Farm Fresh in Cottage Grove

FARMERS MARKET

7008 Lamar Ave. S., Cottage Grove 651-399-8869 | cguccfarmers’market The Cottage Grove Farmers Market runs every

The Cottage Grove Farmers Market runs every Thursday throughout the summer and into the fall. Featuring all your favorite fruit and vegetables, as well as some unique varieties from local farmers, the market is the perfect place for all your farm to table needs.

• Homemade beauty products: Soaps, lotions and bath bombs. • Sweets: Syrups, honey, candies, jellies and baked goods. • Goods: New, used, and homemade clothing and jewelry.

Grab some hearty ‘farm to you’ meats for the family and top it off by bringing your knives, scissors and shears to the mobile knife sharpener! And if you don’t feel like cooking dinner, opt for the hot-off-the-grill hot dogs or the various food trucks that stop by each week!

Pictured: Whistling Well Farm

WHISTLING WELL FARM

8973 St. Croix Tr. S., Hastings 651-998-03101 | whistlingwellfarm.com Like another well-known apple picking option in the area, Whistling Well Farm has a lot to offer in terms of picking and activities. What makes Whistling Well unique is its laid-back, easygoing nature. With no admission fee it’s a great spot to get out and be in nature, while keeping the flexibility of hopping in the car just before nap time.

• Apple Picking: Eight delicious varieties. • Pumpkin Patch: Pumpkins of all sizes. • Mums: Colorful mums for the perfect fall decor. • Country Store: Preserves, jellies, pumpkin butter, pancake mixes, maple syrup and so much more! • Other fun: Kids climbing area and petting farm.

Before leaving, toss a coin into the whistling well and make a wish! Money is matched dollar-fordollar by the farm and donated to the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.

14421 90th St. S., Hastings 651-436-8385 | aftonapple.com Whether you want to enjoy the sun and summer breeze picking fruit in the fields, or bring the kids over for a fun day of play, Afton Apple Orchard offers a wide variety of things to do just outside Cottage Grove.

• Apple Picking: Delight in the 15 varieties of apples to choose from. Pick your own or select pre-picked options. • Berry Picking: Raspberries, blackberries, and black raspberries to choose from! • Pumpkin and Gourd Picking: Pumpkins, squash, gourds and ornamental corn for decorating, carving and cooking needs. • Shop: Pick up packaged items like frozen pies and crisps, jams, local honey, baking supplies, gifts and more. • Hot and Fresh: Craving something sweet, salty or robust? Opt for the warm apple cider, donuts, hot dogs, cider brats and other fall favorites.

Need a break from picking out your fresh and ripe take-aways? No problem! Say hi to the goats and llamas as you stroll past the petting farm, let the kids play on the playground or have a picnic together in the shade. There are so many things to do at Afton Apple Orchard you really can make a day of it!

SPECIAL EVENTS

In the fall, join Afton Apple for their apple festival weekends full of magic shows, yard games and more. Another fall favorite? The giant 15-acre corn maze with all the twists, turns, and mini mazes you can imagine.