Here in Minnesota, there's no shortage of great places to visit when you just have to have your sugar fix. Minnesota's Largest Candy Store is filled to the brim with sweet treats, as are the many other candy stores, bakeries, and ice cream parlors. But there's one small-town chocolate shop that takes the cake when it comes to putting your sugar craving to rest. This sweet spot draws visitors for its incredible chocolate and its adorable charm. Take a look:
St. Croix Chocolate Co. is a small-town chocolate shop located in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota. You'll find it at 261 Parker Street, Marine on St. Croix, 55407.
The Best Apple Cider Donuts in Minnesota Come From This Orchard-Based Food Truck
Discover the best apple cider donuts in Minnesota at North Star Donuts, located at the Arboretum AppleHouse in Victoria. Enjoy hot, apple cider mini donuts and explore local attractions.
There are many wonderful things about fall in Minnesota, and one of my personal favorites is the abundance of fresh apples. Although I don't always love to pick them myself, I do really like to visit an orchard in the autumn and take advantage of the season's bounty. Well... if I'm being totally honest, the apples may be a bit of a pretext, because I always seem to choose a place that also happens to sell apple cider donuts. And over the years, I've sampled many of those tiny tori of delight. And, if you ask me, some of the best apple cider donuts in Minnesota come from North Star Donuts - a food truck that specializes in apple-y treats.
From late August through the end of October, you'll find one of North Star Donuts' two trucks at the Arboretum AppleHouse in Victoria, MN, across from the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. AppleHouse is the retail outlet where the public can pick up pecks of fruit from the university's orchards. Since it began its apple breeding program more than a century ago, the university has released 29 varieties. Its most famous creation is, of course, the beloved Honeycrisp - and the AppleHouse proudly proclaims itself the "Home of the Honeycrisp."
I do love a Honeycrisp, but on my visit to the AppleHouse, I had other sweet things on my mind: the apple cider mini donuts from North Star Donuts. Served hot and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, these little morsels have just the right balance of crispy outside and pillowy inside, making for a perfect, apple-y bite.
North Star Donuts is an apple-cider-donut specialty truck. Sold by the dozen, they are the only variety of donut that North Star offers at this location. And given the proprietors' backgrounds as orchard owners, they don't need any other kind. The friendly folks running the truck will even sell you some hot or frozen cider to wash down their little delights.
From the end August through October, you can get North Star Donuts at the Arboretum AppleHouse Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you're jonesing for apple cider donuts outside of apple season - or you're not in the southwest Metro during September or October - just check out North Star's Facebook page to find out where they'll be.
On the other hand, why not make a weekend of it? Stay at this affordable, modern Airbnb in Chanhassen, and you're mere minutes from Paisley Park, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Lake Ann Park, and perhaps most importantly, North Star Donuts at the Arboretum AppleHouse.
Have you tried the apple cider donuts from North Star Donuts? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to clue us in on where to find some other awesome apple cider donuts.
Folks flock to the charming town of Alexandria, Minnesota, for many reasons. It's surrounded by shimmering lakes, and thus, in the heart of cabin country. Anglers, boaters, paddlers, and people just looking to kick up their feet by the water can all find ample reason to visit this Douglas County town. Then there's the, um... history. A massive statue of a Viking - Ole the Viking, to be precise - holds a shield proclaiming that Alexandria is the "Birthplace of America." This bold assertion, perhaps a little tongue in cheek, was made, because the infamous Kensington Runestone was found nearby, and a museum dedicated to the runestone is currently located in Alexandria. Proponents of the runestone's authenticity, which has been a matter of debate since it was found, assert that the tablet proves Vikings visited this part of North America prior to any other Europeans. Others simply call the runestone a hoax. Regardless of where folks come down on the runestone debate, though, one thing that they almost certainly agree on is Roers Bakery in Alexandria, MN is most definitely a reason to make a trip to town. It has been a staple of the community for decades, and with its history and artisan baked goods, it's certain to keep going strong for many more to come.
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The Roers family have owned and operated their popular west-central Minnesota bakery for more than a quarter of a century.
But there's been a bakery on this Alexandria corner for nearly 140 years. Perhaps the history of the building has something to do with it - and certainly the Roers' skills - but this family bakery in Minnesota serves up some of the most mouthwatering sweets and truly artisanal breads you will ever try.
The retail side of the bakery is warm and inviting, the aromas of fresh baked goods almost intoxicating.
For example, the bakery crafts delicate rosettes around Christmas time. And gooey, layered baklava - not an easy thing to make - is an occasional special.
Another thing you'll find is a wide selection of breads and artisanal creations.
The bakery's artistry doesn't end with bread: You can also order custom cakes and specialty items from Roers, as well.
The bakery occasionally partners with other businesses in the community to produce inspired creations. For example, it has used spent grain from Copper Trail Brewing Co., a local brewery, to make its artisanal spent grain bread. Learn more about Roers Bakery in Alexandria, MN, including its retail hours and what's baking on the shop's Facebook page.
We think Alexandria is a wonderful destination for a weekend getaway. You'll find plenty of things to do and places to explore - apart from the inside of Roers Family Bakery - on a visit to this charming and historic town. Check Hotels.com for great deals on area lodging.
Have you tried Roers Family Bakery? Tell us about your favorite items in the comments!
