As I’m grammatically corrected on this newsletter, I find myself asking, why is it called a, ‘fair’? It seems, ‘fair’, comes from the Latin word, ‘feria’, meaning holy day…
So brilliantly on point. A trip to the Minnesota State Fair is a holy day indeed.
Recommendations:
A trip to the fair is best done on an empty stomach with a morning focused on hydration. Prepare your palate to taste the best and worst the midwest has to offer. There’s something for everyone. All eating preferences are welcome.
Time to laundry list some of the best food, drinks, and activities I've enjoyed at the fair. For Minnesotans who don’t see their favorite stop on the list, relax.
Park and ride from a nearby suburb - don’t bother driving and paying for parking. Feel the excitement before, and the food coma after.
Peterson’s Pork Chops (on a stick) - Located near the primary entrance. Start your journey with a high protein snack.
Fresh French Fries - Immediately follow the chop with some crispy, juicy french fries for the group.
Haunted House - in August? Yeah, if the kids can handle it, you can too.
Cheese Curds in the Food building - I can hear our arteries begging for mercy. It’s okay, it’s one day of the year. The Mouth Trap provides the best curds at the fair located in the food building. Yes, we are a simple people.
Lynn’s Lefse - A Scandinavian staple. Pretty much a potato tortilla buttered and sprinkled with sugar. Tasty and dangerous.
Dairy Barn Ice Cream - Fresh and creamy. The perfect midday pick me up.
Dairy Barn Butter Queen Sculpture - It’s real. The queen of dairy has her likeness carved into butter every year at the fair. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the sculpture artist in action.
Skyglider- The name says it all. Glide through the sky on a pseudo-ski lift across the fair. A great angle to people watch and choose your next stop.
Corn Roast - Best corn on the cob dipped in butter I’ve ever had. Worth the line.
Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar - A fairgoers favorite. The cookie bucket is a great way to wind down the day. It’s overflowing - make sure to become a cookie monster until you can get a lid on your bucket and get it home safely. If you like milk, pair these cookies with All You Can Drink Milk nearby. Great way to start your winter bulk.
4-H building - My Mom made me add this. A farmer's favorite.
Giant Slide - Grab a rug and slide down one of the fair’s staples!
Fireworks- If you're able to withstand a food coma, fireworks begin nightly between 10-11pm after the grandstand show. I rarely withstand the coma.
Dissuasions:
The desire to try every single item that is deep fried. This is a rookie move that will ruin your dining experience before it begins. Keep moving. Keep hydrating. And most importantly, keep eating the recommendations above.
Song Rec:
Me and My Kind - Cody Johnson
Good track to accompany your trip to the fair. An older country tune I’ve been enjoying.
Podcast Rec:
Rich Roll Podcast: Eat Like a Legend: Chef Dan Churchill On Fueling Your Body For Peak Performance
This is a great listen and great podcast in general. I recommend both. Click on subscribe.
Newsletter Rec:
All credit to Tim Ferris for this recommendation from his newsletter.
Check out Mark Manson’s, “The Most Important Question of Your Life” for life advice all of us can heed.