What are your suggestions for proper attire for cold weather?

Hello @marycdickens01, I think Laurie @roch can provide some clothing suggestions over my guy thoughts of bringing a really warm coat, scarf, hat and maybe comfortable shoes or boots with socks to keep your feet warm.

Here is a list of restaurants and a visitors guide you might find helpful - https://www.experiencerochestermn.com/restaurants/

This post by @colleenyoung in the What to expect at Mayo Clinic, Rochester discussion also has some great practical suggestions -- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/272502/

@marycdickens01 I'm in agreement with @johnbishop Since you will be staying close to the hospital you will not be outside too often. I'd suggest that you bring a sweater to wear indoors and under your warm coat when you are outside. I wear long sleeve shirts and turtlenecks in winter. A knit hat, warm scarf, and gloves will work just fine. In case of snow you'll need boots but if you have hiking boots these will suffice. I was in Rochester during December and January and my brother who is from California stayed with me for two weeks. Since we spent only limited time outdoors going from store to car or the Mayo parking garage to Mayo Clinic where we were indoors he never wore his coat. Since you will be staying downtown you can spend most of your time indoors if you wish.

One thing about MN weather, you never know what to expect. Except for maybe a medium weight jacket, I would not go buy a winter wardrobe. If you do not have medium weight jacket, maybe can borrow one, or buy before come. You will need as soon as get to MN. A hat and gloves are necessary.

The key to dressing in MN in winter is layers so can add or subtract as needed.

Few suggestions:
- I suggest a sweater and medium weight coat. Have available when arrive in Minneapolis, either bring on plane or in luggage because you will need in shuttle. The shuttle is heated, but can be chilly.

- As someone else suggested, snow boots are not required for visit unless plan on doing outside activity. Instead comfortable shoes that can wear medium weight socks with will be fine.

- An easy way to layer is to wear pair of tights or maybe lightweight leggings under your pants. I wear Cuddl Duds, but no need to invest in "long underwear" just for a trip.

- When we were kids we always had to wear a "undershirt" during winter, great advice for adults also. I often wear a tank top, t-shirt or long sleeve light weight top under another shirt for extra layer.

- A shawl / wrap can come in handy if already have one. Sort of like a mini blanket to take chill off.

Have safe travels.
Laurie

I am coming from Mississippi also. It will be about 70 when we depart and 20-30 on arrival. Would I look totally out of place, like a show off, if I wore a full length mink? I do not have another heavy coat that would fit over any layers-if at all now . I know that real fur is frowned upon up there.
I’m considering buying an inexpensive down jacket from Amazon in an XL to fit over layers. The fur is so heavy to lug around if we are indoors! I have trouble putting it on myself. Down is light.
I guess I would squeeze it into my carry on snd put on upon arrival.
Also, I use a walker or cane and carrying things is not easy. My husband will probably have his hands full too.
Are jeans acceptable? I have nicer pants that would work too and a bit heavier.
Thanks for suggestions snd I will not think anything is insulting.

In general I would say dress code in Rochester is very casual. Jeans are totally acceptable. At Mayo you will see everything from expensive suits to sweat pants. Dress comfortably. Remember you may have to undress multiple times during day for exams and tests, so wear something can get easily get in and out of.

I would leave mink at home, I do not think you want to lug it around from appointment to appointment. Once in building, you will not need a coat. Most buildings are connected so no need to go outside.

Laurie

@naturegirl5 Hi Helen, I arrive on Tuesday and staying at Kahler Inn but the only thing that isn’t nearby or walkable is a grocery store right? I was hoping there was one in walking distance. Does Mayo have a affordable store onsite or is my best best getting an Uber? I remember how much money I spent in water lol on another trip to a different place and need to stay on a strict budget this time. 🙂

I think there are at least a couple of grocery stores within walking distance downtown. @roch and @naturegirl5 may have better suggestions. I like the People's Food Co-op which is not too far of a walk unless you have to carry something heavy. Another one is the Eagle Store which is I think the closest.

People's Food Co-op - http://www.pfc.coop/
Eagle Store - https://www.eaglestorerochestermn.com/

@phoebeghostwriter,

There is no large grocery store downtown. John mention Eagle Store - which is drug store with little bit of everything. People Coop is a bit far to walk in cold weather, more expensive then other grocery stores. Has a deli and some pre packaged foods to take and eat.

You might want to ask at hotel front desk about delivery options.

HyVee is the major grocery store in Rochester, there are 4 locations. Hy Vee Barlows is closest to downtown, but not walking distance. HyVee West Circle is farthest from downtown, but biggest.
You can order online and have delivered, $30 minimum and charge of 9.95
You need to create an account. Not sure if all stores do delivery, the web site can tell you the options. For more info see https://www.hy-vee.com/aisles-online

Walmart and Target carry groceries, but both are located on edges of town.

The other option is Silver Lake foods. Located 2.5 miles from downtown on north broadway, has deli and variety of pre-made food in fridge case by deli that you can reheat in microwave.

Laurie

Hi, @johnbishop had great ideas for grocery stores. There is also a Fresh Thyme store about 3/4 west of the clinic. However your best bet if you don’t want to walk or take an Uber is have the groceries delivered.
Hi-Vee grocery has delivery.
https://www.hy-vee.com/stores/Detail.aspx?s=143
Mayo doesn’t have a food store but there is a cafeteria off the Gonda foyer. It’s one of the main buildings you’ll be passing through daily. You could grab food to go.

Also, there are no shortage of great restaurants in Rochester and most have delivery available.
Some of the restaurants and the mall with a food court, are also connected via the Subway system (the tunnels) to the clinic so you’re not walking outside.
Many of the hotels are equipped for long term stays with kitchens or kitchenettes with a refrigerator, stove and or microwave.

I see you’re staying at the Kahler so you’re very close to several of the restaurants.
As you can tell, a lot of us are familiar with staying near the Clinic so don’t hesitate to keep asking those questions! ☺️ You’ll be a pro by the end of your visit.

Ha, Laurie, we were on the same wavelength! 😅