Fall in Saint Paul guide

As the air changes and a slight chill replaces the heat of summer, I always exhale a sigh of relief because it means the arrival of my favorite seasons. It’s hard not to love autumn because it’s a season of anticipation, of holidays and warmth to come. I want to make sure I make the most of the season (especially because I never know when the first snow will arrival…can’t believe I’m even saying that), so I made a list of all the things best done in the fall in Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Hope it inspires you to embrace the season too.

 

 

Visit the farmer’s market for a fall bouquet, mini pumpkins and gourds, and snatch up whatever else is still in season.

Attend a football game.

 

 

Have a bowl of soup at Cafe Latte (their chipotle bean chili is a highlight).

Visit the James J. Hill House or Alexander Ramsey House. Check their schedules to see what kind of fall events they have, and make sure you go when the houses are decorated for the holidays!

 

 

Shop along Grand Avenue, with a hot beverage and pastry from Bread & Chocolate in hand.

Visit the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts on one of those rainy fall days where it’s best to be inside. See what traveling exhibits they have going.

 

 

Make the drive to White Bear Lake for a morning at Pine Tree Apple Orchard. Go hungry so you can indulge in all things apple–donuts, cookies, muffins–you name it. Buy a bag of apples or visit their patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin. If you’re ambitious, sign up for their five-mile run through the orchard. The treats at the end make it totally worthwhile!

See the fall colors from the Summit Lookout Park, then continue walking on Summit Avenue to admire the historic houses, or head over to Nina’s Coffee Cafe on Selby for a delicious hot drink (and enjoy their newly renovated space).

 

 

Go for a run to admire the foliage and get a healthy dose of fresh fall air. Fall is hands-down the best season for running in Minnesota.

Enjoy a warm drink and a crepe at the new Cafe Astoria, on West Seventh and Grand.

Order something with squash off the seasonal menu at the Happy Gnome. If you’re lucky, the patio will still be open…I recommend a table right in front of the outdoor fireplace. Ahh fall….

Dress up and have a night out, starting with a drink at the Commodore. ‘Tis the season to throw one back like you know F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald did when they lived here.