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Whether it’s finding treasures with your girlfriends at a crafts show, picking pumpkins for jack-o’-lanterns or biking along a trail, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region has activities for everyone. Use this guide to plan your fall adventure or base a trip around an event— there’s more than 50 to choose from! Savor A u t u m n There’s MORE to explore in Minneapolis-Saint Paul mspvacations.com

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Page 1: Savor Autumn - Midwest Living · Halloween costume to join the party on Main Street! Family-friendly activities include a costume contest, pumpkin ... Sever’s Corn Maze, 1. September

Whether it’s finding treasures with your girlfriends at a crafts show, picking pumpkins for jack-o’-lanterns or biking along a trail, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region has activities for everyone. Use this guide to plan your fall adventure or base a trip around an event— there’s more than 50 to choose from!

Savor Autumn

There’s MORE to explore in Minneapolis-Saint Paul mspvacations.com

Page 2: Savor Autumn - Midwest Living · Halloween costume to join the party on Main Street! Family-friendly activities include a costume contest, pumpkin ... Sever’s Corn Maze, 1. September

October 20, All-Family Halloween Celebration, Richfield (page 9)

October 27, Great Pumpkin Fest, St. lOuiS PaRk (page 9)

October 27, Halloween 1900 Style, BROOklyn PaRk (page 5)

late October, Fall Festival on Main Street, aRBOR lakeS (page 6)

november 3, DEAR Hunting Day, WacOnia (page 12)

november 3–11, Peggy’s Holiday Boutique, ROSeville (page 12)

enjOy theSe deStinatiOnS yeaR-ROund!

Burnsville Performing Arts Center, BuRnSville (page 13)

Grand Avenue, Saint Paul (page 12)

Great Clips Imax Theater, aPPle valley (page 13)

Guthrie Costume Rentals, MinneaPOliS (page 9)

Heartland Restaurant and Farm Direct Market, Saint Paul (page 11)

Holz Farm Park, eagan (page 5)

Minnesota Wild, starts October, Saint Paul (page 15)

Minnesota Zoo, aPPle valley (page 13)

Riverfront, MinneaPOliS (page 3)

Rock Island Swing Bridge, inveR gROve heightS (page 3)

Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway, BlOOMingtOn (page 12)

Westwood Hills Nature Center, St. lOuiS PaRk (page 3)

Wood Lake Nature Center, Richfield (page 3)

September 1–3,Life in the 1800’s, from Cradle to Grave, BlOOMingtOn (page 5)

September 1–9, 11–23, 25–30 and October 5-28 (friday, Saturday and Sunday),Mississippi River Boat Cruises, Saint Paul (page 3)

September 1–23 (Saturday and Sunday), and 28–30, The Minnesota Renaissance Festival, ShakOPee (page 7)

September 1–mid-October, Majestic Oaks, haM lake (page 15)

September 1–October 27 (Saturday), Mill City Farmers Market, MinneaPOliS (page 10)

September 1–October 27 (friday, Saturday), Real Ghost Tours, MinneaPOliS (page 9)

September 1–October 31, Cannon River Winery, inveR gROve heightS (page 11)

September 1–October 31, Minneapolis Farmers Market, MinneaPOliS (page 10)

September 1–november 28 (Saturday–Sunday), Saint Paul Farmers’ Market, Saint Paul (page 11)

September 1–november 24 (Saturday), Gangster Tours; Ghosts and Graves Tours, Saint Paul (page 9)

September 4–October 28 (closed Monday), Caponi Art Park, eagan (page 13)

September 5–9, Burnsville Fire Muster, BuRnSville (page 7)

September 5–26 (Wednesday), Eagan Market Fest, eagan (page 11)

September 8–9, Civil War Weekend, haStingS (page 5)

September 9–december 30 (Sunday), Vikings Football, MinneaPOliS (page 15)

September 13–15, Junk Bonanza, ShakOPee (page 12)

September 14–16, Archiver’s Scrapfest, BlOOMingtOn (page 11)

September 14–16, 21–23, Oktoberfest at the Gasthaus, StillWateR (page 11)

September 14–October 28 (Saturday, Sunday), plus October 18–19, Sever’s Corn Maze, ShakOPee (page 7)

September 15, 3rd Annual Bloomington Heritage Days, BlOOMingtOn (page 7)

September 15, Blaine World Fest, Blaine (page 11)

September 15, Nickle Dickle Day, WacOnia (page 7)

September 15, Wild Rice Festival, ROSeville (page 4)

September 20, Fourth Annual Taste of Buffalo, BuffalO (page 11)

September 21, Birds and Birdies Green Golf Tourney, Richfield (page 15)

September 21–22, Festa Italiana, Saint Paul (page 11)

September 22, Jon Francis Half-Marathon, StillWateR (page 15)

September 22, Take Me to the River Art Show and Sale, haStingS (page 13)

September 22–23, Lone Oak Days, eagan (page 5)

September 22–October 28 (friday, Saturday, Sunday), plus October 18, Halloween Haunt at ValleySCARE, ShakOPee (page 9)

September 22–October 28 (Saturday, Sunday), plus October 18–19, Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze, BROOklyn PaRk (page 7)

September 23, Athleta Iron Girl Duathlon, BlOOMingtOn (page 14)

October 4–7, Tour the Scarecrows, WacOnia (page 9)

October 4–7 and 13–28 (Saturday), Fall Winery Tasting, BuffalO (page 11)

October 5–6, Gibbs Farm Apple Festival, ROSeville (page 7)

October 5, 6, 12, 13, 17–21, 25–28, Frightmares at Buck Hill, BuRnSville (page 9)

October 6–7, AppleFest, ShakOPee (page 5)

October 6–7, 13–14, 20–21, Saint Croix Valley Apple Fest, haStingS (page 7)

October 6–27 (Saturday), Gertens Annual Pumpkin Fest, inveR gROve heightS (page 7)

October 7, Twin Cities Marathon, MinneaPOliS and Saint Paul (page 15)

October 13, University of Minnesota Homecoming Football Game, ROSeville (page 15)

October 13–14, Stillwater Harvest Fest and Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off, StillWateR (page 11)

October 17–27, 31, Halloween Capital of the World, anOka (page 8)

October 19–21, Third Annual Fall Craft and Gift Show, Blaine (page 12)

October 19–20, 26–27, Blackout at Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America, BlOOMingtOn (page 9)

Calendar of EventsMark your calendar! Here’s a round up of all events listed.

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Mississippi River Boat CruisesHARRIET ISLAND, SAINT PAUL Fall foliage and bald eagles are just two of the sights you’ll see as you travel back in time on a paddleboat on the mighty Mississippi.

Riverfront, MINNEAPOLISFind miles of scenic trails to bike, walk and jog. Or take a Segway or kayak tour to experience an ideal day along the river.

Rock Island Swing Bridge, INvER GROvE HEIGHTSTake in majestic views from the bridge before accessing the Mississippi River Regional Trail, linking Saint Paul to Hastings.

This beautiful 160-acres of marsh, woods and restored prairie is home to a variety of animals including deer, fox, mink and owls. See them dawn to dusk from the wood-chipped and hard-surface trails. The center offers activities for all ages, and naturalists provide year-round programs.

Westwood Hills Nature Center, St. Louis Park

The Call of the Great Outdoors

Not too hot, not too cold, fall is our area’s near-perfect season. Here are some of the best ways to get out and enjoy it.

Wood Lake Nature Center, RichfieldExplore nature on trails winding through a cattail marsh, lowland forest and restored prairie. Facilities include an interpretive center, wildlife observation shelter and outdoor amphitheater.

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Page 4: Savor Autumn - Midwest Living · Halloween costume to join the party on Main Street! Family-friendly activities include a costume contest, pumpkin ... Sever’s Corn Maze, 1. September

Learn about where you live and the area’s settlers. And have fun in the process!A Rich

Heritage

SEPTEMBER 15, ROSEvILLECelebrate the wild rice harvest at Harriet Alexander Nature Center with Native American dancing and story-telling, a pancake breakfast and harvesting demonstrations. Plus, get involved with hands-on apple cider pressing and children’s activities.

Wild Rice Festival

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Page 5: Savor Autumn - Midwest Living · Halloween costume to join the party on Main Street! Family-friendly activities include a costume contest, pumpkin ... Sever’s Corn Maze, 1. September

Wild rice, the official grain of the North Star State, is still harvested by hand using the same process as Native Americans—one person knocks the rice with two poles into the canoe, while the other paddles.

Chill 2 to 24 hours

1 2⁄3 cups wild rice 3 1⁄3 cups water 1 6 1⁄4-ounce package chicken-flavored

rice pilaf 4 1⁄2 cups coarsely chopped, cooked chicken

(about 1 1⁄2 pounds) 1 red sweet pepper, cut into thin, bite-

size strips (about 1 cup) 1 cup snow peas, ends and strings

removed, cut into julienne strips 1 cup lemon-pepper salad dressing or

vinaigrette salad dressing 1⁄4 cup French salad dressing 1⁄8 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 bunches green onions (about 10 total),

cut into thin strips Snow peas (optional)

1. Rinse wild rice well. In a large saucepan, bring water to boiling. Add wild rice and simmer, covered, 40 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed and rice is tender. Drain, if necessary.2. Cook rice pilaf according to the package directions.3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the wild rice, rice pilaf, chicken, red sweet pepper and snow peas.4. In a small bowl, stir together dressings and pepper. Pour over rice mixture. Stir gently to mix. Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours.5. To serve, arrange onions around the edge of chilled salad plates. Spoon rice mixture into center. If you like, garnish each plate with snow peas. Makes 6 to 8 servings.Note: For curled green onions, place the strips of green onions in ice water for 20 minutes; drain well.

Wild Rice Chicken Salad

HeritageLife in the 1800’s, from Cradle to GraveSeptember 1–3, BLOOMINGTON See how Minnesotans lived in the early 19th-century during theatrical performances at Historic Fort Snelling and the Sibley House Historic Site.

Civil War Weekend September 8–9, HASTINGS Reenactors demonstrate what life was like during the Civil War with an emphasis on the war along the Mississippi River.

Lone Oak Days September 22–23, EAGANPony rides, hayrides, music, food and 1940’s-era farm equipment and tool displays mean the entire family has fun. Hands-on kids’ events include milking a cow and driving a tractor.

AppleFestOctober 6-7, SHAkOPEEDiscover the history of apples in Minnesota at The Landing, a living-history museum on the Minnesota River.

Holz Farm Park EAGAN Experience family life from the Great Depression through World War II on this picturesque living-history farm. Special programming and activities, including hayrides, pie eating contests and games bring it to life.

Halloween 1900 Style October 27, 7–9 p.m., EIDEM HOMESTEAD, BROOkLyN PARkCome, ye seekers of magic and mystery. Follow the magic trail, toast a marshmallow over the bonfire, participate in family-friendly activities in the farmhouse, or dance to live music in the barn ($6/adults, $4/children ages 3-12 years).

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Festivals ofFun Cool days made beautiful by fall’s

colorful leaves are perfect for celebrations. Don’t miss these.

Fall Festival on Main Street LATE OCTOBER, aRBOR lakeS Scare up your Halloween costume to join the party on Main Street! Family-friendly activities include a costume contest, pumpkin giveaways, pumpkin decorating, kids’ activities and trick-or-treating for kids 1 to 10 at participating businesses.

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Page 7: Savor Autumn - Midwest Living · Halloween costume to join the party on Main Street! Family-friendly activities include a costume contest, pumpkin ... Sever’s Corn Maze, 1. September

Burnsville Fire Muster, September 5–9,BURNSvILLE Show your community support and have fun, too! The celebration includes fire truck parades, carnival rides, wine and beer tastings, kids’ activities, fireworks and food by locals.

Sever’s Corn Maze, September 14–October 28 (Saturday, Sunday), plus October 18–19, SHAkOPEE Come for the maze, live music, a corn pool, pumpkin patch and other offerings.

3rd Annual Bloomington Heritage Days, September 15, BLOOMINGTONBring the family to this all-day fest of activities, contests and shows. Buy a Heritage Days button and everything’s free.

Nickle Dickle Day, September 15, WACONIATake in a day of fun runs, basketball, music, food, crafts and shopping.

Gibbs Farm Apple Festival, October 5–6, ROSEvILLE Find an apple extravaganza—games, crafts, activities and food—at beautiful Gibbs Museum. Then visit the Heritage Apple Orchard, meet Johnny Appleseed and take a hayride tour.

Saint Croix Valley Apple Fest, October 6–7, 13–14, 20–21, HASTINGS Enjoy apple picking, hayrides, mazes, music, games and more.

Gertens Annual Pumpkin Fest, October 6–27 (Saturday), INvER GROvE HEIGHTSSpend a fun family day with hayrides, straw mazes, pumpkin painting and more!

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival, September 1–23 (Saturday, Sunday), and 28–30 SHAkOPEEExperience a rousing event as festival grounds are transformed into a 16th-century village filled with unique characters, including magicians, musicians, comedians, jugglers and more. Watch knights joust on horseback!

If you can’t find Granny Smith apples at a local orchard, consider other tart varieties such as Viking or Haralson, both grown in Minnesota. This apple dessert gets a sugary top and caramelized gooey bottom as it bakes.

PreP 30 minutes Bake 50 minutes Cool 1 hour

3 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 1⁄4 cups canola oil or cooking oil 2 teaspoons vanilla 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled

and chopped (3 cups) 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted Sweetened whipped cream (optional) apple slices (optional)

1. Grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; make a well in center of dry mixture and set aside.2. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, oil and vanilla; stir in apples and nuts. Add egg mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened (batter will be stiff). Spread batter in prepared pan.3. Bake in a 350º oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. If you like, top each serving with sweetened whipped cream and an apple slice. Makes 20 servings.

Fresh Apple Cake

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze, September 22–October 28 (Saturday, Sunday), plus October 18–19, BROOkLyN PARk Finding your way through a themed corn maze is just the start of the fun. Then enjoy a hayride, pumpkin slinging, pony rides, a petting zoo, live music and helicopter rides ($9 per visitor, children under 6 free). Additional fee for some activities.

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They’re spooky, scary and just a little batty. Whooo wouldn’t love these devilish places and Halloween events!

Bewitched

OCTOBER 17–27, 31, ANOkA Don’t miss Minnesota’s largest parade and its month-long celebration, a tradition since 1920. Enjoy a chili cook-off, Gray Ghost 5k costume run, kids carnival, haunted house, block party and more.

Halloween Capital of the World

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Page 9: Savor Autumn - Midwest Living · Halloween costume to join the party on Main Street! Family-friendly activities include a costume contest, pumpkin ... Sever’s Corn Maze, 1. September

Frightmares at Buck Hill, October 5, 6, 12, 13, 17–21, 25–28, BURNSvILLE Be prepared to be scared at Minnesota’s premier haunted attraction. Every frightful night includes four ghoulish haunts, live entertainment, dining, a bonfire and much more.

Tour the Scarecrows, October 4-7, WACONIAJoin the fun discovering scarecrows designed by shops and community groups throughout town.

Blackout at Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America, October 19–20, 26–27, BLOOMINGTONExperience the dark side of Nickelodeon Universe® with unlit rides and black lighting. And bag some goodies at the World’s Largest Indoor Trick or Treat October 31.

All-Family Halloween Celebration, October 20, RICHFIELDBring your family to Wood Lake Nature Center for a non-scary celebration, including a trick-or-treat trail, magician, face painting, games, animals and barn dance.

Start to FiNiSh 20 minutes

1 tablespoon butter 2 15-ounce cans pumpkin 2 14-ounce cans chicken broth 1 cup half-and-half, light cream or milk 1⁄4 cup maple syrup 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger or

1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger Salt Ground black pepper Shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

(optional) Maple sugar or packed brown sugar

(optional)

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in pumpkin, broth, half-and-half, maple syrup and ginger. Bring mixture just to boiling. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish each serving with pumpkin seeds and sugar, if you like. Makes 8 servings.

Gingered Pumpkin Soup

BewitchedGreat Pumpkin Fest October 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., ST. LOUIS PARk Put on costumes and head over to the Shops at West End for a frightfully fun event the whole family will love. The fest includes trick-or-treating—the first 300 kids with a non-perishable food item for the St. Louis Emergency Program (STEP) receive a treat bag. Also planned: a costume contest, storytelling, art projects and pumpkin patch.

Real Ghost Tours, September 1–October 27 (Friday, Saturday), and Guthrie Costume Rentals, MINNEAPOLIS Delve into the city’s shadow-lands with a real ghost hunter from Magical History Tours. Get into the spirit by wearing one of more than 30,000 theatrical costumes.

Gangster Tours; Ghosts and Graves Tours, September 1–November 24 (Saturday), SAINT PAUL Join a guide on a ride around Saint Paul to get the inside scoop on murders, ghost sightings and graveyards.

Halloween Haunt at ValleySCARE, September 22–October 28 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), plus October 18 SHAkOPEEShakopee’s favorite amusement park turns spooky with day activities for kids and night fun for adults.

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Not that foodies need an excuse, but you’ll find plenty of reasons to taste your way through the area this autumn. Start with this not-to-miss list.

Delicious Outings

Minneapolis Farmers Market SEPT. 1–OCTOBER 31and Mill City Farmers Market SEPT. 1–OCTOBER 27 (SATURDAy) Support local farmers by shopping for healthy foods such as fresh produce and farmstand products.

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Page 11: Savor Autumn - Midwest Living · Halloween costume to join the party on Main Street! Family-friendly activities include a costume contest, pumpkin ... Sever’s Corn Maze, 1. September

Saint Paul Farmers’ Market, September 1–November 28 (Saturday, Sunday), SAINT PAULShop for fresh, locally sourced produce and more. Also check out farm-to-table guru Lenny Russo’s Heartland Restaurant and Farm Direct Market.

Stillwater Harvest Fest and Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off, October 13–14, STILLWATERWatch paddlers in giant pumpkins during a regatta on the St. Croix River. Other festivities include pumpkin carving and a pumpkin drop.

Oktoberfest at the Gasthaus, September 14–16, 21–23, STILLWATERGrab a beer and party on with German food, dancing and oompah music at this huge festival held in tents in the Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter fields.

Look for root veggies at area farmers markets and stock up before end of season. Root vegetables can be stored in a cool, dark place such as a basement or garage for months. When roasted, carrots take on a subtle sweetness, combined with the savory combination of parsnips, turnips and potatoes.

PreP 25 minutes roaSt 35 minutes

4 medium parsnips, peeled, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces

4 medium turnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces, or 1 medium rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

2 small Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters, or 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

3 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces

2 medium yellow onions, cut into 1-inch-wide wedges

8 leaves of fresh sage, slivered 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1⁄2 teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1⁄4 cup honey 2 leaves fresh sage, snipped

1. In a large greased roasting pan, combine parsnips, turnips, potatoes, carrots, onions and the eight leaves of slivered sage. Combine oil, salt and pepper; drizzle over vegetables in pan. Toss lightly to coat.2. Roast, uncovered, in a 425° oven for 30 to 35 minutes until vegetables are lightly browned and tender, stirring occasionally. Drizzle honey over vegetables. Stir gently to coat. Roast 5 minutes more. To serve, sprinkle with the snipped sage. Makes 8 servings.

Roasted Root Vegetables

Eagan Market Fest September 5–26 (Wednesday)At the farmers market voted No. 1 in Minnesota, you’ll of course find fresh produce. But you’ll also see from-scratch food products and fine art, learn about healthy-living and enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations and activities for all ages.

Minneapolis Farmers Market SEPT. 1–OCTOBER 31and Mill City Farmers Market SEPT. 1–OCTOBER 27 (SATURDAy) Support local farmers by shopping for healthy foods such as fresh produce and farmstand products.

Blaine World Fest, September 15, BLAINEEnjoy a taste of the town’s growing ethnic and cultural diversity with delicious foods, music, dance, cultural learning booths and demonstrations. There’s an essay contest for kids, too.

Fourth Annual Taste of Buffalo, September 20, BUFFALO Get your taste buds fired up for over 200 mouth-watering kinds of food, wine and beer, plus live music.

Festa Italiana, September 21–22, ST. PAULRide a gondola, stroll the via Dell’ Amore and immerse yourself in the authentic foods, music and culture of Italy.

Fall Winery Tasting October 4–7, 13–18 (Saturday), BUFFALO ROCk WINERy Tour the area’s only woman-owned boutique winery and sample varieties produced and bottled on-site from locally grown cold-hearty fruits.

Cannon River Winery, September 1–October 31, INvER GROvE HEIGHTS Taste award-wining wines, take a tour or enjoy special events plus food and wine pairings.

Oktoberfest at the Gasthaus 11

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Page 12: Savor Autumn - Midwest Living · Halloween costume to join the party on Main Street! Family-friendly activities include a costume contest, pumpkin ... Sever’s Corn Maze, 1. September

Let’s Talk Shopping

It’s never out of season! Start now and you can have every name on your holiday list checked off before the first good freeze! Great gifts are easy to find at these spots.

Peggy’s Holiday Boutique November 3–11, ROSEvILLEShop gallery-style with more than 150 artists and craftspeople’s jewelry, clothing, pottery, dolls, paintings, seasonal decorations, toys and more. Complimentary tea, gourmet food samples and live music add festive touches.

Junk Bonanza, September 13–15, SHAkOPEEvisit more than 140 juried vendors for vintage finds, antiques, one-of-a-kind pieces and artisan repurposed items.

Archiver’s Scrapfest, September 14–16, BLOOMINGTONStamp, scrap, craft, create and hear about new ideas during the nation’s ultimate scrapbooking party at the Mall of America.

Third Annual Fall Craft and Gift Show, October 19–21, BLAINECome to the NSC Expo Center and check out some of the finest Midwestern artisans and craftspeople offering a wide variety of unique art, crafts, gifts and services.

DEAR Hunting Day, November 3, WACONIAWear orange for Divas Enjoy Awesome Retail (DEAR)Day with a fashion show and scavenger hunt.

Mall of America Ultimate Girlfriends Getaway, BLOOMINGTONTake a trip with your friends for some retail therapy (more than 500 stores!) and spa pampering at the Mall of America. Coupons and special packages available. Enjoy a small-town feel and

big-time shopping at quaint specialty stores and cozy coffee shops.

Grand Avenue, Saint Paul

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Take Me To the River Art Show and Sale, September 22, HASTINGSFind a farmers market, antiques, food and artisans at this fun, free event.

Burnsville Performing Arts Center, BURNSvILLEEnjoy a wide range of national touring and local concerts, theater performances, comedy shows and more entertainment in this beautiful and versatile setting, in the heart of Burnsville.

Great Clips Imax Theater, APPLE vALLEyTreat your senses to the most intense, involving movie experience yet created. Watch everything from thrilling nature films to chilling popular features on Minnesota’s largest screen. This fall’s exciting shows areTo the Arctic 3D and Mystery of the Nile.

Enrich and Delight

Ready to be awed, inspired and amused? Thought so. You and your family will experience all that and more when you visit one of these area treasures.

SEPTEMBER 4–OCTOBER 28 (CLOSED MONDAy), EAGAN Discover sculpture built to be part of nature in this garden within a 60-acre park, which boasts one of the region’s largest outdoor amphitheaters.

CaponiArt Park

Minnesota Zoo APPLE vALLEy Bring the family and spend a day with black bears, soaring hawks, endangered Asian wild dogs and other wild and woolly beasts. Explore cool new exhibits, such as the Medtronic Minnesota Trail, which features three black bears. One of the state’s most iconic species and largest omnivores, the bears can be seen in a natural habitat.

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Lets

SEPTEMBER 23, BLOOMINGTONJoin the largest women’s duathlon in the country. This is the perfect platform for all female athletes to reach their personal best.

Athleta Iron Girl Duathlon

Whether you run, putt, bike, skate or just root for the home team, you’re living in the right place. And here’s where you find a little happiness.

Play!

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Page 15: Savor Autumn - Midwest Living · Halloween costume to join the party on Main Street! Family-friendly activities include a costume contest, pumpkin ... Sever’s Corn Maze, 1. September

Whip up this quick-and-easy appetizer during halftime or pop it in the oven when friends and family arrive to watch the Vikings or Minnesota Golden Gopher football. This pizza piles on spicy chicken tenders and a blue cheese dressing.

PreP 10 minutes Bake 10 minutes

4 pita bread rounds 1⁄4 cup bottled blue cheese salad dressing 1 9-ounce package refrigerated

Southwest-flavor cooked chicken breast strips

3⁄4 cup thinly sliced celery Blue cheese crumbles (optional) Bottled hot pepper sauce or buffalo

wing sauce (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 450°. Place pita rounds on baking sheet. Brush with blue cheese dressing. Scatter chicken strips and celery on dressing. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until heated through and pitas are crisp.2. Transfer to plates. Sprinkle with blue cheese. Pass hot pepper sauce. Makes 4 servings.

Buffalo Chicken Pizzas

Vikings Football, September 9–December 30, MINNEAPOLISCome to the heart of downtown and cheer on your favorite NFL team at the new Mall of America Field.

Jon Francis Half-Marathon, September 22, STILLWATERLace up your running shoes to race a beautiful 13.1 course or an 8k. Proceeds go to the Jon Francis Foundation, advocating wilderness search and safety.

Minnesota Wild, Starts October, SAINT PAULGet ready for another season of pro hockey at the Xcel Energy Center downtown.

Birds and Birdies Green Golf Tourney September 21,RICHFIELD Take part in a fund-raiser for Wood Lake Nature Center. This 18-hole tournament at Braemar Golf Course in Edina combines golf and sustainability.

Twin Cities Marathon, October 7, MINNEAPOLIS AND SAINT PAULRun it or watch it, just don’t miss The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America®. It’s family fun with specific events and activities.

Fall Golf, BLAINE AND HAM LAkE Tee up for a great round of golf on two outstanding local courses: TPC Twin Cities, Minnesota’s only PGA Tour club, and the premier Majestic Oaks.

Gopher Football Specials, ROSEvILLECome watch Big Ten games, and stay where you’ll get great deals. The one game you won’t want to miss? Homecoming, on October 13 at TCF Bank Stadium.

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