Experience Rochester 2023-24

ROCHESTER experience

DELICIOUS DINING A WORLD OF CHOICES

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL TASTES

ADVENTURE IN EVERY SEASON

TIPS AND TRICKS TO GET AROUND

NORTH M AYO C L I N I C A R E A BY W YNDHA M

• Free shuttle to Mayo Clinic & St. Mary’s hospital

• Free continental breakfast with wa es

• Free wireless high-speed internet

• Free fridges in all rooms

• Free local and long distance calls (in the continental US)

• Fitness center

• Business center

• Guest laundry

• Suites feature single sleeper sofa & breakfast bar with cabinets

• Flat screen TVs with HBO

• Handicap accessible rooms

• Earn Wyndham Rewards points

• In all suites: microwave, refrigerator, co ee maker, hair dryer, iron & board

• Free wireless high-speed internet

• Free local calls & voicemail

• Business center

• Copy/fax service

• Relaxing lobby overlooking pond

• Free shuttle to Mayo Clinic & St. Mary’s hospital

• Complimentary hot breakfast bar

• Free newspaper

• Fitness center

• Indoor heated pool & hot tub

• Guest laundry facility

• Handicap accessible rooms

100% Smoke FREE Hotel

New 100% Smoke FREE Hotel

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Rochester, Minnesota City of Care

IN OUR COMMUNITY, caring for people is a foundational value that starts with Mayo Clinic and permeates every aspect of life in Rochester. It is a thread woven into the very fabric of our community.

When you visit Rochester, rest assured you are in caring hands. From the front desk clerk at a hotel, to our downtown Ambassadors, to the ride-share driver on your way home, our hospitality community cares deeply that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you are in our care for a couple days or a couple weeks, Rochester offers many great amenities for all ages.

What often surprises visitors to Rochester is its international population, which is reflected in our arts, culture, music, and a budding culinary scene that has grown significantly in recent years, with several homegrown restaurants adding to the city’s vibrancy.

Our “City of Care” has a heart for hospitality. We invite you to make it your home as well. Welcome to Rochester, Minnesota.

DEPARTMENTS

SINCERELY, Joe Ward, President Experience Rochester

ON THE COVER

PHOTO BY Paul Vincent courtesy Explore Minnesota

EXPERIENCE ROCHESTER PRODUCTION TEAM

PRESIDENT Joe Ward

VP OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Bill Von Bank

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Erin O’Brien

30 Civic Center Drive SE, Suite 200 Rochester, MN 55904 info@minnesotasrochester.com

800-634-8277

@ExperienceRochesterMN @ExperienceRoch @ExperienceRochesterMN /@ExperienceRochesterMN @experiencerochestermn #experiencerochestermn

welcome

A Letter from the Mayor

TO EXPERIENCE ROCHESTER MEANS meandering our walkable downtown. Everything from interesting boutiques, great dining, and arts and culture is only a few blocks away. It also means exploring our almost 100-mile trail system. To learn about how Rochester became the city it is today, I recommend a visit to the beautiful Mayowood Mansion, the home of one of Mayo Clinic’s founders, and taking a ride on our historic trolley tour around downtown.

Rochester is a growing city and maintains its high ranking on Livability.com’s list of “Top 100 Best Places to Live” in the U.S., and Mayo Clinic continues to be named the best hospital in the nation with its top ranking on the “U.S. News Best Hospitals Honor Roll.” And just in the past few years, we’ve seen incredible hospitality growth, with even more dining, entertainment, and lodging options. New infrastructure is in place to make it easier for bicyclists and pedestrians to safely navigate our beautiful city.

PRODUCED BY GREENSPRING MEDIA

PUBLISHER

Tammy Galvin

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Arthur Morrissey

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Alesha Taylor

CONTENT DIRECTOR, SENIOR EDITOR

Mary Subialka

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Samantha Johnson, Katherine Lawless

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Tonya Sut n

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Kathryn Sa ell

DESIGN INTERN

Caitlin Nourse

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Ly Nguyen

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Andrew Madden

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Mikayla Snyder

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Frank Lien, Kate Linggi

Our Destination Medical Center initiative keeps building upon itself, adding more pedestrian-focused roads and green spaces to downtown and new state-of-the-art buildings, which helps our city’s innovators break ground in medical research.

While most people know Rochester for its world-renowned Mayo Clinic, those who visit our city understand what it actually is: an urban center with hometown compassion and friendliness. I see this every day, and it inspires me. I know you’ll be inspired, too. Welcome.

SINCERELY, Kim Norton, Mayor City of Rochester, Minnesota

PHOTO JOHN KAUL

T W I S g

A Delicious Melting Pot

Breakfast and Beyond

Whether you like to start your day with a cup of coffee and a pastry, a fruit and protein bowl, or a hearty plate of eggs, bacon, and hash browns, Rochester’s restaurants have something for every sweet or savory craving. From the delicate croissants and caramel rolls at Sweet House Bakery to many creative versions of eggs Benedict at Benedict’s Morning Heroes , breakfast and brunch options abound.

People’s Food Co-op whips up fresh pastries, muffins, and scones each day to give everyone the morning treat they crave, even if they’re on the go. And speaking of on the go, Due North Coffee Co. serves Minnesota-roasted coffee signature drinks such as Paul Bunyan’s Brew, Ole and Lena Latte, Loony Nitro Brew, and more from its custom drive-thru icehouse.

Visit the beautiful Fiddlehead Coffee Co. in The Kahler Grand Hotel and Miracle Mile for pastries and locally roasted coffee to start your morning off right. If you’d like something more substantial, Fiddlehead serves seasonal quiches, Italian-style snacking plates, and open-faced sandwiches. Quench your thirst with a hand-crafted seltzer made with vanilla syrup and a touch of organic cream.

By Mary Subialka

For a classic American breakfast, Five West Kitchen and Bar dishes up omelets, biscuits and gravy, s’more waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and all of the sides. Canadian Honker, a Rochester staple since 1984, is a family-owned and family-friendly hot spot with options such as eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise sauce and stuffed French toast with sweet cream cheese plus lunch, dinner, and drink options.

The international makeup of Rochester’s community contributes a great range of dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food, global cuisines, vegetarian specialties, or decadent desserts, Rochester’s deliciously diverse dining scene has a place at a table for you.

Forager Cafe , located just inside the entrance of the Forager Brewery, also brews fresh-roasted artisan coffee, and serves tea, housemade juice, smoothies, and made-from-scratch breakfast items.

Enjoy deliciously crafted oven-baked Dutch pancakes at Hollandberry Pannekoeken , located downtown on North Broadway. These airy, yet filling treats topped with either fresh fruits or savory meats and sautéed vegetables can be served for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. Hollandberry also serves other lunch and dinner options plus, be sure to try some of its 20 varieties of muffins that are baked fresh daily.

Roasted Bliss was founded on the belief that a gourmet beverage and pastry is the cornerstone to quality time with friends, family, and community. It bakes up delicious treats, from pastries, cupcakes, and ready-made or special-order cakes to savory bread such as jalapeño cheddar. The Fit Loon smoothie and juice bar serves shakes and teas to boost energy, fuel a busy lifestyle, manage weight, and maintain or gain lean muscle.

On the menu at Drift Dough, located inside Old Abe & Co., there’s a little something for everyone’s doughnut and caffeine cravings, with vegan, gluten-free, and regular doughnuts in funky flavors served alongside nitro cold brew. Old Abe also serves locally brewed beers, wine, and select cocktails. In the summer, the vegan food moves outside on the patio, and the cafe also provides pickleball equipment free of charge for those looking to break a sweat at the courts just a few feet away.

Lunch and Dinner

For a laid-back lunch, relax at Saints on Second Bar and Grill and choose from the sprawling menu. At Chester’s Kitchen & Bar, enjoy local favorites like the scratch-made soup of the day from the “Cauldron of Love,” blackberry jalapeño burger, lobster mac and cheese, walleye tacos, and the shareable dessert flight. Townies Grill’d Philly Subs also dishes up burgers, fried chicken, jazzed-up bacon or Philly fries, and more near Soldiers Memorial Field. The Mess Hall Bar and Grill at VFW Post 1215 is open to the public and offers appetizers,

Plant-Based Plates

You can find vegetarian selections at most restaurants around town, plus, many spots offer vegan dishes— here are highlights:

Bleu Duck Kitchen: Innovative risottos, house-made ramen, and more

Bloom Acai Café: Superfood sorbets, fruits, madeon-site nut butters, and various toppings that are all gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based

Forager Brewery: House special Cast Iron Mac and Cheese, tofu curry, quinoa bowl, or the pad thai

Nautical Bowls: Fresh superfood bowls that are glutenfree, dairy-free, plant-based, soy-free, contain zero refined sugars, and are made with organic ingredients

Nupa Mediterranean Cuisine: Hummus, salads, and more

Old Abe & Co.: Famous vegan banh mi, plus many vegan and vegetarian options

People’s Food Co-op: Greek feta salad, garlic lover’s pasta, blackened tofu steaks, and grain salads like barley almond

Terza Ristorante: Handmade gnocchi and tagliatelle wild mushroom

Twigs Tavern and Grille: A dedicated gluten-free kitchen for those with dietary sensitivities and food allergies

Victoria’s Ristorante and Wine Bar: Eggplant Parmigiana and the Mushroom Passion

OPPOSITE (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT): CHEZ BOJJI, OOTORI SUSHI, INFUZN FOODS BELOW: BENEDICT’S MORNING HEROES RIGHT: BLOOM ACAI CAFÉ

sandwiches, burgers, wings, and daily specials such as biscuits and gravy, tacos, waffles, fish, and more. Plus, there is weekend entertainment and charitable gaming bingo, pull tabs, and raffles with 100% of profits donated back to veterans, youth, and community.

Craving something light and fresh? Stop by one of Nupa ’s two locations for a refreshing Mediterranean lunch of stuffed pita, falafel salad, or kebabs. Explore more international flavors in Asia Fusion ’s modern ambiance. Mango Thai provides an expertly crafted and beautifully plated taste of Thailand. And ThaiPop , located on Historic Third Street in downtown, brings Thailand to Minnesota with a passion for good food from small bites such as wings or Cauliflower Yum Pops to bowls and plates that serve up classic Thai with a modern twist. Drinks include a creative cocktail menu as well as tasty mocktails.

For upscale dining, feast on choice cuts of beef and seafood at Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse in downtown Rochester. Relish creative cuisine, crafted cocktails, and boutique wine at Bleu Duck Kitchen . The restaurant is also committed to providing the freshest and largest oyster menu in Rochester. Terza Ristorante celebrates the bountiful flavors of Italy, organic tomatoes, sustainable Norwegian salmon, fresh fish, and wild-caught calamari. All recipes, fresh pastas, and desserts are hand-crafted “with amore,” and Terza’s in-house sommelier has just the right glass of wine to complement

Patio Picks

To enjoy your meals or drinks with fresh air under blue skies or stars, you’ll find some great options around town. At Forager Brewery, drink beer and eat dishes made from locally foraged ingredients while sheltered by a gazebo or pergola. Pasquale’s is a must for both the New York-style pizza and romantic outdoor twinkle lights. Twigs Tavern & Grille offers gluten-free dining, warm bonfires, soft lighting, and a relaxing stream amid the flowers. Experience Italian fine dining outdoors at Terza Ristorante or modern Italian pizza and pasta on the patio at Sorellina’s Italian by Victoria’s. For a more casual stop, don’t miss local fave Taco JED. Another great option is The Tap House, which features wooden benches and a “street eats”-inspired menu. You can find ample smaller patios throughout Rochester, but for an evening of live music on a rooftop patio, head over to Kathy’s Pub

your meal. Victoria’s Ristorante and Wine Bar, across the street from Mayo Clinic Methodist Campus, serves up traditional Italian fare in a relaxed setting, or if you’re in a hurry, visit Victoria’s Express Deli for a grab-and-go salad, pizza, or pasta that tastes anything but. And the family’s next generation, cousins Nadia Victoria and Jordan Victoria, are excited to share their vision of Italian cuisine at their new Sorellina’s Italian by Victoria’s . This “little sister” restaurant delivers a modern dining experience while keeping with traditions of the Victoria family. Enjoy Sunday brunch, pizzas from traditional to topped with fresh strawberries, prosciutto, arugula, and cheese drizzled with balsamic reduction and pastas, plus an extensive list of wines, beer, and craft cocktails. When the weather is nice, relax on the patio while you soak up some sun.

Pizza fans will also want to check out Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria where Chef Pasquale Presa serves the food he grew up

ABOVE: CRAVE LEFT: TWIGS TAVERN & GRILLE RIGHT: SORELLINA’S

with authentic New Yorkstyle pizza, paninis, and pasta, plus fresh, house-made gelato, authentic Italian pastries, and coffee. At Tilda’s, fresh, local ingredients are the cornerstone to making great wood-fired pizza, pasta dishes, fresh salads, and more at this downtown pizzeria. Head to Rosati’s for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus salads, wings, pasta, calzones, and sandwiches.

CRAVE Food and Drink is an outpost of the Twin Cities-based chain that serves its signature burgers, pastas, and sushi in a stylish space beneath a retractable roof in the Hotel Indigo. Purple Goat dishes up familiar items such as sandwiches, salads, and other favorites but with a creative chef-inspired twist. It’s home to one of the biggest outdoor patios in Rochester and features interactive games for both children and adults.

Experience the authentic flavors of Mexico at Los Arcos Kitchen & Cantina . This family-owned restaurant with two locations north and south Rochester cooks up its homemade dishes with chicken, steak, seafood, and vegetarian options, so you’re sure to find something for your entire party. Guacamole is a popular dish, made right at your table so you can select only your favorite ingredients.

The Moroccan-born chef and owner of Chez Bojji combines traditional preparations with local ingredients for dishes that are authentic to both their southern European origins and Rochester setting. Enjoy craft beer, a full bar, and a variety of nonalcoholic options.

Red Cow, a sophisticated twist on the classic neighborhood tavern in the Twin Cities, is now serving up gourmet burgers, craft beers, and fine wine in Rochester’s new building, The Berkman, next to Saint Marys Hospital. Hot Chip Burger Bar says it’s “not your dad’s burger bar.” Put the eatery to the test and try one of its many burgers, including vegan and vegetarian options. For a meal on the run, the classic joint Snappy Stop lives up to its name with quick burgers, chicken nuggets, and fries. If you’re in the mood for a classic pub lunch

Food on the Fly

You can pick up all the snack chips, candy, bottled water, and juice you would expect to find at Tailwind Concessions at the Rochester International Airport in the Mark G. Brataas terminal, but this shop also cooks up breakfast bowls of eggs, potatoes, and avocado, plus breakfast sandwiches, burgers, sandwiches, and more.

or dinner, Olde Brick House Pub and Restaurant is the spot for fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage, and other authentic European cuisine in a warm atmosphere in the heart of downtown. The Tavern 22 Neighborhood Grille serves traditional American cuisine, from eggs and hash browns at breakfast to burgers and fries for lunch or dinner, plus it features a walleye dinner. Looking for the smoky flavor of barbecue? Head over to John Hardy’s Bar-B-Q , one of Rochester’s classics, to feast on the Bar-B-Cuban, brisket, or the Pig Out sandwich, all made from meat freshly smoked over cherry and apple wood. Smoak mixes a modern and casual ambiance with traditional Texas-style barbecue, with a goal to be the ultimate slow-smoked comfort food (and it is). For a number of options under one roof, and a great spot for a large party, Workshop Food Hall & Bar features a lineup of several food vendors, a bar, and patio space. Housed in a renovated 1930s building, it features five different kitchens, a bar, outdoor patio, and even a barbershop. Food includes Reid’s Detroit Style Pizza and Julio’s Tacos, as well as Murdoch’s Place , serving burgers, gourmet hot dogs, hand-dipped corn dogs, malts, shakes, and more.

Sweet Treats and Snacks

Whether after a meal or on its own, a treat is a must any time of day, and the options in Rochester aim to please. Indulge at Mezza9 Cafe & Desserts , a European-inspired dessert cafe serving up delicious Bootstrap coffee, matcha, macarons, and a variety of decadent cakes. Crumbl Cookies has taken dessert and packed its flavors into perfect cookie form think banana cream pie to cakes and candies and more. A menu rotates weekly to offer four different specialty flavors, while

ABOVE: THE WORKSHOP FOOD HALL & BAR BELOW: LA MICHOACANA PURÉPECHA

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Colorful Cuisine

Here’s a fun tidbit to chew on: You’ll find three popular spots in Rochester sporting colorful animal names: Bleu Duck Kitchen, Purple Goat, and Red Cow.

its famous warm milk chocolate chip and chilled sugar cookies are always available.

At the Sweet House Bakery, everything is homemade with many recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Indulge in cupcakes, cookies, and cakes, and find a wide selection of fresh pastries daily. You can order desserts for a special occasion or just because. The bakery also features hot breakfast items, including biscuits and gravy made with a special family recipe, breakfast sandwiches on homemade croissants, and an individual quiche.

The decadent candies at Chocolaterie Stam are made in the traditional Dutch way, plus find fruity confections and more at this must-stop shop. Satisfy your sweet and salty cravings at Popus Gourmet Popcorn from the sweet and savory Midwest Mix (cheesy popcorn with caramel corn) to caramel corn drizzled in chocolate, plus popped-toorder flavors such as bacon and cheddar, sour cream and chives, creamy dill, and more not to mention candy.

For something cold and refreshing, visit Fuzzy’s Italian Ice downtown for soft serve ice cream, stuffed Italian cream, Italian ice, milkshakes, and more. Flapdoodles has locations on the north and south side of town serving up irresistible homemade ice cream, shakes, and malts. The owners of La Michoacana Purépecha , who are from Michoacán, Mexico, bring their favorite childhood frozen treats to their shop. Choose from 30 flavors of ice cream and 50 flavors of locally made fruit popsicles, plus chicharrones snack chips and more unique Mexican plaza-style treats.

Late Night and Adult Beverages

With creative brewers and mixologists all around town, there are plenty of options for relaxing with a glass of wine, an ice-cold beer, or a specialty cocktail.

Crooked Pint Ale House on Broadway Avenue is a nouveau urban pub with the feel of a local neighborhood restaurant. The menu includes classic pub fare think Juicy Lucy, pot pies, and tacos with many choices for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch as well as kids’ menu selections. Crooked Pint is known for its beer list, with 30 draft beers including local and regional craft favorites, and also offers 20 bottles of wine and a generous selection of bourbon and scotch. Head to Crooked Pint on Fridays and Saturdays, when Goonie’s Comedy Club presents nationally touring comedians.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: PURPLE GOAT, RED COW, BLEU DUCK KITCHEN

VOTED ROCHESTER’S BEST RESTAURANT 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

A local tradition and Rochester staple since 1980, Newt’s has two locations north and south plus Express, which is a faster version of the sit-down restaurants located in the Mayo Clinic subway. It’s the place for a cold beer and a burger, with dozens of different burgers on the menu, and even more beer. Try the ever-popular Works Burger, featuring a three-quarter-pound patty and, well, the works. Dogs are welcome on the patio at Five West , where both daily and late-night happy hours serve up amazing drinks, apps, and entrees. Music lovers will enjoy live late-night music and the relaxed atmosphere at the North Star Bar and Kathy’s Pub

At The Half Barrel Bar & Kitchen , you can try over 300 types of whiskey, various whiskey flights, and specialty cocktails. Plus, it serves up burgers, salads, pasta, steak, and appetizers such as calamari, bourbon wings, and pork belly sliders. If you’re thirsting for craft cocktails, Bitter & Pour is a cozy and stylish hideaway that serves some of the most intricate drinks in town.

For more adult beverages, sip award-winning wine and take in the enchanting scenery at Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery in Spring Valley, about a 35-minute drive from Rochester. It is also the best place to sip on Loon Juice, its popular hard cider made from Minnesota’s renowned Honeycrisp apples.

The breweries in town won’t disappoint. Little Thistle Brewing Co. offers a wide range of different beers, but don’t miss the Brave Woman Scottish Ale or the Coconut Stout. Bring the whole family (and your own snacks) to this brewery to enjoy the large outdoor space, arcade games, and shuffleboard. Responsible for changing Rochester’s Prohibition-era laws as the first production brewery in town, Kinney Creek Brewery has an amazing patio, as well as a full range of brews and nonalcoholic options. Discover a new favorite each time you visit Forager Brewery as the menu changes to integrate the most recent harvest from its local farming partners. You’ll find salads, sandwiches,

Food on the Move

For a quick bite at lunch or a delicious meal at an event, look for food trucks around town serving up a variety of tempting options. Check out their schedules on each truck’s website.

The Duck Truck, by Bleu Duck Kitchen, can be found all over town serving its burgers, tacos, and more. Look for Taqueria Mi Pueblo, featuring authentic Mexican food including tacos, tortas, and burritos from its mobile kitchen located in the Great Harvest Bread Co. lot. Discover the science of flavor at The Taco Lab, often located across from Barlow Plaza, where the chef and owner’s passion is to create delicious new combinations. Jersey Jo’s serves authentic Philly cheesesteaks at its shop on 16th Avenue and in its food truck around town. Infuzn Foods is a prepared meal delivery service that also provides catering and operates a food truck where you can try samosas, gyros, Indian churros, mango boba, and more.

and burgers on the menu, plus wood-fired pizza and entrees such as blackened salmon and curry at this relaxed family-friendly spot. LTS Brewing Co. gets creative with its beer, soda, and food truck. And the Minnesota beer community is buzzing about Thesis Beer Project . The beer is only available in its brewery’s taproom, so you’ll need to stop in to see what all the fuss is about. The Boulder Tap House serves craft burgers and craft beer in an atmosphere the whole family will love.

For the latest information on Rochester’s restaurants, visit ExperienceRochesterMN.com or scan this code.

ABOVE: FOUR DAUGHTERS VINEYARD & WINERY ABOVE RIGHT: THE DUCK TRUCK BY BLEU DUCK KITCHEN BELOW RIGHT: THESIS BEER PROJECT

NEW YORK - STYLE PIZZA IS AN AMERICAN ICON.

And at Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria you will experience what an authentic New York Style pizza should taste like! Chef Pasquale knows true Italian food by heart. It’s in his blood! He was born in Bari, Italy and immigrated as a young boy with his family to New York. He started working at the age of 11 at a New York Pizzeria. He re ned his skills by graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996. At Pasquale’s, we welcome everyone with open arms to experience an authentic New York moment!

THE CONVENIENCE OF ROCHESTER allows for running into a friend while out shopping or dining. And where are the locals dining? Usually at the family-owned restaurants that proudly line the streets of Med City. These two area families are well known for their award-winning food. Whether you like hearty Italian dishes, robust salads, traditional American fare, or seafood, they’ve got you covered—at their long-established restaurants and the next generation’s up-and-coming hot spots.

Victoria’s Ristorante and Wine Bar

(Downtown near Mayo Clinic)

The Victoria family is well known in Rochester. Ask any area resident and they’ll surely recommend the beautiful downtown Italian restaurant bearing the family name: Victoria’s Ristorante and Wine Bar. Featuring dark colors, low lighting, and several “Best in Rochester” awards, its inviting ambiance is popular for meals from everything such as intimate date nights to professional company parties.

Popular dishes range from regular Italian fare fettuccine alfredo, pizza, and spaghetti and meatballs to more traditional, higher-end dishes such as Crab Passion, Provimi veal, and Fettuccine Della Nonna, which is full of jumbo wild Gulf shrimp, scallops, and calamari.

The owners, Sid and Natalie Victoria, settled into Rochester in 1997. “My husband and his brother operated Victoria’s Italian

LOCAL DINING: A Family Affair

Get a taste of what makes these family-owned Rochester restaurants sizzle

By Gina Dewink

Cuisine

on

College Avenue in Appleton, Wisconsin,”

Natalie Victoria recalls. “My father would come to Rochester to visit a good friend. One day, while golfing, he met the owner of a building in downtown Rochester who had vacant restaurant space for lease. Six months later, June of 1997, my father, my husband, myself, and his sister and brother-in-law packed our bags and made the move to Rochester.” In October of that year, Sid and Natalie Victoria and Sam and Maria Servin officially founded the restaurant. Victoria’s, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022, is passionate about serving fresh, scratch-made Italian favorites. All of their sauces are made in-house. Natalie Victoria explains, “We live, work, and go to school in this great community. Located next to the renowned Mayo Clinic, we understand the important caregiver

ABOVE: COUSINS NADIA VICTORIA AND JORDAN VICTORIA RIGHT: SID AND NATALIE VICTORIA

FACES of ROCHESTER

2291 Commerce Drive NW Rochester, MN 55901

507-361-7427 smoakbbqmn.com

SMOAK offers a wide array of menu items featuring, burgers, sandwiches, salads, broasted chicken, SMOAK’d Meats, and more! Offering catering services and brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Enjoy our dog-friendly patio (and dog menu!)

Come dine in, or take out today!

Enjoy

1991 Commerce Drive NW Rochester MN 55901

507-361-5555 fivewestrochester.com

role we play to ensure continued success and positive outcomes for our guests.” Caregivers aren’t the only ones enjoying the comfort food. Victoria’s is often the site of marriage proposals and visiting hospital patients alike.

There is a quote about family business that the Victoria family always refers to: “Those who understand family businesses, no explanation needed. Those who don’t, no explanation possible.”

It has been a family affair for the Victorias since the start, and now the next generation is branching out. Jordan Victoria, Natalie’s son, and Nadia, daughter of the Servins, recently opened a sister restaurant near Apache Mall called Sorellina’s Italian by Victoria’s The next generation of Victorias is excited to share their vision of Italian cuisine with Rochester. These young entrepreneurs are no rookies to the Rochester restaurant scene, though.

Jordan Victoria says, “Growing up under the watchful eye of our parents, who are exceptional restaurant owners, has enabled us to hone our culinary skills and customer care to give you an outstanding dining experience!”

Natalie Victoria agrees, “We understand the labor of love our fellow entrepreneurs pour into their craft. We support local every chance we get. One of the best features of our city is its inherent community mind. Our guests tell us daily what a gem this city is, and we couldn’t agree more.”

Frequently hosting and contributing to local fundraisers, you’ll see the hashtag #RochesterStrong on their social media. In 2020, Victoria’s was listed as a finalist in Reader’s Digest as one of the “Nicest Places in America” due to its amazing efforts giving out free meals to children and health care workers. In 2022, Victoria’s was voted “Best of the Best Winner” by Rochester’s Post Bulletin newspaper.

Canadian Honker (Downtown near Saint Marys)

The Powers family and their restaurants are a Rochester institution. It started with Canadian Honker Restaurant & Catering , which has been in business since 1984 serving traditional comfort food. It is located directly across from Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, and the Powers family owns several restaurants and businesses. Joe Powers, CEO of Powers Ventures, along with his son Nick Powers, who is president of Powers Ventures, own and operate not only the Canadian Honker, but also the Historic Hubbell House in neighboring Mantorville, Minnesota (one of the oldest supper clubs in the Midwest), three event venues J.Powers at the Hilton, Rochester Event Center, and the Mayowood Stone Barn Pinnacle Catering, and most recently, The Well , which is a new restaurant that opened in 2023, offering modern comfort food in downtown Rochester.

When Joe Powers started the now award-winning Canadian Honker restaurant in 1984, the then-40-seat location had numerous restaurants fail in the past, but he stayed true to his business philosophy and succeeded. Nick Powers says, “As the years passed, success continued to gain momentum. [The late local real estate developer] Gus Chafoulias was a great mentor, and he learned many valuable business lessons. One of which was, ‘You’re either growing or dying.’ This approach explains our growth through the years.”

The food favorite dishes including USDA choice hand-cut steaks and prime rib, seasonal salads, local beer, fish and chips, and world-famous Bunnies Coconut Cake has, of course, kept the restaurant going, too.

It’s not just the father-son duo thriving in Rochester; the extended family has been involved since the beginning. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings have all played a crucial part in making Powers Ventures.

“Working with family can be challenging at times,” say Nick Powers. “But we all have the common shared goal of working hard and following the golden rule of treating others the way that we want to be treated.”

Many ask where the name “Canadian Honker” came from. “My Aunt Kerry came up with the name right before we opened,” Nick Powers explains. “As many as 30,000 geese would stop in Silver Lake in Rochester during migration,” Joe Powers adds. “In 1962, biologists confirmed that members of this flock were giant Canada geese, a subspecies that was thought extinct. The Canadian goose became a symbol of Rochester.”

Powers Ventures has built a long-lasting reputation for high quality food and service, winning several awards through the years. “Rochester is one of the most unique communities in the world,” says Nick Powers. “Since we are in the service industry, we get the privilege of meeting many people from all over the world. To have the ability to connect and potentially make someone’s day is nothing short of amazing.”

The Powers family immigrated to the United States in the 1800s, and Joe’s grandfather served on the Rochester Fire Department when it still used horses. The family carries on community support and helped establish the Community Food Response organization, which receives donations from commercial kitchens in the region to provide food to those in need. They also support the Salvation Army, the Reading Center, and Channel One Food Bank by providing hundreds of nutritious meals to those in need.

ABOVE: (FROM LEFT) JOE POWERS JR., MELISSA POWERS-WALKER, JOE POWERS, AND NICK POWERS RIGHT: THE WELL

FACES of ROCHESTER

Coffee Collection

Get your caffeine fix at any of Rochester’s coffee shops or cafes

By Samantha Johnson

Sammi Loo

Mezza9 Cafe & Desserts Owner

ROCHESTER HAS NO SHORTAGE of cozy coffee shops to get your morning cup or to settle in for a few hours with a bite to eat. Whether you prefer your cup of joe or tea hot or iced, the city has a spot for you. The independent coffee shops and familiar national names are ready to welcome you and provide your morning jolt and beyond.

Fiddlehead Coffee Co. offers high-quality, locally roasted coffee and a plentiful array of hearty and healthy foods, from Italian-inspired sandwiches and plates to artful pastries. Pair your meal with an expertly brewed espresso drink for a truly European experience. For some delicious vegan and vegetarian food alongside your beverage, head over to Old Abe & Co. The daily specials include award-winning dishes like vegan rice bowls and banh mi. Wash it down with a nitro cold brew or a vegan smoothie to really jumpstart your day. Old Abe & Co. is also home to Drift Dough Donuts. Aside from the high-quality, locally roasted coffee, the newly opened Rochester location of Spyhouse Coffee Roasters offers an array of world-class pastries and baked goods. Pair them with your favorite espresso or coffee drink for the perfect combination. People’s Food Co-op is a great sustainable option to consider. The coffee options include organic milk

When walking in downtown Rochester, the treats in the window at Mezza9 Cafe & Desserts will make you stop and stare. The person behind these eye-catching goodies is owner Sammi Loo, who was born and raised in Malaysia and moved to Rochester in 2004 to be with family and follow the dream she had since she was 18—to open a restaurant that embraces her love of making and sharing food. This led to the creation of Rochester’s Ootori Sushi in 2016, and Mezza9, a charming and Instagram-worthy cafe specializing in European-inspired dessert and quality drinks, in March 2022. It quickly became a space that brings the city’s residents together and is a hot spot for visitors.

Loo’s goal was first and foremost good food. “It’s my passion for good coffee and desserts that inspired me to open Mezza9. I wanted to share delicious desserts and coffee with people,” she says. Try the carrot cake, chocolate cake, limoncello raspberry cake, bomboloni, ricotta cheesecake, or any of Loo’s other creations. Pair your treat with high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha from Japan or a Spanish latte, the cafe’s two most popular drinks. Also stop by for a breakfast sandwhich, avocado toast, quiche, or afternoon tea. –S.J.

and fair-trade, shade-grown coffee, so you can feel good about your cup.

Relax, connect, and get refreshed among the flowers and greenery at Cafe Aqui , located inside Sargent’s on 2nd greenhouse and garden center. In addition to quality coffee and espresso drinks, Cafe Aqui offers Midwest-made ice cream and South American flavors. The creative menu of specialty and signature drinks is what draws customers to Café Steam , but it’s the setting that makes them stay. The cafe’s local art gallery and live music space highlight local talent and create a welcoming space for all. Make your way to Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii in Eastwood Plaza to try delicious premium, Hawaiian coffee sourced from Kauai, Oaju, Maui, Moloka’I, Kona, and Ka’u. Menu options include blended drinks, teas, and breakfast and lunch sandwiches served on King’s Hawaiian sweet bread.

Add some retail therapy to your coffee break at Bravo Espresso. Situated in the Galleria at University Square, it’s the perfect place for a latte or a macchiato pit stop to keep you energized while exploring the shops. Café 49 is located in Olmsted Medical Center and prides itself on being a gourmet coffee shop with a variety of hot drinks, frappes, and treats to provide a little pick-me-up.

If coffee on the go is more your style, Rochester has a handful of spots to fit a stop into your busy schedule. MOKA , Lumen Coffee, Dunn Brothers, Starbucks, and Scooter’s Coffee are fast and efficient drive-thru options for fueling up before taking on the day. Due North Coffee Co. serves specialty coffee roasted in Minnesota, a variety of “Little Minnow” drinks for kids, and refreshing shakers for the warmer months. All of this is served from the custom drive-thru icehouse, which is perfect for a healthy start to the day.

FACES of ROCHESTER

Michelle and Shawn Fagan Cafe Aqui Owners

Have you ever thought of enjoying your coffee while basking in the sun, surrounded by the largest collection of houseplants in southeastern Minnesota? You can do just that at Cafe Aqui. Located inside Sargent’s on 2nd, Rochester native Michelle Fagan and her husband, Shawn, put their skillsets together to open the cafe. Shawn, whose father was in the Air Force, moved around a lot but spent his high school years in Rapid City, South Dakota, so often he calls it his hometown. The pair met in college and moved back to Michelle’s hometown to embark on their entrepreneurial endeavors.

After starting a photo studio, their friend, Nick Sargent, suggested the idea of a coffee shop within his garden store. The Fagans loved the idea of creating a space for everyone to come together. Shawn said they imagined “a tropical paradise in Rochester, where guests could soak in the sun through the expanded greenhouse,” he says. “We felt this would be more than a welcome addition to the community … and it was a space that Michelle and I yearned for: somewhere to just sit, to refresh, to connect with others around a table. Somewhere to just be.”

The Fagans loved having people over to their home and studio, so the idea of owning a coffee shop and hosting the community felt natural. Opened in May 2022, Cafe Aqui is now a wellknown gathering place with coffee and espresso coming from JBC Coffee Roasters out of Madison, Wisconsin. The drinks in their espresso-forward shop are the pride and joy of Michelle, who loves to make lattes in the couple’s home kitchen for guests. Shawn’s homemade scones were the talk of their friend group as well, and the cafe now offers scones daily. Be sure to try the flavorful lattes or an affogato—Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream with a shot of espresso poured over it. On the side, we would be remiss in not suggesting a blueberry scone. –S.J.

LibationCelebration

Explore Rochester’s growing collection of breweries, craft cocktail bars, and wineries

By Samantha Johnson

Rochester will fill your day with outdoor adventures, art, mouthwatering meals, and seemingly endless shopping. When you’re ready to relax, head to one of the area’s breweries, wineries, or craft cocktail hot spots. The local brewers, mixologists, and wine makers create unique drinks with innovative flavors that can’t be found

Brew eries

Sample a taste of Rochester history at Kinney Creek Brewery, the first production brewery to open in Rochester in 2012. Kinney Creek has a range of lagers, IPAs, pale ales, and hard seltzers. Have a full brewery experience at Little Thistle Brewing Co., where award-winning beer, a large outdoor activity space, and even arcade games await. Get competitive with friends and family while sampling Little

Thistle’s top brews, the Doug Lager, the Brave Woman Scottish Ale, or the Schwarzenlager (a full-bodied, dark German lager). If games aren’t your thing, try a different kind of entertainment at Thesis Beer Project , where local musicians frequently perform for a crowd of people sipping their Thesis Pieces blond ale or Tuba Nanas hefeweizen. While LTS Brewing Co. has a wonderful line of craft beers, the

house-made sodas have also caught the public’s attention. Varieties range from traditional (like black cherry) to unusual (butter beer, anyone?) and are top-notch companions to the pizzas coming out of the taproom. Speaking of pizza, Forager Brewery uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to flavor its delectable brews and full menu, including its renowned wood-fired pizzas.

FACES of ROCHESTER

Adam Frederickson

THESIS BEER PROJECT OWNER

After growing up in the KassonMantorville, Minnesota, area, Thesis Beer Project owner Adam Frederickson and his wife, Allyson Palmer, decided to settle in Rochester. The area was welcoming, but they couldn’t find the type of place where they wanted to spend their evenings. This made Frederickson wonder what kind of new and exciting business they could bring to the city.

“I was working at other breweries in Rochester, and we were visiting breweries around the country and world every chance we got,” says Frederickson. “At each place, we would talk about what we liked and what we would do differently if we had our own place.” With those ideas in mind, Thesis Beer Project was born, and with it the opportunity to expand Rochester’s craft beer scene, present live music, and bring the community together.

When you make your way to Thesis, be sure to try the amazing lineup of lagers for the traditionalists and the fruited sours with flavors rotating weekly for those who like their beers a little sweeter. The must-try beer—and hands-down most popular—is the Thesis Pieces, a peanut butter blonde ale. –S.J.

CREEK, LITTLE THISTLE TOM ROSTER LTS, FREDERICKSON PROVIDED

FORAGER BREWERY

LITTLE THISTLE BREWING CO.

LTS BREWING CO.

KINNEY CREEK BREWERY

Wineries

The cold-weather climate of the Midwest lends itself to heavy, flavorful reds and deliciously light whites, ensuring something for everyone. The winemakers of the Rochester area utilize the landscape to create wines for even the pickiest wine connoisseur. In Rochester, savor delicious desserts alongside your wine at the boutique Salem Glen Winery. Travel 45 minutes north to the historic Cannon River Winery in Cannon Falls to sample wines at its antique tasting bar, or spend an afternoon strolling the walking trails past the ponds of Plainview’s Whitewater Wines while sipping a crisp white. Indulge in an Italian wine-tasting experience only an hour away at the Villa Bellezza in Pepin, Wisconsin, or venture to Garvin Heights Vineyards to taste the beloved Red Raspberry wine, made from grapes grown in the bluffs of Winona, Minnesota. Make your way through southeastern Minnesota to sip award-winning wine and take in the enchanting scenery at Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery in Spring Valley, or try an array of both full-bodied and lighter wines at family-owned Falconer Vineyards in Red Wing.

Cocktails

Rochester has created an enviable local cocktail scene. In fact, Bitter & Pour, a cozy haunt located on Historic Third Street, has been named in Yelp's “Top 50 Speakeasies in the U.S. and Canada." Check it out for an expansive array of craft cocktails, wine, and beer. Kathy’s Pub is a local favorite sports bar with live music, pool tables, and a rooftop deck. Fans of a classic martini need to stop by Martini’s . As the name suggests, the menu features a huge array of its namesake beverage presented in a warm and casual space located in The Kahler Grand Hotel.

FACES of ROCHESTER

A ndrew Ferguson

Described as “the lovechild of four nice guys with stardust in their eyes,” Bitter & Pour came about from the desires that the owners had to create something unique and strive for greatness. One of those owners, Andrew Ferguson, was brought on board at a time when he was trying to open a bar in the Caribbean. He describes the dismay he felt when his friends John and Patrick suggested a moody basement space with no windows. After some convincing, Ferguson took on the role of working owner, and brought in a partner to help bring Bitter & Pour to its full potential.

“What we were trying to do was more than I would’ve been able to do myself as the working owner and made a call to a good friend (Josh Krall) who has a completely different skillset than mine and which complement each other perfectly,” says Ferguson. “He was on board, and the rest is history.”

Tucked away in the Merchant Exchange building on Historic Third Street, Bitter & Pour now stands as a top choice for a Rochester night out, serving cocktails, wine, and beer worthy of even the hippest drink connoisseurs. The cocktails and mocktails that emerge from behind the bar will leave visitors inspired. For somewhere to start, try the First World Problem, Peaches n’ Cream, or Red Eye to Paradise. –S.J.

BITTER & POUR

BITTER & POUR WORKING OWNER

Fabul o us Fi nds

Shop globally inspired designs, antiques, top trends, and local gems in Rochester

By Katherine Lawless

An excellent mix of retail hubs and locally owned stores and boutiques in Rochester make for a perfect afternoon (or full day!) of shopping. These stores carry the latest trends, timeless wardrobe staples, cozy home decor, and gifts that you can only find here in Rochester. Visit Apache Mall, southeastern Minnesota’s largest shopping center; downtown’s Galleria at University Square; or nearby First Avenue, which is lined with boutiques and antique shops all within walking distance of Mayo Clinic. Not only are you sure to find the perfect gift for a friend or yourself but you can also do so with the added perk of zero sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota.

Gifts, Curiosities, and More

Rochester’s locally owned gift boutiques are as unique as they are plentiful. Fun sister stores 99 Giggles in The Kahler Grand Hotel and Shades of Green , famous for its bright green storefront, are great places to discover eclectic gifts and trinkets. Whether you’re looking for silly socks, natural skin care, or a heartfelt card, there’s a little something for everyone. Check out This Is Food Union downtown for unique food items that make perfect gifts, as well as fun tabletop wares and vintage finds. A Beautiful Soul , a female-run, healing-focused boutique, provides a relaxing experience for its shoppers, offering natural remedies that ease the stress of day-to-day life and provide guidance in troubled times. Take home a piece of Rochester’s local music scene and skate culture with some of Treedome’s new and used vinyl, local music merch, and vintage and streetwear designs. Brighten your day or surprise a special someone with a fresh, same-day delivery bouquet from Renning’s Flowers , or pick up comics, board games, and video games at NerdinOut .

Rochester is also a great place to find long-lasting home decor and design accents that express your personal style. Designer boutique Counterpoint Home ’s contemporary collection of high-end specialty gifts is the perfect addition to your home and garden. Here, pick up Danish cookware or some of Armenian artist Michael Aram’s artistic table settings. Counterpoint Home, as well as its two other stores, Counterpoint II and CP3, are all located in the Galleria downtown, right by Mayo Clinic.

FACES of ROCHESTER

Brad Vigesaa

NerdinOut Owner

As a kid, Brad Vigesaa loved toys and comics. Now, as an adult, he shares those interests through NerdinOut, a comic store that carries video games, board games, collectibles, and much more. Vigesaa’s store regularly hosts swaps, game nights, art projects, and classes tailored to kids’ interests, making NerdinOut not only a pop culture lover’s haven, but also a community gathering space.

“I think what people like most about NerdinOut is how much variety we have, how open and clean our stores are, and the friendships they build with our employees,” says Vigesaa.

In addition to running the store and these monthly events, Vigesaa is the founder of NerdinOut Con, an annual community event centered around pop culture and the comics community. Each year, authors, artists, and collectors gather in Rochester to share their interests at this event series for all ages.

“The most exciting part is after it all comes together and the event is live, just seeing everyone’s faces of joy and seeing people come out to experience a fun and safe atmosphere of pop culture,” he says. –K.L.

Looking for something with a little extra character to bring home? Peruse unique antiques, vintage lighting, and furniture at John Kruesel’s General Merchandise. Browse antique pottery, glassware, and jewelry at Old Rooster Antiques

It’s easy to fit a bit of shopping into your busy day in Rochester. The Grand Shops of Kahler has plenty of stores and dining options, conveniently located near Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic Gift Shop , located on the subway level of the Gonda Building, has everything a visitor to Mayo might need from travel necessities to medical accessories.

Apparel for All Ages

All ages and tastes will find apparel to suit their needs in Rochester. Whether you’re looking for men’s, women’s, or children’s clothing and accessories, or you’re in need of something to bundle up in before heading into the great Minnesota outdoors, Rochester stores have both fashionistas and fishers covered.

Prepare to be spoiled by the variety of women’s clothing boutiques in Rochester. At Primp Boutique , you’ll not only find cute clothes at good prices, but they’ll also offer you a glass of champagne and prep a fitting room full of items to try.

Stop in the Galleria at University Square to find tasteful pieces for every occasion at Talbots and Chico’s , or visit Apache Mall to try on hip styles from J.Jill , Maurices , and Macy’s Dry Goods' and Francesca’s selections of boho-chic and comfortable clothing always result in an effortlessly stylish look. Lululemon ’s popular line of flattering athleisure and athletic wear will give you the confidence to take on your day rain or shine. And if you need a game or puzzle, Games by James has you covered.

In search of adorable attire and accessories for the little ones in your life? Check out The Dove , a colorful, kid-friendly boutique located on the subway level of the Marriott Hotel. Baby, Baby isn’t just for infants it’s a boutique for children of all shapes and sizes, from preemies to teens.

Rochester is also home to quality menswear that lasts a lifetime. Since 1939, Hanny’s has been selling stylish men’s clothing and has now expanded its inventory to include women’s apparel, couture, and tailoring services. At Knight’s Chamber Clothiers , you can find suits, ties, and dress shoes for any formal occasion at an affordable price. Visit recreational outfitter Scheels to find weatherproof clothes and shoes, plus merch for your favorite sports teams, including the Minnesota Vikings.

Speaking of sports, you know what looks good on the whole family? Maroon and gold! Show your school spirit for the University of Minnesota Rochester and pick up some Golden Gopher clothes and accessories at M Gear, found in Galleria at University Square.

THRESHOLD ARTS

SEMVA GALLERY

Find Us Across the Peace Plaza from the Mayo Clinic Skyway Level of the Galleria Mall

HISTORY: Almost 50 years ago two young entrepreneurs, the youngest downtown business owners at that time, opened the ultimate Scandinavian Shop at the Kahler Parking Ramp.

WHY ROCHESTER: There’s a hometown vibe here, but yet international and cosmopolitan, plus it’s in the North Land.

EDUCATION: We share a love of design. Walter has a degree in architecture and Louise has a degree in communications and art with a semester in Copenhagen

WHY NORDIC: Scandinavia has a rich history of great design, quality craftsmanship and ecology dating back to Viking times. Scandinavians lead the world in ecology and prize sustainability and eco-friendly construction in everything

from buildings to everyday garments.

PREMIER STORE FOR DALE OF NORWAY: Dale of Norway created this title to reflect our 40+ years with Dale. We stock the complete collection all year round. Our accomplished staff loves to tell the story of these sweaters which are inspired by nature and history.

WHAT ELSE: We have a well curated inventory including Helly Hansen, Dale of Norway, Oleana, Fjallraven, Skagen and Danish Silversmiths just to name a few. Our store display changes seasonally. In Christmas we become a “winter wonderland” with Scandinavian decorations of every type. This is the type of place which will warm your heart and put a smile on your face.

The Seasons of Dale

FACES of ROCHESTER

Specialty Goods

Rochester’s shop owners are committed to providing only the finest specialty-crafted goods for their patrons. The owner of Poppi Italian Leather travels to Milan every year to select styles in the fashion capital, resulting in skillfully handmade, Italian leather goods readily available right here in Rochester. Incorporate Scandinavia into your style at The Nordic Shop, home to authentic products from brands such as Dale of Norway, Scandinavian Home, and Fjällraven.

Shop Local

Support local business owners and score great styles and gifts, all right here in Rochester. Take inspiration from Wear Local, an apparel store that gives 50% of proceeds to small businesses. In a similar spirit, downtown’s Threshold Arts shares the work of local artisans in a small gallery, and guests can purchase a variety of handmade items including paintings, glassware, and needlepoint creations.

Ginger K napp

Ama La Vita Owner

In 2008, local figure skating and dance apparel store Blades to Ballet was on the verge of closing when the Knapp family bought it. Married couple Ginger and Scott Knapp’s youngest daughter, Kennis, was a dancer and figure skater, and Ginger was looking for a part-time gig and already had a degree in fashion merchandising so, it was a perfect fit for the family.

Over a decade later, many things have changed for the store. Blades to Ballet rebranded to Ama La Vita in 2020, which means “Love Life” in Italian, and is an homage to Ginger’s parents’ positive outlook and her Italian ancestry. Ama La Vita carries a full range of womenswear, accessories, and home decor, whose style Ginger describes as “unique” and “timeless.”

“I love going to market and keeping up with the latest styles and trends, but also bringing in classic staples for everyone’s closet. And the friendships I have made over the years with customers, employees, and vendors, I truly cherish!” says Ginger.

Ama La Vita, which is managed by both Ginger and Kennis, hosts retail events at least once a month, which are advertised on its Facebook and Instagram. –K.L.

Ladies will find gorgeous, style-savvy outfits that are perfect for wining and dining or for a cozy night in at Ama La Vita and True Queens Boutique . ELL Boutiques has established relationships with artists from around the world, and its inventory full of furs, luggage, leather, and more shows it. For instance, monarch butterfly scarves are designed and delivered all the way from Mexico. Hers, a boutique that strikes the perfect balance between comfy and chic, offers flattering prints and sparkling accessories in the Galleria at University Square. Its sister store On Track Boutique is nearby on North Broadway Avenue, and carries fun, flirty styles along with home decor. Explore Rochester’s natural beauty year round with help from your local, weatherproof specialty stores. Prepare for your next outdoor excursion at Janky Gear, an outdoor gear consignment shop, or family-owned Tyrol Ski and Sports , where customers gear up for adventures that range from skiing to camping.

For fresh ingredients and snacks, visit the Rochester Farmers Market . The market is open year-round every Saturday morning. From May to October, shop the market outdoors at Graham Park, and during the winter months, you can find it inside Graham Arena at Olmsted County Fairgrounds.

GINGER KNAPP (RIGHT) WITH HER DAUGHTER, KENNIS

ROCHESTER FARMERS MARKET

BUILDING CONNECTIONS

Discovery Walk, a multipurpose path with a park-like feel, connects the Heart of the City and Mayo Clinic with Discovery Square and Soldiers Memorial Field

As part of the exciting ongoing renovations that support Rochester as an ever-growing community and epicenter of health and wellness, Discovery Walk, a four-block linear parkway along 2nd Avenue Southwest in downtown Rochester, will serve pedestrians as well as bicycles and vehicles along its way. It will also maintain flexibility to host events and future development as a gathering place for the community and its more than 3 million annual visitors.

Discovery Walk is part of the larger effort to make downtown Rochester more attractive, walkable, and pedestrian-friendly for Rochester residents, patients, and visitors to safely socialize and feel welcome. Phase One was completed last year and is open for people to enjoy. Phase Two (200 and 300 blocks of 2nd Avenue Southwest) is planned to be completed in fall 2023.

Grab a coffee, some lunch, or fresh air. This walk allows visitors and residents to connect more easily with

the growing number of shops, hotels, businesses, and restaurants along the way as it connects the Heart of the City district downtown, where Mayo Clinic, commercial, retail, entertainment, and residential meet. Also along the way is Discovery Square, a new address for the future of biomedical, research, education, and technology innovation.

With the Discovery Walk project, the public space along this stretch of 2nd Avenue increases from 2,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet. Much of the new public space comes from a narrowed street and widened sidewalk. It’s spacious enough for two sidewalks, with landscaping and seating areas between them. Seating cutouts are designed for hanging out, even past sunset, with ample lighting from an art installation by local artist Sophia Chai. Many of the benches will act as sources of light themselves, as they will feature illuminated poems by Rochester artist Ayub HajiOmar. And raised planters in these areas will create an immersive urban garden experience. Discovery Walk’s myriad seating and strolling options, spots for food trucks, and other gathering spaces can foster

Visitors and residents will enjoy the growing number of shops, restaurants, and more along Discovery Walk in downtown Rochester. This four-block tree-lined stretch of 2nd Avenue Southwest boasts artistic light installations, benches complete with poetic inspiration, and more. The 300 block (right top and rendering below) will have utility hookups for food trucks to enable their quiet operation without the need for generators or idling vehicles.

meetups and social interactions, a key component for innovation. After all, what spurs innovation more than chance encounters between inquiring minds in a food truck line?

Sustainability is a key in the Discovery Walk design. More than 14,000 native grasses and perennials are being planted along the walk, as well as many trees. The fresh aromas of these new plants will replace the noise and air pollution of idling buses of years past. The benefits of these plants extend below ground, too. Discovery Walk’s stormwater management component ensures that rain, snow, and other water is filtered through root systems before making its way back into the Zumbro River watershed. And a snowmelt system will be installed under the main sidewalks, which improves accessibility, especially for those with mobility challenges. The snowmelt system also reduces the use of melting salts that are harmful to the environment. Local stone is used for landscaping, and the wood used on benches is a thermally modified ash to repurpose some of the many ash trees that have been felled due to emerald ash borer infestation.

The Discovery Walk project is funded by Destination Medical Center (DMC), which is a unique 20-year, multi-billion-dollar economic development initiative the largest in Minnesota’s history that supports the expansion of Mayo Clinic to position Rochester as a global destination for health and wellness. Over the course of the plan, DMC will provide the guidance and financing necessary to build the public infrastructure and other projects needed to create economic

opportunity for the local community, region, and state. DMC’s focus includes six subdistricts throughout Rochester, including Discovery Walk.

“This is part of what DMC is all about, it’s re-creating our downtown, making it more sustainable, walkable, livable a city of the future,” says Rochester Mayor Kim Norton. “Additionally, it connects our downtown to Soldiers Field in a way that brings the park into the downtown in a thoughtful and fun way.”

Visual

and performing arts thrive in Rochester, providing a spot of joy to suit any artistic tastes

By Mary Subialka

Arts, Culture, and Music

PHOTO ART HEADS

While walking in the downtown area, take notice of colorful painted concrete barriers or creative utility boxes painted by local artists. There are sculptures, fountains, and other art installations all around. To help you take in the artwork around town, the Rochester Downtown Alliance created the ARTWalk , an online self-guided tour, which gives more meaning to checking out the pieces when you have information at your fingertips. You can also see Art4Trails to view local artists’ installations along Rochester’s bike trails.

It’s easy to just give a glance as you pass by the ornate doors on the historic Plummer Building or a statue, for example, but if you know more about the pieces and the artist’s inspiration, it can perhaps offer a little inspiration in your own life.

One such piece is the 13-foot bronze “Boy with a Dolphin” sculpture by David Wynne, which is in a courtyard at the southeast corner of the Mayo Building. It depicts a bottlenose dolphin and a boy who was modeled after the artist’s youngest son. Describing the work, Wynne states, “The boy is being shown that if you trust the world, the thrills and great happiness are yours ... If one meets a dolphin in the sea, he is the genial host, you the honored guest.” Such a true-life meeting inspired Wynne to sculpt this piece with its theme of joy and well-being.

Tiffany Alexandria

Food Photographer, Food Aficionado, and Artist

From selling pieces at Threshold Arts and creating the Asianinspired Night Market event, to blogging and taking local food photos, Tiffany Alexandria is actively involved in many creative endeavors in Rochester.

Alexandria, who was born and raised in Taiwan, met her now-husband, a Rochester native, there and then moved to Rochester about five years ago, to “experience the other side of the world,” as she puts it. “I wanted to explore and learn more about culture in small town Minnesota.”

Food is a passion of Alexandria’s. “So many people don’t seek out the hidden gems we have in this town and are stuck in their own routine,” she says. “So, I wanted to share more about food in Rochester to encourage people to try new food.” Alexandria explains she also shares some of her family’s Taiwanese recipes, as well as local food photos and recipes, on social media and her blog.

Thinking of her favorite local food, “I find myself at Old Abe’s Coffee Shop a lot. The environment and food remind me of home,” she says. “If I’m craving Mexican food, there’s no better place to eat than at El Super Gallo.” For beer and live music, Alexandria enjoys the Thesis Beer Project.

In addition to her food interests, Alexandria is also an artist. “My art focuses on nature and my travels. I’m creating a series of Rochester icons and painting local landmarks,” she says. “When I first moved here, I couldn’t find any cute or creative postcards or gifts that are local, so I decided to create my own.”

She sells her art at Threshold Arts in downtown Rochester and on Etsy. “I’ve always loved art and creating,” Alexandria explains. “It’s nice to have a place to share it with more people.”

To get a taste of the local area, Alexandria suggests visitors check out the Rochester farmers market. “It’s the best consistent event example we have of how diverse the city is. It’s fun to walk around, find unique ingredients, and be inspired by local produce and farmers.”

See more at her site, choochoocachew.com, or on Instagram at @choochoocachew.

–Alison Rentschler

rt is all around in Rochester. Whether you have a few minutes between appointments, an hour, an evening, or a whole day to devote to the arts, Rochester’s art scene is thriving with creativity to delight your eyes, ears, and soul.

“BOY WITH A DOLPHIN” SCULPTURE

Celebrate Rochester’s Feathered Friends

Keep a lookout for large creatively painted geese sculptures around Rochester that celebrate uniqueness and the city’s feathered friends—the giant Canada goose, a subspecies of Canada goose that was once thought to be extinct. Find “Mother Goose Takes a Gander” (right) in the skyway over Civic Center Drive.

Child’s Play

Entertain and educate your kids with a stop at SPARK, the Children’s Museum of Rochester, where visitors can learn about the world, each other, and local environments through hands-on, inquiry-based exploration and play. The numerous programs center around science, technology, engineering, arts, math, literacy, cultural connectedness, and health and well-being. Plus, you’ll find a number of programs such as yoga or dance, string art, seasonal paintings, or a chance to create homemade play dough.

Art has been an important part in the Mayo Clinic healing environment since the original building was finished in 1914. If you’re near, stop by bronze sculptures of the Mayo brothers themselves, titled “My Brother and I.” They are seated on the steps of the Feith Family Statuary Park, located west of the Gonda Building, and welcome you to sit and join them. For patients and companions at Mayo Clinic, the medical campus offers opportunities to view art inside its many historic buildings. Take a self-guided art tour or a one-hour guided tour, which includes the world-class work of glass artist Dale Chihuly in the Gonda Building.

Experience the art included in the Heart of the City and Peace Plaza projects. Ann Hamilton’s installation, “A Song for Water,” features words from Minnesota’s poet laureate Gwen Westerman’s poem, “De Wakpa Ta ŋka Odowa ŋ/Song for the Mississippi River,” carved into granite. Artist Eric Anderson describes his installation, “Wakefield,” as a lighting and fog installation that activates in real time based on health events, such as births, happening within Mayo Clinic. Standing 26 feet tall is Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle’s installation, “A Not So Private Sky.” Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s work provides overhead lighting. And the recently restored Peace Fountain, by Charles Gagnon, is a wish to speak of love, hope, and peace for future generations.

Take pause in Peace Plaza to check out the unique castle-like decor and sunburst marquee of

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF ROCHESTER

“MY BROTHER AND I” SCULPTURE

FACES of ROCHESTER

the Chateau Theatre , which opened in 1927 as a Vaudeville house. Today, Threshold Arts manages this facility to allow them to bring the community and its visitors together in a central gathering place through collaborative programming with a wide variety of partner organizations. You’ll find a range of events in this space from meetings to music and more.

Near Peace Plaza, artists Sophia Chai and Ayub HajiOmar are creating installations for Destination Medical Center’s Discovery Walk , a planned linear park along 2nd Avenue Southwest for both pedestrians and vehicle traffic. Construction should be completed in the fall of 2023.

Stroll down Broadway Avenue for a taste of Rochester’s visual arts. View and purchase art by local artists at Threshold Arts. At Art Heads Emporium painting studio, you can take art workshops and see local art on display. The gallery also features event space. And check out Gallery 24 Artist Collaborative, a contemporary gallery that exhibits work by local artists.

Museums, Performing Arts, and Music

A few of the arts and culture cornerstones Mayo Civic Center, Rochester Civic Theatre Co ., and Rochester Art Center are all under one roof overlooking the Zumbro River. These can be reached through climate-controlled skyways that are also connected to restaurants and shopping nearby. Visit the Mayo Civic Center for a variety of live entertainment, from national touring musicians and comedians and other events throughout the year. The prominent window-lined complex houses three concert venues with seating for 1,000, 2,500, or 5,000. (See page 40 for more information.)

Next to the Civic Center, visit the Rochester Civic Theatre to attend a play with local talent. Stop by the Rochester Art Center to view art exhibits by local, regional, and national artists. The contemporary art scene comes alive inside the building’s soaring,

LaSonya Natividad Singer and Mayo Clinic Advanced Practice Nurse

LaSonya Natividad, an advanced practice nurse at Mayo Clinic, has been regularly singing at venues in Rochester for about 13 years. Natividad, who was born and raised in a small Louisiana town, started singing in public as a child in church.

Natividad explains she loves music but had not sung for many years before moving to Rochester. Then, she sang for Mayo Clinic Department of Neurology’s annual fundraiser in 2009. That year, she also sang in Rochester’s Got Talent competition and won first runner-up.

Since then, Natividad has performed at various venues in Rochester, including many Mayo Clinic events such as Heritage Days, as well as in the Gonda Building Atrium, where staff and patients can request to sing or play piano. “One of my favorite places to sing is in the Gonda Atrium,” Natividad says. “The acoustics in the space are unparalleled.”

As the lead singer and founding member of The Soul Train, Natividad performs soul, funk, pop, hip-hop, and soft rock. She also sings jazz, rhythm and blues, blues, and country as the lead singer of Madison Parish Ensemble. Both bands play regularly at many venues around Rochester, and Natividad has performed at places such as bars, restaurants, breweries, and Thursdays Downtown events in the summer. She is also Vision Church’s praise and worship leader.

“Music has brought me back from some dark places in life,” reflects Natividad. She also mentions that she is writing her first song, inspired by her challenges in life. Her inspiration comes from musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald, India Arie, and Aretha Franklin, and her favorite music genre is gospel.

Thinking of how she came to be in Rochester, she says, “Mayo Clinic drew me here. My patients, friends, music and theater career, family, and every new person I meet keep me here.”

A few of Natividad’s favorite places in Rochester include Thesis Beer Project, Forager and Little Thistle breweries, and Salem Glen and Four Daughters wineries. “Chez Bojji is my favorite place to eat,” she says. “I love how the owners give back to the community.” Natividad also recommends visitors go to theaters, the Rochester Art Center, and Quarry Hill Nature Center.

To learn more about LaSonya Natividad, see her site at ltnmusic.com. –Alison Rentschler

ART HEADS EMPORIUM DANCE CO., ART HEADS PROVIDED LASONYA NATIVIDAD JONATHAN ROBINSON

ROCHESTER DANCE CO.

copper and zinc-plated walls, displaying a diverse collection of photography, paintings, multimedia projects, and more. Enjoy a Rochester Dance Co. performance. Check out a play at the Rochester Repertory Theatre , Absolute Theatre , or Hill Theatre . Get your laughs out at Goonie’s Comedy Club, which is located inside the Rochester Hotel & Suites. Visit the Charles E. Gagnon Museum & Sculpture Garden to view works created by the late Charles Gagnon, the famous Rochester sculptor who created the Peace Fountain. Also, enjoy the museum’s Concerts in the Garden.

With an array of venues from a low-key cafe or high-energy concert auditorium, such as the Mayo Civic Center, it’s easy to find something to suit your musical tastes. Listen to a concert by the Rochester Symphony, an orchestra of 70 talented, professional musicians, many of whom are locals. Take in a concert by the Choral Arts Ensemble , showcasing many local singers. Also hear local musicians at many venues, including Café Steam , the Redwood Room , Forager Brewery, and Thesis Beer Project .

With all of these wonderful choices, you’re bound to find something that speaks to your soul in Rochester whether local artwork to see, a concert or play to attend, a museum to visit, or music to tap your toes to.

Visit ExperienceRochesterMN.com

for the latest information on live music, art, performances, nightlife, and more, or scan the code at right.

People’s Choice Corn Tower

Check out Rochester’s beloved 151-foot Ear of Corn Water Tower, which stands near Graham Park. Built in 1931, the tower resembles a husked ear of corn, and its original purpose was to provide water for Reid, Murdoch and Co. cannery. Libby Foods and Seneca Foods later owned it before it was acquired by Olmsted County in 2019. A restorative spruce-up of the tower in 2021 included a new paint job, and later that year, it won the People’s Choice Award in Tnemec Co.’s annual “Tank of the Year” Contest.

Chad Campbell

Actor and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Rochester

Chad Campbell has regularly performed as an actor in plays at the Rochester Civic Theatre and Rochester Repertory Theatre since 2016. “We have a vibrant and active theater community here,” says Campbell. “I’m proud to be a part of it.”

After participating in theater in middle and high school, and studying it at DePaul University and Wayne State University, Campbell took several years off away from the stage. Soon after moving to Rochester in 2015, he became involved with theater again. In early 2016, he says, “I convinced myself that I should audition for the next production at the Rochester Civic Theatre. I was lucky to land a role in ‘Almost, Maine.’ It was a fantastic cast to work with, a really good production, and a great reintroduction to acting,” he says. “I’ve been glad to get back to doing something I love and believe in. I’ve met incredible people and made fantastic friendships."

Performing in the theater inspires Campbell. “I love doing live theater from start to finish,” he explains. “The process of creating something with a cast, a director, and a production team is very collaborative. But, then you put it in front of a live audience, and everything changes in an instant, because their reaction and response becomes a part of the action.”

He adds, “The inspiration for me comes from understanding the story, the life of the characters, and how those lives intersect with the lives of our cast and our community, and using that to give life to a set of real characters and relationships and a story about those.”

Campbell grew up near Detroit, Michigan, and later lived in Tampa, Florida, where he began his career in nonprofit management. He moved to southeastern Minnesota in 2009 to take a job with a retreat center, then moved to Rochester for a position with the United Way of Olmsted County, and is now the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester.

“Rochester is a wonderful city to live, work, and play,” says Campbell. “Our family came here for work. We stay because of our friends and support system, the sense of community, the excellent health care, and overall quality of life.”

For visitors, Campbell suggests people go see live theater, go to a local brewery, and check out Mayo Clinic. As an active runner, he also suggests those interested see the city on foot on the many multipurpose trails around the city. –Alison

Rentschler

CHATEAU THEATRE

Mayo Civic Center

Med City’s premier events and entertainment venue is all under one roof

LOOK TO MAYO CIVIC CENTER to catch national stars such as Martina McBride, Travis Tritt, REO Speedwagon, and STYX, as well as A-list comedians. You’ll also find a great roster of local events and meetings. Mayo Civic Center has an eye out to entertain visitors and clients, plus balance the interests of the community.

Mayo Civic Center is the finest venue in southern Minnesota to see local, regional, and national entertainment, and it is the foremost option for hosting events and conventions. Since it opened in 1939, it has had expansions and upgrades over the years, including a significant convention center expansion that was completed in 2017, which added a 40,000-square-foot ballroom and 16 breakout rooms to the existing facility. Plus, major upgrades to the original

Presentation Hall included improving the acoustics and adding new lighting and seating to the theater for visitors to comfortably enjoy a wide range of events.

Discover some of Rochester’s finest cultural organizations all under one roof

at Mayo Civic Center. The Rochester Art Center has a tremendous showcase of contemporary art and offers a welcoming and diverse experience that explores the relationship between art and society. The Rochester Civic Theatre Co. bookends the opposite side of the site. This community theater, which was founded in 1951, presents a year-round season of theatrical productions and hosts local arts groups on its main stage and black-box theaters.

Expect lots of live entertainment and other family-friendly programming to grace Mayo Civic Center’s stages throughout the coming year.

Events are subject to change. For the latest information on events and show details, visit mayociviccenter.com.

MARTINA

MAYO CIVIC CENTER

MARTINA MCBRIDE TOM ROSTER CIVIC CENTER EXPERIENCE ROCHESTER

2023 SEASONAL EVENTS

Discover a great variety of events throughout the year to suit any mood. Check out Thursdays Downtown, a weekly summer festival of food, vendors, and entertainment that lines a few city blocks. Take part in Rochester Pride and Juneteenth celebrations. Rochesterfest (June) is a citywide, family-friendly celebration with music, a wide variety of food vendors, and a parade. The city’s annual Independence Day festival, Fourth Fest, typically includes a skate and BMX contest, a waterskiing show, and fireworks, while the Olmsted County Fair (July) has a rodeo, concert series, and carnival. Embrace autumn and check out Quarry Hill Nature Center’s Fall Festival in September and the Creepy Doll Contest at the Olmsted County History Center in October. Get ready for the holidays with Here Comes Santa Claus (November), and make sure to check out the great range of local businesses when shopping for gifts.

Here are event highlights, and for details and more events to come, visit ExperienceRochesterMN.com, or scan the code at right.

forWARD Neighborhood Park Concert Series

June–August, Wednesdays

Free Rochester Civic Music events held in six parks—one for each ward in the city—feature local bands opening for regional, national, or international headliners.

Down by the Riverside

July–August, Sundays

This free concert series takes place in one of the most beautiful green spaces in the area, Mayo Park (behind the Mayo Civic Center and Rochester Art Center). The music features local, national, and international artists from a broad range of genres and eras. Concerts are held in this open-to-the-public city park, so lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers are welcome. On-site concessions available.

DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE

HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS

DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER

Sidewalk Sessions

May–August

Mondays and Fridays

The sidewalks of downtown are alive with music. Local and regional musicians perform all genres at these free lunchtime shows in Peace Plaza.

Fresh Air Fitness

Mid-May to Mid–September

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays

Enjoy nature with these free outdoor fitness classes, plus reduce stress and increase happiness and energy. Classes are held 5:15–6:15 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays in Central Park; Saturdays, 10–11 a.m., in Peace Plaza.

Thursdays Downtown

Mid-June to Mid-August

Thursdays

This combines arts, music, food, and a vendor market into one free communityuniting, block-partystyle event.

Rochesterfest

June

It's the 40th anniversary of this annual event! The weeklong celebration for all ages features music, food, a parade, and more.

Dogs Downtown

October

Four-legged friends (and their humans) will have a blast with crafts, games, activities, and giveaways at this free canine-centric event.

Small Business

Saturday

November

A day to support local business, Small Business Saturday creates jobs, boosts the economy, and preserves neighborhoods in downtown Rochester.

Here Comes

Santa Claus

November

Downtown’s most beloved holiday tradition features Santa’s Magical Workshop, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, the daring Santa rescue atop Old City Hall, tree lighting ceremony in Peace Plaza, and more merry entertainment.

SIDEWALK SESSIONS

ROCHESTERFEST

DOGS DOWNTOWN

THURSDAYS DOWNTOWN

Centuries

ROCHESTER’S ORIGINS ARE RATHER

unique. A tornado in 1883 fueled the collaboration between Franciscan sisters and Dr. William Worrall Mayo to create Rochester’s claim to fame, Mayo Clinic, hence Rochester’s nickname, Med City. Rochester’s beautifully preserved homes and architecture reveal its rich history, and, of course, the Mayo Clinic, which has defined Rochester from the moment its doors opened.

The Mayo Clinic Heritage Hall museum and welcome center, which is open to Mayo Clinic patients and their companions, showcases the highlights of Rochester’s history. To see the Mayo family’s home, visit the 38-room, 23,000-square-foot Mayowood Mansion , which was built in 1910 for Mayo Clinic co-founder Dr. Charles and wife Edith Mayo. Once a 3,300-acre country estate, it is arguably one of the most popular historic sites in Rochester. Mayowood provides a rare glimpse into the creativity and personality of Dr. Charles Mayo and his family, as they designed it themselves, and all the furnishings and artwork are original to the family. Outdoors, the home is surrounded by a grand terrace overlooking the Zumbro River, along with beautiful botanical gardens and a tea house.

Or, check out the Plummer House , a 49-room English Tudor mansion built by Dr. Henry Plummer, another founder of Mayo Clinic, and his wife, Daisy, that visitors can tour seasonally. The now 11-acre park contains formal gardens, a bird trail, and even a water tower. The Plummer Building , also named for Dr. Plummer, is easy to spot in the downtown skyline because of its European style and ornate tiles. When this National Historic Monument first opened in 1928, the 15-story building housed medical specialties and a medical research library. Patient care

has shifted to other facilities on the Rochester campus, but the Plummer Building remains an integral part of Mayo Clinic, accommodating administrative, academic, and support functions. During your visit, make sure to listen for the recently restored 56-bell carillon chiming. In fact, Mayo Clinic is the only medical center in North America to have a carillon. This unique instrument originated in Europe, and as frequent travelers, the Mayo brothers were quite familiar with it. Each recital begins with “My Country ‘tis of Thee,” as per the wishes of the Mayo brothers. But, every carillon recital, which is played by the carillonneur, strives to feature a wide range of music styles, a nod to the diversity of staff, guests, and patients of Mayo Clinic. And don’t miss out on seeing the bell tower illuminated at night, highlighting the building’s ornate architectural style.

What’s more is the Heritage House Victorian Museum , an 1875 Italianate-style home built for Timothy and Eliza Whiting. It survived both the infamous tornado not even the dishes in the dining room were disturbed and possible demolition. Guests can see how life was lived in the 1800s in this home that has been authentically restored and decorated with Victorian period antiques, clothing, furnishings, and toys, including a Victorian dollhouse. Trained docents lead tours in June, July, and August.

The Sisters of St. Francis’ home at Assisi Heights reflects the legacy of the Umbrian region of Italy, where St. Francis of Assisi lived. The grounds both landscaped and natural express the Franciscan respect for the environment. At the Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, which is situated on 100 acres, an ornate lobby has a slate floor, Italian marble columns,

Explore the history that created Med City as it’s known today

By Kate Linggi

and hand-blown stained-glass windows. The building is still closed to the public since the pandemic, but the grounds are accessible.

The History Center of Olmsted County in southwest rural Rochester provides a closer look at the area’s heritage. One of its permanent exhibits is on the F5 tornado of 1883 that brought together the Franciscan sisters and Dr. William Worrall Mayo. (The tornado almost killed his sons, the Mayo brothers, too. They were crossing a bridge in their horsedrawn buggy, and when they looked back over their shoulders, they saw the tornado tearing the bridge to pieces.) The museum is open year-round and contains rare pictures, maps, diaries, and exhibits recounting the story of Rochester’s rise as a global leader in health care. Seasonally, visitors can also explore the William Dee Log Cabin , an early 1862 pioneer home, as well as the Hadley Valley School

House , a traditional one-room school. Visitors can walk through the grounds of the George Stoppel Farmstead , a typical, self-sufficient homestead farm where the earliest settlers lived in the root cave in 1856.

Rochester Trolley and Tour Co.’s public city tours are a great way to experience Med City. The trolley company also hosts more niche tours on microbreweries, haunted places, local wine, Amish Country, the Mississippi River Valley, and holiday lights tours in December. You can also rent one of the five trolleys named in honor of the founders of Mayo Clinic and Saint Marys Hospital Will, Charlie, W.W. Mayo, Alfred, and Henry for any occasion.

Whether you are strolling through Mayowood Mansion or hopping on a trolley tour to Amish Country, Rochester’s rich, fascinating history is apparent at every turn.

NOTEWORTHY ROCHESTER NOBEL PRIZES

1929: Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Frank Kellogg, a bornand-raised Rochester citizen, for his work as secretary of state.

1950: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to Edward Kendall and Philip Hench of Mayo Clinic for the discovery of cortisone.

1968: Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to Luis Alvarez, who grew up in Rochester and contributed to the study of elementary particle physics, particularly resonance states.

PLUMMER HOUSE

MAYOWOOD MANSION

ROCHESTER TROLLEY AND TOUR CO.

By Frank Lien & Mary Subialka

From tree-lined trails, river bluffs, and golfing greens to indoor rock climbing and gaming complexes, there is something for everyone who wants to get active in Rochester

& RECREATION

SILVER LAKE PARK

Whatever activity level you’re looking for a gentle stroll in a tree-lined park, a kayak trip down the Zumbro River, or something in between there are many options to suit your style in Rochester rain or shine. The area’s more than 100 parks are great for hiking and biking or snowshoeing and skiing. Rochester has outdoor activities year-round and also plenty of indoor ones.

EXPLORE THE TRAILS

Rochester’s topography stands out as one of the most incredible in the state, from rolling hills and meadows to deep river valleys and bluffs. The city is located in a region of southern Minnesota known as the Driftless Area, and the region’s distinctive terrain is the result of bypassing glaciers of the last ice age, resulting in a variety of unique ecosystems. And with over 85 miles of paved, interconnected walking and biking trails, there are countless ways to explore the area’s great outdoors.

Check out Quarry Hill , a 329-acre park just minutes from downtown, that has more than 8 miles of trails, a scenic pond, a historic sandstone cave, and a restored oak savannah. The park also makes it easy for those with limited mobility to see the park via an action-track chair that visitors can reserve free of charge. In the winter, there are groomed trails, and cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are available, so visitors can explore these habitats under a fresh blanket of snow. Plus, visitors can see 35 species of animals and interactive exhibits in the free public nature center.

Another local favorite, Chester Woods Park , showcases Rochester’s rugged beauty with over 1,000 acres of naturally preserved land. Spend a day on the lake and rent kayaks, paddleboards, or paddle boats, or keep a lookout for wildlife such as white-tailed deer, badgers, and a wide range of birds on the 15 miles of hiking trails (or 8 miles of groomed trails in the winter). Hike to the dam overlook on the Prairie Ridge Trail to get the full effect of the park. Where Bear Creek runs down toward Rochester, there is a “goat prairie,”

which is a dry prairie on a slope where you can take in great views of the valley.

Stop at the nearby 600-acre Oxbow Park for hiking, wildlife, and camping. A major attraction is the free Zollman Zoo, which houses more than 30 native animal species, including bison, black bears, eagles, and river otters.

The Douglas State Trail, developed on an abandoned railroad grade, offers a scenic stroll through the countryside, along pastures, woodland, and the Zumbro River from northwestern Rochester to the city of Pine Island. The 12.5-mile path is paved for cyclists, hikers, and in-line skaters, and it is wheelchair accessible with a second natural surface for horseback riders and snowmobiles.

SPLASH IN THE WATER

There’s nothing like a dip in the water to refresh yourself on hot days, and the Soldiers Memorial Field pool is just the ticket. It features a 112-foot water slide and a zero-depth entry kiddie pool. Kids will love climbing, sliding, and swinging on the large wooden castle playground. The park also has several grassy fields and a Wall of Remembrance that honors veterans from southeast Minnesota.

Head to Silver Lake Boat and Bike Rentals for more fun on the water, and rent a paddle boat for cruising around Silver Lake, canoes and kayaks to navigate down the Zumbro River, or borrow a bike to trek all over the city. You can also take a dip at Cascade Lake Beach , which is open daily during daylight hours until dusk through Labor Day. Cascade Park also features natural play areas, a climbing gym, and carved trees, plus paved and unpaved trails.

Spend a full day at the beach at Foster Arend Park. Play on the lake’s huge inflatable water park, complete with giant slides and trampolines. The lake doubles as a great fishing hole for rainbow trout, bluegill, and bass, and in the winter, it’s a popular ice fishing spot.

FAB FAIRWAYS

The links are calling! Plan a golf getaway and play a round or two on Rochester’s local courses. The 18 holes of Eastwood Golf Club take players over hills and through woods, with marshes and ponds breaking up the green. Willow Creek Golf Course is another challenging, tree-lined 18-hole course. Consider Little Willow Executive 9 Hole Golf Course if you only have time for nine holes or are new to the game. Mix things up and try its nine-hole foot golf course (like golf but played with a soccer ball). Soldiers Field Golf Course is a classic 18-hole

FOSTER AREND PARK

DOUGLAS STATE TRAIL

course located in the middle of downtown Rochester. Built in 1927 along the Zumbro River, this beautiful course features treelined fairways, well-bunkered greens, and challenging shots over the river. All of the courses offer full-service pro shops and on-site restaurants.

CHEER ON THE HOME TEAM

Support Rochester’s amateur teams by attending a game in any season. Cheer on the Rochester Honkers baseball team at Mayo Field, see the MedCity Roller Derby battle it out at a roller derby bout, or watch the Rochester Grizzlies junior hockey team take to the ice at the Rochester Recreation Center. Also, check out the action-packed Rochester United FC Women’s Premier Soccer League, who take to the field in spring at Mayo High School stadium. And the Rochester Football Club soccer team is the newest club to join both USL preprofessional

leagues US W League and US League

Two. Started by two Bosnian immigrants, the club embraces diversity and inclusion and will begin play in the 2023 season.

LOCALLY GROWN

Get a taste of farm life and delicious fruits and veggies with a trip to Sekapp Orchard , which the Kappauf family has owned since 1962. Sekapp is Rochester’s largest fresh produce grower, offering a delicious selection throughout the seasons, from asparagus and peppers to cantaloupe, watermelon, raspberries, sweet corn, and more on the 170-acre farm. A local fall favorite, visitors can pick apples and pumpkins, enjoy a wagon ride, and wander through a corn maze. Visit around the holidays to pick out a Christmas tree, or stop by for some sweet honey collected right at the orchard.

INDOOR RECREATION

If you’re looking for a fun group activity, or if rain or snow is in the forecast, Rochester has a great selection of indoor entertainment options.

The nearly 15,000-square-foot entertainment complex facility Chip Shots features six multisports simulators, nonvirtual games like cornhole or “bean bag toss” and indoor pickleball. Enjoy a bite in the restaurant or quench your thirst in the sports bar.

At Roca Climbing Gym, the impressive 40-foot rock-climbing walls will help you reach new heights. Beginners and experts alike can try a multitude of climbing routes. The gym also has bouldering and yoga, and offers gear rentals and classes.

Test your problem-solving skills at the Escape Challenge and Unraveled Escape Room . Immersed in a complex story line, your team will need to work

MORE TO EXPLORE: DAYTRIPS

Neighboring towns can provide a getaway for a day.

LANESBORO

Just under an hour’s drive southeast from Rochester, Lanesboro is known as a haven for artists and its natural beauty.

Explore: Lanesboro Arts • St. Mane

Theatre • Lanesboro History Museum

• Lanesboro Farmers Market (May–October) • Pedal Pushers Café • Another Time

Ice Cream Parlor • Aroma Pie Shoppe

• Root River State Trail • The Little River General Store

RED WING

One hour north of Rochester, Red Wing nestles in the Mississippi River bluffs.

Explore: Red Wing Pottery • Red Wing Arts

• Featherstone Pottery • Sheldon Theatre •

Falconer Vineyards Winery & Cidery • Red Wing Shoes • Bay Point Park • Ole Miss Marina • Cannon Valley Trail • Memorial Park • Mississippi River Trail

WABASHA

About 45 miles northeast of Rochester, Wabasha has quaint boutiques, plenty of outdoor activities, and wonderful food.

Explore: Guided kayak tours on the Mississippi • Castlerock Museum • National Eagle Center • Stacy’s Kitchen • Big River Kombucha and Hoppy Girl Brewing at Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast & Brewery

• Silver Star Saloon & Grill • Grumpy Old Men Festival (February) • Lark Toys

WINONA

Drive one hour east of Rochester to Winona, the largest town along this portion of the Mississippi River, which sits beneath a 500-foot limestone outcropping on a bluff known as Sugar Loaf.

Explore: Opulent 19th-century buildings and houses • Minnesota Marine Art Museum • Events Great Dakota Gathering and Homecoming, Steamboat Days, Minnesota Beethoven Festival, and the Great River Shakespeare Festival • Garvin Heights Overlook • Blooming Grounds

Coffee House • NOSH Scratch Kitchen

ROCHESTER HONKERS

SEKAPP ORCHARD

ROCA CLIMBING GYM

together in order to solve mysteries such as those in Escape Challenge’s “Dr. Frank N. Stein’s Laboratory" or “The Next Norwegian Job: Casino Heist." At Unraveled, guests can “Escape from Alcatraz,” commune with “Spirits of the Asylum," or choose an adventure with local flair, “CSI: Rochester."

Need to de-stress or just feel like making a mess? The Mess Hall provides breakable items and a fun and safe space to smash them with baseball bats or mallets. You can also splatter glow-in-thedark paint in the Splatter Room and watch it glow under the black light.

Not your average bowling alley, Bowlocity Entertainment Center has 24 lanes of bowling to aim for strikes. Play classic arcade games and challenge friends to a game of laser tag in the two-story arena. After working up an appetite, grab a bite to eat and sip a beer from a local Minnesota brewery at Bowlocity’s sports bar.

At Air Insanity Trampoline Park, kids and kids at heart will enjoy catching some air. Jump, flip, and hop across more than 5,000 square feet of interconnected trampolines, play extreme dodgeball, slam-dunk a basketball, or joust with a padded baton. Kids and parents can also scramble over the park’s obstacle course and try out virtual reality games and the vault escape laser maze.

The Garden Skatepark is a new 7,920-square-foot skate park at the former site of Whiskey Bones Roadhouse. It’s open to skateboarders, in-line skaters, and

scooter riders alike. However, The Garden does not stop there. The indoor skatepark also houses its own skateboard gear and coffee shops. In a state with volatile weather, The Garden will ensure that skateboarding can be a year-round activity.

One of the premier baseball and softball training facilities in the Midwest, D-BAT, is also one of the largest. The 15,000-squarefoot, climate-controlled facility is home to state-of-the-art equipment, 11 batting cages, and professional instructors who live and breathe baseball and softball. For the baseball and softball fans in your life, the facility can also be rented for parties with a wide range of price options.

The Battleground Tactical Laser Tag is home to a 5,500-square-foot laser tag arena that offers a wide range of ever-changing gameplay experiences. Considered to be a more realistic adaptation of traditional, arcade-like laser tag, The Battleground offers two primary modes of play that are largely based on the age of the players. With over 20 different game modes, players will

receive a unique experience with gameplay that is unlikely to become stale. The facility offers many different party packages at varying levels of cost.

JUST FOR KIDS

Play it forward at Nana Gogo Toybrary, a community-driven, fun-filled zone for children to play, learn, and grow. Beyond providing a safe area for children to play, the “toybrary,” as the name suggests, allows for children to borrow toys and take them home. The brains behind the project and the mother of young twins, Pavitra Kumar launched the toy library as she understands the challenge that comes with attempting to keep young children occupied and entertained. Perhaps more importantly, Kumar also understands the value of the space being educational, economical, and eco-friendly. The toy library encourages healthy play, provides a cost-effective alternative for parents, and helps to reduce the waste associated with plastic toys.

THE MESS HALL

NANA GOGO TOYBRARY

WILLOW CREEK GOLF COURSE

Caring, Comfort, Convenience

BE WELL,

BY KATE LINGGI

StayWell

Whether it’s a mud bath or massage, Rochester offers a variety of serene spots to recharge and renew

It’s easy to feel the sense of community and cordiality in Rochester, from the aesthetician at the spa to the dog groomer. But during those moments when life leaves you feeling down, achieving some inner peace is easier than you think. There is no better place to seek personal wellness than in this city, where great service and care are found wherever you go.

To help relieve stress and pain, people have turned to acupuncture and massage therapy for centuries. Originating in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been known to assist with immune support, mood enhancement, and headaches. At Cloud 9 Spa , a variety of massage acupuncture styles are available, from facial acupuncture to hot stone therapy. Friendly staff and professionals listen to and address your concerns and bring your body back into balance. Try cupping to realign your body’s flow of energy or a facial acupressure session to relieve tension while toning.

Healing Touch Spa provides innovative treatments in a relaxing atmosphere unlike any other in the area. Check out “Spa-cation” packages, or try a relaxing mineral infusion body wrap and massage.

Looking to quiet your active mind instead? C heck out Transcendental Meditation , which uses relaxed meditation as an essential tool for inner peace and wellness. If it’s not a spa or meditative session you’re craving, pick up a day pass to the 125 Live Center for Active Adults . Offering a wide range of physical, social, and intellectual opportunities to engage the mind and body, you can try your hand at anything from pottery and art classes to square dancing and pickleball.

Centrally located in Rochester on its campus, Mayo Clinic’s Healthy Living Program provides transformative lifestyle experiences for Mayo Clinic patients and Rochester visitors looking for wellness in their everyday lives. Whether you’re living with a chronic condition, managing pain, looking to lose weight,

or simply trying to be your best self, Mayo Clinic can meet you where you are at. Meet with a wellness coach, participate in a guided exercise session, or try hot stone massage at Rejuvenate Spa. As the name suggests, the spa offers rejuvenating services in a trusted and clean environment where you can truly relax.

When you feel good on the inside, it’s easier to feel beautiful on the outside. At Salon Chic , it’s more than just a hair appointment it’s an avenue to make you feel and look your very best. The salon offers an array of services ranging from haircuts and deep conditioning treatments to body waxing and permanent cosmetics, all with the goal of having you walk away feeling great and confident, inside and out.

Serenity Couture Salon & Spa is an award-winning, premier salon and luxury spa with an extensive menu of custom treatments and therapies, such as microneedling, reflexology, and reiki energy therapy. Or check out Rocco Altobelli , a chic salon that offers signature, high-quality head-to-toe services, ranging from cuts and color to manicures, pedicures, and skin care remedies. Skilled stylists and industry professionals will have you radiating from the inside out before you walk out the door.

Pamper yourself with a tranquil yet lively stay at Hotel Indigo, a downtown boutique hotel that serves both people and pets. Featuring a second-floor restaurant and pedestrian skyway access, it’s easy to feel connected yet comfortable. For an upscale experience, take your stay to the Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area complete with a five-star restaurant, full-service spa, and an outdoor terrace affording panoramic views of the city.

PAMPERED PETS

Have your furry friend in tow? No problem! Rochester has plenty of places to pamper your pooch.

If your furry friend is looking a little too furry, head to Fluff N Buff Dog Grooming for a trim, nail care, a flea bath, or a customized service. Clip & Dip Grooming and Boarding additionally offers the ultimate personalized bathing and grooming experience that fits your pet’s needs. With two convenient locations, Rochester Pet & Country Store is the largest Purina dealer in the area, and offers bathing, brushing, and partial and full grooms. Or try Vanity Fur, where cats and dogs of all shapes and sizes are treated just like family while receiving top-notch cleaning and care

Playtime!

If your pet needs to expend some energy, take advantage of one of the city’s dog parks. Roam, romp, and run around wide open spaces at Jean and Carl Frank Canine Park, which provides both paved and unpaved trails. Or let your dog explore River Road Dog Park, featuring fully fenced areas for both small and large breeds.

Doggy Day Care

At Leashes & Leads, doggy day care becomes doggy play care. Your pet’s stay will include plenty of socialization and playtime, both indoors and outdoors. Or try hound haven Bear Creek Kennels LLC , a doggy day care that aims to create a space “just like home” for your beloved friend. Whether it’s for a few hours or a few days, Bear Creek provides the exercise and stimulation your dog needs while you’re away. Or bring your four-legged friend to Central Bark, where doggy day care is taken to the next level through four main objectives: love, play, learn, and rest

MEDITATIVE SPACES PLACES &

The Rochester community has many unique locations to bring visitors inner peace and comfort, whether looking to relax in a natural setting, take a walk, meditate, or pray

PATHS TO ZEN

If you are searching for solitary quietude in nature, it’s easy to find as Rochester is home to more than 100 parks. Chester Woods Park features over 12 miles of trails, and if you crave both a workout and a view, the unpaved trail at Indian Heights Park leads to a scenic overlook of Rochester. The steep climb is worth the view that will surely encourage you to pause and reflect. Of course, no list of parks would be complete without Quarry Hill Park and its both paved and unpaved trails covering 329 acres with quarry, sandstone caves, pond, and nature center.

WELCOMING PLACES OF WORSHIP

Regardless of your religious practice, Rochester faith communities welcome newcomers with open arms. Many churches and religious congregations of various faiths are open to the public and happy to meet visitors passing through at locations such as Christ Community Church, Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Calvary Episcopal Church, First Unitarian Universalist Church, B’nai Israel Synagogue , and many others. The Church of God in Christ even hosts and operates a guest home for patients and visitors to rest at the Rochester Mennonite Guest Home

EXPLORING SPIRITUALITY

If spirituality in a broader sense is more appealing, the Rochester Meditation Center

hosts free classes rooted in the Theravada Buddhist tradition on a drop-in and/ or online basis to help you calm and center yourself. Nalu Float features private float tanks to retreat from the world as you relax in a weightless pool. A Beautiful Soul is a spiritual boutique and healing center with an atmosphere that allows you to embrace the present moment. Additionally, Radiant S ōL Yoga Studio provides classes that use infrared radiant heat to promote relaxation and connection with mind and body. Your inner peace is just around the corner.

PRAYER LABYRINTHS

If you seek to bridge the mental and physical through prayer, following a prayer labyrinth can be a form of intentional meditation. Different than a maze, a labyrinth has a set path to follow, which links the body and mind during a spiritual walk or healing journey. Local places of worship, such as St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Christ United Methodist Church , have outdoor labyrinths that are open year-round to visitors. One well-known path is Assisi Heights Canticle Park and Labyrinth , which is available with a free will donation, although tours and grounds are only open to those preregistered for planned events, due to COVID-19 (check their website for updates). There is also an indoor labyrinth

available during regular clinic hours at Mayo Clinic Center for the Spirit.

UNEXPECTED GEMS

If you are looking to de-stress but are unable to leave your current location, consider recharging yourself with The Carillon at Mayo Clinic online. Often mistaken for church bells, a carillon is an instrument comprised of bronze bells that make resonant, beautiful sounds. Mayo Clinic hosts a livestream of carillon recitals each weekday, as well as online recordings via the website.

Or, if you are looking for a warm, tasty beverage and a calming ambiance, consider stopping in St. James Coffee . Run mostly by volunteers, this unique space offers locally sourced coffees and teas, as well as house lattes and specialty mochas. With an evangelical, faith-based backing, this shop offers a distinct way to find peace and deliciousness.

Whether it be through nature, music, or church or a class, Rochester has just the place for you to reflect, unwind, and take it easy.

QUARRY HILL PARK

Mayo Clinic EXECUTIVE HEALTH PROGRAM

TODAY’S EXECUTIVES HAVE A LOT ON their plate, and a hectic day-to-day schedule might often mean little time to worry about themselves. That’s where the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program comes in. For more than 40 years, this program has been leveraging the best minds in medicine to help executives, business owners, and entrepreneurs maintain good health. This unique and effective program is designed to help individuals receive worldclass preventive care and ultimately gain more healthy years doing what they love in their personal and professional lives.

How does it work? The comprehensive medical evaluation at Mayo Clinic combines Mayo’s traditional diagnostic expertise with preventive medicine, usually in a convenient one- to two-day period. Mayo Clinic physicians annually review and update programs to offer patients the latest in health care.

The team of professionals is a go-to point, providing the information, so that you can make the best decision for you.

The Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program works within the constraints of a person’s busy schedule to provide an efficient, yet complete, medical evaluation.

When you arrive for your visit, your dedicated coordinating physician will take the time to understand any concerns or issues you may have before acting as a guide throughout the entire evaluation process. At the end of your evaluation, your coordinating physician will review the full report of test results with you and take the time to explain what they mean. They want you to ask questions and are willing and able to answer.

This approach allows for transparent communication between the executives and understanding their health. Staff prepare a comprehensive and customized itinerary of exams and tests that are tailored to an individual’s specific needs, including preventive health assessments and screening tests for early detection, cardiovascular counseling, medications and immunization reviews, and more.

Although your visit is streamlined, the connection you make with Mayo Clinic is lasting. Participants in the program benefit from a trusted medical partner and often return yearly to meet with the physicians who helped launch their journey toward health. They can be the map that guides trailblazers to a healthy, happy future.

EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES

Everything about the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program was designed around clients’ needs, including the many amenities it provides:

■ Private executive lounge, with secure lockers for personal items

■ On-site business services with complimentary Wi-Fi use

■ Guide to restaurants and transportation options, as well as local attractions and area amenities

■ Appointment coordinators ensure your appointments are scheduled efficiently

■ Insurance coordinators file claims on your behalf and work with insurance carriers to resolve claims

When it comes to your health, you can invest in yourself, too

Where discoveries turn into treatments, faster.

Our team turns scientific discoveries into available treatments as quickly as possible, because we know there’s no time to wait when searching for answers. At Mayo Clinic, patients are often amongst the first to benefit from innovative therapies, techniques, technology and critical trials.

mayoclinic.org/answers

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

BY SAMANTHA JOHNSON

From a friend getaway to public art crawls or outdoor adventures, no matter what you’re looking to do, Rochester is the perfect setting

Friend Getaway

A weekend getaway isn’t only for couples and families. Gather some of your closest friends and explore Rochester for a fun and fulfilling adventure. For a bit of nerdy fun, Rochester Games and Arcade features more than 60 arcade and pinball machines, plus an ice cream bar. The back of the arcade is taken over by Ironside Axe Club, where you can unleash your inner Viking. Experienced instructors are there to help even first timers learn to throw axes like a champ. Ironside offers beers, seltzers, ciders, canned cocktails, and wine, along with a small assortment of snacks. Ironside also welcomes (and even encourages) visitors to bring their own food. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead is preferred.

In the downtown subway, 99 Giggles is a gift shop that has unique knickknacks for your home and gifts for anyone in your life. The eclectic products and colorful setting make it easy for any group to lose track of time.

For dinner, stop at Chez Bojji, which is known for its creative menu inspired by the chef/owner's heritage. Start with charcuterie or prawns to share, and delicious meal options include Moroccan Meatballs, Chicken Tikka Masala, Moulin Rouge roasted chicken, crab cakes, and burgers, to name a few. For those who can’t resist a good brunch, Benedict’s (located in Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic area) dishes up many enticing eggs Benedict variations. Add some energy to your evening by hitting up Chester’s Kitchen & Bar. Friday and Saturday nights include live jazz performances paired with a top-tier menu. If the weather is warm, taking a seat on the patio provides wonderful people watching and views of scenic downtown. » CONTINUED

Charming Rochester is perfect for a little break and adventure

CHESTER WOODS PARK

CHESTER'S KITCHEN & BAR

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Hometowns: Rochester, Spring Valley, Minnesota

Birth of Hers: Bruce’s parents started the business in 1980 and wanted the name to describe a women’s store. On Track Boutique was Brenda’s brainchild that opened 4 years ago.

Store vibe: both stores have a relaxed boutique feel, with casual to dressy clothing right in downtown Rochester.

You’ll find: On trend tops and jackets, great-fitting jeans, jewelry, handbags and shoes.

Name dropping: Charlie B, Joseph Ribko , Liverpool Jeans, Johnny Was, Mystree and Tribal.

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The Hers/On Track di erence: Our one-on-one service. We are all about the experience. Whether you buy or not, we want to help make your visit to Rochester memorable. Your favorite thing? Helping customers look and feel their best, and seeing the joy in their eyes when they look in the mirror at their new look.

Partners as partners: It works because Bruce is at one location and Brenda is at the other! It’s fun going to the clothing markets together and discovering new trends to bring in for our customers!

Social: Watch our weekly FB Live Videos for new arrivals and styling tips.

Brenda and Bruce Dahlstrom Owners, Hers & On Track Boutique

Public Art Crawl

Art is all around in Rochester. Some of the city’s artistic cornerstones are all under one roof. Start at the Rochester Art Center (RAC), a contemporary art space with frequently changing world-class exhibitions and local art. The RAC is located along the Zumbro River, making the views outside just as beautiful as the views inside. RAC , Mayo Civic Center, and Rochester Civic Theatre Co., are conveniently close so that visitors can see all three. Mayo Civic Center attracts large events and conventions to the city and houses Rochester Dance Co. and Rochester Symphony Co. The Rochester Civic Theatre Co. has four stages where you can catch a show. Rochester Repertory Theatre is also worth a stop with its frequently changing, quality shows. Explore Rochester’s downtown by checking out the more than 40 blocks of unique artistic shopping options. Art Heads Emporium is a collective of local artists and instructors who offer classes for all ages and experience levels, as well as items for purchase. Take a class or check out curated finds from jewelry to thrifted goodies and, of course, local art. If weather permits, try the self-guided ARTWalk , an art tour through downtown Rochester created by the Rochester Downtown Alliance.

Want to create some art yourself? Take a class at one of two SEMVA Galleries in the area. In addition to classes, SEMVA has exhibits to peruse consisting of paintings, photography, woodworking, sculpture, and more. For a twist on a class, Rochester’s Wine & Canvas offers painting instructions and everything you need from canvases to easels, brushes, and more so you can have fun while creating something to take home.

End the day with a quaint dinner in a modern setting with American eats at Five West Comfort food favorites like the herb roasted chicken nachos, wood roasted pork chops, and maple bourbon burger are sure to impress.

Active and Outdoors

For a day full of activities and time outdoors, start the day with a drink from Cafe Aqui. The cafe has coffee, tea, and other specialty drinks served in a cozy and relaxing setting Sargent’s on 2nd gardening and plant store. Even if it’s cold outside, Cafe Aqui keeps its guests warm in the newly remodeled greenhouse.

Golf continues to gain popularity in Rochester. Add a few rounds to your getaway at the area’s local courses. Eastwood Golf Club has 18 holes that traverse hills, woods, marshes, and ponds to keep the game interesting. Willow Creek Golf Course is also tree-lined and offers 18 holes. Willow Creek’s Little Willow Executive 9 Hole Golf Course is perfect for a round if you’re new to the game or prefer a quick nine holes. There’s also a foot golf course if you’d like to try something new.

Grab your comfortable shoes or a bike and hit the interconnected trails available in Rochester (totaling more than 85 miles). Check out Silver Lake or Cascade Lake for a quick, beautiful loop. Quarry Hill Park beckons for a gorgeous day of hiking. Quarry Hill has more than 8 miles of paved and natural trails situated on more than 329 acres. Make the scenic overlook of downtown Rochester, or the quarry oak savanna your destination. Along the way there are man-made caves to explore. Challenge yourself to find some of the remaining words carved into the wall by the poet who helped excavate the area. Quarry Hill is also the place to be in the winter cross-country skis and snowshoes are available for rent. For a smooth and flat, yet lengthy bike ride, Douglas Trail travels north on an abandoned railroad grade. The trail will lead you to the city of Pine Island for a 26-mile roundtrip ride. Head to Soldiers Memorial Field Park for a variety of outdoor activities. The park has swimming, golf, sports fields, a playground, and picnic shelter, as well as a wonderful short, paved loop to walk. Cool down from the active day with a beverage at Thesis Beer Project . This nano brewery and taproom has a dedicated music stage and plenty of outdoor space. Chocolaterie Stam can also help active visitors cool down after a long day. There, you’ll find a large selection of gelato (Italian ice cream), plus bonbons, truffles, and more. With so many active options and places to see, any time in Rochester is time well spent.

ROCHESTER SYMPHONY CO. JANKY

MAYO CLINIC

In the Heart of Rochester

GETTING AROUND MAYO CLINIC

Rochester is home to two major Mayo Clinic campuses: the Rochester Methodist Campus and the Saint Marys Campus. Located downtown, the Methodist Campus includes the Gonda and Mayo buildings as well as Mayo Clinic Hospital. The buildings are connected by a skyway for your convenience, especially during the cold months of Minnesota winter.

The Saint Marys Campus, located 10 blocks west of downtown, offers a free shuttle for patients and visitors. Some nearby hotels also offer shuttle transportation to and from the Mayo buildings.

All the campus walkways are easy to navigate, whether you’re a patient at Mayo or visiting a loved one. If you have questions, people would be happy to help direct you to your destination. Your care and making sure you feel at home is of the utmost importance to the hospital staff and community.

Since it began as one small family medical practice, the Mayo Clinic campus in Rochester has become the No. 1 hospital in the nation, earning the top spot on the U.S. News “Best Hospitals Honor Roll 2022-2023.” It also received a No. 1 ranking as Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospital 2023,” as well as its “World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2023,” which ranks the 300 facilities in 28 countries that lead in their use of AI, digital imaging, telemedicine, robotics, and electronic functionalities.

Mayo Clinic’s ongoing legacy can be traced back over a century to Dr. William Worral (W.W.) Mayo, who emigrated from Europe to the U.S. during the Industrial

Revolution in the mid-1800s. During his studies at Indiana Medical College, he discovered his passion for medical research and patient care.

The Mayo family initially settled in Le Sueur, Minnesota, but later relocated to Rochester in 1864. In the following years, Mayo’s family medical practice continued to grow, as did his involvement in the surrounding community. He even served a brief stint as the city’s mayor from 1882 to 1883. Mayo’s sons, William J. and Charles H., assisted their father with the family medical practice.

In 1883, a series of three tornadoes swept through Rochester that left many

people injured. Mayo and his sons worked to treat the wounded, but soon realized the number of patients was too large to handle on their own. As a result, Mayo turned to the Sisters of St. Francis and Mother Alfred Moes for assistance. The nearest hospital was located 80 miles away in St. Paul, so Moes devised a plan: The convent would build a hospital and provide nurses if Mayo could supply the doctors.

Thus, Mayo Clinic was born. In 1889, the hospital was a small 27-bed operation. By 1920, it was treating over 60,000 patients per year. Today, that number has increased to 1.4 million people from around the world throughout its multiple locations, and Mayo Clinic is home to some of the best medical professionals in the country. With more than 40,000 staff members, the Rochester location is the largest of all the clinics. Mayo Clinic provides cutting-edge treatments and care to patients with serious or complex illnesses from all 50 U.S. states and 139 countries.

The Mayo Clinic campus in Rochester is the original and largest location

• Free local shutle service Monday-Friday within 2-3 miles

• Free hot bufet breakfast

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• New RI Bar at the Residence Inn open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily

• New Spyhouse Cofee Roasters and Bar open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday at the TownePlace Suites

• Precor or Matrix Fitness Centers

• Fully equipped meetng rooms for 5-50 guests

• Invitng outdoor spaces with freplaces and grilling areas

• Convenient locatons only two miles from downtown or four blocks from downtown

• Free surface lot parking at our Home2 Suites and Residence Inn

• Secured, heated, underground parking available for a fee at the TownePlace Suites and Residence Inn

• Full Kitchen or Kitchenete in every suite room

• Spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites

AIRPORTS

Rochester International Airport (RST)

507-282-2328 • flyrst.com

Served by three air carriers that collectively offer daily flights to Atlanta, Chicago, and Minneapolis, plus seasonal flights to Fort Myers and Phoenix. The airport typically accommodates about 370,000 passengers each year.

American Airlines: 800-433-7300

Delta: 800-221-1212

Sun Country: 805-576-8081

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

612-726-5555 • mspairport.com

Located 90 minutes north of Rochester, MSP serves air passengers both locally and internationally and offers award-winning shops and restaurants, both local and regional, as well as parking options. Shuttle services available to Rochester.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE

Groome Transportation

507-280-9270 • groometransportation.com

Offers transportation to and from MinneapolisSt. Paul International Airport to most Rochester hotels, the Mayo Clinic, and IBM. Rochester Shuttle Service

507-216-6354 • rochestershuttleservice.com

Shuttle transportation between Rochester, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, and Mall of America. Vans offer comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, and rear luggage.

BUS

Greyhound

507-282-6023 • greyhound.com

Bus Stop: 205 6th Street SW

Jefferson Lines

858-800-8898 • jeffersonlines.com

Bus Stop: 205 6th Street SW

CAR RENTAL

Avis

20 2nd Avenue SW • 507-288-5222

7600 Helgerson Drive SW • 507-288-5655

5335 Highway 52 N., Suite E • 507-216-4553 avis.com

Budget

20 2nd Avenue SW • 507-424-3377

6670 10th Avenue SW • 507-289-0408

7600 Helgerson Drive SW • 507-252-5055

5335 Highway 52 N., Suite E • 507-216-4662 budget.com

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7701 Helgerson Drive SW • 507-289-3366

838 38th Street NW • 507-282-9190

Kuehn Motor Co.

5020 Highway 52 N. • 800-657-3208 kuehnrentals.com

National 7701 Helgerson Drive SW • 844-378-0637 nationalcar.com

LIMOUSINE SERVICES

Chamberlain Concierge

507-208-1051 • yourchamberlain.com

Destiny Limousine

507-206-7437 • destinylimorochester.com

Gold Crown Limousine Service

507-285-9528 • goldcrownlimo.com

Med City Limousines

507-398-6659 • medcitylimos.com

Rochester Luxury Limo (airport services only)

507-322-3060

Star Limousine

866-440-2907 • limostar.com

Total Transportation (airport services only)

800-387-5668 • totallimo.com

PARKING INFORMATION

507-282-4545 • rochesterparking.com

Lots: There are six city-operated parking lots throughout the downtown area. Several pay lots are controlled by manual or electronic pay boxes and are enforced seven days a week.

Contact Rochester Municipal Parking at 507-282-4545 for oversize parking details. Meters: Check signage on parking meters for hours of enforcement. On-street parking is prohibited on most streets in the downtown area from 2-6 a.m. Limits: 30 minutes (yellow meters), 90 minutes, 2 hours (gray), 3 hours (blue), 10 hours (green).

Ramps: There are six public ramps in the downtown area. Parking is free if less than an hour in the following: Center Street, Civic Center, First Street and Second Street ramps. Free parking on evenings after 5 p.m. and weekends from 6:30 a.m.–2:30 a.m. There is a full rate charge for overnight parking. Many downtown businesses validate ramp parking while shopping.

PRIVATE AIR SERVICES

Signature Flight Support

507-282-1717 • signatureflight.com

The world’s largest network of fixed based operations providing flight support services, fuel, handling, maintenance, and hangarage for private aviation worldwide.

Spectrum Pilot Services

507-269-7315 • spectrumpilotservices.com

The only aircraft charter organization based at Rochester International Airport, specializing in providing schedule flexibility and a comfortable flying experience to various destinations through the Midwest.

RAIL

Amtrak

821 Civic Center Drive NW • 800-872-7245 amtrak.com

Amtrak won’t take you directly to Rochester, but it will get you within an hour’s shuttle ride. Amtrak offers daily passenger service between Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul. This service includes a scheduled stop in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where a connecting shuttle bus provides transportation to Rochester.

RIDE SHARING APPS

Both Uber and Lyft are available.

ROAD CONDITION INFORMATION

Dial 511.

SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

Handi Van of Rochester

844-268-4539 • handivanrides.com

Offers services for seniors, children and those with disabilities, handicaps or special needs.

TAXI SERVICE

Med City Taxi

507-282-8294 • medcitytaxi.com

Smart Ride Ecotaxi Pedicab

507-398-8009

Yellow Cab

507-282-2222 • yellowcabofrochester.com

ACCOMMODATIONS

For a weekend or an extended stay, here’s where to put up your feet as you experience Rochester

HOTELS + MOTELS

AMERICINN BY WYNDHAM | AIRPORT

7320 Airport View Drive SW, 507-218-7903 wyndhamhotels.com/americinn/rochester-minnesota

ASPEN SELECT

1215 2nd Street SW, 507-288-2671 aspenselectrochester.com

ASPEN SUITES

1211 2nd Street SW, 507-289-6600 aspensuitesrochester.com

BAYMONT BY WYNDHAM | MAYO AREA

1230 S. Broadway, 507-288-8288 wyndhamhotels.com/baymont/rochester-minnesota

BEST PRICE INN

1817 S. Broadway, 507-289-2376 bestpriceinnmn.com

BEST WESTERN

1517 16th Street SW, 507-289-8866 bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms

BRENTWOOD INN AND SUITES

123 4th Avenue NW, 507-288-8011 brentwoodinn.com

BROADWAY PLAZA

15 1st Street SE, 507-424-4200 rochesterbroadwayplaza.com

CANDLEWOOD SUITES

1640 S. Broadway, 507-361-6000 ihg.com/candlewood/hotels

CENTERSTONE PLAZA HOTEL SOLDIERS FIELD

MAYO CLINIC AREA

401 6th Street SW, 507-288-2677 soldiersfield.com

COMFORT INN & SUITES | WEST

2005 Commerce Drive NW, 507-281-6850 choicehotels.com/minnesota/rochester

COUNTRY INN & SUITES BY RADISSON | NORTH 4323 Highway 52 N., 507-285-3335 radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-rochester-mn

COUNTRY INN & SUITES BY RADISSON | SOUTH

77 Woodlake Drive SE, 507-287-6758 radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-rochester-rst-mn

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT | SAINT MARYS

161 13th Avenue SW, 507-536-0040 courtyardrochester.com

DAYS INN & SUITES SOUTH

3595 Commercial Drive SW, 507-206-4675 daysinn.com

ECONO LODGE BY CHOICE HOTELS

1850 S. Broadway, 507-282-9905 econolodgerochester.com

EVEN HOTEL | MAYO CLINIC AREA

101 11th Avenue SW, 507-322-6317 ihg.com/evenhotels

EXTENDED STAY AMERICA | NORTH 2814 43rd Street NW, 507-289-7444 extendedstayhotels.com

EXTENDED STAY AMERICA | SOUTH 55 Woodlake Drive SE, 507-536-7444 extendedstayhotels.com

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES

470 17th Avenue NW, 507-258-7300 marriott.com/rstfi

GUESTHOUSE INTERNATIONAL INN & SUITES 435 16th Avenue NW, 507-288-9090 redlion.com/guesthouse-extended-stay/mn/rochester/ guesthouse-rochester

HAMPTON INN

1755 S. Broadway, 507-287-9050 rochestermn.hamptoninn.com

HAMPTON INN & SUITES ROCHESTER | NORTH 2870 59th Street NW, 507-289-6100 rochesternorthsuites.hamptoninn.com

HILTON GARDEN INN | DOWNTOWN

225 S. Broadway, 507-285-1234 rochestermn.hgi.com

HILTON ROCHESTER | MAYO CLINIC AREA

10 E. Center Street, 507-258-5757 rochestermayoclinicarea.hilton.com

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS

4141 Maine Avenue, 507-424-2600 ihg.com/spnd/hotels/us/en/rochester/rstxp/hoteldetail

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES

155 16th Avenue SW, 507-226-8700 ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/rochester/ rstsc/hoteldetail

HOME2 SUITES BY HILTON | MAYO CLINIC AREA

831 16th Street SW, 507-361-4200 hilton.com/en/hotels/rsththt-home2-suites-rochestermayo-clinic-area

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON

165 13th Avenue SW, 507-218-3320 hilton.com/en/hotels/rsththt-home2-suites-rochestermayo-clinic-area

HOTEL INDIGO | DOWNTOWN

220 S. Broadway, 507-252-8200 ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/rochester

HYATT HOUSE

110 Civic Center Drive NW, 507-361-4649 hyatthouserochestermn.com

KAHLER GRAND HOTEL

20 2nd Avenue SW, 507-280-6200 thekahlerhotel.com

KAHLER INN & SUITES

9 3rd Avenue NW, 507-285-9200 kahlerinnsuites.com

LA QUINTA INN & SUITES

4353 Canal Place SE, 507-289-4200 laquintarochestermn.com

MARIA’S ROOM & KITCHENETTES

1139 2nd Street SW, 507-282-1018 mariasroomsatmayo.com

MICROTEL INN & SUITES | NORTH

4210 Highway 52 N., 507-286-8780 microtelinn.com

MICROTEL INN & SUITES | SOUTH 4165 Maine Avenue SE, 507-289-4900 microtelinn.com

MOTEL 6

2107 W. Frontage Road, 507-282-6625 motel6.com

QUALITY INN

5708 Bandel Road NW, 507-289-3434 choicehotels.com/minnesota/rochester

QUALITY INN & SUITES

1620 1st Avenue SE, 507-282-8091 choicehotels.com/minnesota/rochester/quality-inn-hotels

RAINBOW INN

1217 2nd Street SW, 507-288-0025

RED CARPET INN

2214 S. Broadway, 507-282-7448 stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-rochester-mn

RESIDENCE INN | MAYO CLINIC AREA

441 W. Center Street, 507-292-1400 marriott.com/RSTRI

RESIDENCE INN ROCHESTER SW | MAYO CLINIC AREA

800 16th Street SW, 507-923-2141 marriott.com

ROCHESTER HOTEL & SUITES | MAYO CLINIC AREA

1625 S. Broadway, 507-281-2211 choicehotels.com /minnesota/rochester/ choice-hotels/mn046

ROCHESTER INN

1837 S. Broadway, 507-288-2031 rochesterinnmn.com

ROCHESTER MARRIOTT | MAYO CLINIC AREA

101 1st Avenue SW, 507-280-6000 marriott.com/RSTMC

SLEEP INN & SUITES | WEST

2109 Commerce Drive NW, 507-282-2364 choicehotels.com/minnesota/rochester

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT 1125 2nd Street SW, 507-281-5455 springhillrochester.com

STAYBRIDGE SUITES 2350 Commerce Drive NW, 507-280-9000 staybridgesuites.com/rochestermn

STAYBRIDGE SUITES | MAYO CLINIC AREA 101 11th Avenue NW, 507-322-6317 ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/us/en/rochester

SUPER 8 S BROADWAY 106 21st Street SE, 507-282-1756 wyndhamhotels.com/super-8

THE BERKMAN 217 14th Avenue SW, 507-361-4300 theberkmanshorttermstays.com

THE TOWERS AT KAHLER GRAND 20 2nd Avenue SW, 507-328-8000 towersatkahlergrand.com

TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT 2829 43rd Street NW, 507-281-1200 marriott.com/hotels/travel/rstts-towneplace-suites-rochester

TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT | MAYO CLINIC AREA 601 2nd Street SW, 507-361-0050 marriott.com/hotels/travel/rsttm-towneplace-suitesrochester-mayo-clinic-area

CHARITABLE LODGING

ANNIE’S PATIENT HOSPITALITY HOUSE 3611 18th Avenue NW, 507-273-0470 shnrochestermn.com/housing/ annie-s-patient-hospitality-house.php

GIFT OF LIFE TRANSPLANT HOUSE 705 2nd Street SW, 507-288-7470 gift-of-life.org

HOPE LODGE 411 2nd Street NW, 507-529-4673 cancer.org/hopelodgerochestermn

THE KATHY HOUSE 1414 Pahama Court NW, 507-261-4104 shawnburyska.com/kathyhouse/

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE 850 2nd Street SW, 507-282-3955 rmhmn.org

SERENITY HOUSE NETWORK MEDICAL LODGING 2041 31st Place NW, 507-273-0470 shnrochestermn.com

CAMPGROUNDS + RV PARKS

AUTUMNWOODS RV PARK 1067 Autumnwoods Circle SW, 507-990-2983 autumnwoodsrvpark.com

FERGUSON’S WILLOW CREEK CAMPGROUND & RV PARK 5525 Highway 63 S., 507-281-0304 willowcreeksite.com

ROCHESTER KOA 5232 65th Avenue SE, 507-288-0785 rochesterkoa.com

For the most up-to-date information on Rochester’s lodging options, please visit ExperienceRochesterMN.com

SHOP. DINE. STAY. PLAY.

500 STORES WITH NO SALES TAX ON CLOTHING OR SHOES

50+ RESTAURANTS & OTHER DINING OPTIONS

2 HOTELS CONVENIENTLY CONNECTED

PLAN YOUR FUN

15+ ATTRACTIONS INCLUDING NICKELODEON UNIVERSE®

With hundreds of one-of-a-kind destinations, all under one roof—it’s all here! Enjoy over-the-top fun including 500 stores, 50+ restaurants and 15+ attractions, such as seven acres of rides at Nickelodeon Universe ® , M&M’s Mall of America, SEA LIFE aquarium + more! MALLOFAMERICA.COM/GROUPS