Summer Plans

In addition to my grad class, and Nick's classes, and planning our wedding, and my full-time job.... I want to go berry-picking! The best thing about living in Oregon was the bounty of the summer harvest time. Now in my new home, I am intent to learn the spots in Minnesota for berries, apples, and other food for preserving!

I've heard of some great places for u-picking:
Natura Farms (highly recommended!)
Berry Hill
Collegeville Orchards (we visited there last fall!)

	Strawberries: Minnesota strawberry season generally begins in early to mid June in southern and central Minnesota. Northern Minnesota usually starts picking strawberries 2 weeks after southern Minnesota. The length of the season varies from year to year depending on the weather conditions but usually lasts at least 2 full weeks, sometimes closer to 4 weeks.
	Blueberries: Blueberry season begins toward the end of strawberry season. In southern Minnesota blueberries are usually ready around the July 4 holiday. As with strawberries, northern Minnesota is usually starting their blueberry season 2 weeks after southern Minnesota begins. Blueberry season usually lasts at least 3 full weeks depending on the variety and weather conditions.
	Raspberries: The start of Minnesota raspberry season usually falls between the start of strawberry season and blueberry season. In addition to summer raspberries, many farms offer fall raspberries.

And, just like Japan, it seems that the upper-midwest is blessed with lots of small town festivals. We loved the local traditions of Japanese festivals, like in Biei and our town of Furano. Here are some food festivals I'm looking forward to this coming year:

MayDay Parade, Heart of the Beast, Minneapolis, 5/3

Morel mushrooms, Muscoda, WI, 5/16-17

Beer, Minneapolis, 5/30

Strawberries, Waupaca, WI, 6/19-21

Rhubarb, Lanesboro, Minn. 6/6 (N's birthday!)

Wild Rice, Deer River, MN, 7/10-12

Raspberries, Hopkins, MN 7/10-19

Pie, Grand Rapids, MN 7/18

Blueberries, Lake George, MN 7/25-27 (T's birthday!)

Corn, Plainview, MN, 8/14-16

Peppers, North Hudson, WI 8/14-16

Craft beer, St. Paul, 9/12!!!!!