Apple Orchards are a Great Fall Activity Visiting an apple orchard and picking your own apples is a Minnesota tradition, and it’s a fun fall activity for adults and kids alike. Recently, we visited the Afton Apple Orchard, located about ten minutes north of downtown Hastings. Here you’ll find an expansive apple orchard, beautiful sunflower fields, a large playground for kids, and farm animals to feed and pet. For help locating an apple orchard near you, visit MinnesotaGrown.com. You’ll also be able to search for local farmers’ markets, CSAs, seasonal recipes, and upcoming local events. Our trip to the Afton Apple Orchard was sponsored by Minnesota Grown. All thoughts and opinions…

Hastings is a True Gem Hastings is a great town located just 25 minutes south of St. Paul. As you enter Hastings from the north side, you’ll drive across a bridge. The original bridge was a one-of-a-kind spiral design intended for wagons. It was completed in 1895, then demolished and rebuilt in 1951, which is what we see today. This town has so much history, a large riverfront park, and a bustling downtown with a brewery and a handful of shops and restaurants. I believe it’s a completely underrated and often forgotten destination that is slowly becoming more popular. Read on for the best things to do in Hastings, Minnesota! 1. Take…

The Great Minnesota Get-Together Many people refer to the Minnesota State Fair as the Great Minnesota Get-Together or the 12 best days of summer. Roughly two million people attend the state fair each year, and it’s certainly a unique experience! The Minnesota State Fair first began in 1859 and typically runs for the 12 days leading up to Labor Day. With hundreds of food options, great shopping from local vendors, live music, farm animals, and awesome rides, it’s no wonder this event is a big deal in Minnesota! I’ve learned a few things after attending the State Fair a handful of times over the years. Buy your tickets as soon…

Spend a Weekend in Bluff Country Minnesota’s Bluff Country is an incredible part of our state. While it’s a great place to visit any time of the year, it’s most breathtaking in the fall with bursts of orange and yellow trees along the bluffs surrounding wide sections of the deep blue Mississippi River winding along the Minnesota and Wisconsin border. Although much of these stops can be done in a packed day trip, I recommend you spend at least 48 hours visiting this region. If you’re coming from the Twin Cities, I suggest you make your first stop in Red Wing, then continue on to Frontenac State Park for sweeping views…

Mantorville, More Than Meets the Eye Mantorville is a small, unassuming town. But if you take the time to explore this neighborhood, you’ll discover there is more than meets the eye. With an old, historic downtown, Minnesota’s oldest restaurant, and more ghosts per capita than any other city in the Midwest, Mantorville has a unique story to tell. 1. Start Your Day with Coffee Mantorville has two great options for coffee and breakfast, Old School Cafe, which is a restored schoolhouse, and Country Seat Coffeehouse. Each offers a classic menu of eggs, muffins, coffee, and scones. Country Seat Coffeehouse is conveniently located in the center of town, and Old School…

Something to Do for the Whole Family Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort is located just two hours north of Minneapolis. First opening its doors in 1898, they’ve been creating a welcoming and calming environment for over 100 years. From the moment you step on the premises, you can feel the history and tradition. While checking in at the front desk I overheard a gentleman say the last time he and his wife visited the resort was 40 years ago for their honeymoon. Another person told me she used to work a summer job at Ruttger’s many decades ago, and that’s where she met her husband. Over the course of our stay,…