Known for its picturesque beauty, Lakeville, Minnesota, has long been a destination for enjoying an abundance of outdoor activities. With fall’s tapestry of brilliantly changing colors dotted with scenic lakes and parks, it is an outdoor adventurer’s dream come true.   

Whether hitting the links, peddling around the lakes, casting a line, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the open air, Lakeville presents opportunities for every nature-lover.  

Adventures Await   https://visitlakeville.org/blog/

Family adventurers and sports enthusiasts enjoy loads of recreational activities on the lakes and swimming beaches, parks and picnic areas, as well as greenways and trails. For a truly adventurous outing, try hurling axes or challenge your friends to a paintball fight.  

Home to 120 paved miles of bike and pedestrian trails, there are unlimited possibilities for your next outdoor adventure. Whether cruising for cardio or out for a relaxing ride, you can experience Lakeville on their extensive trail system. For the thrill-seekers, the West Lake Marion Park Mountain Bike Trail offers five miles of off-road awesomeness. Biking enthusiasts helped design the trail’s multiple switchbacks, berms and rollers. If meandering is more your style, enjoy the six-mile loop in Ritter Farm Park’s 340 acres of natural prairie grasses and woodlands, or stroll Juno Trail walkway for panoramic views of Lake Marion. Fido can roam free on five acres of doggy goodness at Ritter Farm’s Dog Park.  

The grass is always greener in Lakeville. With a dozen options, there’s no shortage of beautiful public golf courses!  Whether you consider yourself a champion player, an occasional golfer, or a mini-golf fan, you’ll find hundreds of fairways within a 15-mile radius. 

Families love fall’s memorable experiences here in Lakeville. Harvest season activities include apple picking, trips to pumpkin patches, hayrides and corn mazes. In addition, attend the farmers markets and orchards to pick up honey, jams, maple syrup, caramel apples and yummy baked goods.

Festival Goers   https://visitlakeville.org/things-to-do/

Lakeville will soon be alive with festivals. Held in late August, the Taste of Lakeville is a celebration of the senses. This annual event offers adults the opportunity to sample, taste, sip and devour local culinary treats, wine and spirits while enjoying live entertainment.   

Are the arts and culture more your thing? Scheduled for the third weekend of September, the annual Lakeville Arts Festival boasts 100 juried artists showcasing paintings, jewelry, ceramics, glass, sculpture and photography. Located on the park-like grounds of the Lakeville Area Arts Center, attendees enjoy fine art, food, drink, live music, demonstrations and the ArtWalk.

Palate Pleasers    https://visitlakeville.org/eat-drink/

Home to 90 area restaurants, 30 independently owned, you will find plenty of delectable food choices to satisfy every palate. So, what sounds good – a juicy burger, fresh farm-to-table entree, gourmet steak, savory seafood, or spicy ethnic cuisine?  For your insatiable sweet tooth try an ice cream bubble waffle cone creation, gluten-free goody or gourmet cupcake. With so many eateries around town, there is a place to fill all your foodie cravings. 

With a blend of the small-town atmosphere and modern-day amenities, Lakeville’s walkable historic downtown is bustling with unique businesses, breweries, entertainment, arts, and outdoor patio eateries to enjoy the crisp Autumn air! If nightlife is more your scene, attend a foot-tapping outdoor gathering or intimate indoor music event that occur nearly every weekend.  

Getting Here  

As the southern gateway to the Twin Cities, Lakeville is conveniently located at Interstate 35, just 13 miles south of the world-famous Mall of America and MSP International Airport. With six hotels and an abundance of activities, Lakeville offers more vacation for your money!     

VisitLakeville.org to start planning your next adventure. 

The post Fall for Lakeville Minnesota   appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Calling all artist and art lovers – downtown Pontiac will quickly become your new happy place! Pontiac has over 25 large, colorful, outdoor murals created by a talented group of artists known as the Walldogs. Simply follow the red footprints from mural to mural for a walking tour with nostalgic charm! Our collection of miniature art cars is scattered around the downtown sidewalks – each one created by a local artist or art group – great for photo opps! The Pontiac Community Art Center is a studio, teaching space, gallery, and retail sales outlet for locally produced works.  Pontiac is also home to The Museum of Gilding Arts.  Created by the International Society of Gilders, the museum focuses on the history, craft and art of using precious metal in design and decor.  

With a name like Pontiac, of course we love cars! You’ll also love and appreciate our one-of-a-kind museum:  The Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center.  With classic Oaklands and cool Pontiacs, this museum is the only museum dedicated to just these two automobile brands.  The museum is also home to one of the largest collections of oil cans and antique road maps around.  

History Buff? We’ve got you covered! The Pontiac Museum Complex houses a variety of exhibits and displays: 

The Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum offers a collection of images, artifacts, and stories about the nation’s most famous road – Route 66. Memorabilia related to the iconic Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire including his school bus home ‘The Road Yacht’, VW Microbus, and a gallery of his artwork.  

The Livingston County War Museum is staffed entirely by volunteer veterans. This museum pays tribute to the men and women from Livingston County who served in the nation’s military since World War I.  

Ron Selle and Darlene Agner have beautifully curated fascinating exhibits that delve into the history of three transformative time periods in our nation’s history:   

The Life in the 1940s – Featuring four rooms, completely furnished with furniture and toys of the era. Be sure to stop into the “Stage Door Canteen” to enjoy some vintage1940s music.   

The Life on the Titanic - This exhibit portrays the life and times of the ship, its passengers, and the elegant Edwardian Age. The items on display are contemporaries of those that sank on the famed ship as well as items from the rescue ship. 

The Music of the Civil War – Learn about the music that was popular during the Antebellum period, the war itself, and Reconstruction Era. There are framed original editions of sheet music with recordings as well as displays of antique musical instruments and soldier artifacts.   

Most famously, the city has many connections to our nation’s 16^th President, Abraham Lincoln. Follow the Looking for Lincoln Story Trail and learn more about this important historical figure and his connection to Pontiac. Located on the south lawn of the Historic Courthouse is a life-size commemorative statue of Honest Abe himself – another great selfie spot awaits! 

To learn more about Pontiac, head online to visitpontiac.org or call the Pontiac Tourism office at (815) 844-5847.  

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