Woods & Water II Preview Part 1: Lake Minnetonka

A huge Thanks to longtime fellow Woody Boater Rabbit for the following series of Previews of the upcoming Woods & Water event of the decade.

Hard to believe that ACBS International -Woods and Water II- is less than a month away. Which means it’s time to start giving you a preview of what to expect in Minnesota. As a proud member of the Land-O-Lakes chapter of ACBS, I can assure you that we’re pulling out all the stops to make it one of the best Internationals ever. Here in Minnesota we tend to think the first Woods & Water in 2015, may just be the GOAT.

Bar Harbor Supper club will be the destination of the Show Days

This year’s event will feature close to two hundred of the world’s most amazing vintage boats in a perfect setting with hospitality second to none. And, of course, it will be much more than a one weekend and done event, with not just a pre-week, but even a pre-weekend. See, GOAT.

That pre-weekend begins on Minnesota’s famous Lake Minnetonka, Friday and Saturday, September 6th and 7th. Since Minnesota is home to ten thousand plus lakes, it’s not surprising that such a magnificent fourteen-thousand-acre lake is situated within Minneapolis’ western suburbs. It’s the site of the Land O Lakes Chapter’s annual Real Runabouts Rendezvous Boat Show on Saturday, at the historic Lord Fletchers restaurant.

The name Real Runabouts honors the late Bob Speltz, author of the essential Real Runabout’s book series as well as a pioneer of the ACBS. A native Minnesotan, Bob helped found our chapter and was a long-time member. The opening weekend will kick off with a Friday cruise, lunch and talk about the Boathouses of Lake Minnetonka, with the author of the coffee table book by the same name, Melinda Nelson. BoathousesMinnetonka.com

From the book

I can assure you, Lake Minnetonka is right up there with the Muskokas in terms of jaw dropping boat houses. The cruise will be followed by a traditional Minnesota walleye dinner at the iconic Lord Fletcher’s restaurant, also site of the boat show on Saturday. It’s the Land-O-Lakes chapter’s annual get together, and the perfect way to meet your hosts.

Amazing

If you’re traveling to Minnesota, why would you miss this amazing event to start the week? Lake Minnetonka should be on every vintage boater’s bucket list. Unlike the sold out International event (except for spectators!), registration is open until August 30th at https://lolcbc.org/annual-bslol-rendezvous-event/ And since Lake Minnetonka is in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, accommodation options are plentiful.