Tree-lined highways, rich with golden poplar and brilliant red maples were breathtaking. Mile after mile, nature’s colors were a picture show. We agreed it was one of the best autumn drives either of us had ever experienced. Our destination was Eagle River’s annual cranberry festival—its 45th—an event that had long been on my bucket list.
It was everything cranberry and more, from recently harvested fresh cranberries and craisins sold in bulk, cranberry pastries of every variety, butter-rich cranberry brittle, cranberry beer and cranberry wine, jellies and preserves. We enjoyed the tasting tents, and yes, free samples led to sales. Vendors and their tents were packed into the Vilas County fairgrounds selling their homemade goods, clothing, paintings and other arts and crafts. Read crowded.
Eagle River’s downtown area with several streets blocked off was another whole craft fair experience, one we found more manageable. It was here that I bought 25 pounds (you read that right) of fresh cranberries and five pounds of infused craisins, some with raspberry, pomegranate, orange and even watermelon. I use craisins in my homemade granola and love using the different flavors.
The real highlight of our trip was visiting and touring Lake Nokomis Cranberry Farm, seeing the marshes and learning about growing and harvesting the berries. The farm is a third generation family farm and has more than 320 acres of beautiful, rich fields of these luscious berries. It’s a fun place to visit, again with samples, free tours, entertainment, food and a gift shop (aah, yes).
Did you know that each cranberry contains four “air pockets”—which is why they float when farmers flood the bogs to harvest them. The air pockets also make raw cranberries bounce when they are dropped on a hard surface—a good indicator of whether they are fresh.
So many new things to discover and learn about in the autumn 🍂 of our years. Nature never disappoints.
Thanks for reading my cranberry musings today.
