We went back to the Carpenter Nature Center this weekend for their annual AppleFest. This place is really amazing. There are 700+ acres of land along the St. Croix for hiking, picnicking and showshoeing. There is no fee to wander their grounds. Their applefest was a blast.

We’ve been to other Orchards and this place is just so different. It’s not just about the apples, but it’s about the land and the animals and getting kids outside. There were all kinds of animals, including a Great Horned Owl, a Bald Eagle, a Hog-Nosed Snake, a whole lot of turtles and frogs and a bunny. There were also apples and squash and brats and hiking. We went on a hike and had a great picnic lunch while a volunteer told us about their resident amphibians.

So many cool things. I can’t wait to go back there to snowshoe! And while today it was 82 degrees I’m sure it will be snowing in a couple weeks. Seriously.