Twin Cities farm & foodie fans, here we go again with an over the top summer weekend overflowing with possibilities. And this time, I’ll be here to partake in the farm fresh tastes, sounds and celebrations! Time to jump on this hay wagon and enjoy the ride 🙂

July 15: Eat Local Co-op Farm Tour 

The barn doors are wide open. Twin Cities co-ops have gathered 27 of their hard-working farmers together to open their farms, fields, milking rooms etc. to you for the day. Use this Farm Tour guide to map out your self guided tour and see which farms have special activities, music, even samples that match your interest. This is a great FREE way to let your kid milk their first cow, see actual farm work being done, pull their first carrot and talk to farmers about how they farm. Be ready to stock up on farm fresh produce-right from the farm! Last year my boys and I experienced a great sense of community at Big River Farms,  along with a great wagon ride, samples and music. We bought a few things that had been picked right from the fields we toured. This year they’ve added a little something extra with pollinators! I remember it as one of best days with my boys last summer.

Wagon riders at last year’s Big River Farms’ tour day.

Tips: Wear farm appropriate clothing (farm boots, sun hat), bring along some bug spray, a cooler for things you buy and a lunch if you want. Learn from my mistake last summer! Print out a google map, because these are RURAL farms, you may lose service once you’re on the road!

Stay up to the minute and Follow on Facebook. TC.Farm (also featured below in the Tullibee Butcher Dinner) went the extra acre this year and created their own guide; which looks awesome!

Details: 10am-4pm. 31 locations across the extended metro area.

Photo credit: Alex Johnson Photography

July 15: Minnesota Waldorf School Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival

While not directly local food/farm related, I’m pretty sure a few hootenannies and shenanigans will conspire on the festival grounds. My kids are stoked to see The Okee Dokee Brothers! And The Roe Family Singers will get your feet moving for sure. Full line up and schedules for all the performers and extras HERE; like Log Rolling, Obstacle course, Dunk Tank and Face Painting for the kids and beers on tap, artists vendors to browse between sets. And then there’s the food truck line up. Bring on the Hoe Down!

Details: Saturday July 15th 12-8,
tickets available HERE ,  $14 children, $25 adult
MN Waldorf School 70 County Road B E, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55117

 

Copyrighted photo by Scott A. Schneider

July 15: Midsummer Festival at Cedar Lake Regional Farm Park

This event is in conjunction with the Credit River Antique Tractor Show. Antique tractors don’t come on tour very often, so if ‘making hay back in the day’ is your thing you better get on this! There will food concessions and music to go along with trying out some fishing, kayaking and archery. This ‘farm park’ has transformed over the last few years. More info on the park HERE. And register for free HERE

Details: Saturday, July 15th. Free. 10-5, children 13 and under must attend with an adult.
Cedar Lake Regional Farm Park, 25875 Juniper Avenue, New Prague MN 56071

 

July 15 & 16: Wine Meets Art at St. Croix Vineyards

Being able to enjoy locally grown/crafted award winning wine while strolling through over 20 booths full of locally made art, yes please. Add in local food trucks like Elaine Chang and Nella’s Smokehouse Barbecue and live music floating by? Summer bliss! And the vineyard itself is something to behold, nestled next to Aamodts Apple Farm it adds a family friendly flair. Local wineries are popping up all along our wonderful river valleys here in the Midwest and I am tickled Rose by each of them, but St. Croix Vineyards has been doing this a while and knows how to throw some fun events (Wine stomping anyone?), along with bringing home all kinds of medals for their wines.

Details: 11am-6pm, July 15th & 16th, Winery tours start at 12.
St Croix Vineyards 6428 Manning Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082

 

July 16: Tullibee Butcher’s Dinner

Feat. TC Farm’s “American Guinea Hog”

A roast to remember with Hewing’s own butcher Brian Merkel and Tullibee Chef Bradley Day along with the farmer  T.C. Farm .  This seems like a pretty unique opportunity (only once a year) to taste “the Forest Hog” which are raised solely in open pasture.  Since I am out of my depth (I’ve never heard of this kind of hog before, have you?) here’s some information direct from their

Charcuterie board at Tullibee.

website: “The team at Tullibee will be preparing chartucerie, roasts, pastries and desserts showcasing the pristine protein versatility of this amazing pig. While large format roasts cook over the open hearth, guests will have the opportunity to engage with the chefs, farmer ad butcher…”  This sounds amazing, if anyone goes, please let me know how it was!

Details: Sunday, July 16th, 6-9, $55 per ticket. Come hungry 😉
Tullilbee is in the Hewing Hotel, 300 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

 

July 16: SociableSummer – Americana Fest

Sociable Ciderwerks offers a lineup worthy of a laid back Sunday afternoon! So much goodness squeezed into one chill space. Music plays a big part of these gatherings and to prove it they’ve got Bill DeVille of 89.3 The Current hosting the event, featuring: Roe Family Singers, The Dead Pigeons, No Man’s String Band, Dead Horses

Food trucks from Red River Kitchen, Butcher Salt, The Anchor Fish & Chips, Potter’s Pasties to sweeten the deal.

Details:  Sunday July 16th 2-9pm. $5 Wristbands: The event is free to attend. However, if you will be imbibing 21+ Wrist bands available at the door for $5.00 with a portion of proceeds benefiting SACA Food Shelf & Thrift Store. VIP packages available.
Sociable Ciderwerks, 1500 Fillmore St NE Minneapolis, MN 55413

 

Well, then…

If those events don’t get you out of your own garden (I’m so guilty of this sometimes) and into the world of local food this weekend- I don’t know what would. I’m just enthralled that all these events are even possible. Think about it: The farmers are dedicated, the chefs are dedicated and the event planners are dedicated. So many people working together to craft these experiences to satisfy your summer quest for a delightful eating experience. Three Cheers for local food.

I can’t wait to dig into this weekend!

Michelle