love how you guys try and get "bonding" time with
individual cabins. You guys are awesome! Thanks John
for info on reflexology, I hope to have read quite a few books by next
time I see you! And Kim, too! I got so many new fun
and natural items to play with! Can't wait to try out the
little diffuser with lavender or citrus essential oils!
---Wolf family &
friends, July 2010
Dear Big
John, Kim and Kris~
Where to begin??? What an absolutely amazing week we had at your
wonderful resort....Talk about rest and relaxation (which comes rarely
with 2 kiddos)...The kids had an absolute blast at the beach and in the
lake, doing the paddle boats, and kayaks (use for free, what a
concept)...I am beyond thrilled with how safe I felt letting my children
go a bit ( I am a little paranoid : ), they loved the freedom and so did
my husband, family and I. We came up the 2nd week in August to stay with
my dad, it was an awesome bonding experience,
he has asked us to come for years, now I cannot wait and hope beyond
hope that he will ask us again...Your resort is unbelievable.You are all beyond friendly and accommodating...Cabin
9 is beautiful, and the fishing fun....I could go on and on but I will
stop...lol...Thank you, does not seem enough...We hope to see you all
next year...I have also included a link with a bunch of pictures I took
during your stay...Feel free to use any that you would like to or let me
know favorites and I can email them individually! Hugs to all of you
from all of us...
Much happiness,
Niki Etienne and Family August 2009
Kim,
Once again we really enjoyed our stay at Crow Wing Crest. We loved
cabin 15 and saw lots of birds this year! We appreciate your quiet and
ecological resort. We appreciate the kitchens; they are truly
well-equipped. I hope you have a good season and hopefully, we will see
you next year.
----Kathleen
Felt and John Banschbach
June 30, 2009
Kim and John,
I really enjoyed your
newsletter and Christmas greetings. At the family holiday get together
this year, we were sharing vacation memories. It is funny to hear
the words "hey, there is only 7 months till vacation!!
This annual vacation with
our family is a tradition that has meant so much for all of us. It is a
time we can truly connect as a family. There is no other time of the
year where we can all wake up to the smell of
coffee (Grandpa Elroy is the early riser and his job is to make the
morning coffee) and come out on the deck and sit wrapped up in a blanket
with your pj's still on and enjoy the company of the people you love. We
have had some of our best family talks on the decks of cabin 9 and 10.
Thank you for all your hard work in making CWC a great place to come to.
We look forward to seeing
you again this summer!
--------Blessings to you and your family,Brenda Kremer, January 2009, Mankato, MN
Hi!
I just wanted to tell you guys how much fun I had here
(last week) at Crow Wing Crest! My family
and I have been to many resorts and this one, by far was my favorite!
Keep up the good work! =] ---- Katie Kuyper, 12 yrs old,
July 9, 2008
Hello Kim And John.
Well, here we are back home,wondering how our week of June 9th,2008 went
so fast.We truly enjoy your hospitality,kids had a blast,and Sue and I really enjoyed
our stay with you folks.Can't
you invent a time machine so our days at CWC last a
lot longer??!We are booked with you folks for
next June,take care and above all THANKYOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!---Gary
and Sue Swanson, White Bear Lake, MN
Hi Kim,
Before we left
last summer, I had everyone write down comments for you, and for some
reason I never delivered them to you. I just came across the paper
again, and decided to just email them to you!
***
I asked: What
is your favorite thing about CWC?
Answers:
Mom – The
family, friendly atmosphere created by Kim, John & Kris.
Amy – Swimming
in the lake and swimming around the swim dock.
Louisa – I
loved the lake. It was really fun. I liked that CWC had activities,
but that we still had lots of free time.
Rachel – I
love all the animals and the beautiful lake.
***
I asked: What
was the best thing that happened this week?
Answers:
Mom – Great
family discussions.
Dad – The
wonderful family fun & closeness we felt. Watching the girls have fun &
swimming together.
Amy – Doing
things together as a family and meeting new friends.
Louisa –
Getting to see my dad often every day.
Rachel –
Kayaking, and being together as a family.
***
To sum up – A
great family time for a family that is much too busy the rest of the
time!!!
Thanks!
*~*
Barbara E Van Heel*~* March 7, 2008
hey kim and john!
we were there on the week of sept 10th or so and we'll be back in june.
we had such a great time. i had such a great time. cabins had everything we
needed and smelled great. (kim - i went out and bought some sal suds -- gonna
add some essential oils and see if i can make my floors give off a pleasing
odor...).
the walking/hiking trails on the property were MUCH appreciated and used. it
was nice to feel lost AND know you were going the right direction.
the whole place just gives off a good vibe! thank you so much!!!
i wanted to send along some pictures i thought you guys would get a kick out of
but i'm not sure how to send them in this "form" format... any other ideas?
thanks again!
katie ireland --- October 2007
I love the giant trees, the hammock, the loons. I loved
seeing relatives I hadn't seen in years. Aromatherapy/Reflexology was
great and Kim's sparkly smile and Big John's serenity. Kitchens were well
stocked. Loved the simple swings and fire rings. Kim's "spider web"
game, drums and craft hour seed puzzle project were great, too!
-----Nancy Freeman of Colorado July 2007
Our favorite things about the resort were
Norwegian Volleyball, free internet, COOL website, free paddleboats and kayaks,
"Fredward": the fish pillow in Cabin #3, the (Ionic Detox) foot bath, the
quietness, the friendly service, and the good looking blond at the front desk!
---------new guests, Youngers family July 20, 2007
Hi Kim and John:
I'm a little tardy in sending this to you, but I
wanted to thank you for the wonderful Spring Healer's Weekend. We all had a
great time - as usual! Crow Wing Crest is my yearly mental and
physical health check up. I've been using the meditation CD that we bought
from Brian B. and it reminds me of the peaceful days we had this spring.
Thank you for making it one of my favorite places to be in the world!
Attached is a picture that I took when we went
for a walk (in between the gentle rain showers). Enjoy and I hope you have
enough time to put your feet up in your busy summer season!
-------------------Tina
Summerville, July 2007
Kim/John,
We had a great time at your resort back on 6/11. Grandma and the grandkids all
enjoyed their time there. The kids had fun swimming, the luau was fun, the
ladies liked the aromatherapy session, and I especially enjoyed the "hootenanny"
at the lodge. We're looking forward to doing it again soon.
PS If I have some pics, can I email them to you?
---------George LaBrosse, Forest Lake, MN, June 2007
Kim & Big John! As you can see by our
(Christmas card) pictures, fishing in Minnesota was the high point of our year!
We had such a nice time at Crow Wing Crest Lodge! I know we will see you
again - until then we send a big hug and kiss . . . .
----Jane,
Curtis, Elissa & Thomson Dec. 2006 (1st time visitors)
We used the web to
select Crow Wing Crest because it sounded great, looked great, was family
oriented, and fit our time restrictions.
When we arrived,
CWC surpassed anything we expected. Our Cabin #16 was immaculate,
completely outfitted, very attractive and comfortable. The grounds were in
beautiful condition, with cabins well-spaced for sounds and view, and offered so
many things to do. Yet one could just sit and soak up the NorthWoods and
all the pines.
Our hosts (that's
you, Kim & John) were so friendly and warm and eager to please -- so relaxed you
seemed to be enjoying a vacation yourselves. You were even willing to
spend extra time so our grandchildren (and we adults, too) could enjoy the
"Drumming " not scheduled for that night.
Can't think of a
thing to change. The grandchildren said, "Wish we were still at the
resort!" We will be recommending Crow Wing Crest! Hope we can return
soon. Thank you . . . .
----Mr & Mrs E., Crystal, MN,
Sept. 1, 2005
This resort is a FUN, SAFE place for kids to play allowing us parents a little (okay . . . a lot) more time to relax and enjoy our vacation too. The beach is great! The playhouse (log cabin) is awesome. Mom enjoyed the informative seminars on reflexology and aromatherapy. The drumming circle was way too cool. You have a great place! We're really looking forward to next year already!
-------Luann. Kirk & Michaela Conklin,
IA, Aug 3, 2005
No matter where you looked, there was a great lake view!!!! (We were in cabin #14). The beach, relaxation and the owners were fabulous. A great variety of things to do.
----Dave & Linda,
MN, July 22, 2005
Crow
Wing Crest Rocks
I love
CWC soooo much!
I have been going there since I was born and my family before me.
It is soooo great. Whoever is reading this, don't go there
'cause I want it all to myself.
Oh ya, I'm a thirteen year old and live in
Minneapolis, so you know everybody loves
CWC.
---Peter Ringham,
16 Jul 2005
CROW WING IS AWESOME! Alright. Crow
Wing Crest is the best place I have ever been to. I love it more than everything. I have a countdown
(calendar) every single year, counting down the days till I go (21 days from today
and I'm there --exactly 3 weeks!)
I have
$40 in quarters saved up just to play arcade games. I've been going there all my life. I went from cabin 6 to cabin 19. This place makes me so happy. I just can't wait to dip into the lake, or play some bingo!
----Addie Royce,
July 16, 2005, Minnesota
Wonderful is an understatement...
Kim & Big John,
I just wanted to thank you for a fantastic weekend at your resort. The camping was great, your facilities are something that others should strive for. The kids had a wonderful time on the beach and playing games in the lodge! My reflexology session was fantastic!
Thanks for helping us make some wonderful family memories...we'll be back soon!
--Take care,
Holly, Marv, Joe & Paige Mackedanz, Jun 24, 2005
Just got back from our trip but wanted to thank you for the wonderful stay at the Lodge. You're so good with kids. Justin and Cody are making those God's eyes and teaching all their friends. They can't wait to come back next year. They're also going to teach their friends that Bat & Moth game. Soon I'll send you some beads and etc. Got to go thru my crafts . . . Thanks again!
-----Agnes, John, Kourtney, Justin & Cody,
July 21, 2004, California
Hi Kim:
I just wanted to let you know that we really enjoy receiving the Crow Wing Resort newsletter and Christmas letter. Carson talked about the cabin so often that the lead teacher in his daycare remarked that we need to make sure we continue to visit because he would be devastated if we didn't. He really talked about going back until sometime in January so our trip made quite an impression on him (and us!). My mom still mentions how nice a place it is too, and she can be pretty darn picky (don't tell her I said that!).
We're moving to the Chicago area so we'll be even closer to Minnesota, which will make that drive more appealing!
--Deb and Preston Aldrich, Carson too!
July 21, 2004
WE LOVE THE LODGE AND ALL THE ACTIVITIES - ESPECIALLY THE VOLLEYBALL COURT AND BASKETBALL COURT - BONFIRE PIT EXCELLENT - GOOD PIZZA - COMFY BEDS. IT'S A WONDERFUL RESORT AND WE HAD A GREAT TIME-- SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!
-----Joe & Jill Ford,
July 19, 2004
I love your website! It's just like being at the resort. I especially enjoy reading the information written by Kim. I can tell it's your writing and it makes me chuckle as I wait to come back for a visit again! Can't wait to see you all!
---Zane,
Larry, Amanda, Douglas and Philip, Apr 13, 2004
Loved the site, the atmosphere, activities were fun and interesting. We had a fabulous week - thank you! Loved funky cabin #14. Great beds! Thanks for the hard work you do to make this place great. We'll be back - we're so foot loose these days, it's hard to plan too far ahead!
---- Jim & MaryEdmister, July 19, 2004
LOOKING FORWARD TO JUNE
DEAR KIM &
JOHN!The Rial gang is looking forward again to another fun filled
week at Crow Wing Crest!!! This will be our 4th summer with you and we
have enjoyed every minute. There are so many favorite parts to the week
besides getting together with the family: bingo, potluck, drum session
(hope Bobby doesn't dance again!) and I'm sure for you, Kim, is the sing-along
night. My family could sing all night, so just let us know when it's time
to head back to our cabins. Take care and we will see you in a couple of weeks!
-----Tammy T and THE RIAL GANG, June 10, 2004
Our favorite thing about Crow Wing Crest Resort? I liked the safe cleaning products, no
smoking in buildings, aromatherapy, reflexology, & massage. We all liked being able to
ride over to Akeley to get on the bike trail without hauling the bikes. We'd like to see
you continue to carry bait for young fishermen like Philip. Being able to use the
paddleboats, kayaks, etc. without signing up or paying separate is nice, too. Thanks
again for a wonderful time !! We look forward to seeing you next year.
-----excerpt from feedback form . . .Zane Rae Madsen,
Sept 09, 2003
Our favorite thing about CWC? Location, fishing - drum circle, lake access, swimming,
canoeing, etc. We love the helpfulness and attitude of Kim, John, and Terry. We went to
the Mississippi headwaters - we had forgotten how good that is. The kids rented bikes and
had a ball as well. We loved the wood swing. Kim, thanks for the aromatherapy salts! They are great.
As always, we had a great time. The drumming circle was the BEST - I relieved A LOT of
tension that night! See you next year.
-----Thanks, Scott & Dawn
Moser, Aug 21, 2003
The sauna is our family's favorite fun. We frequently use the shuffleboard and
volleyball court. Our children love the shaved ice treats, playhouse and the beach.
-----Bellig clan, Aug
21, 2003
Our favorite thing about the resort? The atmosphere! What a great place to bring the
family! We had the most fun at Potluck Luau on Thursday. Thanks for the great week! SEE
YOU NEXT YEAR!!
------The VanWyhe's,
Aug 12, 2003
After 13 years, Crow Wing Crest continues to please us - relaxing, quiet,
family-oriented. Furnishings and accessories in cabins continue to improve. Great view off
nice new deck in #17, thanks.
-----Connie & John Hyduke,
Aug 12, 2003
Our favorite thing about the resort? The fun-friendly atmosphere! Any little thing we
needed . . .you gave us. We loved all the kid activities and family themes (drumming,
bingo, etc.) We had a great time - Looking forward to next year!
-----Tim & Mary Beth Burns,
Aug 12, 2003
The wooden swing rules! Our favorite thing about the resort is playing volleyball,
swimming, hanging out with the friends we've made over the years, and having so much fun!
The resort & cabins seem like they are in better shape every year! We appreciate the
family focus/atmosphere.
Lousma clan,
Aug 12, 2003 . . . comments from feedback form
What a great weekend!
Thanks John, Kim, and Terry for a great weekend! I'm so glad Mark and Tammy introduced
us to this place! It was hard to leave, we didn't want to go home, yet! I can't wait to
come back! Thanks again for a terrifically relaxing weekend!
JJ, Michelle, Jordan, Morgan,
Aug 10, 2003
Our family has visited Crow wing for the last 3 years, we enjoy the peaceful setting,
friendly owners and other Resort dwellers. The activities that are scheduled for both the
family and kids are an excellent way to get to know your neighbors and the owners of the
resort. The setting is amazing and is breath taking, you can't ask for a more perfect
setting to relax and enjoy nature and people. It is a vacation that our family looks
forward to every year and will continue for years to come.
DONNA ANDREW,
Feb 20, 2003
My family has been coming to Crow
Wing Crest for over 10 years, and Kim and John have
been an unknowingly essential addition to our vacation experience. This past year
(2001)was the most relaxing and comfortable ever, and it all has to do with the warmth and
kindness of our new hosts. We are more excited than ever to spend a week in 2002 at
Crow Wing Crest, enjoying the joys of reflexology amidst the majestic trees of our
beautiful northwoods with Kim and John as our hosts/friends. Thank you both, we
are so glad we have found you!
- Betsy Chastain and Clan of 30+ fans,
Oct 21, 2001
Dear Kim & John, I was delighted to be invited once again by my daughter &
son-in-law to join them at Crow Wing Crest Lodge. What fun. It is an ideal place for
parents, grandmas & grandchildren! You both are doing a great job. This year the
children were old enough to participate in the fishing contest, pot luck (yummy) &
bingo(what fun!) We were so pleased that Terry, was available to join us in the fun. It
was great to have Adam provide us with campfire wood, so we could roast marshmallows
several times that week and he also made sure the beach was free of lake weeds. Keep up
the good work and if, God willing,the entire Sullivan,Robertson & Biehl families will
once again be fishing for that 15 pound walleye that Terry swears is in the lake!
Keep up the
good work and good luck.
Sincerely, Dolores Biehl(Nan)
P.S. I forgot to mention that we really enjoyed the Humming bird feeder that was
provided at our cabin, I filled it immediately and we had humming birds right away and it
was so much fun, to have breakfast and watch the birds. Great Idea!!
We enjoyed it and we will be back sometime. As much corn as we fed that chipmunk,
he has to be set for the winter!
Jerry Bair,
Sept.8, 2001
If you haven't ever been to Crow Wing you should come!! This is my favorite place in
the whole entire world. It is so calm and so beautiful. The lake is the clearest lake I
have ever been to. We have been coming here for like 17 years. Well not me I'm only 14 but
my family has. If you are thinking about this place, you won't be disappointed. Trust
me!!!!
