In the midst of Fall, the activities surrounding staying at one of our homes are changing, however, we are fortunate enough to be located in Alexandria which was given the award of Minnesota’s best town! This means that there are plenty of fun things to do while you’re staying at one of our homes. Sometimes during trips, it feels nice to get up in the morning to go take part in a new activity or adventure, come home and relax in the afternoon, enjoy happy hour and finally end the day with a bonfire roasting marshmallows and taking in the quiet around you.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a celebration that originated in Germany but is celebrated worldwide! 22 Northmen Brewing Co is a brewery located in Alexandria which hosts their own take on the celebration on October 19th! It has free admission and will have food and drinks for purchase from all around the town including Carlos Creek Winery Wine if beer isn’t your style. This event will also feature different forms of entertainment including music and games. While it is hosted by a brewery it is an all-ages event and there will be fun and food for people of all ages. On your way out pick up your favorite brews to bring home and enjoy around the fire while cooking up some s’mores or barbecuing your favorites!

Check out more info here: https://www.22northmen.com/music-events/2019/9/20/oktoberfest

Country Blossom Farm

Looking for something fun to do with children? Look no farther! Country Blossom Farm is open every Tuesday-Sunday from 10-6 and features activities such as a 7-acre corn maze, a huge jumping pillow and a spider web for children to play on. They also feature a bakery which is filled with sweet as well as savory treats and a gift shop for fun keepsakes to help remember this fun day! Some upcoming events are the flashlight corn maze and MEA Fun Days where it is free to children 3 and under and $7 + tax to everyone else. After the kids are all tired out from running around all day, it’ll be nice to come back to a home where the adults can relax and know that they have everything else they need for the night right where they are.

Check out more info here: https://www.countryblossomfarm.com

Lake Carlos State Park

*Photo by James Feist, courtesy of ExploreAlex.com*

If you’re looking specifically to spend some time outside and enjoy the beautiful fall colors, then Lake Carlos State Park is a good place to check out! Hike or bike the terrain that ranges from grassy areas, gorgeous trees and of course views of Lake Carlos. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. which gives you plenty of time to enjoy a picnic or go be more active and take on one of the trails! If you’re doing a getaway weekend with your closest friends, this could be a nice way to go out and enjoy the outdoors before you come back to one home where you can all be together. Maybe even catering in food from Casa Jalisco and enjoy a margarita and tacos night!

Check out more info here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00211#homepage

Central Lakes Trail and Big Ole

Another stop on your tour of the outdoors scene may include the Central Lakes Trail, which is a 55-mile trail that goes through Alexandria. Whether you’re hiking or biking, this trail has multiple starting points so it’s all on your own schedule. This is a beautiful time of year because the weather is perfect for a little exercise on the trail and you can admire the gorgeous fall colors that are the changing leaves. Plus, as a bonus, at the trailhead is where you can find Big Ole! He is a symbol of Alexandria and stands at 28 feet tall, he also happens to love a good photo op!

Check out more info here: https://explorealex.com/dt_places/big-ole-central-park/ https://www.centrallakestrail.com

Lake Brophy County Park

Photo Credit: Craig Mische. Visit his website at https://www.alexmn.com/brophy-park-new-playground/ — *Photo Credit: Craig Mische. Visit his website at* *https://www.alexmn.com/brophy-park-new-playground/*

If you are looking to bring your kids somewhere that is fun and they can run around freely, Lake Brophy County Park has what you need! There is sprawling grass perfect for a picnic or a socially-distanced get together, as well as lots of shoreline to go admire the beautiful lake. However, they have a star attraction in their playground, which is massive and contains several different places for kids to play on and it may take hours for them to be ready to head on home. They also feature a gorgeous trail where you can go hiking and biking and take in the scenery around you!

Check out more info here: https://www.co.douglas.mn.us/lake-brophy-county-park

Vendor and Craft Market

Come check out the Vendor and Craft Market at the Viking Plaza mall on Saturday, October 24th from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 25th from 11 a.m. until 4p.m. This event will feature Alexandria favorite stores and vendors all in the same spot. This is great if you’re looking for some great local shopping to bring home with you! On your way home, maybe stopping at a local market and then bringing back some homegrown ingredients to cook together in our top-notch kitchen.