Happy Minot Monday! I’m so excited to tell you all about Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch today. This is truly a highlight of our fall here. I’m partnering with BeLOCALMinotto bring you useful, authentic insight to life in Minot. BeLOCAL is a publication dedicated to helping you live like a local and find the best of what Minot has to offer.
One staple of a Minot autumn is Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch. We’ve lived in a lot of places, and friends–this is my favorite fall attraction of all those places. There’s so much to do and see, not to mention the atmosphere is pure autumn bliss. If you haven’t gone, if you aren’t familiar–let me enlighten you. This is a good one.
What is Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch?
Ummmm…To explain it simply, Berry Acres Pumpkin Patchis fall in Minot. There are pumpkins (obviously) but there is much more. Berry Acres offers pumpkins and gourds of all kinds. From the traditional jack-o-lantern variety to heirlooms and giants that will make your front stoop the talk of the block.
Besides pumpkins (and other fresh farmers’ market goodies like jellies) the property is jam packed with activities. And every year it seems to grow with great ideas and additions. With admission you can enjoy a
corn maze
pedal carts
zip line tracks
hay bales for climbing with slides
tire mountain (and more slides)
the corn box (like a sand box, but filled with dried corn)
giant chess and checkers
swings
For a small extra fee you can:
play mini golf
ride the kiddy train
take a hay ride
go on a paint ball wagon ride
shoot the pumpkin cannon
play laser tag
see animals at the petting zoo
chip golf balls toward Birdie Island
When I say small fee–I do mean small. The prices are so reasonable. **Take note, additional activities may only be available on certain dates. Check their Facebook page for full details.**
Our Day At Berry Acres
Every year we live in Minot, an autumn trip to Berry Acres is a tradition. Each year brings a new theme (this year is Toy Story) and new activities. When we had no kids this was a really fun day to spend picking pumpkins, wandering the corn maze and taking in all the fun. Now that we’re parents, it’s even more fun because we can share it with our little.
We headed over after church and a quick lunch. Before nap, we climbed hay bales, explored slides, felt all the unique pumpkins, rode on swings and pet the baby animals in the petting zoo.
It was so much fun (and Sunday is our rest day), we decided to come back after nap time was over. During our second trip out we revisited Gideon’s favorites: the tire mountain, hay bales and slides. Then we did zip tracks, the corn maze and picked three perfect pumpkins to take home.
This was an idyllic autumn day. This is wonderful tradition to start with your family.
Where is Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch?
Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch is easy to find. It’s off of County Road 15 W. Just west of town. You can access it from the 83 Bypass, or follow 4th Ave NW out of town (4th turns into CR 15 W). Here’s the map.
Country Road 15 W is a beautiful road full of fall color at this time of year. Berry Acres is easy to spot, but you need to look for a sign you might not expect. The roadside sign does not say “Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch.” It says “Green Thumb Greenhouse.” When you see the sign, you’re at the right place.
More Minot Fun
For more Minot fun be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram where I share inspiration for intentional living and positivity about Minot everyday. In my stories I share a weekly roundup of fun things happening in town each every Monday and a look at life in Minot everyday. And remember to check out BeLOCAL to find even more local favorites and seasonal events.
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLCOAL Minot. Their publication is a guide to living like a local and a great resource for acclimating to life in Minot. Today we are talking all about things to do in Minot in the fall. Enjoy the list.
The heat wave has broken. Nights are getting cooler. Acorns are falling like very dangerous rain. Fall in Practically Canada is nearly here.
Now, you know I love summer in North Dakota. And fall is close behind. Daytime temps are mild (even warm through September), nights are chilly. It’s adorable how when the thermometer drops to 30˚ we all act like we’re in the arctic (even though we know when the thermometer gets to 30˚ in February or March we’ll be acting like it’s beach weather.) The air is crisp and clean. Cozy flavors and activities crawl upon us and remind us that every season is good for its own reasons.
Here are five things to do in Minot this fall. There are lots of great things coming our way in the next season (COVID may affect some), but here are a couple of my favorites.
1. Berry Acres
Berry Acres is at the top of the list for good reason. It’s a local favorite when it comes to things to do in Minot this fall. They’ve got a HUGE variety of pumpkins for purchase. Everything from your traditional carving pumpkins to heirloom varieties. Additionally, they sell mums, gourds and farmers’ market goods (like fresh produce, jams, etc.)
But Berry Acres isn’t just a pumpkin patch. They offer all kinds of activities for the family: A corn maze, hay rides, obstacle courses, pumpkin launching. It’s truly one of my favorite fall traditions (with or without little ones in tow.)
At Angelic Gardens you can pick your own fall produce. In their orchard apples, pears and plums abound. In the garden you can pick your own gourds, squash and pumpkins and choose from traditional or heirloom varieties.
Annually they host a fun, fall-kick off celebration. Family activities, picking, and all around autumn merriment will be had.
In the spring and fall the City of Minot offers “Clean Up Days.” I like to think of these as magic trash days. On these days the city offers residents an opportunity to easily dispose of large, unwanted items and hazardous items at no cost. Everything goes to the curb. It’s the perfect time to clear out your house and make room for fun, indoor winter activities.
For all the details about your pick up date and how it works, see FAQ here.
(Also, if you’re into dumpster diving or otherwise picking at “curb alerts” this is a great time to literally make someone else’s trash your treasure.)
4. Walking Weather
Summer is great for enjoying the parks, but fall offers even more idyllic walking weather. It’s a great time to take longer walks, enjoy the changing colors and enjoy the fact that mosquitoes are finally going away.
Fall brings the return of the Minot Flea Market. The flea market only costs $1 to enter (vendor costs are reasonable too) and offers a huge, indoor market selling everything from canned and baked goods to antiques to plants. It’s held indoors at the Fair Grounds, so this is a great weekend activity, even if weather is crummy. Check their page for dates and details.
PRO TIP: On Flea Market weekends, there are often estate auctions happening down the hall. Be sure to check those out too!
6. Lutefisk and Meatballs
Fall ushers in Lutefisk and Meatball season in Practically Canada. You’ll start seeing signs around town for Lutefisk and Meatball fundraisers and dinners. (Usually at churches.)
If you are a transplant to Minot and an adventurous eater, you should definitely try this old-fashioned, Scandinavian fare. (More on what Lutefisk is here.)
7. Downtown Trick or Treat Trail
I love Halloween and I especially love small-town Halloween events. Each year Downtown Minot opens up for a PreSchool trick or treat trail. Trick or treaters stop in at downtown businesses to pick up treats. It’s good clean fun, I mean…who doesn’t love to see littles in costume?
(No announcement has been made as to how COVID 19 will affect the Trick or Treat Trail. Watch the Visit Minot events page or the Downtown Minot page for details.)
8. Craft/Vintage Fairs + City Wide Rummage Sale
One of my favorite things to do in Minot in the fall is browse the craft, vintage and rummage sales that take place. Keep your eyes out for listings, but here are a couple happening.
Harvest Moon Festival (autumn inspired goods from local makers, collectors and junkers.)
Minot has adorable, local coffee shops. Fall is my favorite time to grab a hot drink with the season’s flavors and take one of those walks we mentioned earlier. Don’t limit yourself to a basic Starbucks PSL. Get out, support local and try something more unique.
Okay, so Practically Canada will never be Vermont. (Or Brown County, IN). In Minot the trees change, and it’s beautiful. However, it can be nice to get out into open spaces and see the season in all it’s glory. The ND Tourism site has a map and links to great places to see fall colors. Only in Your State also provides a good map with photos and location descriptions.
More Minot Life and Fun
Join me here each week for more spotlights on Minot life, and join me on Facebook and Instagram for daily looks at life in Minot. You’ll see what my day-to-day looks like and join a community that aims to live intentionally and see the good wherever they are. And to stay up to day on what’s going on in town, be sure to watch my weekly roundup of events each Monday evening on Instagram Stories.
For even more on living like a local check out BeLOCAL and their listings for seasonal events. They are a great, comprehensive guide to thriving in Minot.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted. And I’m hoping to come to you with a big fat explanation of all the adventures that have been taking place here. Let’s just say it has involved dead bats, a new house, endless woodwork to refinish, contractors, and sliding to the door Risky Business style {fully clothed, of course} to answer the door when I thought it was Derek…only to find it was a new neighbor {who I’m pretty sure thought I was 15.} It’s been one awkward adventure after another.
But in the midst of the arrival of boxes and furniture, unpacking, and shifting furniture around to refinish fabulous hardwood floors…I was inspired by the lovely folks at Arhaus to put together a post about fall decor ideas. Now…you know I’m a fan of total transparency, so I’m going to be honest. My house is currently decorated with polyurethane cans, rags and step ladders. However, my family is coming from far and wide {Indiana and Wisconsin} to spend Thanksgiving with me, and I’ll be a monkey’s uncle before I let my house go decor-bare for one of my favorite occasions. So this year, more than any before, I’m relying on my easiest, quickest, most trusty fall decor methods to turn my middle-of-a-remodel abode into something more guest appropriate.
For fall and Thanksgiving {much like the other holidays} I like to decorate with things I have on hand or things that are easily accessible and shiftable after the season is over. Therefore, the five items I’m going to showcase today are all things I have around my house that I like to bring front and center in the fall. Let’s go.
Image via the Pendleton site. Click to go to source.
1. Wool Blankets. I love wool. It’s a problem. And it’s growing as I age. I love wool blankets and wish I was rich so I could buy every single one in the Filson, Pendleton and Woolrich catalogs. I consider them a good investment, since wool never goes out of style and will last lifetimes if properly cared for. {I like to tell Derek I’m buying heirlooms…} As soon as cooler weather starts to hit and leaves change, these puppies come out of hibernation. I fling them over an arm chair, stack them on a trunk or end table for easy access, and layer them up on beds. They don’t have to match, they don’t have to be perfect. Just the fuzzy, warm texture is enough to bring a sense of fall into your living room. And since they can be pricey, but do last a lifetime–keep your eye on online markets {like eBay}, estate sales and auctions, and flea markets to score wool blankets for a fraction of the catalog cost. Bonus, if you come across some that are damaged you can scoop them up and repurpose them into pillow covers for you couch throws.
2. Natural Elements. I love that fall starts out with a big burst of color. Then things start to fade out and we are surrounded by an awesome neutral pallet. For this reason, I’m into using natural elements and textures to decorate for this season. It’s calming to have a house full of low-key tones after the brightness of summer and the colorful pops that come with the Christmas season. Really anything that let’s you bring a piece of the season indoors is fine by me. A few of my favorites. include wood discs, golden paper leaves, burlap of all kinds, birch wrapped candles {not pictured above}, feathers of all sorts and leaves straight from the tree. Use these items to make wreaths, fill vases and mason jars, and accent any other arrangement you might be working on.
Originally from Good Housekeeping, image found on Everything Fabulous. Click image to be taken to their site.
3. Silver and Pewter. Something about silver and pewter just sings about fall to me. While I think it’s a little drab for summer, these items come front and center in the fall. Something about them reminds me of spooky Halloween stories, rustic pilgrim meals, and medieval feasts. Group weathered silver items together on an end table or as a center piece. Fill them up with leaves, feathers, mums, or nuts. If you are shopping, suggest looking for things that are a bit imperfect, have a matte or pewter finish, and are not cheap-chincy chrome. One of the best features of these items is that they are a perfect backdrop for nuetral-fall elements, then transition seamlessly to Christmas by filling them with lights, glittery ornaments and evergreen branches.
4. Vintage Books. Fall ushers in a time of early sunsets and long evenings spent indoors. I like to hearken back to a time before Netflix, when our grandparents and great grandparents spent evenings entertaining themselves with books. Reading stories aloud to one another, using the energy of their imagination to generate the images. In my house, it’s mostly board games and movies after dark {at 5:30 or so}…but I like to give a nod to this old tradition by stacking up my favorite classics on end tables. Or using them as pedestals for my favorite pewter pitcher.
Image via Divine Dinner Party. Click image to visit their site.
5. Nuts. Nuts get a category all their own–even though maybe they are a natural element. Transparency: I’ve had these nuts for years. We own a nut cracker. Each year I get a few fresh nuts for cracking. Each year, more get added to my “decor” nut box. Nuts are a conversation piece…because no one really knows how to crack them any more. Kids are hilarious when they try to break in. And they can give your Thanksgiving guests something to do while they wait for the turkey…without getting overly snacky. You can spray paint them gold. You can fill jars in all sizes for a centerpiece. You can put them out in a pretty bowl on the end table. You can add them to wreaths. You can buy them dirt cheap. Pick up a few from the grocery store, set them out for all to see–and just that easy…you’ve decorated for fall.
I want to extend a BIG THANKS to Arhaus for featuring this post and these ideas on their site! Be sure to check them out and see what’s inspiring them this fall. They have super pretty furniture and lots of inspiring decor–I’m flattered to be included. {Disclaimer…Arhaus has in no way paid or compensated me for this post or these compliments.}
The is the Oase family. When we booked their session months ago–I never in my wildest dreams thought we’d have an evening so beautiful, so late in October. I figured it was a gamble at best. I figured we’d be fighting a biting wind and flurries. But, happily–I was wrong.
Despite the date, the weather behaved beautifully. In my few years in Practically Canada, I’ve never seen a nicer fall. It’s really been ideal. Perfect for a good crop of fall family photos. So while our evening together was a little chilly…our biggest challenge came from getting this adorable little one to crack a smile! And that’s a challenge I’ll happily accept. {But let’s face it…with cheeks like those even a perfectly neutral face is simply sublime. Isn’t she precious?!}
Lucky for me they came equipped. Between wagon rides and tosses in the air and kisses from her puppy–eventually we caught some really adorable images. See?
I’m so glad I was able to get to know this sweet crowd. Thank you for choosing me to capture the art of these precious moments!
It’s been quite a senior season. I’ve been so busy shooting these fabulous, young, ambitious faces I’ve hardly looked at anything else. Okay–so that’s not true at all–but the crop of 2016 seniors has been my biggest yet. But, alas…all good things come to an end, and up here in Practically Canada, the senior season ends with the yearbook deadline: October 30.
So. It’s official. Austin is the very last senior of the year. And, let me tell you, this was a great session to go out on. I shoot a lot of photos for girls {which I love}, but I do enjoy having a chance to photograph guy senior photos as well. Especially fall guy senior photos. Especially when it involves crazy cool buildings, fall colors and a dreamy sun set. {But the wind was almost a little much for us…} Anyway–without any more chit chat, here is Austin: Class of 2016.
Oh. Wait. Just one more thing. I think this kid looks like a Disney prince. Am I right? Look at that Flynn Rider smoulder. Seriously, he’s adorable. And by adorable…I obviously mean manly-handsome. *Awkward cough* I don’t really know how to compliment guys. I mostly work with girls and babies.
We were working with a very chilly North Dakota breeze on the night of his session. I was comfortable in a sweater and scarf, but my fingers were stiff and frozen on the camera. I can only image how cold it felt to Austin, who has recently been imported to Minot from the exotic land of Alabama.
There were the usual bouts of waiting for “the breeze to pass,” followed by a crazed effort to get a few images before the next gust. When I move away to a less windy location I think my sessions will be drastically shorter without all the wind-intermissions. It’s just another quirk of this crazy place–and I actually like it, because while we wait we get to chat…and let’s be honest–getting to know my clients is my favorite part of any shoot.
Here’s my favorite thing about Austin and his mom: They were both talking about how beautiful the North Dakota landscape is. I totally agree!
I hear so many complainers who yap and yap about how ugly it is here, how boring it is, how they hate the weather and the landscape and the lack of trees. It was utterly refreshing to be with people who looked around at the rolling hills and said, “This is so pretty. Back home all our hills are covered in trees–so we never get to really see the hills and the landscape. It’s beautiful here.”
Amen!
Beautiful is right. The wind was calmer out of town. The light was perfect and creamy. The grass looked golden in the setting sunlight. The hills are on fire with fall color. It is beautiful.
I’m so grateful to Austin for hanging out with me and choosing me to take his senior photos! You’ll get your drive tomorrow–in plenty of time for the yearbook deadline. Have an amazing senior year–and welcome to Practically Canada.
Everybody…say “Hi,” to Lilly. We shot her fall senior photos just over a week ago. For those of you in Practically Canada, it was the same day as the Norsk Hostfest–cold, chilly, ending in icy rain. We almost cancelled. Almost. The rain held off until the end of the shoot, and even then we powered through for “Just one more shot…” {I think that’s a lie all photographers tell at one point or another.}
But honestly, with golden fall colors leaking out of every nook and cranny in the landscape and a senior who is as fun and adorable as Lilly–why wouldn’t we press on? I had so much fun getting to know this one who–at the beginning of her session told me she’d never had her photo taken before, not professionally. It was absolutely lovely to spend time with her, her mother and sister. Between takes she may have been wrapped up in a blanket, but these are some of the warm-fuzziest fall images I’ve taken to date.
I get asked all the time, “What kind of clothes should I wear to my session?” If you are wondering that…book mark this page. Lilly totally nailed it in the wardrobe department. From the vintage pieces her sister told me she picked up in Kansas City {so cool!} to the Target boots they, “Just picked up on the way to the session,” her look is perfect for senior picture day–especially for fall senior photos. Classy, modest, in style without being overly trendy, enough accessories to look special but not over done–and most of all she looked comfortable and natural. I love it!
After these photos in the red blazer {I want this outfit so badly} the weather started to take a turn. Little drops of rain began to fall, the wind picked up and it got colder. The way this gal could control her face and look so beautiful with wind-blown hair and ice cold hands–it floored me. I’m so glad we went out to the country and got these shots–despite the weather. I love the look of the wind in her skirt and how you can see some rain drops on the fabric. It’s all very magaziney.
I think she was glad to put on a cozy flannel shirt after those photos!
Congratulations to Lilly on her senior year! Thanks for choosing me to capture this special season in your life!
I really hope you had a happy Thanksgiving. I know I did. This year I have so much to be thankful for…which, I guess, is true every year, but this time around I’ve been acutely aware of all I have and just how blessed I am. I’m walking {mostly pain free}, I just got the o-k to start jogging, work is good, I’m crazy about Derek {nothing has changed in that department}, the family is healthy, and Mom and Dad were able to make the trip up to Practically Canada for the third time to celebrate with us.
That’s just a few. My list could go for ages. I’m sure yours could too. And that’s a good thing.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Maybe because it happens on my own turf. We don’t travel, usually Mom and Dad come up to us. There’s much less stress, I get to make lots of food, I sleep in my own bed, and it’s an occasion that calls for board gaming while the food coma is wearing off. I love it. I also love that my Minot bestie, Katie and her husband Sean usually join us too.
This year, I went a totally different route with lots of things. Different brine, different turkey, different pie, different stuffing. I was nervous. But let me tell you…this is the best turkey {and pie} I’ve ever made. Here’s the secret. Start by reading this article from Alton Brown {my culinary hero.} I used his brine recipe, and lots of his handy tips. And–I learned the science behind cooking a turkey.
Next, while shooting a newborn session for the Rockwells {remember the maternity session}, Sarah’s father asked if I’d ever heard of “spatchcocking” a turkey. Nope. And, no, I’m not making that word up. It’s kind of weird…but it makes lots of sense. You cut the back bone out, then roast the turkey on a cookie sheet. Laying it out flat let’s all the meat cook faster and more evenly. To let you know just how fast…I cooked up a 14lb bird in about 80 minutes! Martha explains the technique really well. Just be sure to put some water in the pan and set the bird up on a bed of onions so the juices don’t burn up!
I rubbed the turkey down with compound butter. What’s that? It’s a treasure in butter form. Try this recipe from Alton Brown. Or this one from Miss Information Blog.
Now, pie. I make a killer apple pie. Someday I’ll give you the recipe for that. But in the mean time–let me show you this gorgeous recipe I used from Southern Living. A little time consuming, but entirely worth the effort.
I should have taken better food photos. But alas–I was too eager to eat. So, I only have these crummy Instagram shots. My bad.
Perhaps one of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions is whipping out the big, fancy camera {which we usually have set upon the tripod for the timered shot of everyone at the table} for some after-dinner photos. I’ve told you all the details and all the foody stuff. Now, I’ll force some random photos on you, that {hopefully} invite you right into my living room, into our holiday.
{I’ve just got to say…I’m the absolute weirdest in photos. Why am I holding my cup like that? Why??}
I’ve been sitting at my computer for 20 minutes now. I’ve typed up nearly a dozen intro paragraphs for this post and all of them seem to fall flat. They’ve been deleted and retyped over and over and over. Why so many rewrites? Well, the thing is, the family you see before your eyes was such a pleasure to work with, their children so darling, so witty, the photos so pretty…I just can’t come up with a hook for this post that describes that to you sufficiently.
So I’ll say this: This is the Sorensen family. I was nervous when mom, Nichelle {yes, I love that name too!} told me they had five kids ranging in age from 12 to only a few months old. But as soon as the crew unloaded from the car for their family portrait session, my worries melted away at seeing these lovely strawberry-blonde kiddos. I love the personality in this family. It’s diverse and intoxicating. Everyone had great attitudes {even the littlest of the bunch} despite the chilly air–there was a mad dash for jackets between shots–and the notorious North Dakota wind. I had such a great time with this gang and I am just so very pleased that they picked me to capture the art of this moment together.
My experience has shown me that among siblings {especially in large families} there is usually one that really likes to be photographed. This, is that child for the Sorensens. And if you look at the other photos, I think it shows. I’m a fan of all kids–but there is a special place in my heart for fellow posers like myself. {As a child I was the kid who loved getting photos taken, and I hated being told how to pose–I had plenty of ideas on that myself!}
They say pictures are worth a thousand words. I’m not sure about a full thousand. But I can attest to the fact that every photo has a story. I don’t share them all, but I will share this–because it is irresistibly cute. I snapped lots of photos of the family on this day. Lots and lots were taken in an attempt to try and get a “natural smile” on this little one’s face. She was the coldest of them all. So it took a little coaxing to get her to sit and smile with the rest of the family.
At one point she asked for a treat after they were done. She has awesome parents, who said, of course she could have a treat. Then they asked her what she’d like. What did she think they should get as a reward for smiling pretty?
A piece of gum. Just one. Adorable. Kids crack me up. Their minds are so candid. I think it’s very endearing. She smiled very pretty, and I hope she got that piece of gum she was so excited about.
This was a seriously fun group to work with. I hope you love your photos as much as I do. And I really hope there’s one worthy of the wall or a Christmas card in here. Your flash drive is on the way!
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