Stout’s Island Lodge

On a beautiful, if chilly, weekend in mid-May, a group of Morrie’s Luxury and Artful Living guests drove up to Birchwood, Wisconsin for an overnight weekend on a private island.

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The combination of old time charm with new luxury made for a fantastic driving experience. We met in the morning at Morrie’s Luxury Auto, and after getting everyone settled into their first car of choice, the group headed north. After bringing a few extra cars back to the warehouse, Josh and I were ready to rejoin the group. Not even 30 minutes into our adventure, misfortune had befallen us. A chunk of concrete flew into the windshield of the Land Cruiser, cracking it at the top and spiderwebbing across. Since we were already behind the rest of the group, we continued on our journey, hoping the worst was over. We made it to Hudson, where we fueled ourselves (with food) before later fueling the cars (with actual fuel). Onward!

 

The drive through Wisconsin was filled with many interesting sights to gaze upon, such as cows and fields and truck-campers for sale. Thankfully, I entertained the occupants of the Land Cruiser with my thoughtfully constructed playlist entitled “Road Trippin”. After arriving to Turtle Lake and not immediately heading to the casino, we realized we were missing a car. A few seconds later, we received the fated “help I’m broken down on a backroad in Wisconsin” call. After lots of back and forth phone calls, we were able to track down said car and its occupants. The poor Country Squire had decided it didn’t want to come with us to a private island, and gave up about halfway there. We managed to guide it to a nearby gas station, where we had to call a tow truck to take it home. After many hours of driving, we finally managed to make it to the parking lot of Stout’s Island. We then took the cars one by one to the gas station and made our banks suspicious by charging lots of 4 gallon purchases.

Cars to Stouts Island

Following the short boat ride across the water, we had arrived to the island. We were all given a quick tour of the premises and shown to our rooms, which all had incredible views. Since we were done driving for the day, it was time for our evening cocktails, followed by an island cookout for dinner that consisted of brats and burgers. After once again stuffing ourselves full of far too much Wisconsin food, we were ready for more food part 2 in the form of dessert. The lodge had prepared paper bags filled with marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate so we could make s’mores. The 8 foot long fire pit helped us all stay warm, which came in handy since it was under 40 degrees at that point. At the end of the evening (meaning 11:30PM), we all headed inside for food part 3 and drinks. There was even a roaring fire inside to keep the warmth going. The following day included a laid back morning of eating breakfast and wandering the 27 acres to find photo opportunities. After managing to get everyone back to the mainland, we started the trip back over to Minnesota. Thankfully, everything cooperated with us on Sunday, including the weather. It even got warm enough that most people were able to put the tops down on the convertibles! Although nobody wanted to give up their ride for the day, we made it back to the dealership.

 

So while we wait for the weather to warm up enough to enjoy the outdoor activities, we’ll reminisce on our northern journey to this beautiful private island.

What’s Going On 4/29 – 5/1

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Eurowerks Wednesday Night GTGs – Wednesday, April 27th

Eurowerks is one of the most anticipated European car shows in Minneapolis every summer attracting a wide range of euro cars new and old. The group recently kicked off a twice-monthly Wednesday night get together for euro loving car nuts to hang out, talk cars and show off that spot free shine (or lack thereof). It just might be a perfect event to take the MHCC Porsche 911 coupeVW Thing, Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio, or well, you get the idea.

Purple Rain at the Uptown Theater –Friday, April 29th

Uptown was the first single off of Prince’s third album, Dirty Mind, and it’s also one place you can see his movie Purple Rain on the big screen this Friday night. It’s playing at the Uptown Theater at midnight and if you’re hoping to get a seat you should act fast. We’re sure it will sell out before you can say little red Corvette.

Tunes n’ Toons Brunch – Saturday, April 30th

Few things kick off a Sunday morning better than a good brunch. Throw in some classic cartoons, a soundtrack from local vinyl aficionados and you’ve got a recipe that will satiate generations of hungry bellies. Swing by the Turf Club beginning at 10am Saturday for its weekly Tunes n’ Toons Brunch.

Russian Grand Prix Viewing Event – Sunday, May 1st

This weekend we’re hosting a BYOB party – Bring Your Own Borscht. That’s right, this Sunday morning Formula 1 makes the trip to Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel all the way across the world to enjoy it. Simply stop by our humble little “Dojo” beginning at 6:30am Sunday to watch the race from flag to flag.

Getting a BMW M3 ready for the Morrie’s Luxury Auto Track Day

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I have a friend who recently sold his Porsche 911 Turbo and picked a 1998 BMW M3 as a temporary car while he searches for the right car to replace the 911 turbo. He ended up liking the M3 so much he decided to buy another one that was in better condition and had lower miles. After searching he found a clean 1997 M3 in Milwaukee and decided to have a pre purchase inspection done. There were a couple of issues that were found while the list wasn’t too long some items needed to be dealt with before the drive back home to Minneapolis. The other issues found during the PPI were common BMW maintenance items and overlapped with some upgrades that were planned before he had even picked the car up.

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What’s going on 4/15 – 4/17

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Minneapolis Hitchcock Film Festival –April 14th – May 9th

This Thursday the Heights and Riverview Theaters kickoff the 7th annual Minneapolis Hitchcock Film Festival. This is your opportunity to enjoy four classics from the master of suspense all on the big screen.  The fest kicks off with a screening of Vertigo, a romantic story about obsession, manipulation and fear. More than one person has attributed the same words to classic car ownership. Good thing there’s a great little group out there that will rent you a classic instead, you know so you can avoide the fear, obsession and wallet manipulation.

Record store day – Saturday, April 16th

This Saturday is the official day to celebrate vinyl. Now we’re not talking about Grandpa’s Naugahyde couch or those cheap dress shoes you bought ages ago – no we’re talking about national record store day. It’s a day to get out and support your local independent record shop. Don’t have a favorite? You could always consider Fifth ElementTreeHouse RecordsElectric FetusDown in the ValleyHymie’sEclipse orKnowName just to name a few.

VSCR Spring Swap Meet – Saturday, April 16th

There’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of Spring than by stocking up on vintage car parts. You’ll have an opportunity to do so this Saturday at the Vintage Sports Car Racing (VSCR) Spring Swap Meet. Beyond offering a chance to browse the latest relics dug out of local garages the meet provides a great opportunity to do some bench racing with like-minded car enthusiasts. Who knows, you may even join the club. We’d recommend it.

Chinese Grand Prix Live Screening at the Dojo – Sunday, April 17th

Some people say that nothing good happens after 2am and generally we agree with them, that is unless there’s a lively Formula 1 viewing party on the calendar. Stock up on the Red Bull and join us at the MHCC Dojo this Sunday morning at 12:30am for a live screening of the Chinese Grand Prix. Alex will be there with a curated selection of sugar filled candies to help keep your eyes peeled.

What’s Going On 4/8 – 4/10

 

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Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival – April 7th through April 23rd

This week the Film Society of Minneapolis and St. Paul kicks of its 35th annual International Film Festival. It’s the largest in the region, one of the largest running film festivals in the country and this year it will present over 200 films from 60 countries. With so many films to choose from we thought we’d make it easy for you. Go see Speed SistersIt’s a film about five determined women who have joined the ranks of dozens of male drivers in Palestine.

Wanda Sykes at the State Theater – Friday, April 8th

Everyone needs a good laugh every now and then. Take Ben for example. He’s been a bit grumpy ever since we can remember and could use a bit of comedic relief. Wanda might be just the medicine. She’s been voted one of the 25 funniest comedians in America and this Friday you can see here right here in Minneapolis. Would that make her one of the funniest people in Minneapolis? Hmm.

Har Mar Superstar at First Avenue – Friday, April 8th

If laughing your butt off at the aforementioned comedy show isn’t up your alley perhaps you’d prefer dancing your ass of at the Har Mar Superstar show? The man “was born to rock a stage” and brings credit to an otherwise boring Roseville Mall.

Marvel Universe Live – April 7th through 10th

Break out your adult superhero pajamas because the Marvel superheroes are coming to town for a “show like you’ve never seen before.” Marvel Universe brings Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk and other threatening villains to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza. If your 4-7 year olds sees that they’re coming to town you’ll be threatened with a lifetime of incessant whining and guilt unless you get tickets to the event. Just ask Ben about it.

What’s Going On 4/1-4/3

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Macro Machines at Gamut Gallery – Now through April 23rd

In his latest works artist Russ White uses artistic interpretations of his childhood micro machines to bring satirical visions of adulthood to life. Admittedly this all sounds a little too deep for us so we’ve created our own summary: see some pretty sweet illustrations of exaggerated childhood toys. If imagery of monster trucks jumping off the page inspires you beyond face value consider it a bonus.

MNC&C – Saturday, April 2nd

This Saturday months of pent up automotive enthusiasm will get released at the first MNC&C of the season. If hundreds of great cars on display isn’t a big enough draw (which they should be) you can always just stop by to say hello to us. We’ll be there with the brand new MNC&C shirt available at our tent. We’ll also have a handful of MHCC cars on display, including the infamous Mazda Rotary pickup.

Northwest Sportshow – March 30th through April 3rd

While we certainly won’t dissuade you from coming in and kicking the tires at any one of our dealerships this weekend we also recommend doing so at the Northwest Sportshow. Where else can you buy a RV, pontoon boat, crossbow and John Deere front end loader all in one spot?

Bahrain Grand Prix Viewing Party – Sunday, April 3rd

Round two of the Formula 1 season heats up this weekend as it heads to Bahrain. Will we see another Mercedes one-two finish or will Ferrari upset the silver arrows? The best way to find out is to join us at the MHCC Dojo at 10am. Bring a friend. We dare you.

What’s going on 3/25-3/27

 

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Cuban Film Festival Thursday March 24th

The Minnesota Cuba Committee, in partnership with the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul and the Cuban Film Institute, presents the 7th edition of the Minnesota Cuban Film Festival. This Thursday marks the fifth film screening in a series of six. Just bring your Spanish translator because the films are in Spanish.

Macy’s Flower Show – Now until April 3rd

You don’t need to go to Denver to enjoy some good greenery. Over the next few weeks the eight floor of Macy’s downtown will come alive with grasses, tropical flowers, cacti, and other green and not-so-green flora.  It’s too bad we don’t have a VW bus in the MHCC fleet. It would fit this event perfectly.

Smoke Signals BBQ and Brewfest – Saturday, March 26th

Generally we’re not fan of smoke, whether it’s blue smoke from a tailpipe or any other variety, but we can’t turn down a little smoked barbeque. This Saturday Indeed Brewing is paring some of the finest BBQ with some of their tasty suds at Smoke Signals. Throw in an outdoor bonfire for good measure you’ve got a great trifecta.