Hello!

Like many of you may be as well, Joe is out today for MEA so I'm happy to usher in the weekend and hit the highlights this week.

Fall is in full swing, and I know this because during a recent chat with a friend, I may have (too?) casually dropped the term “leaf peeping” and was immediately called out. In my defense, I am not a fan of those two words together, but I have accepted that that's we're calling the act of seeking out, or even just appreciating, a good fall foliage. I blame MPR. Anyway, now that it’s officially leaf peeping season, I wanted to share a running list I’ve kept over the years of great ways to enjoy the fall colors around downtown – check them below. 

I also want to call out the amazing work of the Friends of Mears Park (FOMP). They're hosting a community clean up event in Mears Park Sunday morning and would love extra hands. My recommendation – visit the Farmers' Market first for pumpkins and assorted gourds, then stop by Mears before getting brunch at Lost Fox, Saint Dinette, Erta Ale or Buttered Tin. We're so grateful for the leadership of FOMP and the Lowertown community. 

As always, keep reading for other events and more!

Have a great weekend,

Emma

Image: Kyle Swenson

Image: Dalton Scott Baglo

It's too easy to forget that you certainly don't need to head up north to see some amazing fall colors in Minnesota. From quick walks to day trips, some of the best leaf peeping views or all out adventures can be found right in downtown. This weekend looks like it will be just about perfect to get out and enjoy the season so here are some of my favorite ways to do so.

• Kellogg Mall Park - Not only do the trees in the the park shine as their leaves turn, but the views from the top of the bluff at the edge of downtown looking out on the river are second to none.

• City House - Open daily in a converted grain elevator near Upper Landing Park, City House has great food, great drinks and a sky high view above the trees of the river.

• Indian Mounds Regional Park - Just across the Kellogg Boulevard bridge lies one of the best views of downtown and the Mississippi, as well as an unbelievable spot to watch the sun set behind the skyline.

• Padelford River Boat tour - If you've never been, a Padelford tour is a great weekend activity any time of year, but taking a cruise from downtown to Fort Snelling and back with bluffs and trees on both sides is basically fall colors in surround sound.

• Amtrak train along the St. Croix - For as little as $9 you could hop on a train tomorrow morning from Union Depot and take it along the Mississippi and the St. Croix to Red Wing, Winona or La Crosse, spend the day exploring, and still be home in time for bed tomorrow night. I took it to Chicago three weeks ago (highly recommend) and can't imagine how great it must look now.

Here's a glance at what's happening downtown this week.

A full look at what's coming up can be found on our event calendar. Check it out!

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