Categories for Twin Cities Fun

Last Chance Autumn Fun: 3 Apple Orchards Near the Twin Cities

October 29, 2018 6:42 pm

Apple orchard season is drawing to a close, and this weekend is likely one of the last you’ll have to partake in the joys of apple pickin’. Luckily, there are quite a few orchards close to home — many located less than an hour from the Twin Cities. A great place for a cute day-date or a fun activity for the kids, a trip to the apple orchard is a quintessential Minnesota past-time — and extremely affordable as well. Check out our “picks” for the best orchards in the area, and enjoy!

Aamodt’s Apple Farm

Located near charming Stillwater, MN, you can make a day of your visit to this cute apple farm by following it up with dinner or drinks in town. Aamodt’s offers plenty of things to do, such as wine-tasting, hanging out with goats, strolling the picturesque grounds, and more. Kids will love it too, with such activities as a tractor-pulled kiddie train and treasure hunts. Stop by the store and bakery to take home your own bushel of fresh apples and a variety of baked goods, jams, and much more.

Open daily, 10am – 6pm / Free Admission (some individual activities may be additional)

6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 439-3127

www.aamodtsapplefarm.com

Pine Tree Apple Orchard

Just a hop, skip and a jump from the Twin Cities, this White Bear Lake-based orchard is fun for the whole fam. Solve Pine Tree Orchard’s intricate corn maze, explore the grounds, take a scenic wagon ride, pony ride for kids, or hang out in the yard for live music on the weekends. Pick your own, or stop by the store and bakery to buy fresh apples (over 20 varieties!) and related treats, including their famous apple pies.

Open Daily, 9am – 6pm / Free Admission (some individual activities may be additional)

450 Apple Orchard Road, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
(651) 429-7202

pinetreeappleorchard.com

Afton Apple Orchard

This adorable orchard features a number of entertaining activities, such as a 15 acre corn maze, petting zoo, tractor rides, live music, a huge playground for kids, and shopping in their on-site store, where you can scoop up all manners of seasonal treats to take home. Visit Afton’s expansive pumpkin patch — just in time for Halloween!

Open daily, 10am – 6pm / Free Admission (some individual activities may be additional)

14421 90th St S, Hastings, MN 55033
(651) 436-8385

www.aftonapple.com

Sela Investments Ltd. is an Equal Housing Opportunity Provider

Summer in the City: The Best Picnic Spots in Minneapolis & St. Paul

July 23, 2018 1:24 am

They don’t call Minnesota the land of 10,000 lakes for nothing! The Twin Cities are home to many great parks, lakes, and yes, picnic areas. This summer, get out of your apartment and enjoy the fresh air with
friends and family. Below, we’ve listed a handful of the best spots to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors, without straying too far from home.

Minnehaha Park & Falls

A quintessential Minnesota experience, Minnehaha Falls is the perfect picnicking destination. Not only do they have ample picnic table and grilling stations throughout the upper park area, but you can stroll the trail at the base of the falls all the way to the Mississippi River if you’re so inclined. For those who’d rather dine than picnic, the seasonal Sea Salt Eatery just adjacent to the Falls offers a delicious variety of fresh fish options.

Click HERE for more info

Hidden Falls Regional Park

Located along the mighty Mississippi off River Road in St. Paul, this tucked away gem offers multiple covered and open picnic areas. Stroll along the river’s edge and the boat launch, or explore a number of scenic trails that lead to, you guessed it, a beautiful hidden water fall. Stop off in nearby Highland Park afterwards, for frozen yogurt or to browse a variety of cute shops and boutiques.

Click HERE for more info

Boom Island Park

A popular spot with sweeping views of the downtown Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River, Boom Island Park offers both covered and exposed picnic areas. Grill out, then take a serene stroll along the waterfront path and watch the boats drift by. Just a hop, skip, and a jump to the Stone Arch Bridge, and Northeast Minneapolis, there is plenty to do and see in the area.

Click HERE for more info

Bde Maka Ska Park

One of the most active outdoor spots in the Twin Cities, Bde Make Ska (formerly known as Lake Calhoun) is a fun, scenic destination with plenty of great places to picnic. Bring your suit and hit the beach, walk or bike the perimeter of the lake, or rent a number of different watercrafts for the complete experience.

Click HERE for more info