Forks’ Weekend Spread: June

Another Minnesota Summer is in full bloom with the rain + heat doing their thing for the plants (and in spite of the nasty storms)! Get out there and make hay while the sun is shining. This line up of Twin Cities Metro area farm and food offerings over the upcoming weekend has something for everyone; not to mention the Famer’s Markets… But you guys, we’re missing All The Things because we’re heading out of town! I’m sending out this post of amazing-ness in hopes others can enjoy them and that I may live vicariously through you all 🙂 Seriously though, what a great weekend to live in the Twin Cities!

June16
Gibbs ‘Farm Fridays’ (for the family)

Gibbs Demonstrations – Ice Cream Making

This a unique farm experience for so many reasons; it’s nestled on the edge of the city and it showcases both pioneer and Dakota ways of life and gardening side by side. Farm Fridays feature weekly themes. They pack so much into their space, with the bonus of super friendly, knowledgeable staff in full pioneer garb. My kids are never sure how to talk with these costumed people, which adds to our quirky memories. This Friday we’re missing “Dakota Moons”, which (I think) is about planting with the moon; someone tell me what I missed! Gibbs Farm is open weekends too, with ‘Ice Cream Sundays’ featuring their homemade ice cream, on, you guessed it- Sundays.

Full disclosure* This place has been a favorite of mine since I had my birthday party here; we made corn husk dolls (like 30 years ago)!

Details: Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors 62+, $5 children ages 4-16. Free for RCHS members.
2097 W. Larpenteur Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55113 There is local road construction so plan accordingly.

June 17
Breakfast on the Farm – (for the family)

I have not been to Goldview Farm, but I so wish I was going to this event! Start with a pancake breakfast fit for a farm hand; pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk with all proceeds above cost going to their local Food Shelf! (you know we love that) Then, check out the rest of the farm buildings and animals along with special events like: Wagon rides, FFA (Future Farmers of America) petting zoo, kiddie train rides, live music and free food samples. How could you not leave happier?
Details:  7am – 1pm, $5 (kids 5 and under are free) for the breakfast, the rest of the activities are free!
Goldview Farm- Waverly, MN 55390 – South of Howard Lake on County Rd 6 (directions)

June 17
Big River Farms  Volunteer Storm Recovery Day (couples or family with hard working kids)

As many of you know, farmers on the northern end of the Twin Cities got hit hard by the hail storm last Sunday. Big River Farms/Minnesota Food Association is a teaching farm for mainly immigrant farmers (see my full blog article on the farm here). While the buildings and greenhouses survived with just a few dings, the crops in the fields were destroyed. They’re hosting a  volunteer day this Saturday from 10am-2pm. Big River Farms manager, Molly Schaus said, “We’ll be doing anything we can to help farmers feel better about their situation which might be replanting, weeding, watering, or something else”.  Giving a few hands-on hours will reap rewards for you, the farmers, and have that trickle down effect that we Minnesotans are known for. It is a beautiful area, and you will be welcomed with open arms and hearts.
Details: 10am-2pm, Bring gloves, a lunch and water.
14220-B Ostlund Trl. N, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

(That’s some of the hail, what’s left of tomato plants growing in plastic mulch, and some beaten down Swiss Chard.)

June 17
Cook St. Paul Pop Up Dinner! Feat. Championship Tacos (couples or family)

You know the tacos are going to be GOOD when they offer salsa flights! Eddie Wu’s popular American + Korean breakfast and lunch joint keeps tantalizing those taste buds with these pop up celebrations of local food that are simply out of this world. Someone please eat these Championship Tacos for me. This pop up isn’t showing up on the Cook website yet – and it might not, but if you contact them they’ll get you on their email list, or follow them on Facebook so you too can know all about the tastiest pop ups in town, or just savor their “Bi Bim Bop” any old day.

Details: Dinner service 5- 9pm. $9-$12 for 3 tacos; veg, chicken, carnitas, steak, fish. Al a carte sides – But the salsas!
1124 Payne Ave. St. Paul, MN 55130

June18 *Happy Father’s Day*
Red Barn Pizza Farm (couples or family)

Nothing says “Cool Dad” like eating pizza outside a barn with a cold one of his choice- am I right?! Red Barn Farm uses their chemical free gardens to grow many of the pizza toppings, and use a vegan friendly homemade pizza dough. (GF options available) Order your pizza and wander the 10 acre farm while you wait. Bring full picnicking supplies, a Frisbee, etc… and enjoy your surroundings! This is for the Father that deserves the very best. More Sunday day and Wednesday night pizza bakes throughout the summer. Visit them on Facebook too. ps- that was their big beautiful red barn at the top of the post 🙂

Details: Pizza Ordering Hours 11:30-3:30, $25 for a 16” specialty pizza, $20 for a 4-cheese, $10 for a personal size GF and dessert pizza. BYO drinks; beer and wine OK too.
10063 110th St E Northfield, MN 55057

So…whew!
I’m just going to throw all these seeds of inspiration out there and see if anything takes root(ha). Please let me know your experiences with any- or all- of these events. I’d love to hear about them!

I’m off to Dig In to packing, ugh.

Michelle