Autumn in Minnesota

The Uptowner has one the best breakfasts in the Twin Cities. The space is small but comfortable. This is important as with one cook for the entire cafe you need to be prepared to wait awhile for your food. However, it is worth the wait! The staff is super friendly and the food, while simple, is good. I love the variety of hot teas you get and the servers come around often to refill coffee and hot water. Great place for a lazy Saturday morning.

Minnesota is well know for its lakes and winters, but my favorite time of the year is the Fall. You can ride the double decker ferris wheel and see farm machinery at the Minnesota State Fair, dress in Renaissance garb and eat turkey legs at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, pick your own apples and pumpkins at an apple farm, and view beautiful fall colors in a craggy river setting. Nothing makes me happier than sitting on the cliffs overlooking the St. Croix river on a nice fall day. Of course you may prefer to climb the rocks rather than sit on them, but that is wonderful too!

Quick Tips:

The best time to enjoy the weather and events is the last week of September. The weather is usually pleasant with only a sweater required and the leaves are turning color. Of course, the further north you go, the earlier the color.

Best Way To Get Around:

You need a car to get out to enjoy the foliage and the apple farms. The State Fair is easily accessable by public transportation. Actually, it is probably preferable that way as parking can be problemic at the fair.

Its something for everyone. Lots of food on a stick, oderous livestock buildings, beer, concerts, contests, free stuff and carnival rides that make you sick. What could be better! There is so much to see and do for the whole family that I could never do it justice. Remember to be prepared for all kinds of weather and bring a picnic lunch to save on food costs. Come early and stay late to enjoy the fireworks after the grandstand concert. I attended the fair this year for the first time in years and enjoyed everything but the cost and parking. Watching people get on the thrill rides was fascinating and just a little vertigo inducing! (one is like a giant slingshot and another is a gigantic ferris wheel type with only two seats that whip around to a height greater than the grandstand!)

For more info, go to www.mnstatefair.org.

Huzzah! Revel in the fantasy and magic of the Renaissance. Come as yourself or really let yourself become emersed in the atmosphere by attending dressed in Renaissance era garb. One time I saw a group of Klingons and another a Star Trek group looking for "intelligent life" in this primitive world! Shop from the approximately 300 artisans selling their crafts. Devour turkey legs washed down with wine and beer. Chat with the village characters who roam the streets and hob nob with royalty. Comedy, music, magic and juggling abound at the 12 stages that is included in the admission. Speaking of which, you can get into this world of wonder for $16.95 for adults ($14.95 in advance), $7.95 for children 6-12 ($6.50 in advance) and $14.95 for seniors 60+. Children 5 and under are free. They also offer a season pass for $59.95 that is good for every day of the run. You can even bring your dog! Parking is always free, but you should come early or else you will be walking a long way from your car. For an extra cost ranging from $15 to $70 there are special events that you can attend. The Royal High Tea (light lunch and tea), Royal Wine Tasting (fruit, cheese, and wine), Renaissance Smoker (2 cigars, snacks and beer), and the Feast of Fantasy which has a seven course meal, two hours of entertainment and free souvenirs. My first time at the Renaissance festival 18 years ago was as much fun as it is today. My most memorable moment was sitting in the Hall of Masters, a museum that exhibits the best of the crafters artwork, when a string quartet began to play. I sat and mused to the beautiful music and watched Morris dancers dance on the green in front of me. At that moment I truly felt in another world.

The whole family can enjoy it as well. There is a Children's play area with crafts and a talking dragon, a games area where children can try the Sliding Joust or attempt the climbing tower. Running for seven weekends, the Renaissance festival is a hedonistic joy ride to the 16th century. The weather can go from very hot and humid to sleeting during the run, so plan your visit carefully. The nicer days are the most crowded, of course, but the nice weather makes for a much more enjoyable day. For more details, see MidAmerica Festivals.

The Aamodts farm is open August through October each year. The old barn where the bakery, apples and gift shop is located is charming. I usually start in the barn and pick out the apples I want and get some apple jam if there is any left! Then I peruse the gift shop full of apple decorated kitchen items and bakery gifts. I will then get my slice of apple pie ala mode before moving to the winery. The winery is right next door for the adults to enjoy. Do some tasting before purchasing your favorite. The apple farm can get crowded, but the apples are superior and the entertainment great fun. The three months they are open to the public is chock full of activities. Everything from a petting zoo, to a wine and grape festival to a wild west weekend. Bring the family, buy some apples, and enjoy the activities!