Explore Alexandria

Fall Fun Days for October Break / MEA

by

SCHOOL IS OUT October 17-20 for Fall Break / MEA !! Bring the entire family to Alexandria for Fall Fun Days! You’ll find plenty of fall fun for everyone at Country Blossom Farm and Carlos Creek Winery/22 Northmen Brewery.

Country Blossom Farm

When school is out, it’s time to PLAY! Country Blossom Farm is THE place to be over MEA / October Break! A $10 Activity Band gets access to all of the fun attractions! Corn Maze, Jumping Pillow, Wagon Rides, Pedal Cars, Straw Mountain, Bazooka Ball, Pumpkin Patch, Bakery and much more! Shop the gift shop full of unique decor, have a savory hand pie for lunch and don’t forget a sweet treat from the bakery and a bag of fresh picked apples to take home!  Country Blossom Farm, Where Sweet Memories Bloom! Complete information at www.countryblossomfarm.com

Get lost in the 7 acre Corn Maze! Plus, a special Flashlight Corn Maze on Oct.18th!
The Corn Pit!
Zip around on the Pedal Car Track!
The Straw Mountain!
The Giant Jumping Pillow!
No autumn adventure is complete without picking out the perfect pumpkin!

 

Oktoberfest at Carlos Creek Winery / 22 Northmen Brewery

An outdoor, family-friendly German style Oktoberfest festival celebrating beer and the end of the apple harvest. Fun for the entire family! Catapult Demonstrations, Pie Eating Competitions, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Quilt Show & Auction, Food Vendors, unique Wine & Beer and much more! Complete information at www.carloscreekwinery.com

New in June of 2019, the 22 Northmen Brewery has a large selection of craft beer
Whose pumpkin will fly further? Find out at the pumpkin catapult!
Wagon rides and yard games add to the family fun!

Grape Stomp Festival

by

Come experience the Grape Stomp and Fall Festival held annually at Carlos Creek Winery! The three day festival, September 13-15, is packed with excitement including 18 bands on 4 stages, over 150 food, juried art and marketplace vendors, a man cave featuring 22 Northmen Brewing Co. beer, wine & beer tasting, and of course Grape Stomping!!

Each day has a special theme with costume and grape stomping competitions. Sunday is “Deal Day” with specials on wine and merchandise throughout the festival, and a Silent Auction that benefits “Let’s Go Fishing” and the Douglas County Food Shelf. FREE Shuttles run from the Douglas County Fairgrounds, Viking Plaza Mall and many Alexandria hotels, plus there’s plenty of on-site parking. See below for the full schedule and details!

Full details can be found at www.ccwgrapestomp.com 

 

 

Must-Do Fall Fun in the Alexandria Lakes Area

by

Autumn is a much-adored season for many reasons…cool nights around a campfire, pumpkin patches, cozy sweatshirts, and of course the beautiful vibrant colors of foliage during a Minnesota fall. Couple all that with some fun activities and special events, and you have the recipe of a perfect Autumn Getaway! Here is a list of some activities and events not-to-miss in the Alexandria Lakes Area this fall. So grab your pumpkin latte and hit the road!

1. Fall Colors

You can’t let the autumn season pass you by without enjoying fall colors. To help you find some of the best areas, we have an entire article for the Fall Color Hotspots in the Alexandria Lakes Area! You can find the Fall Color Hotspots HERE.

Lake Carlos State Park Fall Colors. Photo by James Feist
Dazzling color display at Lake Carlos State Park! Photo : James Feist

 

Runestone Park Hike. Photo by James Feist
Hiking on a perfect autumn day at Kensington Runestone Park. Photo : James Feist

10% Off Golf & Cart for Visitors!

by

Visitors staying at our lodging properties can receive 10% Off Golf & Cart at participating Golf Courses! Discount card will be administered by the lodging properties in association with your stay. You may mention your desire to obtain the discount card at booking, upon check in or at any time during your stay.

Find list of participating lodging properties HERE , and participating Golf Courses listed on ChainofLinks.com

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Offer valid at participating Chain of Links Golf Courses only. Discount applies to green fees and cart only. Taxes and additional fees may apply. Please mention the Chain of Links discount card at time of booking tee time. Must present and surrender discount card at time of green fee/cart payment. Participating Chain of Links Golf Courses reserve the right to not honor discount based on circumstances such as available tee times, special events or other special circumstances (mention discount card & confirm upon booking tee time). Not valid on special event and/or tournament registration. One card per person per course. Expires one week after issue date. Discount card must be filled out and authorized by lodging property to be valid.  Customers may be required to present booking confirmation/lodging receipt at time of redemption. Offer valid only with accompanying stay/lodging at one of the lodging properties listed on ExploreAlex.com/dt_hotels . Number of valid discount cards issued for multiple guests per lodging booking is based on actual approved room occupancy. Maximum available number of discount cards per person per lodging booking is based on max number of different Chain of Links Golf Courses consumer plays for the duration of lodging stay. Discount is non-transferable and void if copied. Excludes all other goods and services. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Other exclusions may apply. No cash value.

Share Your 4th of July Photos and WIN!

by

There is endless fun in the Alexandria Lakes Area over the 4th of July holiday, from the Star Storm fireworks show to all the summer lake fun! Explore Alexandria wants to see your great photos, so we are giving away gift certificates for area businesses! All you have to do is share your pictures using the hashtag #ExploreAlex for chances to win!

How to Enter the Contest:

  1. Share your photos on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #ExploreAlex (must be public posts) OR
  2. Share your photos on Facebook and tag @ExploreAlexMN , or post to our Explore Alexandria MN page (must be public posts)

Numerous winners will be randomly drawn on July 5th for gift certificates in the Alexandria Lakes Area! Prizes include gift certificates to Lake Darling Resort, Scandinavian Gift Shop, Mary Becker AVON, Glenwood State Bank (Visa Gift Cards!), Past and Present Home Gallery , Holiday Inn, Willy T’s Tavern & Grill, Elden’s Fresh Foods , Spirit Cove Lodge Bed & Breakfast , Lake Miltona Golf Club and more to be announced soon!

Official Contest Rules on Next Page

Let’s RIDE! Alexandria Area Snowmobile Trails are OPEN!

by

The Alexandria Lakes Area is full of snow! The entire 360-mile system of Douglas County’s snowmobile trails are OPEN! Get your sled going and get ready to ride! Douglas Area Trails Association is busy consistently grooming the trails for good riding. For the most up-to-date trail conditions and openings, check HERE.

For lodging options, many on or near the trail, click HERE.

No sled? No problem! Snowmobile rentals are available on the trail at the Snow Center at Arrowwood Resort, 320-762-1124

Goin’ to the Lake : Alexandria!

by

WCCO’s Pat Kessler & Esme Murphy visited Alexandria for their Goin’ to the Lake segments! Lots of unique Alexandria attractions were visited, and they also tried a few things for the first time including stand up paddleboarding and being in a radio theatre play. See the segments below as they visited Spirit Cove Lodge Bed & Breakfast, Hangloose MN at Lake Carlos Marina, Lakes Area Radio Theatre, Legacy of the Lakes Museum and Bugaboo Bay!

SPIRIT COVE LODGE

STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING

LEGACY OF THE LAKES MUSEUM

LAKES AREA RADIO THEATRE

Alexandria Area Snowmobile Trails are OPEN!

by

The Alexandria Lakes Area received numerous inches of snow that got many miles of Douglas County’s snowmobile trails OPEN! Get your sled going and get ready to ride! Douglas Area Trails Association groomed the Central Lakes Trail and is readying other stretches of the over 360-mile trail system. For the most up-to-date trail conditions and openings, check here.

 

For Valentine’s Day : Give the Gift of a Romantic Getaway!

by

Love is in the air! It’s that time of year again to remind the ones we love how much they mean to us. Flowers and candy are safe bets, but the gift of memories on a romantic getaway to Alexandria is always a winner! There are plenty of great lodging options from comfy hotels to unique resorts and bed & breakfasts to spice up the romance, and there’s plenty of things to do to stay busy. More information below on how we can help, lodging specials and a list of ideas for a fun romantic getaway in Alexandria.

Here’s how Explore Alexandria Tourism can help you with your gift:

  • First decide that you are going to give the gift of a getaway to the Alexandria Lakes Area (good choice!)
  • Contact our office either by email info@explorealex.com or call 320-763-0102
  • Let us help by providing you with the goods to give to the gift receiver ….. and we will also give you all the materials you will need to plan your getaway! The items will include a high quality 8.5X11 printout to give (below), plus some other trinkets and swag.
  • Contact us soon and let’s talk about the fun! To ensure we get your materials in the mail in time, please contact us at least 4 days before you need the items.

Need some ideas for your getaway? Consider the following:

Carlos Creek Winery

On top being a great place to visit generally, Carlos Creek Winery also has special events and options for you and your sweetie! Full details on all these events can be found HERE

ZOMBIE LOVE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER! This show and dinner has it all! High drama! Comedy! A love story! …and Zombies, of course! Make reservations for either February 10th or February 17th.

 WINE & DINE YOUR VALENTINE! Enjoy beautifully paired wine and food courses in an intimate setting with the people you love! Make reservations for this February 14th 4-course meal event.

CHEESE, CHOCOLATE & WINE PAIRING! Featuring a special Valentine’s Wine, Dessert & Cheese pairing for only $35! No reservations needed. Available February 17-18th.

SPARKLING SUNDAYS! Enjoy an unlimited buffet of donuts, muffins, fresh fruit, Mimosas, Pointsettias (Cranberry Juice + Minnescato) and weekly special mimosas all for just $10. Available every Sunday this month.

Ice Skating at Noonan Park

Take a leisurely glide on the ice at Noonan Park! Warming house on site and ice skate rentals are available at Cowing Robards.

Shop Unique in Downtown

Downtown

Everyone knows one key to the heart…shopping! Take a couple’s stroll through dozens and dozens of unique shops in Downtown Alexandria. She will love it!

Visit the Copper Trail Brewery

copper-trail-glass

After a long 70 year wait, brewing is back in Alexandria! Visit Copper Trail Brewing for a taste of their locally-brewed beers. Also part of Alexandria’s Craft Beverage Trail … the Skal Crawl!

Tour the Whiskey Distillery

whiskey

Visit Panther Distillery for tours of the facility as well as a fun gift shop. Also part of Alexandria’s Craft Beverage Trail … the Skal Crawl!

Outdoor Adventure

lake-carlos-winter-snowshoe-2016

The Alexandria area has dozens of parks, trails and hundreds of lakes for outdoor winter fun. Visit our Winter Guide for ideas and listings of great parks and trails.

Couples Spa Treatment

Immerse yourselves in deep relaxation for your mind and body. Darling Reflections Spa has dozens of options from Couples Massage, Hot Stone Treatments, Detox, Body Scrubs, Foot Treatments, Masks and more! See their full options HERE

Couples Paint & Sip

paint sip

Create a work of art together! Art Bar 39 will be hosting special couples wine & paint events. Staff will be on hand to teach you everything you need to create two pieces of art to hang together. Various events February 10-24th, visit their website for more information.

Candlelight Hike/Ski/Snowshoe

Come enjoy a romantic evening in Lake Carlos State Park by candlelight! Hit the trails, where you will be guided by the full moon and candle luminaries. Then warm up by the wood stove or enjoy snacks and refreshments in the Lakeview Warming Shelter. February 24th. More details HERE

Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra Concert

Take in the beautiful sounds of the orchestra as they perform favorites from the theatre. February 10th at 7pm and February 11th at 2pm.

Beer & Wine Tasting

Taste test a variety of wines, spirits and Minnesota themed beers and appetizers. Raffle and games will take place at the event for a chance to win prizes! February 16th, more details HERE

Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing

blog winter andes stitch

Andes Tower Hills has endless fun for everyone, regardless of your experience level. Lessons and rentals available on site, and there is always good snow with their snow making machines regardless of the season’s snowfall totals. Also, get your second day free with their 2 for 1 Weekend Special…more info on the 2 for 1 HERE

Special Lodging Offers:

Spirit Cove Lodge Bed & Breakfast offers a Simply Romantic! escape for couples with a quiet, relaxing ambiance for enjoying an amorous moment together. Valentine’s 2018 special: Complimentary bottle of wine with your stay. Valid February 9th through February 17th. Reservations required. Mention ExploreAlex Romantic Getaway promotion.

Take your darling to the shores of…Lake Darling! Arrowwood Resort has a variety of accommodations from guest rooms, suites, townhomes and cottages. You’ll find plenty to do with all the on-site amenities which includes Darling Reflections Spa, Lake Cafe Restaurant, Rafters Bar, Big Splash Waterpark and more! February Couples Package includes: Overnight accommodations, couples massage, chocolate covered fruit and champagne! Rates start at $189 per night.