Thousands of smells fill your nose. Everyone shoves their way through the sea of people. You wonder where to even begin. This is what the Minnesota State Fair is like. I am not a State Fair savant by any means, but I have my fair share of fair experiences, so here is my personal list of what to hit.
1.) Australian Battered Potatoes
These are so much better than baked potatoes! Australian Battered potatoes are made in a doughy batter and covered in your choice of toppings. I prefer the cheese topping, but you could also choose ranch dressing, sour cream, or chili sauce. They come on a plate or in a bucket and are perfect for sharing. If you need a break from the sweets, stop here.
2.) Dole Whip
This is a more recent discovery. For those Disney fans out there, you may remember eating it at Disneyland. It is at the State Fair, too! Dole Whip is made out of blended pineapple, so it is lactose free. You can even get it mixed with raspberry to make it more flavorful. This is a tart and refreshing treat that's perfect for a long day of walking in the heat.
3.) Turkey Sandwich
You may think this is worth skipping, but the turkey sandwich booth by the DNR station is seriously the most amazing turkey sandwich ever. It is so juicy that you have to hold it in aluminum foil while you eat it. The bun gets so saturated from the juices that it gets soft and even tastier at the last bite. My family likes to stop here for our one "real" meal of the day at the Fair.
4.) Kermit's Key Lime Pie on a Stick
This one is my all-time favorite. Fresh key lime pie is dipped in a hardened dark chocolate to make the perfect combo. Also, you don't have to wait in a long line because the vendor just pulls each slice out of the freezer, and you can be on your merry way. Don't pass up this pie.
5.) The Horticulture building
You may be tilting your head in skepticism at this one, but just hear me out. First of all, there are gorgeous floral arrangements that will leave you in awe. The picture above is just one of the many dresses made out of flowers and placed in an elaborate setting with a matching theme. Also, the Horticulture Building has awesome food too! There are pastries called Apple rollovers that have a light, flaky crust and a fresh, gooey apple filling. Imagine a Pillsbury Toaster Strudel but even better.
6.) Jacobs Lefse
Any true Minnesotan needs lefse in his or her life. I mistakenly chose to get the lefse in the food building. It was good, but after going to Jacobs Lefse, there was no comparison. Jacobs Lefse, which is located between the Creative Center and the Education Building, has some of the best lefse I have ever tasted. It is so light and fluffy that it just melts in your mouth.
7.) Sweet Martha's Cookies
This one is just a State Fair classic that you have to hit. each cookie is so melty that you will definitely need a wet wipe afterwards. You may also need to go to the milk booth to wash down the cookies.
8.) The International Bazaar
The Bazaar is such a fun place to explore. I felt like a kid in a candy store racing from one shop to the next. There are vendors with merchandise from all over the world. From funky Scandinavian hats to beautiful dresses from Bolivia, the Bazaar has a little bit of everything for the traveler in all of us.
9.) Shakes from the Dairy Barn
Another classic treat at the Fair, is a milkshake from the Dairy Barn. Fresh, creamy ice cream is blended up with either chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla flavoring. My favorite is the chocolate shake, but you cannot go wrong with any flavor.
10.) Fresh, Oven-Baked Brownies
Okay, I have not had these, but I have always wanted to try them. A relative of mine, who has many years of State Fair experience, has told me that these brownies are served warm, which makes them all the more delicious. so try one out next time, and tell me what you think!
