What are your suggestions for proper attire for cold weather?

Posted by marycdickens01 @marycdickens01, Jan 30, 2022

I’m visiting the Mayo Clinic in Rochester . I live in Mississippi and have no idea of how to dress in February in such climate . I am staying close to the hospital and am not capable of doing too much outside during my stay , but I would like to visit nearby restaurants etc during my stay . I need some practical advice and want to know if I should purchase items ahead of time . Of course , I am flying to Minneapolis and taking shuttle to Rochester . Thx !

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@loribmt

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.

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Ok cool so the underground tunnel connects to a mall? That’s neat. I’m staying at Kahler Inn but got one with a fridge and microwave. I’m scheduled for two days but another appointment the following week but hopeful that is moved up. Thanks for the great suggestions.

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Hi Mary. You will find indoor walkways and subways that connect you to the Mayo buildings as well as many hotels, restaurants and stores. I usually don’t ever go out in the elements. I always stay at the Kahler. At the Mayo info desk they have a small map that shows you how to get around without going outside. Good luck with your visit !

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@phoebeghostwriter

@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. 🙂

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Hello @phoebeghostwriter. There are some very small stores near where you are staying but they do not carry much. People's Co-op is the closest full service grocery store near you. The Co-Op is 1/2 mile from your hotel on 6th St. SW and Broadway. It's an easy walk so long as you aren't carrying heavy bags of groceries. Actually, the Co-Op was where I go most often. I see others suggest the Hy-Vee Grocery Store. This is the big grocery store (several locations) in Rochester. The closest Hy-Vee to Mayo Clinic is on Civic Center Drive and 6th St. NW - too far to walk but they do deliver or you can pick up curb-side. Ask for a map of the local area at the Kahler Inn.
https://www.hy-vee.com/stores/detail.aspx?s=146
I was in Rochester for 6 weeks and stayed in a long-term apartment. I had my own car. Even so, I had lunch in the Mayo Clinic Café at least 2 or 3 times a week. The meals are nutritious , tasty, and very affordable. It really is the safest (in terms of COVID) place to eat in a cafe in Rochester in my opinion. I spent on average $7.00 for myself. This was my "treat" to myself after radiation therapy. There is a Caribou Coffee place right in your hotel. There aren't any grocery stores in Mayo Clinic but you can pick up sandwiches and small items in the Gonda Gift Shop (there's a small café there).

You'll find everyone at Mayo Clinic to be very helpful. Ask anyone there for directions within the Clinic and if you look the least bit confused someone will stop and ask if you need help.

I hope your flights are on time and your appointments at Mayo go well.

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@naturegirl5

Hello @phoebeghostwriter. There are some very small stores near where you are staying but they do not carry much. People's Co-op is the closest full service grocery store near you. The Co-Op is 1/2 mile from your hotel on 6th St. SW and Broadway. It's an easy walk so long as you aren't carrying heavy bags of groceries. Actually, the Co-Op was where I go most often. I see others suggest the Hy-Vee Grocery Store. This is the big grocery store (several locations) in Rochester. The closest Hy-Vee to Mayo Clinic is on Civic Center Drive and 6th St. NW - too far to walk but they do deliver or you can pick up curb-side. Ask for a map of the local area at the Kahler Inn.
https://www.hy-vee.com/stores/detail.aspx?s=146
I was in Rochester for 6 weeks and stayed in a long-term apartment. I had my own car. Even so, I had lunch in the Mayo Clinic Café at least 2 or 3 times a week. The meals are nutritious , tasty, and very affordable. It really is the safest (in terms of COVID) place to eat in a cafe in Rochester in my opinion. I spent on average $7.00 for myself. This was my "treat" to myself after radiation therapy. There is a Caribou Coffee place right in your hotel. There aren't any grocery stores in Mayo Clinic but you can pick up sandwiches and small items in the Gonda Gift Shop (there's a small café there).

You'll find everyone at Mayo Clinic to be very helpful. Ask anyone there for directions within the Clinic and if you look the least bit confused someone will stop and ask if you need help.

I hope your flights are on time and your appointments at Mayo go well.

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@naturegirl5 thank you for the helpful advice! So happy that the cafe is affordable lol. I pray they can diagnose me soon. I have two departments on this trips and two more on another trip. I’m complicated but I see they are already trying which makes me hopeful.

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@phoebeghostwriter

@naturegirl5 thank you for the helpful advice! So happy that the cafe is affordable lol. I pray they can diagnose me soon. I have two departments on this trips and two more on another trip. I’m complicated but I see they are already trying which makes me hopeful.

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@phoebeghostwriter I'm so happy I could help. The Mayo Café has staff who will help you order your meal too. Like I said, there is always someone around to help.

Do you have other questions? I did respond to your questions on another thread about the addition of diagnostics after your first visit.

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@phoebeghostwriter

Ok cool so the underground tunnel connects to a mall? That’s neat. I’m staying at Kahler Inn but got one with a fridge and microwave. I’m scheduled for two days but another appointment the following week but hopeful that is moved up. Thanks for the great suggestions.

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@phoebeghostwriter
Yes, you will be able to get to many food vendors / restaurants without going outside. I have attached a very simplified map of downtown area. If in subway level of Mayo building, take subway past cafeteria you will find food shops in Marriott Plaza subway level and then take escalator or elevator up a level to skyway and you will find more food vendors in Galleria Mall.

There ware more buildings attached to subway then shown in this map, There are more detail maps of Mayo Rochester campus at:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/campus-buildings-maps
Laurie

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Another update about grocery stores in Rochester downtown. While driving downtown yesterday I saw the "Med City Mover" is operating during winter. This is a self driving shuttle between Gonda building to Peoples Coop grocery store. Though I think during pilot program there is an attendant on. So If want to pick up few groceries, can catch shuttle to grocery store. It is slow moving, but if not in hurry, it is an alternative. Not sure if runs when weather is bad and has limited hours. It is free.

Here is link to website with map http://www.dot.state.mn.us/medcitymover/#about-the-shuttle

Laurie

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@dc1950

Hi Mary. You will find indoor walkways and subways that connect you to the Mayo buildings as well as many hotels, restaurants and stores. I usually don’t ever go out in the elements. I always stay at the Kahler. At the Mayo info desk they have a small map that shows you how to get around without going outside. Good luck with your visit !

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Let's see.....it is February right now and a huge snow is ready to begin. I don't even know if I will be able to go to therapy up here in Central MN. We spent a month at Mayo over the holidays one year. Staying at the Kahler is easy and you never have to go outside. They have great breakfasts. We always stay on a floor that opens directly to the parking garage. I think 5 is one.

You can go by the high walkway over to the shopping area. There is a great restaurant called Chester's there. I don't know how long you are going to stay. The Gonda building is 19 floors. We visited a couple every day to see the artwork. Quite impressive.

Good luck......
Chris

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