If you’ve ever gone on a road trip, even for a day, you know the importance of packing the car with plenty of comfort, entertainment and safety items. With so many Minnesotans hitting area lakes and rivers for summertime fun, it’s just as crucial to pack a boat with items needed for a successful day on the water. We’ve culled a list of items from area retailers (local and across the Metro) that will help keep your day “on an even keel.”
Sipping in the Sun
Say, “Skol,” with Minnesota- or fish-themed 10-ounce lowball tumblers. Custom by Patina, the BPA and led free, stainless steel and double insulated vessels keep cold items chilled for 10 hours or hot beverages toasty for six hours. $19.95; Patina, 16502 W. 78th St., Eden Prairie; 952.406.8443
Keep it cool and cheeky with these adorable fruit-inspired beverage coolers from BigMouth Inc. Use them on the boat, take them into the water when you beach it or float around the bay or down the river. $12.95; GoodThings, 2139 Elm Creek Blvd. N. #7093, Maple Grove; 763.494.9255
Martin’s boutique is just a couple of blocks from Lake Minnetonka in quaint Excelsior. Its signature line of lake-inspired tumblers, wineglasses, hats, hoodies and more feature one-of-a-kind designs that make great gifts for out-of-town visitors (or devoted locals). North Shore Apparel gear, prices vary. Martin’s, 212 Water St., Excelsior; 952.767.0788
Fun with the Whole Family
There’s nothing like a sunset (or sunrise, for that matter) cruise on the water. But we all know, once the sun hovers around the horizon, temps can dip, too. Get cozy with a sweatshirt-material, anchor- or Minnesota-themed blanket from Marnee Shepard. $39.95; Lotus Lake Gifts + Décor, 412 W. 78th St., Chanhassen; 952.937.0989
Let the good times … fly with a Bora 5 kite (five square feet of ripstop material) from Prism Kite Technology. Hold onto the parafoil kite, or attach it to a pole (fishing or otherwise) on your boat, and let the forward momentum of your boat set the kite into the air. $34.99; Grey Duck Toys and Games, 12445 Elm Creek Blvd. N., Maple Grove; 763.205.6686
Neoprene has long been the fabric of choice for durability and water-resistance (think wetsuits). It’s now being made into items that are as chic as they are practical, like this Haute Shore tote that can snap up for storage and expands to hold towels, spare outfits, snacks and more. $97. Merilou Boutique, 726 Lake St. E., Wayzata; 952.476.0027
Protect your pups from any accidents with a Cabela’s life jacket—adults and kiddos need them, so why not the dogs, too? Here’s a tip: Though not required by law, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water highly recommends pet flotation devices. $39.99; Cabela’s, 8400 Hudson Road, Woodbury; 612.255.0000
Let’s face it—accidents happen, especially in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Seal up your important belongings (phone, wallet, keys and fishing license) in a YETI dry case for a worry-free day on the water. $49.99; Frattallone’s Ace Hardware, 1750 Weir Drive, Woodbury; 651.738.1697
