For many people, fall and apple orchards go hand in hand. Visiting an orchard gives you the chance to pick up fresh apples in exotic varieties you won't find at your local grocery store. As a bonus, you'll be supporting local farmers and sustainable farming practices. These five orchards are close to both Minneapolis homes for sale and St. Paul homes for sale, making them perfect places to stock up on apples and other fall produce no matter where you live in the Twin Cities area.  

1. Victoria Valley Orchard - 4304 N. Victoria St., Shoreview, MN 55126 
   Victoria Valley Orchard is an intimate, family-owned orchard near Shoreview homes for sale. The business dates back to the 1960s and has been proudly passed down through several generations since then. These days, they grow 21 varieties of apples, including uncommon options like Ginger Gold, Wealthy, and Shamrock.  
   
   You can buy any of these apples by the pound from apple crates kept stocked at the shop in front of the orchard. You'll also find delicious products like unpasteurized honey, caramel apples, and apple-related treats like crisps and pies. Guests do not currently have the option to pick their own fruit, but they are allowed to walk around the orchard and enjoy the beauty of the farm's well-kept grounds.
   
   
2. Pine Tree Apple Orchard - 450 Apple Orchard Rd., White Bear Lake, MN 55110 
   Of all the orchards located around the Twin Cities, the Pine Tree Apple Orchard is probably the most well-known. Visitors can choose from 25 varieties of apples, including Chestnut Crab, Regent, and Fireside. These delicious fruits also come packaged in gift boxes and baskets with jams, jellies, and apple-flavored snack bread. 
   
   Interested in some fall activities? You're in luck. This spot also features scenic wagon rides, a corn maze, and a pumpkin patch where guests can pick their own pumpkins. The orchard even offers live entertainment from some of the area's most popular local musicians. It's a great spot for regular visits, especially if you move into one of our White Bear Lake homes for sale. 
   
   
3. Applecrest Orchards - 7306 24th Ave. N, Hugo, MN, 55038 
   Applecrest Orchards is the perfect place for a quiet, family-friendly outing on a fall afternoon in the Twin Cities area. With over 20 different types of apples to choose from (including Minnesota's 2018 favorite First Kiss apple), you're sure to find your favorite fruit in the mix.  
   
   Aside from their apples, Applecrest also grows a selection of pumpkins, squash, and pears for guests to purchase. A range of homemade jellies, jams, syrups, caramels, and baked items is available at the orchard's shop. 
   
   
4. Orchard Hill - 131 Wentworth Ave. W, West St. Paul, MN 55118 
   Open Thursday to Sunday during apple season, Orchard Hill carries a few varieties of apples you probably won't find anywhere else. Hard-to-find varieties like Oriole, Redfree, and Beacon are available in pre-picked bags for guests to purchase.  
   
   The orchard also sells fresh apple cider made from their own apples, as well as some other fall produce. With a wide variety of gourds to choose from, this is a great place to get some fresh pumpkins and squashes for the Halloween season. 
   
   
5. Sunnybrook Apple Orchard - 9085 Jeffrey Blvd. N, Stillwater, MN 55082 
   Easily the newest orchard on this list, Sunnybrook Apple Orchard planted its first juvenile apple trees in 2016. Five years later, those tiny trees have matured and are bearing fruit.  
   
   This orchard offers a nice mix of familiar apple varieties like Cortland and Honeycrisp alongside more unusual ones such as SweeTango and Zestar. Visitors aren't currently allowed to pick their own apples, but you can enjoy a stroll on the mile-long trails on the orchard property. You can also shop for some extra treats, including natural maple syrup and peanut butter and the orchard's renowned handcrafted Carrie-mel candies. 

Apple season won't last forever, so get out there and make the most of Fall 2021 by visiting a few of these Twin Cities orchards – and don't forget that these are just some of the many fun attractions that this area has to offer! Call us today if you're ready to settle down in St. Paul, Minneapolis, or any of our market areas in this region.