Looking out my office window, I love the colors of fall.  The burnt orange and yellow leaves on the ground, blanketing the green summer grass, are whispers of what's to come.  Deep red sumac bushes and blazing colors of the maple trees come to life at this time of year.   Let's talk about one of the greatest Minnesota blessings of the season - COLOR!

Merryvale Vineyards
2005 Pinot Noir, Carneros
This Pinot Noir was grown at Merryvale's Estate Vineyard as well as Beckstoffer's Las Amigas Vineyard, both located in the Carneros region of Napa. These vineyards are planted to relatively new clones of Pinot, which have been selected for producing richer, more concentrated wine. This wine displays characteristic varietal notes of fresh cherry, strawberry, and earth, along with spice, toast and vanilla from the French Oak barrels. It has a round, supple impression on the palate, with a soft, lengthy finish.

COLOR!

A Georgeous Fall Day

Stop.  Take a look outside.  What do you see?  If it's a parking lot or a cold downtown building, then set your sights towards the distance.  No matter where you are, the Minnesota fall is in full bloom and its georgeous outside.  So when is the best time to look at the leaves?

MN Fall Color Guide

The answer is NOW!  Here's a small guide to look for peak colors.  If you were lucky enough to be in Northern Minnesota last weekend, you saw blasts of reds, yellows and oranges coming from just about every tree or shrub.  Thank goodness the Minnesota winds have not been very gusty.  When you get gusty winds blowing the leaves, mixed with a little rain, it's like watching the last few minutes of fireworks on the 4th of July......spectacular, but over quickly.  A light breeze will encourage just the right amount of leaves to fall, leaving plenty of color for the days ahead.

Looking out over Duluth & the  Arial Bridge

Up North - Rustic Beauty

I love going to the cabin during the fall.  I think it might be my favorite time of year.  My Amigos and I will be sharing a weekend up north in two weeks (celebrating birthdays and just getting out of dodge).  I don't really look forward to all the chores that go with closing up the cabin from the summer, but if you're blessed with a cabin in Minnesota, you have no right to whine.....you are so fortunate!  So I look at it as a labor of love.  Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Up North.  People are burning leaves and enjoying nights around their firepits - and isn't that the most awesome smell!  If I close my  eyes, a fire always brings me back to past football games, walks with my parents and picking apples at Orchards for holiday pies. 

Minnesota's Beautiful Walking Trails of Fall

Whether your up north or in the city, there are countless walking trails in Minnesota.  Take an afternoon and soak in the beauty.  It's amazing how calming and reflective it can be.  Take your kids and enjoy our great outdoors before you have to bundle them in layers.  The warm fall sun will keep you comfortable and the area lakes and streams are so inviting.  It's a great time to teach a child about photography.  They can capture such breathtaking pictures with very little effort or expertise.  You can also do countless art projects with the leaves during this time of year. 

Farquar Lake in Apple Valley

Running around Lake Harriet

Fall in the Twin Cities is amazing. There are marathon races to run, trails to bike or walk and a plethera of outdoor events.  Take in a concert at the Pavillion of  Lake Normandale or venture to Stillwater.   You don't need to break the bank at this time of year to find something to do!

Winding South Towards Jordan Minnesota

Fall Bounty

And yes, nows the time to find wonderful places just on the outskirts of the Twin Cities.  Places where farmers tend to their crops and bless us each year with wonderful fruits and vegetables.  Minnesota Harvest in Jordan comes to mind because Kid Norman, my eldest son, is driving there right now with two friends.  They're taking the day to go apple picking and enjoy being outdoors.  They'll also bring home pumpkins, wonderful squashes (acorn and butternut are my favorite) and hopefully a few treats for his brothers.  And if you don't love roasting squashes with a hint of butter and brown sugar, then use them in baskets with gords for beautiful fall decorating!  Remember, Halloween is just around the corner!

Yes, fall  is my favorite time of year.  It hints of the holidays to come, perks up my senses and gets me outside to enjoy a multitude of activities.  While it makes me just a little sad that the summer season is over,  it also helps prime my mood for the holidays.  Fall is here to remind me to count my blessings.  We're Minnesotans after all!  We're blessed with the full bounty of each season and I wouldn't have it any other way!