Fall Harvest 2011

White Oak Farms

FALL COLORS 101

how those leaf things change colors BY ALISON DREW Most of us vaguely remember hearing the word comes up later and goes down earlier as Eau Claire and “photosynthesis” at some point in school. But for those the rest of our northern hemisphere is tilted more and who pulled a Ferris Bueller and played hooky that day, more away from the sun, and – surprise! – the leaves let’s take a quick refresher course, so we can understand change colors.

Have you connected the pieces of the puzzle? If our what’s really going on every fall when they all decide to shed their green coats for a vast array of different colors. days are shorter, that means less time for our leaf friends The roots of a plant transport water from the ground to absorb sunlight, which they so desperately need to continue photosynthesis. With less happenup into the stem and leaves. Leaves take in caring, less chlorophyll will be made and, in bon dioxide from our air and soak up the turn, leaves will be less green. Without suns’ rays. Plants use the sun’s energy the abundant amounts of chlorophyll to convert water and carbon dioxide present, the leaves’ cartenoids get into oxygen and glucose. Glucose is a to show their yellow, orange, and sugar that plants use as their food, Travel Wisconsin’s Fall brown pigments. In leaf cells there while the oxygen is returned to Color Report lets you know when are also anthocyanins, which make our air so us humans can breathe leaves are in “peak” color changing leaves appear more red. deeply as we drive our air-pollutmode in Wisconsin cities, and it lists Fall leaves in all their brilliant ing cars to the nearest McDonald’s roads/destinations where leaves color make it easier for kids to to get a bite of “food” for ourselves. are most beautiful. Visit face another daunting school year During all this conversion time, a TravelWisconsin.com as long as they can hold onto the chemical reaction causes the proto check it out. hope of jumping into a pile of those duction of chlorophyll which gives crunchy leaves as soon as that last bell leaves their green color. rings. They make an ordinary drive home a There. You’ve just passed high school spectacle complete with ooh’s and aah’s at each biology again. Wasn’t it more fun the second passing tree shimmering with its multitude of vibrant time? I hope you can tell where I’m going with this. colors. Hopefully this gooey, warm feeling of anticipaThe process of photosynthesis works like a charm throughout spring and summer. But as we all know, tion as the seasons change will stay with us long enough that we won’t turn into the curmudgeon grumbling about all good things must come to an end. We try to squeeze every last drip of summer out like juice from a freeze the leaves falling from the neighbor’s tree onto our fresh-raked lawns. pop, but alas, our summer days grow shorter. The sun

BONUS TIP!

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COLORFUL TREES TO MAKE YOU “OOH” AND “AHH” Aspens: yellow Red Maple: bright red Sugar Maple: orange-red Black Maple: yellow Yellow Poplars: light golden yellow Sassafras: deep red wine American Beech: golden bronze Oaks: red, brown, russet Dogwood: purplish red Hickories: yellow

GIANT PUMPKIN THROWDOWN ANDREA PAULSETH

local friends’ challenge to grow the biggest pumpkin

BY BEN RUETER “It was one of those 20 below zero January nights,” says Eau Claire City Court Commissioner, Tim Adler. He needed something to get him out of the house during those dark months of winter. So Adler decides to get up, buy some pumpkin seeds, distribute them to some of his close friends, and have everyone meet up in October to see who the pumpkin-growing master is. Hey, it’s one way to kill the doldrum months of a Wisconsin winter.

“It was either that or growing zucchini, and who is interested in growing zucchini?” said Adler.

This is the first year Adler has held the competition, and it all comes to a close on October 1, when the pumpkin growers will meet at an undisclosed location and weigh their pumpkins.

The rules of the event are simple: everyone involved has to throw in $5.

The person who grows the heaviest pumpkin will receive half of the pot, second heaviest receives 30 percent, and the rest goes to the most interesting pumpkin-growing story.

But growing pumpkins is about as exciting as, well, watching pumpkins grow. What Adler and others are finding enjoyable is the stories and light competitive nature of the event. Some of the growers have been pretty open about their pumpkins’ growth, while others, are “hiding in the weeds,” as Adler puts it. “(Adler’s) got a couple that are the size of beach balls,” says Bernie Hoefgen, another pumpkin grower in the group. “I think some other people have bigger ones. So expect them to get to at least 200 to 300 pounds.”

But, 300 pounds is nothing compared to the world record that was set last year

in New Richmond, WI, where one came in at 1810.5 pounds. Whether or not any of the Eau Claire growers aim to top that, it shows that they or the pumpkins have a lot of growing to do. Maybe it’s something in the ole’ Wisconsin dirt.

In order for the pumpkins to get gargantuan, the growers have some complex strategies, while others are letting nature do the work. Adler, for instance, erected a tent over the pumpkin to give it the perfect growing atmosphere.

Hoefgen says that the participants are not trying to tell lies, but some interesting stories have been cropping up, whether or not they are true. Every Friday morning the group gets together, drinks coffee, shares stories about their pumpkins, and enjoys each other’s company.

“We are having a lot of fun. We’re

trying not tell too many lies about it,” says Hoefgen. “There have been a couple of interesting stories flying around like people saying they lost theirs and they found them and they were the size of basketballs.”

Hoefgen says that he has a vine on his pumpkin that is about 38 feet long.

He’s shooting for 50 feet by the end of September.

This is the first year of the competition and Adler and Hoefgen have expressed interest throwing another pumpkin grow-off next year.

“People seem to indicate that next year we will have more people that will want to get into the contest,” says Adler.

On October 1 we’ll see if the Eau Claire area can top New Richmond’s freak pumpkin. And if not, well, there’s always next year.

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Pumpkin Mac n Cheese Pumpkin Seed Salsa from Chez Us

PUMPKIN RECIPES Compiled by Katie Venit & Tracy Chipman The poor pumpkin has long been gutted, carved, and relegated to the front steps. And when it does appear in recipes, often it’s fake or from a can. But we at Volume One think more of this autumn staple, and asked some creative culinary contributors to search for recipes that honor this seasonal treat the way it deserves.

Pumpkin Mac n Cheese from Healthy Food for Living 8 oz pasta (preferably whole wheat) 1 cup pumpkin puree 1 cup 1% low-fat milk 2 oz (about 4 Tbsp) 1/3-less-fat neufchatel cream cheese 1 cup fresh grated sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup freshly grated gruyere cheese (can sub monterey jack) 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg 1/8-1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, whisk together and heat pumpkin puree and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot. Reduce stove heat to low. Whisk in cheeses until fully melted. Stir in nutmeg and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper. Stir drained pasta into the pumpkincheese sauce and mix until thoroughly combined. At this point, the mac & cheese might appear a bit soupy. If this is the case, let the mixture sit off of the heat for a few minutes. The cheese sauce will firm up as it slightly cools. Serve with an extra dusting of nutmeg, if desired.

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh serrano chile, including seeds 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 1/3 cups raw green (hulled) pumpkin seeds (pepitas) 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 cups chopped cilantro 1 1/2 cups water

Pumpkin Lasagna – from Trissalicious 1 kilo pumpkin 150 grams unsalted butter 50 grams butter 1 vanilla bean, scraped 400 grams ricotta 1 egg pinch of nutmeg Salt and pepper to taste Lasagna noodles 100 grams parmesan cheese 10 sage leaves 20 grams toasted hazelnuts To make the pumpkin puree, peel the pumpkin and dice into 2 inch cubes.

Heat the 150 grams of butter in a pan and add the pumpkin once melted. Add the vanilla bean and seeds and cook the pumpkin until soft enough to cut with a spoon (about 20 min). Stir the pumpkin once in a while to make sure it doesn’t

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Cook chile, garlic, cumin, and pumpkin seeds in oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat, stirring, until seeds pop, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer 3 tablespoons seeds with a slotted spoon to a bowl and reserve. Purée remaining seeds and oil with cilantro, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender until smooth.

Try on enchiladas!

catch to the bottom of the pan. Once the pumpkin is soft, blend or process until smooth. Set aside. Mix the ricotta, egg and nutmeg in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Grease a baking pan with olive oil and lay sheets of cooked pasta to cover the bottom. Layer a third of the pumpkin and top with more lasagna sheets.

Top with a third of the ricotta mixture and the cover again with lasagna sheets. Now add half of the remaining pumpkin and cover with lasagna sheets. Add half of the remaining ricotta and again, more lasagna sheets.

Finally, spread the remaining pumpkin and on top the rest of the ricotta. Top with parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350º for 30 min, or until the cheese is golden brown. Heat the remaining butter in a small sauce pan until it goes nutty brown. Add the sage.

Top with the toasted hazelnuts.

FALL INTO A BOOK

recommended fall picture books for your kids

COMPILED BY ROB REID & JODY HANNEMAN * Local book available at The Local Store!

Apple Countdown by Joan Holub Apple Orchard Race by Abby Klein The Apple Pie That Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson Apples by Gail Gibbons Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell Apples, Apples, Apples by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri By the Light of the Harvest Moon by Harriet Ziefert Fall Apples: Crisp and Juicy by Martha E. H. Rustead Fall Is Not Easy by Marty Kelley Four Friends in Autumn by Tomie dePaola Henry and Mudge Under the Yellow Moon by Cynthia Rylant In November by Cynthia Rylant The Life and Times of the Apple by Charles Micucci Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert Lucky Leaf by Kevin O’Malley Mouse’s First Fall by Laurent Thompson Play With Your Pumpkins by Joost Eiffers and Saxton Freymann The Pumpkin Book by Gail Gibbons Pumpkin Town by Katie McKy* Pumpkin Trouble by Jan Thomas Pumpkins by Ken Robbins Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf

by Lois Ehlert The Runaway Pumpkin by Kevin Lewis Sneeze, Big Bear, Sneeze! by Maureen Wright The Stranger by Chris Van Allsburg Thump, Quack, Moo by Doreen Cronin To Market, To Market by Nikki McClure Two Old Potatoes by John Coy* The Vanishing Pumpkin by Tony Johnston We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger Who Loves the Fall by Bob Raczka VolumeOne.org 31 Sept. 1, 2011

TAKE A HIKE

Lowes Creek

Hickory Ridge Trail This nine-mile trail, located in northern Chippewa County in the County Forest, begins in a parking lot off of 225th Ave. (Bob Lake Rd.).

see the leaves, feel the sun, suck some of the crisp autumn air Eau Claire River Route

Downtown Eau Claire to East Side Hill Start at the paved trailhead hidden across from L.E. Phillips Memorial Library’s underground parking entrance on South Dewey Street. The trail brings you across to the north side of the river on an old railroad trestle S bridge, then across the footbridge into Boyd Park. Take an immediate left after the Boyd Park Bridge and go along a wood-chipped hiking path.

Before the trail ends you have to catch a left turnoff into the woods near the end of the clearing, onto a trail that eventually reaches Archery Park.

Trip Falls & Devil’s Punchbowl

From Menomonie, go west on Hwy 29, turn left after crossing the Red Cedar River, and left again on Rustic Road. Pull over when you get to a small bridge with metal guardrails; path will be on right.

The trail is not too difficult and it is short (about 1/2 mile), but requires some agility to climb up the small cliffs alongside three waterfalls. The gully widens and the path gets easier after about 500 yards.

Check out the Devil’s Punchbowl, where you can take four flights of stairs down into the ravine, or walk around the rim.

Tower Ridge Recreation Area

Irvine Park This two-mile trail is a gently rolling path for bikers and hikers. The trail is located in Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls on Bridgewater Avenue.

From Eau Claire, go east on Hwy Q and take a right on Hwy L, and go south about a mile to the ski area parking lot The Tower Ridge trails are wide and wind through the oak forest, around and over a number of steep hills. Several spots even have wooden benches to stop and admire. Although the trails at Tower Ridge can be a bit maze-like, just follow the signs and you’ll get back to your car.

Lowes Creek County Park Lowes Creek’s 11 miles of multi-use trails appeal to runners, walkers, and bikers. Located off S. Lowes Creek Rd. Parking pass required.

Old Abe Trail Twenty miles of paved, multi-use trail from Chippewa Falls to Cornell, winding through agricultural and forestland. One of the trailheads is northeast of Chippewa Falls on 97th Ave.

Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area

10 miles out of Menomonie near Hwy E Hoffman Hills has nearly nine miles of hiking trails, chosen based on length and difficulty (lengths vary from 1.7 to 4.4 miles). At the north end of the park is a 60-foot observation tower. It’s almost never crowded, so pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the three picnic areas.

Putnam Trail

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire UW-Eau Claire warns hikers to stay on the Putnam trail’s wide dirt path as everything else that’s natural is studied for scientific research. The trail starts where the Little Niagara flows into the

Other great hikes to check out:

Chippewa River, marked with a gorgeous arched stone bridge. A semi-steep climb on newly constructed steps that takes you above the river for some photo ops.

Big Falls County Park

10 miles east of Eau Claire off Highway Q Big Falls is the site of considerable summer activity, though pleasantly devoid of such for the next half-year. The trails, though not extensive, cut through forest either side of county roads Q and K. Broad sand beaches and stout granite outcroppings make for good picnicking.

Red Cedar Trail A 15-mile trail connects Menomonie to Dunnville and shadows the steep walls of the Red Cedar Valley. Wildlife includes woodpeckers, songbirds, turkey, grouse, pheasants, fox, and deer.

Willow River State Park From I-94, take Exit #4 and go north on Hwy 12. Then straight onto Hwy U to Hwy A. Continue north for 1.5 miles. The park entrance will be on the left. With more than 13 miles of trails, this is a natural playground for any nature lover. Trails offer plenty of riverside panoramic views and scenic overlooks of gorgeous waterfalls.

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LEAFY EVENTS

events that celebrate the hearty, the leafy, & the colorful Jim Falls 51st Annual Sturgeon Festival Every Day

from Sep. 2 to Sep. 5, • Anson Park, Jim Falls • Demolition derbies, truck pull, music nightly, carnival, raffle, big parade, charcoal chicken and free milk all day Sunday (Thanks to AMPI). Fun for the entire family all four days. Proceeds support Lions Projects including The Wisconsin Lions Camp.

Labor Day Picnic Sep. 5, 11am-3pm • Phoenix Park,

Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • FREE with donation of non-perishable food time • Sponsored by the Greater West Central Area Labor Council, unite and Celebrate all who Labor at the new location, Phoenix Park. Rally at 11am, picnic and prizes noon-3pm. Bring chairs and a dish to share. Brats, hot dogs, coffee, pop and beer provided by the Labor Council.

3rd Annual NFL Kickoff Party + Burger Cook-Off Sep.

8, 6-9pm • Milwaukee Burger Company, 2620 E Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • FREE • 834-6503 • Challenge your buddies in a pregame Bean Bag Toss for Prizes starting at 6pm. Tons of giveaways, including Packer tickets, jerseys, apparel and tons of other great stuff.

The Cook-off takes happens at half-time. Winner gets a $50 gift card to MBC and a spot on our next menu.

Everyone gets season-long food and drink specials.

7th Annual Cleghorn Harvest Fest Every Day from

Sep. 9 to Sep. 11, 1pm • Cleghorn, 7 miles south of Eau Claire down Highway 93, then left on HH for 1 1/4 miles. • 878-4847 • Softball tournament, entertainment, dance, live auction, classic car show, pie and ice cream social, kids games, parade, sanctioned bike race, firemen’s breakfast, beverages, best charcoaled chicken in area, vendors, crafters, flea marketers, and much more.

6th Annual Autumn Harvest Fall Festival Sep. 10,

9am-6pm; Sep. 11, 9am-6pm • Autumn Harvest Winery, 19947 Cty Hwy J, Chip Falls • 720-1663 • Enjoy live music, Wisconsin cheese, apples, wine and drawings at the Autumn Harvest Winery’s tasting room and patio.

John McIlquham Orchard will donate $1 from every bottle of wine sold that weekend plus the profits from wine-by-the-glass to the Heyde Center for the Arts.

Tiffany Bottoms Wetland Train Ride Sep. 10, 9:30am-

3pm • Hwy 85 to Durand, then Hwy 25. Parking lot is 5 mi south of Durand on the right. • $25, $15 friends • angie@beavercreekreserve.org • Ride the rails through the Tiffany Wetland Bottoms with the crew from Beaver Creek Reserve. Spend the day on an open-air, antique train while exploring the wetlands. The round-trip ride, approximately 14 miles, will be led by area naturalists and biologists discussing what makes these wetlands so unique and important to our plant and wildlife habitat. Advanced registration required.

Clearwater Beer Festival Sep. 10, 3-7pm • Altoona Hobbs Sports Center, Spooner Ave, Altoona • $30 • 21+ • 839-5188 • clearwaterbeerfest.com Western Wisconsin’s premier beer tasting event, endorsed By The Wisconsin Brewer’s Guild. See website for info and tickets.

Scary Storytellers Festival Sep. 10, 6-8pm • The Pa-

per Cow Theater, E4970 370th Ave, Menomonie • $5 • ages 5+ • 235-0508 • Join the crowd pleasing Madame Lanita for her original storytelling. Come share your own classic and/or original tales. Registration is not required.

Field Trip: Bushel & A Peck Apple Orchard Sep. 13, 9:30-11am • River Source Family Center, 403 High Street, Chippewa Falls • $2.50 kids • 720-1841 • We will be traveling to Bushel & A Peck Apple Orchard.

We will meet at 9:30am at River Source Family Center or you can go directly to the orchard at 10am.

Seasonal Produce II: Fabulous Fall Fare Sep. 13, 6-8:30pm • Dinner’s On, W2394 State Road 37, Eau Claire • $55 • Enjoy a culinary tour of the farmer’s market and in the roadside stands come harvest time. We will discuss and prepare a wide variety of produce that will take us well into autumn and winter. These delicious dishes will quickly become your new favorites.

The menu is TBA. Private classes available.

Oktoberfest Sep. 16-17, 11am-11pm; Sep. 18, 10am-

4pm • Northern WI State Fairgrounds, 331 Jefferson Ave, Chippewa Falls • Three day buttons available at Chippewa Area Visitors Center, Gordy’s County Market, Leinie Lodge, Mason Shoe Outlet, Northwestern Bank, Olson’s Ice Cream Parlor and RCU Chippewa. Friday & Saturday kids 12 & under free with paid adult; Sunday all kids free with paid adult. Three day buttons $15, daily gate admisison $8, $5 daily grounds parking, k • 723-0331, 1-866-723-0340 • chippewachamber.org A full weekend of German fun with four stages with live entertainment including dancing, contests and much more. You’ll experience family friendly fun, scrumptious Oktoberfest foods and beverages. Prost!

Booya Days & City-Wide Thrift Sales Sep. 17, Check venue for hours • Cadott • 289-3649 • partner29.com This fall event offers free Booya soup, arts and crafts dealers, and entertainment for the family throughout the day. The Thrift Sales begin the day before.

Fall Frolic 5K Sep. 17, 9am • Irvine Park, Chippewa Falls, WI, P.O. Box 975, Chippewa Falls • $10 preregistered, $15 day of • 723-5525 • Irvine Park plays host to an off-the-beaten-path 5K through the park.

Proceeds benefit the McDonnell Central High School Cross Country Team. Awards will be given to top three finishers in each age group. Registration begins at 9am, and the race will start at 10:30.

International Fall Festival Sep. 17, 10am-6pm • Down-

town Eau Claire • FREE admission • all ages • 8394914 • downtown-eauclaire.com The International Fall Festival is a celebration of the Chippewa Valley’s cultural heritage. The purpose is to provide the community an opportunity to learn more about the people and cultures that make up West Central Wisconsin, while promoting downtown Eau Claire as a fun, family-orientated, entertainment and shopping environment. The festival creates a bazaar-like atmosphere where international food and crafts are available to all visitors. In addition to the bazaar, there is a World Stage, which features performances by a variety of musical and artistic groups. The Parade of Nations kicks off at 3pm.

Singles Connection Harvest Dance Sep. 17, 7pm-mid-

night • Westgate Sportsman Club, 4909 Sportsman Dr., Eau Claire • $10, $5 members • 834-0582 • Music provided by Solid Gold DJs, light hors d’oeuvres provided.

Dance lesson 7-8pm, and dancing 8-midnight.

2011 Fall Splendor Art Meander Sep. 23 to 25, • Art

galleries and studios in Barron, Washburn and Chip-

pewa County • djohnson@cvca.net • 726-9000 • The gallery owners and artists of northwestern WI invite you to the second year of the Fall Splendor Art Meander. Enjoy the fall colors, meet the artists and tour their studio spaces and galleries. This is 60 mile tour. A map will be available with directions and addresses. Along the way there will be plenty of eateries, wineries and culinary artisans to enjoy. See contact info for details.

Tiffany Train Ride Sep. 24, 9am-3pm • Durand area; call for location info • $25, discounts for kids • 6728595 (Dave Linderud) • Lower Chippewa River Alliance is sponsoring a train ride six miles into the Tiffany Bottoms wetland area south of Durand. The ride is a fundraiser for the Lower Chippewa River Endowment Fund of the Natural Resources Foundation of WI. Riders will hear about the unique natural resources of the lower Chippewa river from UWEC and UW-Stout Faculty, DNR personnel and others. Call for reservations.

Oompah-Palooza Sep. 29, 6pm • Florian Gardens, 2340 Lorch Ave, Eau Claire • $40 • 831-7040 • Join us for the first annual Heritage in the Valley celebration, Oompah-Palooza. Enjoy an evening full of German food, music, beer, wine tasting and silent auctions.

Village of Terror Every Friday, Saturday from Sep. 30 to Oct. 29, 5-11pm • Chippewa Valley Renaissance Fairegrounds, 117th St., Chippewa Falls • Ticket costs TBA • 723-9999 • Ghouls and ghosts delight in this dark carnival of fright. Loaded with haunted houses, amusement park rides, creepy merchants of the macabre, a human freak show, haunted hayride, an asylum, live bands and much more. Look nowhere else for Halloween entertainment in the Chippewa Valley.

Booya & Fall Festival Oct. 1, noon-4pm • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • FREE • 8772212 • Mark your calendars to attend this fun-filled family event complete with mouth-watering booya, food, hikes and other activities.

Introduction to GPS and Geocaching Oct. 15, 9:30-

11:30am • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • $5, $8 non members • 877-2212 • Learn the basics of using a GPS unit to navigate and to find geocaches. Geocaches are typically small waterproof containers that contain a logbook and some small trinkets or toys. Discover how to use a GPS unit using the Reserve’s units. Course instruction includes a “hunt” for an on-site geocache at Beaver Creek Reserve.

Field Trips: Klingers Farmers Market Oct. 18, 9:30-

11am • River Source Family Center, 403 High Street, Chippewa Falls • $2 • 720-1841 • We will be traveling to Klingers Farmers Market. We will meet at River Source Family Center at 9:30am or you can go directly to Klingers Farmers Market at 10am.

Downtown Trick-Or-Treating Oct. 28, 3-5pm • Select

businesses in downtown Eau Claire (mostly on and around Barstow St.) • FREE • 839-4914 • Downtown Eau Claire will be filled with movement and excitement as little ones dressed as cackling witches, mighty ninjas, fair princesses, and many more walk the streets for trick-or-treating at local businesses. Look for a pumpkin outside the participating businesses which signals that those in costume are welcomed.

5th Annual Harvest of Harmony Cabaret Nov. 5,

2:30-9:30pm • Colfax High School Auditorium, 601 University, Colfax • 556-3267, 962-3153 • The 5th Annual Cabaret of the Red Cedar Sounds, a Sweet Adelines Chorus, will be held on November 5, the matinee (which includes dessert and refreshment) starting at 2:30pm. and the evening performance (which includes a soup dinner and dessert) starting at 5:30pm.

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AUTUMNAL ADVENTURES When it comes to family-friendly fall fun, the Chippewa Valley has it covered. There’s a whole range of activities, from the classic apple picking and pumpkin carving to the not-so-classic apple slinging and pumpkin launching. So go ahead, try some cider, stab a pumpkin, and embrace all fall has to offer (because it’s only around for so long).

ORCHARDS Bushel and a Peck Market 18444 Co. Hwy OO, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-0133 • This is a family-owned, pick-your-own orchard of over 6,000 apple trees, located on a ridge overlooking the Chippewa River Valley. The orchard shop offers jams and jellies, crafts, pottery, soap, and other gifts. The on-site bakery serves up pies, turnovers, and cookies. Some of their apple varieties include McIntosh, Cortland, Honeygold, Pristine, Redfree, Viking, Zestar, and Honeycrisp. School tours available.

Open everyday 9am-6pm through October.

Class Apple 5198 Sunset View Dr, Eau Claire • (715) 834-9060 • www.classapple.com This is a great little mom-n-pop, pick-your-own orchard featuring a scenic view. Gourmet jams and jellies, applewood chips, and eight varieties of apples are all for sale. Extremely reasonable prices. Open Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5pm, through October. Class apple is a member of the new Chippewa Valley Eco Apple Network. Please check the website for the most up-to-date apple picking schedule.

Connell’s Orchard , • (715) 723-5119 • www.connellsorchard.com Connell’s grows 27 varieties of apples.

Besides the ready-picked apples, they sell apple cider, baked goods, gift baskets, honey, jams and jellies, maple syrup, pumpkins (in season), hand-crafted ice cream, and 40 varieties of salsa. The on-site bakery specializes in numerous homemade pies. They’ve even got fall mums for sale. On the weekend, check out the wagon rides and a free petting zoo. Open everyday 9am-6pm, through November.

Ferguson’s Morningside Orchard 6470 Balsam Road, Eau Claire • (715) 830-9370 • www.morningsideorchard.com Ferguson’s Orchard (formerly Eau Claire Orchards) grows most apple varieties, plus pears, sweet corn, pumpkins, Indian corn, and winter squash. Try out their apple slingshot and send fruit soaring into the air over 175 feet at about 50mph. Old Haunted Barn open on weekends in October. There are lots of photo opportunities at the pumpkin house and fun character cutouts.

Visit Farmer Tom’s Barnyard for a straw bale pyramid, corn maze, and wagon rides into the orchard. Don’t miss the inflatable castle, pumpkin checkers, or bean bag toss.

Small kids can have a blast on the new Apple Train. Pick your own apples and/or pumpkins. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sundays 10am-5pm.

Hillview Farm E6198 Hickory Road, Eau Claire • (715)

878-4526 • www.apples4u.com At Hillview, you’ll find ready-picked apples, country crafts, pumpkins, and squash for sale. Make sure you stroll the scenic nature trail and the kid’s playground, featuring a new obstacle

Ferguson’s Morningside Orchards

course and apple slingshot. On the weekends, horsedrawn wagon rides through the orchard. Pick-your-own apple season is from mid-September through October.

Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11am-6pm.

John McIlquham Orchard, LLC, • (715) 720-1663 •

www.autumnharvestwinery.com The McIlquhams offer visitors 17 varieties of fresh-picked apples, including Honeycrisp. Visitors to the Autumn Harvest Winery tasting room can enjoy complimentary sips of apple, fruit, and grape wines produced and bottled on-site. (They’ve even got gourmet food samples.) Season permitting, apple cider and hard cider are also available. The gift shop offers McIlquham Orchard jams, preserves, and apple butters. Enjoy the beautiful patio and picnic areas, as well as a new bakery kiosk with apple treats, fruit tea smoothies, and crepes. At the end of the season, you can pick-your-own apples as well. They’ve even got a free corn maze. Open everyday 9am-6pm through Halloween.

Schaefer’s Orchard Run , • (715) 723-8865 • Schaefer’s is a certified organic orchard offering fresh-picked and pick-your-own McIntosh, Cortland, Connell Red, Harla Red, Honeycrisp, Honeygold and Wealthy apples. The orchard is open from Labor Day until Halloween (or until the apples are gone). Hours are Thursday-Sunday 12pm-5pm.

White Oak Farms , • (715) 834-0998 • A small, boutique orchard White Oak Farms offers fresh-picked Honey Crisp, Red Cortland, and Connell Red apples. Their little retail shop sells crafts, jams, honey, maple syrup, a variety of fruit butters, mums, and more. Feel free to pack a lunch and stage a picnic in one of their many relaxing areas. White Oak is a major supplier of farm market Honey Crisp south of Eau Claire. Starting on Sept. 16, they’re open Fri.-Sun. 10am-6pm.

PATCHES Autumn Harvest Winery 19947 Cty Hwy J, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-1663 • www.autumnharvestwinery. com The Chippewa Valley’s first winery, Autumn Harvest produces twelve varieties of wine including five apple wines using fruit from the adjacent John McIlquham Orchard. Apple cider and hard cider is also available.

They offer complimentary wine tasting everyday, patio seating to enjoy libations by the bottle or glass, gourmet foods to sample, and a gift shop. Open now through Halloween, 9am-6pm Monday through Saturday, and 10am5pm on Sunday.

Klinger Farm Market 12756 132nd St, Chippewa Falls

• (715) 288-6348 • This family-run and family-oriented farm features 120 acres of homegrown vegetables including potatoes, corn, tomatoes, peppers, melons, beans, squash, pumpkins, gourds, and more. For the few items of produce they don’t grow themselves, Klinger’s Market looks to other local growers to provide apples, carrots, onions, honey, jams, jellies, and cheese. Its 17 greenhouses also provide one of the largest selections of plants, herbs, flowers, and shrubs in the area. They have a kids-friendly corn maze and straw maze as well. Open every day, 9am-5pm.

Lowes Creek Tree Farm S9475 Lowes Creek Rd, Eleva • (888) 878-4166 • www.lowescreektreefarm.com Immerse yourself in fall colors as you pretag a Christmas tree, purchase a pumpkin, or take part in the fall nursery stock sale. Open throughout October, Monday through Saturday 9am-6pm, and Sundays 11 am-6pm.

Pleasant Valley Tree Farm N7240 810th St., Elk Mound • (715) 879-5179 • www.pleasantvalleytree.com Pleasant Valley’s Fall Harvest activities kick off on Sept. 24 with the opening of their corn maze, Spooky Ridge forest trail, petting zoo, play areas, pumpkin catapult (the mighty Jack-o-Launcher), gemstone mining, and wagon rides. Pick out a pumpkin and peruse the other fall produce including apples, squash, gourds, and Indian corn.

A concession stand is on hand if you get the munchies.

Recent additions are Annie the Apple Slinger and an expanded magical woodland maze and play area. Their country store features unique home décor and gourmet foods. Open everyday 10am-6pm from Sept. 24 through October.

Racks of River Bend

FARMERS MARKETS

WINERIES & VINEYARDS

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market Every Wednes-

Autumn Harvest Winery Corner of County Hwy J & County Hwy K, Chippewa Falls • 720-1663 • www.autumnharvestwinery.com • The Chippewa Valley’s first winery, Autumn Harvest produces nine varieties of wine including three apple wines using fruit from the adjacent John McIlquham Orchard. Apple cider and hard cider are available as well. They offer complimentary wine tasting everyday, patio seating to enjoy libations by the bottle or glass, gourmet foods to sample, and a gift shop.

Open everyday 9am-6pm.

day, Saturday from Jun. 1 to Oct. 29, 7:30am-1pm; Every Thursday from Jun. 1 to Oct. 29, 12:30-5pm; Every Saturday until May. 28, 7:30am-1pm • Phoenix Park, Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • ecdowntownfarmersmarket. com Seasonal, locally grown vegetables and fruits, plus baked goods, dairy products, meat, honey, maple syrup, flowers, art, coffee, and more. No Sunday markets in 2011.

Eau Claire Farmers Market (at Oakwood Mall) Every

Tuesday, Saturday until Oct. 29, 8am-1pm • Oakwood Mall entrance parking lot off Golf Rd., Eau Claire • www. oakwoodmall.com Locally grown vegetables, fruits, baked goods, meats, cheeses, honey, flowers, crafts and so much more. Sponsored by Lipton Ice Tea.

Downtown Chippewa Falls Farmers Market Every

Thursday from Jun. 2 to Oct. 13, noon-5:30pm • Market lot on the corner of Bridge & River streets, Chippewa Falls • A great selection of local specialties, fruits, vegetables, crafts and organic food.

Menomonie Farmers Market Every Wednesday noon6pm Saturday 8am-1pm until Oct. 29 • Dunn County Fair Grounds, 620 17th St., Menomonie • 715-265-4271, ext. 330 (Robyn) • www.wisconline.com The Menomonie Farmers Market opens the first Saturday in May and ends the last Saturday in October. Market days are Wednesday from noon to 6pm and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. The market is a great place to buy local veggies, fruits, bedding plants, honey, maple syrup, baked goods and meats.

Bloomer Farmers Market Every other Friday beginning

May 20 to the end of Sept., 8am-2pm • Bloomer Area Aquatic and Recreation Center, 1731 17th Ave., Bloomer • 715-568-3339.

Stanley Farmers Market Every Saturday from May. 28

to Oct. 29, 7am-3pm • Stanley Farmers Market, First Avenue west of the Depot, Stanley • jeannegates@websiteswest.com • 715-644-0244 (Jeanne).

River Bend Vineyard & Winery 10439 33rd Avenue, Chippewa Falls • 720-9463 • www.riverbendvineyard. com • This winery nestled in the hills of the Chippewa Valley offers eight wines produced and bottled on-site from grapes grown in their very own eight-acre vineyard. Visitors to the tasting room can enjoy complimentary wine tasting or buy wine by the glass or bottle.

Gourmet food, gifts, and accessories are also available.

Wine enthusiasts are invited to take advantage of the outdoor patio and accompanying bonfire pit and live music stage while tasting. Open May 28 through December 30, Thursday through Saturday 11am-7pm and Sundays noon-6pm.

SHORT-ISH DRIVE LIST: Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery (1 hour 52 mins) •

W12266 King Lane, Stockholm • 448.3502 • www. maidenrockwinerycidery.com • This award-winning cider orchard offers premium hard ciders and wines from local fruit and flavored with a hint of Wisconsin. Visitors to tasting room can enjoy complimentary samples.

Open beginning August 26, Wednesday through Sunday 10am-6pm.

Cedar Country Co-op Farmers Market Every Sunday from Jul. 3 to Nov. 27, 9am-3pm • 2100 County Road B, Menomonie Open-air market in the Exit 45 Cenex parking lot. Open every Sunday, rain or shine. Actively seeking vendors; if interested, applications are available at the market.

Chateau St. Croix (1 hour 45 mins) • 1998A State Road 87, St. Croix Falls • 483-2556 • www.chateaustcroix. com • This 55 acre estate includes vineyards, formal gardens, picnic area, fishing pond, and stables. Tours are available for $6 and up to three wines can be tasted for free, but 4-6 wines cost $6. If you’d like to tour and taste 4-6 wines, you get a deal at $10. Open Mondays and Wednesday through Thursday 11am-6pm, Friday through Saturday 11am-7pm, and Sundays noon-4pm.

Farmers’ Market (at CVTC) Every Tuesday until Sep. 27,

Hook Stone Winery (1 hour 55 mins) • 10588 Main St.,

11am-2:30pm • Chippewa Valley Technical College, 615 West Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire • FREE • (715) 5593513 • Come on, let’s eat healthy. Student Parking Lot Clairemont Campus. Enjoy flowers, vegetables, salsa, jellies, fresh cheese, healthy recipes and and much more, brought to you by the CVTC Employee Wellness Committee.

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Hayward • 634-9463 • www.hookstone.com • This winery brings Napa to the Northwoods by producing wines with juices sourced from California and Washington State. Open Monday through Saturday 10:30am-6pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.

Munson Bridge Winery (57 mins) • W6462 Bridge Rd.,

Withee • 229-4501 • www.munsonbridgewinery.com • This winery offers a large variety of fruit wines, including raspberry, elderberry, boysenberry, plum, blackberry, crabapple, and cranberry, among others. Gourmet olive oils and bread are also available to be enjoyed on the patio. Open Fridays noon-6pm, Saturdays 11am-6pm, and Sundays 1-4pm.

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