September 2004

Orchard Oasis

by Martina Priadka

I was born in the city, I was raised in the city and I am defiantly a city girl. I love the feel and energy of the city. I will never lose the love of all the things that the city has to offer. That does not mean I dislike the country. I love it, actually. How could I not? It is an easy and cheap get-away. Especially coming from a city where the country is only a half an hour drive in just about any direction. That is why I have several Minnesota rituals that involve long drives in the country with fun destinations in mind. My favorite one of those this time of year is apple picking.

I know that sounds a little… Little House on the Prairie, but you have to try it first before you really know why this is one of my most looked forward to events of the year. It is the whole experience from start to finish that makes this worth doing. It is the drive through areas of Minnesota that you generally never see and discovering new and beautiful parts at each turn. This is one of the activities that confirm why you live in this state. No one really understands the beauty that lies in this fly over area of the country until they see it for themselves. We live here. We get to keep the secret and enjoy it.

The destination is the second part of this city get-away. This time theskini takes you to the orchards. Apple orchards that is, and you have a wide variety of choices for apple picking in Minnesota. There are plenty of orchards to choose from, so you can get any kind of experience you like. Maybe you want to make this a family event in which case you can choose an orchard with activities other that just the apple picking. There are many orchards that also offer activities such as hayrides, petting zoos, pony rides or pumpkin carving. Or you might want to surprise someone with a unique date. It is actually quite romantic to sit close on a stack of hay as you get a ride out to the orchard of your choice, helping each other reach that perfect apple. Or you go with a group of friends and make a day of it, maybe even stopping at the Harbor View restaurant once your day of picking is through (see theskini food section).

Once you pick your destination you are on your way to an experience you will never forget. Minnesota is home to some of the best apples in the country. Certain hybrids are grown only in this area and are unavailable anywhere else. Say Honeycrisp to someone that is not from Minnesota and I am sure they will think you are talking about a breakfast cereal. Once you get out there you will see how different each are, be able to sample them before you start picking and choose a favorite or two. Maybe you are a fan of the crisp and sweet apple like the Honeycrisp. Maybe you like the huge, bright red Fireside. Or maybe pie making is in your list of skills or someone you know and the McIntosh or Cortland, perfect for cooking, are going to be top on your list.

Whichever type you choose, you will most certainly be able to pick your fill and more. Just remember not to eat more than you pick and enjoy!

Aamodts Apple Farm
6428 Manning Ave N, Stillwater, MN, 55082
(click on link for directions)
651.439-3127
www.aamodtsapplefarm.com

Apple Ridge Orchard
County Road 1
Mazeppa, MN
507.843.3033

Pepin Heights Orchard
Hwy 61
Lake City, MN
800.652.3779

Flower Valley Orchard
29732 Orchard Road
Red Wing, MN
651.388.2148

Frontenac Hills Apple Farm
30202 Circle S Road
Red Wing, MN
651.267.0891

Apple Jack Orchards
Phone: 763-972-6673
4875 37th Street SE
Delano, MN
www.applejackorchards.com

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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