Last week the hubs and I spent some quality time soaking up all that is The Great Minnesota Get-Together. This is seriously one of my favorite things to do, and it probably always will be. As a child, I remember piling into my grandparents’ motorhome and making the trip from Cotton Lake to those wonderful fairgrounds. We’d move between buildings and booths toting the armfuls of free goodie bags we picked up along the way. My sister and I would stare in awe at the butter sculpture of Princess Kay of the Milky Way and then we’d walk a little further to the 4H buildings to see Minnesota’s biggest pig. To a wide-eyed, small-town kiddo it was MAGIC. And, if I’m being honest it still is. If you haven’t made it out to the Minnesota State Fair yet, do it! And splurge on a little cotton candy and maybe a spin on the Ferris wheel.
If you’re in need of some ideas about what to see and do, check out my top 5 list below (and check out a few cute photos from my maternity session with Omega and Brandon, while you’re at it):
#5. Anything on a Stick
If you go to the Minnesota State Fair and don’t get at least SOMETHING on a stick, you’re totally missing out! Whether it’s a pronto pup or a deep-fried candy bar, the Fair is the one place where it’s totally acceptable for all your food for the day to be served on a stick.
#4 Live Shows
There’s always tons of great free live entertainment at the fair, so when you feel yourself starting to get tired, take a break from walking and enjoy a show at no cost! Don’t forget to grab a pronto pup and a drink before you sit down!
#3 Farm Animals & Pets
You absolutely cannot go to the Minnesota State Fair and skip out on the farm animals. I don’t care how big and tough you are, EVERYONE can appreciate a cute piglet or a Shetland pony. When you visit one of the barns, you can walk through rows and rows of sheep, goats, pigs, horses and cows. Also, if you’re like me and obsess over the miniature version of your fave animals, make sure you find the dwarf goats, babydoll sheep and (of course) the Shetland ponies (RIP lil’ Sebastian). If you follow me on Instagram, you also know that I love doggos (like a lot). At the pet pavilions, you can check out all kinds of fun exhibits featuring dogs and other cute pets!
#2 The Skyglider
I prefer this option to the enclosed Skyride, but either one will give you a birds’ eye view of the fair. You’re sore feet will appreciate the break, and if you’re not much for crowds you’ll even get a little bit of breathing room before descending into the chaos again. Bonus points when you get to ride the Skyglider with your sweetheart because I personally think it’s super romantic!
#1 Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar (and the milk stand)
Don’t even think about skipping out on Sweet Martha’s when you hit the fair. I can’t even begin to tell you how much you will regret it (speaking from experience). When you hit up Sweet Martha’s you can get an ooey-gooey bucketful (or cup) of fresh, warm chocolate chip cookies. THERE IS NOTHING BETTER. Don’t forget to grab a glass of ice cold milk at the Milk Stand nearby.
So there’s my top 5, what are your favorite attractions?
with love, Emily
