Your Next Autumn Adventure

Make it local. Make it Northfield. Enjoy a walk along the Cannon River and the sights, smells, and sounds of this year’s Fall Celebration Market October 9 at Bridge Square. Check out the new vendors for this special event and greet your favorite regulars. Pick up a cup of coffee or hot cider and peruse the artistic creations—from images to woodwork, from pottery to glass. Looking for honey or soaps, sweet treats or cupcakes, meats or produce or bags to put them in, come on October 9. You will most likely find it here. Shop local and shop often for a taste of local farm products. Celebrate Fall at Northfield’s special market. Don’t miss the Riverwalk Market Fair every Saturday through October 23 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

If you like your farm finds from the Riverwalk Market Fair, you don’t have far to go to visit the source. Explore any of the twenty-seven Minnesota varieties of apples at Fireside Orchard and Gardens. They sell donuts, hot cider and hot apple pie; honey, jams and jellies; vegetables, cheese, delectable baked goods, and colorful pumpkins. Relax in their gardens or find a yard game to your liking on their south lawn. Help Fireside celebrate their 45 years in the apple growing business. Why not stop by, say “Hello” and find out why they are a favorite orchard to so many?

Another family friendly orchard is a stone’s throw away in Elko at Thompson’s Hillcrest Orchard. Wander through their orchard, pick your own apples, take a photo or two at any scenic spot you find. Get lost and then found again in their fun corn maze or almost get scared at their haunted house. Perfect for the kids and fun for the family. Go for the apples and come home with a pumpkin and photos of your corn maze adventure.

Maybe fall fun for you means running the trails or walking a 5K with family and friends. This month you will find one local event that might suit you—Trinity Lutheran Church’s Reformation Run on Sunday, October 31. The Reformation Run/Walk 5K celebrates Martin Luther’s stand: “Be a sinner and let your sins be strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger.” Reformation Day is a day to remember and to celebrate. Find your inspiration for this fundraiser outdoors as you walk or run, or indoors for other Reformation related activities. Another opportunity for the family is Northfield’s annual Rotary Turkey Trot, again this year with a virtual twist. Complete the 5K Fun Run/Walk course on Thanksgiving morning or when you are able, Free Range style. Trot solo or with family. Trot in Northfield or in New Brunswick, wherever the holiday takes you. Trot because you can for faith or cause and be glad for another Thanksgiving Day.

What are your plans for your next Autumn Adventure? There are many farms and festivals and mazes and hauntings to be had. These are but a few. For a few more ideas, go here and may your adventure be the best yet!