Wright Far Western Suburbs - Monticello, MN

Since the 1850s, the Wright County area has been a farming region, and to this day, traditional family farms as well as larger corporate corn fields dominate the area's landscape and economy. German and Swedish immigrants settled the region, and their descendants dominate the local population. Growth has been slow and steady here, which has enabled historic towns like Delano and Buffalo to retain their original downtowns and other significant old buildings. Today those districts create a sense of identity for the communities and draw visitors seeking authentic small town experiences. Filmmaker Sam Raimi did just that, selecting Delano as the set for many scenes in his film "A Simple Plan."

Arts and entertainment in this region emanates from area schools, which generate sports, music and theater experiences. Nearly all of these small towns and cities has a summer festival and Monticello even has a winter festival, Frostbite Days.

Casual dining rules across Wright County. That may mean a cozy diner with hand-cut home fries, a bar that serves great burgers, pizza made with a top-secret family recipe or an ethnic eatery with recipes from the old country. Each town has its own highlights.

In Delano, the Peppermint Twist Drive In takes diners back to the 1950s, when cool cars parked and ordered burgers, milkshakes and hot salty fries from a cute, uniformed server and then waited for her — or him — to bring the food to the car. This regional favorite, open only in the summer, specializes in raspberry shakes and favorite fried treats like onion rings, corn dogs and chicken sandwiches.

In Albertville, shoppers at the outlet mall can drive a couple minutes across the highway for one of the more unusual eateries in the state, if not the galaxy. Space Aliens Grill & Bar serves a contemporary American bistro menu in an extraterrestrial themed room. Dark rooms with starry twinkle lights, a large arcade and big, squishy booths make this a decidedly family-friendly destination, but a full bar and renowned BBQ ribs satisfy adult tastes too. A very tall alien, or possibly a human in costume, silently wanders the dining areas, watching through enormous eyes as diners put away burgers, pizzas and fries.

Wright County's county seat, located smack in the middle of this region, offers the largest variety of dining options. Hayes' Public House brings the craft beer boom out to the boonies. The beer selection favors Irish-style ales and lagers in a jovial atmosphere that centers strictly on the beers, without the distraction of food, but diners are welcome to bring in their own victuals. Loaf & Ladle specializes in comforting, homemade soups and freshly baked bread. The menu changes daily at this original, lunch-only spot. A block away from scenic Buffalo Lake, the Mill Creek Inn serves a big selection of burgers, sandwiches, pastas and entrees. On Friday and Saturday nights, a huge King Cut steak is available until it runs out. This family-oriented eatery has a kids' menu and wholesome vibe but the adults party next door in the cocktail lounge or summer drinks patio. This is a hopping happy hour destination because of its 25-cent chicken wings.

In Annandale, the area's rural origins are on display on the wall in the form of antique farm implements. The menu would satisfy a hungry harvesting crew too. BBQ ribs, broasted chicken, steak and cheese curds are tasty and filling. The area has fine dining, too, at Cafe Jule's. This contemporary bistro and coffe and wine bar resides in a historic brick building that has housed a school, library, jail, art gallery and family before it became a kitchen. With an extensive wine menu and candlelit dining room, Jule's exudes charm and romance without pretension. The menu changes daily, built around seasonal ingredients, and features creative twists on traditional dishes, such as a BLT with avocado at lunch and roasted meats and vegetables glazed with herb butter.

Cars are essential in this area. While the historic downtowns are pedestrian-friendly, it's difficult to get beyond walkable or bikeable boundaries without a car, and most of these towns and cities are islands in a sea of agriculture. It's not uncommon for residential neighborhoods to be 10 miles from the nearest amenities, and regular public transportation simply doesn't exist within these communities. An exception, Monticello offers the Monti Shuttle, a call-based taxi shuttle that must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Rides cost $2.

Two major highways, 12 and 55, and Interstate 94, run from downtown Minneapolis through Wright County. Just north of I-94, the Northstar Corridor commuter rail line runs from Minenapolis to St. Cloud, and many Wright County commuters rely on this fast track to city jobs. A monthly pass costs $70.

Recreational biking trails exist at a few regional parks, notably at the Stanley Eddy Memorial Park Reserve. Road biking in this region can be quite beautiful, as the Crow River Valley features interesting topography and gravel country roads, but bike commuting isn't widespread here.

Much of Wright County is dotted with lakes, and residents love fishing, paddling and waterskiing — sometimes right alongside herds of cattle wetting their hooves — in these watery playgrounds. Regional parks throughout the county serve residents with year-round recreational opportunities. Canoists find the scenic Crow River offers a peaceful paddle through marsh areas and farming areas.

Designated equine trails and campgrounds at Robert Ney Memorial Park Reserve in Maple Lake and Eddy in Annandale serve the area's considerable number of horse lovers. People can run at these parks too, or cross-country ski, snowshoe, swim, paddle and picnic.

Lake Maria State Park protects one of the last stands of "Big Woods," a vast forest that once covered the upper Midwest, and the setting of one of Laura Ingalls Wilder's children's books. Hiking, camping, skiing, backpacking and horseback riding through this hardwood forest give a glimpse of life in the days before settlers converted these woods into fields.

Many people choose Wright County for its lower cost of living. A bigger house or a bigger lot can be had for the same price a typical Twin Cities home costs, and small acreages and even farms can be found in this area. A one-bedroom apartment costs around $600 a month. Gas prices are about 8% less than the national average. Groceries are competitively priced, especially as several of these places count big box retailers as their only grocery option. A typical beer costs $3 to $5 dollars.

The Albertville Premium Outlets mall attracts shoppers from Wright County and far beyond to its 100 national brand outlet stores. This mall, along with the nearby Cabela's sporting goods store, are such huge attractions that two limousine services run special luxury shopping tours from the cities and around the malls strips. Walking from one end to the other is a lengthy exercise, after all. Shoppers seeking something a little more unique should head to Buffalo, which is known for its antique stores and fun little shops and boutiques. Several thrift shops, a bead shop, an independent book store, yarn and craft shops, and numerous original little gift shops cluster together in the town's charming original brick downtown. Visitors can easily make a day of strolling the streets and popping into appealing shops. The Buffalo Nickel Antique Mall is a mainstay of the scene, with furniture and vintage novelties packed into a decommissioned barn. The Foxe Fyre Gallery showcases local artists and craftspeople. A Wreath of Franklin features interior design materials, including textiles and upholstery, lighting and artwork, as well as ladies clothing. It's easy to know where your food comes from in an area with an agricultural base, and several Wright County farms invite the public to shop for fresh produce. Apple farms, such as Apple Jack Orchards in Delano, which also runs a country gift shop and deli, and Wood's Edge Orchard in Monticello, become fall family destinations. In Delano, the crafty vinters at Woodland Hill Vineyard have figured out how to grow grapes in the land of winter, and hosts wine tasting events throughout the year. Many cities in Wright County sponsor summer farmer's markets, and the rest of the year, Cub Foods and Coborn's stores, as well as big boxes, offer a full line of groceries.