For the Domestic Ladies

November is the perfect time for some of my favorite pies: Apple and Pumpkin. I make a killer apple pie and an average pumpkin pie. My mediocre pumpkin pie doesn't bother me, because I figure anything tastes like heaven when paired with homemade whipped cream.

I could use one of these darling aprons by Skylark Dawn:

APPLES

A woman at Hot Mama on Grand Avenue this morning informed me that we're expected to get another inch of snow by the end of the day. It's October and it's snowing. With that in mind, and a cup of hot cider close by, I'd like to revisit the best day this fall.

Last week, on a beautiful day sandwiched between many days of rain and clouds, my dear and I took one of our adventure days to the Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard in Jordan, MN.

We started our time there with brats and burgers and some hot cider. Our meal was serenaded by this sweet little man playing polka on his accordion...

Then we got lost in their corn maze. It's across the street so we got to take a tractor ride there!

Nate got to touch a pony! This is just a little one, but Minnesota Harvest has a bunch of different horses that you can go for rides on too. Apples, corn maze, horseback riding...AWESOME!

We had a wonderful time and went home with some fabulous wild blackberry jam, freshly made apple cinnamon donuts, 5lb of perfectly crisp apples, and a gallon of Cider. All in all it was a perfect day.

Weird Minnesota

My honey and I were at Barnes and Noble last night perusing the coffee table book section and I asked him if, when we're "roommates" (hitched), we could have a Minnesota coffee table book in our living room. I was thinking something featuring all the old mansions in the Twin Cities or all the scenic state parks. This was the book he picked up:


Although this particular book doesn't have the most aesthetic cover, I do love how it features all the random statues and other Minnesotan oddities that have become the pride of many small towns. A personal goal of mine is to have my picture taken in front of as many of those statues as possible. Have no fear. All pictures will be posted! Where should I start?

Book information:
Weird Minnesota
by Eric Dregni, Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman
ISBN: 1402739087

RIP Deer Town

I saw this sweet deer photo on one of my favorite blogger's site and it reminded me of one of my favorite childhood tourist destinations: Deer Town near Park Rapids, MN. Sadly, I just googled it and this is what I found:

Deer Town Description

ATTRACTION IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED.

Deer Town has been designed to look like a frontier village. Wildlife include deer that can be fed by hand and trained bears. The Billy Goat Gruff Bridge, a children's farm, trout pond, museum and playground are other highlights.

I loved going to deer town and feeding dry corn to the deer. Children for generations to come will miss out on this nature experience. Please tell me if you know about anything else similar to this adventure.

Bacon

I love breakfast dates. There's something about bacon, pastries and bottomless coffee that welcomes us to stay and chat for hours.

Needless to say, I was very pleased when I received my Mpls St. Paul Magazine this month and they were featuring Minnesota's top 57 breakfast and brunch joints. I was disappointed, however, when the place where my lovely and I go for breakfast was not featured. Jensen's Cafe in Burnsville, MN.

Jensen's is nestled in the Heart of the City in Burnsville, MN. A true gem in the southern burbs. Nate and I love it for it's bacon, coffee, and homemade berry jam. Let me take a moment to mention their bacon again. It's thick and crispy and purely wonderful. Give them a visit. You won't regret it.

Note: MSP MAG did mention lots of wonderful breakfast places. I'll get those later...

Pig's Eye

A historical note:

Saint Paul, MN, our beloved capital city, was originally named Pig's Eye after Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant who started a popular tavern in the area. Luckily for tourism, the Log Chapel of St. Paul (St. Paul Cathedral) was built and the name was changed.

Throw Down

I'm a sucker for throw pillows. How darling is this one from Patina? It's where a cozy night at home with a good book meets the peaceful air of the north woods.

The beginning...

I was perusing through the fashion section of a recent issue of Minnesota Monthly and I found myself getting genuinely upset over the choice of featured fashions. Not only were the prices unreasonable ($500 for a blouse) for the average Minnesotan citizen, but there was absolutely no Minnesotan representation other than the photos being shot at our new Guthrie. I can find a Neiman Marcus anywhere! Show me a local designer. I want something that's unique to Minnesota!

With that, I begin this blogging journey. I promise to represent Minnesota to the best of my abilities. I am no expert about Minnesota other than the fact that I grew up here and am so proud of my home state. I'll do the research and all you have to do is bask in the wonders that are found right here in Minnesota.