Posts with tag 'Outdoor Activities'

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.

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Sunday, September 26 is World Rivers Day. It's an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate our local rivers and streams, and there's no better way to mark the occasion than by taking a paddling trip in the Twin Cities. 

We're blessed to live in a part of the world where numerous world-class rivers and streams are practically at our doorstep. If you're looking for a great place to kayak in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, look no further!

• Minnesota River - 101 Snelling Lake Rd., Saint Paul, MN 55111
  The Minnesota River flows over 300 miles across nearly the entire state of Minnesota before eventually emptying into the Mississippi River in Saint Paul. It's a gentle and placid river throughout much of the year, and sections of it are protected as Wild and Scenic River. Needless to say, there's a lot of great kayaking along the way. If you're looking for a paddling spot convenient to these St. Paul homes for sale, check out the beautiful Fort Snelling State Park, which includes ample river access near the Minnesota River's confluence with the Mississippi.

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Playing disc golf is such a nice way to enjoy the outdoors. You can take your time moving from basket to basket, admiring the scenery on the way. Even if you have little to no disc throwing experience, it's an approachable sport, and the disc golf community is really welcoming. If you're looking at Minneapolis homes for sale or Saint Paul homes for sale, here are some disc golf courses to visit in the area.

• Highland Park Disc Golf Course: 1200 Montreal Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55116
  The Highland Park Disc Golf Course is a full, 18-hole course. Some baskets are out in the open, and others are set in more challenging, wooded terrain. The course is best classified as an intermediate course, but beginners can certainly have fun with it, too.
  
  This course is open to the public, and there is no charge to play. Highland Park has a lot to offer, so after your disc golf game, you can play horseshoes, enjoy a picnic under a shelter, let your kids explore the playgrounds, or walk the hiking trails.

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With its abundance of lakes, river, and streams that have many different types of game fish, the Twin Cities has plenty of spots that are perfect for fly fishing. Whether you prefer walking a stream, wading in a river, or casting from a boat, pier, or the shore, you'll be able to do it at several area locations.
  
Try the following five fly fishing destinations around the Twin Cities and located near Minneapolis homes for sale or St. Paul homes for sale.  

1. Lake Calhoun – about 3 blocks west of Lake St. and Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis   
   Lake Calhoun is a prime spot to fish for bluegill, crappie, tiger muskie, Northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, bullhead, and carp. The pier lets you cast into deep water, so you don't necessarily need a boat to reel in a big one. Recommended flies include the wooly bugger, bass popper, small nymphs, and minnow patterns. And as an added bonus, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful views of the Minneapolis skyline from the lake.

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When looking for a vacation home, it's important to consider what type of community you'd like to live in. If being near the water appeals to you, you should absolutely look at Brainerd homes for sale. Brainerd is becoming a popular choice for those buying vacation homes. The lakefront setting makes for peaceful living, and there are plenty of nearby activities to enjoy, such as the following.

• Mountain Biking
  The Brainerd area is a top destination for mountain bikers, offering many scenic trails. The Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area has more than 30 miles of singletrack trails spread out over 800 acres. Wildlife is abundant in the region, so you're likely to spot red-tailed hawks, beavers, and maybe even a bald eagle.
  
  If you'd rather ride a paved trail, the Paul Bunyan Trail is a great option. It winds through scenic countryside, but also passes some local shops and restaurants.

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