Things to do: Pick apples and grapes

If you’re visiting Hastings and like either apples or wine, you’re in luck! Hastings is home to Alexis Bailly Vineyards and to numerous apple orchards.

The vineyard offers guests an opportunity for wine tastings and has grounds available for picnics.

The orchards are open primarily in the fall and most have more than just apples. Many have pumpkins, raspberries and strawberries.

Alexis Bailly Vineyards

The vineyard is located south of Hastings off Highway 61 and has been in operation since 1978. The vineyard has made waves recently with its newest wine, a port infused with, of all things, natural chocolate. A wine tasting is available.

From May to Thanksgiving, Alexis Bailly is open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m Friday through Sunday .

From Thanksgiving to Christmas, it is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Fridays and Saturdays.

Sundays in July and August the vineyard features jazz concerts from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Apple orchards

Apple orchards and other fruit gardens abound in the Hastings area, with several orchards in the St. Croix River Valley just to the north of the city in south Washington County. Many orchards offer pick-your-own or sell picked apples, as well as berries and pumpkins.

In mid-October every year, the orchards team up for the St. Croix River Valley Apple Fest.

Orchard locations

Afton Apple Orchard

14421 S. 90th St.

Hastings

651-436-8385

www.aftonapple.com

Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature

Center

12805 S. St. Croix Trail

Hastings

651-437-4359

www.carpenternaturecenter.org

Fischer Croix Farm Orchard

12971 S. St. Croix Trail

Hastings

651-437-7126

www.fischerscroixfarmorchard.com

McDougall’s Apple Junction

14325 S. 110th St.

Hastings

651-480-4701

www.apple-junction.com

Whistling Well Farm

8973 S. St. Croix Trail

Hastings

651-998-0301

www.whistlingwellfarm.com

Tags: community guide, things to do