We drove to Out Back Nursery from Red Wing, as this is the closest all-native plant nursery…read morelocation for us. I had spent hours ahead of time scouting out their website to create a shopping list of plants that I wanted, and I'm glad that I did, as I otherwise would have been overwhelmed by the sheer variety that they offered. I wanted to make sure that I was buying plants that were deer and rabbit resistant. I found that they had in stock about 95% of the plants that I wanted, which pleased me greatly. We were asked several times if we needed help, but no one was pushy about it. When it was time to check out, when the gentleman found out I was there because I had a Lawns 2 Legumes grant, he printed out a second receipt that included my personal information as well, making proof of purchase all the more blatant when it comes time for me to submit my grant packet. I've now had the plants in the ground for a few weeks, and everything is doing well--no doubt, the sheer amount of rain that we've had as helped! I'm excited for some of the plants to start blooming soon. I'd go to Out Back again if I was making another large purchase of native plants.

I have been purchasing native trees from Out Back Nursery for several years. An amazing selection…read moreof native trees, shrubs and plants. Good value and nice to work with. It is a fun place to visit.

I visited this farmers' market last Saturday on a friend's recommendation. It has all the…read moreingredients I love - it is small, perhaps 40 vendors at the most, mostly Hmong. The market is in a parking lot with plenty of left-over space for parking. It focuses exclusively on fresh vegetables, herbs and some flowers. The enormous variety of greens I found here left me dizzy. For the first time in the USA, I found red amaranth greens!! And then, jute greens - yes, they are delicious stir-fried with garlic. There were gorgeous squash blossoms as well as tender squash greens. There were several greens that were new for me and the vendors, many of them women, suggested how to cook them. I got a huge bouquet of zinnias for $5, and big fat bundles of basil, cilantro, dill, each for a dollar. The market also had more common produce like cucumber, green beans, zucchini, spring onions, new potatoes, etc. I am definitely driving across town to this farmers' market - can't wait for Saturday to arrive.

Not to be all sassy but I feel like this farmer's market is nothing compared to the Minneapolis…read moreFarmer's Market...it's pretty small and does not have as nice of a selection of fresh produce. Most of the vendors sell the exact same items for the same price so there's not really an advantage to walking around and browsing. The market itself is located in the parking lot of a strip mall so you can just assume anytime you go there on the weekends the lot is going to be a huge cluster. Prices range from $1-$10 for items and it really is limited to fruits, vegetables, and maybe some flowers depending on the season. If you are looking to spend a couple hours browsing for unique breeds of fresh produce, flowers, hot food vendors, or gourmet/artisan items...THIS MARKET IS NOT FOR YOU. If you happened to forget to pick up some carrots or lettuce from the grocery store in the strip mall as you are walking out to your car, this market might be a better fit. I would say if you don't live in the frog town area, it's just not worth the stress of University Avenue and pedestrian traffic for the trip out here.

This small family-owned tree and garden center epitomizes the value of good customer service. They…read moreeven have Christmas trees in the late fall. If they don't have what you're looking for, they'll order it. I had them order a few hard to find trees/shrubs for me a few years ago. They arrived quickly, the prices were very good, and the plantings have thrived. Very knowledgeable owners and they will readily share helpful advice, if needed. Really appreciate having this business so nearby.

Whistling Well Farm was the perfect spot for a laid-back fall outing! I organized a trip there with…read moresome colleagues, and it ended up being such an easy, low-stakes way to spend time together outside of work. There was plenty of space to roam through the orchard, chat, and enjoy the beautiful scenery without feeling crowded. The apple picking was great--we had no trouble finding plenty of apples--and I also loved that the farm is both dog-friendly and kid-friendly, making it a fun destination for all kinds of groups. They even had live music while we were there, which added to the relaxed, festive atmosphere. Before heading out, we stopped by the little farm store and picked up some local goodies like jams and cider. It's those extra touches that make the experience feel special. The only minor downside was that the pumpkin patch was a little sparse when we visited, but the orchard and overall atmosphere more than made up for it. Whether you're planning a family day, a casual date, or a group outing with friends or coworkers, Whistling Well Farm is definitely worth a visit!

Simple. Keep this word in mind as you travel to Whistling Well Farm. If you are seeking out a state…read morefair experience or something with loud and boisterous events, this is not it. Contrary it's every reason why we enjoyed it. Highlights include: dog friendly, nice parking, friendly staff, proficient store with basic items such as honey, caramel, chocolate covered cherries, plush dog toys, coloring books, apples, etc. Outside you will find a pumpkin patch, goats and even a DJ with a dance floor. If you have kids, this is a great outing for the family. My group walked our dogs around the space, split come apple cider donuts and snapped a few pics by some of the fall decor. Notes: dogs are not allowed in the gift shop and there is a food stand that serves hot dogs, cider, chips and apple cider donuts. We did not see any alcohol onsite.

I LOVE this farmers market. Absolutely my favorite! The vendors are wonderful, friendly, just great…read morepeople! I especially love the food trucks! The taco truck has the best Mexican food I've ever enjoyed! If you happen to catch the mini donut truck, consider yourself blessed! Delicious, fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables, high quality crafts and specialty items, fresh baked Bavarian pretzels, bread, hand-made soaps, Irish bakery, knife sharpening, coffee, and lots of other goodies! They supply a porta-John, there is plenty of close parking, and it's pet-friendly. Typically 1-4 food trucks. Highly recommended checking it out!

I have been going here for years. I just wish they would stop trying to make it citified. We don't…read moreneed food trucks with donuts and retail stores. I prefer the smaller scaled down version that focuses on the produce and meats. You know farmer stuff!

Always get my strawberries from here!! call ahead if you can't pick your own always freshread more

It was our first time visiting this place and I liked it quite a bit…read more 1. Strawberry The whole point of coming here was to pick strawberry. When we arrived, which was the last day of their operation, we were told to go to a specific row to pick. The berries tasted good and there were enough of them. It is important to pick where they tell you to pick, as most rows have nothing left to pick. They know where one should pick and direct you. They aren't too big in size, not too sweet either. It is solid decent strawberry you will find here. 2. Location It is about 30 or so miles from twin cities, depending on your origin of travel point. It is quite straight forward drive and you can't miss it. Had no trouble finding the place. 3. Price It costs about $2.50-$3 and the box will cost you extra $0.50. So, you can bring your own basket. But I personally like what they have. 4. Bathroom They have 3 mobile toilets, so it is not a problem. You do want to bring your own hand sanitizer if possible. You will need it! It's a strawberry patch, has no building or a shop. So, if you need water, pack it, if you need food, pack it, also don't forget the hand sanitizer. Unlike some apple farms, it is not a business that has shop that carries stuff you need. You need to bring everything you may need. All in all, it is a good place to come to relax and just quietly pick strawberries yourself. It has no extra bells and whistles and services, it is straight up strawberry picking place as the name says.

I have a love/hate relationship with the Otis Family Farm, especially Bob Otis, owner/operator…read more I mean, I LOVE that the meat he sells comes from animals that he raised himself. From animals that have lived in humane conditions, eating only the most natural food, and can literally roam the land as they wish. When I first talked to him, I asked him what he fed his cows and his answer was, "Whatever they find growing out of the ground. It's cheaper that way, and I think they like it better, too." I also love that I can go to his stand at the St. Paul Farmers market and pick up a single steak or chicken breast or a pack of bratwurst whenever I want to. Or, if I'm willing to wait a couple of weeks (which I am), I can order a whole pig, butchered to my specifications. I can order whole cows (although he corrected me, telling me I wanted a STEER. Whatever.), lambs, and chickens, too! Happy animals become delicious meat and his meat is the best. Which brings me to what I HATE about it all... From the first ground beef patty on the grill to the thick and juicy pork chops to the whole roasted chickens we made from his animals, I have been completely ruined on everybody else's meat. His bacon? I used to LOVE bacon. But now, if it's not as thick, crisp, and tender and delicious as his bacon, I don't want it. If a steak doesn't literally melt in my mouth as his t-bone's are wont to do, then I'll just dump a bunch of steak sauce on it and try to wash it down with beer. And believe me - I love my steak. I've been to Ruth's Chris, Manny's, Murrays, Outback (yech), Steak and Ale (back in the day), and countless other steak houses. I've ordered them from Von Hansons, Widmers, and Byerly's. By far, the cheapest high quality steak that also COMPLETELY BEATS THE PANTS OFF ALL THE COMPETITION is the Porterhouse from Otis Family Farms. I think it's about $13/lb and the strip side will leave your tongue begging for more while the filet side will do its very best imitation of melting butter in your mouth. So yeah. Hate. Hatehatehate Bob and his farm. I hate his happy delicious animals. I hate his brown eggs with golden (and not pale yellow) yolks. I hate his succulent cuts of meat and his affordable prices. Know why? Because now I don't like other people's food. I just don't. And that means I have to eat at home. And that means doing dishes. I hate doing dishes. And it's all Bob's fault. Lastly. He isn't Certified Organic. His cows aren't Grass Fed. It costs too much and it takes too much time to be Certified Organic and they can't be Grass Fed if they also eat bugs and weeds in their grass. They're natural. They're normal. This is farming as it was meant to be - where the land sustains the farm and the farm sustains the land. This is what meat is SUPPOSED to taste like. Most of us have simply forgotten. Except Bob. He hasn't. And, for me, at least, he makes sure I never will.

As a resident of Lowertown St Paul, who frequents the farmer's market often, I'm surprised I…read morefinally just discovered the Otis Farm stall. If you want quality meats and eggs, this is where to get them. The eggs are equivalent, and maybe even better than the organic eggs you get at the local co-ops. Otis Farms is technically not organic, but that's more a matter of politics than a testament to the quality. It's still just as good as those with the funding to get themselves certified as organic. Second of all, the breadth of choices that Otis Farm offers when it comes to meat is staggering. Chest freezers full of beef, chicken, pork, and lamb, all separated by respective animal. Often times you have to dig to find what you need, because the choices are endless. Tequila lime chicken? Longaniza sausage? Yep, they're all down there, buried among 18 other cuts/varieties. And Bob, the purveyor, is a great guy. He always make an attempt to chat all the customers up and be friendly about the transaction, even though the farmer's market attracts some really picky/odd types at times. Prices are fair, considering that all the animals are raised humanely and processed by a local company that cares about quality. Next time you're at the farmer's market in St Paul, stop by and check out what the Otis Farm has to offer. You won't be disappointed. He takes credit cards too.

Winter Monthly Farmers' Markets are FUN! Visited the Bachman's on Lyndale for ready to eat food,…read moreedibles, homemade crafts, soaps, flowers and live music! You could even taste a beer from Town Hall Station Edina. Monthly at all Bachman's sites. Schedule online. Happy to get out of the house!

I wish I had enough money to get everything I want here. I LOVE this store…read more The staff is always super helpful, and I really appreciate that because I have a talent of making plants die unless I have really detailed instructions on how to prevent their untimely death. This store is slowly turning my wilting thumb into a green thumb. :)