“Cathycation” Week Four: Minnesota State Fair, The Food, The Shopping and The Fun

Do you feel like you haven't had time away?  Well, the summer isn't over yet!  In fact, the best is yet to come, when you visit the MN State Fair.  Make a week-end of it with the help of the Eagan Convention and Visitor's Bureau and their "Pick Your Package" options.

Experience everything that the MN State Fair has to offer, one day just isn't enough time to see it ALL!  And the food!

We walked through the gates of the State Fair saying "what to eat?  what to eat?  what to eat?"  We immediately went to the Food Building, passing the foot long hot dog, cotton candy and salad on a stick.  In the Food Building, I wandered aimlessly, drooling over garlic chicken gyros, spaghetti on a stick, every kind of wrap imaginable, honey flavored ice cream, you name it!  As you can see, I ended up with a healthy option, a Veggie Pie, which is a yummy crust, slathered with a cream cheese mixture, then topped with crunchy, fresh carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and black olives.  My husband, Homie is a man of routine and got his usual corn dog, saturated in mustard.  Of course, everyone goes home with a BIG bucket of cookies!

We needed the food for energy to SHOP!  From several levels of Grandstand shopping, to the International Market, you can literally find jewelry, clothing, shoes, appliances, furniture and toys.  Outside you'll find the bigger items, cars, trucks, hot tubs, tractors, even golf carts and patio furniture.

One of my favorite shopping experiences at the State Fair is in the International Market Place.  You can learn so much about different cultures and pick up items, most hand-made, while you're there.  We grabbed a beer and walked until the cowboy hats caught our eye.

After shopping, we hit the barn!  Horses, sheep, cows, goats and PIGS!  I  Love the pigs, swines and sows!!!  I was starting to get tired with all the excitement and walking, but this little piglet seemed more tired than I.  He actually fell asleep on his front elbows and snout!! *COLISEUM SHOWS*

Isn't he cute?  Feel asleep on his snout with his butt in the air!  LOL!!!!  We did get a second wind (not of the pig barn), we scored enough energy to hit the Midway.  You CAN'T go to a fair without riding a few (or a lot) of rides!  The MN State Fair has a smaller version of the Midway for the younger folk, otherwise, any level of thrill seeker will be accommodated from the tame Tilt-a-Whirl, to the OMG Sling Shot, that makes my knees shake just to watch!

Of course there is LOTS of musical entertainment for all likes in the Grandstand-check out the line-up!

So, what are you waiting for?  Plan that mini-vacation with the help of the Eagan Convention and Visitor's Bureau, and be on your way to making family memories at the MN State Fair.

Eagan is just waiting for you:  If you want to win your own Cathycation that includes:  a Two-night stay at Eagan’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, (4) complimentary Nickelodeon Universe Unlimited Ride Wristbands for the Mall of America,  and dining certificates to the fabulous Granite City Restaurant…..click here for the details! Be sure to tell your friends about the chance to win a Cathycation with the Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau and check in next Tuesday for information about another great Eagan attraction and another shot at getting your name in the drawing….good luck and happy travels!

Sponsored By The Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau